Surrender Love

SURRENDER LOVE

Kayelle Allen

www.loose-id.com

Warning This e-book contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language and may be considered offensive to some readers. Loose Id® e-books are for sale to adults ONLY, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.

Surrender Love Kayelle Allen This e-book is a work of fiction. While reference might be made to actual historical events or existing locations, the names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Published by Loose Id LLC 870 Market St, Suite 1201 San Francisco CA 94102-2907 www.loose-id.com

Copyright © February 2009 by Kayelle Allen All rights reserved. This copy is intended for the purchaser of this e-book ONLY. No part of this e-book may be reproduced or shared in any form, including, but not limited to printing, photocopying, faxing, or emailing without prior written permission from Loose Id LLC.

ISBN 978-1-59632-874-7 Available in Adobe PDF, HTML, MobiPocket, and MS Reader

Printed in the United States of America

Editor: Heather Hollis Cover Artist: Anne Cain

Dedication For the many readers who kept asking for more stories about Luc Saint-Cyr! Keep watching, gang. There is more to come. And, knowing Luc (heh heh), come again. ;) It’s also for those who, like me, believe that romance lives forever. There are two people without whom I would not have the superb story you now hold in your hands. Jean Paquin and Rhyss Decassilene, my beta readers, pored over each word in minute detail, and I’m grateful for their tenacity and refusal to let me “get by” with less than my best. The few times I got a “perfect!” from both at the same time, I almost hired the Ghostbusters to see who was impersonating them. ^_^ I love you both. This book is for you. I’d also like to thank my husband, Ed, whose belief in me gave me the freedom to quit my day job and write full-time, without interruption. I will love you forever! My son Jamin used art and storyboards to help me piece together the action. He never failed to be there when I needed help, and we spent many hours working out aspects of the story. Much of the humor in this story is a result of our late-night conversations over a mug of tea and some treats. I love you. Hugs! Last but not least, I’d like to thank Heather Hollis, my editor, who grasped the concept of this story and helped me hone it even more, tightening it to increase power, humor, and the flow of action. On behalf of Her Majesty, the Conqueror, Empress Rheyn Destoiya, I have the honor to pronounce all of you honorary citizens of the Tarthian Empire.

Author’s Note The few words in the Kin language used in this book are translated within the context of the sentence. However, readers interested in learning more of the language, as well as tips on how to speak like a native, learn Kin customs, and see a map of their world, visit my Web site at http://kayelleallen.com and click Glossaries, Kin Clans, or Tour the Empire. Be sure to check out Imperinet, as well. It’s a mock-up of the Imperial Internet used by characters in the book. Click all the links to visit the various companies. Welcome to the Tarthian Empire, home of unstoppable heroes, uncompromising love, and unforgettable passion.

Prologue Living forever sucks. Watching mortal friends age and die, century after century, thousands of years on end; untold wars; so many lovers that few are worth recalling, and those who are bring such pain, it’s better to forget. Why would anyone want to go on? If you’re a Sempervian, you do. Desperately. Humans created them originally as part of a vast population of genetically engineered slaves. Humans disdained such enhancements, and within a few generations, the title Human Pure identified those who had never commingled blood or accepted genetic changes. Genslaves did the work; humans reaped the benefits. Depending on the job required, each genslave could be telepathic, empathic, shape-shifting, half animal, or a pleasure giver, and some were illusion casters. However, genslaves were also the finest scientists, healers, artists, and teachers. All genslaves, no matter what their specialty or skill, lived normal life spans. Nothing normal described the warriors. All had various enhanced skills. Too powerful to kill, warriors regenerated no matter how catastrophic the wound. Humans lost control in less than a century. It took another century of battle to trap the invincible army and imprison them on a desolate world dubbed Sempervia, far out on the galaxy’s rim, with no way home. With no more than a handful of farming tools and a crate of seeds, the warriors faced a battle unlike any that came before. In a twist of irony, the ragged and starving immortals died, only to rise again and face another bleak day of survival. Thousands of years later, those same half-million warriors now live as one with the world they’ve transformed into a paradise. There are no children. All are barren. But the warriors evolved. Calling themselves Reborn, they take pains to hide their world from outsiders, and are peace-loving, docile, and content. Except for one hundred renegades and mavericks who refuse to forgive their expulsion from their birthright -- their loss of freedom to roam the galaxy. One hundred who live for

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revenge. Eventually, their own kind reengineered space travel and exiled them. Set them loose upon the galaxy, with a spy among them to keep watch. Rejecting the pacifist name Reborn, the one hundred exiles called themselves Sempervians, meaning ever living. Pietas, their leader, held his people together by preaching a doctrine that only death makes life meaningful. He created Peril, a role-playing game lived out in forty-year increments or longer. Sempervians strive during each lifetime for goals against one another as adversaries or allies, depending on the toss of the dice, but always to win at all costs. Peril pits empires and worlds against powers far beyond any mortal’s ability to know, understand, or even glimpse. To fail at Peril means a solid year of Penance at the hands of the Gamemaster, Pietas. Repeated, daily deaths. Dying and coming back at their peak age. The Gamemaster plays no favorites, grants no mercy, even to the one he loves -- the one follower who has challenged Pietas throughout the centuries but cannot bring himself to love Pietas back the way he himself is loved, all the while deferring to the Gamemaster’s power. Cyken Tomarus, known in this lifetime as Luc Saint-Cyr. No one leaves Peril. If the other Sempervians don’t hunt you down, or the android referees can’t find you, the galaxy is full of bounty hunters eager for another scalp, and no price is too high to pay for a traitor. No mercy awaits those dragged back for Pietas’s wrath. Assisting in the game are the Chosen, generations of mortals who know the secrets of the Sempervians and vow to make their transitions from life to life possible, a rare few ending up as lovers of their immortal masters. Two such Chosen were Wulf, once belonging to Luc Saint-Cyr, and Alitus, once belonging to Empress Rheyn Destoiya. These Chosens’ unforgivable sin was to fall in love with each other, thereby pitting the two strongest Sempervians in Peril -- and former allies -- against one another. Pietas declared the two Chosen untouchable, safe within his keeping, and he watches from afar as the story plays out among the worlds of the Tarthian Empire. He reveals that a few decades earlier, he created a group of “Changelings,” for whom either death or an infusion of immortal blood awakens dormant cells to begin their transformation into an immortal. The Chosen Alitus is one such creature. Others wait, reared by mortals as mortals, neither with knowledge of the Changelings’ rightful heritage. Felidae, on the outer rim of the galaxy, is the feline-humanoid homeworld of the Kin, holding a treaty with the Tarthian Empire but not subject to its laws. Kin males are downtrodden, bartered chattel. Against all odds, one young Kin male dares to escape an arranged marriage in the matriarchal society and heads for Tarth, the empire’s capital. It takes five years, but he’s finally face-to-face with his destiny.

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Chapter One Tarth, Tarth City, Di Lusso District Nizamrak Building Penthouse, “The Loft” Sofftem 21, 4664 Tradestandard date Atop the Nizamrak Building, over two hundred stories aboveground, Luc Saint-Cyr stepped out of his long black hoversine into the cool breeze of an autumn night. He drew in a deep breath of crisp, clean air, blew it all out, and rolled his shoulders. Up here, the hustle and hubbub of the city faded. The quiet whoosh of traffic faded into the background. While his android driver docked the hoversine with the rest of the fleet, Luc took three steps to the railing. The cool, damp breeze, heavy with the scent of rain, blew up the sheer sides of the building and buffeted his skin. Tarth City lay below in all its splendor, lights ablaze in every direction all the way to the horizon. Their glow cast a white sheen against flat clouds so close he could almost reach them. He closed his eyes, listening to the muffled roar of a sleepliner docking far off at the starport to the west. To the east, a rumble of thunder began and rolled overhead, threatening storms. Luc gripped the handrail and braced himself against it, arms stiff, head down. No matter how late he worked, when he returned, the empty penthouse taunted him with memories. Some nights, it was all he could do to get out of the car. It had only been three weeks.

You’d think Wulf died. His heart ached as if he had. He shook his head, taking another sighing breath. Luc shoved himself away from the railing and trudged toward the Loft. You were lovers for five years. Give yourself time, old man. You’ll get over him. Maybe you’ll fall in love again someday. You’re immortal. Wulf isn’t. It would have happened eventually. You’ll get over him. After all, you have plenty of time.

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Outside the entrance, he stopped, fingertips against his brow. He lifted his head, straightened his shoulders, and opened the door. “Good evening, sir,” McDoth greeted him. The android butler bowed politely, his black-and-white uniform immaculate. “Welcome home. How was your day?” “The usual, McDoth.” He shrugged out of his coat. “Busy, but accomplished nothing.” The android took his coat and draped it across one arm. “Shall I see to your dinner, sir? Or did you eat at your club?” “Not hungry, but thank you.” He headed for the bar and picked up a fresh bottle of Kelthian whiskey. “I’ll be in my room.” “Very well, sir.” McDoth, the referee serving Luc as a butler in this lifetime, offered him a glass, but didn’t release it until Luc met his steady gaze. “I miss him as well.” Luc swallowed, tongue jammed hard against the back of his teeth. When he could trust his voice, he cleared his throat. “Don’t worry over him. He’s made his choice. He has a new life.” “It’s not him I’m worried about.” Luc grunted. “Well, stop it. I’m fine. I’m over him.” “I’ve served you too many lifetimes not to know when you’re lying. And I will worry over you if I wish. Please” -- McDoth released it -- “use the glass.” Luc turned away, smiling despite himself. But in his room, he set the glass on the dresser and carried the bottle to his canopied bed. He sat on the end of it, refusing to face the man in the mirror across from him. He opened the whiskey, tilted it up and drank half, wiped his chin, and grimaced. No alcohol affected him; he drank it for the memories of the people he’d loved and the times they’d shared. Luc wiped the top of the bottle with the heel of his hand and finished off the rest in two big gulps. Might as well have been tea. Nothing. Drawing back the bottle in one hand, he paused and then hurled it at the mirror above his dresser. Glass shattered. Small portals at the bottom of the walls immediately opened and cleaner-bots rolled out. Luc crunched the glass underfoot as he walked over and picked up a framed flatpic of Wulf and himself.

Five years! Luc blew bits of glass off the frame. Where did it go wrong? How did I let this happen? He shook himself, tucked the picture into the top drawer. You’ve got to stop brooding, old man. Channel it into work. That’s what you need to do. Keep focused. You can’t lose control like this. Stay focused. Stay -- His eyes stung, and he shut them and pressed his thumb and fingers against the lids. He turned toward the bed, cast off his clothing, and kicked it into a pile. Gone was the Luc Saint-Cyr who folded everything neatly and set it aside. Wulf’s constant chaos had worn

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off on him, and he’d taken to shedding his clothes in quick order to meet Wulf in the center of the bed.

Oh God. He clenched both fists, aching at his loss. Why didn’t I see how unhappy he was? How did I ruin everything? Luc grabbed one of the pillows from Wulf’s side and tugged it beneath his chest, pulled another close to his face. Remember how he felt in your arms. Never let yourself forget, no

matter how many centuries you live. His hot mouth linked with yours. His cock, hard within your fist. His body open and willing. Begging for you. Remember how he trusted you. Luc reached down and gripped his own hard cock the way Wulf had. Emotionally exhausted, his mind drifted off to another haunting dream of Wulf at his side. His lover knelt, hollowing his cheeks as he sucked and pulled, a hand beneath Luc’s balls, fondling them as they tightened. “Wulf!” Luc threw his head back, air hissing over clenched teeth. “Yes.” He bucked his hips, thrusting deeper into his lover’s throat. “Gonna come. So close. So close -- oh, God!” Thighs spread, body shaking, fists clenched, Luc growled as Wulf continued to suck, pulling back to tease his slit, dipping his tongue into it, pulling out to lick around the rim, and then swallowing him whole again, driving him to the edge. Wulf gripped Luc’s hips and pulled him closer, filling his own throat with cock. He swallowed, squeezed with his throat, tonguing the vein on the underside. Luc bowed his back. “Oh, yes! Take it, Wulf. Take it now.” Wulf released the head with a wet pop. “No.” He pushed himself to his feet. On the verge of coming, a bone-rattling shudder cost Luc his balance. He’d have fallen if not for Wulf’s strength keeping him upright. Confusion and frustration rolled over Luc in equal waves, his body so close to the peak he shook, hands fisted. Anger swept over him. Wulf stepped back. Luc grabbed Wulf by both arms, yanked him closer. “No t-time to tease!” He fisted a hand in Wulf’s dark hair and took his mouth, tasting his own precum. Wulf set both hands against his chest and shoved Luc back. “I said no!” He danced backward. “You only want me ’cause I suck cock the way you like it. ‘Best I’ve ever had,’ you told me. But any

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mouth will do.” Wulf pointed at him. “You’re immortal. Once you get it up it doesn’t go down until you’ve ravished me -- and anyone else you can ram your prick into.” Balls tight, full, aching, his cock rigid, Luc clamped his jaws shut. He stumbled forward and wrapped both hands around Wulf’s face. “N-not true. Love you.” Full sentences were beyond him, his body betraying his usual control. “Fuck. Now.” “No.” Wulf pulled away and turned his back, arms folded across his chest. “I was never enough for you. Never. You were never faithful to me.” “No!” Luc turned Wulf to face him. “Only you. Make you happy. You. No one else. No one.” “But I’m not enough, am I?” The poignancy in his tone tore at Luc’s heart. “You need more than I can give. I want to be everything to you, but I can’t. I’m mortal. I can never give as much as an immortal needs to take. The moment you come you’re hard again, wanting it.” He flattened both hands against his own chest. “I can’t keep up, Luc. I can’t keep trying.” “Wulf…” He ran his hands down Wulf’s arms, held his hands. “I was selfish. I can be satisfied with less. I know I can. Forgive me. Let me try again.” “No, damn it!” Wulf jerked his hands free and backstepped. “I don’t want to be the ‘less’ you satisfy yourself with! Don’t you get it? I want to be your all.” Wulf’s dark gaze lowered. “You let other lovers do things you never let me.” “You were never less. It was me. I was selfish. Demanding.” The dream shifted, and the two were in Luc’s huge canopied bed, Wulf beneath him with the velvet friction of their cocks against one another. It felt so right, so perfect. They fit together, two halves of one whole. “See how good this feels? I can make it good for you again. I can love you, Wulf. Fulfill you. Come back to me.” “No.” With both hands, Wulf pushed against Luc’s chest again. “It isn’t the sex! Don’t you get it? You took more and more of my heart, but it was never enough.” He tossed his head. “Let me up. I want to go.” “Wulf, let me try one more time. I can make you happy.” Luc leaned down to kiss him.

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Wulf pushed Luc off him, sat up, and stared down at him, brows crinkled, brown-eyed gaze full of pain. “Did your other lovers fuck you?” Luc tried to turn away, hide his face. Wulf was having none of it. “Look at me, damn it!” He leaned closer, his gaze searching Luc’s. “I have a right to know. Did they fuck you?” Luc released a groan of pain. “Yes.” “Did you like it? Want it?” Luc closed his eyes. “Open your eyes, damn it!” Wulf gripped Luc’s face with one hand, his brown eyes narrowed, hard as flint. “Answer me. Did you enjoy it? Was it what you wanted? To be fucked?” “Yes, damn it. I enjoyed it. How’s it affect us?” “You never let me fuck you.” “You…you were such a natural sub. I never thought… When I needed that, I went to others.” “Why didn’t you ask me?” He let go of Luc’s face and sat back. “What made you think I wouldn’t want to fuck you? I’d have used any kind of toy you wanted. I’d have learned to whip you like you did me, if that’s what you wanted. I’d have given you anything, Luc. Anything. I loved you!” Luc laid a hand against Wulf’s smooth chest. “Why didn’t you tell me?” Wulf shook his head, covering his face in both hands. When he met Luc’s gaze, only anger showed. “What I wanted didn’t matter! Every time I tried to talk about sex, you shut me up with kisses. We never talked about anything. Once you got a hard-on, there was no reasoning with you. Did you ever think I might get tired of always submitting to what you wanted? Never having a choice about what we’d do?” Wulf scooted off the bed and faded into the darkness. “No!” Luc followed. Bleak shadows swallowed him. As blind as if he’d been stripped of his contact lenses, he reached out with both hands, turning in a slow circle. “Wulf! Come back. Things will be different. I swear. I didn’t know how you felt. Let’s talk.” No answer.

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“Wulf!” His voice echoed in the darkness. Luc choked as if a black velvet fist smothered him, and he fell to his knees, naked, lost, alone. “Wulf? Wulf!” Luc dragged his fingers through his hair. “Please. Please come back! Give me another chance to love you. I can submit to you. I will submit. I swear it.” Fair skin glowed in the darkness as Wulf came toward him. “I don’t want to be the master. Learn to listen to me. Give me a turn now and then. I want to be all you need. If you share your needs with me, give me a chance to fulfill you, I know I can do it.” Wulf knelt, took Luc’s hands in his. “Please. Let me try. I can make you happy. I know I can.” “God, yes! Come back. Give me one more chance. Let me prove it. Come back to bed right now and fuck me.” In a flash, they were on the bed, Wulf straddling him. Heat roared through Luc, straight up his shaft, into his body. Wulf gripped Luc’s wrists and lifted his arms over his head, pinning him to the bed. “When I’m finished you’re gonna realize what you missed.” Wulf bent and slanted his mouth across Luc’s, tongue sweeping inside. Luc accepted the warmth of his kiss, chests together, the rapid thud-thud-thud of Wulf’s heart beating against him. The kiss deepened. Wulf lavished attention on his mouth, licking every corner, circling his tongue, and licking Luc’s lips. He moved between Luc’s thighs. “Put your legs on my shoulders.” Luc allowed Wulf to help him, so lost in bliss Luc could not think past the ecstasy of having him back in his bed. “You’re not ready for me.” He nudged his cock at Luc’s hole. “You’re resisting. I don’t want to hurt you.” Wulf’s image faded around the edges, ghostlike. “No!” Luc grabbed him by the waist. “Stay with me. Don’t go! I don’t care if it hurts.” Luc shoved against him, wiggling his ass. “Let me show you how sorry I am I ever hurt you.” “Your pain can’t make up for mine.” “I wish it could! I’d beg you to hurt me, make me suffer. Take me, Wulf. Any way you want. Use me.” Wulf rocked against him again.

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Luc bit back a groan of pleasure-pain. The sight of his own dark hands on Wulf’s light-skinned thighs sent him higher. Everyone stared at them wherever they went. Darkness and light. The beast walking proudly with his beauty. “Wulf! I…oh…I love you. Love you.” Wulf spit in his hand, slicked it over his cock, and shoved in an inch. Out, back in, increasing penetration with each rock of his hips. “Feel my cock? Feel me inside you? Is this what you want? I can give you this whenever you want it.” Wulf breached him fully on the fifth thrust. “Fuck me harder. Make me feel alive. I was your lover. I was supposed to know what you needed. I swear, baby. I swear this time it’ll be different. Stay with me.” He hooked one leg around Wulf’s waist, rolled the other thigh outward, tightening his channel. Wulf slammed into him, hard, and wrapped both hands around Luc’s cock, slicking the precum over his skin, stroking, hands wet. “I love you, Luc. I never wanted anyone but you.” Luc’s own climax rose so fast, so hard, he couldn’t speak, couldn’t beg to slow down. Waves of pleasure rolled over him, drowning him with heat as Wulf drove into him and squeezed and milked his cock. Arcs of hot semen covered Luc’s chest and belly. Waves of sensation reached down to his toes, out to his fingers. He arched his neck. “Oh, God, Wulf. Yes. Yes. Yes…” Opening his eyes, Luc lay motionless for a moment, so drained by his climax he couldn’t speak. He rolled over and sat up, smeared and sticky with semen.

Alone. Again. Still. Wulf had never been there. Every night, every dream, Wulf gave him a different excuse for leaving him. They’d had no closure, no final good-byes, no reasons given. All he had to go on were guesses and fears. They hadn’t spoken about their breakup at all, moving through their lives as if nothing had occurred other than living arrangements. Luc covered his face. Did I fail at everything? Did I do nothing right? He rolled out of bed, entered the bathroom, and stood, hands braced on the black marble counter, refusing to lift his head. Smears of semen coated his chest and belly. When he finally faced himself in the mirror, he stared long and hard into the solid black obsidian eyes. The sheen of sweat covered his dark skin. He curled his wide mouth in a sneer.

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“You stupid, stupid bastard. You threw him away. You shoved him out of your life!” He slammed his fist into the face in the mirror; glass cracked and shattered into the marble sinks. “Sir, here, here.” McDoth appeared at his side. “Let me get you cleaned up.” The android pulled him away and walked him into the glass-enclosed shower. “You’re covered in a dust of glass and blood.” Luc stood in the center of the shower, letting the various nozzles cascade hot water over him. There’s not enough water in the empire to wash away this pain. I can’t shed

enough blood to make it right. “Your fist and feet are bleeding, sir. There’s glass everywhere.” McDoth pulled up a handheld nozzle and took Luc’s right hand. “Let’s get this glass out of your knuckles and then I’ll work on your feet. We’ll get some triefan on them and get you healed up in no time.” “No.” Luc shook his head. Droplets of water flew in every direction. “Don’t heal me. I want it to hurt. I need it.” A short pause. “Very well, sir. Let’s get rid of the glass so it doesn’t endanger anyone. The droids weren’t through picking up the pieces from the dresser mirror, apparently.” Dressed in his butler’s uniform, McDoth knelt and lifted each of Luc’s feet in turn, tending him as if he were a wounded animal. “McDoth.” The butler moved out of the direct spray and shielded his eyes from the water as he looked up. “Sir?” “I’m sorry. I swore I wouldn’t do this again. I --” Luc shook his head. “I’m so lost without him.” “I know.” The butler stood, supported him as he got out of the shower. After toweling him dry, McDoth wrapped Luc in a thick white robe and escorted him back to the bedroom. One of the house-droids had already remade the bed. McDoth held his robe for him as Luc crawled into the clean bed. Luc grabbed the android’s hand. “I won’t do this again, McDoth. I promise. I mean it this time. I will never do this again.” McDoth patted his hand, his smile reassuring. Drawing back his hand, Luc compared it to the other; it was already healed as if never damaged. A Sempervian’s pain never lasted -- except in his heart. The android covered him and laid a comforting hand on his shoulder. “I put your robe at the end of the bed, should you need it. The droid crew will replace the mirrors in the morning. Bit of a routine thing for them lately. Don’t give it another thought.” McDoth went to the door and paused, turned back. “Try to sleep, sir. It’s hours before you have to rise.” He shut off the lights as he left.

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Luc lay on his back, one arm folded over his eyes. Why did Wulf leave me? What did I do? He rolled onto his side, squeezed his eyes shut, and opened them again. Faint light shone at the bottom of the door, two small dark areas showing McDoth’s feet where he stood guard. One-handed, Luc removed his black lenses and cast them aside. The dark of full blindness suffocated, as real as the pain in his heart.

***** Di Consueto District Renyoj Building His room in the Renyoj Building sounded cavernous. Lucsondis Entertainment put them up in posh places wherever Kumwhatmay toured, always top-of-the-line. Izzorah Ceeow flung himself onto his bed and spread arms and legs wide. “This bed’s huge!” He ducked as his cousin landed next to him. “Sure is.” Fletch threw himself across Izzorah and scraped knuckles against his head. Laughing, Izzorah shoved him and rolled off the bed to bounce away. Fletch immediately gave chase and Izzorah went down in a flying tackle. He heard the lamp pitch off the table and stretched his body, flung out both hands and caught it before it hit the floor. “Good catch!” Fletch crawled over to him, breathing heavily with exertion. “You almost broke it!” Izzorah sat up, knelt, and lifted the lamp back to the table. “Did not.” Fletch gave him a playful shove. “Did.” He shoved back. The door opened. The scent of Kory’s cologne filled the room. “Knock it off, you two!” The lead singer for Kumwhatmay, Kory Askkot shepherded the group. “The rest of us are tryin’ to sleep. Go to bed!” “Sorry, Kory.” Izzorah stood, brushed off his clothes. “We were goofing around.” Fletch climbed to his feet. “Sorry we woke you up.” Kory made a sniffing sound. “Man, somebody’s deodorant stopped working.” Fletch sat on the end of the other bed. “Can’t be mine. I don’t wear human crap.” The door clicked shut, and grumbling followed as Kory scuffed his slippers across the tile floor, heading back to bed. Izzorah grabbed a pillow and flung it at Fletch. His cousin yelped, jumped up, and whirled toward him. “Hey!” “I told you to wear deodorant, Fletch. You gotta fit in.” “Aw, geez. I’ll smell like a human. I’ll stink.”

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“You stink now. Use mine. Our cousin Chynk picks it up for me. Some kind of crystal you wet and rub under your arms. No smell.” Izzorah flicked one ear toward the door. No sound from the other room. “Kory’s a skik, huh?” Fletch brushed himself off. “He is not!” He shrugged. “Humans don’t play much. But he’s right. We need to go to sleep.” “Nervous about tomorrow?” “Can’t help it.” Izzorah dragged the claws of both hands back through his hair. “This time, our contract signing will be with Luc Saint-Cyr himself.” “The Man, huh?” Fletch sat down, facing him from the other bed. “He has android eyes.” Izzorah yawned. “Nah. He wears solid black contacts covering his whole eye.” “You met him?” “Only heard. But I met Wulf Gabriel last year, when we signed our first contract.” “Who’s he?” “He runs Lucsondis for Mr. Saint-Cyr.” Izzorah peeled down the covers and crawled underneath. He punched the pillow and pulled it under his chest. “They were lovers until a few weeks ago. Everybody’s talking about it. It’s all over the news. I feel sorry for both of ’em. They get no privacy.” “I’m gonna take a shower.” Izzorah covered a yawn and listened to the water running. It finally shut off, and the door opened, then shut. Footsteps crossed the floor and Fletch climbed into the other bed. The light dimmed. Fletch’s voice came out of the dark. “Kumwhatmay know you like guys yet?” “No. I don’t get involved with fans. We don’t really talk about sex.” “How about the other thing?” “Which one?” Fletch rustled the covers as he turned over. “Your eyes.” “No clue.” Izzorah lifted his head and angled his face toward his cousin’s voice. “Which is why you’re here. They can’t find out, Fletch. Not after all I’ve been through.” “You’ve hidden it two years. Maybe ya oughta tell ’em.” “No. There are nights when all I think about are the ways I could screw up. I go over every detail of the set, every part of the stage. I break into a cold sweat, worrying. But meeting new people in a new place, that’s got me so wound up I can hardly breathe.” “Hey, I got your back.” Fletch knelt between the beds. “No way I’m gonna let anything happen to you tomorrow.”

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Izzorah let out a long breath. “Thanks, keet-sah.” “You haven’t called me keet-sah since you learned the Etymis word was cousin.” “Sorry, popped out.” “Felis is your cradle language. You’re Kin. Not like you could hide pointy ears, claws, and fangs. Why hide your language?” “Not tryin’ to be human. I wanna blend in. Hate being stared at.” Izzorah punched the pillow as he snuggled into the bed. “Thanks for coming with me.” “Is Tark bringing his family?” A pang of sadness made Izzorah sigh. “Nah. His divorce went through while we were on the last leg of the tour.” “Oh, man. Suuuuucks!” “Yeah.” He lifted his head. “Nobody else has anybody. You’re the only family who’ll be there.” Fletch made a sound from across the room, and Izzorah snapped his head toward him. He hadn’t heard Fletch move. Water splashed into a glass, gulping and a belch followed, then the clink of glass. Footsteps padded back to bed. “G’nite, keet-sah.” Fletch lay down. “Tomorrow’s gonna be a great day.” Izzorah turned onto his side. How much longer can I keep this up before the group

figures out I’m almost blind? I can’t even keep track of one person that I know, let alone a roomful of strangers! He braced an arm across his churning stomach. Have to sleep. Gotta be my best tomorrow. He squeezed his eyes shut, fists clenched. Sleep, Izzy! Sleep! After a few minutes, Fletch mumbled in his sleep and started snoring. Sighing, Izzorah sat up and hung his head in his hands. What’s the use? I’m way too wound up. He headed for the shower. Izzorah slicked himself down with his cousin’s soap and shampoo. On the road, there was never time to pick up anything. At least Kin soap didn’t have smells in it. All the flowery, generic hotel stuff stank, but it was all he had, unless one of his cousins sent him a care package. He turned up the heat and turned his back, head tilted down so the hot water could soothe the tension in his neck and shoulders. He lathered shampoo into his pelt, a thick band of fur covering the upper part of his chest above his nipples and up to the collarbone. Human girls loved to play with it, but other than enjoying cuddles and kisses, he went no further with fans. Let the others take on as many females as they wanted; no way Izzorah was letting on to Kumwhatmay he preferred guys. On his homeworld, the simple admission would get him killed. Maybe it was no big deal on Tarth, but if it got out to his Kin fans… He groaned and shook his head.

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I’m no freer here than I was back home. Maybe if I let myself be seen with another guy in public… Yeah, right. Half the followers of Kumwhatmay are Kin. Kory would kill me if I screwed up the group, and then where’d I be? A drummer with no band, that’s where. He lifted his face to the water and let it wash away the sting forming in his eyes. He rinsed his hair and skin, and smoothed his hands down his body. He wrapped one hand around his sahm. Cock, he corrected himself, forcing the Etymis word into his mind. They were back on Kelthia after the last concert, and while the rest of Kumwhatmay partied with women, Izzorah hid out in his dressing room, claiming jump lag. He leaned against the door and slid down it to the floor.

Alone. Again. Still. What I really want, I’ll never have. No human is ever going to want a submissive Kin lover. The images he’d seen on sex vids, of being taken -- not in cruelty, but with power, with concern -- yet taken, used, and toyed with like a precious, valued pet, made Izzorah groan, aching for such a fantasy to come true, if only for a night… Out of nowhere, a human male gripped both Izzorah’s arms and pulled him to his feet in one move, pinioning him to the wall like a trophy, hands at shoulder level, one massive thigh between Izzorah’s. Snarling, Izzorah released claws and bared fangs, but the man stayed out of reach. It was dark, and none of his features showed. Against this kind of strength and at such an angle, Izzorah had no defense. He forced his claws fully from their sheaths but could not reach skin. Grunting with effort, he growled like a warrior. “I won’t hurt you.” A whiff of mint revealed the human’s amusement at his efforts, but there was no scent of enjoyment. Whoever he was, the man meant him no harm. “Not unless you want it.” With abrupt resignation, Izzorah ceased fighting and rested his head against the wall. He gulped air, sheathing his claws. “Very, very good. Obey, and you have nothing to fear from me.” A hint of bread baked with cinnamon wafted into the air.

Contentment? Why? ’Cause I stopped resisting? I obeyed? Naked, helpless in the man’s hands, Izzorah shivered despite the heat roaring through his body. He heard himself panting, felt the stretch of his cock thickening, balls heavy. He lowered his ears in

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submission, his gaze down in respect. One did not meet a warrior’s gaze without permission, and what was this man if not a warrior on his world? “Hands above your head.” The deep timbre of the man’s voice sounded the way velvet felt on the fingertips. The man gripped his wrists while Izzorah slid his hands upward. It opened his chest, spread him flat against the wall, and arched him toward the human. Like most Kin, Izzorah’s furskin was goldenhued, and the thick, almost-manelike swath of the pelt on his chest matched. His chest rose and fell, a cross between fear and desire making him pant. The man held both Izzorah’s wrists with one hand and hovered the other over his chest. At last, he petted Izzorah’s thick pelt. “Kitten soft.” The man’s scent deepened to paper so hot it smoldered; his lust bordered on pain. “Seeyoo, te ahsgah tsoh. Teehh ke tu kahta

vahss.” Hearing his own language spoken, Izzorah jerked up his head.

Good, my male beauty, the man had said, using a formal term no rapist would use, and then, give me your eyes here. Does he mean “look at me”? Izzorah did as told, but darkness hid the man’s eyes completely, as if they were solid black against black skin. The man linked their fingers and leaned into Izzorah’s body. Black gloves covered the hands holding him captive. The fabric of the man’s coat and pants felt smooth yet rough at the same time. Big, big man. Tall as a Kin and muscled enough to prove he had the strength of one. “Show me your fangs.” Flashing fangs at a Kin was an insult; humans didn’t know any better. Izzorah bared them, licked the sharp points, which usually scared bullies off. Not this man. “Seeyoo, good. You have perfect fangs. You could bite and make me feel it.” Izzorah opened his mouth wider and hissed a warning, but the man’s scent of lust deepened, and he merely flexed his fingers. “Seeyoo. Seeyoo, te tsoh dhoksi.” Good. Good, my beautiful lover.

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Wrinkling his nose, Izzorah drew in this man’s scent. Clean, sweet truth. He really thinks I’m beautiful? He wants me for his

lover? “Now your claws, dhoksi. I want to feel them against my hands. Pierce the gloves.” Even a human should know better. In battle, a Kin’s claws could penetrate bone. He let them out of their sheaths and did as asked. Gently. The man hissed with pleasure; desire emanated from every pore. It brought Izzorah’s cock to full readiness, drew up his balls, and sent a flush of heat throughout his body. He made no attempt to free himself. He was safe with this man. But why? How can I be safe

when I’ve been assaulted, held captive, imprisoned between the wall and my attacker? Because the man’s scent held passion, joy, and no menace or threat. “Stand on tiptoe and give me your mouth.” The deep voice caressed, soothed. “I’m going to taste you.” Izzorah tilted back his head and rose on tiptoes to obey. He pulled back his tongue at the smoothness of the human’s, not barbed and scratchy like a Kin’s. The man released his hands, cupped both of his around Izzorah’s face, and bent forward, angling his head to slant his mouth over Izzorah’s. A kiss of power. Relentless energy. Savage in need, but not in the way he kissed. The softest mouth, bold, taking, claiming every part of him, yet tender, as if he feared Izzorah would break if he kissed too hard. Gripping the man’s jacket with both hands, Izzorah dug in claws to pull him closer, used one hand to open the coat and bring their chests together. Silk against furskin. At the feel of ripped muscle beneath the shirt, Izzorah pulled the cloth up and out of the pants, ran both hands over smooth, human skin, the ridged abs hard and defined. No velvet covering like a Kin -- only a crisp tangle of short curls in the middle of his naked chest, trailing downward to pants and a belt. The man wrapped both arms around Izzorah and cupped his hands beneath thighs, lifting and pulling him close. “Wrap your legs around my waist. I want your cock against mine.”

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Izzorah gave a moaning whimper, unable to resist whatever this man wanted, whatever he demanded, whatever he wished. The powerful human braced both knees between Izzorah’s thighs and kept on kissing as he ground their cocks against one another through his clothes. The merging of their mouths and sliding cocks filled every thought, every sense, every aspect of Izzorah’s being, sheltering him in a warm cocoon of pleasure. Izzorah nibbled the man’s mouth, tasting blood drawn by fangs, sweet and buttery tasting with desire, his passion a honeyed cream. Izzorah couldn’t catch his breath. He’d always dreamed it would be like this. The man stepped back and let him down. Curling one knuckle beneath Izzorah’s chin, he bent to kiss him. “I’ll see you soon.” He added another small kiss and turned to go. “No!” Izzorah gripped his hand. “Don’t leave me. Who are you? How can I find you?” A glimmer of even, white human teeth flashed in the darkness. “I’m your destiny. Your warrior. I’ll find you.” He stepped back, disappearing into the darkness. “No!” Izzorah pushed open the shower door. The brightly lit room showed the locked bathroom door. “But…but it was so dark…” Had he been asleep in the shower? Three quick raps made him jump. “Who is it?” “Who do you think? It’s Fletch.” His cousin knocked again. “Come on, keet-sah. Kory’s bitching about it’s time to leave, and I need to pee.” “Leave?” Izzorah ran both hands through his hair. “Hang on a minute.” He turned the water off, flipped the door switch, and grabbed a towel. “’Bout time. I was dancing out there. You been in here forever. What you doin’, keetsah? Ohnahmeeyana?” The toilet flushed. “No, I’m not whacking off.” His cock felt as limp as if he’d already come. Could a fantasy make me come without me…? “You get any sleep at all?” “I was practicing,” Izzorah lied. He dried his face and ruffled a towel through his hair. “I got in the shower a few minutes ago.” “One of these days, you’ll pull an all-nighter and fall asleep at the wrong time.” “I’ve been doing this for years. Never missed a concert yet.”

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“Whatever.” Fletch double-checked his smooth chin in the mirror. “I’m going to the lobby. Get dressed and meet us down there. Turn right when you come out of the room, and the elevator’s ten steps on the right. I’ll watch for you.” “Wah doh.” Thank you. Izzorah toweled himself dry and ran fingers through his black hair to straighten it. It hung over his eyes, and he flung it back. Moving in closer to the mirror so he could focus, he brushed the fingers of one hand across his mouth. His lips were as swollen and dark as if he’d really been kissed. With a shiver, he turned and left the room.

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Chapter Two Nizamrak Building, For Women Only Corporate HQ Sofftem 22 Luc swept through the revolving front doors of the towering Nizamrak Building and made his way past the crowd of early morning commuters. He could have returned to his penthouse and taken the elevator down, but the people-filled lobby made him feel more connected to the city. Part of the picture instead of outside it. The marble-and-glass chamber echoed with men, women, Chiasmii, Tyran, and androids scurrying to catch trains or make appointments. The air felt restive, heavy. Luc had taken two old friends out for a predawn breakfast, been to the starport to greet a visiting dignitary on behalf of the empress, and then delivered a donation to a school for HalfKin children in the Vensahn District. The elevator ride to the forty-first floor was the quickest trip of the day. “Good morning, sir,” Luc’s assistant greeted him, accepting his coat and handing it off to one of her aides, who hurried away with it. “Your updated agenda is on your desk, and I’ve prioritized your messages.” “Thank you, Ms. Mead.” The break-droid rolled up and offered a steaming mug of coffee. “Your morning poison, sir.” “Thanks, Joe.” He inhaled the hot brew, eyes closed in ecstasy. “Mmm. Perfect.” The droid rolled off to serve the next customer. “What am I doing today?” Blowing on the coffee as he walked, Luc motioned Ms. Mead to follow him into his office.

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“Mynkoh Ceeow will be here in a half hour; there’s a formal five-year-contract signing with Kumwhatmay at ten, then a photo op with the group, followed by a catered lunch in the Fasra Room. In the afternoon, the board is --” “Kumwhatmay? Wulf brought them on board, didn’t he?” Luc sat down in his roomy leather chair and rocked back, mug in hand. “Explain why I’m doing this instead of him. Where is Wulf, anyway?” “Mr. Gabriel is on Ohy with Mr. Vivaldi.” “Ohy?” He blew on the coffee. “The military world soldiers call ‘Oh-hell’?” “The same. As to why you’re meeting with the group instead of him…” The diminutive silver-haired woman skimmed her notes, tapping a finger on a handheld screen. “Kumwhatmay surpassed sales goals for the past year. Sold out all their concerts. They have more requests for appearances than they can fill. Record prerelease sales. One more thing.” She looked at him over the top of her screen. “Their command performance at the palace resulted in the empress wanting copies of all their music to give to friends. I thought they warranted your personal attention.” “And you were right. Any idea what the empress liked so much?” Luc sipped the coffee, blew on it some more. Her mouth twisted in a sardonic smile. “I hear it was a toss-up between the lead singer and the drummer. The singer is a freed pleasure slave, and from the looks of him, he was a good one. The drummer’s a Kin male.” “What?” Luc sat forward so fast, he almost spilled the coffee. He placed the mug on his desk. “You mean we have another Tovar in our midst and I didn’t know?” The drummer for Wind and Thunder, Tovar Fasra had made headlines by playing the sacred Kin drums as entertainment. His world had exiled him for it. “How is it possible I missed him?” “This one doesn’t play Kin drums, only human-style. Mr. Gabriel signs off on everything for the group. Perhaps he never mentioned them to you, sir.”

More like you weren’t paying attention, old man. You ignored all the other signs Wulf sent your way. He didn’t leave you for Alitus for no reason. He pinched the bridge of his nose. “Well, I’m paying attention now.” “Pardon, sir?”

Damn, did I say that out loud? He lifted his head. “Nothing. Go on.” “I have a holopic of the group from the music-vid they did for I, Ran. One moment, sir.” She moved her hands across the portable screen. Luc blew on the coffee, sipped it again, and took a bigger drink this time. “I Ran? Is it sports related?” “Goodness, no, sir. It’s about Ran Holding. The pioneer from Mjuka. Kumwhatmay did the sound track.” Luc blinked. “Why would anyone make a holovid about m -- uh, a man like him?”

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“He was a hero, sir.” She smiled. “I haven’t seen the vid yet, so I can’t say, but I hear the actor who played him was rather appealing. First name is Dennis, as I recall, but the last name escapes me.” “They always pick some handsome hunk to play the hero in these things. In reality, Ran was probably a regular guy like me.” She jerked her head up and met his gaze with a startled look before chuckling. “I hardly think you’d be considered a ‘regular guy.’ There was a docu-vid on Imperinet about Ran recently. He was Kelthian, like you. Your height, broad-shouldered, black-skinned. He’d lost his sight when he was a child and had cybernetic eyes. In fact, I think he fit your physical description almost perfectly.”

Small wonder. Luc was Ran Holding. Or had been, in another life. “I’m sure he’d think I was quite the pampered playboy compared to him. I’m roughing it if I go a week without a manicure.” His hands no longer bore Ran’s calluses, but there were permanent ones on his heart. “So, Kumwhatmay did the sound track?” “Yes, sir. Ah, here’s the one I was searching for.” Five young men faced him in life-size holographic form, each dressed like a pioneer farmer off Mjuka, battered leather hat, long hair, well-worn duster, leather pants, chaps, and boots. Tough guys used to a tough life. Luc stood to get a better view. “You’d think they were ready to jump on horseback and ride off.” In a previous lifetime, he’d dressed the same way, not for show, but for real. “Were they in the vid?” He sipped the coffee. “Yes, sir. Extras. I forget what they called them. Something to do with cows, I think.” “Cowboys.” “Sir?” She squinted at him over her portable screen. “Oh, yes! Cow-boys. What a colorful word. I have no idea why they’re called cow-boys when they apparently spent a good deal of time on horses.” Rather than enlighten her, he sipped more coffee. The group member in front had light brown hair past his shoulders and the face of an angel, recently fallen and still pouting about it. Three others were average, not the usual rock stars. The fifth, standing in the rear, a hat shielding most of his face, had a square jaw and a mouth with flat planes. He and the one in front were similar in height, taller than the others. “Are these their actual heights?” His assistant checked more notes. “Yes, sir. The drummer is the tallest, and he’s almost five feet ten inches tradestandard. More than seven inches shorter than you.” “Ages?” “Tradestandard, the singer is thirty-one; the others are all twenty-nine, except the drummer, who’ll be twenty-seven tradestandard this week.” She frowned, poked at her

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screen. “This can’t be right. I’m sorry, sir. One of my assistants must have made a mistake. It says he left Felidae at age eighteen, five tradestandard years ago. He can’t be twenty-seven.” “No, it’s probably right.” “How?” “A solar year on Felidae is equal to one and a quarter of our tradestandard years. To get his correct tradestandard age, you’d multiply his Kin age by one-point-two-five, and add…” Smiling, Luc set down his coffee. “Your eyes are glazing over. Trust your assistants. It’s a matter of relative ages. The one they gave you is probably correct.” “I need to learn this.” “I’ll message you the link to an age calculator I use.” He walked around the hologram. They had as much wear on their boots as if they’d lived in them the way he’d lived in his. “I wonder how they explained having a Kin on Mjuka during Ran Holding’s time period. Felidae hadn’t been discovered yet.” “Well, you can’t tell which one’s the Kin with hats on their heads. Shadows their eyes and noses. And this picture doesn’t show true color. Maybe no one could tell. Kin are all golden, aren’t they?” “They’re all colors, like humans. But the majority are golden, yes.” Luc stood next to the man in front, nearly a head shorter than he. “I’m guessing this one’s the singer and the drummer’s the one in back with the lantern jaw.” A square jaw and a strong mouth did it for him, every time. Being Kin was a bonus. “Right on both counts.” “I thought Kin males were taller.” Ms. Mead nodded. “The group’s dossier mentions he was critically ill as a child. Perhaps it stunted his growth. The average Kin male is six feet eight to six feet ten. He’s nearly a foot shorter than average.” “What’s his name?” “Izzorah Ceeow. The singer’s Kory Askkot, and the --” “Pardon me, but did you say Ceeow?” He picked up the coffee. “Any relation to Mynkoh Ceeow?” “My notes don’t indicate, but there are only sixteen Kin clans, so it’s likely they’re at least cousins.” “All Kin are cousins.” He sat, took a long sip. “That’s all for now, Ms. Mead. Buzz me when Mynkoh arrives, then bring her straight in.” “Yes, sir.” She shut off the holopic and drew the doors shut behind her as she left. Luc drained his coffee, set aside the mug, stood, and walked around his huge mahogany desk. His feet sank in the plush white carpet. Hands behind him, he strolled past the white leather couches and stood in the center of the vast room.

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A forest of towering buildings filled the windows on one side, the majestic sweep of Tarth City Park the other. If this hadn’t been the Nizamrak Building, he’d have worried about exposure, but the same reinforced glass enclosed the empire’s maximum-security prison on the planet Ohy.

Ohy. Damn it, Wulf. What the hell are you doing on the most godforsaken planet in the empire? Civilians on the military station could leave the main concourse only under armed guard. Did the empress banish Alitus there as punishment for being unfaithful? The thought twitched a smile. The woman had a harem of men. Faithfulness had never been a word in her vocabulary, but she demanded it in her lovers. A buzz interrupted his thoughts. The doors opened. “Welcome, Mynkoh.” He indicated a white leather chair and came around to stand before the matching one. The sleek Kin female looked lithe and exotic in her tight black leather skirt and gleaming boots. She’d left her white shirt open, unfastened to a point below her breasts. She draped her black leather coat across the arm of her chair. “Hook leather” matched hair color, which, among the Kin, was an honor permitted only to warriors. Mynkoh laid back both her ears and bowed only enough to be polite. He bowed in return, using the ritual Felis greeting. “Dok cho, sten neeleesah?” Hello, how is your family? After a pause, she answered with the same formality and a deeper bow. “Seeyoo, skah, yl tu?” Fine, thanks, and yours? She lived alone, as did he with Wulf gone. Hardly an appropriate greeting for two bachelors like themselves, but it was the Kin way and she always seemed to expect it. Mynkoh’s gaze on him felt like the predatory stalking of a panther, resplendent and powerful. The leather suited her -- dark, edgy, feisty, polished. The dusky velvet of her furskin begged to be petted. A beauty even when she was angry. Especially when she was angry. When she sat, so did Luc. “How was the trip?” She breathed a long, weary sigh and ruffled one clawed hand through her black curls. “Better than the job. Advising the military about their own security breaches is like throwing sand into the desert. Few notice and less care.” He steepled his fingers. “Recommendations?” “Give idBot the contract. For Women Only doesn’t need more nightmares.” “Shame on you, Mynkoh. You’ve worked here three weeks and you’re already giving away business. Besides, idBot doesn’t want a military disaster either.” “That’s right. You own idBot too.” She twisted in the seat, crossing long, slim legs. The short skirt above her boots revealed plenty of thigh. “I’m sure you’ll find some way to lose the business if you don’t want it. You’re good at getting your way.”

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Luc tore his gaze away from her shapely legs, thankful his solid black lenses kept her from seeing where he looked. “I admire a woman of faith.” She stuck out one claw. “I am no woman, Saint-Cyr. I’m a Kin female and a warrior. Believe me, this is not what you want. Let someone else look stupid.” “Don’t hold back, Mynkoh. Tell me how you really feel.” She bared fangs and hissed. Arms folded, she leaned back in the chair. “If you want the opinion of a bootlicker, go ask Wulf.” His humor cut off. Luc leaned forward. “If there was ever a word fitting Wulf, bootlicker was not it. He challenged me every single day. Hadn’t you heard? We broke up. He left me for Alitus Vivaldi.” Her golden eyes went wide. She gripped the armrests. “Empress Destoiya’s lover? The minister of imperial intelligence?” “It was all over the news.” Mynkoh’s brows rose, ears flicking. “My intel doesn’t come from the media. Hearing this, maybe it should. I noticed the palace is still standing. Does the empress know?” He nodded, smiling. “Yes.” “Did you fire Wulf?” “Of course not!” Her curls bounced as she shook her head. “Humans. An unfaithful Kin would be cast out or killed.” “Look, Mynkoh, your in-your-face honesty is one of the things I respect about you. You don’t hold back no matter how distasteful the message. But Wulf leaving me never needs to be part of our conversation again. It happened. It’s over. Clear?” “Clear.” She wrinkled her nose. Kin smelled emotion. “I’m sorry for your pain.” He swallowed, turned his head, nodding once. I must reek. He stood, slipped his hands into his pockets as he walked to the windows, putting space between them. It hurt too much to hide what he felt. “I need a source of labor for a project on Felidae. Know anyone who can help?” “If you mean slaves, no.” “I don’t keep slaves. I’m referring to workers. I’ve heard there are hundreds of Kin males turned away every day because businesses on Felidae only hire females. How would I find them? Especially any who can read.” The Kin female cast her gaze down, idly brushing one thumb across the green stone in the hilt of her hook knife. She wet her lips, ears laid back. Luc waited. Time was one thing an immortal had in abundance. I should have spent more of it with Wulf instead of taking him for granted. He came back to the chair, sat on the edge of it, and leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees.

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Finally, she lifted her head and stared at him, her cat’s eyes bright. “The Pride Council forbids formal education to males, but most are trained at home. The Council believes if they’re never going to do more than satisfy a female in bed or work a farm, why do they need it?” “And what do you think?” “That you’re in over your head. You don’t know our people’s culture well enough or you’d understand the Council is right.” He sat up and sighed. “Males outnumber females seven-to-one on your world, yet females hold all the power. Males are not allowed to vote, can inherit land but can’t sell it, and aren’t permitted to enter a city unaccompanied. They can operate the family farm, govern two hundred male workers, and grow enough grain and vegetables to feed a city, but only warriors can sell goods or sign contracts. A certain warrior I know made uninformed decisions that lost revenue. Her mate knew better, but he had no rights, so his voice wasn’t heard. It forced them to sell valuable land to survive.” Mynkoh let out a deep breath. “You’re referring to your son Khyff’s in-laws.” “I am indeed. Khyffen may not be my true son, but he means as much to me as if he were. Mehrenn and Drustin Ruh lost a fortune in land because of her poor judgment. Mehrenn knew better, but because the land was in Drustin’s name, no one listened to him.” “Word has it you bought the land cheap. The Kin hate humans encroaching on their territory.” “No encroachment intended.” Luc braced a hand against the arm of the chair and kicked back. “Khyffen has HalfKin twins on the way. I’ll hold the property in trust for them until they’re old enough to inherit. I wanted to designate Mehrenn as trustee, but legally it has to be Drustin. So Mehrenn will manage it as my steward.” “Of his own land.” Mynkoh wrapped a hand around her knife’s hilt. “The point being, my friend, is your people don’t consider it his land and never will. At least this way, he has a say in how it’s run. I gave my word I won’t develop it, but I do intend to live there part of the year.” “You sit there like a king surveying his domain, Saint-Cyr. How Felidae can hope to survive with humans like you carving it up a little at a time is beyond me.” “And what’s beyond me is how Felidae can hope to compete in the empire’s marketplace when males in all but three clans have no rights, no education, and no opportunity for a solid future. That’s seventy percent of the population, Mynkoh. If you wonder why I hire so many Kin males, there’s your answer. I can’t turn my back on their plight.” She picked at a mark on her blade’s scabbard. “I’m not indifferent. I had a Kin male on my work crew once, and he worked damn hard and never gave me a tip of claw. I can’t fault them for wanting an opportunity.”

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“Do you know someone who’d be willing to supervise a group of male workers?” “Males working together aren’t in our culture, boss. A group of males can’t get along for any length of time without clawing each other to shreds. They’re too aggressive. They’d never survive.” “You don’t think tzesareens supervising hundreds of male farm workers count? They work together all the time. Males only fight when they’re forced to.” Ears flat against her head, she extended one claw. “You know nothing. Spend a week on Felidae and you’ll see the truth. The tzesareen represents his mate. He is acting on her authority. They obey her.” “Perhaps they’d need a Kin female as a supervisor, then. An alpha they could obey. I only need someone to supervise building the home. Mehrenn will be the steward of the property.” “If you are hinting you want me to --” “No, no!” Luc held up his hands. “Someone local. You’re far too important to set on a task like this.” She glared at him through lowered lashes. “They say you’re called the Harbinger because you always know what the future holds and manage to prepare for it ahead of time. If you’re trying to change Felidae, give it up. We are Kin. We don’t change. Males will never have ‘rights’ the way men do here.” A knock at the door interrupted, and Luc’s assistant entered. “Sorry to disturb you, sir, but Kumwhatmay is here early. Should I send them up to Lucsondis or ask them to wait?” “I’ll meet them up there. Introduce everyone else first.” The door closed. “Do you know someone who can help me or not?” Luc steepled his fingers against his lips, waiting for Mynkoh to decide. She sat there, ears twitching. If she’d had a tail, it would have been lashing. “Well?” he prompted. She leaned back in the chair and licked her fangs as if thinking about dinner. “Yes. I will help you find someone for your stupid plan, but if there’s blood, I want no part cleaning up the mess.” He leaned forward and extended his hand. “Done.”

***** Lucsondis Entertainment In the Lucsondis executive washroom on the fifty-second floor, Izzorah stood in a bluetiled stall, hands braced against the walls on either side of him. His heart pounded so hard, he couldn’t catch his breath. He opened his shirt at the neck and took several deep breaths,

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blowing them all the way out, but he couldn’t breathe in deeply enough to keep from feeling faint. His stomach felt like it was turning inside out. From the feel of it, any moment it would. A door opened. “Izzy?” Fletch called out. “You in here, keet-sah?” Izzorah threw back his head and gulped air, resisting the urge to growl. “Izzy!” Fletch knocked on the stall door. “Are you sick? Izzy!” “I’m -- hang on.” He flushed the toilet, waited a moment, and then straightened his clothes and squared his shoulders. When Izzorah opened the door to the stall, Fletch backed away. “Your face is almost gray.” Izzorah shivered. The washroom air felt superchilled. “I can’t do this, Fletch. I need to go home.” “No, you don’t.” Fletch locked the outer door and then came over to him. “You’re sweating.” He stepped away and Izzorah heard water running briefly, the sound of cloth being wrung out. “Here. Use this to wipe your face.” He held out his hand and Fletch placed a warm, wet hand towel in it. Izzorah’s teeth chattered as he complied. “I feel sick to my stomach. I can’t do this. I’m gonna be sick.” “You’re like this before every show, keet-sah. You’ll be fine once you get in there and meet everyone.” “No.” He handed back the cloth. “Not this time. This is different. I can’t do this.” “Yes, you can!” Fletch set both hands on his shoulders and rested his forehead against Izzorah’s. “Remember the day you arrived on Tarth?” Gut-clenching nausea swept over him at the memory. “Can’t forget.” “There you are in the biggest starport in the empire. A scared kid, fresh off the planet, no clue in hell what he’s doing.” Izzorah grinned despite the fear making him tremble. The memory was all too fresh, even though it happened five years ago. Fletch wrapped a hand around the back of Izzorah’s neck. “You couldn’t make out a damn thing past the end of your own arm, but you managed to find your way across the entire starport, into Tarth City, right into the Kelthian District and show up at my door. You knew less than a dozen words in Etymis, couldn’t read in any language, and you were too terrified to ask a soul for help. Yet, in less than five years, you’ve made yourself a rock star. If you can accomplish that, keet-sah, this meeting is nothin’.” A sound more cry than laughter tore from him. “Different thing. I ran away from home to avoid an arranged marriage.” “Your folks must’ve been scared as hell when you disappeared.”

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Izzorah breathed in a ragged gulp of air. “I know. But I couldn’t tolerate being locked away. Once I’d married, I’d have had no freedom. I had to run. All I could think was if I got to Tarth and found you or Trey, I’d be free.” He broke away. “Why do I have such stage fright? You have no idea how many times I’ve thrown up before I go out on stage.” “But you always go, don’t you.” Fletch wasn’t asking. “Yeah.” Izzorah wet his lips. “Yeah, I do. I have to. I might be terrified, but I really love my music. What’s wrong with me?” “Who knows? Maybe when you were born, your father dropped you on your head.” With a laugh, Izzorah set a hand in the middle of Fletch’s chest and shoved. “Yours dropped you, more like. Bounced you twice.” “Kory sent me to find you.” Fletch nudged his arm. “I’ll be right next to you,” he kitsed in Felis. Kin hunters used the subsonic vocalizations as a way to communicate silently while tracking kweeoh, a dangerous prey. Humans couldn’t hear them, but Izzorah picked up every word. “Nobody will know I’m your eyes but you.” “Don’t leave me,” he kitsed back. “Not even if you chase me away. Ready?” Izzorah took a deep breath, blew it all out, and nodded. Fletch walked beside him as they reentered the conference room. “Nobody else here

yet except the guys. Windows on your left overlook the city. You can see the starport and mountains. About ten steps ahead there’s a large conference table with chairs, set with glasses and pitchers of water. Uh-oh.” “What?” His throat tightened. “There are flat screens the size of your palm at each seat. You press buttons to turn them on.” “Note readers? We use them to sign off on expenses.” “How? You can’t read.” “Fake it, like everything else. Kory reads all the fine print, and I trust him. I can sign my name.” He sighed. “Anything else, I call you or Trey.” Fletch’s older brother, Trey, let Izzorah stay with him when Kumwhatmay was in town. “Kory’s motioning to you. About ten paces to your right. I’ll wait here. Flick your ears twice if you need me.” Izzorah flicked them once to show he heard. He counted off the paces in his head. Kory’s scent came to him before the blur of his familiar size and shape filled his limited vision. “This place is huge,” he told Kory, cracking a smile. “I bet you can see the whole city from here.” Kory draped an arm around his shoulders and hugged him to his side. “Check this out.”

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Izzorah sensed movement but couldn’t see it. Was he pointing? A flare of panic hit him. His father’s advice rang in his head. Stay calm. Use your senses. Izzorah took a step forward, following Kory’s outstretched arm. For a human-inhabited place, the room held few residual scents, only a faint hint of leather from the seats and a tang of polish. A dark wall lay straight ahead, with a large white outline framing a darker square shape. A spot of light focused on it. What was it? Panic edged its way forward but he tamped it down by clinging to his father’s advice.

Never squint, Izzorah. Others will know you can’t see. Keep your head up. Walk proud. Never let anyone see your weakness. Izzorah flicked his ears twice to signal Fletch for help, raised his right hand, and reached forward. His fingertips bumped into glass. Why do humans cover everything with this? How can I gauge texture? Fletch kitsed what it was for him. “Oh, wow!” Izzorah brushed his fingers across the frame. “An autographed flatpic of Tovar Fasra, with a pair of his drumsticks inside the frame. How cool!” Kory slapped him on the back. “Did you notice the name of the room when we came in here?” “Uh…” Izzorah waited, but Fletch wasn’t supplying any info. Either he didn’t know or he wasn’t paying attention. “Must’ve missed that.” Please don’t let him ask me to read it. Please oh please oh please… “The Fasra Room.” Kory chuckled. “How famous would we have to be for there to be a Kumwhatmay Room, huh?” He bumped his shoulder into Izzorah’s. “Cool picture, isn’t it? Do you think it looks like him?” “Not the eyes,” Fletch kitsed. “Tovar and I talked at family gatherings. About drumming mostly.” He tilted his head back as if studying the portrait. “The eyes are a little off, but otherwise, yeah.” Izzorah’s heart raced so fast he felt light-headed, but he grinned at Kory, showing fangs in a smile big as a human’s. For once, he didn’t hold it in, no matter how impolite it was. Fletch said humans never cared how many teeth they showed. Why should he? He nudged his cousin’s arm. “Thank you, keet-sah.” “Heads up. Door’s opening.” Izzorah turned toward the sound. This far away, at least twenty paces, voices were the only clues people had entered. He recognized a female voice. Woman’s voice, he corrected himself. Kin never used man or woman; humans did. “Who’s she?” Fletch’s subsonic voice lowered. “She smells good.” Izzorah always recognized her, even without sight. “Little bitty thing with silver hair? Business type? All efficient and precise?” “Mmm. Something hot about her, though.” Fletch purred, but the sound cut off almost as quickly as it started. “Can’t put a claw on why, but she’s sexy. Sure of herself.”

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“That’s Ms. Mead, Mr. Saint-Cyr’s assistant. Always smells like lavender mixed with kai spice.” He inhaled. “She’s covering up a Kin lover. Doesn’t look the type, but I can smell a Kin on her.” “Yeah. I never thought of a Kin.” Izzorah cocked his head. “You can bet humans can’t smell it. Wonder if she knows we can?” Fletch chuckled. “I’m not sayin’ a word. Wonder who all the other people are? Recognize anybody?” “No. Not a clue. I’ve never smelled any of ’em before.” Ms. Mead gathered everyone together. “Welcome to Lucsondis, gentlemen. I’d like to introduce you to Lucsondis’ senior executives. Although you’ll probably never work with most of us, we support you.” She introduced Kumwhatmay first, calling each by name. Izzorah lifted his hand in turn. Fletch, the only nonmember of the group, was introduced last. “Shaking hands,” Fletch kitsed, standing slightly behind him to the left. “You’re up next.” “Izzorah Ceeow,” Ms. Mead said, “this is President van Damme and Vice President Ahnee Chan, of the Stunts and Martial Arts division.” Izzorah stuck out his hand and felt it clasped in a firm grip. “Pleased to meet you.” The next person shook his hand as well. The Acting and Modeling division was next, followed by two people from Photography and Media. At the name Feeyona Joie, Izzorah grinned. “I’ve heard of you, ma’am.” Her laugh echoed the delight he sensed in her scent, a warm vanilla. “Oh, have you now? Tell all.” “You were a model for Draap when they started selling those jeans with the diamondencrusted hems. I wanted a pair soooo bad.” He felt himself blush. “You made them look ssssso hot.” He hissed the word. She giggled, and the vanilla scent deepened. “Why thank you, Mr. Ceeow.” “Folks call me Izzy.” “Izzy it is.” She leaned in close and kissed him on the cheek. “And you can call me Fee. By the way” -- she wrapped an arm around one of his and squeezed -- “I’ll be taking pictures of you and the group later. When I ask you to smile for me, you think about those jeans. You have a great smile.” He couldn’t help showing a mouthful of teeth. A Kin female would’ve socked him for such a blatant display of fang. Fee patted his cheek. “Perfect, baby. I hope to get a little blush out of you too. You have the most captivating green eyes I’ve ever seen. They fascinate me.” She let go and moved to greet Fletch, the next person in line.

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“Did you hear what she said?” he kitsed to Fletch, once she’d shaken his hand. “She likes my eyes!” “Rub it in, why don’t you. You prefer guys, but what happens? You grab the attention of the prettiest girl in the room. It’s so not a fair world.” “Shut up, keet-sah. You’re jealous ’cause I saw her first.” “Um, excuse me? Did you say ‘saw’ her first? I think that was me.” Izzorah chuckled. “You were right. I feel much better now.” The door opened, and Izzorah turned toward it. Fletch made a rrrl, a deep rumble to warn other males he’d fight for territory. “What’s wrong, Fletch? Who is it?” “I think it’s Saint-Cyr. He’s tall, has black skin. Walked in like he owns the place. Stinks of romtzeet.” “Testosterone?” Izzorah inhaled, sniffing for it. “Mmm, yes, he does.” His lashes drifted down, and he purred. Fletch popped him on the arm. “You skik,” he whispered. “No wonder you like guys. You eat that stuff up.” Izzorah grinned. “Guilty,” he whispered back. For no reason he could name, the scent reminded him of the fantasy he’d had earlier in the shower. His throat tightened. The thought of being surrounded by the man’s scent, forcibly held against the wall, hands pinned, the man’s thigh wedged between his legs, made his cock twitch in anticipation. He swallowed, not easy to do with his mouth so dry. He took a step forward, bumped into the table, and gripped the back of one of the chairs. Is he the one? My destiny? My warrior? A tart spark of fear flashed from Fletch. “Oh, no.” “What is it?” Izzorah sidled closer to his cousin. “There’s a Kin female with Saint-Cyr, and she’s a warrior. In black hook leather, knife on her hip.” “Shit! She’ll hear us kitsing.” The skill wasn’t taught to males. They were forbidden to hunt except during famine. “I can see who she is, and you’re not going to believe it.” “Look who it is,” a familiar voice said, right next to him. “What a small empire. What are you doing here, Fletch? And Izzy! What are you boys up to?” He jerked his head in her direction to offer a feeble smile. She knew he was blind, and she wasn’t known for tact. “Hello, Aylogee Mynkoh.”

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Chapter Three Lucsondis Entertainment “Aunt Mynkoh?” Luc clasped both hands behind him. “Well, this is a surprise. Why don’t you introduce me?” With an intent expression, the Kin female cocked her ears as if listening to the young Kin. For a moment, Luc was certain she was about to argue with them, but she shook her head as if dismissing a thought, held up a hand, and shrugged. None of them had spoken, but from their expressions, all agreed. What the hell? Mynkoh turned to Luc. “I’m sorry. What did you say?” He raised both brows. “Introduce me?” She stared at him a moment and then flinched. “Oh! Oh, of course. Pardon me, boss. Mr. Saint-Cyr, this is Izzorah and Fletch Ceeow. Izzy’s mother and Fletch’s father are my sister and brother.” She arched one brow; her ears canted out and back. “So you see, not all Kin are cousins.” “Apparently not.” He extended a hand to the dark-haired Fletch, who was reaching for him. Like the others, he wore formal business attire with a complicated Tyran knot in his silk tie. Few could tie it properly; this one was perfect. “Pleased to meet you, Fletch. You’re not a member of the group, are you?” “No, sir. Visiting with my cousin Izzy.” “Welcome to Lucsondis. I hope you enjoy your day with us.” “Thank you, sir.” Luc turned to the other Kin. “Which means you must be Izzorah, the drummer.”

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The young Kin held out his hand and tilted back his head to look up at Luc. Gentle face, softer than most Kin, but that square jaw and mouth bespoke strength. His hand trembled and felt clammy, a sure sign of fear. Luc wrapped it with both of his in a reassuring grip. “Welcome to Tarth. I hope…uh, you…” The wide, cat-oval pupils and emerald green eyes pulled him down into their quiet depths. As if he stared into a deep and tranquil forest pool, all the tension of the day faded. Luc lost his train of thought completely, too drawn in to speak. He stood there, mesmerized, holding Izzorah’s hand. A peach-colored blush stole across the Kin’s cheeks, and he lowered his gaze and withdrew his hand, breaking the spell. “…Uh…” Luc cleared his throat. Get hold of yourself, old man! He bowed. “Welcome to Tar -- er, I said that.” He grinned like an adolescent meeting his first crush. “I meant to For Women Only. No, to…Lucsondis.” Smooth, Luc. Way to look stupid. He pinched the bridge of his nose. “Forgive me. I’ve been all over this morning. So busy, I forgot where I was.” He coughed into a fist. Pay attention, Luc. It’s not like you’ve never seen a Kin hottie before. “Have you spent much time on Tarth?” Izzorah peeked up at him. A thick fringe of black velvet lashes framed those bewitching emerald eyes. “I live here when I’m not touring. In the Kelthian District, with my cousin Trey.” He nodded toward his cousin. “Fletch’s big brother.” “Wonderful. It must be good to be near you.” Izzorah cocked his head, ears twitching. “Sir?” “Uh --” Luc’s thoughts tangled up under the impact of Izzorah’s brilliant green eyes. What the hell did I say? This isn’t like you, old man. Get hold of yourself! He shook his head to clear it. “It must be nice to be your family. I mean -- near your family.” Geez, Luc. Get it together. Izzorah broke into a full smile, and Luc was utterly lost, content simply to stare and enjoy Izzorah’s beauty. No. It went far deeper than the surface appeal. The peace in Izzorah’s eyes offered rest. Luc smiled back, neither of them speaking. Ms. Mead’s voice jerked him back to the moment. She introduced Tark, Shaik, Pellen, and Kory. The singer’s physical beauty gave credence to Mead’s opinion that he’d been a good pleasure slave. One could gaze at Kory purely for enjoyment, rather like Wulf. Izzorah’s effect lay on a far grander scale.

Few Kin like same-sex relationships, old man. Don’t offend him. For pity’s sake, don’t stare at him again. The signing was completed without difficulty, although Izzorah seemed to have several questions that he discussed with Kory. Once satisfied, he thumbed the seal screen to accept the contract.

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Luc took Ms. Mead aside before lunch, purely on impulse. “Have you assigned seating for this?” “Of course, sir. You’ll be --” “Good. Make sure Izzorah is where I can talk to him.” She set a hand near her throat. “Is anything wrong?” “I didn’t intend to sound as if there were. I’d simply like him close enough to talk to, if possible.” He set his mouth in what he hoped was a smile. She searched his gaze for a moment before she stepped back. “I’ll see to it.” The moment she walked away, the impact of his decision hit him. What are you doing? “Never act on impulse. Plan first. Think it through. Then act.” You live by this credo. He rubbed a hand across his mouth. This is not like you, old man. You don’t need this type of

entanglement right now. Let yourself get over Wulf before you go fishing for another heartbreak. The less rational imp on his shoulder prompted the opposite reaction. Well, who says you need to fall in love? He’d be a delicious fling. Not all Kin are heartbreakers. His five-year affair with Wulf hadn’t ended because of his fling with Jawk, but the Kin male hadn’t helped it either. After Wulf tore out his heart and threw it on the ground, Jawk had stomped on it.

Once burned, twice shy, old man. Think about this. It’s a risk you don’t need. But do I want it? Mynkoh stood in the opposite corner with Fletch and Izzorah. If anyone could toss a wet blanket over his interest in Izzorah, surely she could. After the briefest hesitation, he headed her way. “Excuse me, Mynkoh.” Luc took her arm. “May I have a word with you, please?” “Sure thing, boss.” She followed him away from the younger Kin. “What’s up?” “I hope you’ll stay for lunch. Spend some time with your nephews.” “I --” She twisted her clan ring, biting her lower lip. “Um, actually, I have an appointment across town. I’m surprised to see Izzorah. I didn’t know he was on Tarth.” “Please, you’re welcome to stay. I’m sure they’d be thrilled to have family here.” “No, but thanks.” She set one hand on her knife’s hilt. “Did you need something?” “There’s a For Women Only board meeting this afternoon. I’d like to meet with you afterward. We’ll have a budget for some new projects by then and we can discuss your part of them.” Izzorah stood nearby in a ray of sunshine, talking. His pale golden furskin glowed, the short dark hair on his head a sharp contrast. He laughed at something his cousin said, and Luc smiled himself, captured by the sound. “Boss?” “Sorry, Mynkoh. What did you say?”

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Mynkoh turned in the direction he’d been staring, but the two young Kin had crossed the room to pick up drinks. She gave Luc a quizzical glance, shook her head. “Are we going to bid on the government job?” “Which one?” Her ears shot straight up. “Oh!” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “The consult job. Not sure yet.” Across the room, Izzorah laughed again, and the sound washed over Luc like gentle rain, leaving him acutely aware of his own loneliness. What would it be like to hear joyful laughter every day? To have a smile, and a soulful, innocent gaze like Izzorah’s beaming up at him? “Sir?” Mynkoh set a hand on his arm. “Are you all right? You don’t seem yourself today.” Ms. Mead stopped beside her, watching him as well. “Headache.” Luc circled his fingers against his temples. “Sorry.” “Oh, dear.” Ms. Mead picked up a bottle of water from a nearby table, opened it, and handed it to him. “Drink a little of this, sir. It’ll help.” He took a sip, but Ms. Mead gestured him to drink more. He drank half. “Thank you, Ms. Mead.” “I don’t believe I’ve ever heard you complain of a headache.” Ms. Mead peered at him with concern. He squinted. “Stress.” “Ah.” “What time, boss?” Mynkoh asked. “Time?” He frowned. “For what?” “To discuss the budget.” “Oh! The budget. Of course.” She flicked one ear toward him, laid the other back. Ms. Mead glanced toward Izzorah, back at Luc knowingly. “We won’t finish before six, Mynkoh. How about meeting me for dinner? Say, eight o’clock at Batchelors, in the Kelthian District. We’ll work while we eat.” She nodded. “I’ll meet you there.” “Wonderful.” He set down the water and clasped both hands behind him. “Are you sure you won’t stay for lunch?” “Positive.” She ducked her head, glanced up, and smiled. “See you tonight. I hope you feel better.” Luc set his mouth in a smile and nodded his thanks.

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When lunch was brought in a few minutes later, Mynkoh excused herself. Fletch was seated on one side of Izzorah, Luc on the other.

Don’t lead him on, old man. Don’t give him any idea you’re attracted to him. Do the lunch, be polite, and get the hell away from him. The scent of beef made Luc’s stomach growl. He set a hand against it. “Excuse me.” Izzorah smiled over at him. “Hungry?” “Famished.” He unfolded a napkin and placed it on his lap. “I ate before dawn and have been on the go since four this morning.” The drummer picked up his napkin. “I know the feeling. I couldn’t sleep last night and couldn’t face breakfast. We had to get up and go early.” Izzorah pronounced oh sounds with more breath than usual, the only holdover from his native language. “Tell me, Izzorah, are you more excited or nervous?” “I can’t tell.” He laid the napkin in his lap. “We signed with Mr. Gabriel last time, and it was over in ten minutes. Someone took two pictures. This time it’s a big deal.” Luc leaned back in the chair. “Kumwhatmay has broken all the sales goals we set for you. You have more venue requests than you can possibly fill, and your command performance at the palace resulted in the empress wanting copies of your music, which, I might add, she gave to friends. You have a sound track under your belt. Kumwhatmay warrants ‘a big deal.’ You’ve earned it.” “Wow.” Izzorah twisted to better face him. “I had no idea you’d pay attention to a group like ours.”

And God bless Ms. Mead and her research. He smiled. “Wulf -- er, Mr. Gabriel, is your point of contact, but the kind of success you’ve experienced deserves attention. Mr. Gabriel is out of town today, or he would’ve attended as well. He’s quite proud of what you’ve accomplished. We all are.” “Thank you.” The food was served, and for a time, few spoke. When he’d polished off most of the entrée, Luc dabbed his mouth and lifted his glass of wine. He drank a bit and waited for Izzorah to swallow before asking him how he liked the food. The drummer dabbed the napkin over his mouth. “Excellent. The meat’s perfect for a Kin. I’m impressed someone thought to order it for us. I usually pick at the meat ’cause it’s overcooked.” “Ms. Mead is a demon of precision.” He gestured with the wineglass. “This, for example. I love Skovron Burgundy. She makes sure it’s served when I’m having lunch.” “I don’t know much about wine, but I did like some pink stuff we had on Whinbrice when we performed at the Skovron Stadium. I forget what it’s called.” “Rosamund?”

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“Yes! It was sweet.” Izzorah picked up his Burgundy, sniffed, and then tasted it. “This is strong.” He set it down. “Here. Let me fix it.” Luc took the drink and poured all but the dregs into his own glass. He opened a bottle of sparkling, fruit-flavored water and filled Izzorah’s glass. “Try it now.” He handed it back. The drummer took a hesitant sip, nodded, and took another. “Much better. I didn’t know you could mix wine with other things.” “It’s a great mixer. Try Rosamund with a carbonated fruit drink. Makes them both taste better.” Izzorah grinned. “Thank you. I will.” “Skovron Burgundy is also from Whinbrice. It’s the stronger, purer form of Rosamund.” “I didn’t know --” Izzorah smiled as Feeyona Joie came up to their table, interrupting their discussion. “Hello again, Ms. Joie. Aren’t you having lunch?” “I grabbed two bites and started working, Izzy. So much for the glamorous life of a photoborg.” She blinked and her eyes became the mottled gray and silver of a camera-droid’s lenses. “I’d like to do some casual shots before the photo shoot, with your permission, boss.” “Certainly. Izzorah? Objections?” “None.” He turned to Feeyona. “Do you want me to do anything?” “Here’s an empty glass. Hold it the way you did a moment ago, and boss, would you pour for him again?” Izzorah obeyed, glass in hand. Luc picked up the bottle, chagrined he’d been watched during what he’d thought was a fairly private moment. Could he do anything without someone watching? “Great.” Feeyona backed up, knelt down, and moved her head a bit to get a better angle. With her droid lenses exposed, whatever she saw, she could capture. “Boss, go ahead and pour. Izzorah, look at Mr. Saint-Cyr and think about those jeans.”

Jeans? Luc started pouring, met Izzorah’s green-eyed gaze, and fell headlong into a maelstrom of erotic thoughts. Izzorah wanton with lust, lips wet and parted, fangs gleaming, throat arched, head tossing back while Luc pleasured him. When Luc brought him to orgasm, would he cry out? Or purr? “Whoa!” Izzorah started laughing. The sparkling water was running over the top and down his fingers onto the floor. Luc righted the bottle. “Sorry!” He set it down and grabbed his napkin. “Here. I can’t believe I did that.” You’re in rare form today, old man. So much for not giving the wrong impression. He pressed fingertips against his brow.

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Izzorah flashed him a smile as he set down the glass and dried his hand. “Did you get your picture, Ms. Joie?” “Did I!” She raised an eyebrow at Luc, smirking with enjoyment. “Thank you, gentlemen. Here’s a fresh napkin, boss.” She handed it to him. “I’m off to see what kind of trouble I can get the others into.” Izzorah lowered his head and then peeked up at Luc. The hunger in his gaze left no doubt of his desire. Luc’s heart skipped a beat and then kicked into high. He wants me. Oh, my God. This

beautiful young Kin is interested in me! Life is good.

***** Renyoj Building Izzorah shut his bedroom door and leaned against it. Fletch was already ripping off the formal business clothes Kory had insisted they wear, but Izzorah remained standing, eyes closed, going back over every detail of the meeting with Luc Saint-Cyr.

Is he the warrior from my dream? Black eyes, skin like the dark of night, his touch like velvet. Izzorah rested his right palm across his own cheek, recalling the strength of the man’s hand when they’d greeted one another. He didn’t let go of my hand. I practically fell into his deep black eyes. I couldn’t look away. Izzorah smiled, hugging the memory to himself. Neither could he. No wonder people call him the Man. He oozes romtzeet. Back home, at the first scent of it, most Kin males would bare fangs and claws like Fletch had, a signal to fight for territory. In Saint-Cyr’s presence, Izzorah had inhaled, drawn the man’s scent into his soul. No colognes or artificial scents -- simple, clean male. He gave away every emotion. And he wanted me. Me. He set a hand against his chest. Izzorah Ceeow. A drummer. With a mix of pride and pleasure, he lifted his chin.

Mmm. He ran his tongue across his lower lip, recalling Saint-Cyr’s voice, as smooth and inviting as his handshake. I wonder if humans can learn to purr? His purr would be deep. Way, way deep. Izzorah clutched a hand against his chest, imagining the rumble of the man’s purr against his body. Not once, but three times, he’d come close enough for Izzorah to see him clearly. Once, when they’d shaken hands, the man had leaned closer, staring right into his eyes. Saint-Cyr’s were solid black like a Mortay Wahn, a bird of prey back home. Sacred to the gods, the Kin offered their dead to them as a celebration feast for their loved ones’ passing to glory. Second, when he’d poured sparkling water into his drink, and the final time when Feeyona Joie asked him to do it again.

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Izzorah hugged himself, lost in the memory of the man’s eyes and the expression of desire on his face. Saint-Cyr had been aroused; Izzorah could smell it. Why did Saint-Cyr

fight it? He likes guys. He was practically married to Wulf Gabriel. Maybe he needs time to get over him. Maybe he’s afraid of being hurt again. Oh, Luc! He tossed his head. If I could take away your pain, I would. Izzorah went to the first bed, lay down, and linked his fingers together behind his head. He crossed one ankle over the other and indulged in memories of the day.

What would it be like to kiss Luc Saint-Cyr? Izzorah caressed his own lips. Would my fangs get in the way? Would they tear the skin of his mouth the way they did in my dream? He’s so tall… Izzorah shut his eyes, picturing himself standing on tiptoe to reach Luc’s mouth and Luc bending down to brush his lips against Izzorah’s. “Kiss me, Izzorah. Give me your mouth. Let me take it.” “I’m yours, Luc. All of me is yours. Take me any way you want.” Izzorah fanned himself and turned onto his stomach to hide his erection. He resisted the urge to grind his hips against the firm bed beneath him. No way. Not with Fletch in the room. He bit into his lower lip, in an agony of desire. Luc, Luc. How am I going to ever get

you to notice me again? Two weeks and I’ll be back on tour, and that’s the end of my chances. He sighed with all the frustration he felt. Think about something else, Izzy. Get your mind on…on… He grinned. What else is there? The man filled his thoughts. The way everyone in the room deferred to Luc made his power obvious. Even Mynkoh held him in awe. The entire time Luc was in the room, Izzorah felt his presence as strongly as if they were chained together by lightning. From the second their gazes met, desire crackled between them. It had been all Izzorah could do to breathe; yet he’d had to mask his attraction in front of Mynkoh. She might have lived in the Tarthian Empire for fifteen years, but she was his mother’s sister, and for no reason would he risk the ire of a Kin warrior without some means of defense -- or escape. He’d masked his emotions -- a Kin male who preferred other males learned to do so or die. Unlike Izzorah’s Kin profile with its high-bridged nose and pronounced cheekbones, Wulf Gabriel had perfect human features. It’s easy to see why any man would want Wulf,

but why would anyone be drawn to a plain Kin like me? Maybe Saint-Cyr treated all the guys the same. He shook his head. No. No way I’m asking if he flirted with them. You’d think if he was interested in a fling, it’d be with Kory. A former pleasure slave like him would give a man like Saint-Cyr the kind of sophisticated pleasure he’d be used to. Why would he want a virgin like me, who has no more experience than some kisses in the dark and jacking off with a couple of guys? He sighed and turned on his side toward the windows, eyes shut to blot out the light.

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He tried to pull forward the exact memory of Saint-Cyr’s fascinating skin color. Dark rich brown, almost black. His clothes accented his body, from wide shoulders to narrow hips. Stars, he’s tall. He topped me by half a Tarthian foot. There’d been nothing soft about him. Except maybe his mouth. Izzorah smiled, recalling the adorable way Saint-Cyr had stumbled over words, lost his train of thought, and tried to recover. It was almost sweet. I had an effect on Luc Saint-Cyr! He almost laughed. Izzorah had spent his youth learning how to please a warrior, convinced by his parents marriage and family was best. He knew how to keep house, manage money, and find his place in a household with multiple mates. His father had instructed him how to kowtow to other mates, how to disappear when it was another mate’s time to pleasure the warrior. He’d seen his father step aside many times, though he was chief mate. Not until a female had actually been picked for Izzorah had his panic attacks started. By the time of the wedding, the dread had become unbearable. His future mate’s reputation for strictness and her harsh punishments had not eased his fears. When he’d fled Felidae, he’d given up ever having a warrior to please. There were only a few male warriors on Felidae, and none would want a sahnimay -- cockbiter -- for a mate. But today, seeing Luc, being in his presence, made him begin to think his dream of having a warrior to love might not be dead after all. Among his own kind, what was Luc Saint-Cyr if not a warrior?

What if I was destined to come here and love him? My presence soothed his heart; I could feel the change in him. He sighed. Luc, are you my destiny? If you are, come and rescue me. “Oh, wow, this feels so much better.” Fletch’s voice trampled his thoughts, yanking him back to reality. “I couldn’t wait to get into shorts. I’m gonna swim in the pool. You wanna come?” “You go.” He struggled to get back into the comfort of his thoughts about Luc, picturing his dark skin and black, glittering eyes. Would he -“Hey, keet-sah.” Fletch sounded far away. “Come here and look at this.”

Give it up, Izzy. Like it’ll ever happen anyway. With a sigh, he opened his eyes. The room seemed brighter. “Where are you?” “On the balcony. Once you’re past the second bed, it’s about ten steps. I opened the sliding glass doors.” “I prolly can’t see it anyway. What is it?” “Sure you can. There are a hundred girls down there by the pool and they’re waving at me. I think they think I’m you.” “What? Why?”

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“Duh, silly. All they know is that a Kin is outside on your balcony. Come out here! These are your fans. Come on, wave at them. Maybe one of them will go to bed with me, since you’re not interested.” “Fletch! You leech.” But Izzorah laughed and got up to join him. He could make out the darker shape of the other bed, its coverlet a rich blue. Darkness lay straight ahead of him, a brighter area to the right. He headed for it. “Fletch?” “Here. Take a few more steps.” He followed the sound of his cousin’s voice. “Keet-sah, look out! My jacket fell off the bed.” Fletch’s warning came too late. Izzorah tripped over something on the floor and it tangled around his feet. He stumbled, arms windmilling as he staggered. He grabbed hold of what he thought was a door and gripped a handful of curtain instead. Fully off balance, he fell headlong against the sliding glass door -- and through it. The crack of it shattering made him cringe, and he threw his arms up and over his face on instinct as he fell. “Izzy!” Izzorah rolled to his side, glass crunching beneath him, the curtain tangled around his body. “Izzy!” Fletch knelt beside him. “I’m so sorry! You’re bleeding. Don’t move, keet-sah!” He tried to sit up. “Don’t move!” Fletch repeated, hands on Izzorah’s shoulder to keep him down. “Kory!” he bellowed. “Somebody help!” “I’m fine.” Izzorah tried to force his way up, but Fletch cried out and held him down. “Don’t move, keet-sah! You’re bleeding. Kory! Tark! Somebody help!” Screams rose from down by the pool. It sounded like chaos. Everyone was shouting at once. “Fletch?” Kory’s voice sounded close. “Where are -- Oh, my God!” He knelt beside Izzorah. “What happened?” “He fell, Kory. He’s bleeding really bad.” “It’s all right.” Kory’s voice had its usual calm tones, but fear tinged his scent. “Oh, hell, man. You’re all torn up. Don’t move! I’m going to get some towels. Nobody else is here,” he said as he rose. “They all went down to the pool to meet the fans.” “Let me up,” Izzorah insisted. “It can’t be that bad. Come on, Fletch.” “You stay put,” Kory ordered. He stooped down. “Fletch, apply pressure here.” Izzorah felt the increase on his arm. “I want to get up.” “Stay put!” Kory repeated. “You’re cut bad and in shock. Fletch, keep your hands over the wound and keep applying pressure. I’ll be right back.”

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“I can’t feel anything.” Izzorah rolled onto his back and heard the crunch of glass beneath him. Fletch made a hissing sound. “Geez, there’s glass everywhere! I thought this stuff broke into harmless pieces. It’s sharp as hell. Somebody needs to get sued for this!” Izzorah’s stomach clenched. This was going to cause questions. Someone was bound to ask the obvious. Couldn’t you see where you were going? “Fletch, don’t say anything.” Izzorah gripped his arm. “Promise me.” “It’s all my fault, Izzy. I’m so sorry!” Izzorah hissed. “Not a word, Fletch. You hear me?” Kory stooped beside him again, and Izzorah could hear the crunch and scrape of glass as his friend brushed it aside. “Here. Let me put these towels over his arm.” “I’ll go call emergency.” Fletch stood. “Already on the way.” Kory’s steady voice calmed Izzorah’s rising panic. “I hit the Call button on the wall in the bathroom. Droid medics ought to be here any second. They’re on every floor. What happened, Izzorah?” “He tripped over my jacket, Kory.” Fletch’s voice sounded like he’d been crying. “It’s all my fault.” “Damn it, Fletch!” Kory’s shoes made crunch noises as he shifted position. “You know he can’t see. Why didn’t --” Kory’s lecture cut off. Fletch gasped. Izzorah groaned. “You knew?” “Yeah. For a long time.” “The guys too?” Kory squeezed his shoulder. “We knew you didn’t want us to know, but it didn’t matter to any of us, Izzy. You’re a better drummer half blind than others who are sighted.” “Oh, hell. All this time…” Izzorah closed his eyes. It felt so good to keep them shut. “Izzy!” Kory’s voice jerked him awake. “So, uh…how did you know who was in the picture today at Lucsondis?” He was so close Izzorah could feel his breath on his cheek. Something in his scent told Izzorah he was trying to keep him calm, prevent his panicking. “You can always see perfectly when your cousins are around. I keep hoping to figure out how they help you, but I haven’t yet. No matter what I do when they’re around, you always know.” Izzorah smiled. “Hunter’s secret.” He let his eyelids drift shut. “No! Stay awake. Stay with me, Izzy.” Fatigue swept over him, lulling him to rest. “Want to sleep a minute.”

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“Not yet, Izzy. Come on, stay with me a little longer.” Kory’s voice pulled him out of the intense weariness, the desperate need for sleep. “Tell me the secret, man. I won’t tell a soul. I swear it.” “Kitsing. We’re kitsing.” “What? What’s kitsing? Come on, Izzy. Talk to me, man. You can do it.” Izzorah lifted a hand to his face, felt damp furskin, and brought his hand closer to see. Blood covered his fingers. His heart kicked into a staccato rhythm, the beats slow, separated. “I feel…funny.” He couldn’t hold up his hand; it felt too heavy. “Spinning.” “Izzy!” Kory bent over him. “The medics are here. You’re going to be all right. You stay with me, you hear? Izzy! Izzy, wake up. Come on, man. Izzy…” He could feel Kory slapping his cheek, hear his voice, but the darkness sweeping over him blanked it all away.

***** Kelthian District, Batchelors The owners of the Batchelors restaurant chain, Trink Vandermeer and Yvan Ellory, greeted Luc personally. “Funny how in one day we have breakfast with you, and you end up here for dinner.” Trink shook his hand. “Can’t get enough of Dazzle’s smile, eh?” Luc laughed. The blond Yvan had been called Dazzle when he was a prostitute. It fit his radiant smile. “More like I can’t get enough of his cooking.” Luc patted his stomach. “Yvan’s even more famous for his cheesecake.” “You’re hungry, you sure come to the right place.” Yvan gestured him to enter and walked beside Luc to a booth in the back. Yvan perched on the edge of the seat opposite Luc. “Expecting a guest? Ms. Mead said a reservation for two when she called.” “One of my employees, a Kin female. We’re discussing business.” Yvan’s right brow twitched upward. “And for business you ordered champagne?” “She deserves it. No romance involved, believe me.” Both Trink and Yvan were old friends of Wulf’s and no doubt knew the intimate details of their recent breakup. Luc had known them longer than they’d known Wulf, but until five years ago had never been to their restaurant, though he’d given them seed money to start it. Now, he was a constant patron of this one and an investor in three others around the city. They’d catered the lunch at Lucsondis earlier in the day. Yvan straightened a candleholder, realigned a napkin. “I know it’s none of my business, but I was sorry to hear about you and Wulf.” Luc leaned back in the booth. “We haven’t gotten along for more than a year. It’s a relief not to have to fake it anymore. We weren’t honest even with each other. I hope he’ll

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be happy with Alitus, but I don’t mind telling you, it’s been lonely. We worked together, played together. I miss him.” He shook his head. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have burdened you with my personal problems.” “My bartender side gets people talking every time.” He grinned. Luc chuckled. Yvan stood. “You want a shot of whiskey, or wait for the champagne?” He adjusted his cuffs. “I’ll wait.” Yvan nodded. “Then I’m off to supervise the meal. Don’t want anything to spoil your evening.” He started off but then turned back. “Speaking of which, I believe she’s here.” He shook his fingers as if they burned, before turning to escort her to the table. Luc stood and smoothed the front of his tux. Mynkoh in black leather had been a staggering beauty. Tonight, she wore a long, pale green gown that bared her shoulders and shimmered like water when she walked. A spray of gilded green leaves decorated the top of her black hair, curling around her Kin ears. He accepted her offered hand and bowed over it. “You look incredible, Mynkoh.” She smiled, revealing a flash of fangs. “Ms. Mead said Batchelors was formal in the evenings, but I feel naked without my hook knife, so it’s in my purse.” “Why am I not surprised?” He gestured her to her seat. “Please, join me.” If he hadn’t decided to pursue Izzorah, she’d have been a delicious temptation. He sat across from her. Mynkoh placed a green, shimmery handbag on the table. The dress revealed a pale green tattoo along the upper curve of her left breast. The shape of a leaf, it pulsed like a heart. “I --” His dark lenses hid where he looked. “I promise I’m a gentleman and I’m not staring, but I’ve never seen a tattoo pulsing. It’s a kanya leaf, and the symbol of your clan, I believe.” “Yes.” She lowered her gaze. “These new furskin tattoos are all the rage. It only lasts a week. They told me elements in the ink are linked to my blood pressure, and it’s supposed to beat with the same rhythm as my heart. I actually got it for a date later tonight. I figured we’d work till about ten, right?” “No, no. We can cover what we need in about an hour.” He lifted a hand to signal Trink they were ready. “I ordered champagne to celebrate.” “What happened?” “I told the board the concerns you sent me about the government contract.” He adjusted a cuff. “Minus a few choice words.” She snorted. “So are we stuck with it?” “No, they voted unanimously to turn it down. Neither For Women Only nor idBot will take it.”

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“Now this decision” -- Mynkoh tapped claws on the table -- “is worth celebrating.” Trink brought the champagne. Luc poured and passed the glass to Mynkoh. Claws retracted beneath manicured nails, she curled her fingers elegantly around the stem. Her bag emitted a beep and then began to buzz. “Sorry.” She set down the champagne flute, opened the bag, and shut off the device inside. “I kept my mobile on in case you called.” He tasted the champagne. Mynkoh lifted the drink and sipped. “This is good. Thank you.” The bag buzzed again. Mynkoh frowned, set down the drink, and reopened the bag. “Sorry, boss. I thought I turned this off.” She fiddled with it. “There. Off for good this time. You must get interrupted all the time, as busy as you are.” “Actually, only five people have my number. My butler, Wulf, Shohn Lexius at idBot, Ms. Mead, and the empress.” “Not your sons?” He shook his head. “They call my butler. He can always find me. I strictly limit interruptions. If one of my target people calls, I answer. Ms. Mead is more important to me than anyone. That woman handles every detail of my business and half my personal life.” Mynkoh smiled. “Well, tonight, other than my date, you are the most important person in my life.” She raised the glass. “Where were we?” “A toast.” He lifted his, clinked it against hers. “To freedom from bureaucracy.” “To freedom.” She took a sip. Luc’s mobile buzzed in his pocket. What the hell? He removed it. “Excuse me, Mynkoh.” He flipped it open. Ms. Mead’s icon blinked red, meaning “immediate action.” He thumbed the Voice Only button and lifted it to his ear. “Go.” “Sir, sorry to disturb, but I believe Mynkoh Ceeow is with you. Is she not?” He met Mynkoh’s gaze. “Yes, she’s sitting across from me right now.” She fumbled the champagne flute onto the table and set one hand against her throat. Her tattoo pulsed more rapidly. “She’s needed at Kelthian General Hospital right away. Her nephew Izzorah has been badly injured, and she may be closest to his blood type. It’s rare, and apparently his metabolism can’t handle synthetic blood.” He felt the room fade, everything shrinking down to Mynkoh’s face, her ears outward. Her green leaf tattoo pulsed frantically. The image of Izzorah’s emerald eyes came to the fore. Luc hadn’t thought of anyone else all afternoon. “Tell them we’re on our way.”

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Chapter Four Kelthian District, Kelthian General Hospital Sofftem 23 Nothing but white light surrounded him. Izzorah squinted, trying to focus on the round item overhead. No use. It was too far away. “You’re awake.” Mynkoh leaned in closer and took his hand. She brushed back his hair and kissed his brow. “How are you feeling?” “Tired.” This close, the concern on her face showed in worry lines around her eyes. She’d aged, but in a good way. “You have beauty and character.” “What?” She ruffled his hair. “What does that mean?” “Kory says a young woman’s face shows her beauty, but a mature woman’s shows her character. You have both.” Her muted scent was like a crisp autumn morning, fresh with dew and new-fallen leaves. “What a sweet thing to say. And your friend Kory sounds incredibly wise.” “He has his moments. What are you doing here? Where am I?” The stark white room offered no clues. “Don’t you remember?” He smiled, unable to resist the comment that came to mind. “Well, everything’s white, so at first I thought it was heaven. But you’re here.” Mynkoh laughed. “You’re definitely feeling better. If you hadn’t complimented me first, I’d have to get you for that. You’re in the hospital.” “Hospital?” He adjusted himself in the bed and lifted both hands to his face. The right had an IV line attached to it, held on with clear bond. The left was bandaged to the elbow.

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Memories flooded back. The balcony, broken glass, Kory and Fletch bending over him. Screams. “I fell through glass.” “Mmm-hmm.” When Mynkoh smoothed back his hair again, Izzorah nuzzled against her hand. “Do that some more. Please?” She obliged him, petting his brow. “You lost a lot of blood. Fortunately the medics were able to put you into stasis right away and get you here.” “Kelthian General?” She frowned. “How’d you know?” “It’s one of the best for trauma cases. It’s visible from Trey’s apartment. He’s got workers here.” “Workers?” “Trey’s a manager at Hire-A-Kin. He supervises Kin at different places in the city. Three of the guards here work for him.” “Your cousin Trey? My nephew?” The surprise on her face showed only briefly before she pulled back. “He supervises Kin females?” “And males. Been doing it for several years. He makes good money.” “Huh.” She leaned close again. “What did you say the company was?” “Hire-A-Kin. They’ve been around a long time. Haven’t you heard of them?” “No.” She set a finger against her lips. “I’ll have to look into that.” Izzorah pushed himself back to sit up. The room was empty. “Where’s Kory and Fletch?” “I sent them home at midnight. It’s two a.m. Kory’s quick thinking and Fletch yelling for help saved your life.” She kissed him on the forehead. “You look beautiful, Aylogee Myn. I love you in Ceeow green.” “Thank you.” She inclined her head, ears down and out. “I was at a business dinner when I heard about your accident.” “I’m glad the guys called you.” Mynkoh leaned on the railing of the bed. “They didn’t. Ms. Mead did. She heard from Kory, because when he found out you needed blood, he remembered you introducing me to him today and thought we might have the same blood type. She tried to call me, but I was having dinner with Mr. Saint-Cyr and didn’t take the call. Fortunately, she called him, and he brought me here.” “Luc Saint-Cyr brought you here?” He couldn’t help the grin that swept over his face, but he tried to limit the show of fangs. “Turns out my blood type didn’t match yours at all, but his did.”

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Izzorah squinted. “Whose?” “Mr. Saint-Cyr.” He blinked, trying to focus on her words. “You’re saying Mr. Saint-Cyr donated blood? To me?” “Mmm.” “Why?” Mynkoh flattened her ears. “Izzy, you needed it. He’s a good person. I’m glad he was here. Turns out his blood type is universal. He can donate to anyone. Even Kin.” “And he donated his blood to me? I have his blood inside me?” “You make it sound creepy.” She propped her chin on one hand. “No, not creepy.” Erotic, more like. He bit his lips together. No way he could admit that to her. “So, you’re saying he rescued me?” She set a claw against her mouth. “Yes, I guess you could say that.” “Oh, wow.” Izzorah settled back against the bed. Luc rescued me. Exactly what I

wished for. Luc, are you my destiny? “What are you thinking? You smell happy all of a sudden.” “Glad to be alive. I’d like to thank him.” “You can in a minute. He went to get coffee.” “He’s here?” At that, Izzorah sat straight up. “Oh, ffffftt! Where’s my comb?”

***** Luc leaned against the hospital door and pushed through it backward, hands full with two cups of coffee. He stopped dead at the image of Izzorah sitting up in bed, combing his hair. The light over the bed shone on him like a spotlight, making him glow he was so pale. The young Kin popped the comb out of sight and beamed a heartbreakingly beautiful smile Luc’s way. Weak in the knees at the sight, Luc stumbled and almost dropped the coffee. He came all the way inside and handed Mynkoh both cups, went to lean against the railing of the bed. “You look much better! How are you feeling?” “Like I’ll live, which I hear is because you donated blood. Thank you.” He shook his head. “The right thing to do. No thanks needed.” “You gave part of yourself to help me.” Izzorah tilted his head, ears forward. “That’s amazingly cool. Thank you so much.” He leaned closer, gaze sharp and intent, studying him with open interest. Almost sexual. Luc fastened his coat in front to hide his erection. His cock thickened, twitching upward. Heat cascaded through him. Luc fought to control his emotions so Mynkoh would not suspect his desire to take Izzorah’s mouth, to

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caress his face, pull him into his arms. He’d learned a few tricks from a former Kin lover and pulled every one of them to the fore now. Izzorah glanced toward Mynkoh and smiled, wetting his lips as he pulled back. He shot Luc a smile filled with both longing and guilt. Luc withdrew a little space, letting Izzorah know he understood they could not touch in front of Mynkoh. “Are you in pain? Does anything hurt?” “No. I was telling Aylogee Mynkoh I feel wonderful. Whatever they gave me works great.” “Good, good.” Luc rubbed his mouth. That’s due to my blood. I hope no one decides to take a closer look. He gestured to the blanket at the foot of the bed. “I had them bring extra covers in case you got cold. Drugs can do that. It’s not good to be cold.” Izzorah shivered. “That’s what I was afraid of.” Luc plumped a pillow. “Here. Lean back. Let’s get you covered up.” While the Kin scooted back against the upraised bed, Luc unfolded the blanket. When he moved round to the other side of the bed to tuck it in around Izzorah, he caught sight of Mynkoh. The exhaustion on her face brought home how deeply she had worried over her nephew. Moved in a way he hadn’t expected, Luc went to her. “Let me take that coffee. Sit down.” He placed it on the nightstand. “You must be dead on your feet. You’d been traveling for two weeks and had a full day before we ever got here.” He stepped back. Izzorah was smiling at the pair of them. “There. Are you both more comfortable now?” Mynkoh stared but retained her usual decorum. “Boss, I’ve been with you in a lot of situations, but never when someone was hurt. Seeing you go into all-out pamper mode was the last thing I expected.” He lifted one brow. “Pamper mode?” “Thank you.” Izzorah cradled his left arm with his right. “You have no idea how much I appreciate you being here.” “Not at all.” He tucked covers around him. “Sure you’re comfortable?” Izzorah nodded. When Luc stepped between him and his aunt, Izzorah took Luc’s hand and brought it to his cheek. He leaned his face against it and smiled up at him with such longing it broke Luc’s heart. Mynkoh had accepted his affair with Jawk without comment, but Izzorah was her nephew. Who knew how deep her tolerance ran? Aware of her behind him, Luc made no overt moves. For years he’d worked at concealing his emotions from Mynkoh. For no reason would he allow this beautiful Kin male to suffer for anything he did. “Do you want some water, Izzorah? Is there anything you need?” He shook his head.

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Mynkoh rose and stood at the end of the bed. Luc moved away from Izzorah. “Your doctor says you’ll need a month to recuperate, but I don’t think you should take any chances. I think you should take longer.” “A month!” Izzorah passed his right hand across his brow as if in pain. “I can’t be out that long. Our next tour starts in two weeks.” “Don’t worry about your schedule. Everything’s postponed for two months.” “Kory wants us to do another sound track, and then we have a benefit concert on --” Izzorah froze, lowered his hand. “Did you say ‘postponed,’ as in already done?” Luc folded his arms. “Indeed I did.” He glanced around the room. “It’s the middle of the night. When did you do all that?” “You can thank Ms. Mead.” “Huh. Demon of precision is right. What did Kory say when you told him?” “That you should get better soon because Kumwhatmay wasn’t touring without you.” Izzorah wrinkled his nose, squinting slightly as if puzzled. While not altogether a lie, it had been Luc who’d said Kumwhatmay wasn’t touring without him. He smiled, hoping Izzorah hadn’t caught the scent of the minor deception. Kory had completely agreed. “Wow. Two months off?” Izzorah blinked. “We’ve been touring or working nonstop for a year. I won’t know what to do with myself.” “For starters, you’ll be getting some sleep.” Luc clasped both hands behind him. “Mynkoh, what do you say we get out of here and let him rest?” “Good idea, boss. If I drink any more of that coffee, I may never sleep again.” She and Izzorah both yawned. Luc tossed both cups into the recycler. “All right. I’m not leaving till I activate your nurse.” He used the Call button. “I requested a full-service android for you. He’ll stay right here in your room. If you need anything, anything at all, you only have to ask. If you prefer a female nurse, that’s not a problem. Let me know.” The light made Izzorah’s cat eyes glow a rich green. “I keep saying ‘thank you,’ but nothing else fits.” In the middle of bending down to kiss him good night, Luc caught himself and instead inclined his head as if bowing deeply. “Good night, Izzorah.” “Good night.” He and Mynkoh stood nearby while the nurse checked Izzorah’s vital signs, and then Luc waited at the door while Mynkoh kissed her nephew good night. Luc held open the door. Outside, he draped his jacket around her bare shoulders, and it was cool enough for her not to protest. Once the hoversine pulled up, however, she gave it back to him and slid inside.

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When he joined her, she took his hand. “I can’t thank you enough for helping Izzy. You have no idea how special he is to our family.” “Glad to do it.” He folded his hands in his lap. “He made me promise not to tell you this, but, as one of your employees, I think you should know.” Luc stiffened his shoulders. “Go on.” “Izzy ran away from home when his parents arranged a marriage for him. That was five years ago. He’s been working on a visa designed for Kin males who intend to enter the Praetorian Guard. He might not be legal.” “Is that all? I’ll check with Ms. Mead in the morning, but I doubt it will be a problem. If it is, we’ll fix it.” Mynkoh was staring at him with an expression he couldn’t fathom. He faced her more squarely. “What?” “Every time I think I have you figured out, you throw me off. When we first met, I was certain you were no hero. You had ties to crime syndicates and headed the Thieves’ Guild.” “That was years ago, Mynkoh. I haven’t been an active member in almost five years.” He shrugged. “Although I have influence, I’ll admit. Especially because of my son.” “Senthys?” He nodded. “He’s halfway to Arcane level. If only…” “If only what?” He sighed, pretended interest in the onyx ring he wore. “He wasn’t a rebel.” Mynkoh paused as if she’d decided against speaking. “Well,” she said finally, “we all have our secrets, don’t we?” “I suppose we do.” He picked at a thumbnail. “I hope you don’t mind my asking, but if you thought I wasn’t a ‘good guy,’ why’d you come to work for me?” “Knowing I’d killed humans and Kin alike, why’d you hire me?” The two locked gazes in silence. The car pulled to the curb and stopped. Mynkoh moved closer and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Good night, Luc. Thank you for a most interesting evening.” With a fang-filled flash of a smile, she was gone. Luc was home and getting out of the car before the intimacy of her farewell hit him. He stopped, one foot out of the car, one inside. She called me Luc. “Sir?” his android driver asked. “Is something wrong?” “What?” The driver was eyeing him. “Oh, sorry.” He stepped fully out of the car. “I’m fine, James. Thank you.” He headed toward the house. McDoth met him at the door and took his coat. “Is the young gentleman faring well, sir?”

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“I should be used to the fact that you know damned near everything I do, but it always surprises me.” “I’m connected to every network that’s connected to your life, sir. I may not know details, but as your referee in Peril, I’m aware of everything you do.” McDoth bowed. “I trust Master Izzorah is well?”

Which means McDoth knows I donated blood, and that means Pietas will know in short order. Damn, damn, damn. Luc cleared his throat. “He’s fine, thank you. I’m going straight to bed, McDoth, and won’t need help. Good night.” “Good night, sir.” Luc bypassed the lift and took the stairs two at a time, needing the physical activity. On the second floor of the penthouse, he slowed as he passed the door to the dungeon, the playroom where he and Wulf had shared so many intimate hours. He dragged the tips of his fingers across the door and kept going, up the second flight of stairs to the top. His bedroom and private areas filled the entire top floor of the Nizamrak Building, the tallest structure in the city. A button on his nightstand turned the west wall clear as glass from the inside while appearing solid from the outside. From here, one looked down at the hilltop starport rather than up. Destine Pietan Stadium’s dome glowed white in the darkness, a round speck far below. Tarth City’s lights glittered like stars against black velvet. Luc undressed and stepped into the glass-enclosed shower, mulling over the events of the day. He braced both hands against the glass wall and let the hot water beat on his shoulders. Izzorah’s smile haunted him. Will my Sempervian blood help him heal faster, or

make no difference at all? What did my creators do to me that makes me immortal and others not? What will Pietas do to me when he finds out I’ve broken our laws? The last thing Sempervians do is let outsiders sample our blood. On his way to bed, he picked up a favorite book, but he’d read no more than a few lines before he tossed it onto the nightstand, rolled onto his side, and shut his eyes. Sempervians rarely slept, their enhanced metabolism needing little rest, but in the past few weeks he’d slept several hours every night. He was drifting off when a sudden thought drove open his eyes.

I didn’t pick up my usual whiskey, and I didn’t break anything. He rolled onto his back. He’d tasted Kelthian whiskey the first time as Ran Holding. He and one of his Chosen, Wulf’s great-grandfather, Gavin Gabriel, had gotten drunk together and spent the night with two native Mjukan women. He chuckled at the memory of waking the next morning, hungover and bootless, with not even two coins to rub together, having been robbed by the women while they slept. Both men had sworn never to drink whiskey again. And they hadn’t, until the next payday. Gavin had gotten thoroughly soused, but Luc’s Sempervian metabolism had already adjusted to the liquor, and he got only a pleasant buzz. That hadn’t stopped him from

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drinking every time Gavin did, simply to be close to his friend. To this day, the taste brought back the feeling of the man-to-man friendship they’d shared. Luc turned over, tugged a pillow beneath his chest, and drifted off to memories of a beautiful, green-eyed Kin’s smile.

***** Lucsondis Entertainment Sofftem 25 Luc lifted his fourth cup of coffee only to find it empty. He set it down and scrubbed both hands over his face, picked up the contract he’d been reading and started in again. Ms. Mead knocked and let herself in, but stayed at the door. “Excuse me, sir. I know you didn’t want to be disturbed.” “When has that ever kept you from interrupting?” He kicked back in the chair and smiled, hands folded across his waist. “You’re so perfect at everything else, I don’t mind dealing with it.” She drew herself up to her full height, more than a foot shorter than Luc. “Why, sir, I do believe in your own irascible way you have paid me a compliment.” He couldn’t help but chuckle. “Don’t get used to it. What’s up?” “A gentleman is here to see you, but he does not have an appointment.” He sat forward, hands flat on the desk. “And for that you interrupted me?” “It’s Izzorah Ceeow.” Luc stood at once. “Damn it, woman. Stop dallying and show him in!” She had the gall to smirk. “I knew you’d say that.” While she went to fetch Izzorah, Luc stepped into the adjoining private bathroom and checked his hair and tie before returning. Izzorah stood inside the door, left arm in a sling, dressed in dark slacks and a white shirt. He broke into a smile that brightened Luc’s day. “Thanks for letting me come in. I know you’re busy.” “Always time for you.” Luc crossed the room to meet him, then took his outstretched hand in both his own. “I’m surprised you’re out of the hospital so soon, but you look well.” He held his gaze, willing him not to look away, not to be intimidated. Few handled his black-eyed gaze well, but Izzorah only smiled. “Your eyes absolutely sparkle. I’m so glad you’re better. Please, come sit.” Izzorah walked beside him toward the pair of white leather couches. “I wanted to tell you how much I appreciated all the flowers you sent. They made my room smell like home.”

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He smiled up at Luc. “It was like being in my father’s garden back on Felidae. The scent took me back to my childhood, playing outside with my cousins on a spring morning. Thank you.” “My pleasure. I’m glad you enjoyed them. I asked for flowers from Felidae, so I’m glad they made you happy. Please, have a seat.” Luc took the same couch, sitting beside him. They faced one another, both turned toward the center. “Your color is good. You were pale as this couch the last time I saw you. How are you feeling?” “Great!” Izzorah moved his bandaged arm. “The doctor said I’m healing faster than he expected, considering how much damage there was.”

You’re in for it, old man, if they decide to go testing that blood of yours. He cleared his throat. The desire to hold him made Luc place the tips of his fingers on Izzorah’s chin, turning his face this way and that. “Your face escaped even the smallest cut. I’m glad.” He folded his hands. “You have the most incredible smile.” Izzorah blushed darkly, bit his lower lip, the tips of his fangs showing. “Thank you.” “I heard the story from Kory when I arrived at the hospital. You were lucky not to have been hurt worse. Mynkoh said you had trouble recalling the incident.” “It all happened so fast. It’s fuzzy, you know? Like I dreamed it. I remember people yelling, and that I wanted to sit up and no one would let me. Which turned out to be a good thing, since I was in shock. I could’ve died if it hadn’t been for Kory, Fletch, and you. I owe you my life. I can’t thank you enough.” “I can’t bear to see anyone suffer when I can help.” Izzorah took a hesitant sniff and then broke into a smile. “You know, when we were doing the holovid for I, Ran, the actor used that same line. ‘I can’t bear to see anyone suffer when I can help.’ It was Ran’s way.” He tilted his head, ears forward. “You look a lot like him.” Luc swallowed. “The actor?” “No, sorry. I meant Ran Holding. They showed us the old flatpics they had of him. There was a whole book. You could play him a lot better than Dennis could.” He shrugged. “Not that he was bad, but you’d be really impressive dressed up like Ran.” Luc smiled. “Would I, now? I’ve always thought it might be fun to be a cowboy. Did you ride in the vid?” “I was the only one they didn’t have to teach. My mother raised horses, and she used to strap me onto her back when she rode. Pretty soon, I was in front of her, and by the time I was two, I had my own horse. Mother said I was a natural.” Izzorah squinted, glanced away. He passed his right thumb over the back of his other hand. “On Felidae, when someone saves your life, you owe them a debt.” He met Luc’s gaze. “I want you to know that if you ever need me, I will be there for you.”

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Throat caught with emotion, Luc blinked away the unexpected tears that sprang to his eyes. Where’s this coming from? “Izzorah, believe me, it was my privilege to help you. I’m glad I was there.” His wistful smile pulled Luc under his spell. “So am I.” He stood, and Luc joined him. “I won’t keep you any longer. I simply had to come by and thank you personally.” “You can be personal with me anytime you like.” Izzorah ducked his head, grinning, ears forward. “Er -- No. What I meant was…” Luc’s cheeks burned. “I…I mean, we’re being personal right now, and that’s -- uh --” He shook his head, fingertips to brow. “When I’m around you, I seem to open my mouth only to change which foot I stick in it.” He coughed politely. “I’ll shut up now.” Luc clasped both hands behind him. Izzorah’s smile drew Luc forward as if he wore a leash, and he had to clench his hands to keep from taking the Kin into his arms, not trusting himself. Izzorah turned and took a step toward the door. “Wait!” The Kin flinched and turned back to him. “Do you have to go so soon?” Get it together, Luc. You sound like a teenager with a crush. Man up! He coughed into a fist. “Are you free for lunch?” Izzorah bit his lip. “I wish I was, but I promised Aylogee Mynkoh I’d meet her across town.” He covered his mouth. “Oh, I’m sorry. Aylogee is aunt. I think in Felis sometimes.” “Te shah Felis.” He blinked. “You speak Felis? I didn’t know that.” “We should talk sometime,” Luc responded in that language. Izzorah shivered as if cold. “I would love to.” He grimaced. “But I really have to go. I’d love to speak my cradle language. I get hungry for it, you know? I miss home.” The sadness in his voice melted Luc’s heart. “I’ll take you to dinner and we’ll talk about Felidae. I’ve been there many times. It’s a beautiful, lush world. I’m about to build a home there, on the Ruh continent.” He walked him to the door. “When are you free?” Izzorah stood so close Luc could feel the warmth of his body all along his length. “As it happens, my schedule’s open every night for two months.” His flirty smile drew a grin from Luc.

What is it about you that makes me want to grin like a fool? “Have you ever been to Batchelors Four?” A look of momentary panic crossed Izzorah’s face, chased by one of determination. He lifted his chin higher. “Not yet. But I’d love to go. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do.”

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“Are you certain? It has quite a reputation. Once you’re seen there -- or anywhere -with me, there will be no hiding. I take it that’s something you’re used to doing.” “Yes.” Izzorah wet his lips, his cheeks pale. “It’s time for me to take a step forward. I want to go there. Especially with you.” He faced Luc, shoulders back, face tilted up to him like a flower to the sun. Trust, hunger, and fear warred for dominance in his eyes. Hunger won. No innocent looked at Luc Saint-Cyr with such hunger and remained pure for long. “God help me, Izzorah, I have to warn you. You’re not safe with me.” He caressed one thumb across the Kin’s lower lip, savoring the golden tones of his skin. “I’m not a nice man. I won’t hold it against you if you think twice and decide I’m not worth the risk.” Izzorah moved Luc’s hand to his cheek and leaned against it as he had in the hospital. “I know what I’m risking. I know what I want.” Luc leaned closer, gaze locked with Izzorah’s, willing him to submit, to come to him of his own accord. “Do you?” The Kin brought both ears forward, his slashed pupils widening. His gaze lingered on Luc’s eyes, lowered to his mouth, and returned to his eyes. “Yes.” He released Luc’s hand. “I do.” “Then you shall have whatever you desire.” He stepped back, opened the door, and walked out with Izzorah, stopping at Ms. Mead’s desk. “Which night this week am I free for dinner at Batchelors Four?” She glanced at Izzorah before bringing up a glowing agenda. She chose a few squares and they zoomed in, larger. “You’re dining with the new governor of Notidisia tonight, and then escorting her to her fealty ceremony at the palace, but tomorrow night is unscheduled, sir.” “Excellent. Tomorrow it is.” Luc accompanied him to the door, past others in the waiting room, and adjusted the Kin’s collar. Izzorah glanced down at his hands, the tip of his tongue showing as he wet his lips. Luc pulled back. “Your collar was caught under the sling, and it --” Shut up, Luc!

You’re doing it again. “Can you really get us into Batchelors Four?” Izzorah smoothed the hang of his sling. “I hear there are always lines at the door.” “Private table. I’m a part owner.” He patted his chest. “I can’t wait to show up with you on my arm. Every man in the place will be jealous as hell.” Blushing, Izzorah stared up at him with such heat in his emerald eyes it was all Luc could do not to pull him close and kiss it away.

Oh, you’ve got it bad, old man. Let him go before you take him in your arms and make a spectacle of yourself in your own waiting room. He clasped both hands behind him. “I’ll see you tomorrow night. Eight? No, seven. Seven will give us an extra hour of time together. Seven o’clock.”

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Izzorah treated Luc to one of his gorgeous smiles. “I’ll be ready.” Luc could not tear his gaze away until the door shut and Izzorah was no longer in sight.

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Chapter Five Kelthian District, Izzorah’s Apartment Sofftem 26 His cousin’s footsteps preceded the thunk of his backpack. The apartment door shut. “Trey!” Izzorah slid on the polished floor, toe claws scraping on the tile. Off balance with his left arm in a sling, he almost collided with him. “Izzy, watch out!” Trey held on to Izzorah until he caught his balance. “You about knocked me over.” “Sorry.” He dug his claws into Trey’s jacket. “Come help me with my hair. Fletch was going to, but the hospital called and he’s taking somebody’s shift.” “Sure, I can help you.” Trey pried Izzorah’s claws loose and pulled off the jacket. “The tube trains were packed, and I had to wait forever --” “Later.” Izzorah hauled him toward the bedroom. “It’s six o’clock and my hair is a mess. It’s sticking straight up.” “Oh, yeah. You’ve got a date tonight.” Trey tweaked Izzorah on the ear. “Sit down and let me see.” Izzorah perched on the edge of the bed while Trey parted his hair and sectioned it. “Your hair’s a mess. Did you wash it like I said?” “This morning. And then I added the other stuff you gave me, but it felt all sticky so I washed it out again.” “Did you mix it with water?” “Do what?” Izzorah turned toward him.

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Trey bent down close. “Izzy, how am I gonna do this if you won’t sit still?” “Sorry.” He turned back. “Why do you mix it with water?” “That’s what the directions say. I don’t know why.” “What, and you thought I could read that?” “So claw me. Sorry.” “You could’ve said something, you know.” “Izzy.” “What?” He turned back. “Mix that stuff with water.” Izzorah popped him on the arm. “Skik!” Laughing, Trey moved so close Izzorah could make out the details of the badge he wore on a cord. It showed Trey’s face from the front and the side. “I have a calming spray. I’ll go get it.” “Hurry up!” he called after him. “He’s picking me up at seven, and I haven’t gotten dressed.” “Got it.” Trey shuffled back in front of him. “Put your ears down and cover your face with both hands. I’m gonna spray this all over your head.” The spray hissed several times, leaving a cool mist on his shoulders and the backs of his hands. “It’s not sticky, is it? How much more of that are you spraying on me? It’s cold.” “Stop being such a fffittss, you big baby! This is KinSkin. It’s good stuff.” “KinSkin?” “Says it’s formulated for use by Kin. No artificial ingredients, no perfumes or dyes. Made in Tarth City by a Kin male, for Kin males.” “Yeah, yeah. Do something, Trey! I’m freaking out here.” His cousin laughed. “Yeah. You’re not gonna throw up, are you?” “Oh, stars, I hope not.” Izzorah tightened a fist against his stomach. “I prolly couldn’t. I haven’t eaten all day.” “Your pain med says ‘take with food.’” He shrugged. “I’m fine. My arm doesn’t hurt at all.” Trey set both hands on his shoulders and bent down, close enough for Izzorah to see his golden eyes. “Your doctor said you needed it. Because you don’t think you need it doesn’t mean you don’t.” “It makes me sleepy, Trey, and I don’t want to be half asleep while I’m with him. I want to enjoy every single minute.”

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“You’ve got it bad.” Trey flicked his ears and stood. “Give me a minute to work with this so-called hair of yours. More like straw. What did you wash it with, laundry soap? And stop wiggling.” Left arm in its sling, Izzorah put his right hand in his lap. “I used your shampoo.” “Mine is for oily hair. Yours is more dry. What do you use on tour?” “Whatever’s in the hotel. What difference does it make other than smell?” “You are sadly in need of a real education in fashion and grooming. I’ll help you pick something good this weekend. Which reminds me: your tux was totally shredded in the accident. What are you wearing tonight?” Izzorah bounced up off the bed. “I can’t believe I forgot this. I’ve been smelling it all day.” He swung open the closet door and lifted a black garment bag off a hook. He laid it on the bed, opened the front, and stepped back. “Check this out. It feels like silk and smells like cream.” “Cream?” Trey made sniffing noises. “Yeah, it does, kinda. This -- Izzy, how much did you spend on this thing? Icia Teohs aren’t cheap.” “Ish what?” Izzorah bared his claws. “Icia Teoh. She’s the biggest designer in the empire. She’s totally famous. It’s written right on the garment bag. But I guess you wouldn’t know. Damn. How much did you spend on this thing? This shit’s expensive. You could’ve gotten something a lot cheaper.” “I didn’t buy it. He sent it.” Izzorah traced the outline of the gold logo on the black bag. “Can you believe he thought of me? That’s so cool.” “Who sent it?” “Luc Saint-Cyr. It was delivered this morning right after you left for work. The guy who delivered it said it was compliments of Luc Saint-Cyr.” He sat on the bed and ran his right hand across the material. “Yep.” Trey knelt by the bed. “That’s what the card says.” “Card?” “There’s a card on the front. ‘Izzorah, I hope this will do as a replacement tux until I can have one tailored for you.’” Izzorah laid his ears back. “Have one tailored? Is he serious?” “How would I know? You want me to read the rest?” “There’s more? Read!” Trey laughed. “I’ve never seen you like this. He must be something special.” “Oh, Trey, he’s wonderful. Big as a Kin, with these broad shoulders --” He held his hands wide apart. “He fills up my sky.” “He what?” His cousin moved to sit by him.

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“When I stand next to him, he’s so tall he fills up all the light. You know? I can’t see anything but him. I think he’s my warrior.” It was quiet for a moment. The furskin on his cousin’s arm felt warm and smooth, the muscle beneath it solid. “What, keet-sah?” “Your warrior? You mean like your mate? Geez, Izzy. Kin males don’t marry other males. I know you like guys and stuff, but you gotta put marriage out of your head. You met the guy once.” “Three times.” “Kkkhh! Some difference.” “You weren’t there when we met, Trey. You didn’t scent the difference in him. He needs me. I can feel it.” A biting tang of romtzeet sparked into the room. “You really like this guy, don’t you?” “I know you don’t understand, Trey. It’s enough you don’t judge me.” Trey curled fingers into Izzorah’s hair and ruffled it. “I love you, cuz. Believe me, if this guy hurts you, I’ll claw his face off.” Izzorah squeezed his arm. “I’ll be careful.” “Have you ever been in love before?” He laughed. “Are you kidding? I’ve spent five years putting together a career and touring. I barely see you and Fletch. When would I squeeze in a lover?” Trey laid his hand on top of Izzorah’s, the rough edge of his claws sharp. “Listen, cuz, watch yourself around this guy. He’s throwing money at you, and you’re dazzled by it. Not saying a gift is bad or anything, but guys like him… I don’t wanna see you get hurt. He might be after sex.” “And who says I’m not willing to give it to him?” They both laughed. “All I’m saying is” -- Trey set a hand on Izzorah’s shoulder and squeezed it -- “be careful. Ask for his medi-card. You know what one is, don’t you?” “Trey…” He laid both ears back. “And when am I supposed to ask? When he picks me up for dinner go, ‘By the way, can you prove you’re disease free in case we want to screw later?’ Riiiiight.” “You don’t feel comfortable asking him for a medi-card so you know he’s clean?” “No!” His cousin wrapped one hand around the back of Izzorah’s neck and leaned in close, nose to nose. Trey’s golden gaze held Izzorah’s captive. “Then you’re not intimate enough to have sex. You don’t need human diseases ruining your health.” “Trey!” He pulled back. “I’m having fun, not losing my mind.” He leaned his right hand on the bed. “You think I’m gonna jump in bed with him because he takes me to dinner? Besides, I couldn’t read it anyway if he did give it to me.”

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“You skik.” He poked Izzorah with a claw. “They’re white when they’re issued and turn black after a week because they’re no longer valid. That’s all you need to know.” “Still not asking for it. Not planning to have sex with him.” “Yeah, well, he might be planning it with you. Do you have your card?” “They gave me one at the hospital. Should I take it with me?” “Hell, yes. You need to be ready, and if he asks for yours, ask for his. When was the last time you had sex with a human?” Izzorah started to answer, stopped, and frowned. “Not counting kissing? Never.” “That’s what I thought. How many Kin have you fucked?” “Trey, what’s with all the personal stuff? What are you getting at?” His cousin hissed. “You’re a virgin.” “I’m not a virgin.” Izzorah stood and paced away from the bed. “I’ve fooled around with several guys. I’ve never had…you know, actual doing-it type sex.” Trey erupted in chortles of huffing laughter. Izzorah bared fangs, ears back. He stood, gripped Izzorah’s shoulder. “I’m sorry, cuz. Not laughing at you being a virgin. Let your hackles down. With you not being experienced, and this guy having the reputation he does, I don’t want you to end up another bead in his braid, you know? Another trophy.” “You weren’t there.” Izzorah sucked in a deep breath, let it all out. “When Mynkoh introduced us, his scent was as stale as week-old beer. He was sad. I mean, geez, he broke up with Wulf Gabriel only a few weeks ago. The press follows him everywhere. He has no life outside of work. Yesterday when I went to his office, his scent was clean as the air after a rain.” He smiled at the memory. “I want to make him happy, Trey. He deserves happiness.” “You can’t make him happy.” He spread his hands. “You can only do what you think is right for him and let his feelings come from within him. You can’t put them there.” Trey’s words warmed Izzorah like a good pair of gloves in winter. “Thank you. I’ll remember.” “Good. Now tell me more about this guy. What is it you like so much?” “He’s got the most amazing voice you’ve ever heard. It’s like butter on velvet, all deep and full of rich tones. When he talks, it makes me shiver. And he speaks Felis.” “You told me last night.” “I did?” He hugged himself. “It bears repeating. Have you ever seen him?” “On Imperinet. He’s always in the news.” “Do you think he’s attractive?”

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“He’s not bad as humans go. I saw him in person once at the hospital for a ribboncutting ceremony when they started a new wing. Didn’t pay much attention at the time, but everybody was amazed the Harbinger was there. Like he guaranteed success.” “What’s a harbinger, anyway?” “Let’s finish your hair, and I’ll look it up.” “Do it now. I’ll forget. Please?” Trey sighed. “Fine.” He turned on a wall-sized screen. “Look up word. Tarthian definition, ‘harbinger.’” He told Izzorah, “You could do this, you know. Turn it on and ask a question. If it doesn’t understand, it talks you through steps. Besides, it has great sex vids.” “You make it seem so easy, but I’m no good with technology.” “I’ll show you, cuz. Imperinet’s easy.” “Stop calling me cuz. Call me keet-sah.” Trey brushed the backs of his fingers against Izzorah’s arm. “What happened to ‘don’t speak to me in Felis,’ huh?” “I’m embracing my Kin side.” “Uh-huh.” Trey sounded completely unconvinced. “Your human boyfriend speaks Felis, so now it’s cool.” “Boyfriend? I don’t think a man like Luc Saint-Cyr has boyfriends. I’m his date, or escort, or companion, maybe.” “You’ve been studying Etymis. Lots of new words.” “Thanks. Now teach me what harbinger means.” Trey ruffled his hair. “I miss you when you’re on tour.” He ducked out of his cousin’s embrace. “Read!” “Fine. It says, ‘an indication of the approach of a thing or person. Forerunner. Herald, omen, or indication. Someone who foreshadows or anticipates a future event.’ And then it says, ‘Saint-Cyr, Luc, business mogul born 4601 Tradestandard, so called due to --’ Holy! 4601? Izzy, he’s” -- Trey counted on his fingers -- “at least sixty-three years old. Damn, that’s three times your age.” Izzorah chuckled. “In case you’d forgotten, keet-sah, the real ages of people is not something I worry about.” “He’s too old for you.” “Trust me, this man is not old. Humans live a hundred and twenty years or more. He’s middle-aged, Uncle Mehrenn’s age, and no way he’s old. Besides…” He laid back one ear. “Warriors on Felidae take a first mate who’s about seven years younger. Their next mates are usually ten or fifteen years younger. What’s the difference? Besides, have you seen him up close?” He gave a growling purr. Trey laughed. “Fine. If you say so.”

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“Tell me more about the word harbinger.” “Where was I? Um, ‘…so called due to his apparent ability to accurately gauge how someone or something will fare in the future.’ I saw a special on him once. If he sells a stock it affects the entire market.” “Why?” “I don’t know, but it’s already six twenty.” “Six twenty? What’s six twenty? Wait -- the time is six twenty?” He hissed, claws extended all the way. “Trey, help me.” His cousin laughed. “Come on; let’s fix your hair and get you dressed before you hiss yourself into a frenzy.” The front door chose that moment to crash open.

***** The Loft In his shower, Luc stuck his head beneath the cascading water and let the heat of it splash over his shoulders. He squirted a bit of scent-free body gel on his palm and slathered it across his chest and shoulders. The inside of his left wrist brushed his nipple. Eyes closed, he leaned back against the cool glass wall and reached across to his right nipple. It came erect at once, sensitive after so many days without sex. Since Wulf had left, he hadn’t had the heart for it. Release in his dreams was one thing, self-pleasure another. Now, the image of Izzorah filled his mind, emerald cat’s eyes flashing. In two hours, he’d be picking him up for dinner. Izzorah had said he’d be ready, but had he really considered the ramifications of being seen in public with the Harbinger? Wealth afforded privacy but required isolation to enjoy. Dinner at Batchelors Four might exclude the media, but the finest gossip masters in the empire were clients. The moment Luc showed up with Izzorah on his arm, the buzz would start. By the time they’d finished dinner, their relationship, however casual, would be headline news on DNN and every entertainment ezine in the city. Hell, all he had done was show up alone after Wulf left, and someone reported he was drowning a broken heart in whiskey.

Fine. That was true. Luc pinched the bridge of his nose. No longer. Starting tonight, I’m making a comeback, Wulf and Alitus be damned. He lathered his chest. When he kissed Izzorah, would the Kin close his eyes, or keep them open? His innocence and natural curiosity almost guaranteed the answer. Izzorah would want to see everything Luc did. Eyes closed, he brought forth the image of Izzorah.

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He bit the Kin’s lower lip between his teeth and sucked it. Izzorah opened, granted him entry. Luc darted his tongue inside, flicked across his fangs, his cat-barbed tongue, and teased the rough texture. He pulled back, licked the corners of his mouth. “Luc, Luc. Kiss me more.” Izzorah wrapped his arms around his neck and sought his mouth, rising on tiptoe, pulling him down, deepening their kiss. The pure joy of Izzorah coming into his arms, sweet, willing, open, sent a hum of pleasure through Luc. He groaned, balls tight and pulsing for release. He wrapped a hand around his shaft and brought the outer edge of his hand down, hard against the top of his balls at the base of his cock. The pressure heightened the heat coursing through him. “I want to kiss you the way you want, Luc.” Izzorah nuzzled up under his chin, breath hot against Luc’s throat. “Shall I bite you? Or do you want to be licked? Teach me what you want.” “What I want is your mouth on mine anytime I ask it.” Luc dragged him close, curled a fist into Izzorah’s hair, and held him while he kissed his way down his throat and across his shoulder. “Give yourself to me and don’t hold back. I want your lips begging for my kisses.” Izzorah panted, arching his neck. “Yes, that’s it.” Luc set tiny, nipping kisses all along his jawline, out along his chin. “Give yourself to me. Surrender your heart.” “All of me is yours, Luc. Tell me more of what you want.” “I want your tongue inside my mouth and licking down my chest and scraping across my nipples.” He pulled back and rose over him so Izzorah could see his face. “I want this pretty mouth wrapped around my cock. I want you sucking me until your cheeks hollow. I want to look down into these green, green eyes while I come.” “Luc,” Izzorah whispered. He licked the seam of Luc’s mouth. Gentle, slow breath tickling across his skin. “Make me yours.” Luc threw back his head and came, his body jerking with spasm after spasm. The depth of the release made him ache. Soft cries escaped. He shuddered, and it took several minutes before his heart stopped thundering in his chest. When he could gather his strength and turn off the shower, he stood there, trembling, dripping wet, legs braced apart and eyes closed, listening to the hollow song of the water as it drained.

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***** Destine Pietan Memorial District Luc Saint-Cyr’s hoversine The hoversine had been inching ahead for twenty minutes, cars on all sides. Flying above traffic required overrides and permissions, even for Luc Saint-Cyr. He consulted the clock in the car, his mobile, and compared the one displayed on a branch marquee at a Bank of Tarth as they crept past. Perfect matches. James’s voice came over the car’s comm-link. “I’m cutting through Jade Park, sir. Local scans show it’s a clearer path.” Luc sat back, drumming his fingers on the armrest. The screen before him held plenty of work, if only he could focus. They drove past the pavilion and its grand glass atrium where, five years earlier, he’d sworn vows he hadn’t kept.

I, Luc Saint-Cyr, promise to love and cherish only you, Wulf Gabriel, from this day until we mutually agree to separate. I will always love you, Wulf. Our romance will live forever. He turned his head, the sight unbearable. Never again! He clenched both fists. If I ever love another enough to swear vows, I will keep my word no matter if the sky falls and the sun dies in the heavens. More minutes passed, yet the car barely moved. He dropped the screen between himself and his driver. “How long till we get there in this traffic, James?” “I’ve never seen the city this jammed up, sir. Could take nearly an hour.” He growled. He was due to pick up Izzorah in twenty minutes. Closing the screen, he opened his mobile. “Call Shohn Lexius.” The Kin female at idBot answered. Her image fluttered into view across from him in the car. “Good evening, Mr. Saint-Cyr.” “Good evening, Shohn.” He jammed the fingertips of both hands together. “I need a favor, please.” She lowered her ears to the side. “How can I help?” “I’m in the Memorial District, stuck in a traffic jam.” “We’ve been monitoring the situation. The Tradestandard Labor Board is cracking down on illegals tonight. Some big sweep instituted by the palace. Supposedly, there are about fifty Kin whose visas were issued for Armada entry but who never reported for duty.” The hair on Luc’s neck stood up. Izzorah. “Can you get me access around the bottleneck? I’m due near Kelthian General in the next ten minutes.”

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“Easy fix.” Shohn glanced to her left. “I’ll have my people give your car priority. You should be there in five.” “Thank you.” He passed a hand across his hair. “Any chance you have a list of the Kin being picked up?” “Sorry, but I can’t provide immigration information, sir.” She manipulated a control panel he couldn’t see. “Government eyes only. They’re monitoring calls in this area, making sure no one warns the illegals. But since I have you online, do you mind if I pop over my expense report for the week?” Shohn flicked her ears twice, a signal they’d used for other situations. He smiled. “What the hell. Send it. I might as well do something useful while I’m sitting here.” His mobile beeped. A glance showed it had received a file from idBot called expenses. When he selected the icon, idBot’s encryption system flashed symbols on the screen, then changed to a list of Kin names. “This looks good. I’m sure I can approve it.” The car picked up speed. “Thank you, Shohn. We’re unstuck, thanks to you.” “Anytime, sir.” After he disconnected, he scrolled down the list of names, swearing under his breath when he found Izzorah’s. He closed the list. “Call Ms. Mead. Highest priority, encrypted.” Within moments, she appeared, casually dressed, one hand fluffing her hair into place. “Yes, sir?” “I thought I asked you to switch Izzorah’s visa to a regular work type.” “Yes, sir, and I looked into it at once. Mr. Gabriel handled it last year when Kumwhatmay signed their initial contract. Why? What’s wrong?” “You’re sure? He’s legal?” “Oh, yes, sir. And has been, since day one. Lucsondis Personnel is careful about immigrant workers.” “Do we have a copy on file?” “Of course.” “Send it to my mobile.” “Now, sir?” “Right now.” “You’ll have it in two minutes.” “Excellent. One more thing. Contact our mutual friend and have him meet me at Izzorah’s apartment.” Mead chuckled. “I would love to see what you’re up to.”

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He broke into a smile. “If all goes right, you will. Tonight at nine.” He made a gesture of thanks. “Sorry to have interrupted your evening.” “Not at all, sir.” She disconnected. Luc sat back against the seat. If Izzorah’s legal, why does the Labor Board have his

name on their list? Mynkoh said Izzorah thought his visa was out-of-date, and I told Ms. Mead, who contacted Lucsondis Personnel. So who leaked the information to the Labor Board? Or was it to the palace? Shohn said the sweep was initiated by the palace, not the board. In a flash of clarity, he saw the answer. Damn you, Destoiya. He flipped open his mobile. “Call Rheyn.” The empress’s private line rang six times and disconnected. He called right back. Three rings later, she answered in voice mode. “What do you want?” “Why the harassment?” Her annoyed sigh sounded contrived. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” “We’ve known each other too long, weathered too much to play these head games, Rheyn. If you’re angry with me, come after me, not my friends.” “Friends?” Her laugh held no humor. “Do you call your Kin lovers friends these days?” “So, it was you.” “A point for me, Luc. Who else did you think it would be?” At her disconnecting click, he threw the mobile across the car. He lowered the screen between himself and the driver. “How long, James?” “We’re right outside the building, sir, but the Labor Board is signaling we can’t park. They have a patrol wagon out front.” “Stop here.” He grabbed his mobile, stuffed it in his pocket, got out of the car, and slammed the door. He darted around numerous black police hovers and the patrol wagon, with its rear doors open. Cops and copbots were everywhere, armed as if they sought terrorists instead of one Kin with an iffy visa. The street front in this part of town held rows of apartments with wide steps leading to entrances, and basement apartments with windows at street level. A large number of Kin families lived here, and the cleanliness of the neighborhood reflected it. Right now, every window was open and filled with onlookers. Nothing the police did here would be ignored. Luc was counting on that. The second-floor apartment Izzorah shared with his cousin lay straight ahead in an older white stone building. Potted plants flourished on every other step, leading to wide glass-and-wooden doors. When he reached the sidewalk, a copbot with silver skin barred his path. “This area is under investigation. Please step back.” Luc stepped around him, but the copbot barred his way again.

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“This area is under investigation. Please step back.”

Always let others fight the battles, Luc’s old mentor used to say. You clean up the spoils. He caught the attention of a younger human cop standing at the side. “You! Officer. I need immediate access to this building.” He sauntered over, hefting the multibarreled rifle he carried in front of him. “I’m going to have to ask you to step back. This area is under investigation.”

Oh, this is going to be too easy. Luc stepped up onto the curb, which put him a good four or five inches above the cop’s head. “Do you know who I am?” “Sir, you need to back off.” The cop cocked his weapon. Setting both hands on his hips, Luc glowered. “If you want to keep your job, you’ll get your supervisor over here. Now.” Eyes wide, he aimed the weapon at Luc. “Are you threatening me?” A cop with gold on his shoulders ran over, followed by two others. Fortunately, this one had some sense. “Mr. Saint-Cyr! Please excuse this officer. He didn’t recognize you because he’s new. Not to the force, but Tarth.” The other cop’s mouth had dropped open. “Smith, Lackey. Get this man out of here, and never put a newb out front again.” “Yes, sir!” They saluted and hustled off the young cop, who was protesting all the way about following protocols. “I’m sorry, sir.” The senior cop offered his hand. “How can I help?” Luc shook it, making a show of reading his name tag. “Jones. Thank you. I’ll remember your name when I report this incident. I need access to the building.” “I can’t grant access unless you live here or own it.” He decided against giving away too much too soon. “What’s going on, Jones?” “We’re assisting the Tradestandard Labor Board bringing in a runner.” “Runner?” Luc echoed. “Visa violator. A lot of Kin come into the empire on an Armada entrance visa, with no intention to enlist. They want off Felidae. Periodically, the board does a sweep and rounds them all up. Sends them back.” “I see.” Luc passed a hand across his mouth. “Do you get a lot of them in the Kelthian District?” “Oh, yes, sir. Kin congregate. Their culture is family oriented. Even though on Felidae, males are traditionally enemies, once they leave the planet they tend to get along pretty well.” “So there are Kin females in this area too?”

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“Surprisingly, yes. Females on Felidae don’t have much opportunity if they’re not warriors. For the most part” -- Jones gestured around him -- “families here consist of one female, two or three males, and their children.” “I thought multiple mates weren’t legal on Tarth.” Jones gave Luc a “you’re kidding me, right?” look. “What’s legal and what’s done are two different things. The treaty between Felidae and the empire says we can’t interfere. It’s when they become citizens they have a problem. The Kin see it as the empire tearing apart their families. Married Kin almost never apply for citizenship.” “I own a number of businesses in this district. Is crime a problem here?” “No, not at all. This is one of the safest areas in the city. We have no trouble here, other than the occasional runner.” “Hmm.” He narrowed his eyes. “You know a lot about the Kin.” The cop smiled. “Married to one. Live six blocks from here.” “I’m here to pick up a Lucsondis employee.” “Do you have a picture of him or her for identification purposes?” “I do.” He opened his mobile, scrolled to Izzorah’s visa, and opened it. He turned the screen toward Jones. He stepped closer, examined it, and met Luc’s gaze. “What’s his name, sir?” “Izzorah Ceeow.” Jones pulled out his own mobile and started thumbing through screens. He stopped, a puzzled expression on his face, and looked back up at Luc. “Did you say Izzorah Ceeow?” “I did.” “The drummer for Kumwhatmay?” “That’s him.” Luc smiled. “Are you a fan?” “He’s my wife’s cousin. I’ve never met him, but my wife has. They’re not after him.” “Are you certain?” Jones started to answer, held up a finger. “Let me go make sure. If so, I’m sure there’s some mistake. Excuse me. Wait right here, please.” Luc clasped his hands behind him and rocked on the balls of his feet while Jones engaged in a discussion with a woman in a Labor Board uniform. Jones returned with the woman in tow. “Mr. Saint-Cyr, this is Officer Elfman of the Tradestandard Labor Board. She says his visa is expired.” “I’m sure there’s some mistake. He works for Lucsondis Entertainment, Officer Elfman, and Lucsondis Personnel is strict about these things.” Luc handed her the mobile. “Here’s his current one.”

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She perused the screen for several moments. Luc and Jones shared a concerned glance. At last, she looked up. “It seems in order, and it postdates the one we have. If it’s valid, we can all go home. Do you mind if I use this to double-check our copy?” “Not at all.” “Come with me, sir.” Luc shook hands with Jones before following Elfman up the steps and into the building. The first apartment on the right lay open, with a host of cops and Labor Board personnel standing about. Luc followed her inside. “Mr. Saint-Cyr!” Kory Askkot made his way through the crowd of people. “Am I glad to see you!” He’d pulled back his hair into a tail at the nape and wore loose-fitting exercise clothes. “I’ve been trying to reach someone at Lucsondis for almost an hour, ever since Izzorah called me.” Luc shook his hand. “Where is he?” Kory pointed toward the hall. “He threw up on one of the officers. He’s in the bathroom with his cousin, getting cleaned up.” Luc’s heart lurched. “Is he sick? Did they do anything to him?” “No; they scared the hell out of him, though. He doesn’t like people to know this, but he throws up before almost every performance.” Luc lowered his brows. “Stage fright?” “Terrified of crowds. Sometimes he’s shaking so bad, he can hardly hold a drumstick, but once he’s behind his drums, he’s fine. Never misses a performance.” “Let me get rid of a few people. Excuse me, Kory.” He found Elfman, who was comparing the document on Luc’s mobile with one on a larger screen. “May I have a word with you, please, Officer Elfman?” “Yes, sir?” “Surely all these people are not needed for one person.” He gestured around the filled room. Elfman glanced around, stepped forward, and whistled for attention. “Everybody not directly on my staff, outside.” She jerked her thumb toward the door, and then clapped her hands. “Let’s move it. Clear out of here, people.” She motioned over a woman in the same uniform as herself. “Get everybody out of here and shut the door.” The woman saluted and started moving people out. “Thank you, Officer.” Luc bowed. “Any word yet?” “It looks clean, but because the request came from the palace, I can’t dismiss it. I may have to take him in and sort it out later.” Luc gestured, one palm up. “Are you aware he was injured a few days ago and is under medical care?”

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“Uh…” “Lucsondis Entertainment stands to lose a great deal if anything happens to this young Kin. He signed a five-year contract with us.” He drew his brows together. “I’m concerned. If anything jeopardized our contract, our legal staff would look for someone to blame. I’m afraid we have some hotheads down there.” And God bless every one of them. Her gulp was audible. “Izzorah hardly seems like a flight risk, given the fact he’s the drummer for one of the best-known rock bands in the Lucsondis stable, but you’re the professional here.” He clasped both hands behind him. “I know how it can ruin a budget to keep this many people on the clock, when about all they can do is mill about smartly.” He gestured to the half-dozen workers standing around talking. “I imagine you’re worried about doing all this to pick up someone who’s going to be let go in the morning and the incident splashed on every ezine.” Luc gave her a sympathetic smile. “Is there anything I can do to help?” She glanced at the screen, back at Luc, and then closed his mobile and handed it to him. “His visa looks valid to me. If you’d be willing to take responsibility while he’s on Tarth, I could release him into your custody.” “Custody?” Luc forced himself not to smile. “Which would entail…?” “He’d have to remain in your home until all this is straightened out. If that’s too much of an imposition, I’ll have to take him in.” “I would be happy to do so, Officer Elfman.” He offered her his hand. She shook it. “I’ll get the forms ready.” She motioned to her assistant. “Get everybody out. We’re through here.” Luc returned to Kory, who was gawking as the last of the police and Labor Board people filed out. “I don’t know what the hell you did, but I’m glad you did it.” Kory shook his hand, grinning. “I wish you’d been here when this whole circus got started.” He gestured toward the entrance. “Those clowns were gonna put him in handcuffs! He’s got one arm in a sling, and they were trying to make him put his hands behind him. He puked all over the bastards.” “I’d like to have seen…er…maybe not.” Kory laughed. “Are they really all leaving?” “All but one. Elfman will be back with some forms for me to sign. They’re insisting he remain in my custody. He’ll have to stay with me until this blows over.” “Is he legal? He’s been with us two years.” “He’s quite legal, I assure you. Lucsondis Personnel handles such details.” He set a hand on Kory’s shoulder. “I’d like to see Izzorah, if I may. I want to be certain he’s all right, and assure him they’re gone and tell him he’s safe.”

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“Sure thing. Right this way.” Kory led him toward the back.

***** Izzorah’s Apartment Izzorah’s stomach heaved, gagging him. He braced his injured arm against his body with his right hand and bent over the toilet. When he could breathe, he sat back on his knees. Trey knelt on his left, handed him a wet cloth. “Here, keet-sah.” A knock on the bathroom door made Izzorah’s stomach lurch with panic. “I’ll get it.” Trey rubbed his shoulder and stood. He went to the door, whispered with someone, and went out. Izzorah scrubbed the cloth over his face, trying to sort out his thoughts, figure out what he’d do. Without a visa, everything he’d worked for would disappear. His career, his contract with Lucsondis, his future with Luc, his friends, everything. He’d face prison. Worse, they might send him back to Felidae. Bile filled his throat. They’d execute him. Tears stung his eyes. The door opened, clicked shut, and Trey knelt on his left. Izzorah turned toward him, and froze. Instead of his golden-furskinned cousin, it was the dark-skinned Luc Saint-Cyr. “Hello, Izzorah.” All the blood drained from his head. Izzorah fell to the right, slid against the wall. His legs were numb from kneeling for so long, or he’d have run. He clamped his eyes shut, willing himself to disappear. “You’re safe now.” Luc’s voice grounded him in reality, and Izzorah opened his eyes. A flash of white against dark showed as Luc smiled. “I’m here.” “W-why?” Luc tilted his head. “We had a date.” He spoke as if none of the earlier terror had occurred. “I mean -- why are you here, here.” He wiped at his eyes with the heel of his right hand. “Ah. In the bathroom, on the floor, next to the toilet?” Izzorah nodded, wiped at his runny nose with the back of his hand. “I’m taking care of you. Here.” Luc placed a handkerchief in his hand. “But --” Izzorah struggled to hold in the sob fighting for release. He unfolded the handkerchief. “But…but, I --” His teeth chattered.

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“Shh. It’s all right.” Luc shrugged out of his coat. “Your lips are blue. Lean forward.” He moved to drape his coat around Izzorah and sat next to him, one arm around his shoulder. “Come here. Let’s get you warmed up.” Izzorah sank against him. Luc’s warmth felt like a summer breeze on Felidae, and he smelled like cinnapods drying in the sun, their ripe scent bursting into the air. Izzorah inhaled so deeply, he shuddered. Peace. Serenity. Calm. “Your legs must be asleep. Stretch them out.” Luc helped him adjust himself and pulled his coat over him more. “There, much better.” “You’re going to get all dirty sitting on the floor. Your coat will be ruined.” “It’s only a coat.” He drew Izzorah against his chest, curling fingers into his hair. “Are you all right?” He nodded, snuggling against Luc, mesmerized by the sound of his voice, so close to his ear. Clutching Luc’s handkerchief, he set his right hand on the man’s chest, left arm braced between them. “Say something in Felis.”

“Te gard tu feen fffittss ahnahori, Izzorah.” He broke into giggles, shivering, and moved so Luc’s face came into focus. “I needed a laugh. ‘I’ll protect you from those pain-in-the-ass snakes’ is about the last thing I expected you to say. I wish you could.” “I can, and I have.” Luc drew the coat around him and pulled him up closer. “They’re gone. They won’t bother you again.” “Who won’t?” He shuddered. “The police. The Labor Board.” He drew back a damp strand of Izzorah’s hair. “I got rid of them.” “You what?” He faced Luc. “You mean they’re gone? How? They were taking me to jail!” “They can’t.” Luc adjusted the coat to hang better across Izzorah’s shoulders. “I have a copy of the visa Lucsondis set up for you. You’ve been legal since the day you signed your contract with us. I gave them a copy, and once they verify it, they’ll back off for good.” “I’m” -- he clutched his chest -- “I’m legal?” Luc brushed back Izzorah’s hair. “I can’t believe you didn’t know. Someone should have given you written notification of the change.” “Written --” He clenched both fists and groaned, ears down. He hid his face, too ashamed to look at Luc. Someone likely had given him notice. He simply couldn’t read it. “Here, now. Don’t worry.” Luc held out his arms. “It’ll all work out.” Izzorah kept his ears down, snuggled close to Luc, and leaned against him.

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“It’s all right.” Luc’s warmth sheltered him, and Izzorah melted against the man’s body. The hardness of his chest, the rhythm of his heart lulled him, combined with the velvet power of his voice. “Feel better?” “I thought every one of my dreams was going down the toilet. Everything I ever wanted is here on Tarth.” He soaked up the vision of Luc’s face, close enough now to see him clearly. The scent of pride became as strong as wet leather after a rain. Luc drew one finger down Izzorah’s nose. “You are so brave.” “Brave? Me?” He shook his head, laid it against Luc’s chest. “You call throwing up brave?” “Bravery is when you’re afraid, but you face your fear and do what you have to do anyway. Like the way you perform, even though you’re terrified.” He leaned back again. “You know about my stage fright?” Luc nodded. “Kory told me.” He hid his face in his hand. “How embarrassing.” “Hey.” Luc’s voice brought Izzorah’s gaze back to him. “If it was easy, anyone could do it. I’m more impressed than you know.” Izzorah’s cheeks heated, but he couldn’t tear his gaze away from Luc’s smile. “Thank you.” “There’s one small matter we’ll have to take care of. The Labor Board will accept my signature as a voucher for you remaining in the city while they clear up your visa. However, there’s a stipulation.” “Uh-oh.” Izzorah sat up, brushing at his eyes. “What is it?” “You have to stay in my home until it’s over.” “No, I couldn’t.” He shook his head. “No way I could ever ask.” “There’s nothing to ask.” He smiled. “It’s already done. I only have to sign the forms.” This close to him, Izzorah could see the blackness of Luc’s eyes, shining like the sacred birds of prey, the Mortay Wahn. Luc’s smooth skin and thick lashes… He glided his fingertips against Luc’s cheek, down to his strong jaw. His skin matched the velvet of his voice. His black hair was thick, so short it hugged his scalp, tight with curls. “What is it, Izzorah?” Clasping his hand atop Izzorah’s, Luc tilted his head, studying him. “You’re staring as if you’ve never seen me before.” “I --” He let out a breath. I haven’t. “I was thinking how kind your face is. And how handsome.” Luc glanced away. Izzorah withdrew his hand. Nothing in Luc’s scent said he didn’t want to vouch for him. No resentment at all. “You really don’t mind having me stay with you?”

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“I’d be honored to have you as a guest.” The tumult of inner desire warred with honor. “Although I’m more than interested in pursuing a relationship, I promise you’ll be safe from any advances whatsoever. I would never take advantage of a guest staying in my home. A man would be a fool to plunder what he treasures. I would never approach you.” Izzorah held his breath. He treasures me? Luc’s hand felt electric against his skin. He leaned his cheek against it. “Is it taking advantage if I approach you?” The man remained quiet, and Izzorah’s heart kicked into panic mode for fear he’d overstepped. Luc wet his lips. “Before you make any decisions, you need a good night’s sleep. You owe me nothing.” He cupped a hand around Izzorah’s face. “I could not live with myself if I made you feel obligated. Your career will have nothing to do with how you respond to me. I promise whatever happens between us, your needs will always come before mine. I want you to believe me. I honor my word.” “Did --” Izzorah hesitated, flicking one ear. “Never mind.” “I know what you want to ask.” “You do?” He nodded. “You want to know if I said the same thing to Wulf.” Izzorah curled his fingers around the man’s hand. “I had no right to ask. I’m sorry.” “Yes, you did. Ask me anything, Izzorah. I’ll always answer you. It’s been difficult, working with Wulf, but in time, I believe it’ll smooth out. I’d hoped he’d come back to me, but to tell the truth…” Luc’s smile lit Izzorah’s darkness. He tangled his fingers in Izzorah’s hair. “With you, I feel a peace I never knew with Wulf. I loved him. Adored him. But life with him was -- I don’t know how to describe it. We lived in the same house and led two separate lives. We fell out of love more than a year ago but kept pretending, even when we were alone.” Luc sighed. “He fell in love with someone else. I let him go, and then I moped because I was alone and didn’t want to fall in love with another heartbreaker.” Izzorah scented the truth of his words, along with a faint scent that meant Luc himself felt surprised by these truths. Turning his head, Izzorah leaned his cheek against Luc’s palm. How could Wulf ever leave this man? I would cherish him forever. He held Luc’s dark gaze, savoring the man’s warm smile. “I promise not to break your heart. You’re my hero.”

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Chapter Six Izzorah’s Apartment While Trey helped Izzorah throw a few clothes into a bagbot, Luc signed forms for Officer Elfman. A cheer went up outside the apartment and escalated into a sustained howl, as if hundreds of jungle cats yowled at once. “What’s going on?” Luc joined Kory at the window. “It sounds like the concert we gave on Kelthia last month.” He held the curtain wide. “We were in Miraj City for three days, and on the second night, I think every Kin in the city showed up. Izzorah does a drum solo about halfway through the show, and they went wild over it. They kept up that cheer until he played another one. They wouldn’t let me sing, or anyone else play. Only Izzorah.” “Kory’s exaggerating.” Izzorah came out of the bedroom, his robotic suitcase following, Trey behind. “No, Kory’s not,” Kory responded with a laugh. “I’ve never seen Izzy smile so much. He loved it.” “It was embarrassing.” Izzorah covered his eyes. “Everyone stared.” Luc nodded toward the window. “I have a feeling they’re cheering for the Labor Board leaving.” “Got that right.” Elfman shoved hands in her pockets. “No one says a word when we show up to haul someone in, but if we leave empty-handed, they howl. They love it when we screw up or can’t find someone.” Kory propped one hand against the window. “What if you make an arrest?” “It’s like that, only worse. They sound threatening then.”

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“Speerus kinthu.” Luc clasped hands behind him. “Which means?” Elfman waited. “Spirit of pride,” Izzorah translated. “It’s a call to the spirit of the people. They all come out of their homes to watch what’s being done. Ensure no one is mistreated or hurt.” “What about Tyrans?” Kory asked. “I’ve seen them get together at concerts and stamp their hooves. Do they do stuff like…?” He jerked a thumb toward the window. “Tyrans are citizens of the Tarthian Empire, Kory.” Luc held back the curtain on the scene below. “The Labor Board never has to go after them. The Kin, however, only have a treaty with us.” At least two hundred Kin had gathered outside on the sidewalk. Officer Jones had organized his staff to make a pathway from the apartment to the car, and mostly male Kin lined it, a few females among them. Luc’s mobile buzzed in his pocket. A quick check showed a message from Ms. Mead signaling all was ready. He turned it off. “Time to go, Izzorah. Ready?” “Yes, sir.” He hugged Trey, who made him promise to behave himself, and shook hands with Kory, who ruffled his hair like a kid brother. Luc walked around him. “Is your sling all right? Does your arm hurt?” He buttoned the top of his coat around Izzorah. It fell to his boot tops, but he’d be warm. “I’m a little tired.” “When we get home, McDoth, my butler, will fix us something to eat and you can get some sleep. Ready?” He nodded and walked beside Luc to the door. “Fair warning.” One hand on the doorknob, Luc turned toward him. “There’s a crowd out there, but every one of them is your friend.” Standing beside him, the top of Izzorah’s head lay below the top of Luc’s cheekbones. “Believe me; it’s always better to deal with the media immediately. Putting them off only seems to encourage them to make things up in lieu of real news. They’re going to report all this anyway, so we might as well use it to our advantage.” “How?” “By feeding them what we want them to know. I’ll do the talking, and all you have to do is stay close to me. My driver is waiting at the curb, and I will walk you straight there. I won’t let anything happen to you. I promise.” The young Kin angled back his head to meet his gaze. “I’m not afraid.” His lower lip quivered, and he stilled it between his teeth as if to bite back the truth. Luc smiled. “All right.” He set a hand on Izzorah’s shoulder. “Let’s go.” He opened the door and led him into the foyer. “Before we take that final step outside, I want you to look at me.” Izzorah met his gaze. Few people did, but the Kin had never hesitated even once.

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“If you get frightened, look at me.” He leaned down close to him. “Focus on my voice. Don’t look around. Do you trust me?” “Yes, sir.” Luc put both hands on his shoulders. “Then it’s time. I’ll stay on your right. I don’t want to risk bumping into your injured arm.” He opened the front doors, and the moment they stepped through them, another cheer went up. Officer Jones and his crew held the line of Kin from moving forward. Not the way Luc had pictured the evening. This would generate buzz no marketing campaign could stamp out. Izzorah hung back, and Luc waited beside him. “Izzorah, they’re all your friends.” Nostrils flaring, Izzorah shook his head. His chest rose and fell with rapid breaths. “Look at me.” Trembling, Izzorah lifted his head. His lips were a faint blue. “Right here. Focus on my eyes. Deep breath in. Let it all out.” He sucked in a ragged breath, blew it out. “Good. You’re doing well! I’m going to put my arm around your shoulders. Lean on me.” He hung his left arm loosely across Izzorah’s shoulders. Izzorah wrapped his right arm around Luc’s waist. He stiffened at the feel of claws and placed his hand over Izzorah’s. “Easy.” The young Kin panted, but he gripped with a little less vigor. Once they reached the bottom of the steps, however, and the silver-skinned android from Droid News Network made its presence known, Luc got another taste of claws. He jammed his tongue against the back of his teeth to keep from crying out. When the android extended a camera arm toward them, Izzorah hid his face against Luc’s chest. Another of the droid’s appendages ended in a positional mike. “Our viewers would appreciate a comment, Mr. Saint-Cyr. What’s your take on this situation? Has the Labor Board overstepped its boundaries?” Luc kept walking, despite the death grip Izzorah had with his claws. “Let me escort Mr. Ceeow to the car, and I’ll be happy to answer your questions, Andy.” He steadied Izzorah as they covered the twenty or so steps to the open car door. Kin on either side of the pathway shouted support for Izzorah and more than half took up the chant, “Luc, Luc, Luc, Luc.” The hair on the back of Luc’s neck prickled at the sound. At the car, the driver picked up the bagbot and stowed it in the trunk. Luc guided Izzorah into the car and seated him. He stooped beside the open door. “I’ll only be a moment. You’re safe in here. No one will bother you. Are you all right?” He nodded, visibly shaken. “Scoot across the seat toward the center. The glass is darkened. No one will be able to see in.”

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When Izzorah obeyed, Luc stood, turned to face DNN’s metal-skinned reporter. “I’m all yours, Andy. Thanks for your patience.” DNN’s famous android reporter swept his camera arm outward, filming the neighborhood while focusing camera-bot eyes on Luc. “Has the Labor Board overstepped its boundaries in this case, sir? What are your feelings on today’s situation?” “Izzorah Ceeow is a member of Kumwhatmay, under contract to Lucsondis. He’s here after an exhausting tour to sign a record-breaking five-year agreement with our company. Let me make this clear. Lucsondis Entertainment always ensures its employees and contracted professionals are fully legal workers and carry proper visas. While the Tradestandard Labor Board is simply trying to carry out its directives, even cursory research would have shown him to be fully authorized for work in the Tarthian Empire.” “So you feel the board was acting outside of its authority in this case.” Luc smiled. “Officer Elfman of the Tradestandard Labor Board handled this case in the most expeditious manner possible once she understood that her sources were outdated. The board is hampered by government regulations that tie its hands with a refusal to buy needed equipment and resources that would prevent this sort of error. That, my friend, is solely the blame of the highest levels of government, not fine employees such as Officer Elfman and her crew. All my companies offer far more than the minimum wage and we do not employ slaves. No one should have to sell him- or herself in order to survive. Far from crumbling, as so many businesses are, our companies thrive. Fair, honest wages, and adequate benefits produce loyal employees, and in turn satisfied customers.” “Is Izzorah Ceeow really a ‘runner,’ as the board insists?” “I’m glad you asked. Officer Jones, one of Tarth City’s finest, tells me the community the Kin have built here in the Kelthian District is the epitome of safe neighborhoods. Rather than applaud their work, however, the empress calls anyone who enters on an Armadainterested visa a ‘runner’ if he doesn’t enlist. The understaffed and underequipped Labor Board is left to ferret out the few who dare opt for a life outside service in the Conqueror’s Armada.” He shook his head. “Anyone can see what a travesty that is. Izzorah Ceeow is guilty of nothing more than reaching for a fresh start on a new world, and he should not be penalized for doing so. No one should be deprived of life, liberty, or property without appropriate legal procedures and safeguards.” “What type of legal action will be taken to protect him?” “Lucsondis will take whatever steps are necessary. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go.” He started to open the car door. “One more question, sir! Could you explain why Mr. Ceeow is wearing a sling on his left arm? Was he injured during his questioning?” “He suffered an unfortunate accident a few days ago. The group was staying in an apartment in the Lucsondis-owned Renyoj Building when a glass door shattered, injuring

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him. Upon examination of the door, I ordered an investigation of the building’s construction company.” “Can you divulge the name of the company, Mr. Saint-Cyr?” “Not at this time, Andy.” “Will Lucsondis bring a lawsuit against the Labor Board on behalf of Mr. Ceeow?” “That decision rests solely with the Lucsondis legal division after an investigation. Now, Andy, I must go, but I appreciate DNN’s thorough coverage and fair reporting of this incident.” “DNN thanks you for taking the time to speak with us today.” Andy’s various arms retracted as he turned away. Luc pulled open the door and slid inside the darker confines of the vehicle, on Izzorah’s left. “I’m sorry you had to wait.” The Kin was holding his left arm, his face grim. “You’re in pain.” The car pulled away from the curb. Luc lifted the opposite seat, taking out a thick, dark blanket from a compartment beneath it. “Here. Let’s get you bundled up.” Izzorah gave him a shivery smile as Luc pulled the blanket up and tucked him in. “You rescued me again.” “My pleasure.” He held out an arm. “Lean against me. I’ll keep you warm.” He set his hand on Izzorah’s opposite shoulder, his arm behind him. “Better?” “Mmm.” Izzorah snuggled close, head on Luc’s right shoulder, his injured arm between them. “There.” Luc caressed Izzorah’s right arm, kept him close against his own body. He tucked the blanket beneath his chin. Izzorah fit against him perfectly, his shoulder beneath Luc’s arm. “Comfy?” He nodded. The tip of one of his ears tickled Luc’s chin as he tilted back his head to look up. “Never been in a limo this big before. Even on tour.” “I have one big enough for dancing.” He drew back and squinted at Luc. “No way!” “True. I’ll show you when you feel better.” “Huh.” Izzorah snuggled against him again. “You talked to Andy like you’ve known him forever. I’ve seen him on Imperinet ever since I can remember. When my parents finally hooked up our first satellite link for Imperinet, he was the first person we saw. I don’t remember it, but my mother said I hissed myself sick over him. He’s so scary.” “What frightens you about him?” “He’s all shiny. I can’t figure out where I’m supposed to look.” He peeked up at Luc. “And he’s got all those arms.” He shuddered. “Are you going to be on News at Nine?”

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“Along with you, no doubt. We’ll watch it after dinner, if you’re up to it.” He braced himself in the corner and drew Izzorah back against him. “The Andys will seem less scary once you’ve seen them a few times.” “If you say so.” He nestled against him, one hand on Luc’s chest. “There are about a hundred and fifty of them, several on each world in the empire, but they operate like one person. What you say to one, all the rest of them hear about.” “How do they do that?” “The wonders of technology. If you want to know more, I’ll have McDoth explain it to you.” “Your butler? He knows a lot about androids?” “McDoth is an android.” “Oh.” Izzorah lifted his head. “Is he shiny too?” “No, McDoth is fully sentient, human fleshed, shorter than me, but a bit taller than you. It seems like I’ve known him forever. I trust him with my life.” Izzorah smiled. “I can’t wait to meet him then.” “He runs my entire household and is in charge of security too. If he tells you to do something, it’s the same as if I tell you. It will be his duty to keep you safe.” He brushed back a stray lock of Izzorah’s dark hair. “I want you to obey him. Will you do that?” He squinted a little, tilted his head. “If this was Felidae, that would be the same power as a warrior’s first domina. The senior mate. All lesser mates obey him.” Luc chuckled at that, shoulders shaking with laughter. “Oh, I’d love to see McDoth’s face if he found out you equated him to being my wife.” He gasped and set a hand over his heart. “You aren’t going to tell him, are you?” Wiping his eyes, Luc shook his head. “I was joking, but I’m tempted, so I can get a rise out of him. I’m serious about you obeying him, though.” If Izzorah was going to balk, it would be at this. “Promise me you’ll obey him. It’s for your own safety, or I wouldn’t ask it.” He nodded, face solemn. “Yes, Luc.” Unlike most males, Izzorah did not resist control or fight off everyone who attempted to influence him. He did exactly the opposite. Which was part of the reason he was so damned irresistible. Izzorah yielded. How far will he go? How much is he willing to obey? Luc smiled. “Hearing my name come out of your mouth was amazing. I love the way you say it.” He broke into a smile. “You’re teasing me again. I was afraid to say it. I didn’t want you to think I don’t respect you.” “What a treasure you are. Say my name again.” Luc toyed with one of Izzorah’s ears. “Please.”

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Izzorah blushed, head down. He peeked up through a fringe of spiky black lashes, his cat’s eyes flashing green and blue in the low light. “Thank you for rescuing me…Luc.” He picked up Izzorah’s right hand and kissed it. “Believe me, the pleasure is entirely mine.” He snuggled him close. “Try to rest a bit. You’ve had a harrowing evening.” The Kin kept his head on Luc’s shoulder. “What does ‘harrowing’ mean?” “‘Harrowing’ means extremely difficult to bear. Like torture.” With a small sound of dismay, he leaned harder against Luc. “Sometimes my whole life feels like that.” “Shh. I’m here.” Luc cuddled him, resting his chin atop Izzorah’s head. “You’re safe. Nothing will harm you. I give you my word.” A sighing shudder passed over him, but by degrees, Izzorah relaxed. Within a matter of a few blocks, his even breathing said he dozed. Left-handed, Luc withdrew his mobile, flipped it open, and scrolled to the text-only mode. Careful not to disturb Izzorah, he typed eight words with his right. The car pulled into the Nizamrak Building, and as Izzorah stirred awake, Luc sent the message to the Conqueror’s private line.

Point for me this time. News at Nine.

***** The Loft Izzorah sat up straight and knuckled his eyes, disoriented at first. It felt close, like a small room. “Where are we?” “Almost home. We’re in the car.” “I must’ve dozed off.” “You needed the nap.” Luc sat close to him. His voice sounded hollow inside the car now that Izzorah didn’t lean against his chest. “We’ll be home in a minute. It takes a little time. We’re on the top.” “So we are moving upward. I thought I was imagining it.” When the car finally came to a stop, Luc didn’t move, so neither did Izzorah. “What are we waiting for?” Luc rested one hand on Izzorah’s closest thigh. “The driver.” The door opened next to Luc, and he got out, turned, and held down a hand to Izzorah. “Allow me. You look a bit unsteady.” He took Luc’s hand and stepped out into a chilly breeze. He shivered. Luc wrapped his coat closer around Izzorah, keeping one arm around him as they walked. “Let’s get you inside.” Over his shoulder, Luc said something to the driver about erecting shields.

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Tucked against the warmth of Luc’s body, Izzorah wrapped one arm around him. “What are shields?” “They protect the rooftop parking from the weather. With them up, we won’t feel the cold or wind. I don’t use them during spring or summer, as a rule, but it’s getting colder. It’s time.” They crossed a dark pathway to a lighted door and stepped into a warm, paneled hallway. The smell of rich wood reminded him instantly of home, and Izzorah drew a deep breath. Human places usually reeked of cleaners and soaps. This smelled as fresh as his father’s house. A pang of homesickness tugged at his heart. A person approached, but no scent clung to him, almost as if he wasn’t there. “Welcome, Master Izzorah.” “I remember you.” Izzorah stuck out his hand. “You brought me the tuxedo.” He shook Izzorah’s hand and bowed. “McDoth, at your service.” “I had no idea you were an android.” Izzorah bowed. “Luc explained that I have to obey you. I promise, I won’t give you any trouble.” A faint spark of peppermint filled the air -- amusement from Luc. Nothing from McDoth at all. How would he ever know what the android felt if he couldn’t smell his emotions? Had he already offended somehow? He sidled closer to Luc. Luc made that coughing sound that Kory did when it was impolite to speak his mind. “Izzorah will be staying with us for a few days, McDoth. I told him you were in charge of security. After that run-in with the Labor Board over his visa, I don’t want a repeat performance of their heavy-handed tactics. Guard him with your life. No one gets access to him without my express approval.” “As you wish, sir.” “Come inside, Izzorah. I want to get you settled before we have dinner.” “Yes, Luc.” He would go anywhere the man led him if it kept him within the warmth of his arms. “Your rooms are down this hall and to the right. When you come out, turn right again, and go to the end of the corridor, and turn left. It will take you straight to the dining room. If you go right, it leads to the gym.” “Thank you.” Simple directions, and Luc gave them as if he knew Izzorah found his way everywhere by feel and memory. “Here we are.” Luc opened a door on the right. “This is your sitting room. There’s a couch, a chair, and a console where you can watch Imperinet or read online. There’s even a screen over the bed.” He opened double doors. “This is your bedroom. The bath is to your right.” A light came on as Luc opened that door. “Corner tub and shower on the left, toilet through the door next to them. Sink and mirror right here. McDoth will bring you a stack of

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fresh towels so you can bathe. He never sleeps, so you’re likely to find him working in the middle of the night if you wander the house.” “Never?” He slid his right hand into Luc’s, unwilling to let him go. “Never. Now and then he powers down for an upload or download from the house’s mainframe, but otherwise, he’s on all the time. He’s the brain for the house, actually. Everything automatic is run by him, from the toaster to the lights, the alarm system, and even our Imperinet connection.” “Wow. If he broke down, what would happen?” “His fail-safes would kick in.” “What are fail-safes?” Luc draped an arm around his shoulder while he talked, petting the furskin on Izzorah’s nape with the tips of his fingers. Luc’s caress distracted him so badly he had no idea what the man said, and was too ashamed to admit he’d missed it. When Luc finished speaking, Izzorah nodded as if he’d paid attention. “The driver will bring in your bag and unpack for you. If you need anything or realize you forgot something, let one of us know and we’ll get it for you, or replace it.” “You aren’t leaving, are you?” He lifted his face toward Luc’s and laid a hand against the man’s chest. “Please stay.” “I --” He paused and then stepped closer, as if understanding Izzorah’s need. “All right.” He wrapped both arms around him, and Izzorah slipped his good arm around Luc’s waist, head on his chest. “But let’s get you off your feet, Izzorah. You need to rest.” He let Luc lead him back to the sitting room and sat beside him on the couch. He took his place on Luc’s right, resting his head on the man’s shoulder. “Am I hurting your arm?” Luc lifted his own arm and put it around him. “No. It feels good being next to you. Your warmth makes it much better.” “If I could take away what happened to you tonight, I would, Izzorah. They had no right to harm you. It incenses me that they dared.” His scent grew peppery. Izzorah rubbed his nose. “I don’t want to be alone.” Luc sifted his fingers through Izzorah’s hair. “We were going to spend the evening together anyway. I only wish it could be under better circumstances.” “We’re together. That’s all that matters.” He leaned against Luc’s hand. “It’s so comforting, being here with you.” He tilted back his head to offer a smile. Luc was gazing down at him, dark eyes glittering. He put a kiss on Izzorah’s brow and moved his fingers through his hair, playing idly with a few strands at a time, as if he planned to fondle every part of him and had all the time in the world. Izzorah rocked his head, savoring the erotic feel. His cock rose, thickened. He closed his eyes, melting with the heat Luc’s nearness evoked, giving himself over to the gentle

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pleasure of a human’s caress. He surrendered to the tug of Luc’s hand, one of his ears captured between fingers and thumb, pulled softly from the root out to the tip. The firm pressure drove a deep, sensual ache right through him. He spread his legs and purred. Luc’s body beside his had been warm; now it escalated to a furnace. The man leaned down, mouth next to his ear, breath tickling. Izzorah turned the ear toward him, opening it to Luc, inviting him to lick. Tempting him to bite. Take. Use. Luc stroked his fingers through Izzorah’s hair once more, opened his hand, and sat up. “I promised you I wouldn’t make advances. If I keep this up, I’ll violate my word.” Izzorah drew their linked hands to his cheek. “I feel safe when I’m with you. I don’t want you to stop. It isn’t a violation if I wanted you. You said so.” Luc curled a fist into Izzorah’s hair and moved close, mouth to mouth. “If you truly want me,” he whispered, breath warm against Izzorah’s lips, “I will dedicate myself to satisfying every desire of your heart.” Passion roared to life, scorching Izzorah with its intensity. “I do want you, Luc.” He leaned forward, yearning to feel the warmth of Luc’s mouth. The man pulled back only enough to separate them, one finger against Izzorah’s lips. “Then I ask you to wait until you’ve eaten and had a good night’s sleep.” A sob of frustration left his throat. “Why?” “I rescued you, and you’re feeling grateful.” A smile softened the hard glitter of his eyes. “I want a partner who knows his own mind and comes to my bed because he wants me, not because I protected him.” When Izzorah started to protest, Luc withdrew further, his scent at odds with his actions. Desire warred with honor. There was something else, an almost-indefinable difference. Wariness, perhaps, as if he’d been in this situation before. Had his relationship with Wulf tempered this refusal? “I respect your concern.” Izzorah brought his ears forward, lowered to show he submitted. “You want to be sure I know what I want.” He sheathed his claws, unaware until now he’d released them. “Thank you, but I do know, Luc, and I do want you.” He half closed his eyes, inhaling Luc’s masculine scent. “I can tell you want me.” “Yes, damn it.” Luc clenched his fists, opened them to press the fingers of both hands against his brow. He shook his head, lowered his hands. “I crave you the way a thirsty man craves water, but I care about you too much to indulge myself at your expense. You’re tired, you’re in pain, and you feel you owe me something. Shh.” He set one finger against Izzorah’s mouth. “Tomorrow, in the light of day, if I’m what you want…come to me. I ask nothing from you, Izzorah, except for you to come to me of your own free will.” Luc stood, held down one hand. “For now, let’s go have dinner and enjoy the rest our evening.”

*****

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The Loft Sofftem 27 A tap at his bedroom door drew Luc’s attention from the contract screen he was reading. The clock read 4:22 a.m. Had Izzorah taken his admonishment to wait until “tomorrow” literally? He set aside the screen and got out of bed, pulling on his robe on the way to the door. Steeling his resolve, Luc squared his shoulders and opened it. “Oh.” His android butler stood there. An empty hallway lay in both directions. “It’s you.” One finely arched brow lifted. “Who else were you expecting?” McDoth showed a hint of a smile. “Shut up and come in.” He stepped back, shut the door behind him. “What’s up?” “I checked on Master Izzorah. He’s sleeping well.” “Good. Thanks for your help getting him to bed earlier. I’m surprised such a small amount of wine made him so woozy.” “It wasn’t merely the wine, sir. While dinner was heating, I counted the pain medication his doctor prescribed, which was packed in his bagbot. By my calculations, he’s taken no more than three doses, when he should have had at least twelve. His tightly drawn mouth and stiff movements indicated pain, so I took the liberty of crushing one of the tablets into the butter sauce I served over his vegetables. He had several helpings.” “Ah, so that’s why he conked out after dinner.” Luc swept a hand through his hair. “Good thinking, McDoth. Thank you. I’d appreciate it if you’d continue to monitor its use. It’s not addictive, is it?” “Not at all. My pharmaceutical database says it’s simply a strong pain reliever prescribed solely for Kin. Quite tasteless, so he never suspected it was there.” “Good. Thanks for your help.” “My pleasure, sir. One question, if I may?” “Ask it.” “Might you be missing a handkerchief?” Out of habit, Luc patted pockets and then frowned at the android. “I don’t generally wear one with my pajamas. Why?” “Master Izzorah clutched one in his hand as he slept. It looked like your monogram on one corner, but I wasn’t sure, as it was white against white.” “Oh, yes. I remember. I gave it to him.” Luc slipped both hands into the pockets of his robe. “You said he was holding it in his sleep?” “Next to his face. By the way, may I say it’s good to see you back to your usual sleepless self.”

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Sempervians needed little more than catnaps, but since Wulf had left, Luc had slept five or six hours a night. A record, for him. Depression. “I appreciate the sentiment, McDoth, but I’m bored senseless being alone all night.” He gestured toward the contract screen discarded on his rumpled bed. “I’ve resorted to bringing work home.” The android set both hands behind him and bowed, but Luc caught his knowing grin. “I’m sure the situation will change in short order,” he murmured. “Good night, sir.” After the door shut, Luc remained where he was, arms folded across his chest. The image of Izzorah sleeping with his handkerchief for comfort burned itself into his mind. How could he have let this young beauty be injured while in his care, once at the Renyoj and then again at his cousin’s home? He should have been safe. Tonight’s fiasco had started because Lucsondis Personnel hadn’t notified him of his valid visa status. Heads would roll in the morning.

And now the poor lad’s in my own home, drugged into a stupor to relieve pain. My fault, all of it. I should have managed this better. Ms. Mead can’t do everything. Luc ground his teeth together. How dare those bastards at the Labor Board hurt him! He started toward the door but brought himself up short, hands clenched. Where do you think you’re going, old man? Yes, he’ll be comforted if you go to him. And so will you. Keep your word, Luc Saint-Cyr. Let him come to you. Not trusting himself to remain in the same house with Izzorah, Luc dressed. On the roof, he undocked a minihover he could pilot himself and climbed aboard. He notified idBot’s traffic network of his target location and then launched the one-seater over the edge of the building. The lift from the breeze up the Nizamrak’s sheer sides rocked the hover, and Luc used it to gain altitude. Below, the breakneck pace of a city that never slept carried on in the pink predawn light. Ground traffic streamed into the business district. Tube trains snaked through the city, crawling up the sides of buildings. He headed toward the Di Consueto District. One more look at that broken door ought to tell him whether it was poor workmanship or poor building supplies. Either way, some careless SOB was going to pay. He dive-bombed the rooftop parking of the Renyoj.

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Chapter Seven Lucsondis Entertainment Luc had been at his desk for more than two hours before Ms. Mead walked in with a stack of contracts. Upon seeing him, she jerked back and nearly dropped everything. He stood. “Are you all right?” She placed a hand over her heart. “Goodness, you startled me, sir.” She stacked the contracts on his desk and straightened them. “I haven’t seen you here at this hour since -um…” “Since before Wulf left me?” He seated himself again and tossed his stylus on the desk. “It’s all right. I realize I haven’t been myself since he dumped me.” “Oh, sir! I’m sure he --” “Ms. Mead.” He met her gaze. “Let’s be honest. There’s no kind word for it. He dumped me, and you can say it. Everyone in the media does.” “I don’t know how you bear such acerbic coverage.” She clasped her hands. “The media scrutinizes both your actions in the most minute detail.” “True. I’ve tried not to give them fodder, but today I discovered my rescue of Izzorah Ceeow has been splashed across Imperinet. It’s my own damn fault. I thought granting an interview with Andy would slant things in my favor for once. Have you seen the headlines on Idle Time Ezine?” He arced a hand through the air. “‘Harbinger Thwarts Palace Initiative.’” He shook his head. “I’m surprised we haven’t already been visited by the Praetorian Guard demanding an apology.” “I wouldn’t worry, sir.” Mead folded her arms. “I watched News at Nine last night. The moment it was over, I drafted an official statement for you, affirming your loyalty to the

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crown. If public opinion tilts against us, I’ll release it. I have another one with a slightly different bent if opinion goes the other way. Neither is inflammatory; both emphasize your stance on worker rights and the plight of Kin males.” He grinned. “You are a gem. I don’t know what I’d do without you.” “I have a soft spot for the Kin myself.” She patted her hair. “Perhaps this will turn media attention away from your private life. I imagine you’re quite tired of the same old questions and endless speculations.” “You have no idea.” He picked up his coffee, discovered it was empty, and held on to the mug anyway. “Last night, in helping Izzorah, I realized I needed to get on with my life and stop pining. Start thinking of others again. It’s not as if Wulf will be back.” He turned the cup back and forth in his hands. “Truth be told, our breakup is for the best. We’ll both be happier. The last year has been hell. I’ve tried everything I could think of to bring the magic back, but nothing worked. I couldn’t even make him jealous, though God knows” -- he set down the mug -- “I tried.” She realigned the same stack of contracts she’d straightened a moment before. “Ms. Mead, I am so sorry.” He stood, went around his desk to stand in front of her. “I tend to brood over things, and I shouldn’t have dragged you into my problems. You came to work for me the day Wulf came back into my life. Do you remember?” “Do I! He hung up on me, and I was terrified you’d fire me. Word was you’d fired three others the same month before I started.” He coughed politely. “Five.” She broke into a smile. “I’ve never seen you happier than you were the first year you were together. The past few weeks…” Mead shook her head, looked up at him through a glimmer of tears. She brushed at her eyes. “I’m sorry, sir. I’ve hated seeing you like this. I adore Mr. Gabriel, but I was so glad when he left for Ohy last week. Every time the two of you were in the room, the tension was palpable.” She made a broad gesture. “Everyone could feel it, but no one wanted to say anything. We were all waiting for the other shoe to drop.” Luc brushed a hand down her arm. “I’m sorry. It was bad enough for the two of us. I didn’t realize the entire company was being affected. I’m surprised you haven’t left. You must have headhunters after you all the time.” She smiled. “Oh, I do. Constantly. This has been the most challenging job of my life, and working with you is extremely difficult. You push me to the limits of my ability every single day.” Before he could apologize, she laughed. “It’s quite all right. I’ve learned how much I can do. I look forward to being here. You have no idea how much it’s changed my life, working for you. I hope you won’t take it as an insult to Mr. Gabriel, because it’s not meant in that way at all, and I do respect him. But frankly, sir, I would never leave you for anyone. Period.”

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Smiling, he passed a hand across his mouth, at a loss for words. “Well, I see you’ve already emptied your coffee cup.” She picked it up. “And the pot as well.” She crossed to it, picked up the pot, and carried them both to the door. “I’ll get Joe in here with fresh in a few minutes. Goodness knows, without your daily poison, you’ll never get anything done.” She breezed out the door. Twenty minutes later, he’d sucked down two more cups and signed off on a slew of new contracts he’d been avoiding because he couldn’t concentrate. Mead buzzed him to say the personnel director had responded to his meeting request and was waiting. Luc sat back, steepled his fingers, and brought them up against his mouth. “Good. Send him in.” He didn’t stand. “I saw News at Nine,” Maxwell said without preamble. “You must’ve been mad as hell.” “You think?” Luc gestured him to a chair. “Izzorah Ceeow was under the impression his visa wasn’t legal. You already know how I feel about providing work for Kin males. I’d hire every damn one of them if I could, visa requirements and the palace be damned. But why wouldn’t he know he was legal? Why didn’t we make it clear to him he’d been approved for work?” “I thought the same thing. Turns out, we did.” He withdrew a note reader from an inside pocket, switched it on, and passed it to Luc. “Here’s the record of all the forms he signed, including one accepting his new visa.” Luc skimmed through the documents. The entire package was there, identical to the one they offered every Kin performer. “What the hell?” He handed it back. “I don’t understand this.” “Neither do I, sir. It’s possible he didn’t remember, I suppose, but the entire group was there, and we went over every detail.” “Izzorah is the only Kin member of the group.” “Right.” Luc frowned. “Perhaps there was a language barrier.” “He read everything we gave him. I recall he and Kory Askkot discussed several points, but he seemed satisfied.” “You were there?” “I was. We had all the usual people. The group, their agent, manager, a corporate lawyer, Wulf Gabriel, and me. And a photoborg. Same way we do every signing. Has he said why he thought his visa wasn’t legal?” Luc sat back. Izzorah was the one person he hadn’t questioned. “No. But I’ll find out.” He braced his hands on the chair, as if to rise. “Anything else?” “No.” He stood and shook Maxwell’s hand. “Good work, having details ready. I’ll talk to Izzorah myself and see what I can find out.”

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Ms. Mead entered as Maxwell left. “Thought you’d want to know personally, sir. Our corporate lawyers messaged me that the court accepted our suit against the Renyoj Building’s construction company. They’ll be subpoenaed later today.” “Excellent.” He set both hands behind him. “Early this morning, I went back to the site where Izzorah had his accident. I had asked for nothing to be moved, and when I walked onto the balcony and saw shards of bloody glass everywhere, the pool of dried blood where he’d fallen…” He shook himself. “I spent thirty minutes talking to the super of the building. There have been fifteen similar injuries over the last three years, two of them children.” Mead gasped. “I had no idea.” “There’s a submanagement group that handles leases and maintenance. Find out who they are and fire them. Then do a press release announcing the results of our investigation. I want you to hire some top-notch people over there, and everyone who’s had a complaint or an injury compensated. I realize it’ll take the rest of your day. Anything else I’ve asked you to do, set it aside.” “The rest of the day?” She clasped a hand to her heart. “Sir, it could take a month. I’ll have to interview companies, set up a compensation program, review --” “Fine. Then hire help. I want it done.” He started to walk away, stopped, and turned back. “You oversee it, Ms. Mead. You will get it right.” She smiled, bowing. “Of course, sir. Right away.”

***** The Loft Izzorah rolled over in bed and pulled his pillow closer. The alarm hadn’t gone off, and it always went off way too early on tour. There was light in the room, and he felt rested. Uhoh. Bad sign. Please tell me I didn’t oversleep again. Kory’s going to kill me if I make us late. He sat up and dropped his feet over the side of the bed. The plush carpet beneath his toes felt warm, as if heated from beneath. He curled his toes into it and stretched both arms wide. Until then, his left arm hadn’t hurt. The dull, throbbing ache reminded him of how he’d injured himself, and where he was. The home of Luc Saint-Cyr. The rest of the evening swam back like a school of sunfish nibbling at bait, bringing flashes of memory. “I will dedicate myself to satisfying every desire of your heart.” Those words brought a flush of heat to Izzorah’s cheeks. “I want a partner who knows his own mind and comes to my bed because he wants me, not because I protected him.” Luc cared for him when he could’ve made a fool of himself. Put him to bed after he’d gotten half drunk on a couple of glasses of wine.

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A spot of white on the carpet caught his attention, and Izzorah picked it up. Luc’s handkerchief. He brought it to his nose and inhaled the man’s scent. “Mmm.” No cologne, simply the scent of Luc the man. Izzorah felt his claws come out, his cock already morning hard. Tonight, when he comes home, tonight I’ll… He let out a sighing breath. You’ll what, Izzy? Say, “Hi, how was your day? I’m ready for you to fuck me now”? I’ve never seduced anyone. What does he want me to do? He ran a hand across his ears one at a time, smoothing his furskin. A sudden thought made him purr.

Be waiting for him, Izzy. Can you imagine Luc Saint-Cyr not leading you down the right path? Luc won’t leave me without a clue. He’ll make himself available, and when he does, I’ll take advantage of it. He stood and tried to get his bearings, used to waking in a new hotel almost every day. He found his way to the bathroom and used it. On the floor near the toilet sat a box of sand for his toe claws. Best way in the world to clean them. Hotels never had these. Izzorah stepped into the sand, dug his toes into it, and sighed. This is warm! Now that’s luxury. Warm toe sand. Imagine. Luc must have Kin here frequently if he provides this. Unless… What if he has a cat for a pet and this is warm because… “Eww!” He leaped out of the box and brushed off his feet. It hurt his left arm to brush off his right foot, so he hopped around on his left, trying to brush it with his right hand. Sand had scattered everywhere, and his tidy half wanted to brush it up and redeposit it back into the box. His eww-don’t-touch-it instincts won out, however, and he brushed off his hands over the sink and spread a towel on the floor to cover the sand. Inside the glass-enclosed shower, water beat on his shoulders, steaming the chamber. The protective covering over his wound kept moisture out, and he tried not to rub it any more than necessary, but it itched when splashed with hot water. It’s healing, his dad would say. To keep himself from scratching, Izzorah ducked his head under the water. A dispenser with two valves hung on the wall beneath the spray nozzle. He squirted one with shampoo smell and lathered it into his hair. I wonder if this is for oily hair? Or did Trey say mine was dry? He growled. No matter. I only want to be clean. The white towels were fluffier than the ones in hotels, and bigger. Everything smelled clean, fresh, with no lingering human scents at all. He wrapped one towel around his waist and another around his neck and then set about shaving. Satisfied with his grooming, Izzorah returned to his room, opened the bagbot, and found it empty. Someone had hung everything in the closet or folded things into drawers. He compared the amount of items present with what he remembered packing, and stepped back. Everything he owned was here. Or was it? He rummaged through drawers.

Yep. Even the things he’d kept at Trey’s and only wore when they were on break. I didn’t pack this. Someone went to Trey’s and picked it all up. McDoth? Why, if this stay is only for a few days? He clutched a hand to the base of his throat. Maybe there’s a problem

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with my visa. Maybe I’m not legal like they think. He shut his eyes. Why did I have to go and tell Aylogee Mynkoh? I should’ve known she’d hiss it to the rooftops. He pulled on loose pants and his favorite Iron Soul T-shirt with the group’s logo. Kumwhatmay had toured with them for two months, and the drummer had given him the shirt. Izzorah wore it every time it was clean, and most of the time when it wasn’t. He’d worn holes all over it, stained it with paint when they’d helped Iron Soul create a banner, and the edges were ragged. Perfect for wearing around the house. He put on the brown slippers by the bed. Wait. These aren’t mine. He took them off, put them back beside the bed, and then sat down and picked them back up. Maybe they’re a gift. Maybe I should wear them. He waited a moment, stood, but sat back down and pulled on the slippers. He walked to the door, went back, kicked them off, and then padded barefoot into the hall.

Now, which way did he say was the kitchen? An hour later, breakfast eaten, Izzorah set down his spoon. “Thank you, Mr. McDoth.” “I go strictly by McDoth.” The android came over closer to the breakfast bar. “Do you want more to eat?” “No, thank you. I can’t believe I slept until three in the afternoon. I must’ve been really tired.” “I looked in on you several times but didn’t have the heart to disturb you.” He took away the bowl and spoon. “More milk?” “Yes, thank you. The cereal tasted like what we eat at home.” McDoth placed the bowl in the sink. “Mr. Saint-Cyr prefers organics whenever possible. Most of our fresh food comes from Felidae, including whole grain breads and cereals.” “I didn’t know you could get food from Felidae on Tarth.” “A tad expensive, but he supports an import company owned by three Kin brothers.” He poured more milk. “He called a bit ago to check on you. I told him you were awake. He’ll be home in about an hour.” Izzorah’s stomach tightened, both from excitement and nerves. “I’d better go change clothes.” He slipped off the stool. “Does he -- um…” He chewed his lip. “Yes?” McDoth waited for him to finish. “Does he have a favorite color?” “Right now, Master Izzorah, I should think it’s green.” “Good. I have a green shirt. Thanks, McDoth.” He gulped down the milk, patted his mouth with the napkin, and hurried to his room. While brushing his teeth, he caught his own reflection. Huh. You don’t think McDoth meant my eyes, do you? He laughed at the thought. “Get over yourself, Izzy.”

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He found his green button-up shirt in the closet, and put on black pants and shoes. Even though it was human short, the hair on top of his head was long enough for him to wear clan beads. Tovar Fasra flouted clan traditions by wearing every color, shape, and size, but then he had hair down to there, too. Izzorah wore only the one bead allotted to him, a plain bulb shape in Ceeow green, on his right side. It exactly matched his shirt, lighter than his eyes. He checked the position in the mirror, leaning in close so he could see. The bead hung near his right temple, in plain sight.

Luc, you speak Felis, and you know a lot about Kin, so you should understand what one green-colored bead on the right means. I can’t make it much plainer. Hmm. He grinned. Well, maybe one other way.

***** The Loft Luc bustled in via the elevator from his Lucsondis office, handing off his coat to McDoth. After his usual greeting, he asked, “How’s Izzorah?” “He’s well, sir. Waiting in your study.” “My study? McDoth, you know no one goes there without my permission.” The android gave him a knowing smile. “He asked which room in the house you would consider the ‘heart of your hearth,’ and promised not to disturb a thing.” Luc tore off his jacket and loosened his tie. The “heart of the hearth” was where a warrior’s new mate waited after their marriage ceremony. McDoth took Luc’s jacket. “Shall I wait dinner?” “No. I want dinner out of the way.” “Yes, sir. Service will begin the moment you come to the table. Everything is ready.” He bowed away. Luc strode down the hall and rounded the corner. At the door, he paused, biting a knuckle. A spike of sexual energy pulsed through him, making coherent thought impossible. He pushed open the door and entered. Low lighting made the dark, wood-paneled room and walls of books feel cozy. Four overstuffed brown leather chairs dominated one end of the room, an oversize desk the other. Izzorah stood beside it, wearing a shirt paler green than his eyes. A single bulb-shaped bead hung in his dark hair. Worn on the right side, it announced his availability. On Felidae, males with a dowry and financial backing from parents wore one in their clan’s color, and Izzorah’s was Ceeow green. As a liberated male on Tarth, he was asserting his independence,

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pledging himself and his own wealth. Subtle. A test, perhaps, to see if Luc understood? Toe to toe with Izzorah, and with great care, he lifted the bead on one fingertip. Black pupils filled Izzorah’s emerald eyes. His nostrils flared, ears flicking back, breath shallow. The smile on Luc’s face felt too big to hide, but he tried to keep from baring his teeth -a Kin insult. “You aren’t pledged to anyone back home?” Izzorah lifted his gaze. When he shook his head, the bead fell free, bounced against his temple. With a smile, Luc lowered his hands. “How unfortunate for Felidae’s warriors, and fortunate for me.” Izzorah’s cheeks turned a dark peach, and he drew both ears forward and down. Submissive. Open. His furskin had the look of plush golden velvet drawn hard over defined muscle and solid bone -- it drew the eye, drew the hand, drew the mouth… The same rich gold colored his smoothly shaven face. Luc clenched his hands to keep from grabbing him. “Welcome home, Luc.” Izzorah folded his hands before him. “How was your day?” “Day?” Luc could not think of a single detail, his shaft demanding too much attention, rearing to life and ready to play. “Long.” He smiled. “My day was long. Did you sleep well? You look rested.” He braced one hand against the desk. “Yes, thank you.” “You’re not wearing your sling.” “I don’t need it.” He stretched both arms. “I feel good. I’m not in pain.” Luc turned as if to go, reaching back to invite Izzorah’s hand. “Let’s have dinner.” He slid his hand into Luc’s. “McDoth fixed steak and baked potato. He says it’s your favorite. Mine too.” “Excellent.” Luc drew him close, smiled down into his eyes. “Hungry?” He offered a flirty smile full of innocent charm. “Starved. Do you have an appetite for something good?” Luc chuckled. “Izzorah, you have no idea how much of an appetite.” But you will. They ate in the formal dining room on the east side of the house, top floor of the Loft. Luc’s bedroom lay on the other side of the northwest wall. Their table overlooked Tarth City’s Business, Royal, Palace, Felidaen, and Kelthian Districts, the lights on the mountains in the distance glittering like diamonds. Luc ate well and insisted Izzorah do the same. For no reason did he want him weak later. McDoth had promised no sedation in the butter sauce tonight, and Izzorah didn’t seem to need it. “This dinner begs for a toast.” Luc lifted his champagne. “To the perfect candlelight dinner, in the perfect location, with the perfect companion.”

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Izzorah lifted his glass. His heartbreaking smile made Luc’s breath catch. After he sipped, he licked his lips. “May I offer one?” “By all means.” “A Kin toast. May every prey you hunt surrender.” Laughing, Luc lifted his glass. “Hear, hear.” They stood, and Luc led him toward the bank of windows, careful not to make the first move. He must allow Izzorah to take charge. Luc turned and faced the glass, but Izzorah’s reflection tempted him from the middle of the night sky among the lights of Tarth City.

Oh, screw being proper, damn it! Take him to your bed and get it over with. You know you’re going to do it. No point in fighting the obvious. He wants it. You want it. Take him. No. His sensible side barred the way. Let him choose what he wants. He needs your respect more than your cock. A lazy smile crossed his face. I can give him both. Luc shifted his weight, spreading his legs. It did little to ease the discomfort his arousal caused. Inner heat rivaled his craven desire for the wet friction of Kin fangs and rough tongue. His heart craved Izzorah’s submission, his guileless eyes and smile, his artless desire to please. His innocence.

If he knew what I wanted to do to him, take from him, he’d surely run screaming in the other direction. Instead, Izzorah came closer. As Luc turned toward him, Izzorah set one foot between his and brought his cool mouth up to Luc’s burning one. Too stunned to do more than accept the kiss, he stilled himself, not even breathing. Everything within him longed to drag the Kin close and plunder the gentle mouth beneath his. Hot cravings drove through him like a hammer. Raw sexual hunger pummeled his mind, battered his resistance. When he could gather his ravished senses, he drew back. Izzorah’s nostrils flared, slender cat’s ears drooping against his head. “You said when I was ready, I could come to you.” His emerald eyes had gone wide. Izzorah let out a long, sighing breath. His faltering smile tugged at Luc’s heart. “I’m ready.” “I don’t want you to fear me.” Luc stopped the lie that wanted to follow. I’ll never hurt you. Because if Izzorah stayed close to him, he would hurt him. God help him, he would. He wouldn’t be able to stop himself. Having Izzorah’s hard body beneath his, the long legs spread wide, the firm back arched against him… Luc swallowed. He skimmed two fingertips across Izzorah’s lower lip. He had to ask it. Had to know. “Why me?” Izzorah looked up, ears standing upright. They lowered slowly to the sides. “I… You…the way you…” He sighed. “You smell so…” His voice faded. “The human word is testosterone.” A smile planted itself on Luc’s mouth and refused to go away. “We call it romtzeet. You have an abundance of it.” Izzorah took a deep sniff. “I love the way you smell.”

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The empress had said the same thing. Called herself a testosterone junkie; said she couldn’t get enough of him. He shifted position, opening the line of his body to draw Izzorah in. He scuffed a foot back and forth. “When I first met you, I was terrified of making a mistake. I didn’t want to look stupid in front of you. There you were, the most powerful man in the empire, talking to a dumb kid. You took time to make me feel at home. You were kind.” “First, you aren’t dumb, Izzorah.” He spread his hands down and out. “Far from it. I’ve been impressed with everything about you. You’re polite and you know when to be quiet. You have common sense, which isn’t as common as it sounds.” He wouldn’t argue about the power. It had taken centuries of maneuvering people and things to gain it. “Second, you don’t owe me a thing.” He turned one palm toward him. Izzorah pulled at the beaded strand of dark hair, beautiful green cat’s eyes shining blue in the light. “Come have a drink.” Without waiting for a response, Luc crossed to the bar and drew out two shot glasses and his finest bottle of Kelthian whiskey. The one he’d been saving for a special moment. Nothing more special than the seduction of Izzorah.

Don’t get him drunk. He’s already had champagne and wine. You want him to know what he’s doing. But the inner plea for restraint might as well have been water dumped on arid sand for all the good it did. Enjoy him. The last time you tasted the passion of a true innocent, the Tarthian Empire hadn’t been founded yet. You’re due. He set about opening the bottle. Besides, innocents don’t come near our kind. Savor every moment of the surrender you’re going to wring from him. Izzorah seated himself on a stool. Luc poured a small amount of liquid into each shot glass. “Ever had Kelthian whiskey?” “No.” Izzorah blew an errant strand of hair out of his eyes. His gaze connected with Luc’s only briefly before he lowered it to his hands, folded atop the bar. “Is it strong?” He wet his lips. Luc licked his in anticipation. “Stronger than Kin whiskey.” “My father let me taste some my last day at home.” He leaned his chin on one fist. “It took my breath away.” “Must’ve been like you.” Luc cleared his throat. Oh, you’ve got it bad, old man. He set the glass in front of the Kin. “Kelthian whiskey is the finest in the empire. It’s smooth, rich, and feels like warm honey going down.” He dipped the tip of his first finger into it. Meeting Izzorah’s questioning gaze, he cautioned, “Be sure you’re ready to accept this. It’s powerful, rich. Unforgettable. Do you want what I’m offering you?”

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Izzorah’s innocent eyes grew more round as the double meaning of the words sank in. He gulped as he nodded. A short pause, and then, “Yes, Luc. I want to give you everything. I want to be yours.” Luc leaned in closer and held his finger in front of Izzorah’s mouth. “Then taste.” The lush, dark lips parted temptingly before him, scratchy cat’s tongue hesitating. He licked the fleshy pad of Luc’s finger and sucked it into his mouth, into a passion-heated oven. Fangs scraped across Luc’s skin. Luc’s entire body jerked with awareness. What would those fangs and scratchy tongue feel like on my cock? The world narrowed to the demanding tongue sucking his finger, the moist heat of Izzorah’s mouth. A red-hot tide of desire inundated his senses. He couldn’t breathe, couldn’t see, couldn’t think beyond the rough sensuality of a tongue circling, tugging his finger deeper into scorching heat. Izzorah let go of the dampened fingertip and lifted his expectant gaze. Luc fought to breathe. If this untutored young male had shaken him simply by sucking his finger, what the hell would it be like when he mouth-worshipped his cock? Izzorah lowered his head, mouth curved in the satisfied smile of a lover who knew he’d pleased his master. Primal male pride soared through Luc’s heart. He drew a strand of dark, glossy hair back from Izzorah’s eyes, slid his fingers down the Kin’s smooth cheek. “I’m possessive, Izzorah. Dominating.” Izzorah laid his hands flat atop the bar, funeral-solemn eyes holding Luc’s gaze. “Will you punish me if I displease you?” An erotic shudder rocked Luc, but a tremble of fear in every part of Izzorah’s body showed. He’d never been punished properly -- only abused, and cruelly. Luc refused to add to those fears. Dominance games could come later, once deep trust was established. “I treasure you, my love.” He cupped both hands around Izzorah’s face, lifting it. “I swear on my honor I’ll never give you cause to fear me. If anything I do frightens you or makes you uncomfortable, tell me, and I’ll stop at once. I swear it.” Izzorah wrapped both arms around Luc’s waist and leaned against him, head on his shoulder. “I trust you, Luc.” He leaned back a bit and stared up at him, smiling. “I’m in your hands. Whatever you want, I’ll give you.” Fearsome joy leaped in Luc’s heart. Such trust! No one had ever bestowed such trust in him. Luc blinked away tears and drew back an unruly lock of Izzorah’s dark hair. “I will not fail you, love. Nor ever abuse you. I love you.” Izzorah ducked his head, lifted it again. “I…want you to know. I’m a virgin.” “Then, where did you learn to…?” Luc wiggled his finger. The Kin glanced away, a small smile on his face. “Sex vids on Imperinet.”

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Luc laughed. “Score one for technology. I need to subscribe to whatever it is you’ve been watching.” Izzorah blushed darkly, his eyes bright. “I’d like to learn more.” “I’ll guide you, if that’s what you want.” He held his breath, waiting, savoring the anticipation, balanced on the precipice of surrender. The body-sating eroticism of an ardent young male coming into his prime tugged on one side of his heart -- sensibility and reason pulled on the other. How many years…centuries…had it been since he’d taken a truly innocent lover? He’d convinced himself virgins were not worth the trouble, but Izzorah’s pureness called to every fiber of his being. The siren call of his potential as a lover screamed in Luc’s brain. It begged for release. It promised an inferno kindled by innocence and ardor. The solemn green-eyed gaze met his. “I trust you to guide me, Luc.” “Then I’ll teach you how to please me. Learn how to please you.” He’d take all the time necessary to coach, satisfy, and delight. No hurry where Izzorah was concerned. This one warranted time. If there was one thing he possessed in abundance, it was time. His balls drew up, tingling with anticipation. Already hard, his cock twitched. “Start by thinking of me as whiskey.” He rested one elbow on the bar, face inches from the Kin’s. “Hard. Searing. Overpowering. Best taken in quick gulps so it doesn’t burn you. Whiskey leaves an aftertaste. Is it always pleasant?” He smiled, shaking his head. “But take one sip of whiskey and you’ll never forget it.” Izzorah wet his lips, gaze fastened on Luc’s mouth. His wide gaze lifted, deep green eyes ablaze. “You, on the other hand, are wine.” Luc dragged one finger across Izzorah’s lower lip. “Rich, lush, meant for savoring. Tasting.” The soft flesh yielded beneath his finger. “Wine should be enjoyed slowly, lapped up, tasted with every part of the tongue.” Luc traced his thumb slowly across the flat planes of Izzorah’s full lower lip. “A man should lick up every last drop.” Purring, he leaned his cheek against Luc’s hand. “Will you taste me like that?” Luc swallowed, breath held. “God, yes.” He drew the palm of his hand down Izzorah’s cheek, relishing his smoothness. The Kin’s warm breath heated his skin. He bit back the assurances he wanted to offer and told him the truth instead. Izzorah deserved the truth. “I might hurt you. I don’t want to, I won’t mean to, and I will try to be gentle. But I can’t promise you it won’t happen.” He purred again, eyes half closed. “If I’m yours, I won’t be afraid.” Luc pushed the glass toward him. “Kelthian whiskey deserves to be tossed straight down. Taken all at once.” He raised his glass. “An old Kelthian toast goes: to good whiskey, good companions, and good sex.” The Kin tipped up the glass and drank it as Luc told him. When more was offered, he held out the shot glass without hesitation.

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Luc poured them each another small splash of the honey-colored liquid. “A Kin toast.” Izzorah raised his glass. “To the hunter and the prey.” He swallowed the drink. Luc drained his. “I understand drinking to the hunter. I’ve always wondered why Kin toast the prey.” He lifted the bottle. “More?” Izzorah pushed his glass forward and Luc poured. “To hunt is a sacred duty, so we honor the prey when it’s brought home.” Izzorah circled one claw around the edge of his glass. “Hunters appreciate the prey surrenders everything.”

Excellent. He can give as well as he takes. Can’t wait to see how much of me he can take. He lifted his glass. “Well said, Izzorah.” He slugged down the drink. Izzorah’s eyes were already starting to look glassy while Luc’s Sempervian metabolism burned alcohol like candy. A few bottles would barely faze him. He poured one last shot for each of them. This gorgeous Kin mouth was going to taste like his favorite whiskey. Salt. Honey. Maybe lust. Definitely lust. Luc drained his drink and pushed the glass away. He closed his eyes and breathed a silent prayer, not for forgiveness, but for strength. Luc might look young on the outside, but inside, he was ageless. Ancient. Especially tonight. “Izzorah, I was thirty-six when you were born.” The Kin smiled with all the patience of an old man talking to a young child. “Luc, if you’re worried I’ll outlive you, don’t let it bother you.”

That had been the last thing on the immortal’s mind. “Outlive me?” “Kin live a hundred and sixty years. Some up to two hundred. I know humans only live a hundred and twenty, maybe a hundred and twenty-five. We could have sixty years together.” His cheeks turned a dark peach. “Uh, you know. If we wanted.” He curled a knuckle beneath Izzorah’s chin and leaned in close, measuring the sincerity in his riveting green eyes. Izzorah submitted to Luc’s scrutiny without resistance. “You really don’t think I’m too old?” “No!” Izzorah’s eyes crinkled at the corners in a smile. “Kin males are traditionally seduced by older females. We marry older mates. I always expected my first lover would be older than I was by a number of years. A person’s age isn’t something I think about much.” Luc let go of him and stepped back. Izzorah stood a bit unsteadily and took a step toward him. Another. Into Luc’s personal space, as if he had a right to be there. “Does it bother you to have sex with a Kin, since you’re human?” “I stopped worrying over what was proper centuries ago.” At Izzorah’s puzzled expression, Luc added, “Figure of speech. What others think of me doesn’t matter. No one’s

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ever really loved me, Izzorah. Even with Wulf, I was always alone.” Where the hell had

those words come from? “I can. I want to be at your side, Luc. In your heart.” Izzorah hooked his arms around Luc’s neck. “I will keep you safe in my heart forever.” He slanted his mouth across Luc’s. The hunger in his kiss rivaled his own. Luc shut his eyes and cupped one hand around the back of Izzorah’s head. He focused solely on the slick feel of Izzorah’s lips, the wet way they slipped against his own, cool skin molded against burning. Izzorah used his cat-scratchy tongue like a sensual weapon, laying siege to Luc’s heart with skill. He flicked the tip along Luc’s tongue and circled it, his chest rumbling with a low, growling purr. The sound slammed through Luc like a hot lance, spiking his lust. The clean smell of Kin male filled his nostrils, rich with the tang of desire. Luc spread a hand across Izzorah’s back and down to his ass, gripped one hard cheek, felt it tighten and flex. He burned, so starved for touch he stood there mutely and allowed Izzorah to control the kiss. When the Kin drew away and smiled up at him, Luc dragged both hands across Izzorah’s back and down the sides of his hard body. “Damn. A virgin you might be, but you sure as hell know how to kiss.” He gripped Izzorah by the waist, backed him against the bar, and held him immobile. Luc rocked his groin forward. “Feel me, do you?” Izzorah nodded, breath shallow and fast. His hard shaft twitched, its length a line of heat against Luc’s upper thigh. The Kin clutched both hands around Luc’s open collar, pulling him closer and pushing him away at the same time. He ground himself against Izzorah, eliciting a soft groan. The Kin fluttered his eyes shut and bit his lips. Luc ducked his head, his mouth next to Izzorah’s. “Look at me.” When he obeyed, the impact of the emerald gaze felt like a long, sensual lick. “Izzorah.” Luc braced his hands against the slim waist and dragged him up close. “I’m going to take you to my bed, and I won’t let you go. You’ll be mine. Mine and only mine.” Luc slipped one thigh between Izzorah’s legs. He brushed the back of his right hand down Izzorah’s cheek, savoring the smooth skin, the tender mouth. “No other man will ever take you.” Izzorah squirmed, muscular thighs spread. “I want no one else. I surrender my body and my heart to you.” A blood-stirring hunger rolled over Luc like some beast off its chain, raw, powerful, untamed. “They should never have called you Izzy.” Izzorah broke into one of his perfect smiles, long lashes drifting down. “Why, Luc?” “From the first moment I saw you, I thought of you as Rah.” Puzzlement pricked his ears forward. His green-eyed gaze evoked late summer’s heat. “Rah?”

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He set his mouth next to one of the Kin’s ears. “In my language” -- Luc took the tip of the ear into his mouth and tugged it with his teeth, making him gasp -- “Rah means passion.” Izzorah’s entire demeanor changed: his shoulders went back, head up. In one smooth movement, he lifted his arms to wrap them around Luc’s neck, mouth crushed against mouth. Luc swept one hand into Izzorah’s hair and gripped a fistful of it to pull back Izzorah’s head, baring his throat. A Kin lover would bite Izzorah now. Mark the throat beneath him with his teeth. Brand him. Possess the passion that was Izzorah. Luc brushed his lips across the tender skin, making the Kin tremble. “Please, Luc.” He nudged his nose up beneath Luc’s chin. “You called me Rah.” His green eyes burned like a summer fire. “Teach me how to live up to my name.” Luc cast aside his last reservation, tugged Izzorah hard against his body, and wrapped him in a vanquishing embrace, lost in a hot kiss full of fangs.

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Chapter Eight The Loft Despite the heat of the man holding him, Izzorah shivered. Luc had braced him against the bar, stood between Izzorah’s spread thighs, and wrapped both arms around him as he seized a claiming kiss. Before Izzorah could gain his breath, Luc took him by the hand and led him into the foyer. “This will take you back to your rooms.” Luc pressed the elevator Call button. “I won’t pressure you into sleeping with me. You’re ready to commit to a relationship, but there’s no need to rush. We sh --” “No.” Izzorah pressed a fingertip against the man’s lips. “Luc, stop. Stop. For me, there’s no going back. I stepped over the cliff. I’m committed to the fall.” “Is that how you see a relationship with me? As falling over a cliff?” A tingle of pepper, mixed with the scent of leather, told him Luc’s wounded pride needed explanations. “Luc, no! Well…yes. No.” Izzorah giggled for no reason, the whiskey making its effects known. He covered his mouth and drew himself up straight. “It’s the same kind of commitment.” The elevator doors dinged twice and opened. Izzorah stepped away from them and toward Luc. “Look, my parents don’t know I’m gay. Neither do the guys in Kumwhatmay. Only a few of my cousins here on Tarth.” Shoulders stiff, Luc rubbed a hand across his mouth. For a moment, he didn’t speak. Whatever thoughts ran through his head didn’t leak emotion. There were no discernable scents. At last he let out a long breath. “And you didn’t think that accompanying me to the hottest gay nightclub in the city might clue them in? Hell, there isn’t a person in Tarth City who hasn’t heard about my sexual escapades. If I smile at a waiter, it’s all over the news. The fact that I came to your rescue had the trash ezines already putting us into bed.”

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“I wanted everyone to know. I’m ready for it now.” Izzorah slid both hands along Luc’s smooth shirt, more than aware of the hardness and muscle beneath. “I knew the day I went to your office to thank you that if I showed you I was interested, you’d seduce me.” Luc shook his head, a confusion of scents showing how unsure he truly was. “You -came to my office because you wanted me to seduce you?”

For such a brilliant man, he’s sure slow about getting how I feel. He patted his fingertips against Luc’s chest in a comforting gesture. “Yes, Luc. I wanted you to seduce me. I was praying you would.” He lowered his head a bit, turned it to one side in an almost-shy way. “Why me? You could have a lover your own age.” “Will you stop with the age?” He smiled his reassurance. “We’ve been over that. When we met, there was such a sadness about you. It lingered like stale air after a fire. But as we talked, your scent changed. It felt like a fresh morning rain had cleansed the air and taken away your pain. When I realized you were happy because of me, I knew you were the man I’d been waiting for. The one I could give myself to. You would --” He hiccuped. “Oh, ’scuse me! You’d care about me.” “I absolutely do care about you, Izzorah. But…I can’t believe you set out to let me seduce you.” “Don’t you want me?” “Of course I want you!” He frowned. Luc’s tight rein on his emotions left Izzorah guessing. “Now that you know it’s my idea, and not yours, you don’t want me, is that it?” “Izzorah.” Luc took his hands. “No, love, it’s not like that.” With a sigh, Izzorah set one hand on his hip. “Here, being gay or straight is no different from one person having blue eyes and another brown. On Felidae, with seven males to every female, you’d think males would fall in love because there’s no choice. Instead, we’re taught from birth it’s okay to kill and maim each other, but God forbid we should fall in love. I hid how I felt. When my parents arranged a marriage for me, they thought I’d be grateful. Few males get the opportunity I got. She was one of the highest warriors in her clan, two steps down from tzesar. She’s become the tzesar since.” He waved an arm. “No way I could go through with it. Couldn’t stand the thought of bedding her. Not because she was ugly. She wasn’t. She was cruel. Once she found out I w -- uh --” Izzorah bit his tongue. It’s one thing

to admit you’re gay, Izzy. Luc knows that. Don’t tell him you’re blind! You almost blew it! Izzorah shook his head, the room so hot he could barely breathe. “I ran. The night before the first day of my wedding feast, I took the money my parents had saved for my marriage gift, wore two sets of clothes, and then sweet-talked a servant into letting me take out one of the horses alone for a final ride around the estate. I escaped to Fasra territory.

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When I left home, I knew I could never go back. I plan to apply for Tarthian citizenship one day. I’m a Kin by birth, but I don’t belong on Felidae.” “You haven’t told anyone this before, have you?” “No.” He pulled the bead out of his hair, rolled it between fingers and thumb. “I was too ashamed.” “Why?” “My parents never knew what happened to me until I got here and Trey wrote to tell them I was safe.” He stuffed the bead into a pants pocket. “They probably beat that servant.” Luc slid a hand down his arm. “How did you get off-world?” “I rode to the Fasra River and traded my horse for a ferry ride down to Red Stone City. Paid a human to take me to Ruh City. She helped me get an Armada visa. Humans don’t care if you’re male as long as you can pay. After I got here, I kept my mouth shut about what I liked. It’s what I’d learned to do.” “Why ‘come out’ now?” “I’ve worked hard. Learned the language. Established myself.” He squared his shoulders. “I know I’m never going to have to go back to Felidae and pretend to be like everyone else. I have a solid career, thanks to Kory, who took a chance on me with Kumwhatmay.” He smiled up at Luc. “And because of your faith in us, I can afford the risk. Only you seem dead set on sending me away.” Luc’s scent still hadn’t returned. He was far better than most humans at hiding what he felt. “Why, Luc?” Izzorah took a guess. “Is it because you don’t want to risk being hurt again, the way you were by Wulf?” The man walked away a few steps, far enough that Izzorah could see only his silhouette. The scent of his pain made its presence known, though, clear and strong. Luc said nothing. “I’m so sorry, Luc. Wulf broke your heart.” “It’s not your fault. Not your doing.” He came back, took both of Izzorah’s hands in his. “I’m known in business circles for being fearless. A risk taker. But I rarely risk anything until I have solid intel to show it’s safe. I don’t have that assurance with you.” “You mean you don’t know if you can trust me?” “No one knows that about anyone until they prove it in a relationship, do they?” He shook his head. “I’ve never been able to shield my heart. I always think my next love is going to be forever. I’ve been hurt so many times, it’s hard to trust anyone.” He brought Izzorah’s hands up to his face and laid his cheek against the backs of his fingers. “I want to. But only with you.”

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“You aren’t angry?” Izzorah could tell by his scent that he wasn’t, but Luc needed to admit it to himself. “No!” Luc gathered him into his arms, made a slow and sensual caress up and down Izzorah’s back. “No. Never at you. At the whole suppressed culture of the Kin, yes. You’ll have to unlearn some taboos, my love. I know you’re willing.” He stroked a fingertip down Izzorah’s nose. “I’ll take you through it slowly.” He brought his ears forward. “I was right about you. You were worth waiting for.” Luc laughed, curled his hand into Izzorah’s hair, and bent to kiss him. Gentle, sweet. Not a hint of tongue, only a patient, welcoming kiss. “Izzorah, my love, you make me want to always be that kind of man.” He’d stepped all the way over that cliff -- no sense in trying to go back now. Especially with his hero waiting to catch him. He nudged his nose against the underside of Luc’s chin. “Do you know where I want you to touch me?” “Where, Izzorah?” He wrapped his left arm around Luc’s waist and slid his other hand across Luc’s chest, palm rubbing an erect nipple. “Here. Will you do that?” “Yes. God, yes.” The words sounded breathless, less than a whisper. Emboldened by Luc’s response, he trailed the backs of his fingers along the man’s jaw. “And will you touch me here?” Luc shut his eyes. “Yes, Izzorah.” He smoothed a fingertip across Luc’s lips. “And here.” Luc whimpered with heat, his scent full of vanilla and warm cinnapod spice. Sliding his hand all the way down Luc’s chest, over his hard belly, Izzorah rested his palm over the man’s rigid cock. Luc’s heat spiked, deepening his scent of desire. “And here. Especially here.” His human lover sucked in air. “Yes.” Hardly a whisper of sound. “Oh, God, yes.” “Luc?” He licked the edge of the man’s mouth. “Where else would you like to touch me?” He opened his solid black eyes and tilted his head toward him. “Everywhere.” The way he said it sent a tingle down Izzorah’s spine. “I want to touch you everywhere.” “I don’t want to be a virgin anymore. I want to be your lover. Please” -- no doubt the whiskey was talking, but he couldn’t hold back now -- “I want you to touch me, Luc.” He dropped his voice to a whisper. “Make me yours.”

Make me yours…make me yours… The words echoed in Luc’s head. The night before, he’d fantasized Izzorah saying those words. Hearing him actually say them now spiked white-hot desire straight through him. If he stripped the Kin naked this instant and took

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him, right here, right now, on the same spot where they stood, it wouldn’t be fast enough to appease his hunger.

Control. Have -- to get -- control. Luc clenched his jaw, fists tight, body shaking. “Izzorah. Izzorah.” He nuzzled against one of his pointed ears, making it twitch. Luc heard himself whimpering like an inexperienced youth, and he fought to stop the sound. “Oh, Rah. Want you.” Luc walked him backward two steps and pinned him against the wall, next to the elevator doors. “Need to take you.” Izzorah wrapped both arms around Luc’s neck. Luc broke away, grabbed Izzorah’s hand, and half dragged him to the bedroom. Inside, he slammed him up against the wall, bent to take the offered mouth, and drank in his younger lover’s taste, only to pull away and angle his head a different way for more. The feel of fangs against his tongue made each kiss that much more enticing. The heat of their shared breaths burned his skin. He pulled back, gulped air, and dragged Izzorah back into his arms for more. His heart pounded so hard he couldn’t breathe, every beat making itself felt in his cock. He swept his tongue into Izzorah’s mouth, intent on tasting every inch. Only the thought of getting him into bed drew him back. Luc took his hand and led him toward the draped canopy bed. Gold shone from its dark tapestries and the piles of pillows at the head. The memory of Wulf spread across the pillows stopped him cold. He’d made love to Wulf here, night after night. The only other lover he’d ever invited into this room. He might be over Wulf, but he could never forget him. He closed his eyes and turned away, a chill chasing over him. “Luc?” Izzorah reached up to his face. “What is it?” “I can’t do this.” He slid an arm around Izzorah and walked with him back to the elevator. He laid both hands against Luc’s chest. “What are you doing?” “It’s all right, Izzorah. I’m not sending you away.” He pushed the elevator Call button and the doors opened. “Then what is it?” He got into the elevator with Luc, clinging to him with both arms around his waist. Luc mashed the button to take them to the first floor of the penthouse. “I shared that room with him. Too many memories. It felt like he was in there with us.” He kissed Izzorah on the forehead. “I want nothing between us tonight except our skin.” “Ooh.” Izzorah shivered. “I like that.” He rested his head against Luc’s chest. They got out on the first floor, and Luc led them to Izzorah’s room. Inside, he shut and locked the door, opened the doors to the bedroom, and turned to hold out a hand. “Taking a bath would help us relax. Let’s go play in some bubbles.”

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***** While water ran into the big corner tub, Izzorah unfastened his shoes, kicked them off, and carried them to the closet. When he bent over to set them down, he staggered. He braced himself against the wall, his heartbeat kicking up a notch. “Whew.” Too similar to his accident for comfort, he stood there a moment before returning to the bathroom. McDoth had apparently swept up the sand. The floor felt warm and smooth to his bare feet. Luc was on his knees beside the tub. “Did you find the box of toe sand?” He giggled, hiccuping, and covered his mouth. “Sorry. Yes.” “Funny?” “I -- um.” He giggled again. “I’ve never used warm sand before. You must entertain a lot of Kin.” “No. I had McDoth pick it up for you. There’s one in every bathroom in the house.” Izzorah ran a hand through his hair. “You did that for me?” “Mmm. The same day I invited you to dinner.” “The day I came to your office?” “Mmm.” Luc rose and stood on one foot to remove a shoe. He slid a toe across the edge of the box. “Why?” “I knew then that I’d bring you to my home. I didn’t know when. Only that I would.” The shoe clattered to the floor. “When it happened, I wanted my home to feel like yours.” “You are the most amazing man I’ve ever met.” He chuckled. “Well, I’ll probably end up being the most persistent, that’s for sure. When I want something, I tend to go after it until I get it.” The second shoe joined the first on the floor. He pulled off socks and stuffed them into the shoes. Izzorah picked them up. “Let me put these in the other room. I wouldn’t want to splash water on them.” He carried them into the bedroom and, using care not to bend over this time, dropped them near the closet before returning. The mass of dark skin showing told him Luc had removed his shirt. Wanting to see him up close, Izzorah took a hesitant step toward him, then another. His skin prickled when Luc took his left hand and brought him close. “You know, for a human, you don’t have any of the usual smells.” Luc laughed. Holding Izzorah’s left hand, he reached up and fondled his right ear, rubbing it between fingers and thumb. “I hope you mean that in a good way.” “Oh, yes.” Izzorah leaned into the gentle stroke. “It took me months to train the guys in the group not to wear cologne and aftershave when we’re cooped up on tour. Deodorant I can deal with, but I can’t take being in a small room all day with four smelly people who think they’re clean.” He waved a hand in front of his nose.

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Luc’s laugh was infectious, and he joined him. “I think this tub is full enough.” Luc shut off the water and opened a door. “What kind of bubbles do you like?” “There are different kinds?” “Haven’t you ever had a bubble bath?” He giggled. “I didn’t even know you could bathe in bubbles.” “Teaching you this should be fun.” He moved things inside the closet. “Let’s see. Ah, KinSkin. Perfect. Here, smell.” He held a white bottle. Izzorah sniffed. “I don’t smell anything.” “KinSkin it is.” He knelt beside the tub. “I thought that stuff was for hair.” “KinSkin comes in all types. It’s a brand name, like Nova or one of the others. The company’s owned by a Kin male.” “Trey said something about that. You buy from a lot of Kin businesses, don’t you?” “Yes, I do.” Luc stood and put back the bottle. “All right. Feel the water. Is it too hot?” Izzorah stooped to check. It felt slick on his fingers. “A little, but it’ll cool.” His heart was hammering so hard he could feel it in his ears. Any minute now, he was going to get naked with this man. The adrenaline rush made his head spin. Or maybe it was the whiskey. He giggled. “You seem happy tonight.” Luc knelt beside him, one hand in the water. This close, his smile showed. “Luc?” Izzorah moved to his knees, hands clenched. “Can I… Is it…okay if I touch you?” “I want you to, Izzorah. I’m offering myself to you. Use me in any way you desire.” He smelled so serious -- full of kai spice, taking a risk. “Tonight, I’m devoting myself to your pleasure.” Izzorah’s breath caught in his throat at the heady promise in those words. Careful to keep his claws retracted, he reached up to set the fingertips of his right hand against Luc’s chest. “Oh, sorry. I’m getting you all wet.” He pulled back. “I thought that was the idea. Here. Let me help you.” Luc cupped a handful of water and splashed it over his own chest. Laughing, Izzorah scrambled backward. “What’s the matter? Afraid you’re gonna get wet?” Luc splashed water at him. Izzorah squealed, broke into laughter. “You’re making a huge mess!” “It’s okay. It can be cleaned up. Come play with me, Izzorah.”

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“Play?” On hands and knees, Izzorah crawled back toward him. “I didn’t think humans really knew how.” “Kin don’t have all the market on that commodity, my beautiful young lover.” Luc put a hand in the tub and moved it back and forth. It sounded fast. At the word beautiful, Izzorah flicked his ears, but the sound of splashing distracted him from the denial that flew to his lips. He leaned over the tub for a better view. “What are you doing?” “Making bubbles.” He withdrew his hand. “You try it.” Izzorah stuck his hand in the water and stirred it. “Here.” Luc put his hand back. “Like this.” The faster motion made bubbles rise. “Oh!” He grinned at Luc. “This is fun.” Luc leaned in for a swift kiss. Izzorah followed when Luc moved back, kissing him in return. Less than a handbreadth apart, neither moved, neither spoke. At last, Izzorah reached up, extended one claw to outline the edge of Luc’s black hair. Luc seated himself cross-legged on the floor, hands on his knees. Izzorah slid closer, leaned in to kiss Luc’s cheek. He gave a tentative lick and then stroked his tongue more firmly, getting a taste of Luc’s skin. “Mmm.” A little salty, clean tasting. He licked again. Luc’s ear drew his attention. When he sniffed it, Luc scrunched his shoulders and shut his eyes, grimacing. Izzorah yanked back. “I’m sorry. Did that hurt?” Luc rubbed his ear. “Tickled. I didn’t expect it.” He gestured Izzorah closer. “My ears are a lot different from yours. It’s okay. Please, touch me. I want you to.” Izzorah had seen human ears up close, sitting next to the guys in Kumwhatmay, but he’d never felt one. He slid a fingertip along the outside of Luc’s ear. Smooth, firm as a human’s nose. Huh. “How do you hear anything with such small ears?” Luc shrugged. “They say Kin hear twice what we do. You don’t miss what you’ve never had, I guess.” Izzorah sniffed the ear again, kissed the outer edge. “Did that tickle?” “No. It was nice.” Luc leaned back against the tub. “Do it again.” He licked the edge of his ear, followed the curve of it down to where it met the edge of his jaw. “Do humans like to have their ears bitten?” Luc turned his face toward him a little. “If it’s gentle.” Izzorah sucked in the lower part of Luc’s ear and held it between his fangs. A purr rumbled out of him. Luc shivered, keening a sound that evoked pleasure rather than pain. “I love hearing you purr. It’s sexy as hell.”

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“You think so?” “Mmm.” Luc pulled Izzorah onto his lap, surprising him with how fast he moved. “Whoa!” Left arm up against Luc’s chest, he braced his right hand against the floor. “How did you do that?” Luc laughed. “There’s more to me than meets the eye.” He adjusted himself. “There. More comfortable?” “Mmm.” Izzorah found himself locked within the circle of Luc’s arms. “You’re cozy.” “Am I?” Leaning his head on Luc’s shoulder, Izzorah tilted back his head and kissed Luc’s chin. His human lover tightened his arm and leaned down, capturing Izzorah’s mouth with his own. Slowly, so slowly Izzorah didn’t realize it at first, Luc moved to the right, lowering them both to the floor. Forearm beneath Izzorah’s neck, he leaned over him, mouths connected. The heated tiles beneath his back felt delicious. Izzorah stretched out under Luc as the man kissed him. The feel of him, one leg between Izzorah’s thighs, chest against chest, rolled an easy, warm wave of want across him. He opened his mouth. Luc swept his tongue inside, not demanding, but giving. He withdrew, inviting a taste of his own mouth. Izzorah slid his tongue along the edges of the human’s teeth, exploring their flatness, the edges all one length. No…not all of them. He set a finger against Luc’s mouth. “You have fangs. They’re shorter than mine.” Luc pulled back a bit and bared his teeth. “Canine teeth.” “I thought canine meant dog.” “It does. Even your fangs are technically canines.” Izzorah licked them. “They are?” “Mmm.” He leaned down and kissed him again, lips parted. Izzorah stroked his tongue inside, slid it along the smoothness of the human’s tongue. “You taste like whiskey.” “Do I?” Luc toyed with one of Izzorah’s velvety ears. “Do you like it?” He waved his right arm in a large arc. “I like everything about you.” Luc chuckled. “You’re drunk.” He traced a finger across Izzorah’s mouth. “At least you’re a happy drunk.” “You’ve made love to a Kin before me, haven’t you?” “Mmm.” “Recently?” Luc squinted and then smiled. “Yes.” Izzorah turned his head.

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Luc braced himself on his arm. “Does that bother you?” “Trey -- my cousin -- said if we were going to be intimate, I should ask for your medicard. I didn’t think I’d need to.” “Because…?” “Number one, I wasn’t planning on having sex with you this soon. Number two, I figured you’d only been with Wulf.” “Ah. I see.” Luc reached into a pocket, pulled out a white card, and held it up for him. “Expiration date Sofftem thirty-one, covers every communicable disease and a host of ailments.” He added, “Communicable means catching.” He put it back in his pocket. “I scan myself before the start of every weekend.” “Are you that much at risk?” “It’s a health benefit at Lucsondis. I do it to encourage workers to take advantage of the service. It could save one of their lives.” “Oh.” “Anything else you want to know?” “Um…” Izzorah swallowed. “I…uh…” He hiccuped. “’Scuse me.” “Rah. Love.” He set a knuckle beneath his chin and angled Izzorah’s face toward his. “You’re bound to be afraid. It’s okay. Everyone is their first time. Would it help if I told you what we’re going to do?” He swallowed again, nodded. “Good. You lie right there, and I’ll go over all the details. You don’t have to worry about a thing.” Luc bent to kiss him. “First, I’m going to unbutton your shirt. Like this.” He undid the top one. “See? Is that okay?” “Uh-huh.” Izzorah nodded. “And then I’ll work my way down. Slowly. Like this. See?” He lifted his hand. “One button at a time. I’ll kiss you as I bare each little bit of skin. Not too fast. Like this.” His lips felt warm against the center of Izzorah’s chest. Closing his eyes because of the heat behind them, Izzorah sighed his pleasure. Luc pushed aside his shirt, cupped a hand behind Izzorah, and tilted him toward his mouth. He used his smooth tongue on one nipple.

What would a human tongue feel like on my cock? He giggled. Guess I’m going to find out. “See, Izzorah? Gentle, easy. No hurry. No force. It’s called making love because it’s supposed to show the other person how much you love them.” “How can you love me, Luc? You don’t know me at all.” He moved back up to Izzorah’s face. “The moment I saw you, my heart did a somersault. I couldn’t even talk straight. I’ve never been affected like that by anyone, love.

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You were right.” He slid a fingertip down Izzorah’s nose. “You do make me happy. You said you would love me, remember?” He nodded. “I meant that. I wasn’t drunk.” “I know, kosset. I will love you too, Izzorah. I want to prove it by making love to you.” Those words kindled a hot joy inside him. He curled the tips of his claws into Luc’s short hair and drew him down for a kiss. When it ended, he skimmed his fingers across Luc’s shoulders and down the front of his chest. “Your chest is naked. No pelt.” “No.” Luc pressed his hand against Izzorah’s, trapping it against his skin. “Humans have hair. Some more than others. Your pelts are one of the sexiest things about Kin males.” Luc slid aside Izzorah’s shirt. “I knew you’d be golden, even though you have black hair.” “It’s a Ceeow thing. Our clan has golden pelts.” Izzorah pulled his shirt all the way open. “It’s like the Fasra ear tufts, you know? All of ’em have it. Called a trait in Felis.” “That’s our word for it too.” Luc stroked his fingers through the thick mat of Izzorah’s pelt. It covered his upper body from the center of his chest up to the top of his pecs, leaving his nipples bare. “Yours is beautiful. Like a lion’s mane, only on your chest.” The warmth of the room made him drowsy. “What’s a lion?” “I’ll show you pictures later. Right now, I need to tell you what else we’re going to do. You want to know, don’t you?” Izzorah nodded. “These pants you’re wearing -- they’re great for our time together.” Feeling woozy, Izzorah flattened his free hand on the floor. “They are?” “Mmm. No belt.” He opened the top. “I’m going to slide down the zipper, like this, and ease one hand inside. Oh, Izzorah.” With an open palm, Luc caressed his shaft. “You’re beautiful. Look at this gorgeous cock.” Embarrassment scalded his cheeks, but the feeling of Luc’s hand on him soon channeled heat other places. He fanned his face. “Hot in here.” “It’s you, love. You’re what’s hot.” Luc bent to kiss him. “I love your cock. It’s perfect. Absolutely perfect.” He wrapped a fist around it. “Big enough around to fill my fist. So long I can’t hold it all.” Luc made a low humming sound. “This is the best part. This is where I kiss your cock the first time.” He bent forward to lie between Izzorah’s thighs. With one movement, Luc captured the head inside his mouth. Izzorah arched his back and sucked in air over his teeth. He’d dreamed of this moment. Having a lover who’d cherish him, kiss him, take him into his mouth. Nothing had prepared him for the reality of it. The yearning that poured over him, the devastating heat of a real mouth capturing him.

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Luc licked down the outside of his shaft. “I’m going to make love to every part of you, Izzorah.” He curled a finger beneath his balls and lifted them. “Suck these beauties into my mouth one at a time and drive you wild.” Izzorah cried out, claws scraping against the marble floor as Luc did what he’d promised. The wet heat of Luc’s mouth wrung a cry from Izzorah’s throat. He shut his eyes, head tilted back. “This lovely cock needs more attention.” Luc set both hands beneath the small of Izzorah’s back and tilted him upward, took all of him into his mouth and sucked. Legs spread, captive within Luc’s mouth, Izzorah panted, all the while making little pleasure sounds he seemed helpless to stop. He stuffed a knuckle into his mouth and bit down, but he couldn’t hold back his cries. The hot, wet slide of Luc’s mouth on his shaft, the swirling heat of his tongue, drove coherent thought far from him. Eyes shut tight, hands clenched, Izzorah whimpered. As if some piece inside him had given way, he surrendered to heat and passion as a climax cascaded over him. Waves of pleasure tore through him. He opened his eyes, flung back his head, and roared. Luc held on to Izzorah with both hands while his lover thrashed and cried out in the throes of orgasm. He licked him clean, refusing to release his cock until Rah softened. He crawled up Izzorah’s length and lay beside him, pulling him into his arms. Making soft little whimpers of pleasure, his lover settled against Luc’s shoulder. Izzorah mumbled sweet-sounding words, half Felis, half Etymis. Shivering in the aftermath, his chattering teeth made it impossible to understand. “Shh, shh. I’ve got you, kosset. You taste wonderful.” Luc kissed him on the mouth, across his eyes, the long lashes wet. He soothed away his tears. “You’re beautiful when you come. So beautiful. Let’s sit up, love.” Luc peeled off his lover’s shirt and tossed it aside. “There. Pants too.” They were already unfastened and halfway down his hips; it took little to strip him completely. “Come on. Let’s get you into hot water.” After helping him climb into the tub, Luc dropped his pants and underwear, and kicked everything away. Set into a corner, the tub had three angles. He settled into the biggest and drew Izzorah back against him, between his legs. He grabbed a bath towel, dipped it into the hot water, and then draped it around Izzorah’s shoulders. He wrapped his arms around him from behind. “There, love. Warmer?” He pressed one cheek against Izzorah’s and held him until his shivering lessened. “What a perfect beauty you are.” Luc splashed hot water over him, wetting down the towel. He drew him close. “I loved seeing you come apart in my arms.” He laid a hand on Izzorah’s cheek and leaned down for a kiss. Izzorah tilted up his face.

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“Mine,” Luc whispered against his lover’s lips and sank into the welcoming heat of his mouth. He broke away to take a deep breath. “Mmm.” He held him fast, nibbling little kisses down his cheek and out his jaw. “I want to kiss you forever.” Izzorah twisted around to face him, chest flat against Luc’s, arms beneath Luc’s to hold himself close. The towel slipped off, into the water. He devoured Luc’s mouth with kisses. Izzorah’s passion inundated him, and he groaned with pleasure. Feet out, Luc braced himself and wrapped both arms around his lover. He slid his hands over the wet velvet of Izzorah’s furskin, the solid muscle beneath. Exploring, Luc skimmed down Izzorah’s body, out over the firm cheeks of his ass. He pulled him up tight against his own rigid cock, gasping at the unexpected joy of a hand around his shaft. “Want to please you.” Izzorah kissed down the side of his throat, along the top of his shoulder. “Show me how.” “Kosset, as hot as I am for you, all you have to do is move.” “What is a kosset?” Luc brushed a kiss across his mouth. “The ultimate luxury. A treasure beyond compare. That’s what you are to me.” Izzorah blazed one of his perfect smiles up at Luc. “Do you like this?” Hand tight around Luc’s cock, he slid it down, rocked it back up, fingertips sliding over the underside. “Oh!” Luc hissed in air over his teeth, eyes shut. “Oh, oh, yes, kosset. Yes.” Izzorah squeezed as he stroked. “I want to watch your face while you come. I want to see you lose it like I did. I want to make you as crazy as you did me.” Luc laugh-sobbed, the pleasure piercing. “Tighter. Yes! Oh, yes. Like…like that. Mmm.” He thunked his head back against the wall. “Perfect, Rah. Keep -- mmm -- yes.” “You are the one who’s beautiful, Luc.” He opened his mouth as Izzorah rose to capture it, and stroked his tongue across fangs half-again as long as a human’s canines. Luc sighed, lost in the tender roughness of a Kin’s kiss. The feel of that cat-scratchy tongue along the corners of his mouth sucked a raspy groan out of him. The wet heat of the water, the tightness of his lover’s grasp, the squeezing, milking pressure sent Luc close to release. Izzorah kissed along Luc’s throat to where shoulder met neck. Openmouthed, he dragged his teeth across Luc’s skin. The sting of fangs jerked Luc to the edge, the precipice of climax. “Rah! Yes. Yes. Bite me.” He wrapped both hands behind Izzorah’s head and held him against his shoulder. “Hard. Like you love me. Like you mean it.” Luc stiffened, his neck rigid as his cock as the piercing bite sank home. With a cry born solely of pleasure, Luc surrendered his seed.

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Chapter Nine The Loft Naked, dry, and warm, Izzorah snuggled back against Luc. The bed had seemed huge the night before. Tonight, with Luc’s warm body spooning his, it felt lovingly crowded. Moonlight seeped in through the windows. The house was as quiet as his father’s lodge on Felidae. Quieter, since it lacked cricket song. Behind him, Luc’s even breathing sounded restful, easy. Luc trailed one fingertip along Izzorah’s left arm, kissed the back of his ear. Izzorah turned his head a bit. “Only once?” “Hmm?” Luc nuzzled his neck. “Only once what?” “Sex. We only did it once.” The warmth of the human’s breath as he laughed sent shivers over Izzorah. “You think I’m through with you, kosset? I’m sobering you up so we can play some more.” “Oh.” He smiled into the darkness. “Good.” “You liked that, did you?” “Mmm.” Luc bit the tip of his ear, tugged it with his teeth. “We’ll do it again. As much as you want. There’s plenty of time.” He turned his head to press his mouth against Luc’s. “I bet few ever see you like this.” “You’re --” Luc propped his head on one hand, and his black eyes caught and reflected moonlight. “You’re different. I wasn’t like this, even with him.”

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Though Wulf’s name hadn’t been used, he was there as surely as if he’d walked into the room. Izzorah wiggled around to fully face Luc. “Need to tell you this, and yeah, I’m a little drunk, but I really mean it.” “All right, love.” Luc played with Izzorah’s pelt, smoothing it with loving fingers. “What is it?” “What you had with Wulf. It was special.” “Izzorah, I --” “Shh.” He set a finger over Luc’s mouth. “Lemme tell you this.” “All right. Go ahead.” “I’m never going to ask you to compare, okay? Wulf is not my mirror. I’m not gonna hold him up to see how good I’m doing.” He slid a thumb across Luc’s kissable lower lip. “I’m not anybody but Izzorah. Don’t want to be.” Luc’s scent held a bit of stale beer smell, but it lightened to a mild leathery fragrance. Sadness dissipating into pride. “I’m glad to hear that. More than you know.” “Whatever mistakes you think you made with him, don’t worry about them when you’re with me.” Izzorah kissed his chin. “Be yourself, and let me be me. Okay? Face value with each other. No worrying about if we screwed it up. Let’s be who we are with each other.” “Rah.” Luc wrapped him close, nose to nose, a hand cradling Izzorah’s head. “You’re wise for one so young.” “It’s self-defense. It’s harder being me than you know. I can’t imagine trying to be someone else.” He tilted his head to put one ear into Luc’s hand. “Rub some more?” Luc smiled, tugging his ear between finger and thumb. “You like this.” “Oh, yes.” He wallowed in the feel of it. “Tell you what. As long as you pet me, I promise not to bite.” Luc let go, smiling a dare at him. Izzorah clamped his fangs into Luc’s arm. Laughing, he at once commenced a loving rub. “All right, kosset. I’m petting. I’m petting!” “Good.” He closed his eyes, stretching into the pleasure of Luc’s caress. “Remember, in any relationship with a cat, the cat is always the one who gets pampered.” “Ah, I see. So if you’re a cat, does that mean I can put a bell and collar on you?” Izzorah opened one eye. Luc was fighting to keep a straight face and failing utterly. “That depends. How good do you look covered in scratches?” The human burst into laughter. “Oh, kosset, if they came from you putting your hands all over me, I’d be willing to find out.” He rolled atop Izzorah, his weight a sexy reminder of

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his latent power. “And as for a collar, we might have to talk about that.” Luc lowered his mouth to Izzorah’s, stopped a hairbreadth away. “We might have to talk about that indeed.” “Pamper me enough, and we’ll see.” Lips parted, Izzorah lifted his mouth to Luc’s. “Mmm.” Luc kissed with abandon, as if there was nowhere else he’d rather be, and nowhere else he’d rather go. He nibbled Izzorah’s lips, licked them, stroked with his firm, insistent tongue. Eyes closed against the heat behind them, Izzorah submitted to his kisses, absorbing them the way a plant absorbs light, as natural as breathing, as if his life depended on it. Luc’s weight against his hips made obvious the man’s growing erection. Knowing Luc reacted to him -- to him -- brought Izzorah every bit as erect. He tightened the muscles in his ass, arching his hips upward against Luc. Pulling Izzorah with him, Luc rolled over and settled Izzorah atop his body. “How much of a virgin are you, love? Tell me what you’ve done, so I know where to start teaching you.” “Uh…” He fought to think, his mind muzzy with need at having Luc so near. Draped atop the man’s wide chest, he propped his hands against the bed. “Kisses. I’ve had lots and lots of kisses.” “Mmm.” Luc’s eyes half closed. “I could tell. What else?” “Never been naked with anyone before.” Luc smiled, and his scent held a new note Izzorah hadn’t sensed before. Was it pity or disappointment or both? Did Luc only want a partner with experience, or was this some new feeling Izzorah had never experienced before? “You’ve watched sex vids, love. Ever watch them with someone?” “Ack!” Izzorah covered his eyes with one hand. “Ohmigod, no! I’d die.” Chuckling, Luc tunneled his fingers through Izzorah’s hair. “And no one’s gone down on you before? Like I did?” “No.” He squirmed atop him, acutely aware of the man’s cock against his belly. “About all I’ve done is kiss, and once, another Kin and I felt each other. We were practically kids. Didn’t know what the hell we were doing. When Kumwhatmay has parties and stuff, female groupies always hit on me. I’d make out with them, but it never really got to me. Except once, there was this guy.” He sat up, astride Luc’s waist. “There was no way I was gonna let the guys know I was gay, so I ignored him. I’ve always wondered what it would’ve been like. Luc, don’t tell any of this to my cousin Trey, all right? He thinks I’ve got way more experience. A guy’s got his pride.” “So, I’m your first lover? You really are a virgin.” “You’re disappointed, aren’t you?” “No, no. I find your virginity and innocence a huge turn-on. I didn’t expect that.” Luc flipped Izzorah onto his back and pinned him beneath his body as if Izzorah weren’t damn

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near six feet tall and a grown Kin. “I’m going to enjoy teaching you how to give and take your pleasure. Do you jerk off?” “Uh --” Izzorah’s cheeks blazed. “Yeah. Kinda didn’t have a choice, you know?” Luc chuckled. “I see. Well, good. I want to watch you come. Learn how you handle yourself so I can bring you to orgasm the way you like.” “What?” Izzorah set both hands against Luc’s chest. “No way! I thought the point of having a lover was you didn’t have to do that anymore.” “The body reacts to pleasure in habitual ways, my love. It’s easy to become fixated on certain movements and specific rituals. I want to learn yours so I can teach you how to open yourself to new pleasures and experiences.” He smiled down. “I’ll teach you how to pleasure me, as well.” Izzorah grinned. “Okay, now that I could go for.” One hand cupping Izzorah’s face, Luc slanted his mouth across his in a kiss that dragged groans of pleasure out of them both. He kissed his way across Izzorah’s cheeks, nose, and eyes, and up to his brow. “I’ve spent years learning how to make love, kosset. But I swear, Luc Saint-Cyr has never had a lover as innocent as you.” Izzorah snapped both ears toward him. Nothing in Luc’s scent indicated lies, yet the way he’d spoken about himself as if Luc Saint-Cyr were someone else, far removed… Izzorah sneezed to clear his nose. Chuckling, Luc made a face. “Sorry.” He brought the back of his hand across his nose. “It’s a Kin thing.” “Yes, I know. Equivalent of a human’s double take, so I’m told.” He sat up. “You didn’t believe me, did you?” “Uh…” Izzorah pushed himself up, scooting back against the headboard. Luc shook his head at him. “I sincerely try not to lie, kosset. I do sometimes, when, as you pointed out, it’s more tactful. But I won’t withhold anything from you if I can avoid it.” Izzorah released one claw. “That’s not quite the same as saying you won’t lie to me, you know.” “Hmm.” Luc narrowed his eyes. “I wonder how ticklish you are? I think I need to find out.” “Ack!” Before Luc could make good on that threat, Izzorah tumbled off the bed, laughing. “Stay right there, human.” “Grrr.” Luc crawled off the bed. He made a grab for Izzorah, who squealed and lurched backward. “Come back here.” Luc sprang to his feet. With a screech, Izzorah fled, laughing. A shadow showed Luc reaching for him, and Izzorah darted away. Disoriented in the darkened room, he headed away from the door, ending up by the closet, with no way out.

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Growling, Luc held up both hands, fingers curled as if he had claws. Izzorah threw out both hands in defense. “Don’t tickle the nice kitty!” Luc laughed, dropping hands to his sides. “So, you’ve gone from Kin to cat to kitty, have you?” “Meow?” Izzorah started giggling. When Luc made a grab for him, he backed into the wall. “Don’t tickle me!” But instead of tickling, Luc braced one hand on either side of his head and leaned down close. “Kiss me, kosset.” Izzorah folded his hands in front of his chest. “Promise you won’t tickle me.” “I promise. I want you to trust my touch. I won’t do anything you don’t want.” He gave a sniff. No lies. He wrapped both arms around Luc’s waist and laid his head on the man’s shoulder. Luc leaned down to give him a quick kiss. He set his nose against Izzorah’s and held him close. “Why don’t you like being tickled?” “When I was a kid, a cousin tickled me until I threw up. I’ve hated it ever since.” “I will never force you to do anything you don’t like.” Darkness concealed his face, but his scent remained clear. Izzorah let out a long, sighing breath. “Good. I’ve known you only a few days, but already it’s like you’ve been a part of me forever. I trust you more than anyone I’ve ever known.” He squeezed the hard strength of Luc’s biceps, the muscle solid beneath the silky black skin. “I don’t understand that.” “Does it frighten you?” “No!” His confidence faded as he thought about it. “Well…yes. Maybe.” He groaned. “Oh, hell, I don’t know! This is all new to me. I’ve never done any of this before. It doesn’t make sense.” He circled his fingertips along the bulk of Luc’s arms. “Look at me. I mean, here I am, stark naked in the dark with a man I only met this week. How crazy is that?” Luc ducked his head in a way that was almost shy. “I will do my utmost never to betray your trust.” He toyed with a strand of Izzorah’s hair, reached up and fondled one ear. “Do you think --” A faint scent arose of bittersweet cocoa, rich with cream -- longing so acute it was almost despair. Luc made a sound sharp with dismay, averted his face. “Luc.” Izzorah clutched a hand over his heart. The man loomed above him, face hidden by shadow. Izzorah reached up and cupped first one, then both hands around Luc’s face, showing with a reverent touch what words could never say. “Ask me what you want to know.” A long silence ensued, a confusion of scents showing how much doubt Luc actually held. “A man like me… I don’t expect you to fall in love. I just --”

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“Luc.” Tears blurred his vision even more. He picked up his lover’s hand and brought it flat against his chest, holding Luc against him, and said the commitment vows he’d run away from before. “Your honor will be my honor. Your people will be my people. Your will shall be my will.” He bowed his head, ears forward, claws extended. “Tu therah t’hahr. Tu kahmay t’hahr. You are the warrior of my heart. You are the hero of my heart.” “The hero of my heart.” The words hung in the air like dust in a shaft of moonlight, as physical a presence as Izzorah himself. Where it lay against Rah’s chest, Luc’s palm burned. The air in the room evaporated in a wave of heat. Izzorah’s naive gaze bared Luc and he staggered back, then swooped in and gathered his lover into his arms, ravished him with tiny kisses all over his face. He leaned into him, pinned his hard, smaller body against the wall. “Rah. Kosset.” He kissed across Izzorah’s face, along his throat. Luc nibbled and licked and kissed, showered him with tender strokes. “Mine. Mine.” Rah yielded beneath the savage deluge of caresses, presenting what he was born to give -- the sweetness of surrender. A moan of fragile submission escaped as he arched his throat and offered himself, pagan sacrifice to a lecherous god. Luc kissed his way down his lover’s chest. No more wasted nights seeking momentary bliss. Not when there was this precious one to treasure. He’d gathered hundreds of lifetimes worth of skill, firewood stored against the chill of loneliness. Now, he’d blaze an inferno. Dedicate a pillar of fire to Izzorah. He knelt and smoothed a hand over each of his lover’s thighs. “Spread your legs, kosset. I want to see you.” A whimper of dismay left him, but Izzorah obeyed. Moonlight lent the room a dreamy quality, casting blue shadows. At Luc’s eye level, the Kin’s erect cock towered hard and proud as a warrior. Moonlight glinted off the wet tip. Luc kissed the base of the shaft and slid his tongue up its length. He wet his lips. “I love the way you taste.” Izzorah groaned, rocking his hips forward, his breathing labored. One hand wrapped around Izzorah’s cock, Luc licked across the tip, stroked his tongue along the underside, all the way down to his balls. “I can feel your pulse with my tongue. Your skin is like fiery velvet.” Reaching behind Izzorah, Luc spread both hands over his ass cheeks and gave a little squeeze. “You’re perfect, kosset. Perfect. I want to taste you some more.” He rose up a bit and swirled his tongue across the shaft’s tip. “Delicious. You’re so sweet.” Izzorah gasped, his legs trembling. Luc pushed himself to his feet and pulled Izzorah with him, back toward the bed. “Come lie down. I want you to rest awhile.”

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“Rest?” Izzorah pulled his hand free. “Are you kidding me? After that, believe me, I am not tired.” “Good.” Luc pulled back the rumpled covers. “Because with me, you’re going to need all your strength. In you go.” Izzorah stared at him like he’d lost his mind. Luc chuckled. “Trust me. I’m not leaving you with a raging hard-on. Now get in.” After a moment’s hesitation, Izzorah yielded and got in. He tucked the blankets up around Izzorah and went around to the other side. Sliding beneath the covers, Luc lay down and propped himself on one arm, head on his hand. “Are you warm?” Izzorah nodded. “Will you --” He wet his lips. “Will I what, love?” “Will you kiss me again?” Luc slid one fingertip along Izzorah’s jaw, from beneath his ear all the way out to his chin. “Do you want my kisses?” Izzorah nodded, his breathing quick and shallow. “Say it out loud, kosset. Tell me that you want me to kiss you.” Moonlight filtering through the shadowed room brought out the green in Izzorah’s eyes, his cat-slit pupils wide with desire. He pressed a fist against his chin, eyes closing. “Please?” “Oh, no, kosset. Say it.” Luc brushed the tips of his fingers against his lover’s lips. “Open your eyes.” When he obeyed, Luc smiled into the green depths. “Good. Now, tell me what you want. I want to hear you.” The tip of his tongue showed as Izzorah wet his lips. “Please, Luc. I want you to kiss me.” “My pleasure, kosset.” He took his mouth with tender passion. Their breaths mingled; Izzorah’s cool lips parted, accepting. Luc brushed his mouth against his lover’s. Delicate, wet, the firm planes of Rah’s lower lip had swollen from their earlier, rowdy love play. Luc dragged a fingertip across it. “You kiss with such passion.” He lay down and drew Izzorah close to him, arm behind his lover’s head. “Snuggle with me, love. Is your arm all right? Does it hurt?” “I’m not hurting.” Izzorah hooked one leg across Luc’s thigh, right arm across his chest. “It feels so good being here with you.” “You belong here, kosset. Right in my arms. Comfortable?” “Mmm.” He stroked his fingers across Luc’s chest, playing with his hair. “Luc?” He set his mouth against Izzorah’s brow. “Hmm?” Izzorah rocked his hips, rubbing his erection against him. “I’m hard.”

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He smiled at the wistfulness in his voice. Luc fingered Izzorah’s hair, pulled one of his ears. So much to teach him. Luc reined in his own desires. “What do you want me to do about that?” He groaned, shaking his head. “Don’t make me say. I don’t even know what to ask for.”

How sweet. “Don’t you?” Izzorah shook his head, tilting back to look up at him with pleading eyes. Innocence personified. “Is it my hand you want?” Luc turned on his side, slipping his hand beneath the blanket to wrap a fist around Izzorah’s shaft. “Oh!” He bit his lips, fangs showing. His lashes drifted down, hiding emerald heat. “Or maybe it’s my mouth, hmm?” Luc scooted downward in the bed, licked the head of his cock. “Do you want this fine cock inside my mouth?” “Oh, oh…yes. That.” Izzorah arched his hips. “Please.” “Tell me, kosset.” “Use your mouth on me.” Luc grinned into the dark. “Where, Rah? Where do you want me to use my mouth?” He groaned, hands clenching. “Luc. Please.” “Say it, kosset. Tell me what you want.” Izzorah squirmed. His frustrated whimper ended on a growl. “Lick me. Please. Lick my cock. Take it into your mouth and suck me.” He chuckled. “Now there’s a lover who knows what he wants. My pleasure.” He enclosed the wide head with his lips and slid down, stroking his tongue across the underside. Izzorah’s gasp and shuddering intake of breath rewarded him. Hands fisted in the sheets, Izzorah bucked up against him, driving himself into Luc’s throat, and Luc opened to let him in. A raspy cry turned into a heated whimper. He thrust up against Luc three, four times, and then, back arched off the bed, shot into his mouth. Luc swallowed. When he’d licked him clean, he trailed kisses up Izzorah’s hard belly, smiling at the way he shivered. Lying atop him, he braced himself on his elbows. “Did my kosset like that?” “Oh…oh, yes.” Izzorah raked claws down Luc’s back, cupped his rear with two demanding hands. “I’ve never come that fast before, playing with myself. You drive me wild.” Luc laughed. “That’s the idea.” He kissed him, lingering for a long taste of his mouth. “Mmm.” Izzorah licked his lips. “You taste sweet and salty at the same time. Is that me? Is that what I taste like?” “Yes.” Luc brushed back a strand of Izzorah’s dark hair. “You’re delicious.” “Thank you.”

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“My pleasure entirely.” He shook his head. “Not all yours, believe me.” Luc laughed. “Are you hungry?” He squinted, green eyes happy. “Don’t you want to play some more?” “Yes.” He sat up. “And we will. But first, I want to feed you.” He stood up and held down a hand. “Come on, kosset. Snack time.”

***** Both of them wearing only loose pants and slippers, Izzorah and Luc held hands as they walked into the kitchen. Luc patted the stool where Izzorah had sat earlier, having a late breakfast. Izzorah climbed onto it and folded his hands on the counter. The kitchen felt cool, the granite counter chilly. Luc opened a door and reached inside. “Let’s see. Cheese sounds good.” He turned toward him. “And fruit?” “Sure. I eat almost anything. Don’t like liver, though. That stuff’s nasty.” “I feel the same way.” Luc brought back a plate with cheese on it and picked up a bowl of fruit. “Let’s sit at the table over by the window.” Izzorah followed him. “Can I help with anything?” “Sure.” He set a knife beside him. “Cut up this pear while I get some wine.” “Okay.” He quartered the fruit and sliced it crosswise. “This smells so good.” “Nothing like great sex to give you the munchies.” “That seems to be true.” He sat as Luc came back with a bottle of white wine and two glasses. “What is that?” “It’s called Grineslin.” He poured. “It’s a Tyran wine that’s light and sweet. I find it excellent with fruit and cheese. Here.” He handed him a glass. “Taste.” He sipped. “Oh, this is good! I like it.” Luc poured a glass for himself and sipped it. “I thought you’d approve.” He wandered back into the kitchen proper. “I want some crackers. I know McDoth keeps some in one of these cupboards.” He opened a few doors, closed them. “Ah! Here we go. I knew they were in here.” He poured them onto a small plate. “Forgive the presentation, love. If McDoth did this, he’d have the crackers all lined up by shape and the cheese in pretty rows by color.” Izzorah popped a piece of yellow cheese into his mouth. “I like him.” “I knew you would. He’s a fffittss, but I can’t live without him.” He covered his mouth as he laughed. “I can’t believe you called him a pain in the ass.” “Suits him, believe me. He’s been with me forever, so I should know.”

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Izzorah picked up a grape and held it between finger claw and thumb. “You really like him, don’t you?” “Yes. Yes, I do.” Luc picked up a cube of cheese and held it up to Izzorah’s mouth. He licked the cube out of Luc’s fingers and bit it. “That was sexy.” Luc picked up another one. “Do that again.” Izzorah curled his tongue around the cube and pulled it into his mouth. He offered the grape to Luc, who wrapped his lips around it, bit into and held it with his teeth, and then leaned over to kiss him. Izzorah accepted the grape from his mouth, smiling into Luc’s black eyes. He crunched the grape. “I haven’t had this much fun with a snack since the time my cousin Dallon turned all the mowts loose before bed.” Luc threw back his head and laughed. “I’d like to have seen that! Here, mowts are treated like hamsters and mice. Pets.” “I know.” Izzorah shook his head. “How creepy is that? Like putting a cow in your house instead of the pasture.” “Humans like small pets.” “I saw a dog. That thing was smelly.” He shuddered. “They’re noisy, and they scratch all the time.” “You’re familiar with cats, judging by our earlier playtime.” Izzorah felt his cheeks heating up at the memory. “Yeah. Trey’s neighbor has two. They prance around her apartment like tiny Kin who sprouted tails and went bad.” A hand over his chest, Luc laughed out loud. Izzorah laughed with him. Luc wiped his eyes. “Oh, mercy.” He chuckled some more. “I don’t know when I’ve laughed this much. You’re good for me, kosset.” Izzorah inhaled deeply, savoring his cheerful scent, like a fresh, rain-washed morning in the mountains. “I’m glad you’re happy.” Luc reached out and linked fingers with him, brought Izzorah’s hand to his mouth and kissed it. He turned it over, kissed Izzorah’s palm, and then kissed his way up his wrist and forearm to his elbow. Izzorah held his breath, tingling everywhere Luc touched. He shivered at the erotic feel. Luc knelt beside his chair, leaned in, and took his mouth. Izzorah wrapped both arms around him, curling his hands into the man’s short dark hair. The feel of him in his arms, tight curls beneath his hands, the scent of him, all seduced him with its rightness. He’d come twice, yet his cock was straight up again. Luc simply held on to him, kissing as if it was the only thing he had to do.

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When Luc pulled back and smiled into Izzorah’s eyes, trouble disappeared. There were no deadlines, no concerts or tours. No practice sessions. No fans to please. Nothing but this man. His lover. His hero. Izzorah shut his eyes, surrendered his mouth to Luc’s, and let the empire fade away.

***** Sofftem 28 Luc dipped a razor under the faucet and grinned at his reflection. You’ve still got it, old man. He’d made love to Izzorah all night, taking his own pleasure only twice. Seeing his kosset writhe and moan had been worth the wait. Tonight is another story. Tonight I take him beyond oral sex and hand play. He whistled while he finished his morning shave. Izzorah appeared behind him in the reflection, knuckling his eyes. “Good morning, love.” Luc turned. “Did I wake you?” He shook his head, yawning, and stretched, arms over his head. “Ow.” He winced and rubbed his left arm. “Let me see.” Luc took his arm in both hands. The evidence of his injury was now no more than a pink line. He released him. “You’re almost healed.” “See?” Izzorah flexed his arm. “I’m a little tender. I won’t need two months off. I’m almost good as new.” “You think so now, but wait till you start drumming again. The nanobots your doctor gave you do a good job healing muscle, but your body has to put all the nerve endings back and reteach itself how to work. It takes longer than you think. The fine movements and motor skills take time to relearn.” “Oh.” Izzorah stared at his arm for a moment, shrugged, and gave Luc a smile bright as the morning sunshine coming through the windows. “If you say so.” He slid a finger down Izzorah’s nose. “Trust me.” The Kin wrapped his arms around Luc’s waist, head back to look up at him. “I do.” “Good.” He kissed his lover and stroked the fingers of both hands down Izzorah’s face. “I have plans for you tonight.” A dark blush stole across his cheeks, ears forward. “You do?” “Oh, yes.” Luc curled a knuckle beneath Izzorah’s chin, smiling. “You’re such a pleasure to teach. I can’t wait to get you alone. After dinner, the two of us are going to spend time exploring one another’s fantasies.” “Uh --” His cheeks turned a deeper peach. “You mean…talking about sex? Like you made me do last night?” He broke into a chuckle. “Was it that painful?”

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“Uh…” He wrinkled his nose. “I spent my whole life hiding. It’s hard to start talking now. Sex was a forbidden subject.” He raised one brow. “Correct me if I’m wrong, Izzorah, but isn’t one of the ‘traditional’ greetings between Kin, ‘How’s sex been lately?’” He covered his fangs as he laughed. “Yes. But that’s male-female sex. Not the kind I wanted to talk about.” “Ah!” Luc kissed him on the forehead. “Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it.” He slid both hands into Izzorah’s hair, holding him while they kissed. As it ended, Luc set a soft kiss on each eyelid and cheek. “I love kissing with you.” Izzorah rubbed his face against Luc’s hand. “You do it so perfect.” “Thank you.” He kissed him on the nose. “We’ll practice more tonight.” Izzorah leaned his cheek against Luc’s hand like a cat begging to be petted. “Good.” He tugged on the Kin’s right ear. “Rule number one. Never rush through a kiss to get to the ‘good part.’ It’s all good. Two, use your passion for enjoyment and not to dominate your lover. Well” -- he shrugged -- “unless both agree. Being dominated can be good.” Izzorah shivered. “Are you cold?” Luc wrapped his arms around Izzorah and cuddled him against his chest. “I love your voice. It reaches right down inside me. When you talk, it makes me all shivery.” Luc frowned, mouth set against the top of Izzorah’s head. “Really?” He nodded, tilted back his head, and looked up. “I think I’d like being dominated by you.” A dark smile swept over him. “Mmm, kosset. I can work with that.” “Speaking of work, do you have to go today?” Sighing, Luc kissed his lover’s brow. “I’m afraid so, love. Duty calls. In fact, I need to go up to the third floor and get dressed now. All my work clothes are there.” He stepped back. “Can we have breakfast together after?” “Absolutely. Why don’t you shave and then meet me upstairs?” He yawned again, covering fangs behind his hand. “Sorry.” He knuckled one eye. Luc chuckled, bending down to give him a quick kiss. “I tired you out. Make sure you get a nap today.” “What about you?” Izzorah held his hands. “You were up all night too. I mean -- you know.” He blushed, giggling at the double entendre. Laughing, Luc shook his head. Stamina was the least of his worries. “I’ll be fine. Make sure you don’t overdo it today, all right? Promise me you’ll rest?”

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He drew a little closer. “Yes, Luc.” His submissive response shoved Luc’s desire into hyperdrive. It was all he could do not to ravish him on the spot. He bit his lips together. “Good, good. I’ll be on the third floor. Take the elevator and go through the door straight ahead when you get off. I’ve had McDoth set all the doors on this floor and the third so they’ll open to you.” “What’s on the second floor? Your office?” “Something like that.” The “dungeon” he’d used for sex games with Wulf took up most of it. “I’ll meet you upstairs in a few minutes.” “Yes, Luc.” Izzorah stood on tiptoe to give him another kiss. Luc took the stairs up, stopping on the second to visit the dungeon. He and Wulf each had a key card for the door; otherwise, only McDoth had access for cleaning. He entered the dungeon’s foyer and stood outside the observation window. The cavernous main room held a square bed big enough for six, two oversize chairs bolted to the floor beside it, with stanchions for chains built into the floor beside them. The room was white, from its heated, padded floor to the ceiling. Banks of candles took up each corner. Beyond were more rooms, each designed for a particular type of play, from whipping to bondage to a bare cube that was more cage than room. He’d brought Wulf to the dungeon countless times over their five years together. Had designed it to suit Wulf’s needs. Wulf’s perceived needs.

I shared Wulf with other men in this room. Tied, chained, and forced him to submit. Yes, Wulf loved it, at least at first. When had he stopped? Why didn’t I notice? As a master, I failed. Utterly. He turned his back on the window, stomach clenching at the last memory of this room. He’d hired Jawk Brighton, a Kin male, and brought him here to pleasure both himself and Wulf. He rubbed the back of his neck, cringing at the memory. Barely a week later, Wulf had left him for Alitus, and Jawk had proven to be a spy for the rebels. Less than a month had passed since. He could never enter here again. That aspect of his life -- for this lifetime, at least -was over. He made a mental note to call his interior designer and have the entire floor redone. Maybe put in a soundproofed room for Izzorah to practice drums. Big enough for the entire band. Maybe turn this part of the Loft into his own private nightclub.

Yes. Great idea! I can have parties here. Wonder if I can get that finished by New Year’s Eve? Two hundred stories above the ground -- but I’d call it the Dungeon. Wulf will shit when he finds out. Whistling, Luc locked the door and took the stairs two at a time. On the top floor, Luc entered the dressing area off his bedroom. The lights came on, activating his silver-skinned valet-droid. He’d never bothered to install a personality matrix in his valet; one fussy butler was more than enough.

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“Good morning, sir. Shall I choose work-related attire for you?” “Yes, thank you.” Luc passed through the room into his private bath. The lights came on as he entered. He turned side to side before the mirrored wall. His taut shoulders, ridged abs, and flat belly showed none of his age. He might be sixty-three tradestandard years old, but that was barely middle-aged. Humans lived at least twice that long. His true years numbered in the thousands. How many lives have I lived? Izzorah’s endearing reassurance that age didn’t matter because he’d outlive Luc brought a huge grin to his face. Truth sobered him.

I can’t tell him how old I am. Or what I am. Luc met his gaze in the mirror. The solid black eyes glistened like a bird’s. If he bared them… If Izzorah saw his true eyes, the questions would start. No human had eyes like his. The only time they looked human was when he was sated sexually. With the lenses in place, he could see; without them, unless he’d been sated, he was blind. Wulf had tried to provide enough sex. He simply couldn’t. Kin had far better stamina. Perhaps Izzorah… Luc shook his head, pressing fingertips to brow. How can I tell him I’m blind without my lenses? All these

secrets, when I want so much to bare my heart to him. Without permission from Pietas, the Sempervians’ ruler, that part of his life would have to remain hidden. Revealing the Sempervians’ most guarded secrets without dispensation risked Penance, a year of punishment. Luc shuddered. Being reborn after every death, no matter how violent or cruel, carried no blessing. Especially at the hands of Pietas. “Here you are, sir.” The valet entered, clothing draped across one arm. “Your usual business attire. Shall I help you dress?” “No, thank you. I’ll do it myself. Hang everything there, please.” He gestured toward a hook. “You can shut down.” “Yes, sir. Have a nice day.” He returned to his alcove in the dressing room. Luc hummed to himself as he dressed. When he’d fastened his last button and brushed a hand down his shirtfront, he checked alignment in the mirror. Leaning forward, he brushed fingertips across his smooth jaw. His tightly curled black hair was so short it needed little attention, but he checked the sides to ensure the edges were perfect. Satisfied, he reached for his jacket. Izzorah appeared behind him in the mirror. “There you are! That closet guy said you were in here.” “Ready for breakfast?” He lowered the shirt he’d been holding, ears drooping. “You’re already dressed.” Izzorah bit into his lower lip, fangs gleaming against rosy skin. “I’ll hang this back up.” He turned to go. “Rah.” Luc took him by the arm, braced himself against the counter, and tugged him close. He spread his legs wide and guided Izzorah between them. “Thank you for bringing

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me a shirt, love. It was thoughtful of you, but that one’s too casual for business. I’ll teach you how to tell the difference, if you like.” “I --” He glanced at the shirt, clutched in his hand like a security blanket. “I didn’t want you to wear it to work. I wanted --” He shook his head as he stepped back. “It’s okay. I’ll go hang it up now.” “Rah.” Luc smiled, refusing to let him go. “You wanted what?” He fingered his lover’s midnight-dark hair. “I wanted you to wear it, so it’d smell like you.” Luc frowned, trying to understand. “Why?” He glanced away, scuffing one foot across the floor. “You’ll laugh.” “Not at you. Ever.” He set both hands on his shoulders and made Izzorah face him. “What did we agree about in bed last night?” He ducked his head to meet his gaze. “What was it?” Cheeks dark with a blush, he chewed his lower lip. “What was it?” Luc crooked a finger beneath Rah’s chin. “Come on. Say it.” Izzorah’s innocent blush zoomed a pulse of heat through Luc like nothing he’d ever experienced with more worldly lovers. “To tell each other what we want.” “That’s right. And what I want from you right now is to hear what you wanted from me. Why did you bring me the shirt?” The young Kin pressed his lips together, ears down and out, submissive. “So I could wear it after you left, and it would smell like you.” He pulled back to look up. “It’s okay. I know it was silly.” “Not a bit.” Luc drew him close again. He cradled Izzorah in his arms, the heat of his lover’s body a potent reminder of the sex they’d shared. He curled one hand into Rah’s hair, savoring the sensual fall of it around his fingers. “It’s sweet as hell. Picturing you in my shirt makes me so hot I don’t want to go to work.” He tilted back his head, bright emerald gaze raised to Luc’s. “That made you hot?” “Hell, yes. Give me your mouth.” Izzorah lifted his face, lips parted, eyes closed. Luc lowered his mouth to Rah’s and brushed the coolness of his lips. His scent flooded Luc’s awareness. He drew Rah’s lower lip between his teeth and sucked it into his mouth. “Mmm.” He nuzzled against Rah’s cheek, breathed him in. “Mmm. You smell so good. Like heaven.” Izzorah gave a subdued laugh, the sound a brush of pleasure. “I want to stay with you forever, love.” He kissed his way along Rah’s throat, down along his shoulder. “Make love to you all day. Take you, love you, fill you.”

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Rah threw himself against Luc, stood on tiptoe, and crushed his mouth against his. The bold kiss he claimed cascaded desire over Luc in waves of heat, inundating his thoughts. No world existed past this armful of hot Kin male. Rah pressed against him, his body insistent, tongue demanding entrance, and Luc let his mouth be taken. So easy. So right. He drifted into the heat of the passionate embrace, his body responding to the languid fire. Rah leaned his belly against Luc’s rising erection, the ridged abs a teasing reminder of his Kin strength and matching stamina. An alarm in Luc’s pocket went off with a melodic pinging sound. With a groan, he pulled back from the kiss and flipped open his ringing mobile. Ms. Mead’s personal icon popped to the top, a message icon floating behind it. He thumbed it and read. “Damn.” He dropped it back into a pocket. “I have a board meeting in thirty minutes.” Izzorah tucked both hands behind him. “I guess that means we can’t have breakfast.” “No.” Luc began unfastening his tie. “I’m the boss. They’ll wait for me.” He grinned. “Give me that shirt.”

***** The Loft Izzorah wrapped both arms around himself. Luc’s shirt against his furskin comforted almost as much as the man himself. He wore nothing else, the shirt long enough to cover the essentials. Once he’d had his own shirt off to put on Luc’s, the human had run his fingers through Izzorah’s pelt, kissed his throat and down his abs. Though they’d made love all night, Izzorah’s shaft had risen as full and hard as their first time. Luc insisted on a taste and had brought him off with such skill Izzorah went to his knees. Luc had given him sweets for energy during the night. Who knew there was such a thing as chocolate body paint? Licking it off Luc’s shaft had sent both of them into bliss. Now, he stood in the center of his room and thought back over their farewell. He’d been outside the elevator doors and Luc inside, the two of them kissing feverishly on the threshold while the alarm sounded for the doors to close. Purring, he hugged himself tighter, eyes closed at the erotic memory.

“When I get home, I’ll teach you things you never knew possible.” The anticipation made him ache. The silence of the penthouse drove him to seek out music. McDoth had gone to the farmers’ market, leaving explicit instructions not to open the doors, assuring him the security system would protect him during the short time everyone was out. Izzorah found his music player in one of the drawers, linked it to the headphones, and brought up a playlist. Icons for the various groups marked the songs, so it was easy to locate ones he liked. Kory had set up the player with an Imperinet link so he could download his favorite groups automatically.

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The player had been a welcome gift from Lucsondis the day they’d signed their first contract, and it had the company logo on the upper right corner, two black lines with dots on top of them. Any Lucsondis song they wanted was free to upload.

Hmm. He set a claw against his chin. I wonder if words are like icons and logos? Maybe they all have their own shapes. I wonder if I could learn what some of them look like? The walls full of books in Luc’s study came to mind. There must be majillions of words in those. No way I could ever do that. He rolled his eyes. Stick to music, Izzy. That’s something you know. He opened a playlist of Iron Soul’s music and cranked up the volume. The stairs leading to Luc’s bedroom lay ahead as he came out of the hall, and on impulse, Izzorah pushed through the door and started up. On the penthouse’s second floor, he paused on the landing, which opened onto a softly lit, spacious foyer.

This is where Luc has his office, isn’t it? He couldn’t open doors here, only on the first and third floors. Don’t go getting curious, Izzy. If he wanted you to poke around in here, he’d have made it so you could. He went up the next flight of stairs and crossed to Luc’s bedroom. This time, he stayed away from the closet. Apparently, opening the door turned on that closet guy, and all that shiny skin made it too hard to see him. Too much like Andy. Seeing the reporter on a screen was bad enough, but to have all those arms whipping about and getting right in your face in person… He shuddered. Luc’s bed had a frame around it. Izzorah put out one hand to the bed drapes. What’s this made of? It felt stiff, almost to the point of being brittle, as if the shiny threads woven into it were real gold. Maybe they are. He pulled it right up to his face so he could see the detail and gasped at the intricate handwork. How beautiful. Black brocade was inlaid with heavy silver and gold threads. Some turquoise as well, and a little salmon and mint. Almost a Ceeow green. Exquisite work. I’d never be able to do this! To even see it, he had to hold it right up to his nose. I’ll bet this is Falehla clan handwork. He stepped back, but the bed was too big for him to see all of it with his limited vision. The cloth alone must’ve cost a fortune.

All this, for one single bed that only one person gets to see. No -- two. Wulf has seen it. A growl rose in Izzorah’s throat, unbidden. He turned away, sighing. Some of Wulf is here. I can sense him. It wasn’t in the scent. The room smelled clean and fresh, without human scents at all. The whole house was that way, as if McDoth cleaned it the way a Kin would, everything natural. Whatever part of Wulf lingered lay beyond Izzorah’s ability to express. It simply was. He explored the bedroom without opening anything. A painting hung on one wall, but when he got close enough to see detail, he couldn’t see the overall picture and had no idea what it was. He trailed his fingers along the paneled wall. The polished wood felt cool. A panel opened like a door as he reached it.

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Izzorah stepped back. He hadn’t known it was there; this was opposite Luc’s closet. Had this been… Was this Wulf’s? Izzorah poked his head around the corner and gave a hesitant sniff. As he entered, lights came on.

No closet guy on this side. Maybe he’s turned off. Maybe Wulf took him with him when he moved out. Izzorah stepped farther inside. Oh, wow. He hasn’t moved out at all. Everything’s here. This is way bigger than Luc’s closet. A separate room held more clothes and had a solid wall of nothing but shoes. He laughed. Look at all this! How many pairs of shoes can a person wear at a time anyway? My whole wardrobe would fit in a bagbot. Gosh, I hope Luc doesn’t expect me to fill this up with my stuff once Wulf is all moved out. I wouldn’t even know what to buy. A tight feeling gripped his chest. What if Wulf never moves out? What if he comes back? There had been no guarantees, despite Luc’s talk about commitment. No doubt he’d committed to Wulf, too. Izzorah clutched a hand to his chest.

Trust me, Luc had told him. Izzorah’s heart wanted to make that choice. A different playlist kicked in right then, with a song that always made him dance, Wind and Thunder’s “Fresh Off the Planet.” Repetitious as hell, but the relentless beat never failed to inspire. Barefoot, decked out only in Luc’s shirt, he couldn’t resist dancing and singing along with the chorus at the end.

You’re fresh baby, baby, yeah you’re fresh You’re fresh baby, baby, yeah you’re fresh You’re fresh baby, baby, yeah you’re fresh He threw out his arms on the last line and sang at the top of his lungs, “You’re fresh off the Plaaanet of Loooove!” Laughing at the carefree song, he turned around and froze. There, between himself and the door, hands on his hips, stood Wulf Gabriel.

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Chapter Ten The Loft “Who the hell are you?” The echo of disbelief in Wulf’s voice was followed by a scent like a match, freshly struck. Izzorah’s breath abandoned him. He opened his mouth. Not a sound came out. The stink of Wulf’s fury made Izzorah sneeze. He backed away, only to collide with a door that opened and dumped him through it onto his ass. He rolled over and scrambled to his feet. The dropped headset snapped underfoot and stabbed into his arch. He bit his lip in pain and whirled to face Wulf as he banged open the door and followed him in. Mirrors covered all sides of the tiny room. The dizzying display of reflections cast infinite Wulf images. Unable to distinguish real from reflection, Izzorah put his head down, squinting to blot out the confusing sight. “I don’t believe this.” Wulf stood toe to toe with him. “I can’t believe he let one of you people touch anything of mine!” Izzorah held up both hands, retreating until his back hit the wall. “I’m talking to you!” Wulf jabbed a finger into Izzorah’s shoulder. “What the hell are you doing with my stuff?” Izzorah held a hand before his face. Wulf didn’t recognize him? “I didn’t t-take anything. I w-wouldn’t!” His heart beat so hard he couldn’t catch his breath. His chest ached. Wulf’s fury filled the mirrored room, choking Izzorah with sulfur fumes. “You gonna tell me you can afford an Ainmar shirt? It doesn’t even fit you.” Wulf grabbed the front and pulled Izzorah up against him. “You thieving little bastard. I ought to break your neck.”

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“Wulf!” Another man’s voice broke in. “What’s going on? Who is that?” “Luc’s bedtoy of the week.” Izzorah bolted for the door. “Oh, no, you don’t!” Wulf grabbed the collar of his shirt, yanking him backward, and then slammed him up against the mirrored wall. Izzorah bounced off it and hit the floor on hands and knees. Pain knifed through his left arm. His ears rang. “Wulf, don’t get into this.” The other man stepped between them. “Let’s call security.” “McDoth isn’t home.” Wulf shoved the other man aside and bent over Izzorah. “Who let you in here?” Teeth chattering, Izzorah huddled, hiding his face. He sucked in a raspy breath. “I didn’t steal anything.” Wulf yanked Izzorah’s collar. “How much do whores get these days?” He set hands on hips. “Don’t tell me, let me guess. You work at Batchelors, right? Or you’re one of the janitors. I’ve seen you somewhere before. Luc needs to stop fucking the help.” “Wulf!” the blond man warned. “That was nasty and uncalled-for.” He laughed. “If it’s got two legs and a prick, he’ll screw it. He fucked everybody in town while he was with me.” Izzorah sucked in an outraged breath and braced a hand against the mirror as he got to his feet. “Don’t talk about him that way.” “What are you, one of Luc’s charity cases? Let me guess. You were in some kind of trouble and the Man came in all big and bad and rescued you. Am I right? Yeah, and DNN was prolly there to capture the whole thing.” The swagger in his voice carried over to his scent. Arrogance filled the room with the tang of citrus. Izzorah sneezed. “Let me tell you something, boy. Anything he did for you was only to make himself look good. He gave you a mercy fuck. Do you have any idea how many times he picked up some Kin whore while we were together? Try every damn weekend. He couldn’t keep his cock inside his pants for one night.” Wulf dragged both hands through his hair. “So don’t defend him to me, you little prick. You have no fucking idea what he’s like!” A growl rumbled in his chest as Izzorah threw back his shoulders and bared fangs. “Wulf!” The other man pulled him away. “Let this go.” “Shut the hell up, Alitus!” “Wulf!” The other man stepped between them, physically pushing Wulf back. “Stop it, now! This isn’t your home anymore.” Wulf’s rejection stunk like smoke from a fire doused in cold water. “Baby, get what you came for and let’s get out of here. I told you this was a bad idea.”

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Izzorah trembled, his own anger draining in a rush. “I didn’t take anything, Mr. Gabriel. I was invited here. I didn’t mean to intrude. I got in this room by accident.” Wulf leveled a harsh gaze on him. “Do I know you?” Teeth chattering, Izzorah backed away, head turned. “I’m from Kumwhatmay.” “Kumwhatmay!” Silence. “Oh, shit. Shit! Izzorah Ceeow?” He refused to meet Wulf’s gaze. “I --” Wulf reeked like old vinegar in his shame. “I…I’m sorry.” “Wulf,” the other man insisted. “Let’s go!” “In a damn minute, Alitus! So, does this mean you and Luc…?” Wulf didn’t finish the question, but it was obvious, and one Izzorah had no intention of answering. “I knew he’d replace me with a Kin. Didn’t take him long.” “Wulf, damn it.” Alitus stepped between them. “If you don’t stop this and leave right now, I’m going to carry you over my shoulder like a spoiled brat!” A wisp of peppermint amusement tinged the air. “Try it.” “Do not tempt me.” Wulf grumbled under his breath, but he walked away. He turned back and thrust something toward Izzorah. “Here. Take it. Go on! Take it.” Izzorah reached out. Wulf slapped a small, flat card onto his palm. “You’ll need that for the dungeon.”

What the hell is a dungeon? Izzorah frowned at the card. “The what?” “The whole second floor, that’s what. Hasn’t he taken you there yet?” Wulf burst into laughter, his angry scent totally at odds with the sound. He took one step toward Izzorah and leaned in, his closeness a threat. “Have fun.” “Wulf!” Alitus demanded. “Damn it, that’s it.” “All right. I’m going.” They both went out. The door slammed behind them. Silence echoed in the mirrored room. Key card in hand, Izzorah pressed his back against the wall and slid to the floor.

***** Lucsondis Entertainment Luc finished the last of his coffee and stood to stretch. The board meeting had been decisive for a change, as if everyone felt as renewed as he. Even Ms. Mead had noticed. When he’d arrived late, whistling, she’d looked up and grinned. “Well, I see someone had a good night.” His wink had made her laugh. “Glad to have you back, sir.”

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He called Ms. Mead into his office. “You said Izzorah’s birthday is this week. What day?” “You actually do listen to the trivia I spout at you, don’t you?” He lowered his brows. “Did you think I didn’t? You have no idea how many times I’ve benefited from details you’ve mentioned. Keep it up.” “Thank you, sir, I will. His birthday is the day after tomorrow. I made reservations for dinner at the Jade House, but we can cancel them if you prefer somewhere else. If so, where? And should I order flowers or champagne? Arrange for anything special?” “Jade House is perfect. I want both, and how about a concert? Who’s in town?” “Ahneesah Kin is at the stadium this weekend. Sold out, but we haven’t offered your box to anyone yet. I thought you might want to go to this one yourself.” “You are a wise woman.” He tucked both hands behind his head and leaned back. “How’s that project going with the Renyoj Building?” “Good. I hired a consultant group to look into the legalities and set up a compensation package. We should have action within the next forty-eight hours.” “Excellent. How many assistants do you have?” “Sir? You mean, for this project?” “No.” He sat forward, arms on his desk. “In general. I’m all over this building, in one business or another, all day long, and you follow me everywhere. I call you all hours of the day and night, and you’re always available.” She frowned. “Is that a problem?” “No! No. I worry you’re working too hard. I don’t pay enough attention to the people around me, Ms. Mead.” Luc slid his coffee cup to the right, lining it up with the edge of his desk. “I’m trying to amend that.” “My only mission is to support you, sir. Wherever you go, I go.” “I realize that. I know I’m a handful of trouble sometimes.” “Sometimes?” When he started to respond, she lowered her head, a hand in front of her mouth, but it failed to hide her smile. Luc scratched at the side of his neck. “All I’m saying is, if you need a larger staff, I’ll approve it.” “Ah, I see.” She nodded. “Do you know how many people report to me, sir?” “More than a dozen, surely.” He sat back. “One hundred forty-seven, not including android file clerks and receptionists.” He pushed back his chair. “You have an army.” “To keep up with you, I need one. In fact, I wish I had one of me to support myself.” She made a rolling gesture. “If you know what I mean.”

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“I do, indeed. Promote someone. Hire a new person. I want you to be happy. When you’re happy, I’m happy.” Eyebrows raised, she picked up his empty cup and gave it a little sniff. He laughed. “Go find some work to do.” “Ah, now, there’s the Luc Saint-Cyr we all know and love.” She winked and walked out of his office, coffee cup in hand. Luc rubbed a hand across his mouth. “Damn smart-ass woman.” He laughed again. He’d picked up the next project in his to-do pile when Ms. Mead knocked and opened the door. “Everything’s set, and McDoth is here to see you.” She stood aside as the android entered, and then closed the door behind him. Luc frowned, standing as his butler crossed the huge room. “The fact that you’re here in person means it’s bad news. What happened?” “Master Izzorah is missing.” “Missing!” He came out from behind the desk. “That is not the worst of it, sir.” Luc’s throat went so tight he almost choked. “I went out to the farmers’ market as I do every day, ensuring all security precautions were in place at home. When I returned, he was missing, there was evidence he’d been injured, and --” “Injured how?” “I believe he stepped on his headset. I found a broken piece of it on the floor in Master Wulf’s closet, and there were bloody footprints on the stairs.” “What the hell was he doing in Wulf’s closet?” McDoth set both hands behind him. “As you have never allowed me to place security cams in your private rooms, I cannot answer with certainty. However, from entrance and exit scans, it appears he may have had a scuffle with Master Wulf.” Luc blinked, mouth open. He shut it, shook his head. “Scuffle.” “Yes, sir.” “With Wulf.” “Yes, sir.” The android met his gaze, unblinking. “Wulf’s back.” “So it would appear.” “And he let himself into my house?” “When I suggested you change the locks, sir, you said, and I quote, ‘I want to give him the option of coming home,’ and told me to do no such thing.”

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Luc pressed his clasped hands against his mouth. “So I did. That was wishful thinking on my part, McDoth.” He took a deep breath, hands at his sides. “And foolish. What’s being done to find him?” “Master Izzorah? I contacted Ms. Lexius at idBot, and she expressed concern that his leaving may make him open to arrest by the Labor Board. She’s having her idBot sources scour the city, unofficially. I also contacted his family and Kumwhatmay. No one’s seen him, but they promised to call if they do. Sir, depending on what happened and how Master Izzorah feels about whatever it was -- they might not.” “I’ll contact the Thieves’ Guild. I have contacts there as well. Have you spoken to Wulf?” “No, sir.” McDoth held himself erect as a Praetorian. “I thought that might be better left to you.” “You’re quite right about that.” He opened the door to his office and gestured Ms. Mead inside. “Have you seen Wulf today?” “No, sir, but his assistant messaged me that he’s in his office.” “Go get him personally and bring him to me. Don’t send anyone else, and don’t give him any explanation other than I want to see him immediately. Remain at his side until he agrees to come with you. Once he’s here, call security and have them wait outside.” She grabbed her throat. “Yes, sir.” She glanced at McDoth before darting out the door. The butler made a polite cough. “One more thing you need to know, sir. It’s not good news. In fact, I…” “Out with it, McDoth!” He inclined his head. “It appears Master Wulf no longer has his key card to the dungeon. Security logs show Master Izzorah used it.” Stiff-legged and tight-lipped, Luc stalked over to the windows. He braced both hands against the glass and shut his eyes. Oh, God. He will never trust me again. Taking several deep breaths, he kept his head down, trying to control his racing thoughts. “How long was he in there?” “Twenty-three-point-two minutes.”

More than long enough to see everything I wanted to hide. “Shall I stay, sir?” “God, yes, McDoth.” Luc turned around, jaws clenched as tight as his fists. “When Wulf gets here, I want someone in the room physically strong enough to keep me from murdering him.”

***** Tarth City Mall District

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In the tube train portal of the Nizamrak Building, Izzorah got on the first car that came along. By the time he’d reached Destine Pietan Station, he’d had plenty of time to think. Luc’s words ran through this head. “I have plans for you… Sometimes one person likes being dominated by the other… I’ll teach you things you never knew possible.”

Does Luc want to dominate me through pain? Is that what those things are for in the dungeon? Is that what he wants to teach me? Does hurting people make him feel good? Why? No matter which angle he considered these questions from, he had no answers that made sense. Wulf’s fury was linked to betrayal, that much was obvious, but how could Luc have put up with Wulf’s sarcasm and biting anger for five years? Even Alitus was having a hard time of it. Was he always like that? Maybe Alitus will be good for Wulf. I wonder if I’m good for Luc? Izzorah sighed, shaking his head. He didn’t know what to think. Maybe where he was headed, he’d find some answers. At the main train station, he caught another tube over to Tarth City Mall. A voice announced each stop in tradestandard Etymis, his native Felis, and another language. The icons on the seat backs made it easy enough to know when he’d arrived. As he passed through the doors of the hundred-story-high mall, a feminine voice greeted him. “Welcome to Tarth City Mall, where your shopping pleasure is our only business. Tarth City Mall -- so big, we can hardly contain ourselves. Please let us know how Tarth City Mall can increase your shopping pleasure.” An android greeter escorted him to the shop he sought. Inside the door, a human welcomed him. “Thank you for visiting the Coat Factory, sir. May I help you find something for yourself or a loved one?” “Some friends, actually.” He stuffed his right hand into a pocket in his jeans, ensuring his debit bracelet was there. “My birthday’s coming up, and I kind of have this tradition. I --” “Oh!” The man gave him a huge grin. “I heard about you last year. We were all wondering if you’d be back.” “Uh…” Izzorah tilted his head, ears forward. “You expected me?” “Yes, sir.” He swept a hand toward the rear of the store. “It’s not every day a Kin comes in and buys three hundred coats for his birthday. That was you, wasn’t it?” Ears down and back, he nodded. “Excellent, sir. Please, come this way. I’ll be delighted to help you.”

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Luc positioned himself on the western side of his office, farthest from the doors. Being fall, noontime sunlight streamed in at a high angle. He could feel the heat on his shoulders, but it provided no warmth to his heart. The doors opened and Wulf came in, Alitus at his side. McDoth stayed near the door. Wulf glanced around and came to a halt. “What’s up?” Luc set both hands behind him. “Alitus, would you excuse us, please? What I have to say is for Wulf alone.” Alitus glanced at Wulf. “Is this Lucsondis business? Or personal?” Luc lifted his chin. “Personal.” “Then I’m not leaving.” Alitus folded his arms. “Anything you need to say you can say in front of me.” “I would rather --” Wulf tossed dark hair out of narrowed brown eyes. “I don’t give a shit what you’d rather. He stays.”

Exactly what I wanted. Luc rubbed his mouth to hide his smile. He nodded toward Alitus. The man took a seat. “So, what’s up?” Wulf remained where he was, arms folded across his chest. His cleancut dark gray suit lent him a conservative look. At home on the fringes, Wulf’s savvy about culture and sophistication had set the empire on its ear when he modeled, and it had revolutionized the music business for Lucsondis. His unique blend of edginess and buttondown made him invaluable. The two men faced each other across the room. Luc brushed at nonexistent lint on his jacket. “You entered my home today.” Wulf shrugged with an “oh, that” roll of his eyes. “I picked up some personal shit. Servants will get the rest.” Luc turned his head, listening more than watching. “Did you see McDoth?” A small cough gave away Wulf’s nervousness. “He wasn’t there.” “I’ll want your key card.” He held out a hand. Wulf cleared his throat. “I gave it to your friend.” Luc lowered his hand, tilting his head as if unsure what Wulf meant. “Friend?” “The Kin.” Luc clasped his hands behind him once more, saying nothing. Wulf dropped his hands to his sides and then set them on his hips. “Look, what’s this about, Luc? Why’d you call me in here?” “You don’t know?”

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“Would I ask if I did?” He gestured to Alitus. “Let’s go. I don’t have time for this bullshit.” Luc let the pair get almost to the door before speaking. “Izzorah is missing.” Both pivoted slowly toward Luc. Alitus glanced at Wulf, and after an exaggerated sigh, Wulf walked back toward Luc. “What do you mean, missing?” “Meaning no one knows where he is. That is the general definition, I believe.” “Why do you think I know anything?” Luc pressed the fingertips of both hands together before him. “Since you were the last person to see him, and his blood was found in your closet, that makes you a suspect for foul play.” “What foul play?” Wulf echoed. He pressed one hand against his forehead in concentration. “He was fine when I left.” He turned to Alitus. “Tell him.” A blond like Alitus showed a blush easily, and his cheeks turned a dark pink. “Ah.” Luc clasped his hands behind him. “So you brought your lover into my home with you.” Wulf, on the other hand, turned red. “You bastard.” He skirted around chairs as he crossed toward Luc. “You set me up. He’s not missing at all. You wanted to know if Alitus was with me. Why the hell didn’t you ask?” “Oh, he’s missing, all right. And there was blood in your closet. What did you do to him?” “I --” Wulf glanced away. “I thought I’d surprised a thief. I didn’t recognize him. I didn’t do anything to him, and he sure wasn’t bleeding.” He turned back toward Alitus. “Was he?” “Actually, he was.” “He was?” Wulf seemed genuinely taken aback. “I shoved him, but I didn’t --” “What!” Luc launched himself at Wulf. Within a handbreadth of grabbing his throat, Luc pulled back his hands. The brown eyes went wide, pupils dilated. Wulf stammered more excuses about thinking Izzorah was a thief, none of which made sense. Luc ground his teeth together. “You laid your hands on him?” “It was a mistake, all right?” Wulf straightened his jacket. “He couldn’t have been bleeding from anything I did.” Wulf turned to Alitus expectantly, and Luc followed suit. Alitus gestured to his feet. “When I came in, I felt something crunch under my shoe. I looked down, saw blood on the floor, and that’s when I noticed his foot was bleeding. I thought maybe he’d stepped on something.” Wulf turned back to Luc. “See? I didn’t do anything to him.”

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“You said you shoved him.” Luc put one foot between Wulf’s. His former lover stared up at him. “Why would you do that? Why would you come into my home and assault one of my guests? Not to mention assault a Lucsondis client. What were you thinking?” Wulf stepped back. “That he was some kid off the street. I was shocked to see someone in my closet.” Luc opened his fists, clenched them again. “Why? Were you jealous?” “No!” He gave a snort. “Hell no. Why would I be jealous?” Across the room, Alitus passed a hand across his brow, shielding his eyes. Luc folded his arms. “Did you ask who he was? Why he was there? Or did you simply assume he was a thief because he was a Kin?” Wulf squinted at him. “None of that changes the fact that he didn’t belong there.” “Neither did you! When you realized McDoth wasn’t home, you should have turned around and left.” “You didn’t change the locks. If you didn’t want me there, you should’ve changed them.” “Do not lay this at my feet! Why the hell can’t you take responsibility for your actions?” Wulf glared, hands on his hips. “Excuse me?” Luc avoided Wulf’s gaze. “You entered my home and assaulted my guest, possibly injured him, and now that he’s missing, you throw the blame in my face? Why the hell would you give him your key card? You know the intimacy that represents. Damn it, Wulf! That selfish little dig at me has likely damaged every bit of trust I’d established with him.” Wulf’s face went dark. An expression of such agony filled his eyes that it crushed Luc’s heart to see it. Hands in fists, Wulf shook with fury. “Why, you miserable son of a bitch! How dare you lecture me about screwing up trust with your new lover after all you’ve done to me?” Alitus took two steps toward them but was brought up short by McDoth. “What I’ve done?” Luc gestured to himself. “I tried everything I knew to please you. Nothing worked! All you did was take, take, take.” An inarticulate cry of fury left Wulf’s mouth. He shook both fists. “How dare you! Every time you wanted another lover, I got out of your way. I let you whore me out to your friends, damn it! I’d have set myself on fire for you! But no matter how much I gave, you always wanted more.” He slammed a fist against his own chest, tears brimming. “You tore out my heart. You tore out my fucking heart and shoved it down my throat! Why couldn’t you cherish me? Why did you throw me away like I was nothing?” Luc staggered back.

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“I wanted to love you.” Tears streamed down Wulf’s cheeks. “I was nothing but a damn trophy to you. The Man, the great Luc Saint-Cyr, parading his pretty whore-boy all over Tarth.” “Wulf.” Luc’s chest ached; his eyes burned with unshed tears. “No. No. It wasn’t like that. I never felt that way. I --” “Every time I was in public with you, I could feel the eyes of everyone in the room. Staring at me. Wondering if they’d be the next ones to get me naked. If they’d be the ones you’d let fuck me.” “Wulf. I thought…I thought you…” “You thought I wanted that? You thought I liked being tied up and raped by your friends?” Wulf jabbed a finger into Luc’s chest. “I hated you for that. I hated every minute of it!” Luc turned blindly toward the window, unable to bear Wulf’s face. “I thought it was what you wanted. Why didn’t you tell me!” “Because I loved you, you selfish, pompous ass. I’d have done anything for you.” Wulf shoved a hand against Luc’s shoulder, forcing him to face him. “And how did you repay me? You brought home a Kin and wanted it to fuck me.” Luc turned his head. “Stop it.” “No! You look at me, damn it! You dare lecture me about your fucking boyfriend, you’re gonna damn well hear me out.” “Attack me if you have to, Wulf, but don’t start on the Kin. This has nothing to do with them.” “Be man enough to face the truth for once, Luc! They’re animals with human bodies. They have no souls and no hearts.” “Wulf! For God’s sake. How can you spout such drivel? Where the hell have you been, under a rock? You know nothing about these people. No souls? My God!” Luc pressed the fingers of both hands against his brow. “I have never heard such gibberish. Your father would disown you.” Wulf shook a finger in front of Luc’s face. “Don’t you ever -- ever -- say such a thing to me again! You have no idea what my father was like.” “I knew your father from the time he was born. He died when you were ten, but he was my best friend for years before you were even thought of.” Luc jabbed a finger toward him. “So don’t pretend to tell me I didn’t know him. If anyone has the right to talk about Thomas Gabriel, it’s me!” “And you honored your friend’s memory by tying up his only son and using him like some cheap whore?” Chaotic emotions took Luc’s breath. He covered his eyes with one hand. “You are twisting everything I say.”

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“Don’t you dare deny what you did. You whored me out. Don’t presume to ‘honor’ my father when you treated me with such shame. But the worst shame of all was the night you brought home a Kin and made me lie there while that…that animal --” Wulf made a gagging sound, one hand over his mouth. His cheeks puffed outward. He bolted toward a potted plant and heaved into it. Luc hovered behind him, smarting with helplessness. Alitus shoved Luc aside and knelt at Wulf’s side. “Stay away from him.” “Alitus, I --” “Back off.” The man narrowed his startling deep blue eyes at Luc in an unmistakable warning. “I --” “Back off!” Luc stepped away, hands up. Alitus drew the sobbing Wulf against his shoulder and guided him to his feet. “Come on, Wulf. Let me take you home.” “Wulf, I’m sorry.” Luc reached out, but Wulf pulled away, hiding his face against Alitus’s shoulder. Alitus drew him closer, glaring at Luc. “Why can’t you let him go, damn it? Stop torturing him.” “Alitus, I --” Luc rubbed a hand across his mouth. “I didn’t know how he felt.” Wulf threw his arms around Alitus and hid his face against him, breaking down with deep, racking sobs. The patent hatred in Alitus’s eyes served as a lecture on what Luc should have known and should have done. Luc gave a terse nod and fell back a step, throat constricted, eyes burning with unshed tears. If he were stark naked he could not have felt more exposed or vulnerable under the censorious glare. “I’ll escort you out the private entrance.” McDoth gestured them to follow him toward a rear entrance that led to Luc’s private elevator. At the door, Alitus paused and looked back. “We only came here today so he could pick up his things. He’s leaving Lucsondis, effective immediately. His resignation will be on your desk in the morning.” While Wulf continued to sob, Alitus stroked his head. “Do not call him. Stay away from him. Stay out of his life.” “Alitus, damn it! You have no right to --” “Fuck you, Saint-Cyr!” Alitus released Wulf into McDoth’s hands and stalked back to him. “You’re the one with no rights! You had no respect for him.” He gestured back toward Wulf, who was watching with an expression of shock, huge brown eyes red from crying. “You stay away from him. Leave him alone, or I swear I’ll make your life a living hell. I’m

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the minister of imperial intelligence. You might own idBot, but I own all the rights to its software. You stay out of his life or, so help me, I will screw you over every way in the book and then some! You won’t take a piss without me knowing it.” “How dare you come into my office and threaten me!” Luc threw back his shoulders. “I’ve loved Wulf since he was born. I held him in my arms as a baby, and his father and grandfather before him. You think I didn’t agonize over whether to make Wulf my lover? The guilt I felt, the betrayal at taking one of the Chosen…” Luc shook his head. “I thought he wanted other men, Alitus. It was a fantasy for me, but seeing him with someone else tore out my heart. That was never what I wanted. Never! I’m sorry I agreed even the first time.” Alitus’s scrutiny felt like a hot lash digging deep. Luc turned his head. “So now it’s his fault you used him like a whore?” Some little piece inside Luc crumpled at those words. Nothing could be further from the truth, but he suddenly had no strength left to argue. “It doesn’t matter whose fault it was, or who did what to whom.” He focused on Wulf, who was in tears, watching him. “I hurt you, Wulf, and I’m sorry. I wish I could take it all back. I’d change all of it. All of it! I never meant to hurt you. I swear, I was trying to make you happy. I only wanted to make you happy.” “It’s too late, Saint-Cyr.” Alitus drew Luc’s full attention. “Not that it’s your business, but when Wulf and I arrived on Ohy, we married. It’s over. You won’t hurt him again.” He turned and guided Wulf through the door. It clicked into place behind them with the finality of a cell door clanging shut, locking Wulf out of Luc’s life -- forever.

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Chapter Eleven Naej District, Wahgaha Khn (Meat Grocery) The Coat Factory provided an android driver, three carry-bots, and a hovertruck to deliver Izzorah and his coats to the Naej District. “Do you know this area of town?” The lead android smiled. “Oh, yes, sir. We make regular deliveries here. What address, please?” “That’s the thing. I don’t know.” Izzorah sat back. “It’s near a Kin butcher shop. I think it has the Kin word for meat in the name.” “All Kin butcher shops in Tarth City contain the word wahgaha, but there is a Wahgaha Khn on the corner of Holding and Namalia, about six blocks from here.” “Yes!” Izzorah sat up straighter and turned toward him. “Have you been there?” “No, sir, but I have access to detailed maps all over Tarth City. Will you recognize the house?” “There’s no house.” The vehicle slowed to a crawl. “No house?” “Uh --” He flicked back his ears. “It’s a group of people hanging out behind the store.” “The house is behind the store?” “No, but the people are.” Izzorah winced. “It’s complicated. Trust me; they’ll be behind the store.” “I see.” The hovertruck resumed its speed. “I’ll alert you when we’re near.”

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“Thank you.” His new fleece-lined denim coat felt good against his skin, and he wrapped it tighter. What if none of them are there? What do I do then? Maybe this wasn’t

such a good idea, Izzy. You should’ve had Trey come with you. Or Fletch. The delivery truck slowed. “The store is ahead, sir. I don’t see anyone near it.” “Could you pull around back?” “Yes, sir.” The truck turned down a narrow alleyway into a canyon of red brick buildings. “Stop here.” When the vehicle ceased moving, Izzorah opened the door and climbed down. “Please stay in the truck and wait for me.” He walked around to the front. The unmistakable scent of romtzeet wafted to him on the breeze. Kin males. A not-so-subtle growl preceded the appearance of two. Izzorah sensed more than saw them, shapes on the edge of his vision. He’d been here last time with Trey and Fletch, but his cousins’ homes were the first places Luc would look, and he wasn’t ready to face him yet. Not until he had answers to things he didn’t feel comfortable asking Luc. Izzorah kept his hands down and let the Kin get as close as they wanted. One was tall and dressed in red, the other short, in black. The one in red walked up to him. Izzorah had never been tall; this guy easily topped Luc in height. Slender, he wore his shirt open, a diagonal leather band across his bare chest. “Why here, nahee?” “Nahee?” Izzorah released claws. “I’m no alien. I’m Kin.” One sharp claw pricked the skin beneath Izzorah’s chin, tilting back his head. “Trofee yl skikdu.” Beadless and pretty, but no fighter. “I’m here to see Chynk.” The Kin laughed, a huffing sound that raised goose bumps on Izzorah’s skin. “Tell him it’s Chesserlee’s friend.” The laughter cut off. The claw poking him poked harder. Izzorah sucked in a quick breath. The Kin in black came up on Izzorah’s right. The top of his head barely reached the other’s shoulder. His fair furskin and black hair contrasted sharply. “Chesserlee long time dead, nahee.” Izzorah stepped back and turned his head. “Please. Tell Chynk I’m here.” The first guy, in red, poked a finger into Izzorah’s chest. “Chynk got no time for nahee. You go.” “Guys,” a third voice called out. “What’s going on?” he asked in Felis. The Kin male who trotted over to them wore a sleeveless red vest and black pants. “Who’s this?” The short one in black answered in the same language. “Nahee says he’s a friend of Chesserlee. Wants to see Chynk.”

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“Chesserlee?” The third Kin stepped in close, peering at Izzorah’s face. He stepped back. “Ridell, what date is it? Tradestandard.” The guy in red shrugged. “Mahlwyn? What date?” The short one in black spread his hands in a who-knows gesture. “Sofftem twenty-eight,” Izzorah answered. The third Kin made a quiet hiss. “You’re the one.” Mahlwyn growled. “The one what?” The orange-and-butter scent of his bewildered curiosity wafted to Izzorah. “Anwyd, the one what?” “Hey,” Ridell said, in Felis. “Didn’t Chesserlee die on Sofftem twenty-eight?” Izzorah nodded. “And how would you know that?” Anwyd answered. “Because he’s the reason Chesserlee died.”

***** Destine Pietan Memorial District Tarthian Thieves’ Guild Luc’s driver opened the hoversine door, and he eased into the darkened interior. He activated his mobile and checked messages, routing everything to Ms. Mead except the one from Shohn Lexius at idBot. “We’ve been backtracking Izzorah’s purchase habits,” the Kin female informed him. “He hardly spends a drak on anything, so when he went to Tarth City Mall today and bought three hundred coats, it triggered every alarm we set. The store provided a truck, driver, and three carry-bots for a delivery, sir. We’ve found him. He’s under surveillance.” “Reply to message: Good job! Thank you. On my way. Please link address to car. Send now.” He opened the comm-link to the driver. “James, link through idBot for the address Shohn Lexius provides.” “Yes, sir.” Luc closed the comm-link and then set one hand against the window of the car. “Rah, I have so much to tell you.” Luc leaned back against the seat and shut his eyes. “Every bit of it is the truth.”

***** Wahgaha Khn (Meat Grocery)

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At the rear of the grocery, Izzorah scraped his boots on the mat and followed Anwyd inside, pausing to bow to a white-haired female who sat near the door. “Dok cho, domin.” She hissed and stuck up her middle finger in a classic human insult. Izzorah flinched back. “Ignore her.” Anwyd took his arm. “She hates being called ‘ma’am,’ that’s all. This way.” Without turning his back on the female Kin, Izzorah followed him into an unlighted warehouse area. Dark shapes surrounded them, crates stacked so high he couldn’t see where they ended. Light showed near the top of the wall, but whether it was from windows or a hole, Izzorah couldn’t tell. He shivered in the cooled air. “Hey!” A Kin dressed in brilliant yellow came into Izzorah’s view. “Why’d you let him in here?” Anwyd started stammering excuses. The Kin grabbed Anwyd and dragged knuckles across his head. “Kidding, keet-sah. He and I go way back.” He cuffed Izzorah on the shoulder. “And as for you, it’s about damn time you came to see me. Where the hell have you been?” “All over the empire. Kumwhatmay’s been on tour.” Chynk Ceeow cupped his palms around Izzorah’s face, bent, and kissed him on the forehead. “Cohvahss tahkee, keet-sah. Welcome home.” Izzorah gave his cousin a quick hug, eyes shut to hide tears. “I brought coats, Chynk.” He gestured toward the door. “They’re on the truck.” “You can’t forget Chesserlee either, can you?” He hung an arm around Izzorah’s shoulder and kissed the top of his head. “Anwyd, come on. Let’s go get those coats.” He led them back outside. After the carry-bots unloaded the boxes into the back of the store and left, Chynk put Anwyd to work setting up a plan to distribute the coats in the community. “Izzy, there’s someone I want you to meet.” Chynk tugged on his arm. “Follow me.” Izzorah walked beside him down the block and around the back of a house, and then up an outside stair to a second-floor apartment. Chynk unlocked the door and stood aside for him to enter. The house smelled clean, with a lingering scent of polished wood. From the back, a Kin of about twenty came out of a bedroom, a baby held against his shoulder. “Cho, Teef.” Chynk seated himself on the arm of a couch. “This is my cousin Izzy.” He gestured to the boy. “Teef is married to Anwyd’s sister.” Teef bowed. “Cho, Izzy.” “Cho.” Izzorah bowed back. The infant gave a wheezing cough.

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Chynk scraped a claw down Izzorah’s coat sleeve. “Soli’s been sick. How’s he doing, Teef?” “He isn’t crying anymore, and his cough sounds better, but he’s not eating and his fever won’t break.” Izzorah rested the backs of his fingers against the baby’s cheek. “He’s so hot! What’s wrong with him?” “He has minere.” It meant “wasting.” Minere was deadly among Kin children. Izzorah swallowed. “Can I hold him? I promise to be careful.” “Try not to jiggle him. It sets off his cough.” Teef placed the baby in Izzorah’s arms. He held Soli close, drawing him up toward his face. The baby’s Kin ears were tucked hard against his blond head, and he held a fist against his chin as if ready to take on the empire. He opened yellow-gold eyes, chin quivering. “Shh, don’t cry.” Izzorah began to purr, and the little one sighed and settled against him. The feverish heat of the baby’s body sent sweat trickling down Izzorah’s chest. “He’s beautiful, Teef. I’m so sorry he’s sick.” “Thank you.” He tucked the blanket around him. “I’m scared. Minere’s nothing to fool with.” “I know.” Izzorah folded the blanket tighter around the infant. “I had it when I was three. I almost died.” “But you’re fine now, right?” Teef scrutinized him, as if looking for deformities. The tart smell of Teef’s fear made Izzorah sneeze. “I get by, Teef, but that’s because my parents taught me how to act as if I could see. Minere left me almost blind. I’ve never been able to see clouds or mountains or the horizon. When I go to concerts, I can’t see the crowd. I don’t know how they’re reacting unless I hear them. It scares the hell out of me, but I don’t let it stop me.” He supported Soli’s back. “You’ll have to be there for him. If he loses his vision, teach him not to be afraid that he can’t see. Most people have no idea I’m blind.” “You can’t see at all?” “I can see shapes, light and dark, colors. No detail, unless I hold things close. I can see Soli fine when he’s right up next to my face. I can tell you have dark hair and fair furskin, but not what color your eyes are. It doesn’t matter, really. I know more about you by listening and smell anyway.” “Anwyd says there are human clinics that know how to treat minere. That blindness can be prevented.” “What!” Izzorah almost shouted the word. Soli jerked awake and started crying.

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“Oh, I’m sorry, Teef. I didn’t mean to scare him.” Izzorah tilted him back into his father’s arms. “What do you think of that, Izzy?” Chynk stood. “Humans can help prevent what you went through.” “If they can prevent it, we need to get Soli to their clinic.” The baby snuffled and coughed. Teef purred to him, and his cries faded into weak little mews that wrenched Izzorah’s heart. Chynk squeezed his shoulder. “Teef tried to take him, but he’s not legal. You can’t use the clinics if you’re not legal.” “But Soli’s a baby. He’s innocent. This has nothing to do with whether his daddy’s legal. They should help him because he needs it.” “That’s what we said too, but without a visa, you can’t get a job, and without a job, you can’t get a medi-card, and without a medi-card, you can’t get treated.” His own Lucsondis medi-card came to mind. “I have one, Chynk. Do you think I could take him?” “We tried that too.” Chynk folded his arms. “Soli has to have his own card, which he can only get through his parents.” “What do people do who are out of a job?” “If they’re legal, they can apply for employment help, or they can sign themselves over as slaves.” “There has to be some other way.” “The rebels will help, for a price. We’re not willing to spy, but how long can we let our kids suffer because of our principles? Most of my people have lived in Tarth City for more than five years, but because we can’t prove we’re self-supporting, we’re not counted as citizens. Unlicensed sex workers get no support from the government.” “Aren’t there other jobs?” Both Teef and Chynk’s bittersweet chocolate despair triggered Izzorah’s shame. “I’m sorry, guys.” He shook his head. “That was a stupid question.” Without legal status, no one would hire you. He’d escaped being a sex worker himself only through Chesserlee’s sacrifice. Izzorah laid back his ears. What would Luc do? “What are you plotting, Izzy?” Chynk stood in front of him. “I know that look.” He didn’t answer right away, mulling over various ideas. “How much would it cost to hire a doctor?” “That’s the thing. They won’t see us without a card.” “I’m not talking about going to a human clinic. I’m talking about building one of our own. How much would that cost?”

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Chynk laughed. “Keet-sah, that would cost far more than someone like me could ever raise.” He spread his hands. “Not saying it isn’t a great idea. Where would we put something like that anyway?” “Maybe in a small house to start. I have some savings I could donate, and I know a few others who might help. Maybe we could create a fund.” “Like ‘Karing for Kin Kids’ you mean?” Chynk tossed back his hair. “Yeah. I’m sure we could find someone to help. You’re not the only ones caught in this dilemma, you know. There are Kin all over the city in the same fix. The Labor Board was about to arrest me a few days ago.” “No shit?” Chynk braced both hands on his hips. “I didn’t know that.” “Fixed now.” Hopefully. Izzorah sighed. “Or will be soon.” The door burst open and Anwyd entered. “Chynk! A big black hoversine is cruising the neighborhood, and two idBot hoverbots breezed by the store, one right after the other. My guess is someone with money is looking for him.” He jabbed a finger toward Izzorah. “None of our defenses’ll hold against idBot.” Luc. Izzorah pressed the tight spot between his eyebrows. Oh, shit. That was fast. Chynk set a hand on Izzorah’s shoulder. “Two questions. Are they after you? And do you want to be found?” “I didn’t do anything wrong, Chynk. I swear it.” “That wasn’t what I asked, keet-sah.” The fresh linen scent of his respect brought such a swell of gratitude Izzorah’s eyes stung with tears. “That answers the first. Now tell me whether you want to be found.” “I have nothing to hide from these people, and they are not my enemies, but I need to talk to you first.” “Good enough.” A whiff of kai peppers rose, not unlike Luc’s scent. Chynk always had been a risk taker. “Anwyd?” The Kin faced Izzorah. “Do you have anything on you that can be traced? Debit bracelet, Bank of Tarth ID, employee ID, anything like that?” “Geez, Anwyd, I have all of that.” Izzorah started emptying his pockets into Anwyd’s outstretched hands. “They must’ve picked up on it when you bought the coats. I’ll get all of this back to you once it’s clear. And don’t worry, not a drak will be missing.” Izzorah bowed in respect. “Chynk,” Anwyd told him. “You know what to do.” He turned and ran out, his footsteps light on the stairs. “Izzy.” Chynk motioned to him. “Come with me. Teef, I’ll be back, you hear?”

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“Thanks, Chynk. Oohntow, Izzy.” “Good hunting to you too, Teef.” Izzorah leaned over and kissed Soli’s hot forehead, and then lifted his head, his face next to the other Kin’s. Unforgettable blue eyes the color of deep ice smiled back. “You take good care of Soli, Teef. I’ll get help. I promise.” The clean smell of hope followed him as he tailed Chynk through a door in the rear of the house.

***** Near Wahgaha Khn (Meat Grocery) Luc Saint-Cyr’s hoversine Luc’s mobile chimed with idBot’s tone, and he switched it on. Shohn Lexius shimmered into view across from him. The Kin female gestured around the vehicle. “I’m beginning to think you live in this car.” He passed a hand across his short hair. “That makes two of us. What do you have for me?” “According to the Coat Factory where Izzorah bought the coats, he made the same purchase on the same date last year. In checking, I discovered that’s two days before his birthday. I figured there had to be some significance to the date other than that, so I went digging some more.” He sat forward. “And?” “At first I couldn’t find anything. Then, on a hunch, I tied in the name Ceeow with the location where the coats were delivered, and I think I found it. On Sofftem twenty-eight, 4662, there was a freak blizzard in Tarth City.” “I remember that. It was miserably cold that day. Go on.” “There were several deaths that night attributed to the cold, one of which took place at the Wahgaha Khn grocery.” Shohn clasped her hands together. “In back of it, actually. A Kin male named Chesserlee Ceeow.” “A cousin?” “Yes. When Izzorah was very young, Chesserlee disgraced the family by getting caught in an affair with a human male. The clan elders sentenced him to ke mortay chela krees, but his family smuggled him off the planet before the elders could kill him.” “Say that again, please? I didn’t catch it. Mortay is death, right?” “Yes.” She repeated the phrase, adding, “It’s ‘the hook knife death.’ When Mehfawni Ruh’s brother was murdered, his killer was executed that way. The tzesars carry it out, tying

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up the victim and cutting him into pieces with their hook knives. It can take a long time to die. They know how to prolong the agony.” “Gruesome.” He shuddered. “So he came to Tarth.” “And died, one week after Izzorah signed with Kumwhatmay, almost exactly a year before they came on board with Lucsondis.” “Hmm.” Luc braced an elbow against one knee. “That would explain the coats.” Shohn turned her head as if listening to someone outside the range of the holocam. She nodded, turned back to him. “Sir, your car is circling in that neighborhood. Correct?” “That’s right.” He set both hands on his knees. “Why?” “It seems Izzorah doesn’t want to be found. At least, not yet.” “And how do you know that?” “I’m told you should look out your window.” Outside, lining up along the sidewalks on both sides, Kin were facing the street as Luc’s car passed. Male, female, children, everyone standing silent and solemn as if they watched the passing of a funeral. A chill chased itself up Luc’s neck. “What are they doing, Shohn?” “It’s called ‘showing the eye’ in Etymis. They’re making sure you know anything you do is seen by the entire community. You won’t take him without everyone seeing it. Someone has rallied them to protect him.” “I’m trying to protect him, Shohn.” “We know that.” She jerked a thumb toward the line of Kin staring at Luc’s car. “But they don’t.” “Recommendations?” “Get out of there. Let them protect him, for now. I’m betting those coats make him a local hero.” Pride too big for his heart swept over him. Izzorah understood the need to give back to his community in a way Wulf, who was born to privilege, never grasped. “What about the Labor Board?” Shohn sat back. “When they tried to pick him up before, it was in a different part of town. Kin there are more educated, more used to humans. Here, it could spark a fight. We can buy time. I have contacts.” “I don’t know, Shohn. I’d feel better if I knew he was safe. And I have to talk to him. I need to explain some things.” “I can drop down one of the hovers. Leave a contact number for him.” Luc considered it a moment, shook his head. “Izzorah already has my contact information. I gave it to him before I left for work this morning.” Was it only this morning?

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After the emotional showdown with Wulf, it felt like years had passed. He passed a hand across his brow. “Shohn, are you sure this is the right thing to do, security-wise?” “Stake my reputation with you on it, sir.” Which went a long way. Luc sat back, sighing. “I know the Kin don’t approve of nontraditional families, but I’m falling for him. If my relationship with Izzorah makes you uncomfortable, you can assign someone else without it affecting your position. I respect you, Shohn. I would not offend you for the worlds.” Her expression held amusement. “If I let your sex life affect my job, I’d be pretty useless. As for Izzorah, he’s an adult and can make his own decisions. But it seems to me if you want to build a relationship, trusting him is a good place to start, don’t you think?” Luc grunted a reply and opened a link to his driver. “James, get us out of here. Let’s go home.” “Yes, Mr. Saint-Cyr.” The car picked up speed. “Damn it, Shohn, you’d better be right about this.” The Kin popped him a short salute. The idBot logo of an eye with a square iris sparkled into view and then faded. Outside, the Kin people he tried so hard to protect cheered his departure from their midst.

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Chapter Twelve The Loft As he entered the Loft, Luc peeled off his coat and handed it to McDoth. “Any word on Izzorah?” “Nothing yet, sir, but I was about to call you. You’ve been summoned to the palace by Lord Pietas.”

Great. As if the day hasn’t been hellish enough. The ruler of the Sempervians had arrived. The one man before whom even the almighty Conqueror trembled. “Lay out my oldest tux and plan to shred it when I get home. I’ll never want it near my skin again.” “Yes, sir. Have you eaten today? You’ll need your strength.” “I missed lunch.” “I’ll bring you a bite to eat. Where would you like to be served?” “My study.” Once inside the office, Luc seated himself in one of the leather chairs, leaned back, and closed his eyes. The night before with Izzorah had been astounding. The emotional hell of today’s events didn’t diminish the memories, but they did put a damper on them.

I get a beautiful lover who’s looking for ways to please me, and in walks my ex and hands him the keys to a past I thought I could put behind me. Luc pulled out a bottle of eyedrops and took a moment to reapply fresh lenses. The cool liquid spread across each eye, creating a new lens and absorbing the old one. He blinked a few times to settle them and got up to work at his desk when his mobile gave a humming ping, signaling a message. He flipped it open.

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Caller blocking ID. Too few had his number to make it an accidental ring. Izzorah? Routing a call through channels to bypass idBot meant whoever was protecting Izzorah had clout. “Deliver message.” The young Kin shimmered into view, his golden furskin almost glowing in the low light. His ears poked up through dark hair. Standing with hands clasped in front of him, Izzorah did not look directly into the holocam. “Luc, first, I apologize for going into Wulf’s closet.” He licked his lips. “It was a mistake, and I should have gotten right back out. It was wrong of me, and I’m very sorry.” Izzorah paused, hands clenched together, seeming to fight for control. He took a shallow breath, swallowed, and shook his head as if changing his mind. He dragged the claws of both hands back through his hair, head down. “He gave me a key card and…” He shut his eyes, swallowed again. “I shouldn’t have used it. I should’ve given it right to you. I’m sorry.” Luc covered his mouth, listening with his whole heart. He had to stop himself twice from reaching out. The hologram wasn’t tactile, even if it looked real. Izzorah glanced up, put his head back down. “The place Wulf called the dungeon? I’d never heard the word before, and my curiosity --” He sighed, covering his face. “I didn’t know what all those things were, but I --” “Pause message.” Luc stood, paced away from the hologram. One moment of

inattention and indecision, and look what falls out because of it. I have no one to blame for this but myself. Not Wulf, not Alitus, and certainly not Izzorah. My fault. Luc rubbed his face. Might as well get it over with. Kiss this relationship good-bye, old man. No way in hell he’ll be back. He sighed, rubbing at the tense spot between his eyes. “Continue message.” “-- have a few questions about it. I’m not ready to talk yet. I know you’ll want to.” Izzorah smiled, head down. “Luc.” He licked his lips, lifted his head, and looked straight at him. “Thank you for leaving today when everyone came outside. I’d have been so embarrassed if you hadn’t. I know it was hard for you, and I want you to know I appreciate it. You might not believe me, but leaving got you a lot of respect around here. It showed you honor our ways.” Luc pressed the fingers of one hand against his mouth. “I meant what I said about wanting to love you. I need a little time to figure all this out. But I was afraid you’d be worried, and I thought I should call so --” “Pause.” Luc turned his back to the image while he gathered his thoughts. He’s worried about me. He cares what I think. One fist against his mouth, he whirled back. Izzorah stood there with his mouth half open, about to speak. Luc’s breath felt too shallow, too fast. “Rewind, three seconds. Replay from mark.” “-- spect around here. It showed you honor our ways. I meant what I said about wanting to love you. I need a little time to figure all this out. But I was afraid you’d be

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worried, and I thought I should call so you’d know I was safe. My cousins are looking out for me. Not Trey and Fletch. Some other ones.” He gestured to the right. “I don’t blame Wulf for being angry. He had a right to be. Please don’t be upset with him. He wasn’t thinking clearly, and anyway, I --” “Pause!” Luc took a step forward, stretched out one hand, and groaned when his fingers went through the image. He’s not saying good-bye. Oh, my God. Luc clasped both hands and pressed them against his mouth as if praying. Izzorah had his lips partly open. He’d never looked more beautiful. With the emotional hell Wulf had put Luc through, there was no telling what he’d said or done to Izzorah. Yet here was Izzorah, interceding for him and asking Luc not to be angry.

How did I ever deserve you? Luc shook his head. There’s no way I did. You are a gift, my love. His heart ached to hold him. “Continue.” “-- want you to know I -- uh…” Izzorah lowered his shoulders, hands folded in front of him. He cleared his throat. “I’m not good at talking about sex stuff, but I wanted you to know I…” His voice faltered, and then he added in a rush, “I’ll learn how to give you what you need. I only ask for you to be patient with me. I don’t understand all your needs yet, but I want to.” He glanced up again, brought his folded hands up before his mouth. “I need to think about all this a little. Please try not to worry.” “Not worry!” Tears burned their way down his cheeks. Izzorah held his lower lip between his fangs as he looked up again, seemingly right into Luc’s eyes. “I…” A long pause followed while Izzorah seemed to gather himself. “I love you, Luc. To me, love is more than a feeling. It means the way I act. I didn’t mean to offend you or hurt you. I’ll be back as soon as I sort this out, and if you aren’t mad at me for all this, then we’ll talk when I get home.” The message ended, and icons came up to save, embed in skinchip, archive, forward, replay, or delete.

Home. Wonder tore through him at Izzorah’s use of the word in relationship to him. Luc sank into a chair and leaned forward, tear-soaked face in his hands.

***** Palace District, Conqueror’s Palace Two hours later, shaved, showered, dressed in an out-of-style Draap tux, Luc availed himself of the Portal, a private transport system only Sempervians accessed. Used for liaisons with other Sempervians, it disassembled him in his home and reassembled him in a private foyer of the palace. Destoiya had killed to keep a less-effective prototype from being used by the rebels, resulting in his son Senthys meeting his wife. Luc never used it without recalling his own part in their meeting.

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I knew she’d be good for him. Hopefully, his son would never know Luc’s part in the arrangement. Prentice waited. Empress Destoiya’s seven-feet-tall android bodyguard, he was darkskinned as a Kelthian and wore the black uniform of the Conqueror, her white fist symbol on his right sleeve. “Good evening.” Prentice bowed. “How are you tonight, Cyken?” Only other Sempervians, their Chosen, and the android referees knew his birth name. “Anxious. Is he here yet?” “Yes. He’ll join you shortly.” Shown to a private conference room, Luc sat in a chair facing the door. He swallowed against the tight feeling in his throat. Sweat trickled down the inside of his shirt, despite the chilled air of the room. Scant seconds passed before the door opened and Uurah entered. A match for Prentice except for skin color, this android wore solid black. The doublebarreled blasters on his hips were not nearly as menacing as the jagged-edged blade strapped along the length of his forearm, wide as a human hand. Sempervians called him -- out of earshot -- the trigger for Pietas’s gun. Pietas breezed in as if visiting an old friend, and Luc stood. “Cyken!” Pietas beamed a smile at him, one hand out. His silver-white hair had been pulled back and clipped out of the way, white shirt covered by a turquoise leather vest matching his eyes. Luc accepted his hand, shook it, and then bowed, clamping his teeth together to prevent their chattering. “My lord.” His voice sounded shaky, even to him. One could not look at Pietas and not find him angelic, inhumanly beautiful. But the face hid a heart capable of genocide, murder, rape, torture, and every heinous crime mankind could imagine. Some beyond human imaginings. Pietas looped one arm around Luc’s shoulders and hugged him close to his side. “Let’s get to the point, shall we? You donated blood. We never donate blood, Cyken! What were you thinking? We could be found out.” Luc pulled away enough to bow. “I never disobey your directives, my lord. But saving Izzorah’s life was worth the risk.” The Sempervian lord lifted one brow. “I should kill you for disobeying me, Cyken. I should assign you Penance. You think he’s worth Penance?” “Yes, lord.” “You answered without hesitation.” Hands flat together, Pietas brought the tips of his fingers up to his mouth, studying Luc. “You are in love.” It was more accusation than

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comment. “You’d never risk Penance for any other reason. I know you, Cyken. Who is he? Or is it a she this time? Is it the Kin whose life you saved?” Luc turned his head. “It must be.” Pietas dragged the back of his knuckles down Luc’s cheek. “I knew you’d fall in love again. When Wulf left, you thought the world had ended. I said you’d find someone, didn’t I?” Without meeting his gaze, Luc nodded. “Yes, lord. You did. You were right, as always.” “I appreciate your loneliness, Cyken. I know you suffered. But you broke one of our cardinal rules. I must punish you.” Luc could no longer hide his trembling, but he chewed the inside of his mouth till he tasted blood, fighting not to beg, remembering he had saved Izzorah’s life. He would face any demon to do it again. “You fear me.” Pietas ran both hands across Luc’s shoulders and down his arms. “You’re trembling. Good. You certainly should. I intend to hurt you. Tell me you accept my will, Cyken.” Luc lifted his head. Pietas’s turquoise eyes held the frigid cold of deep winter. “I --” Luc pulled in a shaking gasp of air, took another breath. “I accept your w-will, lord.” “If it were my sister who’d done this, I’d punish her with a whipping. She hates being bared and whipped by me. It infuriates her to have to submit to anyone, least of all to me. If it were Roth, I’d choke him with my bare hands. He’s terrified of asphyxiation. But you…” He curled a knuckle beneath Luc’s chin, nudging up his face. “You, who knew better than to put our identities in the hands of science, to expose us to their scrutiny, you I will punish in the way you hate most. Do you think I don’t know how much you hate me, Cyken? How much you loathe me?” When Pietas touched his face, Luc flinched. The Sempervian lord gripped him by the back of the neck and yanked him up against his body. “Why is it we are doomed to want what we can’t have? You fall in love every lifetime, often more than once.” He dragged a fingertip across Luc’s lower lip, his gaze following his finger. “While I have always loved only you.” Luc squeezed his eyes shut. “So, yes, Cyken. I know you’re in love and I disgust you, which is why this is the worst punishment I can give you.” The warmth of his breath heated Luc’s mouth as the Sempervian leaned in close. “You, I intend to fuck.”

*****

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The Loft Sofftem 29 Hours later at home, Luc tore off every stitch of clothing, including shoes, stuffed them into the recycler, and then turned on the shower as hot as he could make it. He could not scour his skin hard enough to rid himself of the smell, feel, or taste of Pietas. The water’s sound could not blot out the wet smacking sounds Pietas made when Luc lay prone beneath him, forbidden to move. Forbidden to resist. Luc beat both fists against the wall and slammed his forehead against it with a guttural, snarling cry. Hands braced on opposite walls, he sank to his knees in the corner and huddled until no more tears could fall. He was pulling on pajamas when a knock came at his door. Luc wrapped himself in a thick white robe and stuck his feet in white slippers. “Sorry to disturb you, sir.” McDoth bowed. “You have a guest waiting for you downstairs by the piano.” “Guest!” Luc rubbed his eyes. “Why the hell would you let anyone up here tonight of all nights?” The android gave him a cryptic smile. “I was quite certain you’d want to see him.” Hope flared like a beacon in Luc’s heart. “Izzorah?” When McDoth inclined his head, Luc passed him and dashed toward the stairs. Pain knifed across his lower back, slowing him to a normal walk. A few hours of rest and he’d be fine, but if Izzorah was home, no agony would keep Luc from his side. In a testament to his level of pain, though the stairs would have been faster, he took the elevator. The lights of the city gleamed whitely through the floor-to-ceiling windows in the living area, and indirect lighting throughout the room punctuated the entire space with small shafts of white. Luc had bought a baby grand earlier in the year, and it had been played only a handful of times, mostly at parties. Never by him. Now the sounds of the magnificent instrument drifted to him, its music dark, melancholy, and calming. He took a few deep breaths to slow his heart and then stepped inside as quietly as possible so as not to interrupt. The gentle notes trickled over his thoughts, the progression majestic, rising, falling, a message of peace. Luc remained in the dark, listening. Izzorah sat on the bench, his casual clothing at odds with the formal room. His jacket lay folded neatly across a nearby easy chair, and he wore a disheveled Iron Soul T-shirt and tattered jeans, shoes discarded beneath the piano. One bare foot was on the bass pedal, the other tucked beneath him. Did his foot hurt where he’d injured it?

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He played with eyes closed, moving his head with the music, ears forward, leaning into the keyboard as he reached to the left for the deeper notes. He was moving his mouth, singing without making a sound. The music faded, stopped. Izzorah lifted his head, sniffing. “Luc?” He stood. “I didn’t hear you come in.”

Oh, God. Can he smell Pietas on me? If he did, what would he think? Luc stepped out of the dark. “Please don’t stop. It’s beautiful. What is it?” “Thank you. It’s called ‘Sovrayn,’ and means ‘farewell’ in Felis.” Luc moved closer, stopping near the curve of the piano. “I’ve never heard a more haunting melody. Did you write it?” Izzorah shook his head, tucking hands in his pockets. “I wrote the lyrics, and when Kory heard them, he sat right down and wrote the music.” “Will you sing it for me?” Luc set one hand atop the piano. Izzorah trailed one finger across the keys, closed the top, and tucked his hand back into a pocket. In this light, his eyes were shadowed, unreadable. “I’m rewriting them. After I finish.” “I knew you played drums, but not piano.” “I learned by watching Kory. I can play every instrument in the group. I can’t read music, but if I hear a piece, I can capture it. Play it back.” Luc bit his lips. His heart beat in his ears, mouth dry. He clenched his hands, opened them, and linked his fingers together. Izzorah wet his lips, brought his ears forward, and canted them toward Luc. Luc opened his mouth, paused, and then closed it. What could he possibly say to explain the mess he’d made of things? In business, he always knew the right thing to say, did the right thing. Yet he stood before this untried youth, too shattered to speak his heart.

Say something! He clasped both hands behind him. No words would come. Izzorah flashed fangs in a human smile. “Did you get my message?” “Yes! Thank you, love. I was relieved to know you were all right.” He dragged a hand through his hair. “What the hell did Wulf say to you? The dungeon was for him, but I was going to tear it out and put in a rehearsal room for you. I never intended to take you there. I swear it.” “Oh, Luc. It’s all right.” Izzorah held out both hands. “Come here.” The words were so unexpected he froze for a moment, but when Izzorah gestured to him again, Luc eased around the curve of the piano. Izzorah met him at the end of the keyboard, slipped both arms around his waist, looked up, and smiled. “Don’t be embarrassed. I understand. Or I’m trying to.” “I’m --” Izzorah would know a lie for what it was, as he’d known Luc was embarrassed. “Love, I know pain isn’t the way to your heart, and I want your heart.”

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Izzorah tilted his head, ears forward, green eyes narrowed. “It’s good to be home.” Luc sighed, relieved. “I’m glad you feel you’re at home. You belong with me, Rah.” Luc’s heart pounded as if he’d been running. “I missed you so much.” He pulled the Kin into his arms, drew him up tight against his body, eased one hand into his hair, and kissed him. Izzorah parted his lips, inviting Luc inside. With a groan, he gathered Izzorah closer, squeezing him in his arms, lost in their mutual surrender. Izzorah yielded himself to Luc’s strength, submitted to his passionate caress. He felt Luc’s need to possess him, hold him. Heat washed over Izzorah in waves, driving him closer to this man, deeper into his arms. The buttery, brown sugar scent of Luc’s desire showed his curiosity; the man needed to know everything, learn everything. Luc’s drive and power would never let him rest until he’d tasted everything the worlds had to offer. Izzorah pulled back. Luc’s black-black eyes glistened, lips moist from their kiss, dark skin flushed with heat. “Rah. Kosset. I was so afraid I’d lost you.” The tart scent of his fear broke Izzorah’s heart. “I’m sorry, Luc. I never wanted to hurt you. I had to get away so I could think. Talk to Chynk and figure things out.” “Chynk.” Luc said the name as if it were his enemy. The same scents Izzorah had sensed from Wulf sparked into the room. Jealousy. Suspicion. “Who is he?” Izzorah pushed his hands up and over Luc’s biceps, realizing for the first time Luc wore a robe. “Oh, Luc, I’m sorry! Did I get you out of bed? I didn’t even think about what time it was.” “Don’t give it a second thought.” He tightened his hold on Izzorah’s waist. “Tell me about Chynk.” “All right, but first I want to establish a boundary.” Luc made a sound more like a growl than a grunt. “A what?” “If we’re going to have a relationship, you’ll have to respect my friends and family. I will not give them up, not even to make you happy. I can love them and give my heart to you. If you can’t accept that, you need to tell me now.” Luc’s scent was full of wounded pride, a sharp tang not unlike rejection. Frowning, he slid his hands up Izzorah’s back. “Luc,” Izzorah whispered. “I will never be unfaithful to you.” He squeezed the man’s arms. “If you’re jealous of others, it will never be because I give you reason for it. As much as I want to pursue a relationship with you, I won’t give up my family or my friends for anyone. I shouldn’t be expected to. I’ve given up too much already.”

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A scent like chocolates and mint emanated from Luc, an odd mix of despair and gratitude. Puzzled at the mingled scents, Izzorah cupped his hands around Luc’s face. “What is it?” Luc rested both hands on Izzorah’s hips. “I wouldn’t deny you anything or anyone you love. I respect you for wanting a boundary.” Would anyone other than a Kin ever understand this man? A human could never see this side of him, would be nose-blind to his emotions. Behind his impassive face and expressionless black eyes lay a heart hardened from rejection. Luc let no one close. He failed to trust because he felt unworthy. Yet nothing could be further from the truth. Tears welled in Izzorah’s eyes. “Oh, Luc.” “Here now. What’s this?” He drew Izzorah into his arms, all tenderness and concern. “I hurt you, kosset. Please forgive me. I never meant to make you sad.” Izzorah brushed at his tears. “Shh, kosset.” Luc drew him close, and Izzorah laid his head on the man’s shoulder, rocking with him side to side. “Shh. Whatever it is, I’ll make it better. I swear it.” Izzorah lifted his head and kissed him. “Chynk is a cousin. I’ve known him all my life, and I trust him. I went to him to ask for help understanding about sex, and he explained about BDSM and how surrendering yourself to your lover is an act of trust. I understand now. I promise, I will never give you a reason to be jealous, but in return, I want your trust. If you don’t give your trust to me, how can I give mine to you?” He laid both hands flat against Luc’s broad chest. “Can you give me your trust?” Luc stared at him a long moment, his scent leaning toward the tartness of fear, but as he yielded his heart, a scent like hot-baked cinnamon bread wafted to Izzorah. Contentment. Izzorah snuggled into Luc’s arms. “You’re right.” Luc brushed back a lock of Izzorah’s hair. “I need to trust you. You shouldn’t have to give up your friends, and I will work hard not to let my jealousy get in the way. Please, be patient with me. Trust isn’t in my nature.” “All right.” He spread both hands across Luc’s chest. “But I will hold you to your promise.” He lifted his head. “I won’t give in on this point, Luc. If you want me to trust you, then you must trust me.” He bit his lips together, trying but failing to hide a smile. “What else do you need from me?” “I’m glad you asked.” Izzorah stepped back and took Luc’s hand. “Because I have a list, and at the top is a baby who is very, very sick.”

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Chapter Thirteen Naej District It had taken nearly an hour for Luc to reach Nanchonta, another Sempervian who was neutral in the current round of Peril. Every Sempervian had his or her unique gift. Luc recognized other Sempervians no matter what their disguise, even the shape-shifters, and until the recent revelation of Alitus being one of over fifty Sempervian children created by Pietas, he had never failed at recognizing them. Luc could heal one of his kind by looking at them with his natural eyes too, but Nanchonta healed anyone and everyone. His medical training only added to the gift. Now, Luc waited in an outer room of a small house in the Naej District while Doctor Nanchonta, Izzorah, and baby Soli’s parents conferred. Never one to sit, he paced, his lower back and groin painful from Pietas’s brutal punishment. The outside door opened, and a sleepy-eyed blond Kin trudged inside, yawning. He wore butter yellow leather and a diaphanous purple jacket with a matching band tied across his brow, its tails hanging down the right side of his aquiline face. Tall, impossibly slim, built like one of Wulf’s former modeling partners, with high cheekbones and long lashes. From the look of him, a streetwalker. With a bit more height, weight, and muscle, he’d resemble Pietas. Luc shuddered. On seeing Luc, the Kin folded his arms and gave a short sniff. “You’re the one they call ‘the Man.’” Luc squared his shoulders, chin lifted. “Not usually to my face. I’m Luc Saint-Cyr.” He gave a small bow. “And you are?” “Chynk Ceeow.” He didn’t offer his hand. “I hear your name everywhere among my people. Half of them are convinced you’re Mortay Wahn.”

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Jawk had been absolutely convinced of it. This is Izzorah’s cousin. Be nice, old man. Luc gave a little flap with his elbows. “The bird?” Chynk grinned, showing fangs. “The person. A folk hero among the Kin. Rescues young males in trouble. Fights for our rights. No one knows who he is.” Luc brushed his right forefinger across his left cheek twice, a street sign for friend. It meant nothing without the following sign, a backward stroke of fingers beneath the chin. “I see. Apparently, I fit the part.” Luc gestured to his own dark skin, clothing, and solid black eyes. “Yeah, you do.” Chynk stroked the backs of his right fingers beneath his chin twice, a sign meaning, “Accepted.” He braced a fist against one hip. “You’re well-known among my people, but if I couldn’t smell how sanctus you are, your generosity would take you no further than a paper boat.” “Ah, I see. Straight to the bottom, in other words.” Luc cleared his throat. “Insanctus means ‘cut off from trade,’ I thought. What does sanctus mean?” Chynk curled his fingers and glanced down at his extended claws. “Insanctus means having no trade because you have no honor. Sanctus is its opposite.” Luc placed a hand over his heart and bowed more deeply. Dropping his hands, Chynk gave another sniff toward Luc. “Thank you for bringing help.” He bowed, adding, “Wah do.” “My pleasure.” Luc bowed in return. Chynk passed Luc, opening a curtain to let in sunlight. “Coffee?” He jerked his head, indicating Luc should follow. In the kitchen, he poured water. “How do you take it?” “Black. Hot.” Luc picked up mugs hanging on a row of hooks, started setting them on the table. He lined up six. “Better make plenty. My friend will need it. I woke him out of a sound sleep to come here.” “I will. Thanks for helping.” Chynk leaned against the counter and smiled back at him. “I’m glad you didn’t wait. Soli was critical. I was afraid he’d end up like Izzy. He deserves better, and we couldn’t get help anywhere.” Luc stiffened. “Like Izzorah. Meaning what?” “Hasn’t told you, has he?” He shook his head. “I shouldn’t say, but you need to know. He had what Soli has, when he was three. Nearly died. Minere usually kills.” The coffee began dripping, filling the room with its scent. Both Chynk and Luc inhaled deeply and sighed. Luc sat. “Tell me more about minere.” “It affects everyone differently.” Chynk turned a chair around and straddled it. “No cure and little treatment. It damages hearts, leaves victims deaf, or blind. Sometimes all three. Depending on how bad Soli’s got it, he has twenty, maybe thirty years before his heart

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gives up and simply stops beating.” He lined up all the cups so their handles faced the same direction before folding his hands. “On Felidae, no victim’s lived past forty.”

Forty! The number echoed round and round Luc’s head. Chynk’s talking about Soli, but if Izzorah’s suffered from this disease, it’s affected him too. Forty years. Izzorah would have only… No. No. No! He stood. “It can’t happen. Not to Izzorah. Nor to any child. There has to be some way to prevent it. Make it better.” “Humans have a cure, but they won’t see anyone without a visa or a medi-card. Izzy had an idea how to help, but it’s expensive.” Luc braced both hands on the table and leaned over it. “Do you know what needs to be done?” “I have a basic idea, yes.” “Good.” He patted pockets, searching for his mobile, found it, and flipped it open. “Call Ms. Mead.” He turned to Chynk. “Be prepared to explain.”

***** Naej District, Luc Saint-Cyr’s hoversine Izzorah settled into the hoversine and waited while Luc talked to his friend and Chynk. When Luc climbed in, the man held out his arms, and Izzorah snuggled closer. “Mmm, you smell good.” Izzorah sucked in a deep breath. Clean male and kai peppers, a little spice. Coffee. “Thank you. I’m glad you’re safe.” Luc kissed his brow. “Let me wrap you up. Your skin’s cold.” He pulled a blanket from beneath the opposite seat. “Here. Let’s tuck this around you.” “I’m fine,” Izzorah protested, yet he enjoyed being pampered too much to insist Luc stop. “Why wouldn’t I be safe? I was with my cousins.” “You weren’t with me. I was worried.” “I’m sorry, Luc, but I did call.” He narrowed those black-black eyes a moment before conceding the point. “Yes, you did. Thank you.” “You’re welcome. Will you cuddle me tighter?” “Absolutely.” He wrapped his arms around Izzorah. “Put your head on my shoulder.” He murmured love words. “Comfy?” “Mmm.” He rested one hand against Luc’s chest. “I’m proud of you.” “For what?” His voice rumbled beneath Izzorah’s ear. “You never had one spark of jealousy. You and Chynk got along. Thank you.”

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“He’s a great guy.” “Yes, he is. So are you.” “You’re tired.” Luc kissed him on the tip of his nose. “Shut your eyes for a while.” “I’ve hardly seen you.” “Rah.” Luc tilted his head and narrowed his eyes. “You’re exhausted. I can see it in your face. Rest until we get home.” “Yes, Luc. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t argue when you’re trying to help me.” He flashed a human-bright smile full of perfect teeth, and the leathery scent of pride filled the hoversine cabin. “That’s right. I want what’s best for you.” He placed a kiss on the tip of Izzorah’s nose. “Now shut your eyes.” Izzorah closed them. When he’d said, “yes, Luc,” the man’s pride had flared in a burst of rich scent. He smells wonderful when he’s happy. I’m going to say those words as often as

I can. “You know,” Izzorah began, eyes obediently closed, “you’re exhausted too. What did Wulf say to you? I can sense --” He bit his lips, pausing as he felt Luc’s arms and chest stiffen. Worry cascaded in an almost-burned butterscotch scent before Luc tamped it down to nothing. “It’s all right, love. Ask whatever you want to know.” Luc kissed Izzorah’s brow. “Wulf and I had never argued before today. I don’t want us to end up the same way. Strangers to each other.” Izzorah opened his eyes and tilted back his head, but Luc’s face was unreadable. “So, you want me to argue with you?” The man chuckled, loosening up. “Yes, if you think I’m not listening or I upset you. I didn’t know until today why Wulf was so unhappy with me. He says I didn’t listen to him, but I honestly don’t think he tried to talk to me. He always gave in.” Luc shook his head. “I don’t want you to ever give up on talking to me or making me listen.” Luc pulled him close. “When you left I was terrified of losing you the way I did Wulf.” Pressing his cheek against the top of Izzorah’s head, Luc let out a shuddering breath. “I want you to be my lover, Izzorah. Not my toy, never my slave. If I don’t listen, force me. Bite me, if you have to. Make me hear you.” He pulled back and tilted Izzorah’s face up to his. “Make me pay attention.” After a pause, Izzorah smiled, showing fangs without worry over Luc taking offense. “Yes, Luc. I promise not to let you get away with ignoring me.” He laid back his ears. “What made you think I’d let you do that, anyway?” Luc chuckled. “I love you.” He curled his fingers in Izzorah’s hair. “Try to rest, kosset. You need it.” With a sigh, Izzorah nodded and leaned against him once more. The heat of Luc’s body, the warmth of the blanket, and the smooth ride of the vehicle lulled him into a pleasant doze. He was faintly aware of Luc toying with his hair, tugging one ear between fingers and thumb. Izzorah opened his eyes when Luc pulled out his mobile. The man thumbed through

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screens, and Izzorah tried to pay attention, but his lashes grew too heavy. Closing his eyes again, he leaned harder against Luc and wrapped one arm behind his waist. Luc kissed his brow. “Am I disturbing you?” He hummed a negative response and ran his other hand up along the front of Luc’s shirt, releasing one clawtip to play with a button. Desire flared its butter-warm scent. Luc turned toward him, dropping the mobile into an inside pocket. Face hidden against Luc’s chest, Izzorah smiled. One claw and Luc’s attention spiked. I had an effect on Luc Saint-Cyr. Me. Izzorah Ceeow. He purred. “God, that’s sexy.” Luc dragged his long fingers along Izzorah’s jaw. “Do it again. Purr.” Izzorah obeyed. The warm butter and brown sugar scent of Luc’s increasing desire filled the cabin. The man swore under his breath. “Purr while we’re kissing.” He cocked both ears back, curled his free arm up around Luc’s neck, and drew him down, opening his mouth as Luc swept his tongue inside. Izzorah adjusted his breathing and purred. Luc moaned, deepening the kiss, leaning into him as if he couldn’t get close enough. He tunneled both hands into Izzorah’s hair and held on to him as they kissed. Luc made love to him with his mouth, sliding his lips against Izzorah’s, warm tongue deep inside. Izzorah melted into the kiss, the raw heat of his hunger for Luc consuming him. When Luc drew back, Izzorah pulled him close again, refusing to let him go. The sound of pleasure the man made sent shivers through Izzorah. His mouth felt hot, swollen from Luc’s plundering kisses, yet he couldn’t release him. Not yet. Luc untangled himself from Izzorah’s arms and moved back a bit. “Wait till I get you home, love. Tonight, I want to make love to you in every way you can imagine.” Izzorah dragged the claws of one hand down Luc’s chest. “I need you.” “I’ll give you everything tonight, love. I promise.” Luc bent to give him a quick kiss. “Let me take you home.” He nodded because it seemed so important to Luc, and he tried to think of something to say. “Can we cuddle?” Luc drew him into his arms, and Izzorah rested his head against him and shut his eyes. “Chynk says you had minere as a child.” Izzorah opened his eyes all the way. Blurred scenery at the windows showed their movement. “He told you?” “Mmm. He said minere affects the heart.” “What else did he tell you?” He listened to Luc’s breathing, sampled his scent. “He told me your idea about creating a clinic, which I thought was brilliant. Ms. Mead is looking into it for us. We should have something operational in a few days.”

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“What?” Izzorah sat up straight, facing him, blanket falling to his waist. “You put together something already?” “My charitable foundation handles this sort of thing. Ms. Mead coordinates it. She’s not the head, but she oversees my interests. I’d have done this years ago if I’d known the need.” Luc scooted around to face him more. “You seem upset.” “No, not upset.” Izzorah paused. “Well, maybe a little. I shouldn’t be. What matters is my people get the help they deserve, but I thought I’d have a bigger part.” “A clinic needs fund-raisers, committees, people to oversee expenses, and much more. Take as active a part as you like, as long as you don’t work too hard. You need your rest.” Izzorah linked their hands. “I thought you were taking over.” “Not at all.” Luc drew Izzorah’s hand to his mouth and kissed the palm. “I’m proud of you. It’s a splendid solution to a serious problem.” “You think so?” Izzorah tucked one foot under him. “I do.” Luc pointed to his foot. “You injured your foot yesterday. Does it hurt?” “How’d you know I hurt it?” “McDoth found your blood on the stairs, and part of your broken headset on the floor of Wulf’s closet.” “Oh. Oh, God. Luc, I’m so sorry.” He shook his head. “You have nothing to apologize for. Can you tell me what happened?” “No,” he answered, more quickly than he’d planned. Izzorah took a deep breath, let it all out. “I’d rather not go into it.” “Wulf told me he thought he’d surprised a thief.” Luc was staring at him, solid black, whiteless eyes unreadable. He tilted his head. Luc looked so much like a bird of prey it made Izzorah shiver. “I didn’t steal anything. I was wearing your shirt, and maybe he thought it was his.” He pulled the blanket closer around him. Luc held out his arms. “Cuddle with me. You owe no explanations. Wulf had no right to be there, and you did. He won’t be back. Is your foot better?” “It doesn’t hurt anymore.” Izzorah savored Luc’s warmth. “Thank you for believing me.” Luc pulled out his mobile. “Call Nanchonta.” “You’re not calling about me, are you?” When Luc nodded, Izzorah put a hand over his mobile. “I’m fine!” He took off his shoe and turned his foot upside down. “See? A scratch.” Luc closed the mobile and put it away. His scent carried a butterscotch whiff of worry. “Have you had a physical recently?” “A what?” Izzorah’s heart slammed against his chest. Panic rose up like claws. He fought to breathe normally. “I-I’m fine.”

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“If you had minere, and it affects the heart, I want to be sure you’re all right.” “Luc.” Dragging the fingers of one hand back through his hair, Izzorah took a deep, sighing breath. “I’m fine. Stop worrying.” “And I think you should take longer than two months. Let’s make it six. I want you to rest.” “Six? Luc! I don’t need six months of rest.” He shook his head. “What’s gotten into you? Look at me.” He held out his arms. “I’m fine.” “We’ll let Nanchonta be the judge. I’m going to have him examine you this afternoon.” “What?” Izzorah pushed away from him. “I -- Luc, no! I know you’re worried, but I have a career. What if I said you had to take six months off? You’d refuse.” “I’m healthy. You might need special care.” “Special care?” Izzorah started laughing. “What’s funny?” “You’re panicking. I should’ve known you’d be like this, after the way you were when I was in the hospital. You’re the most protective man I’ve ever met. I know you only want proof I’m fine.” He leaned over and took Luc’s hand in his. “I am. I don’t need to rest. I kept up with a grueling tour schedule last year, and I worked my ass off for four years prior, trying to get a permanent gig. I can keep right on doing it.” Luc narrowed his black eyes. “I’ve been thinking about your career too. I think you need to quit the group altogether and let me take care of you.” “Luc Saint-Cyr.” He folded his arms. “I do love you, and I want to make you happy, but I can’t give up my career because you’re worried about my health. I’m fine. I thought you said you could trust me, and I could argue with you if I didn’t agree.” Luc turned his head toward the window. He turned back suddenly and grabbed Izzorah with both hands, pinning his upper arms. “Could you give up your career because I couldn’t bear to part with you? Could you stay with me because I love you, Rah? Because I can’t bear to lose you. I can’t. I never want to give you up. I want you with me always.” “Oh, Luc. Luc.” He put his arms around the man’s neck. “You are so sweet.” The scent of Luc’s desire faded to a bittersweet despair. “The thought of your heart no longer beating terrifies me. Please, let me make sure you’re all right.” “Luc. I don’t know.” Izzorah fought the fear rising in his throat, choking him like bile.

If Luc knew I wasn’t whole and couldn’t see, what would he do? How willing am I to trust him? “I love you, Rah.” Luc pulled him onto his lap so that he straddled Luc on the seat. “Please, let me take care of you. I need to do this. I need to know you’re safe.” Izzorah traced his fingers across Luc’s face. The wetness of the man’s tears scalded him. “Oh, Luc! Shh, kahmay t’hahr.”

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Luc wrapped his arms around Izzorah and tightened them. “I need you, Rah. I’ve never needed anyone before.” He set his brow against Izzorah’s. “I’ve been in love, but never like this. This is painful. Frightening. My heart breaks every time I think of losing you.” Cupping his hands around Luc’s face, Izzorah slipped his thumbs across the man’s cheeks. He wished he could really see his eyes, get past his dark lenses, but if he was unwilling to share his own secrets, how could he ask Luc to share his? Luc cocked back his head. “What are you thinking, love?” “I think you feel vulnerable, and you don’t like it.” He sputtered a laugh, tightened his grip on Izzorah. “You’re right. My vulnerability comes from not knowing you’re healthy. If you aren’t, if your heart has been damaged in some way, I want to fix it. I will do anything to make you well.” “And if it turns out everything is fine? Will you stop worrying? No, never mind. You were born worrying.” He pressed his brow against Luc’s. “I won’t ask you to stop what’s in your nature.” Luc chuckled. “I’ve never met anyone like you. It’s like you know my thoughts.” He frowned. “Are you telepathic?” “No!” He had to laugh. “I can smell your emotions. In Felis it’s called kahlah. I’m better than most. ” Shrugging, he rested both arms across the top of Luc’s shoulders. “No human could know you the way I can, Luc. You’re a complex person. None of them could ever understand you the way I do. Prolly not another Kin, either.” Luc fondled one of Izzorah’s ears. “And you wonder why I’m so terrified of losing you?” He dragged a fingertip down Izzorah’s nose. “I love your Kin ears, Kin eyes, Kin nose, and kissable mouth. I will not love you less if your heart isn’t healthy. I only want to make sure you have everything you need. I want you to be well.” He shook his head. “I don’t want to lose you when I could have done something to prevent it. Please, trust me to care for you.”

There’s our trust issue again. Izzorah sighed, resigning himself to Luc’s will. “All right, Luc. To please you, I will let your friend examine me.” “Thank you, Rah.” Luc kissed him, pulled him body to body. “I’m calling right now.” Face hidden against Luc’s shoulder, Izzorah prayed for a miracle. Or for Nanchonta to understand what a secret was all about.

***** When Nanchonta entered the study, Luc stood at once. He’d built his home larger than average to accommodate his own six-feet-five frame. Nanchonta’s presence made it seem small again. The flaxen-haired Sempervian wasn’t simply tall. He was massive. His size intimidated people so strongly, few noticed his laid-back demeanor until after they’d been around him awhile.

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“He’s a charmer, your young Kin.” Nanchonta’s lilting accent rolled the r’s. He gestured Luc over to the grouping of brown leather chairs and sat down, elbows resting on his knees. “I like him.” “Where is he?” Luc opened the door to the study, but no one was in the hall. He shut the door. “I told him to take a long, warm bath.” Nanchonta waved him over. Luc sat across from him. “What do you think?” “I have serious concerns about his heart.” He slumped in the chair, crossed his ankles, and folded his hands across his waist. “I entered his bloodstream, examined him from the inside out. I can tell you things about Izzorah you’d never begin to guess. I’ve never seen a heart like his.” Luc covered his mouth. “What’s wrong with it?” “What’s right? To start, best I can tell, minere is strictly a Kin-related disease, but it’s a nasty one. It causes cardiomyopathy, a thickening of the heart muscle and coronary arteries. Izzorah’s arteries are so constricted he feels faint under stress. He told me about his panic attacks. Not sure what triggers those yet, but I do know they’re made worse by his heart not being healthy. It doesn’t help he was probably born with his aorta in a bad position.” “What do you mean?” “It receives blood from both the right and left ventricles, which is wrong. The body should get all its oxygenated blood from the left side of the heart.” He drew a line down his own chest. “The lungs should get deoxygenated blood from the right side.” Nanchonta made a circle on his right. “When blood without oxygen goes to the rest of the body, it can cause cyanosis. If you see his nail beds or lips turning blue, get medical help immediately.” “I’ve seen his fingers and lips turn blue several times. I thought he was cold.” “He probably was, since the blood flow was impaired. I’ll be treating him for it. Cyanosis may cause organ damage if left untreated. In Izzorah, blood going to the lungs is under higher pressure than it should be. Pressure damages the capillaries, and, in time, they form scar tissue. He could suffocate in pure oxygen.” “My God.” Luc sank back into the chair. “Please tell me you can help him.” “I can, but it means surgery. He’s agreed, and I’d like to do it aboard Le Persequor. The ship has everything I’ll need. Thing is” -- Nanchonta grimaced -- “you’ll have to get permission from Pietas to bring him aboard. He has Joss there right now, starting Penance.” “Joss was your opponent? I didn’t know.” “It was a short game. We’d barely gotten started.” Nanchonta stuck the tips of his fingers in the front pockets of his tight pants. “I’ll tell you some long winter night. Not ready to talk about it yet. I hated seeing her lose.” The penalty for failing a game was suffering death every day for a year at the hands of Pietas. Players gave Peril their finest effort. Nothing inspired like abject terror.

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Luc shuddered. “I promise, Cyken, I’ll do whatever it takes to help Izzorah.” “Thank you. Is there anything we can do in the meantime?” “The blood transfusion you gave him is probably the best thing any of us could have done, and he needs rest. When I told him he needed to slow down, he gave me a string of reasons why he can’t. He’s grown accustomed to working long hours over the last five years. He’s devoted to his career. I have to tell you, Cyken.” He shook his head. “If he keeps working the way he has, he’ll kill himself. In his own way, he’s as driven as you are.” He jabbed a finger at Luc. “You’ll bounce back. Izzorah won’t. The next major stress in his life could kill him.” Luc recoiled as if struck. He lurched to his feet and staggered across the room, braced both hands against his desk. Coherent words wouldn’t form. The thought of Wulf and Izzorah squaring off in the closet almost robbed him of breath. Finally, he shut his eyes and stood up straight, back turned to his friend. “And if he has the surgery?” “It may give him another fifteen years. Twenty, with good care.” “Two decades. Two decades.” He clenched a fist against his stomach. “Not even a blink of the eye.” He strode back to him, dropped to one knee beside his fellow Sempervian’s chair, and gripped his arm. “There has to be some way to extend his life.” “Believe me, Cyken. I know what you’re going through.” He laid a hand over Luc’s. “It’s hell being immortal when you have a human lover. It’s why I’ll never let myself fall in love with one again. But you… You never give up. You fall in love every lifetime. Your capacity to love is one of the things I admire about you.” “I just found him, Chon! He can’t die so young.” Luc swept his fingers back through his own hair, digging fingers into his scalp. “There has to be something you can do. Some new treatment. Some kind of --” “Cyken.” He squeezed Luc’s shoulder. “I wish I could tell you he has two centuries. I’m sorry. I can only tell you the truth. It’s up to you to face it.” “I refuse to believe there’s nothing we can do.” Luc rose to his feet. “I won’t give up searching. I’ll find a way to help him.” “From you, I wouldn’t expect less. I’ll do everything I can. I promise.” Luc reached down blindly and gripped Nanchonta’s hand. “I’ll talk to Pietas about the ship. How soon could you do the surgery?” “I want him rested before we begin. Let’s give it a couple of days. McDoth said he put pain medication in the lad’s food, so I gave him a few drugs to administer the same way.” Nodding, Luc stood rooted in place, his chest so tight he could barely breathe. “Sit down, Cyken. There’s something else I want to talk to you about.”

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With his left hand, Luc massaged the back of his neck. He perched on the edge of the seat and waited for Nanchonta to speak. “I think you should tell Izzorah about your eyes.” He shook his head. “I’ve been thinking. If we live together, I won’t be able to hide them. Humans don’t have eyes like mine. Rah’s as curious as…” Luc shrugged. “Well, hell, as a cat. I’m surprised he hasn’t asked about my dark lenses yet. When he sees my eyes, he’s going to want to know what I am, and what do I tell him?” “Tell him the truth. I have a feeling your young Kin can keep a secret.” Frowning, Luc considered the ramifications the truth about his eyes might entail. A Sempervian who revealed his nature or true identity to outsiders forfeited his game and served Penance. Only one of the Chosen or a spouse could know. He stood. Nanchonta stood also. “What are you thinking?” “If he hadn’t had his accident, or the Labor Board hadn’t shown up, or Wulf hadn’t done what he did, I might never have known Rah had a bad heart. He might be dead within the year. Maybe next week.” He met Nanchonta’s gaze. “I came so close to missing him. If Wulf had been in town, I wouldn’t have met him at all.” His friend stuffed both hands in his pockets. “Fate is a funny thing.” “Yes. Yes, it is.” Luc shook himself. “Did I actually hear you use a nickname for someone?” “I use them sparingly. I call you Chon.” Luc spread his hands. “Rah fits. He’s passion in the flesh. Speaking of which, what about sex? Is sex safe, with his heart like it is?” Nanchonta shook his head. “Not till after surgery and I’m sure he’s cardio fit. As much as I’d like to say ‘enjoy,’ it’s best if you refrain for now.” “You’re sure a climax would damage his heart?” The man laughed. “Trust me; I know this is tough for you, but no sex until he’s well. I’ll let you know after the surgery how long it’ll take him to heal. He may surprise all of us and bounce right back, but from the look of his heart, I think it will take a few weeks.” “Thank God you’re here.” Luc gripped his hand, clasped his forearm, and drew him close for a brief hug. “I’m so glad you came.” “I’ve missed you, Cyken.” They stayed close, arms linked together. “How many games ago were we lovers?” Luc shook his head. “I’ve lost count.” “You were known as Sondis back then. Was it in this empire or another one?” Luc considered it a moment, finally laughed. “Hell, I think it was here. Yes, yes, it had to be. I was called Lucas in the next one, and that’s how I came up with the names Luc and Lucsondis, which is my premier business in this one. People always think it’s my current

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name, but I founded Lucsondis long before I was known as Luc Saint-Cyr. I simply took it over and made it huge in this lifetime.” “Lucky bastard. I don’t think anyone has ever won a limit-free lifetime before. You’ve done incredibly well here. And no time limit to accomplish your goals? Every one of us is jealous as hell.” “It’d be a lot more fun if I didn’t have so many willing to take me down. If it’s not other players, it’s mortals. I’m the biggest target on Tarth, next to the Conqueror.” They walked toward the door, where McDoth waited with Nanchonta’s coat. The overly tall Sempervian pulled it on and turned to Luc. “When my game ended and Pietas told me I had to come here, the only thing making it bearable was knowing I’d get to taste McDoth’s cooking once more, even though I have to put up with you to get it.” Luc chuckled. McDoth lifted his nose a bit higher. “I see you still have excellent taste.” He offered his hand and Nanchonta shook it. “Are you here alone?” “Yes, I’m afraid so.” The Sempervian scuffed one foot across the tile. “I have no valet, no cook, and no servants. No referee. I’m officially neutral.” McDoth gave a short bow. “Do not hesitate to call if you need anything. You know how to reach me.” “Thanks, McDoth. I will.” He glanced at Luc, sidled closer to the android, and whispered in a stage voice, “Think the old bastard will let you cook for me now and then?” “Oh, yes, sir. Mr. Saint-Cyr allows me three minutes per week to do as I please.” Luc shook a finger at him. “Keep it up, and it’ll be two.” The three laughed. McDoth welcomed Nanchonta once more and excused himself. Luc walked the other Sempervian to the door. “Have you seen her yet?” “Dessy, you mean?” A sadness shadowed Nanchonta’s eyes. His on-again, off-again love affair with “the Conqueror,” the sister of their leader, had been more tempestuous than Luc and Wulf’s. The phlegmatic Nanchonta and the firebrand Destoiya were the immovable object and irresistible force slamming against one another, every time they met. They’d called it quits a hundred times. Their last breakup instigated the end of a spectacularly unsuccessful Peril and fostered the beginnings of the Tarthian Empire. Nanchonta tucked fingertips in his pockets. “I’m having dinner with her tomorrow night. Does she still hate being called Dessy?” “Yes, and as moody as she’s been lately, if you forget, you’ll be lucky if all she does is castrate you.” “Ouch! She’s in a bloody mood, is she? Fuming over Alitus and Wulf?” “Whatever you do, don’t get her talking about me.” Luc spread his hands. “She can’t bring herself to hate Alitus, and Wulf has somehow ingratiated himself with Pietas. He’s

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officially untouchable. Which leaves me” -- Luc flattened his hand across his chest -- “to be the bad guy she gets to hate.” He grimaced. “The official whipping boy, eh? Not a good role.” Nanchonta extended his hand and shook Luc’s. “Thanks for the use of a driver. I’ll hire one in a day or two.” “It was Wulf’s car. He doesn’t want it, and I’m not about to give his leavings to Rah. Keep it as long as you like.” “Excellent. Thank you. I’m off to see Roth. You go take care of your Kin. He probably needs someone to scrub his back about now.” He winked. When the door shut, Luc sprinted toward the stairs.

***** Forearms braced against the wall, Izzorah rested his head on them and let the hot shower beat on his back. Luc! How did I get hooked on you so fast? Where are you? He shut his eyes, picturing his lover’s naked chest beneath his hands, his dark wet skin lathered with soap. Izzorah ran his hands across the coarse, curly hair sprinkled across the center of Luc’s chest, down the center of his ripped abs, to his navel and then his groin. He wrapped one hand around Luc’s shaft. “You’re so big. Thick. Hard. How will I ever get my mouth all the way around you? How will I ever take you inside me?” Luc’s whiteless eyes gleamed. He leaned in close, tilted his head, and kissed him, pulled back and moved close again. “Mine,” he whispered and then took Izzorah’s mouth in a possessive kiss. Izzorah surrendered to Luc, wrapped in his arms, protected and cherished. Heat made him dizzy, and he braced himself in the corner. Nanchonta had warned him not to overexert himself. He didn’t mean no sex, did he? No way he would give up Luc. At least I’ll die happy. “Izzorah?” Luc’s voice sounded far away. He opened the glass door and poked his head out of the shower. The room felt cold after the hot mist. “I’m in here!” Luc entered the room, already stripped to shirt and pants. “Thought you were taking a bath.” He started opening his shirt. “Didn’t want to get in the tub without you. It felt lonely.”

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His lover grinned. “We can shower first and then laze about in the tub together. As long as it’s not too hot. I hear heat’s bad for the heart. Sound good?” Izzorah couldn’t suppress a toothy smile. “Perfect. Will you stop worrying?” “Me? Never.” He smiled as he stepped out of his pants. “Is there room in there for me?” “Hell, yeah.” When Luc tossed the pants across a rack and the shirt after them, the design embroidered on the cuff caught Izzorah’s attention. He gasped. Slender bottles on the shelf near the sink held blue and white creams. The faucet was shaped like a swan, arched over a white crystal basin supported on a pedestal. The handles were shaped like wings. Soaps sat on a small bowl to the left. Luc looked over his shoulder and then back at Izzorah. “Is something wrong? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” Izzorah blinked twice, rubbed his eyes, and blinked again. Things were barely fuzzy at all. He stood in the open shower door, unwilling to look away from the sights around him, especially Luc, with his sexy smile, the broad curve of his chest, and brawny arms. “Rah? What is it? You’re scaring me. Say something.” “I --” He met Luc’s gaze. I can see you. Really, actually see you, as well as if we stood toe to toe. He started laughing, kept on laughing while Luc came near, squinting. “Izzorah, love. Are you all right?” He couldn’t stop laughing, struck by the irony of his situation. My heart’s ready to give

out, and my eyes start working. How screwed up am I? Nanchonta had sworn to keep his blindness a secret but had insisted on examining his eyes. Izzorah had spent so long looking into the man’s eyes he’d gotten lost in their pale depths. Did Nanchonta do something to me? How long will it last? Izzorah laughed again, giggles bubbling up out of him. He clamped a hand over his mouth. “Oh, Rah.” Luc wrapped his arms around him. “You’re freezing. Let’s get you in the hot water.” He let Luc maneuver him into the shower, laughing until tears ran down his cheeks. Luc turned on other controls, and soothing, hot water sprayed from all around the shower stall, putting them in the middle of a mist. The water sparkled in the air, catching the light and refracting into arcs of color. “Oh!” Water beaded on Izzorah’s hands, glistened on his golden skin. It shone on Luc’s dark skin like diamonds, and Izzorah spread his hands across the man’s chest. “Beautiful. So many colors.” “Did Nanchonta give you something?” Luc captured his face in his hands. “Look at me, babe.” Luc was squinting, concerned for him. “Are you all right?”

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Even in the midst of so much water, Izzorah caught the scent of his worry. “I’m fine, Luc. I…” His attention wavered to the mist around them. “So many colors. Oh, look! Is this what a rainbow looks like?” The water cut off. Luc opened the door. “Come on. Let’s get you into bed.” “But --” Izzorah let Luc sweep him along. “It was so pretty. I’ve never seen a rainbow before.” “I’m going to kill Nanchonta.” Luc toweled Izzorah down, wrapped him in a bath sheet, grabbed one for himself, and led him to the bed. He pulled down the covers. “Here. Get in, love.” Izzorah probed the skin on Luc’s arm. “You’re so many colors. You’re darker here, on your elbow. And light up here.” He skimmed his fingers across Luc’s shoulder. “I never noticed.” Luc fumbled with something on the nightstand. “McDoth! Get hold of Nanchonta and get him back here on the double! And hurry, damn it!” Izzorah gripped his arm. “Stay with me, Luc. I want to look at you. You’re so beautiful.” “I’m not leaving you for a second.” He swore in the Kin language, then switched to something vaguely Tyran-sounding, and then a language Izzorah had never heard before. “Luc?” “What is it, love?” He drew Izzorah’s hand up to his mouth and kissed his palm. “Are you making up cuss words? I’ve never heard any of the things you’re saying, but I can tell you’re mad.” Luc bit his lips. He laid Izzorah’s hand against his own cheek and turned to kiss his palm. Tears sparkled on his lashes. “I’m worried about you. Did Nanchonta give you anything? Any kind of drug?” He shook his head. “He looked at me. Laid his hands on my shoulders, on my chest. Like he did Soli. Oh, it was so amazing. I wish you could’ve seen him. He picked Soli up and held him, little head in the palm of his hand and his body along one arm. They stared at one another for a long time. Soli didn’t cry even once. It was like he knew Nanchonta was there to help him. After a bit, he closed his eyes and went to sleep, and when we held him, he felt normal. No fever. Nanchonta gave them some drops and said Soli’d be fine in a day or two. He’s magic, Luc. He made it so I can --” The door burst open, and Nanchonta charged into the room. “What’s wrong?”

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Chapter Fourteen Nizamrak Building The Loft Luc paced outside Izzorah’s bedroom door while Nanchonta looked him over. McDoth brought coffee, but Luc set it on a table in the hall and kept on pacing. He stopped before the door, one hand raised to knock. Nanchonta’s words came back to him. “My patient wishes to speak to me privately, and

I will honor his request. So you will you. Go have some coffee. I’ll call you when we’re through.” And then he’d opened the door and held it until Luc left. Growling in frustration, Luc turned and paced some more. For no one other than Nanchonta would he have left. Except Izzorah, of course. If Izzorah wanted privacy, Luc would give it to him. He strode the length of the hall once more. “What the hell is taking so long?”

***** Dressed only in a towel around his waist, Izzorah squirmed in the chair and tried not to blink while Nanchonta peered into his eyes through a lighted handheld device. Nanchonta turned off the light and stood. “You can move around now.” He put the device into a leather bag. “What happened to me? I could see perfectly and now everything’s blurry again.” Nanchonta sat across from him and took Izzorah’s hands. “What I’m going to tell you must be kept absolutely secret. Luc knows, and I’d like to tell you, but I need your promise of secrecy.”

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Izzorah nodded. “You kept my secret, Nanchonta. I’ll keep yours. Besides” -- he squeezed the man’s hands -- “I trusted you, and you didn’t let me down. I’d like to prove you can trust me.” The sober, quiet man before him flashed an appealing grin that made him seem much more carefree. “Thank you.” He pulled back, elbows on his knees, hands hanging between them. “I’m not human. While I can’t tell you what I am without breaking a pact I made with someone else, I can tell you my people have many different abilities. Mine is to heal, and I tried to heal your eyes. I think I could heal them completely with repeated attempts.” “You could make it so I can see?” Izzorah clutched a hand against his chest. “Permanently?” “Yes.” He smiled. Izzorah clenched both fists. “How long would it take?” “Not sure. Your eyes improved after one exposure, so maybe five or six times.” Izzorah chewed a claw. “Will it hurt?” “No! All I’ll have to do is look into your eyes.” Izzorah flipped a hand into the air. “I’m ready, then.” “Why are you so afraid to tell Luc?” Izzorah hissed, claws extended. He pushed back into the chair. “On my homeworld, marriages are arranged. My parents taught me to hide my blindness, so I could marry well. The mate they chose wouldn’t be able to divorce me once she learned the truth, but she could’ve reduced my status. Made me little more than a slave to her other mates. I’d have been shut away in her house forever.” He stood, walked toward the window, and leaned against it. “I know Luc’s not like her, but in my heart…” He turned back toward Nanchonta. “I can’t help but be afraid. To come here, to Tarth, I had to give up my world and my family. I’ve had to hide for so long, I don’t know how not to.” The man came closer, and Izzorah tilted back his head to take him in. Nanchonta placed his hands on Izzorah’s shoulders. “I can heal many things, my young friend, but broken hearts aren’t one of them. Luc’s was broken before he met you, and now, he’s happy. He won’t push you away.” He squeezed Izzorah’s shoulders. “Trust him.” He swallowed, throat caught with emotion. “Thank you, Nanchonta.” The man bent and kissed the top of Izzorah’s head. “Luc will arrange details for the surgery we talked about. In the meantime, get some rest.” “Um, Nanchonta?” He ducked his head. “Can Luc and I…um…?” “Avoid anything that makes you breathe heavier than you would walking up a flight of stairs. Kissing is all right, but be careful it doesn’t lead to more. I’d rather you didn’t climax until after you’ve healed from your surgery. Nothing strenuous. No coitus.” “Uh…” Izzorah’s cheeks blazed. “No what?”

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“Coitus. Intercourse. Penetration. Of you by Luc, or Luc by you.” With a gasp, Izzorah ducked his head, putting up a hand to cover his eyes. “Luc would never…” He let his voice trail off at the appealing thought of his own cock inside Luc. Of seeing his lover beneath him, a dazed expression of serene rapture on his face. “He’d never…” Izzorah wet his lips. “Would he? No!” He waved a hand as if negating the words. “Not Luc.” Nanchonta leaned down closer and whispered in his ear, “Yes, he would.” He pulled back. “Don’t tell him I said this, but I wouldn’t let the fact he’s called the Harbinger or the Man fool you. He loves being fucked.” He winked. Izzorah hid his smile politely behind a hand. “I don’t believe you.” “It’s true. Luc tends to give everything of himself and ask little. To my way of thinking, he’s often taken advantage of.” Izzorah laid a hand across his heart. “I will never hurt him. I swear it.” Nanchonta gave Izzorah’s shoulder an affectionate squeeze. “I know. Which is why you’re so perfect for him.” Those words shocked Izzorah into silence. He could think of nothing worthy to say. “All right.” Nanchonta returned to pick up his bag. “I’m finished here. I’ll see you tomorrow for another treatment. Early afternoon?” Izzorah wrapped arms around himself, feeling the chill in the room. He nodded. “You need to get into bed.” He pointed to it. Izzorah went to sit on the edge. “Do you think Luc will come back tonight?” Nanchonta laughed. “I don’t think you can keep him away. He’s smitten.” “Is smitten bad?” Izzorah brought his ears forward. “Smitten means he’s in love. And to dispel any doubt” -- he pointed at Izzorah -- “I do mean with you, my young friend.” Izzorah tilted his head. “You keep calling me young, but we’re not far apart in age, are we? I guess I’m not very good at judging ages, because to me, Luc looks young, but he keeps worrying about being old.” Nanchonta smiled. “Does he now? He would. He worries too much.” “You’re right. I keep telling him it doesn’t matter to me, but maybe what he really thinks is I’m too young to know what I’m doing.” Izzorah shook his head. “I know exactly what I’m doing and what I want.” “I believe you. Don’t worry about Luc. He’ll come around.” He sighed, claws extended. “I hope so. How long have you known him?” “It seems like forever.” Nanchonta winked and opened the door. “I suggest you get in bed.” “Yes, sir.” Izzorah stretched out on the bed and covered himself with the blankets.

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Luc’s and Nanchonta’s voices rumbled softly outside the door, but it wasn’t clear enough to understand the words. Just as Izzorah realized they were speaking a different language, the door opened and Luc came inside. The man came straight to him, knelt beside the bed, and took Izzorah’s hand. He brought it to his lips. “Nanchonta said it was a momentary thing and you’re going to be all right, but how do you feel?” “I’m fine, Luc. I’m sorry I scared you.” “I want the best for you, love.” Luc kissed his way from Izzorah’s fingertips to his wrist, turned over his hand, and kissed the palm. The faint stubble of whiskers on Luc’s jaw scratched Izzorah’s skin. “I love the way your face feels with your beard growing.” A whiff of leathery pride filled the air. “Yeah?” Luc smiled. “Mmm.” Izzorah gripped Luc’s shirtfront and pulled him down. “Especially when we kiss.” “Oh, Rah.” Luc moved to lie alongside him, leaned over him, and kissed him. “Love you,” he murmured against his lips. His kisses teased, and he lingered, brushing his lips against Izzorah’s. “Luc.” He lifted both arms and wrapped them around the man’s neck. “You make me feel so good. If I’m dreaming, I never want to wake up.” Luc lay atop the blankets, braced on an elbow. He fondled one of Izzorah’s ears. “You have the most captivating green eyes I’ve ever seen. They fascinate me.” He squinted. “What is this saucy little smile about, hmm?” “It’s --” He paused. “I know this is going to sound strange, but Feeyona Joie said the exact same thing. Word for word.” “Fee said you have captivating eyes?” He nodded. “And that they fascinated her. My cousin Fletch got all jealous, so I remember her saying it.” Luc narrowed his eyes. “She’s right, you know. They are captivating. When I look into them I lose my train of thought and start mumbling nonsense.” Grinning, Izzorah traced the outline of Luc’s hair along his brow. “You’re so sweet.” “Sweet?” He shook his head as if not believing what he heard. “Me?” “Yes, you.” Izzorah kissed the tip of Luc’s nose. “I like how you get all tongue-tied and flustered sometimes. I guess you like Kin a lot.” “I’ve always admired the Kin, Izzorah. Your people are amazing, but I’ve never been affected by anyone the way I am you. My friends will hiss me to heaven when they see it.” Izzorah laughed. “Hiss you to heaven? Such a Kin phrase. You know what?” “Hmm?” Luc continued to toy with his ear.

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“Being with you is like having the best of my world and yours. I have someone I can speak Felis to, and yet someone who understands what it means to fall in love with another male and doesn’t get all grrllffy about it.” “Upset, you mean?” “Mmm.” He trailed his fingertips along Luc’s jaw, out to his chin, and up across his mouth. “I love the fullness of your lips. It’s like they were made to fit mine. You kiss like an angel, Luc.” “Like a devil, you mean.” Izzorah hid his fangs behind a hand as he laughed. “Yes. Definitely.” “Are you hungry, love? Thirsty?” “No, I want to be with you for a while.” He plucked at Luc’s shirt. “Can you take this off?” “You want me out of my shirt?” Luc sat up, unbuttoned it, and shrugged it down his brawny arms. “Better?” He cast it aside. “Mmm. With your washboard stomach, no one would ever believe you sit in an office all day.” Luc smiled. “Hard workouts, love. I exercise ’most every day.” “Can you cuddle me for a while?” “Yes, love, but Nanchonta said no sex until you’re better.” “He said we can kiss, as long as we don’t let it lead to anything else.” With a sigh, Luc propped his head on one hand. “Kissing you is like getting one piece of chocolate when there’s a whole bag on the shelf. I want it all and can’t have it.” Izzorah snuggled closer, the length of his body against Luc’s, and traced one clawtip along his hairline. “I like the feel your lips against mine.” He inhaled the brown sugar smell of Luc’s desire. “You smell so hot.” “Flatterer.” Luc leaned in close and gave Izzorah a sweet kiss. “I think you should try to sleep. I’ll hold you.” “I can sleep later. I want to be with you.” “I’m not leaving you.” Luc pushed himself up a bit. “You’re under my protection. Not simply from the Labor Board, though they’re a serious threat. Your health is also in my hands, and I can’t bear for anything to happen to you. Nanchonta is very concerned about you, and so am I.” “Am I really sick?” He clutched a hand at the base of this throat, chest tight. “I’m not trying to scare you, love, but you need surgery as soon as possible. It’s imperative for you to rest.” “Impertive means…” “Im-per-a-tive,” Luc pronounced slowly. “It means essential and urgent.”

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“Oh.” He slumped down flat on the bed. “I’ve been working so hard I haven’t had time to be sick. It’s like everything happened at once. I didn’t know there was anything wrong. I’ve always been tired.” “Listen to your body. You need rest. We’ll cuddle all you want, but you absolutely must sleep. I want you in bed all day tomorrow except to use the bathroom and eat.” “But, Luc, I --” “No, Izzorah.” Luc cupped a hand around his face. “You’ll rest. It’s important.” The scent of hot butterscotch underscored Luc’s concern. A veil of tartness revealed his fear. Before Izzorah could respond, Luc sighed and released him. “Answer this. Have you noticed your fingernails turning blue?” Izzorah brought his hands close to his face and curled his fingers. “Only when I’ve been playing a long while, or I’m extra tired.” He let out a long breath. “Seems like a lot lately.” “It’s because blood isn’t getting where it needs to go. Nanchonta can explain it in detail next time you see him, if you want to know more. Once you’ve had surgery, the blood will go where it should. You’ll have a lot more energy. You won’t be short of breath or feel too tired to do things.” “Oh, wow!” Izzorah lolled his head to one side. “I ignore being tired. I’d never get anything done if I didn’t, but I’d really like it if I could go through one day without wanting a nap. I rarely get one, but I want it.” He retracted his claws. “Kory lets me sleep as late as he can, but I’ve made us late ’cause I didn’t wake up on time.” Luc propped himself so close Izzorah could make out every detail of his handsome face. “Love, very soon, all this will be behind you. You’ll feel so wonderful you won’t know how you ever survived. I promise, you’re going to feel much better. I’m glad I talked you into letting Nanchonta take a look at you. I’d hate to lose you, kosset.” He leaned his face against the man’s hand. “You were right, Luc. I’m glad I obeyed you.” The look of amazement on the man’s face and the scent of his raw pride mixed with contentment tugged a smile onto Izzorah’s face. As damaged as Izzorah’s heart was, it knew how to recognize love. “Luc, will you hold me till I fall asleep?” “I won’t leave you, Rah. I promise. I’ll stay by your side all night.” Izzorah squinted, twisting so he could focus on Luc’s face. “You will?” “Always and forever, kosset.” He snuggled up next to him and pulled Izzorah into his arms, cradling his head on his shoulder. Luc’s heart beat with a steady rhythm, his arms strong and sure. The lights dimmed as Luc pulled covers up around them. “Always and forever.”

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***** Le Persequor Sofftem 30 With Izzorah being cared for by Nanchonta for the afternoon, Luc paid a visit to Pietas. The android security crew on Le Persequor paid little attention. Cyken Tomarus had always had carte blanche; the favorite of Pietas knew no boundaries but those he set himself. Luc headed forward, threading his way through the maze of corridors to Pietas’s stateroom, where he knocked and waited. Uurah opened the door. The android lifted one dark eyebrow and opened the door wider. “Wait here.” He excused himself and exited through a door on the right. Luc stood, head down, hands behind him. Presently, the door opened and Pietas entered. Dressed in a loosely fitted white robe of silk, long white hair hanging free, Pietas swept both arms outward in welcome. “Cyken. You rarely visit. What is it?” “Forgive me, lord.” He bowed. “I crave a boon.” “A boon?” He coiled a length of his long hair around one finger. “You came here to ask a blessing?” “Yes, lord, for a private matter.” Luc lowered his gaze, made a placating gesture. “One of the heart.” Pietas seated himself in one of the chairs as if it were a throne, hands draped on either arm. “Kneel before me.” Luc went to one knee, then both, head bowed. “I’m surprised to see you here so soon after your punishment. Are you well?” Luc swallowed, controlling his breathing with some difficulty. “Yes, lord.” He cleared his throat. “Thank you.” Pietas flipped back a length of silver hair, leaned to one side. “What is it, Cyken? Ask your boon.” “After Wulf left, you warned me another Chosen sought my downfall.” “Yes. This one wants to hunt you down and destroy you. One of the Chosen is dedicated to your utter destruction. So is their Sempervian, in their particular game.” Luc clasped his hands behind him. He’d spent hours considering what questions to ask, if any, and now he’d come to the moment, and there was only one thing he needed to know. “You told me to guard my heart. Is it a Kin?” “Nanchonta told me about your young Kin. You want to know if it’s him, don’t you?” “I want to eliminate him as a possible threat.”

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“I see.” Pietas patted his fingertips together. “And if I tell you it’s him?” Luc clasped his hands tighter, nails digging into his palms. “I would love Izzorah, even if he betrayed me. I --” He started to lift his head, caught himself in time. “I will always love Wulf too, and Jawk, although I’ll never touch either of them again.” “A wise decision.” Pietas tugged at a strand of his silver hair. “Wulf is not to be trusted, despite what you may want to believe about him, nor is Jawk. Wulf’s heart is divided between his loyalty to you and his love for Alitus. Jawk’s is between the rebels and his desire to protect his family. No man -- or Kin -- whose heart is divided can stand for long. My sister is convinced otherwise, but she’s wrong.” Luc wet his lips. “You haven’t said whether it’s Izzorah.” “Izzorah.” He squinted, as if puzzled. “I like the name. Which clan is he?” Jaw tight, Luc worked to unclench his teeth. “Ceeow.” Pietas nodded, seeming distracted. “I loved a Ceeow female once. A lovely young warrior who liked to play with knives.” He gave a shudder more from delight than fear. “Where were we? Oh, yes. You wanted to know if your betrayer is a Kin. No, Cyken. Absolutely not.” “Thank you, my lord.” “So it’s ‘my’ lord, is it? Look at me.” Pietas tilted back his head, staring down the length of his nose. “You’re never this formal unless you want something. Out with it.” “You punished me for donating blood to Izzorah, lord, but I need to help him again. Nanchonta says he needs surgery and wants to perform it aboard Le Persequor. I’m willing to undergo any punishment you name if you’ll give your permission.” “You truly love this boy, don’t you?” Luc winced at the term “boy”; Izzorah was fully grown, but compared to a Sempervian, barely past infancy. He nodded. “I do, lord.” “Of course I’ll grant it. What makes you think I’d punish you, Cyken?” Taken aback, Luc floundered for a response. “I… You punished me for helping him before.” “No. I punished you for allowing human medical doctors to witness the healing power of your blood. Had you called me, I’d have brought him here, where he could have been healed without endangering our secrets. There is a stipulation, however, to his coming here.” “Yes, lord. What is it?” “He cannot know where he really is. I want him sedated when he’s transported here. He’s not to know the truth about this ship.” “Done. Thank you, lord. I --”

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“Not so fast. I have a few questions.” Pietas steepled his fingers, a gesture Luc often used himself when he was stalling for time. It put a barrier between himself and the person to whom he spoke. Luc waited, wary and watchful. “Are you going to make him your Chosen?” “No. Wulf cured me.” “Are you going to marry him?” Pietas was staring at him with the interest of a wolf for a rabbit. He swallowed. “I’ve been thinking about it. I know a Sempervian may not reveal his nature to anyone except his Chosen or spouse. If I live with him, he’s bound to eventually see my real eyes.” “He’ll know you’re not human.” With a groan, Luc hunched forward, face hidden in his hands. “I know.” He raised his head and met Pietas’s gaze. “He’ll know I’m blind without my lenses too. He thinks I can see as well as he can.” “Are you ready to admit you have a handicap without them? Can you trust him?” “Nanchonta says I can.” “I know Nanchonta likes him, and he’s never wrong about people. We all trust his opinions.” Pietas leaned back. “But what do you say?” “Time will tell.” “You think once he’s healthy and doesn’t need your protection, he won’t want you anymore.” Luc started to deny it but stopped to consider the words. Do I? Am I so shallow? “In any case, Cyken, I give you permission to bring him aboard, so long as he’s not awake during the transfer and never knows where he really is. If you decide to keep him, you’ll have to make him your Chosen or marry him.” He stood. Luc followed. In an abrupt move, the Sempervian lord put one foot between Luc’s and leaned in to clasp a hand around the back of his neck. Luc stiffened and held his breath. “Jawk notwithstanding, I wouldn’t allow anyone to use the Kin against you. You love them and I love you. It broke my heart to have to hurt you, but not even you can get away with endangering our people.” Pietas bared his teeth, tightening his grip on Luc’s neck. “Don’t make me punish you again by doing something foolish where this young Kin is concerned. Anything you need for him, ask me.” He shook him once. “Do you hear me, Cyken? I want to please you. I can’t bear for you to hate me like you do.” Luc winced, his neck painful.

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Pietas released him, cupped his hand more loosely behind Luc’s neck, and massaged it. He leaned in for a swift kiss. “I gave you what you wanted, Cyken.” He let go and turned his back. “Go home.”

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Chapter Fifteen Nizamrak Building The Loft When Luc portaled home, McDoth was waiting. “Good afternoon, sir. Ms. Mead asked me to convey a message regarding dinner and your private box at the stadium tonight for Master Izzorah’s birthday. She said everything is ready.” “Thank you, McDoth. Is Nanchonta here?” “Yes, sir. He’s with Master Izzorah.” Luc shrugged out of his coat. “Ask him to meet me in my study, please. Did you get the item I requested?” McDoth reached into his breast pocket and retrieved a small triangular wooden box, which he handed to Luc. He took the coat and draped it over his arm. “Is it as good as you expected, sir?” He opened the box and smiled. “Better. The box itself is as perfect as the gift inside.” He pocketed it. “Thank you, McDoth. That will be all.” Luc headed for his study and set about returning messages, most of which he routed to Ms. Mead. When Nanchonta joined him a few minutes later, Luc stood and shook his hand. “Evenin’, Cyken.” Clapping his friend on the arm, Luc shook his head. “Better get used to calling me Luc. If you slip up and call me Cyken in front of Izzorah, he’ll ask about it.” He grimaced. “Luc. Luc,” he repeated. “Must get used to that. I went by my real name in the last round, and get to use it in neutrality. Cyken’s such a habit. It fits you better than Luc.”

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“I’ve been Luc for so long that Cyken seems wrong now.” He shifted position. “How is Izzorah?” “Napping, but he should wake soon. Since I’m here, I’m treating him for being malnourished. Running some tests to see exactly where he’s deficient. McDoth will set that straight in short order, no doubt.” He dropped into a chair. Luc came around and perched on the edge of the desk. “Ms. Mead hired a consultant to search for a doctor for that clinic we want to open in the Naej District. I was wondering if you’d fill in until someone comes on board. They need a doctor now.” Nanchonta lowered his lashes, head back to squint at him. “And how long would that take? I’d planned on having a different job in this lifetime, Cyken.” Luc cupped one hand behind his ear. “Who?” “Sorry.” He grimaced. “Luc, damn it! I’ll get it eventually.” “A few weeks, most likely. They’ve hired a staff of android nurses already. How is Soli, by the way? Have you been to see him?” “Yes, I’ve seen him, and he’s fine. Back to normal. His parents are ecstatic. Everyone in the district wanted me to look at their kids this morning.” “And did you?” “Are you kidding?” Nanchonta laid a hand across his chest. “Me, say no to kids? But it’s physically draining, having to heal so many. Afterward, I slept for six hours straight.” “So, you’ll take the job?” Nanchonta heaved a melodramatic sigh. “Fine. But only until you get a permanent doctor. And not until I’m sure Izzorah is well enough not to need my care. His heart is fragile, Luc. I can’t emphasize that enough. I’m glad I came along when I did.” “Thank you. It scares the hell out of me to think how close I came to losing him. Maybe not even knowing him in the first place. He settles my heart, as if I’ve been searching for the last piece of a puzzle, and he’s it.” He stood. “Thanks for caring for him today.” “Happy to. You didn’t call me in here to foist more responsibility onto my shoulders, did you?” “No. Today’s Izzorah’s birthday.” “He never said a word.” He cocked his head. “Do you have plans?” “Dinner and a show at the stadium. Ahneesah Kin is performing. I don’t want to overdo it.” Luc leaned against the desk, hands braced at the sides, ankles crossed. “Is he well enough for that?” “As much as I’d like to say ‘go for it,’ I’m afraid I can’t. It would be safer for him to stay here. Feed him well and promise him a party when he’s recuperated. I’d rather he went to bed early and got a good night’s sleep. Tomorrow evening I want to portal him to Le Persequor, get him settled in for the night, and then do the surgery early the next morning.”

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Luc scratched at an eyebrow. “He’s twenty-seven, Chon. Try to remember what you were like at that age. Hell, in this rebirth, you’re probably not twenty-five, are you? Dinner and bedtime is not much of a birthday celebration unless you can have amazing sex once you get there. And we already know what a party pooper you are about that.” Sighing, Nanchonta rolled his eyes. Luc spread his hands. “Come on. Work with me here. I have a reputation to uphold. Surely we can do better than that.” Nanchonta frowned at him a moment but then shrugged. “Oh, all right.” He clasped his hands behind his head. “How about letting him invite his friends up? We talked about Kumwhatmay today while you were gone. He hasn’t seen any of them since the contract signing. He seems to miss Kory the most.” “How about a boys’ night out poker game?” “Now that you can do. That said, this is not the year for a surprise party. Make sure he knows what you’re up to. Does Kory know what your relationship is? Could you invite him?” “Kory used to be a slake. I doubt he’d be shocked, but I can’t be the one to tell him about Izzorah. That would be a betrayal of trust. This poker game needs to be the four of us.” “Four? Oh no. Not playing cards with McDoth. Forget it.” “Oh, come on! It’s been hundreds of years since you two played. He gave you back your money. I can’t believe you’re holding a grudge.” “There was never a grudge, and I didn’t care about the money. If I won, I’d always think he’d let me. He’s too good. Not playing against him.” “Fine. We’ll be a trio then, but I’m telling McDoth you’re prejudiced against androids and he can’t play. We’ll see how well he cooks for you then.” “Damn it, Cy -- I mean Luc. You…” He started laughing when Luc did. “Bastard! You had me going there. I thought you’d really tell him.” “Worth the lie to see the look on your face.” Luc wiped at his eyes and laughed some more. “Can we have some booze at this party?” “Izzorah can have one glass of red wine, but no more. Getting drunk is out.” “Damn, I gave him whiskey our first night together. I could’ve killed him.” “Don’t beat yourself up. You had no way of knowing.” Nanchonta shifted position, hanging one leg over the arm of the chair. “He said the group plays poker on tour all the time, so we played a few hands this afternoon. He beat me five out of seven. I think he could smell my excitement when I had a good hand.” “Damn. Little card shark, eh? I like that!” Luc used the Call button to ring McDoth and have him cancel the evening’s reservations and prepare for a night of dinner and cards. “Yes, sir. Anything special in mind for dinner?”

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Luc turned back to Nanchonta. “Follow whatever guidelines Chon’s already given you for Izzorah.” “Very well, sir. Will Doctor Nanchonta be staying?” “Hell yeah, I’m staying.” He grinned. “No way I’d pass up a chance to eat your cooking and beat Luc at cards in the same night.” Luc laughed. “In your dreams, healer-boy. Go help McDoth cut vegetables or something.” He patted the pocket where he’d placed the small box. “I’m going to wake Izzorah.”

***** Beneath a canopy of vivid blue Felidaen sky, Izzorah paddled his father’s canoe down the slow river, taking his time, enjoying the sun on his face. Birds twittered in the trees along the shore, and a blur of pale yellow butterflies flittered among reeds at the river’s edge. The oar splashed, followed by droplets as he brought it forward again. Sunlight sparkled on the water. “Izzorah…” The voice called as if from far away. He turned his head, but no one stood on the banks on either side. “Izzorah, love.” “Luc?” His heart quickened, and he placed the oar across his lap, listening, turning his head side to side. “Where are you?” “Here. Right here, beside you.” His gentleness made Izzorah sigh with longing. He opened his eyes to find his lover looking down at him. Luc was combing his fingers through Izzorah’s hair while he lay in bed. He was in Luc’s home, and not on Felidae at all. Nanchonta’s cure had worked. Luc was as clear as if he was nose to nose, all his features there for Izzorah to enjoy. “I must’ve been dreaming.” Luc smiled, his scent fresh as a spring rain. “Yes. I’ve been sitting here, watching you sleep.” He toyed with Izzorah’s ear. “You looked so peaceful I didn’t have the heart to wake you. You were moving your arms like you were rowing a boat.” He turned on his side and pulled Luc’s hand beneath his cheek. “I was. I was on Felidae and it was summer, the year I went camping with my girl cousins. They let me take a canoe out by myself. I felt so free.” He rested his cheek on Luc’s hand. “It’s one of my happiest memories. I haven’t dreamed about it since I left home.” “You’re homesick.” He nodded, instantly too choked up to speak.

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Using his free hand, Luc brushed back Izzorah’s hair. “I bought some huge tracts of land on Felidae not long ago, north of the Ruh Valley. The area is completely uninhabited, and I’m having a house built so I can vacation if I want to.” “I didn’t know they let humans own property on Felidae. I thought it was against the treaty.” “There are loopholes around everything, love. Years ago, I adopted a HalfKin whose human half brother married one of the Ruhs. They’re having twins right before the new year, and the land is in trust for them. So, technically, although I bought and paid for it, it belongs to them. Among the Ruh, HalfKin can inherit. They tried to kill Senthys when he was born, so he couldn’t, but fate stepped in.” Izzorah sat up in the bed, cross-legged. “I can’t believe the Ruh would go along with one of their females marrying a nahee. I don’t mean to be insulting, but the Ruhs are notorious for not liking outsiders and humans.” Luc chuckled. “They didn’t have much choice. I’m surprised you haven’t heard about it. I thought Mehfawni Ruh’s fall from grace was pretty big news.” “Holy -- Mehfawni Ruh? The eetzesar? She was being groomed to lead the Kin people as tzesarki. She’d have been the empress of Felidae, if we had such a thing.” “She’s the one.” “Everybody heard about that! She married your son?” “I think of Khyffen as my son. He’s the human half brother of my adopted son, Senthys. Which, in a way, makes her my daughter-in-law.” Izzorah pulled up his knees and wrapped his arms around them. “I never connected you with her. Too freaky.” “Once the house is built and the weather clears, I’ll take you there.” “Luc, they’ll never let me have a passcard. You forget, the female I was supposed to marry is now a tzesar, and my having run away will be seen as a personal insult.” Taking Izzorah’s hands, Luc smiled. “When I want something, I get it. I will take you home to the blue, blue skies of Felidae. I give you my word.” He heard but couldn’t fathom the meaning of Luc’s vow for a long moment, as if his brain believed but his heart refused. Finally it got through. If anyone would keep a promise, this man would. Izzorah pounced forward and grabbed Luc, knocking him off the bed. Izzorah rolled over with him and flattened Luc on the floor beneath him. Hands braced so he leaned above him, he grinned at his lover’s shocked face. “Thank you, Luc. Thank you, thank you, thank you!” “Damn.” Luc glanced around as if unsure where he was. “I never saw you coming.” He tucked his hands behind his head and smiled. “So, I take it this means you’re happy?”

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Izzorah leaned down and kissed him. He sat astride Luc's waist. “Yes! I thought I’d never get to go home again. Are you really sure you can do it?” “I will move heaven and hell to give you what you want. I did promise to give you whatever you desired, didn’t I?” With a smile, Izzorah nodded. “Did I hurt you?” “No. It was cool, actually.” He jiggled his eyebrows. “Could be fun.” Chuckling, Izzorah moved off him and stretched out on the floor on his side, one hand on Luc’s chest. “Welcome home, by the way. Did you have a good day?” “It’s better now.” Luc curled a hand in Izzorah’s hair. “Come here, so I can taste you.” He connected their mouths in a long, teasing kiss. Izzorah pushed against him, leaning into the kiss. He probed his tongue against Luc’s lips, and the man opened his mouth, letting Izzorah inside. The warmth of him, the scent, the sensual yield of his mouth and body enveloped Izzorah like a big, loving hug. The thought of making love to this man, caressing him, brought Izzorah erect. His whole body responded, temperature rising. Their mingled breaths, the slow caress of their tongues against one another, created a bloom of yearning heat. He pulled back. “Oh, Luc. I can’t wait to make love to you. If we were really careful, couldn’t we --” “No, Izzorah.” He sat up and scooted back. “Don’t tempt me. God knows I’m having enough trouble resisting you now.” “You are?” His balls tightened and his cock twitched. Izzorah sat up. “Tell me about it. I want to hear you.” “Oh, no you don’t, imp. I’ve created a monster. You’ll get me talking and I’ll give in. Nanchonta’s out in the other room.” “Good.” Izzorah released his claws and dragged them down Luc’s arm. “He’ll be here if we need help. Which I doubt we will. Tell me what you want.” “I want you to behave yourself until you’re better. Which reminds me.” He patted his chest, pulled something out of a pocket, and hid it in his hand. “I have a gift for you.” Izzorah faced him. “A gift? What for?” “Your birthday.” “Oh, you mean my tradestandard birthday? Cool! I’ve never celebrated it before.” He rubbed his hands together, claws poking out. “This will be fun.” “What do you mean, you never celebrated it?” The buttery scent of curiosity rose. “You bought coats for your friends on your birthday last year and this.” “How did you know that?” “It’s how idBot found you, remember? You don’t make many purchases, according to them. It wasn’t hard to establish a pattern.”

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“That’s true, but it wasn’t on my birthday. It was two days before. I said it was my birthday so no one would ask questions.” “But…” Luc’s curiosity rivaled a Kin’s. Izzorah smiled, knowing he would have to explain or the man would never let it go. “Two years ago, my cousin Chesserlee gave me his savings so I could buy my own drum kit, which I had to have so I could audition with Kumwhatmay. I’d been playing temporary gigs and fill-ins when somebody’s drummer was out and didn’t need one of my own until then. I didn’t know it at the time, but Chesserlee knew he’d be evicted if he didn’t pay his rent, but he believed in me and wanted me to make it.” He sighed. “You know, I haven’t really talked about this before, except with Chynk, but I feel like I can tell you anything.” “I want you to, my love. Go on. Tell me about Chesserlee.” “He was so damned proud. He wouldn’t tell anyone he was homeless. He always helped others, but he wouldn’t let anyone help him. Right after I got the gig with Kumwhatmay, there was a bad snowstorm. Worst weather in a hundred years they said. I had left the planet on my first tour with the band when I heard he’d died. He froze to death on the street where you came looking for me.” “And you felt guilty.” He nodded, head down. “I had no money and couldn’t go home, so after our first show, Kory told the audience, and they took up a collection for me. I was embarrassed as hell, but I was able to come back to Tarth for the funeral. I swore I’d never let any of my people freeze to death ever again.” Luc took his hand. “That’s why you bought coats for everyone in the neighborhood.” “Yeah. During the next year, Chynk stepped in to lead Chesserlee’s group. I took the coats to him, and he made sure the ones who needed them most got one. I’ve helped pay for heat and rent for as many as I can. My people are too proud to ask for much, so some never get it, but I do what I can. I don’t want anyone else to go through what he did.” “You amaze me.” Luc kissed the back of his hand. “I admire your compassion. I love the feeling I get when I help someone. Seeing their smile. Helping them regain their dignity. I’m glad we share that.” “Thank you.” He leaned forward to accept Luc’s kiss. “Why don’t you celebrate your birthday?” “Today is my tradestandard birthday. When you get your passcard, they give you a tradestandard birth date so your age fits into the system. Because the Kin calendar has four hundred fifty days a year, and Tradestandard has three hundred sixty, the dates don’t line up. My Felidaen birthday is on a different day on the Tradestandard calendar every year, and I couldn’t keep up with it. So I haven’t celebrated either of them.” A cool vanilla scent announced Luc’s excitement -- nonsexual, but every bit as strong. “Then from now on, we’re going to celebrate both.”

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Izzorah laughed. “Birthdays are no big deal to me.” “I want to make them big. Starting today, on both your birthdays, I’m going to do something special for you.” “But, Luc, I --” “No.” He set a finger against Izzorah’s lips. “No arguing with me on this. I want to do this and you will let me.” His scent bespoke happiness and contentment. Izzorah relented and placed a kiss on the man’s finger. “Yes, Luc.” “Better. Now hold out your hands and close your eyes.” He obeyed, peeking through one squinted eye. Luc tsked at him. “Close them both, Rah.” He hissed but did as told, adding, “Yes, Luc,” to make him happy. Something cool, small, and very light was placed on his palm. “You can open them now. Happy tradestandard birthday, love.” He smiled. A triangular wooden box the length of his first finger lay on his palm. “This is beautiful!” He brought it closer, though he could see it well even at this distance. Inlaid wood of different colors made a tiny, intricate pattern of leaves on the outside. “These are kanya leaves. They’re the symbol of my clan.” Luc smiled, head high. “I know.” “You chose this because it had my clan symbol?” “Yes.” He rolled a hand forward. “Open it. I want you to see your gift.” “What? I thought this was the gift. You mean there’s something inside?” “Love, this is only the box it came in.” Luc leaned to one side, hand braced against the floor. “Open it.” Izzorah covered his fangs as he laughed. “You are too much, Luc. This is so sweet of you.” Using claws, he found the thin line where the box’s top and bottom joined, and popped it open. He almost dropped it when he saw what lay inside. A circular gold band as wide as one finger entwined around peridot leaves the same green as his clan’s. Izzorah turned the band, too awestruck to speak. Nine leaves, each cut to the oval shape of a kanya leaf encircled the ring, their points angled slightly outward, each in an opposite direction from the one across from it. Tears sprang to his eyes and he could hardly see Luc through them. There were no words he could say to express the amazement and love filling his heart. “Read the inscription, love. I had them write something inside it.” He blinked away the tears and handed the ring to Luc. “What does it say? I can’t see.” He brushed at his eyes. “It says, ‘Rah is my passion. Love, Luc.’”

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Purring, Izzorah threw himself against Luc and kissed him all over his face. His lover laughed, holding on to him with both hands. “I’m glad you like it.” “I love it. I love you.” “Good. Put it on. Give me your right hand.” He slipped it on Izzorah’s first finger. It filled the area between his knuckles. “It’s incredible.” Izzorah brought it up close to see the detail and then kissed Luc once more. “Thank you so much! This is amazing.” Luc leaned back, hands braced on the floor. “Now you have a matched set.” Izzorah flicked his ears forward. “Set?” He opened the box again, but there was nothing else inside. “The cuff links.” “Cuff links?” Izzorah laid both ears back, claws tingling. “Um…” Luc sat forward. “You never tried on your tux?” “The one you sent me?” “Yes.” “No. The Labor Board showed up before I could finish getting ready.” Luc stood and held down a hand. “Where is it? I want you to see the cuff links. They match the ring.” “Oh, kkkhh. You sent cuff links too? Luc, I’m sorry. I had no idea. The tux is in my closet.” He led Luc across the room. “Here it is.” He pulled out the bag and hung it on a hook. “I can’t believe you did this. It must have cost you a fortune.” “They’re the best, and I want nothing less than the finest material on your skin.” Luc opened the bag. Izzorah ran a hand down his T-shirt and pants. “You prolly hate this outfit, then.” His cheeks warmed. “I don’t own many clothes, but this is my favorite T-shirt. Iron Soul’s drummer gave it to me. These pants are great to sleep in.” “It doesn’t matter. I’m going to take you shopping once you’re well. I’ll buy you everything you need.” “Need? I really don’t need anything. I’m hardly naked.” He gave Luc a quick grin. “Although you might like it if I was.” Luc kissed him. “Definitely.” He handed him a bigger triangular box. “Here, love. Now I know why the box surprised you. You hadn’t seen this one.” He opened it. Two peridot kanya leaves adorned each golden cuff link. Izzorah linked his arms around Luc’s neck and stood on tiptoe to kiss him. “I had no idea these were here. They are every bit as gorgeous as the ring. Thank you, Luc.” He kissed him again. “I wrote it on the note, love. Didn’t you get it?”

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Izzorah stiffened. “Note?” Trey had asked if he should read him the rest of the note, but things had happened so fast he’d never done it. “Here.” Luc pulled the card from a small pocket on the outside and handed it to him. Izzorah turned it over in his hands. Handwriting filled both sides. Which way is up? I can’t disappoint Luc! He flung his arms around his lover’s neck and smiled up at him. “Thank you.” He linked his mouth with Luc’s, curling fingers into the man’s hair as they kissed.

Please let this distract him. Luc placed a hand on either of Izzorah’s arms and pushed him back, smiling. “The moment we met, I knew you’d be mine. Read the card, love. I want you to know what I said.” Panic welled up, tightening his chest. He shook his head. “I want to kiss you, Luc. Hold me?” Luc kissed him. “Read it. I want to know what you think.” He brought up the card, unable to focus as well as he had. Think, Izzy! Fake it. He smiled at Luc, turned over the card, and pretended to read the other side. His ears rang, dizziness looming like dark clouds, overshadowing his sight. He met Luc’s gaze and tried to speak, but could think of nothing to say. “Love, it’s upside down.” Tears sprang to his eyes as the expression on Luc’s face revealed he knew. “Oh, Izzorah. You can’t read, can you?” He spun away from Luc, turning his back, unable to bear seeing his disappointment. Luc said something, his tone pleading, but Izzorah’s ears rang so loudly he couldn’t understand, chest as tight as if someone sat on it. He staggered and fell against the wall, trying to suck in air. The room darkened and spun. He crumpled to the floor, clutching at his chest. Piercing pain took the last of his breath.

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Chapter Sixteen Le Persequor Sofftem 32 Luc stood beside Izzorah’s bed, head down, hands gripping the bed rail. For two days, he hadn’t left this room. He wouldn’t leave his lover’s side until he was well. No other option existed. The medi-droids assigned to Izzorah waited nearby, attuned to their patient and alert, but there was nothing for them to do. Nothing for anyone to do except wait. Izzorah lay quiet as death inside a shield of glowing blue light designed to keep out airborne threats to his body’s weakened immune system. Damaged beyond repair, his heart had been bypassed by an android/cyborg pump until a donor heart was found. A Kin’s body rejected artificial blood as well as the artificial replacement parts so commonly used among humans. Another Kin would have to die to save him. “Why did I have to push him to read the note? Why the hell couldn’t I let it go?” “Cyken.” Brushing away tears, Luc turned to face Pietas. The Sempervian lord offered a gentle smile. “You’re blaming yourself when there’s no reason.” He hung an arm around Luc’s shoulders and hugged him. “He hid his inability to read. He was too proud to let anyone know.” Pietas squeezed his shoulder. “What did Nanchonta tell you about his blindness?” He turned back to the bed. “His retinas were damaged in childhood by minere, and he couldn’t focus farther than a few inches in front of his face. How did he ever accomplish all he did?” Luc skimmed his fingers across the blue shield. “He’s a walking miracle.”

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“He’s as driven as you are.” Luc brushed at the tears in his eyes. “And I was worried he wouldn’t accept me because I couldn’t see without my lenses. I’m ashamed of myself for not telling him. I should have had more trust.” Pietas patted his back. “He’ll feel the same way.” He moved to the other side of Izzorah’s bed. “He’s hidden everything about himself for years. He’s blind. He has a weak heart. He can’t read. In addition to those handicaps, he’s an alien in a human world. Yet he’s succeeded at everything he’s set out to do, including win your heart, apparently. I’m impressed when I didn’t expect to be. You do choose winners, Cyken. Wulf stood between me and Alitus when he thought I meant him harm. This Kin of yours is damn near as brave as a Sempervian.” “He’s almost lived your motto, Pietas. ‘Do what you’d attempt if you knew you couldn’t fail.’ He’s amazing.” Part of him couldn’t wait for Pietas to meet this gentle soul awake; the other part dreaded the thought of the Sempervian lord anywhere near him. “Do his cousins know he’s blind?” Luc lifted his head. “I don’t know. I’m going to find out. Kumwhatmay surely had to guess. They lived with him day in and day out for the last year. I have questions to ask all of them. Mynkoh included.” He took a deep breath. “Any word from Nanchonta?” “He found a heart. I wanted him to kill the donor and get back here, but you know how scrupled he is. He insists on waiting for the family to declare their son dead before he’ll act.”

Will Pietas never learn? “Good.” He rested a hand atop the impervious shield. “He’s right. Izzorah would never thrive on a stolen heart.” The Sempervian lord shook back his long white hair. “I don’t know. He stole yours, didn’t he?” Luc smiled despite the situation. “Yes. Yes, he did.” Hours later, Luc had eaten and was working through the latest info Ms. Mead had messaged via the Lucsondis intercompany link. The ruse of him taking Izzorah off-world to a private clinic had held Mynkoh, his cousins, and Kumwhatmay at arm’s length for the first two days, but now all of them were demanding to know where he was so they could see him. The technology on Le Persequor was a thousand years ahead of any hospital in the Tarthian Empire. No one else could provide the same quality of care. He couldn’t simply transfer him to a human facility. He messaged back he’d taken Izzorah out of the empire aboard the Crossfire, his new ship. He wouldn’t be back until Izzorah was better, and asked Ms. Mead to send his regrets for such a hasty decision. Never mind that this was a lie as well. Lies were his life.

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When does it stop? I’m telling lies about lies. Luc rubbed the tense spot between his eyes. What would it be like to live in a world free of deceit? He shook his head. Not for you to know, old man. Work at Lucsondis couldn’t stop, and Luc skimmed information whenever he could spare a moment or focus long enough to read. Izzorah’s injury on the premises of the Renyoj building, coupled with his subsequent heart attack, was the topic of every ezine on Tarth. Anchor Kamarr Chaffer at DNN did an exposé speculating as to Luc and Izzorah’s whereabouts and relationship, and got everything wrong, as usual.

I should never have let Ms. Mead announce his illness. This was supposed to stave off speculation, not ramp it up. I can’t win with the media. He shook his head and picked up the packet on the lawsuit against the Renyoj construction company, which, at least, was progressing well. The company’s stall tactics were no match for Lucsondis’ lawyers. He messaged the head lawyer. “I insist on retribution as well as damages. Anyone

callous enough to put children in harm’s way for the sake of profits deserves the most severe punishment the law will allow. I don’t want them merely punished. I want them destroyed.” Another message to Ms. Mead. “Your handling of this affair has been beyond exemplary. I could not be more pleased. Full speed ahead on finding a doctor for the clinic. My friend, Doctor Nanchonta, will serve in the interim. This company will provide everything you need on his background and experience.” He sent her the link to a referencechecking company owned by the Chosen. The clinic location had been selected and was being readied with paint and repairs. A new facility would take too long, and the poorest families would not attend one, fearing they wouldn’t be able to afford the fees. Luc had lived in poverty. He knew how they thought. Because the Kin were too proud to accept handouts, fees would be based on trade. Whatever was offered would be good enough. He smiled over at the sleeping Izzorah. “Can you imagine the Bank of Tarth trying to figure out where to store hand-sewn cloth and leather in their vault?” A request to call Shohn Lexius at idBot about the Renyoj case drew his attention. Hands behind her, chin up, the Kin female stood before him in the blue and red uniform of a CyberEgo worker. “Did you change jobs, Shohn? I like you better in idBot’s green and black.” She smiled and inclined her head. “I spent the day supervising a purge party.” “New term for me, Shohn.” Luc steepled his fingers. “Explain.” “The company you sued hired CyberEgo because they wanted their records destroyed discreetly.” He leaned forward in his chair. “And they called an android sex worker company? Why?”

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“I’m guessing the motto ‘Partners Without Egos’ made them think workers were clueless too.” “Talk about clueless! Don’t they know I own the company?” Her predatory smile showed fangs. “They will soon enough. When the salesperson at CyberEgo took the order, he tipped me about the details. They think we’re destroying everything they gave us. It’s already in the hands of your lawyers, as well as proof the company wanted to eliminate it. I have their signed requests in hand. It looks like they did the same shoddy work in other buildings around the city.” “You are a gem.” “Worth the outrageous bribes you pay me?” He laughed. “And then some. I owe you. If there’s a drak left in any of their bank accounts after this, I’ll stay awake nights until I think of another reason to sue them. Thanks, Shohn.” She nodded. The idBot eye logo spun in the air as she signed off. He endorsed contracts, issued memorandums, and approved changes well into the night. At last, he tossed the reader aside and rubbed both hands across his face. He stood and leaned against the bed rail. Izzorah slept on, his golden skin bluish within the field, the edges of his mouth tight, as if he suffered even in his sleep. If only I had a soul, so I could pray. He’d been created, not born. Unlike Pietas and the empress, there’d been no parents to give him life. “I’m here, love. Right beside you. I promise, I will make you well. I promise, Rah. Don’t be afraid. I love you. I’m here.”

***** Sofftem 33 Nanchonta came in near dawn and motioned Luc to join him in the hall. “His temperature is up a fraction. Right now, that’s a good sign. It means his body is fighting. The droids say he’s done nothing more than flutter an eyelash.” “True. He’s completely motionless.” “Good.” Nanchonta stared back at his patient. “I don’t want to worry you, but I have the feeling something’s going on. I can’t put my finger on it, but I can feel it.” Luc’s heart raced. “Is he in danger?” “He has the finest care, Cy -- Luc. Try not to worry.” “I’m responsible for this. I pushed him too hard.”

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“We went over guilt the night I brought him here.” Nanchonta set both hands on Luc’s shoulders. “What you’re feeling is natural. Families and loved ones of patients who have heart attacks often believe they’re responsible.” He shook his head, smiling. “It’s almost never true, and wasn’t in this case. Izzorah was terrified of disappointing you, when nothing would have.” He squeezed Luc’s shoulders and let go. “If anyone should feel guilty, I should. I knew he couldn’t see, and I kept it from you. All I can say is, I felt it was for the good of my patient at the time.” “I know self-doubt and recriminations won’t help.” Luc rubbed his face. “I wish --” A wailing alarm over Izzorah’s bed cut through his words. Nanchonta bolted through the door ahead of him. The droids were already in place around his bed. Luc stood aside to let them work. He dragged the fingers of one hand through his own hair, squeezed the back of his neck. Pietas arrived. The Sempervian lord stood beside Luc while the android Uurah joined Nanchonta at Izzorah’s side. Nanchonta was taller than the others, including Uurah, who towered above everyone else. The flurry of activity around the bed continued for some time. Luc, who had never played a round of Peril requiring medical expertise, had little more than personal experience to go on. “What are they doing? Why isn’t anyone talking?” “Medi-droids communicate silently. Nanchonta’s wearing a link so he can hear them.” He pointed. “See the clip on his shirt front?” Luc nodded. “Uurah’s healing skills are almost as good as Nanchonta’s,” Pietas assured him. “Your young Kin is in the best hands.” Nanchonta stopped what he was doing and looked up, meeting Luc’s gaze across the room, then Pietas’s. He looked back at Izzorah. “Uurah, are you seeing what I’m seeing?” “Yes.” He shook his head. “It’s not possible, but it’s there.” “What’s wrong?” Luc came up behind one of the shorter medi-droids. “What is it? What’s going on?” Pietas laid a hand on Luc’s shoulder. Nanchonta shook his head. “I don’t believe this, but it’s true.” “What!” Luc yelled. “Will you talk to me! What’s wrong, damn it?” “I don’t know why or how, but his heart is healing itself.” “That’s impossible.” Pietas pushed aside one of the droids. “Show me what you’re talking about.” “Right here.” Nanchonta spread a hand across the blue shield, and it transformed into an interior view of Izzorah’s chest.

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Luc turned away, clutching his stomach. He forced himself to look back, one hand over his mouth. “See? Right here. His heart is pushing aside the artificial pump and trying to reassert its connection to the arteries. Only a Sempervian heart can heal itself.” Pietas turned and looked at Luc. “Exactly how old did you say he was?” “Twenty-seven tradestandard this week.” “What year was he born?” “Let’s see, has to be…4637.” “He can’t be a Sempervian. I didn’t put the first one on Felidae until 4643.” “Felidae wasn’t discovered until 4645, lord.” “Not officially, no.” He gave a wolfish smile. “My sister was ending her game as Destoiya the Great, and we felt the discovery of a nonhuman world should wait until she began her new game as Destoiya the Conqueror. She and I, Uurah, and a handful of her Droid Discovery Force knew the truth. If he were younger, he might be one of the children I created. There were four Kin in 4643, but I didn’t create another group until 4652. This --” Pietas shook his head. “This is some kind of fluke.” Nanchonta shut off the inside imaging. “Nothing to do but wait and see what happens at this point. We may not need a donor.” Pietas took a flask from behind a net-enclosed door. “Here. Give him triefan.” The nectar of a Sempervian homeworld flower, it caused instantaneous regeneration in Luc’s kind. In other species, it had no more effect than water. Nanchonta shook his head. “Triefan won’t help non-Sempervians.” “It won’t hurt him, either. This is its purest form. Inject it straight into his bloodstream.” Nanchonta hesitated and then attached the flask to a feeder tube already inserted in Izzorah’s arm. Pietas stepped back from the bed. “He’s too old to be one of the children I made, but he’s healing the way they would.” He crossed his arms. “Cyken, if he reacts to triefan, I want you to grill his family. Maybe he’s hidden even more than we thought.”

***** Sofftem 34 After the triefan was introduced, Izzorah’s heart healed rapidly, and within twentyfour hours was beating on its own, with no sign of its former damage. Even his retinas were healing. “To be safe, Nanchonta,” Pietas said, “let’s treat him at least two more days.

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Nanchonta studied the Kin’s vital signs. “It would’ve been so much easier to give him triefan right at the beginning. I had no idea.” “Can we wake him?” Luc leaned against the bed, one hand on the shield. “Not yet. His body’s going through its first rebirth.” “I thought a Sempervian had to die for a rebirth to happen.” “Not really.” Pietas leaned an elbow on the railing. “Trauma can initiate it, and he was near death when he came aboard. His transfusion from you obviously had a strong effect, since he healed so quickly from his previous injury.” Pietas bent over the bed, eyeing Izzorah. “A mortal would have died from the damage his heart sustained. We should let him sleep until the rebirth is complete. There’s no reason for him to be in pain when we can avoid it. Nanchonta, tell him what you’ve discovered about rebirth.” “Every cell in our bodies burns up, literally incinerating during rebirth. They duplicate themselves so rapidly the old cells burst. If they didn’t, when we were reborn, there’d be two of us. Our entire body would essentially split into another person.” Nanchonta pulled a face. “It’s why we can’t conceive. Our cells were created to destroy themselves when they split. “Chon, will he grow taller, like other Kin, when he’s healed?” “I doubt it. He’s likely finished with height. Although it’s been centuries since new Sempervians were being born. Who knows? Of course, if he has any more problems, he has a built-in healer in you, Cyken. Er, I mean Luc.” Pietas gave him a quizzical look. “You want us to call you Luc?” He bit back a smile. “Luc is my name in this lifetime, lord. I’d wanted to keep Izzorah from learning it too soon, but it won’t matter, now.” “It’s a simple task for a Sempervian. We have superior intellect and total recall. Remembering a name ought to be simple.” “Then why,” Nanchonta put in, “can’t you remember to call your sister Rheyn instead of Dessy? You know she hates it.” When the Sempervian lord’s scathing turquoise gaze turned on the healer, Nanchonta bit his lips together and stepped back. “I…I beg your pardon, my lord.” He bowed. “I meant no disrespect.” Pietas lifted his regal head and tossed flowing white hair behind his shoulder. To distract Pietas, Luc set a hand atop the shield. “My lord, does he need this?” He flicked a hand toward Nanchonta. “Remove it.” “Yes, lord.” He changed the controls. The blue around Izzorah faded to a sizzle of rainbow colors and vanished in a spark of purple. The Kin’s golden furskin seemed brighter than before. His ears were straight up, long lashes a dark smudge against his cheek.

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Luc leaned down to him. “I love you, Rah. We’ll be together soon.” He kissed him and stood up. “Lord?” Luc took a step closer to Pietas. “If he’s a Sempervian Changeling, how could minere affect him? We’re immune to everything.” “You’re immune because you’ve been exposed to everything. Remember when Belgrahdis was held captive in a medical complex by scientists? They kept injecting him with strains of bacteria and viruses, and once his body healed itself, they’d use his blood to make vaccines.” He arched a brow at Luc. “It took us two years to find him. All because he’d donated blood to save a mortal.” “Aye,” Nanchonta agreed. “Poor daft beggar. He’s never been right since.”

Belgrahdis was never right in the first place. Luc kept his opinions to himself. Pietas took Luc aside. “Go talk to Izzorah’s family. If he’s one of the Changelings we lost after humans destroyed my work, then he has to be younger than twenty-seven. Find out what his true age is. I have to know.” “And if he’s not younger?” “Then he’s either a genetic fluke or something else entirely. Whatever he is, he’s not pure Kin. I want to know.” “Don’t wake him until I’m back. I want to be here when he finds out what’s happened to him. I caused all this; I want to be the one to tell him.” He ignored Nanchonta’s reproachful look and turned away, heading for the portal. Uurah met him there. “I came to remind you everyone thinks you took him aboard the Crossfire. You’ll have to portal to the ship and get home from there.” There was no arguing with the Gamemaster’s personal android. Luc circled his fingertips against his temples. “Very well, Uurah. Send me to the Crossfire.” The moment he arrived, he called Ms. Mead, using the voice-only setting. “I’m back but without Izzorah,” he said, without preamble. “He’s doing incredibly well, but I don’t have time for questions now. I need Mynkoh Ceeow. Can you find out where she is, please?” “Actually, sir, I thought she was with you. She said she was on the Crossfire when I talked to her about thirty minutes ago. You are on the ship, aren’t you?” “Yes.” When Mynkoh had been in charge of security on the Crossfire project, she’d had access to every area of the ship. The only others who did were the captain and first mate. The android crew was shut down in port and never left it. He had not thought to secure the Crossfire, even though he’d said he was taking it out of the empire. Had he made the same mistake with Mynkoh that he had with Wulf, or had she regained access on her own? He cleared his throat. “Ms. Mead, I’m sorry. I didn’t know she’d come aboard. I’ll use the ship’s comm. Did she say where she was?” “In security, I believe. Is something wrong?” “Some permissions need signing. Next of kin, medical questionnaire, and so on. I only need her for a few minutes.”

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“Let me know if I can help.” “Thank you, Ms. Mead.” He hung up and dropped the mobile in his pocket. What are

you doing on board, Mynkoh, and exactly how much of my story do you know is false? He went straight to her former office and entered without knocking. Not surprisingly, it was empty, the door near the rear of the room open. It led to the monitoring stations observing every part of the ship -- everywhere he’d allowed security cams to be placed. The room held screens all over the walls with stations set up to watch them. The entire ship was in view, from various angles, so bots, androids, and humans all had access to images. The Kin female faced the door. Perched on the edge of a monitoring station, she had her arms folded and was swinging one foot as if waiting for him. Luc shut the door behind him and gave a brief bow. “Dok cho, Mynkoh, sten neeleesah?” “You’ve got a lot of nerve, Saint-Cyr, asking ‘how is your family?’ when you’ve practically kidnapped my nephew. Where the hell is he? I know damned well you didn’t take him anywhere with this ship.” “Did you tell anyone?” “Of course not!” She stood, hands on her hips. “Wherever you were, you had my nephew. I know enough about you to believe you weren’t going to hurt him.” “Thank you. And if I had?” “Do not test my patience, Saint-Cyr. Where’s Izzorah?” “I have another ship like the Crossfire. I haven’t wanted to report it to the tradestandard commission.” He shrugged. “Taxes.” Partly true, but it was halfway across the galaxy. Perhaps she wouldn’t recognize it for a complete lie. She stared at him for a long moment, nose wriggling, and Luc waited, letting her have a good sniff. “I believe you.” He unclenched his jaw. “Which doesn’t explain how you came aboard. I’ve been monitoring access and egress of this ship for the last twenty-four hours. No one was aboard until you showed up in the middle of the section marked private. How?” Ms. Mead had said she had spoken to Mynkoh thirty minutes prior, and he’d wrongly assumed that was how long she’d been here. You’re slipping, old man. Pay attention to

details or you will end up losing this game. Luc linked both hands behind him. “This entire ship ‘placeshifts,’ Mynkoh. You understand the technology. It’s disassembled in one place and reassembled in another. The other ship has a personal placeshift system, which moves a single person, called a portal. I’ve been testing it. I used it to come aboard.”

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Her ears went down and back, eyes narrowed as if she targeted prey. He spread his hands. “I’d have told you, eventually. It was easier to say I was aboard the Crossfire than to explain I was on a ship like it. I didn’t count on you finding me out.” “I want to see Izzorah.” “I’m sorry.” He shook his head. “I can’t allow it. The system hasn’t been proven trustworthy yet.” “I’ll risk it.” Luc steepled his fingers. “I won’t.” Mynkoh came toward him with the slinky, predatory stalk of a cat. “When you took Jawk Brighton aboard this ship, his father sat at the edge of the Lucsondis gate for two days, waiting for you.” She pointed toward the monitor where Luc had first caught a glimpse of the Praetorian. “He thought you’d seduced his son. Now, it’s my nephew aboard one of your ships. I have to wonder what you’re doing with him.” The headache building since Pietas had declared Izzorah one of the Sempervians drove in full force. “Like Jawk, Mynkoh, he’s an adult.” Her eyes darkened. The hand near her hook knife tightened. Nostrils flaring, she lifted her head. “You’re saying you’re lovers?” No doubt she’d already smelled his fear. He’d hired Mynkoh originally for her prowess at killing. Luc wet his lips. No point in lying to a Kin. “We are lovers.” Her ears came straight up. “You only met him a week ago.” “It’s been twelve days.” She frowned, ears twitching. “Do you always work so fast, Saint-Cyr? Or only with young Kin males?” He ignored the barb, took a deep breath, let it all out. “Do you believe in fate, Mynkoh?” She shook her head once. “I make my own.” He smiled. “I’d have said the same thing before I met your nephew. I need some information.” “About what?” “How old is Izzorah?” She turned and walked away, hand resting on her hook knife. “Twenty-seven, tradestandard.” “Yes, I know. We celebrated his birthday a few days ago.” The date was seared into his memory. “I’m talking about his real age.” She kept her back turned. “In Kin years --” “No.” Luc folded his arms. “His real age.”

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Mynkoh faced him, then coiled her hand about the knife’s hilt. Time to bluff. “Come on, Mynkoh. I know he’s younger than I was told. How old is he really?” She sank into a chair at one of the desks and put her head down. “How did you find out?”

Oh my God. How far could he push the bluff? “It doesn’t matter. What matters is his true age. He’s very ill, Mynkoh. The doctors need to know how old his heart is.” “My sister had a boy who was born wrong. There is no word for birth defect in Felis. They kept him.” She did not lift her gaze. “Such isn’t done, on Felidae. The Ceeow kill imperfect children. They kill boys when there are too many born to a family.” Mynkoh lifted her head, turned her face away. “They gave out he was fine and taught him to hide his limp. My sister never had another child. On Felidae, you cannot have too many daughters, but if you have too many boys, the Pride Council kills them. If you are childless, they take away your land. My sister would have lost everything. She paid money to a family with newborn twin boys and bought one. Both families covered it up.” Luc clasped his hands together and brought them up to his mouth, barely controlling his anger. “Izzorah?” And he is a twin, as we thought. “Yes. My sister loved him.” She shook her head, the hand in her lap clenched in a fist. “Warriors give their children over to their mates. They raise daughters, but not boys.” She looked over at Saint-Cyr. “She raised Izzorah. He was perfect. Not like her first son. There was nothing she would not do for him. And then he became sick.” “Minere.” She nodded. “They were horrified. Minere kills. They nursed him back to health, but it didn’t take long to realize he was blind. My sister and her mates reared him to act as though he wasn’t. I left Felidae when he was little and didn’t see him for many years, not until I went home for a wedding. He was not like other Kin boys, Saint-Cyr. He has always been special. When it came time to arrange a marriage for her older son, my sister offered Izzorah instead. He was too young, but he was so much older in his ways.” Mynkoh twisted her clan ring. “They told his prospective mate he was sixteen, but he was barely fourteen. Too young to be married. Too young to know about sex. She insisted my sister send him to live with her for a few weeks. To be trained.” Luc brought up a hand to his brow, shielding his rage at such abuse. He had to know the rest. Had to know what they had done to his precious Rah. His stomach clenched tighter than a fist. “Is this common?” Mynkoh stood. “It is done. It is not common, but it is done.” She drew her knife half out of its sheath. When she growled, the hair on the back of his neck stood up. “That ahnahori beat him, Saint-Cyr.” Luc clamped his teeth together. “Why?”

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“He could not find his way around within her household. He knocked over things. He broke them. She beat him bloody for clumsiness.” The rage inside him went white-hot. Small wonder Izzorah ran. “She said one of her mates did it, but Izzorah told his father it was her. He had no reason to lie.” “She’s a tzesar now. She should be easy to find.” He had spent years cultivating relationships on Felidae. “If you want to kill her, Saint-Cyr, you will have to stand in a long line. You may remember the mate of your son had a brother who was murdered.” “Mehfawni Ruh? Yes, I remember.” Mehfawni’s brother Dallon had been beaten to death by a jealous co-mate the week of his marriage. “She was the same ahnahori who beat Izzorah. I suspect it was not her mate who killed Dallon Ruh, as the Pride Council said. I believe it was her. I can’t prove it. I believe they hid it because she was a tzesar.” Mynkoh looked him up and down. “You are shaking.” Luc’s fists ached they were clenched so tight. “The Pride Council executed an innocent person rather than admit a tzesar was guilty.” “Yes. They cut him into pieces while he was alive. Did I ever tell you why I left Felidae?” He shook his head. “I was one of six being groomed to be the Ceeow tzesar. As a test of our strength, we were to kill a kweeoh in such a manner.” She laid a fist over her heart, fangs bared. “I am a warrior, not a butcher. Torture of an enemy might have its place in time of war, but an animal? Never. But I could kill her that way.” The sound of his own breathing filled Luc’s ears. His heart slammed in his chest. “I would help you.” Mynkoh lifted her chin, ears back. “I would rather see Izzorah with you than with any of the tzesars on Felidae. You have more honor than most of them combined.” Throat tight, he set a hand over his heart and bowed. “Tell me what tradestandard year Izzorah was born.” “When he was being offered in marriage, I helped my sister destroy everything with his true birth age so he seemed older.” She turned her back and crossed her arms. “I always felt guilty for helping her. To help her save her land, and her honor, I violated mine and hurt Izzorah. I had no right to be considered his family. I have not gone home since.” She turned her cat-eyed gaze on him, her pain evident. “The right choice is not always clear, Saint-Cyr. On our world, last year, he was finally the legal age to be married. In Tradestandard, he is twenty-one.” Mynkoh turned and met his gaze. “He was born in 4643.”

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Chapter Seventeen Le Persequor Sofftem 35 Izzorah fought the cobwebs pulling his mind back down into a black stupor. It felt as though he’d been asleep years. Mind muzzy, he dragged himself out of the dark haze of sleep. His head felt like his brain had swollen or his skull had shrunk. Thirst parched his throat. He flailed a hand and caught the warmth of another. The instant he touched flesh, he knew it was not Luc. He yanked his hand back and opened his eyes. The richest blue-green eyes Izzorah had ever seen gazed down at him. The man smiled, but the scent of oily fish -- greed -- got mixed with the buttery warmth of curiosity and the pepper of anger. It made Izzorah sneeze. He scooted across the bed, moving as far away as the railings allowed. “Who are you?” “You can call me Pietas.” “Where’s Luc?” “He’ll be here in a moment.” Everything about the man was clear, as crisp in detail as if they stood toe to toe. Every strand of his silver hair showed. Straight, long, it hung across his shoulders and down his back. His skin was pure alabaster, almost a deathly white, yet there was a beauty about him…a beauty that took Izzorah back to a trip his parents had made to see the ruins of a temple some human students had uncovered on Felidae. Carvings made in solid rock, glorifying Adel Jansaara, Angel of the Shining Sky, whom the Tyrans called the “Saint of

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Silver.” Nearby, broken altars lay in heaps. Destroyed utterly, as if something so terrible had happened there no one wanted to remember it. Izzorah fought to breathe normally. No one had to tell him showing fear before this man would be a mistake. The man cocked his head, and the almost-white hair cascaded forward. He tossed it behind his shoulder again. “How do you feel?” “Hello, Izzorah.” Nanchonta came into view on the other side, his warm smile as welcome as home. “Here. Have a wee nip of this.” He held a straw where Izzorah could reach it. He took a tentative sip, keeping his gaze on Pietas. Thick, with an odd taste he couldn’t pinpoint. A bit like the aloe vera juice his mother liked. For some reason, it reminded him of McDoth’s butter sauce. “Drink a tad more. It’s good for you.” It moistened his tongue and made his throat feel better. “Where’s Luc?” “Right here, love.” He wedged himself between Izzorah and Pietas. Cradling Izzorah’s head in one hand, he leaned in close and kissed him. “Are you all right?” “I --” He frowned, trying to recall what had happened. “Where am I? Who is he?” Luc glanced toward the blond, hesitating before he opened his mouth to speak. Nanchonta interrupted him. “Remember I told you I was taking you to a special hospital for your surgery?” He nodded toward the man. “This is it, and it belongs to Pietas.” Though the man stayed well behind Luc, his presence made Izzorah’s stomach churn. “Luc.” Izzorah dug claws into his jacket and pulled him close. “I want to go home.” “It’s all right, Izzorah. I promise. I’ll be right here. You need a little more rest.” “No.” He tightened his hold on the jacket, feeling the cloth rip as his claws sliced through it. “I want to go home now.” Luc laid a hand on Izzorah’s chest. “Do you trust me, Rah?” He rrrled, the deep growl rumbling in his chest. Ears laid back against his head, he sneezed to clear his nose of Pietas’s scent. He couldn’t speak while he was rrrling, and the urge -- the drive -- to keep rrrling overwhelmed his senses. He curled his lip. “Pietas.” Luc turned his head in the man’s direction. “My lord, will you give us a minute, please?”

Lord? Luc called him lord? The shkwick sound of a door sliding open came and went, and Pietas’s scent lessened. Izzorah released Luc and unclenched his muscles. He flicked both ears forward. “I don’t like him. He scares me. I’m sorry.” “Shh.” Luc kissed his brow. “It’s all right, kosset. Don’t apologize.” Nanchonta patted his arm, gave it a squeeze. “That one gives everyone a fright.”

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He twisted around in the bed so he could see Nanchonta. “Did you do the surgery yet? Can I go home?” “We found another way to heal you.” The man leaned his hip against the railing. “If you stay here two more days, your heart will be completely repaired and your vision will be perfect for good.” “No, I don’t want to stay here. Can’t you do it at Luc’s house?” Nanchonta leaned down, forearms braced on the railings. “I wish I could, babe, but you need to stay here. I won’t let anything happen to you. I promise.” “Neither will I. I was only gone for a minute when you woke up, but until it’s time to go home, I won’t leave your side.” Luc smiled. “I need you to trust me, Izzorah. I want you to obey me on this.” “No! I don’t want to. You said I should argue with you if you were wrong, and you are. I don’t want to be here! I want to go home.” Luc and Nanchonta glanced at each other. Nanchonta picked up the drink. “All right. I’ll see what I can do about getting you out of here. In the meantime, finish off this drink.” He held it down for him. Izzorah yawned, took the drink, and drained it. He handed it back, a question on his mind, but another yawn came out instead. Sleep came on like a curtain falling. His eyes shut against his will. Pulling Luc’s hand beneath his cheek, he turned on his side and drifted into the darkness. “Do you think he knows we’ve drugged him? Chon, help me turn him over.” “He’ll figure it out. There’s more to him than any of us guessed. Pietas was right. The only way we’ll ever have new Sempervians is by joining our DNA with other species.” “You mean the way he created Alitus and Izzorah.” “Mmm.” Nanchonta caressed Izzorah’s hair, gazing down at him. Luc turned his back to the door and leaned closer to speak softly. “I don’t want him near Izzorah.” “Luc, be reasonable,” he whispered back. “He’ll never agree.” Nanchonta spread both hands. “He created him. He has a right to see him.” “Izzorah is mine. He belongs to me.” “You and I belong to Pietas. We all do. Don’t risk Penance over this.” “Before he so much as breathes on Izzorah he will have to kill me.” “Luc.” Nanchonta shook his head. “Threats won’t even slow him down. He’d kill any one of us to get what he wants, and you know it. Being his favorite has never stopped him from punishing you.”

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For no reason would he allow Pietas near Izzorah. Luc bent over his lover’s sleeping form and brushed back his hair. He kissed his brow. “I’ll leave. Drop out of Peril.” “If any of us had a choice, we wouldn’t be here. The referees make sure we don’t cheat, but their real job is to keep us in sight. Run, and within days, one of them would find you. If they didn’t, there are always bounty hunters. No one’s ever escaped Penance. Only one person ever left Peril, and he had Pietas’s permission.” Paladin, who ranged on the other side of the galaxy in the Worlds of Wings. By mutual agreement, no Sempervian went there. Luc met his gaze. “I stay because I will it.” “Cyk -- Luc, damn it. Think of the risk to him.” He nodded toward Izzorah. “When I want something, I get it.” “Luc, it’s no --” “That’s enough, Chon.” He used the master voice he had with Wulf so many times. Nanchonta stepped back, hands up. “Have it your way.” He laid a hand against Izzorah’s brow. “Help me reengage his life support. His body is burning up.” Luc went through the motions, but he was already plotting their escape.

***** Le Persequor Sofftem 36 When Izzorah woke, Luc was sitting in a chair beside the bed, head down, sound asleep. Had he sat there all night? Careful not to make noise, Izzorah pushed himself up. The loose-fitting gown he wore fell open in back, and cool air tickled his spine. The rail on this side of the bed was down. Izzorah swung his legs over the edge.

How long was I asleep? Mechanical sounds were muffled in the background. Realization that every detail in the room lay in focus struck him with the giddy freedom of a kid with the whole world at his feet. I can see everything! He clapped a hand over his mouth to keep from squealing in glee. Is this how everyone else sees the world? The room had a clean scent, and there was a blue sheen to everything. Even the lights in the ceiling. A tiny pattern covered the wall, and the floor had flecks of blue color amid the white. Izzorah sniffed, licked his tongue into the air. There was a taste to it, like the stuff Nanchonta had given him to drink. Luc’s beard showed, and his hair was noticeably longer. He has curls. Lots and lots of curls. His jacket was rumpled, the tie undone. His long lashes, the gentle mouth, his rough beard, the way his jacket fit around his broad shoulders. Luc slept with one leg splayed to the side, and the faint outline of his cock showed against his upper thigh. Izzorah bit back a sob

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of both happiness and longing. He’s gorgeous. I can see every detail of him, and he’s mine. Izzorah licked his lips and purred. Luc stirred, rubbed his eyes, and sat up. “You’re awake.” He looked adorable being all sleepy and bleary-eyed. How could anyone not read those black-black eyes? It was easy if you saw the man through eyes of love. Izzorah stood and almost went to the floor when his knees gave out. “Whoa!” Luc caught him. “Easy, love.” He held Izzorah close and steady, both arms wrapped around him. “I’ve got you.” He clung to Luc, hands braced on the man’s strong arms. His warmth felt wonderful, soothing. He ran his hands up the firm biceps, out across his shoulders. “I --” He shook his head. “Luc, I can see. I couldn’t before. Not like this.” “I know. Nanchonta told me about your eyes.” Luc slid his fingers through Izzorah’s hair, kissed his brow. “I’m amazed at how well you did things. I never suspected for a moment you weren’t fully sighted. You’re so brave. So strong.” Izzorah tilted his head, curving ears toward Luc. “You think so?” “Absolutely.” Luc’s warmth enveloped him. The feel of his hands across Izzorah’s back eased his fear. “How do you feel?” “Really, really good.” He leaned his head against Luc’s chest. “You shouldn’t be out of bed yet.” “Not sleepy.” Izzorah fought a yawn, but it won. He knuckled his eyes, smiling guiltily up at Luc. “Maybe a little, but I’m good enough to go home.” His lover grinned and bent to kiss his brow. “Let’s get you back to bed until it’s time.” “No, I want to get dressed and go home now.” Luc laughed. “One-track mind, that’s what you have. After you’ve eaten, and Nanchonta looks you over one more time. I promise.” Izzorah gave a small sniff, but nothing smelled right. “I’ll let Nanchonta look at me, but I want McDoth’s cooking. I want to go home.” Luc sighed. “All right, Mr. Take-Me-Home. Have it your way. Do you want to use the bathroom, or would you rather wait till we’re home?” “No, I don’t want to wait. But I want you to come with me. I don’t want to go in there by myself. I want to be with you.” “All right, love.” Luc walked him over to the small cubby and stood behind him. Izzorah waited, but nothing happened. Even awareness of Luc being close to him didn’t help. “Luc?” “You want me to move back?” “No.” He raised his shoulders. “I…I don’t have an Etymis word for it. I feel xarrlee.” “Xarrlee?” Luc paused. “Xarr is furskin, right?” He slid his hands along Izzorah’s arms.

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“Mmm, yes.” His touch soothed. “Xarrlee is jumpy skin. The kind you get when you’re in the dark and scared.” “Ah. Heebie-jeebies.” He giggled. “I like your word. I have heebie-jeebies. It’s this place and -- that man. I can’t -- go. Will you put your arms around me? I need your touch.” “Absolutely, kosset.” Luc came up right behind him, his front against Izzorah’s bare backside. He slid his arms around Izzorah’s waist and drew him tight. The feel of Luc holding him provided the feeling of safety he needed. He relieved himself and dropped the loose gown back into place. “You think I’m a scared kid who wants to cling to you, don’t you?” “No.” Luc kissed the back of Izzorah’s neck. “I think you need reassurance to feel comfortable in a strange place. I’ll give you whatever you need.” He curled his fingers in Izzorah’s hair and tightened his fist, pulling his head gently back against his shoulder. “Kiss me, kosset.” Izzorah tilted up his face to Luc’s. The man wrapped his other hand along his jaw and held him. “I love you, Izzorah. Whatever you need, I will provide. Including taking you home so you feel safe.” “Thank you, Luc!” He turned fully and looped his arms up around Luc’s neck as they kissed. When he began to wash up, he met his own gaze in the mirror. “I’m a mess!” He needed a shave, and his hair had grown a finger length, almost hiding his ears. “How long was I asleep?” “About six days.” “Six days! Oh, you mean altogether.” Izzorah raised his ears. “I meant since I woke earlier. When he was here.” “That was three days ago. You were more tired and far more ill than you realized. Today is Sofftem thirty-six, and you’ve been in the hospital for six days altogether.” “Oh, wow.” Izzorah leaned back against the doorjamb. He pulled at the top of his gown, but it was fastened in back. He pulled it up to his neck so he could see his chest. It felt smooth, his pelt a little scruffy but none the worse for wear. Nakedness didn’t bother him. He was Luc’s, and his lover had the right to see every part of him. “He didn’t cut me open?” “No, love. He used advanced technology. Everything is done…well, differently. I don’t try to understand technology. I just use it.” Izzorah dropped the gown into place. “My hair is longer.” He drew out a strand. “It shouldn’t have grown this much, and I feel different.” He straightened his shoulders, comparing his height to Luc’s. His shoulder would fit beneath Luc’s arm, but without as much room. “Did you shrink?”

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“No.” Luc smiled as if everything was fine, but the faint butterscotch scent of worry overlaid his calm. “You’re not going to tell me it’s my imagination, are you? Look at us.” He stood shoulder to shoulder with Luc. “Either I’m taller or you’ve shrunk.” He slipped his hands inside Luc’s jacket and pulled himself closer, retracting claws when he felt Luc flinch. “I’m scared. What happened to me? What else did Nanchonta do?” Luc wrapped him tight. “Hold on to me.” Izzorah pulled back so he could see Luc’s face. “Please don’t lie to me.” “I won’t. Come back to bed, and I’ll tell you all about it.” Luc lowered the bed, tilted the head up. The air itself seemed blue, as if Izzorah was seeing the world from inside a bubble. He put out a hand and jerked it back when he felt something solid. A rrrl rose from his chest unbidden, the hair on his neck standing straight up. Ears back, he stuck out his claws. Luc fell back, stumbling against the bed, his alarm scenting the air. “Rah, what is it?” He dug a foreclaw into the bubble and pulled. A wall of blue shivered. He rrrled deep in his chest; a snarl of dominance curled his upper lip. Luc held up both hands, palms toward him. “It’s a saturation bubble. It seals off the room. It’s between here and the door. See?” He poked it with a finger. “It’s kind of a wet version of the field around a ship that protects it in space.” Izzorah rrrled, trying to speak at the same time. Garbled growls came out, and he had to swallow and fight to breathe normally so he could speak. He barely managed one word. “Cage.” “No, no. Not a cage.” Luc pushed on it. “It’s a membrane. It holds in moist air. Watch.” He pushed harder, and his hand popped through up to his wrist. “You can walk through. Go ahead.” He pulled his hand back and motioned to Izzorah. “Try it.” He bared fangs and rrrled, but gave the membrane a push with his shoulder. It felt like thick water or some kind of gel. He pushed again, leaned harder, and popped through. From the other side, Luc’s dark skin took on a bluish hue. Izzorah shoved himself back through. He gave it a flick with one claw, walked away from it, and went closer to Luc. “What does it do? Why is it here?” “It holds in a special kind of moisturized air to heal you. Here.” He patted the bed. “Get back in, and I’ll call Nanchonta to come release you to go home.” “You promise?” “I promise.” Izzorah climbed up on the bed. “Lean back, love.” Luc covered him with a white blanket and sat facing him, one leg curled beneath himself. “Are you comfortable?”

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Izzorah wrapped his fist around Luc’s jacket and pulled him close. “I don’t like it here. I want to go home.” “I will take you home today, and I won’t leave your side for anything while we’re here.” He collapsed back against the upraised bed and rolled his head to one side. “Good.” Luc called Nanchonta, who promised to come immediately. When he arrived, ducking at the entrance to the door, Izzorah leaned out, but he’d come alone. Pietas was not there. Satisfied, he lay back against the bed. The exam took minutes, and Nanchonta pronounced him healthy enough to go home. “Finally.” Izzorah stood up. “And can I please have sex with Luc?” Nanchonta and Luc both laughed. “Yes, Izzorah. You may. You’re perfectly healthy.” Luc brought out new clothes. He had white briefs, a white T-shirt, a green pullover sweater to match his eyes, dark slacks, a belt, socks, and black leather shoes. Everything fit as if it had been made for him, even the shoes. A Kin’s toe claws made shoe buying a nightmare on a human world, but these had plenty of toe room. Luc gave him a small brush and stood in the bathroom while Izzorah made himself more presentable. “Did you want to shave, love?” “No. I want to go home.” Luc chuckled. “I thought so. By home, you do mean my house, don’t you?” “Yes.” He tucked the foldable brush into a pocket and took Luc’s hand. “My home is where you are. Will it take long?” Luc grinned. “Faster than you can blink.” Nanchonta met them at the elevator and gave Izzorah a kiss on the forehead, promising to visit him in the next day or so. The doors shut and Luc pressed a button. The doors opened again, immediately. McDoth smiled at him. “Welcome, home, Master Izzorah.” The android bowed. “It’s good to see you up and about.” Luc started off the elevator, but Izzorah pulled his hand free. “You promised to take me home.” “We are home, love.” “But --” Izzorah took a step forward and stuck his head out of the elevator. Nothing looked familiar. It wouldn’t, even if he’d been here before. Last time he’d been in Luc’s home, everything had been a blur. He pulled back. “We didn’t even move one floor. Are you tricking me? You said we were at a special hospital. How did we get here?” Luc came back in. “This isn’t an elevator, Rah. It’s a portal. If I shut these doors and push this red button, we’d instantly be back at the hospital. There, if I pushed the green button, we’d instantly come back here.”

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“But --” Izzorah stooped to peer at the buttons. No markings on them. He slid one finger across each one. “How does it work?” “Love, I have no idea. It’s called placeshifting. I --” He turned to the android. “McDoth?” “I’ll tell you all about it while you eat dinner, Master Izzorah. How does steak sound?” “Am I really home?” “Of course, sir.” McDoth held out a hand. “Come with me. I’ll show you the kitchen.” With a smile at Luc, he slipped his hand in McDoth’s and followed.

***** McDoth fed them well, the food light, nourishing, and within the guidelines Nanchonta had set. When the meal ended, the android laid a hand over one of Izzorah’s. “I want you to know, Master Izzorah, while you were ill, I visited you every day.” Luc leaned back in his chair to watch the exchange. The young Kin broke into one of his melt-your-heart smiles. “You did?” “Yes. Although you were asleep, I thought you might be aware of my presence on some level, and I wanted you to know I cared.” “Thank you so much, McDoth!” He stood and went around the table to hug the android, who seemed a bit nonplussed by the reaction. “I missed you. I’m so glad to be home. Thank you for fixing me something to eat.” “You’re most welcome.” Luc toyed with his wineglass while the two talked. Izzorah was asking for lessons on how to cook Luc’s favorite meals. Wulf had always tried to please him, but he for damn sure never asked about cooking. He grinned at the thought of Izzorah wearing an apron with KISS THE COOK written across the front, and nothing beneath it. The last thing he wanted from Izzorah was housekeeping, but if it made him happy, he’d deal with it. His young lover had been reared to please a Kin warrior. How well would he adapt to pleasing a Sempervian? Later, when he and Izzorah left the table, he felt the slide of Izzorah’s hand into his. The flirty sparkle in his eyes made Luc’s heart race. “Luc? May I tell you something I want?” He drew Izzorah’s hand up to his mouth and kissed it. “By all means. Any time, kosset.” “Nanchonta said we could have real sex, and I want you. I’ve been patient, and I’ve been waiting so long.” “Yes, you have, and virtue should be rewarded.” Luc pulled him into his arms and kissed him, wrapping his arms around his lover’s body. He drew him tight against himself, his shaft already rising in anticipation. The feel of Izzorah’s youthful strength, and the way he yielded, spiked lust through him. “I wanted to bend you over the table and take you, love. McDoth would’ve gotten an eyeful.”

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Izzorah laughed. He pulled back and inhaled. “I love your smell when you’re hot.” “What do I smell like?” He rocked with him slowly, back and forth. “Cinnapods, butter, and vanilla.” He inhaled again, running his hands up and down Luc’s arms. “And a little kai spice. Plus you.” He sniffed. “Uniquely you. Makes me want to lick you everywhere.” “Oh, God.” Luc slammed him up against the wall and kissed him, leaning into his muscle. The rebirth had left Izzorah strong, the power of life coursing through him, and his vitality sang to Luc’s senses. He sucked Izzorah’s lower lip into his mouth and nibbled it, both hands gripping his hard ass. With a whimper, Izzorah pushed his mouth up against Luc’s. “Rah.” He kissed his way down Izzorah’s throat. “It’s been so long since I held you.” He led the way down the hallway toward Izzorah’s room. “No.” He tugged Luc’s hand. “I want to make love in your room.” “Rah, not tonight. I don’t want other memories in the way.” “You’re afraid you’ll think of Wulf.” Luc turned his head. Izzorah tunneled his fingers through Luc’s hair. The feel of claws against his scalp sent a shiver down Luc’s spine. “Luc. Look at me.” When he did, a smile of scorching sensuality greeted him. It heated Luc’s blood, and he caught his breath. “Don’t worry. Tonight, I’m going to make you think only of me.”

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Chapter Eighteen Nizamrak Building The Loft Though he’d been in Luc’s bedroom three times, Izzorah had never been able to see it. The black marble floor shone, set off by a white fur rug near the oversize curtained bed. The detail in its drapery was breathtaking, with its black background adorned with tiny threads of gold. Traces of silver, rose, and mint wound through it in a traditional, ornate Kin pattern to protect sleepers from harm. He pulled off his shoes and socks, set them near the door, and padded over to it. The fur was thick and soft, like the ones on his bedroom floor back home. He smiled back at Luc and held out a hand. “Kosset, you don’t have to do this here.” He joined him. “I want to. I want to take away the fear you have of remembering Wulf here. It’s not disloyal, kahmay t’hahr. It’s only a memory. Eventually, I want to be the only one you think of in this room.” He slid one claw down the bed’s drapes. “These were made on Felidae.” “Yes, by a male from the Falehla clan.” Luc fondled one of Izzorah’s ears. “He moved here with his grandson and has a shop in the Ayhet District.” “I tried to see these the first day I came up here, but I could only focus on a tiny bit at a time.” Luc’s touch heightened the desire already burning inside him, and Izzorah leaned his head against his hand. Luc trailed his fingers down Izzorah’s nape, back up into his hair.

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Izzorah’s breath caught in his throat. We’re finally alone, finally able to express how we feel about one another, and here I am, talking about drapes. Izzy, get a grip! But his heart was beating so fast… He led Luc to the large mural. “Is this a waterfall?” “Love, you’ve missed so much.” Luc stood behind him and wrapped his arms around from behind, resting his chin on Izzorah’s right shoulder. “That’s the High Falls on Felidae, a waterfall that cascades from a mountaintop. The land I bought is north of there. The only human who’s ever seen the falls in person is my son Khyffen. He went there with his mate, Mehfawni. I had this painted about two years ago, by a Ruh male after I kept hearing stories about it.” Though his heart raced at having Luc so close, there was no pain, no light-headedness. No ringing in his ears. “It’s so beautiful.” He pointed toward the top of the picture. “How does the water get up there?” “It’s a spring. It’s the tallest waterfall on Felidae. Likely in the empire.” “Felidae isn’t in the empire.” Grinning, he turned and lifted his face to Luc’s for a quick kiss. “My mother says the Tarthian Empire surrounds Felidae. Felidae is the center of everything.” He chuckled. “I swear, I’ve heard her say that skinansin times at least.” “A hundred times?” He touched his mouth. “Did I say that in Felis? Sorry.” Luc kissed the tip of his nose. “I’m going to take you on a trip.” “A trip?” He laid his ears out to the sides. “Where?” “There’s so much in the empire that you need to see. I want to show you every single world.” He blinked. “Every world!” “Yes. I want to show you what you’ve missed.” Luc’s scent bore peppermint mirth and kai pepper risk, mixed with buttery curiosity. Delicious. “Travel will be good for you. I’ll take some time off and we’ll use one of my star yachts. It’ll be fun.” “Um, taking time off reminds me.” He bit the end of a claw. “We need to talk about how we’re going to deal with our relationship, since we both have careers.” Mint strengthened Luc’s scent. What did he find amusing? “What do you think we should do, Izzorah?” “My music has been what’s kept me going. If I gave it up, I’d die.” Luc shrugged. “Then it’s an easy solution. I’ll quit my job and tag along as your groupie.” Izzorah flipped his ears straight up, mouth open. “You’re kidding!” Luc chuckled. “Yes, I am.” He hooked a claw at him. “Watch it, human.”

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Laughing, Luc grabbed and kissed him, rocking him in his arms. “We’ll work it out, love. I want you to be happy. Let’s talk about it later.” “Uh, okay. Do -- um…” “Izzorah.” He had to tilt his head all the way back to meet Luc’s gaze. The man cupped a hand behind his head and held him. He smiled. “It’s all right. I know you’re afraid.” “I -- uh, n-no, I’m not. I --” “Izzorah.” He lifted a brow. “Look at me, love.” The sting of panic made his heart race even faster. Luc bent toward him. “I can tell you’re panicking, but it’s all right. I’m here. No one and nothing is going to hurt you. This is our first time.” He kissed his way across Izzorah’s brow, placing each kiss with careful slowness. “I’m not going to rush you. I’m going to make love to you, kosset. Treasure you.” He kissed one eyelid. “Give you pleasure.” He kissed the other one, the corner of his eye. “Nothing we do will hurt you, my love. I will make tonight perfect. It’s just you and me here. No one will interfere, and nothing will come between us.” He drew a fingertip down Izzorah’s nose. “Trust me.” Despite his desire to trust, he shivered. “Remember our first time? How good it was?” “Mmm.” His body heated at the tender memories. “Take a deep breath, kosset.” Luc coached him through a few breaths, easing him down from the panic threatening him. “Good, good.” He rubbed Izzorah’s right ear. “This feels nice, doesn’t it?” He nodded, eyes closing. He leaned into the sensual touch. He let Luc massage the back of his neck. Luc worked his strong fingers up the tight tendons and muscles, squeezing and kneading them. “This feels good too.” “Mmm.” Izzorah let his head go back, resting it in Luc’s other hand. “You like surrendering to my touch.” “Yes, Luc.” “Good, kosset.” Luc applied a little more pressure with his thumb, rocking Izzorah’s head forward and to the side. “Yes, that’s right. Enjoy your pleasure.” He groaned as his shaft hardened. He turned his head blindly, seeking his lover’s mouth. As his lips met Luc’s, he whispered, “Yours.” With a rough growl, Luc tightened his arms around him, tilting him back for a ravaging kiss. Izzorah flung his arms around Luc, dug his claws into his coat, and held on. He opened his mouth, welcoming the hot invasion of tongue. Beneath his hands, Luc trembled. The

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scorching kisses trailed down his jaw, along his throat. Luc set his teeth against Izzorah’s left shoulder and bit down. “Mmm.” Izzorah leaned his head to the right. “Again.” “Like this?” He gave him another human-type bite. Tame, sweet. “Yes.” Izzorah closed his eyes. “Harder.” Luc bit. Izzorah gasped. “Oh, yes. Like that.” He curled his fingers into Luc’s hair and held him against his shoulder. He kissed the outside shell of Luc’s ear, breathing into it. “Bite me when I come.” The scent of Luc’s desire rose, triggering an answering rise in Izzorah’s cock. “Luc…” He arched against his lover. “I love you.” “I love you, Rah.” Luc kissed along his throat, up underneath Izzorah’s chin, up to his mouth. “I want to show you. Kiss every part of you. Touch every part of you.” He melted with heat at Luc’s words, giving himself over to passion. “Tell me more of what you want, kosset. I long to please you.” He opened his eyes and pulled back. Luc was gazing down at him, his black eyes full of love. I can do this. I can tell him anything. Izzorah swallowed. “I want you to undress me. I want to stand before you naked and let you look at me. It is said this pleases a warrior. You are my warrior, Luc. I want to make your eyes happy.” Luc nearly dragged Izzorah back to the bed. “Hands up, love.” Izzorah lifted them, and Luc pulled the green sweater off over his head, the white T right behind it. He knelt to unfasten the belt, hands slipping in his haste. “Why did I pick this damn belt?” Izzorah bit his lips, savoring the sight of Luc on his knees. Despite his position, there was no question which of them was in control. And yet…having Luc so willing to please him meant he had some control, didn’t it? Was this what Chynk meant by the submissive partner having power? Luc finally got the belt unfastened and his pants unzipped, and pushed them and the underwear down Izzorah’s hips. With one hand on Luc’s shoulder for balance, Izzorah stepped out of them. Standing nude before Luc, who was fully dressed, left him feeling…so…vulnerable. On display for Luc’s pleasure. He shivered from the heat of his desire. “Oh, God, kosset.” Luc was on one knee, and he held both Izzorah’s hands in his. “I’m hungry for you. Starving.” He launched himself to his feet. Kicking off his shoes, he ripped off his jacket and began unfastening his shirt.

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Izzorah helped. Luc fumbled with the pants, finally got them open and Izzorah helped him push them and his underwear down and off. The dark-skinned, hard cock it revealed curved upward, and Izzorah immediately wrapped a hand around it. Luc gasped and Izzorah let go, lifting his gaze. “Did I hurt you?” “No.” Luc drew his hand back to his cock. “Didn’t…expect it.” He wrapped his hand around Izzorah’s. “It’s okay to touch me. Just watch the claws.” “Sorry.” He bit his lips. “Luc, I --” “Shh.” He leaned down and kissed him, a quick pressing of mouth against mouth. “We’re discovering each other tonight. Don’t be afraid to make a mistake.” “I want you.” Izzorah lowered his ears. “Show me what to do.” “What I want is for you to get in my bed and lie down, face up.” Izzorah yanked down the covers and climbed up into the huge bed. Three or four people could sleep here side by side, but he decided against asking if they had. The sheets were warm, soft to the touch. The bed cradled his body. He scooted over to make room for Luc, who climbed in and lay on his side next to him. “I bought some toys to help prepare you to take me.” He slid one arm beneath Izzorah’s neck and pulled him closer. “Take my cock in one hand.” Taking care not to let his claws out, Izzorah wrapped his fist around Luc. It didn’t quite close. “You’re so big. Are you sure you’ll…you know?” Luc smiled, kissing the tip of his nose. “Am I sure what?” He groaned. Come on, Izzy. Give him words. It’s what he wants. “Are you sure this huge cock is going to fit in my hole?” Grinning, Luc nodded. “Positive. I’m going to teach you everything you need to know, love. In the meantime, we’ll start with this.” He circled Izzorah’s cock with his fist, making him flinch. “I want to bring you off a few times, and then I’ll let you fuck me, so you’ll know how good it feels.” He jerked his head forward, breath held. Luc’s going to let me fuck him? Oh, ffffftt!

Yes! “Breathe, Izzorah.” Luc squeezed his cock. He gasped, shuddering with anticipation. “Oh, Luc. I -- mmmph…” Luc’s mouth against his cut off sound. Izzorah clamped his eyes shut, arching up against his lover. He clutched Luc’s waist. When Luc flinched, Izzorah retracted claws. Heat flooded him, the sensations of Luc’s mouth, his hand sliding up and down, squeezing, the feel of Luc’s body beneath Izzorah’s hands, the softness of the sheets… Izzorah cried out as he came, and Luc swallowed his cries, refusing to release his cock or his mouth. Izzorah shuddered and shivered, at Luc’s mercy. He whimpered.

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Luc slid his hand up the wet shaft, coating his cock with cum. “Round one,” he whispered against Izzorah’s lips. “Open your mouth. I want to taste you.” The clean sweetness of Luc’s tongue darted against his. He squeezed his eyes shut, lost in sensation, still shaking from his climax. Luc stroked the underside of his tongue with long, slow licks and slipped across the top, circled it, licked the tip. Izzorah groaned with yearning, imagining Luc’s mouth on his cock. Teasing, licking, sliding wetly up his length and back down as he caressed his shaft. He yearned to ram into him, drive himself deep inside Luc, all the way to his heart. “Mmm, Rah.” Luc kissed his way along his jaw, up to his eyes. “You taste like sexual heat and male flesh. I’ve pictured you naked like this, stretched out in my bed.” He licked the side of his throat, bit it, and held him tight with his teeth. “Purr for me.” He purred, breath stopping when Luc sucked the tender skin of his throat into his mouth and bit him. Kin bit hard enough to draw blood when they were hot. Or dug in their claws. His pulse raced, so filled with passion and desire his heart beat like a panicking caged bird. “Rah! Open your eyes.” Luc was gazing down at him when Izzorah obeyed. “Come on, love. Breathe. Deep, deep breath.” He sucked in a harsh breath and panted. His chest didn’t hurt. He only felt joy. “That’s right. Good.” Luc didn’t move. “Is it too much? Do you need me to slow down?” “No! Kiss me more. Please, please.” He pulled Luc to him and lifted his mouth. He couldn’t get close enough if he crawled under Luc’s skin with him. The wet heat of their mouths filled his mind with sensation. Nothing existed beyond this moment, this instant of time when he belonged to Luc, totally, completely his. Luc kissed his way down Izzorah’s chest, taking his time. “I imagined what I’d do to you when I got you home. Beneath me in bed.” A needy cry ripped from Izzorah’s throat, a plea for more. Heat rose in waves of lust washing over his soul. “Want…” The words faded in a groan of pleasure as Luc licked his belly and then bit into his skin. “Oh!” Back arched, he offered himself to Luc. His lover bit and nibbled the tender skin of his belly, put out his tongue and licked. “Mmm, your cum tastes wonderful.” Luc scooted downward, and Izzorah held his breath as Luc took the hard cock into his mouth. His balls felt swollen, heavy. Too full. Luc released his cock and rose over him. “Play with your nipples.” “Wh-what?” Izzorah dragged himself out of the daze of lust to respond. “Your nipples.” Luc bent his head and licked one, tugged it between his teeth and let go. “Roll them between your fingers and thumb. I want to watch you do it.” “I --” Izzorah’s thoughts scattered, so hot he could not think in full sentences. He brought up both hands to his pebbled nipples and did as Luc asked. He shivered, skin-jumpy.

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Knowing Luc watched, directed him, sent his senses soaring. He rolled and pinched them, so gone on lust he could barely breathe. His cock felt like a hot, rigid pole. Luc’s fist around it made him dizzy with need. His hard-on pulsed, the heat blazing. Izzorah moaned. “Don’t stop.” Luc adjusted himself to one side. “Pull back your knees, kosset. That’s right.” Luc continued to stroke him. “Let your thighs go wide apart. Good, good.” The sweet burning need, the feeling of absolute surrender, all pushed Izzorah straight to the edge. “You’re so beautiful, kosset. A feast for my eyes. Tell me you belong to me.” “I’m yours, Luc!” He fought to catch his breath. His legs trembled. “All yours.” “Perfect. Perfect. Keep playing with your nipples. I want to feel you shoot into my mouth. I want to be sucking you when you come.” Luc ducked his head and took him in his mouth once more. The sight of his pink cock sliding between Luc’s dark lips sent shivers over Izzorah’s skin. Luc swept his hand down to Izzorah’s balls and cupped them, then slid his fingers down to his ass. He drew them back up while he sucked, trailing the tip of one finger across his hole and flicking it. Izzorah jerked. His eyes were open, but he saw nothing, too lost in lust, in the fulfillment of every fantasy he’d had about this man. Luc rubbed his middle finger around the opening of Izzorah’s ass, teasing with gentle strokes. He wiggled the tip against his slick skin, applying little pressure, pushing side to side as he rocked his finger. His mouth pulled and his tongue licked, circling the tip and then plunging back down to the root. A guttural cry left Izzorah’s throat. He felt the gathering climax roll up from his balls, tightening them hard against his body. Feet pressed flat against the mattress, legs wide, he thrust up against Luc’s mouth and shot into it, grunting with his release. Luc swallowed him down, releasing him when Izzorah sobbed and jerked beneath the loving licks. Luc cooed softly, cradling Izzorah’s head in one hand as he gathered him into his arms. Luc wiped his mouth. “There, kosset. It’s all right. I’ve got you.” “Luc. Luc.” He clung to him, shaking. The coolness of air against his face told him his cheeks were wet. Luc smoothed away the tears. “Round two, love. I’ll let you rest a moment before round three.” He sobbed, unable to speak. The level of heat hardly dissipated, his shaft already rising once more. He lay in Luc’s arms, shivering as if cold, despite the fire inside him. Having Luc near felt as warm and safe as home, but his body insisted on shivering, despite his inner joy.

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“Let’s get you warmed up.” Luc wrapped the blankets up around him and held him, Izzorah’s head on his shoulder. His lover’s warmth seeped into him through their body contact. Luc ran his big, strong hands up and down Izzorah’s body. “Better, love?” He nodded, afraid his teeth would chatter if he spoke. Luc continued to hold and stroke him, taking his time. After a bit, Izzorah stretched out and relaxed into his arms. “There.” Luc kissed his brow. “Good.” “You’re so patient, while I keep shooting off like a rabbit.” Chuckling, Luc kissed him on the nose. “Oh, kosset. Your inexperience is one of the most delightful things about you. It’s a joy teaching you about making love. How to give yourself. How to receive pleasure. I want you to give yourself without fear. I will take all the time you need.” He brought Luc’s hand to his mouth and kissed it, laying his cheek against the back. “Trust me when I say I’m not afraid to give myself to you. I want to belong to Luc SaintCyr.” Some minor change in Luc brought Izzorah’s ears straight up. He sniffed but couldn’t catch what it was. “I want to belong to you.” He kissed Luc’s palm. “However you see yourself. By whatever name you call yourself. You.” He set the flat of his hand against Luc’s chest. “The Man. The Harbinger. Luc. Whoever you happen to be. Okay?” Luc swallowed. His eyes were wide, his face open.

Is this what surprise looks like on a human? Luc’s ears gave no clue. “Just know I love you.” Izzorah slipped his claws through Luc’s hair and kissed him. “I will satisfy you. I’ll learn to take whatever you need to give me. I will give you whatever it is you need to take.” The man rolled over with him, pinning Izzorah beneath his body. Their teeth clicked as their mouths connected with bruising haste. Luc’s lust scorched him, the scent like paper close to smoldering. Luc licked Izzorah’s mouth, kissed him softly, soothing, only to wrap his hands behind Izzorah’s head and hold him down for another ravaging kiss. Izzorah pulled back his knees, spreading his legs and then wrapping them around Luc’s waist. The feel of his cock against Luc’s sent heat through him like a flag unfurling in a hot wind. He arched up against him, grinding his hips upward, his cock returning to full, aching stiffness. “Rah,” Luc whispered, like a prayer. He nibbled Izzorah’s lower lip. “Are you up for round three? For this one, let’s see how long you can hold out. Later, when I get my cock inside you, I’m going to bite you on the shoulder when you come.” Izzorah’s head spun. Carefully, using the tips, he raked his claws down the length of Luc’s back and curled his hands around the hard globes of the man’s ass. “You like claws?” “Oh, kosset.” The man stiffened, back arching, head back as he panted. “Yes…”

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He stiffened his fingers, letting Luc feel the stick of them. Air hissed in across his lover’s teeth as he gasped. “Then I want you to fuck me now.” “Rah, no. Love, you don’t understand what I’m like. What it’s like to make love with me.” Sex was a marathon to Luc, not a sprint. A Sempervian hard-on lasted hours, and Izzorah had no idea Luc was not human. Nor that he himself was not purely Kin. “You’re not ready yet. Trust me.” “Then make me ready.” “I am, kosset. A little patience, hmm?” “But Luc…” “Kiss me.” One hand in Izzorah’s hair, Luc brought him close, mouths touching, a soft brushing of lips. Izzorah’s mewling whimper made Luc’s cock throb with want. Such a pleasure. Such a deep, deep pleasure. He angled his head, slanting his lips across Izzorah’s. The Kin opened his mouth, accepting Luc’s deepening kiss. Wet, hot, Izzorah’s scratchy cat tongue felt so right beneath Luc’s. Each loving lick tasted sweet like raw, natural sugar, twice as addictive, pulling Luc back for more. He broke away long enough to gather a breath. “I could kiss you forever. Give me your mouth.” Izzorah purred, chest rumbling as he lifted his head and connected his lips to Luc’s. Eyes closed to shut out everything else and dwell in the pure heat of the moment, Luc soaked up every aspect of Izzorah’s embrace. The feel of him beneath his body, Izzorah’s arms around him, his scent, his firm tongue, soft furskin. But he couldn’t bear to be so close and not see him. When he opened his eyes, Izzorah was staring up at him with rapt attention, green-eyed gaze taking in Luc’s every move. His Kin lover raked claws gently down Luc’s chest. “Now will you do me?” He couldn’t help laughing. “Why such a hurry? We have plenty of time.” “Luc!” Izzorah bared fangs and showed claws. “I’ve wanted this for so long. Dreamed of it. Ached for it. Don’t hold me back. Please. Do you want me to beg? I’m okay with begging.” He’d hurt Wulf several times without meaning to. Left him so exhausted and sore he sometimes slept like the dead afterward. Never again, especially not with Izzorah. I must

protect him. Shelter him, even from myself. “We’ll talk about begging later, kosset. It would be lovely to hear you pleading for more. Begging for release.” He scooted up toward the head of the bed and slid back a panel. “While you were healing, I shopped Imperinet for a few toys.” “Uh…” Izzorah turned onto his belly so he could see. “Toys? What kind of -- oh.” He sat up as Luc pulled a dildo out of the cabinet. Created for reaching the prostate, it had a blunt, angled tip and the end twisted upward to form a handle. “That goes…um…”

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Luc allowed himself to smile; it felt too good not to. “Do you like the color?” Izzorah laid his ears back and gave a tentative sniff. “It’s blue.” Propping himself on one elbow, Luc held it up. “Yes, it is. Do you like it?” The smile he got in return held a large measure of wry humor. “It’s not really gonna be where I can see it, is it? Green would’ve matched my eyes, though, if you were going for effect.” Luc laughed. “Oh, kosset. I love you.” He sat up and put it back, pulled out a dark green one. “Better?” He scraped a claw down it. “This one’s bigger.” Luc couldn’t resist. “I have an even larger dark green one.” “No. No, this is good.” Izzorah flicked his ears. “I…I like this one.” “You’re sure? I could --” “Luc!” He squirmed. “All right, love. Here.” He gave it to him. “Hold this while I get something.” Luc opened a drawer and reached inside for the lube, fumbling purposely to give Izzorah time to examine the toy without knowing he was watched. He was turning it back and forth, upside down and right side up. With one claw, he poked at the tip and gave a good sniff. He measured it against the palm of his hand and then bared his fangs, but by the time Luc sat up, lube in hand, Rah was holding it with as much decorum as a crumpet at a tea party. “Uh… Luc?” He angled his ears and head. “What’s in your hand?” He opened his fingers. “A tube of lubricant, for when I stretch you with the dildo, and when I put my cock inside you.” He held out one hand for the dildo and then brought it next to his own much bigger hard-on. The difference in size was easily apparent. “Once you can take this dildo, you can take me. I don’t want to hurt you, love.” He gave it back to him. “Lick it for me.” Izzorah looked at it as if he’d only now discovered what he held. The green cat’s eyes went round. “Say what?” “Lick it for me.” He motioned toward the dildo. “This?” Izzorah held it up as if it were a dead mowt. “This…this goes -- uh…” “It’s clean, love.” Luc brought the toy to his own mouth and inserted the tip. He gave it a few licks, trying not to laugh at Izzorah’s expression of misgiving. “There. See?” He laid one ear straight back, the other forward, wrinkled his nose, and made a faint hiss. Insight showed Luc the problem. “My love, I would never bring a toy into our bed used by anyone else.” He set a knuckle beneath Izzorah’s chin. “Never. Every toy in this house is brand-new. I promise. They will be used with you and only with you.”

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“Oh. Okay.” The darkening peach of his cheeks gave away his blush. Luc pulled a pillow behind him and leaned back to enjoy the show, his own erection on display for Izzorah. He stroked a hand down himself. “Lick, kosset.” He sniffed the toy once more and then stroked his tongue from the base of the handle, out along the insertable part, and all the way to the tip, almost five tradestandard inches of the finest toyskin money could buy. “There’s no taste.” “Not supposed to be.” Luc linked his hands behind his head. Much more of this and he’d be ready to throw Izzorah across the bed and have his way with him -- prepared or not. “Lick it again, and this time pretend it’s me you’re enjoying.” His lovely blush evidenced itself again. “Oh, so now you want me to tease you.” He propped up a few pillows and leaned back into them. With a coy smile, he rubbed a hand across his pelt. “I thought it was bad to tease the Harbinger.” “For sex, I crave being teased -- so long as you satisfy me afterward.” Luc lowered his lashes and wet his lips. “Lick it. Caress it with your tongue. Let it slide into your mouth. Show me what you’re going to do to me.” Gripping the dildo in both hands, Rah closed his eyes, stuck out his tongue, and drew the toy down its length. He twirled it against his lips like an ice-cream cone, lapping the tip and then sucking it. Izzorah tilted up the dildo and slid it inside, a little more than halfway before he pulled it up, and then began rocking the green toy in and out of his mouth. Claws out, he squeezed the shaft with rhythmic motions. “God, Izzorah.” Luc’s cock wept precum, his body trembling. The hair on the back of his neck prickled. The longer he watched, the more his craving for this sexy young Kin magnified. The memory of their first night together, of Izzorah sucking whiskey off his finger, made Luc’s shaft ache for the same tender attention. “Take it deep. Deep as you can.” The husky voice coming out of his mouth sounded like a stranger’s. Ravenous, starving, aching for release. Izzorah tilted back his head and guided the dildo fully into his mouth, up to the turn in the handle and back out. He repeated it again and again, never gagging once. Luc’s breath caught in his throat and then sped up, heart thudding in his chest. Every part of his body felt tight, like a violin with its strings pulled to the breaking point. He gripped Izzorah’s upper arm and pulled him astride his lap. Their cocks slid against one another. Both of them gasped. Rah set aside the dildo. “Kahmay t’hahr, let me lick you now.” His slashed-pupil cat’s eyes glowed green in the light. “Let me take the edge off.” Luc shook his head, throat too tight, panting so hard he couldn’t speak. “You’re starving for it, t’hahr. I can taste your hunger. Let me give myself to you.” Luc didn’t trust his voice. Can’t lose control now. Can’t. Can’t. He shook his head, fighting for mastery of his emotions.

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Izzorah slid his arms up, breaking Luc’s hold. “I was born to be your lover. I’ve felt it every moment since I entered your presence, from the instant we met.” The rich emerald of his eyes sparkled through dark, spiky lashes as he lowered his gaze. “You believe you make your own destiny, don’t you?” The sexual tension between them drew out, thrumming Luc’s nerves. He clenched his hands. Curious what Izzorah would say, Luc nodded. The moment stretched until Luc was the one squirming, awaiting a response. At last, fingers spread, Izzorah set both hands on Luc’s chest. “Has no one ever looked past the myths and seen the man? Has no one ever given you what you craved without you having to ask? Because I was born to give you what you crave. I will give you what you need. I am what you need. If you believe you make your own destiny, Luc, then I’m here. Loving you. Waiting for you. Please, make me your destiny.” Silence hung between them, so deep it felt as if the world itself held its breath. Luc hesitated only because his heart overflowed with awe. He had no words, nothing to offer except his love. The instant Luc surrendered his will, before he’d thought of words to speak, Izzorah flung himself into his arms.

How could he have known? How? Yet he had. “Love you, Luc.” Rah trailed hot kisses down his face, across his lips, cheeks, up to his eyes and back to his mouth. “Love you. Need you. Want you.” Mouths connected in a deep kiss, Luc patted the bed until he felt the dildo. When he picked it up, Izzorah yanked back and rrrled, as feral as he’d been over the bubble on board the ship. Luc froze. Izzorah’s growled savage word-noises made no sense. Fangs bared, gaze riveted on the toy, he sounded for all the world like a cat warning a dog who’d dared to come near his food, his guttural growl rising in pitch. “Rah, kosset, it’s all right. Let me --” He thunked a clawed hand against Luc’s chest, shoving him back against the pillows. “Miiiiine.” He growled the word. Eyes squinted and ears back, he spat a hiss toward the toy, and wrapped his other hand around Luc’s cock. “Stik!” Now! “Oh, God.” Luc almost came right then. “Rah. Okay.” He set the dildo aside and pulled one of the pillows over beside him. “Here.” He patted it. “Facedown.” Izzorah climbed off his lap and added another pillow, making the pile higher, before he picked up the dildo and flung it across the room. He placed himself over the pillows, ass high. “Luc. Hheen stik. Hammer. Tu.” Sex now. Penis. You.

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Though past the point of using Etymis, his lover couldn’t have made his wishes any more plain. If the rampant sexual desires of a Sempervian were coming to the fore, the marathon sex Luc craved was at hand. He picked up the lube and applied it to his fingers. “Easy, love. I’m going to touch you. Getting you ready.” Left hand against Izzorah’s left buttock, he slid the middle finger of his right hand against Izzorah’s entrance, sliding lube generously. His lover thrust back against him, and the finger slipped in to the first knuckle. “Oh!” Izzorah tossed his head, wiggling his ass. “Estt! Estt!” More! More! Luc withdrew, applied more lube, and slid back in. Izzorah clenched around Luc’s finger, growling what sounded like “kowrah.” Hot. Lustful. Luc continued, spreading lube, opening him a little at a time. “You’re doing very well, love. Very well.” He rubbed Izzorah’s entrance, twisting his finger to spread lubricant inside. “Are you okay?” “Pah.” Yes. “Good. Good, love. I’m adding another finger.” No resistance at all. Even with the well-experienced Wulf, it had taken time to stretch him, prepare him each time. Izzorah took it as if he’d been born open and ready. Tight, but trained. “You’ve done this before.” “Nah. Tu.” No. You. The Kin rocked his hips. “Estt, Luc. Kowrah.” More. Hot.

Damn. Why did I insist on waiting? Luc twisted his fingers, slid in as far as they’d go, and rubbed the smooth inner channel. He reached, prodded, and knew the moment he’d found the hot spot. Izzorah shuddered, growling so low Luc felt instead of heard it. His lover’s rrrl rose to a rumbling roar. Luc scissored his fingers, drawing a gasp. After a time, he withdrew, added more lube, and inserted three fingers. Trembling, Izzorah tightened his thighs and rocked back against him, gyrating his hips. “Damn, Izzorah! Are you sure you’ve never done this before?” He gasped, shook his head, mumbling in Felis. He dug his claws into the bed, head thrown back as he sucked in air and panted. His ears started out straight up, then lowered to the sides and angled back, but even on his knees, he was far from submissive. He arched his back like a cat, shredding the sheets with his claws. “Come for me, kosset. Let me see you take your pleasure.” He pressed, rocking his fingers. “After you come, I’ll get inside you, love. I promise.”

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Spasming around Luc’s fingers, Izzorah curled forward, tossed back his head, and roared. Izzorah sagged over the heap of pillows and lay there, panting. Is sex always going to be like this? Luc needing to be dragged into it? He rolled to his side and reached back to take the man’s hand, and then drew him down next to him. “Come here, Luc. I want you to hold me a minute. I need to catch my breath.” Luc cuddled him into his arms and Izzorah settled himself on the man’s shoulder. One hand in Luc’s nest of black, curly chest hair, Izzorah shut his eyes and tried to decide how to approach the problem. “Rah.” Petting and stroking him, he smiled into Izzorah’s eyes. “You’re so beautiful.” “Not beautiful enough for you to love, though.” “What?” He drew back, his scent a mix of confused scents. “I adore you.”

Damn you and your mouth, Izzy. Now you’ve done it. He propped himself up. “But you won’t make love to me. You won’t fuck me. Is it because I’m Kin?” Luc stuttered and gasped. He stank of indignation. “What in hell makes you think that? For God’s sake, Izzorah.” He pushed himself to a sitting position. “Me, of all people!” “Then stop playing with me and ffffftt te!” The man made a sudden grin. “All right. Good thing I speak Felis.” “Oh, I -- uh…” He swallowed, brushing damp hair back from his face. “Was I speaking Felis?” “And the whole time I was fingering you, love.” His ears lay straight back, drooping down a bit. “Oh, shit, I’m sorry. You drive me crazy, human. I can’t think around you.” “I like driving you crazy.” Luc kissed him. “And for your information, Mr. Fuck-MeNow, I was trying to take you when you went all grrllffy on me.” “Oh.” He dragged claws back through his hair. Luc arched one brow. “Do you want to talk or make love?” Izzorah bared his fangs. “You tell me.” He wrapped a hand around Luc’s cock. “Let’s get you wet.” With his other hand, he grabbed the lubricant and, using his teeth, popped the cap. A bit of the gel inside touched his lip, and he prodded it with his tongue. “Yuck! This tastes bad.” “You don’t have to eat it, Rah. Don’t worry.” “And it makes my lip feel funny.” “That’s the anesthetic. Don’t worry about it. It’s --”

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“I heard Nanchonta use that word. He said it would put me to sleep.” Izzorah pulled the tube up close to his face to see it better, but with his eyes healed, he couldn’t focus as closely. He held it back. “Will this put my butt to sleep?” Luc’s scent overflowed with the mint of amusement. “No, love. It’s to help you not be sore, that’s all.” “So it takes away feeling?” “Only a little.” Izzorah squirmed on the bed, reached back, and felt his ass. “You put this stuff all over me down there. It’s all up in my butt.” He bared fangs. “Damn it, Luc! I didn’t want anything to take away my feelings. I wanted to know when you were in me. No wonder your fingers didn’t feel like much.” “Izzorah. Kosset. It’s all right. It doesn’t take away much sensation. Trust me. I was being gentle so I wouldn’t hurt you.” “If you want me to trust you, stop making decisions that affect me without asking me first. I have a right to know these things.” Ignoring Luc’s wide eyes, he tossed the lubricant in the same direction as the dildo. “Do you have anything that doesn’t take away feeling?” After a brief pause, Luc stretched across the bed and slid open a drawer filled with unopened tubes and bottles. He grabbed a thick lavender tube and brought it back. “This is from KinSkin. It’s all natural. We’ll use -- er --” He held it up. “Is this all right with you?” Izzorah purred and thanked him in Kin fashion, by butting his nose beneath the man’s chin and nuzzling him, marking him as his own. “Yes, Luc.” He kissed him on the lips. “Thank you for asking me. How long does it take the other stuff to wear off?” “It should pretty much be over by now.” “Okay. Wipe it off me then, will you?” From another cabinet hidden within the headboard, Luc pulled a couple of small white cloths. “You have a lot hidden in this bed.” Izzorah turned onto his stomach. “I sleep here, but it’s also my haven. I like to be prepared.” Luc set about wiping him clean. “Mmm, feels better. I know you try to be gentle, Luc.” He turned his head so he could see him over his shoulder. The man’s image was as clear as if they were face-to-face. “I love that about you, but it’s okay to be rough.” He paused, nodding. “I’m glad to hear you say that, love. Because once I get inside you, I may forget myself.” He chuckled. “Luc, if you want to use my mouth first, believe me, I don’t mind.” “What, and risk another tongue-lashing for holding you back?”

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Izzorah licked the air. “You can lash with your tongue? I thought lash meant ‘whip.’ How do you do it?” He licked again. Luc cracked up and fell over laughing, grabbing Izzorah as he slid down into the thoroughly mussed bed. “Come here, you.” He pulled Izzorah on top of him and gave him a kiss. “It means being yelled at, and I was joking.” “Oh.” Izzorah propped himself up on his arms, braced over Luc. “I think I’m going to try it, though.” Before Luc could get away, Izzorah pinned his brawny arms and started licking his face and ears. Luc pretended to resist, but his scent told Izzorah how much he enjoyed this attention. Izzorah licked down to his broad chest and set both hands around one nipple before he licked it. Luc arched upward, sighing. Pricking his skin with clawtips, Izzorah continued across his chest to the other side. Luc’s curly hair tickled Izzorah’s nose, but he avoided a sneeze by holding his breath, and reached the other nipple. It, too, rose like a tiny mountain peak beneath his tongue, pebbled and stiff. “Rah.” Luc squirmed, echoing his name. Izzorah licked his way downward. Luc had only let him lick his cock once before, their first night together, with chocolate body paint on both of them. The man had been too focused on pleasuring Izzorah to allow much for himself. After kissing Luc’s skin once more, Izzorah lifted his head. Luc’s face was angled toward his. “What is it?” “You don’t allow yourself pleasure.” “That’s crazy. Sure I do.” He picked up his head, pulled a pillow beneath it, and then pushed it away. “Wet.” He wiped his neck with one of the cloths. “Sorry. I came all over it.” “Stop saying you’re sorry, love. It has no place in this bed. I won’t have you apologizing for anything gooey, sticky, or wet pertaining to our sex life.” Luc sat up and tossed the cloth onto the floor. The pillow followed. “So we shouldn’t apologize to each other?” “No, we shouldn’t. Not about sex. Not about being messy and sticky. It’s part of being lovers. No shame between us, Izzorah.” “Prove it.” He braced himself on his arms. He frowned. “Prove what?” “That we don’t have to be ashamed. Lie back down and let me lick you. Let me make you come.” Luc’s shoulders slumped. “I thought you were all hot to be fucked.” He grinned. “Don’t worry. I’m sure even at your age you can get it back up pretty quick.”

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Shaking a finger at him, Luc made a deep chuckle. “Ohhh, that was low. I’m going to get you for that.” Izzorah crawled forward enough to kiss his fingertip and flicked his ears. “Promise?” “Dahssenoh.” “Brat. That’s me.” He showed fang. “Now lie back and let me enjoy this.” Groaning, Luc did as asked. “You’ll be the death of me, Rah.” He chuckled. “I’ll make it a happy one.” Hooking his thumbs around the base of Luc’s dark cock, he leaned in to taste it. The color said it should taste like dark chocolate, but it was more like the man himself, a light, musky scent of desire. The head felt like velvet, or the petals on a rose. Izzorah licked carefully, gently, all too aware his tongue could rip meat off bones.

What does it feel like to Luc? Does it hurt? The air smelled only of lust. Apparently not. Luc had been circumcised like Izzorah, allowing full access to the thick cockhead. Izzorah had touched another male’s cock once, and he’d pressed his palm against one through clothes, but this…this was incredible. “Tsoh, Luc. Tsoh.” He added, “Beautiful, beautiful,” realizing he’d spoken in Felis. He licked along the edge of the head, bringing his tongue up from under the ridge to the slanting surface. Far different from the dildo, Luc’s cock pulsed beneath his hands. He wrapped both fists around it end to end, yet plenty of his shaft remained untouched. “You’re huge, Luc.” “No, love. You’re new at this.” He bit his lips and whimpered as Izzorah licked him. Izzorah slid his mouth over the top. Luc threw back his head, legs stiff. “Oh, God!” Izzorah bobbed his head, licking along the vein on the underside. Luc fisted the sheets, eyes shut tight. He looked so beautiful lost in lust. Izzorah wanted to keep him there, hanging on the edge of pleasure, endlessly. “Izzorah -- Oh, oh, God. Stop. Stop, please!” Luc grabbed him and pulled him up into his arms, his body flush against Izzorah’s, all along his length. “I want to get inside you. Please, baby. Let me make love to you the way you want. Please.” Hearing Luc beg for him, desire him, sent him into the clouds. “Yes, Luc.” He kissed him and then dragged over two pillows so he could get into position. Luc slathered on lubricant and got on his knees behind him. “Tell me if I hurt you, love. I’ll stop. I don’t want to hurt you.” He nodded so Luc would quit talking, but being hurt meant nothing at this point. He bit his lips to keep from screaming, just put it in, damn it!

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Now, now, he would finally know what it felt like. What having a cock inside him was really like. He held his breath. “Breathe, Izzorah. I need you to keep breathing. Stay relaxed, okay?” “Yes, Luc.” He gasped a bit. “Hurry.” “As you wish, love.” The feel of Luc’s cock against his back door felt like nothing he’d expected. In the sex vids he’d seen -- right up close to the screen -- the one on the bottom usually looked like he was in pain. This felt like heaven. Luc rocked forward, and Izzorah felt the sliding sensation of him entering. There was an urge to push back, but he didn’t, not wanting Luc to stop. “Are you okay, love?” “Pah. Pah. Estt.” Luc halted. He’d let himself get distracted back into Felis. “Yes, yes, more. More, Luc. Please. More.” Izzorah tensed. Luc was sliding the rest of his shaft into him, pushing him wide open. Izzorah shut his eyes, breath held. “Luc. Oh, Luc. Estt. More.” He panted, wanting this. Wanting the feeling of being opened, taken. Having his lover so close they were one flesh. The burn of Luc’s skin against his felt like the purest sexual fire. Like the pleasure of a clawtip sliding down his back. No, like a good rub after a long run. Hitting all the right spots.

Mmm. Mmm. Perfect. He put his head down on his folded arms and wiggled as Luc slid farther in. Luc’s words sounded like a chant, or a prayer. Izzorah couldn’t make out the words, but his scent spoke of happiness. Joy. And then Luc began to move. Out, back in. Rocking him. “All the way, Luc.” Izzorah pricked up his ears. “Please. I want you all the way in me.” “Izzorah, Rah, are you sure?” “I want it now, Luc. I --” He grunted as Luc rocked deeper into him. “Oh. Oh, yes. Like that. Mmm.” He thrust back. “God, Izzorah.” Luc gripped his hips and held him steady. The man’s body rubbed against his backside. “I had no idea it would be like this.” “Come on, damn it.” Izzorah gyrated his hips. “I want to feel you.” Laughing, Luc gripped him harder. “Stand by, kosset.” Within moments, Luc was rocking into him harder, and Izzorah spread his knees a bit to thrust back. The cascade of a climax rose up from his toes and burst through him. The sensation of fullness, of Luc’s hard shaft rubbing inside him, triggered the same incredible wall of pleasure Luc’s fingers had -- only more so, like a spring rain compared to a summer

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thunderstorm. Izzorah stiffened, dug in his claws, and held on. Behind him, Luc’s throaty cry as he came pushed Izzorah over the final edge. Up, up into heaven.

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Chapter Nineteen Sofftem 41 At the breakfast table near the kitchen, Izzorah waited with hands folded in his lap for Luc to join him. He perked up his ears at the sound of his lover’s footsteps. Luc bent down to kiss him. “Good morning, love.” He joined him at the table. “Are you sore?” Drooping both ears down and back, Izzorah lowered his gaze and gave one negative shake of his head. I spent the night stark naked around this man, yet here I am blushing over a question? Izzy, get a grip. He aligned the flatware at his place. “Are you hungry?” “Starved.” Luc snapped open his napkin. “I think we both worked up an appetite.” Izzorah’s cheeks blazed. He bit his lips, chuckling. “I know I did.” He smiled up at Luc through his lashes. They’d slept until they felt like rising and woke to make love one more time. A leisurely shower where they’d scrubbed and shampooed each other had led to another quick session in the water. Izzorah was barefoot but had pulled on his favorite Iron Soul T-shirt and a pair of loose jeans. Luc wore slippers, dark lounge pants, and a white T-shirt covered by his robe.

Does this man ever go barefoot or dress sloppy? Izzorah grinned. Prolly not, with a former supermodel living in his house. Or had Luc always been this well groomed? Hmm. Guess we’ll see. Luc’s scent changed so subtly, Izzorah almost missed it.

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He’s hiding something! Izzorah flicked his ears outward, listening for clues, and gave a few sniffs. Something good. But what? Oooh, a surprise. He cleared his throat. “Um, Luc? What are you planning?” “Planning?” He smiled, his scent full of conflicting layers of smells. Definitely hiding something. Izzorah sniffed again. “What?” Luc folded his hands on the table. “Your Kin nose is working overtime this morning. What is it you smell?” “A surprise.” Luc widened his dark eyes and rested against the back of his chair. “How the hell do you do that?” “Do what?” “How do you know what I’m thinking?” “Oh, I -- uh…” Luc’s scent filled with an almost-burned butterscotch smell. Worry. Izzorah put his ears down and placed both hands in his lap. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to spoil it.” “It’s all right, love. I’ve never met a Kin who could smell emotions as precisely as you.” He rubbed a hand across his mouth. “Have you always been able to scent this well?” He propped both elbows on the table and rested his chin on both fists. “Ever since I can remember. Te ayleese --” He kept his head down, refusing to meet Luc’s questioning gaze. He played with one of the forks. “Never mind.” “What about your mother?” He reached over and touched Izzorah’s hand where it rested on the table. “It’s all right, love. You can tell me.” “She said I had too great a gift for it to not be used properly.” A quick glance showed Luc was still staring at him. Izzorah ducked his head again and wet his lips. “She made me go with her whenever she went before Ke Slahvit Kin.” “The Council of Pride?” Luc’s chair creaked as he turned and leaned back. “I thought males weren’t permitted there.” “Not grown ones. I was a child. Ayleese -- Mother -- said because I was a boy no one would think me worthy of attention.” “Now that’s hard to imagine. You must’ve been a beautiful boy, Izzorah. You’re breathtaking as a grown male.” Cheeks scalding from such high praise, he bit his lips. “Thank you. One of the elders used to give me sweets and let me sit on her lap while Mother talked.” Luc sat up and stiffened as if Izzorah had casually mentioned playing with poisonous snakes. “What is it?” Izzorah held his breath.

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“Which elder?” He almost spat the words, cloaked with the drive for vengeance in a net of scent so dark, Izzorah shrank back, claws out and ears back. “She…she didn’t hurt me.” Luc held up both hands. “I’m sorry, love. Sorry. Not angry with you. I’ve heard so many stories of Kin boys being abused, it makes me instantly suspicious.” He relaxed his shoulders and sheathed his claws. “No. No, it was Kimathra Fasra. She was a legend. All us boys loved her. She actually saw us, you know?” He patted his chest. “We weren’t invisible. We felt safe around her. Not her daughter, though. Kraftig is -- hmm. I don’t know the human word. We say daymohn.” “Demon in Etymis. Go on. Did she ever touch you?” “No. She would look at me, but she stank of evil. I stayed close to Kimathra or my mother. I could never understand why others could stand Kraftig’s scent.” He shuddered. “So, if I understand,” Luc offered, “your mother used you to interpret what the Council was really doing. Am I right?” “Yes. But she also wanted to know other things.” Luc nodded, listening and paying close attention. “Such as?” “I could tell who they’d been with and where they’d been. The elders and warriors on the Council never bothered with me. I was ahsgahee playing at my mother’s feet. A little boy. No threat. They had no idea what I was doing or what my mother was doing with what I learned. I didn’t understand until later. She would ask me questions, telling me it was a game. How well could I remember? How much could I smell? She used what I told her to guess who was sleeping with someone else’s mate, who’d been in another tzesar’s territory, and who was consorting with humans. The Council feared her, and they had no idea how she was learning these things.” “So your mother used your ability as a means to blackmail the Council.” “Yes. She said it was the only way she could hold on to her land.” Luc tilted his head. “May I ask you to back up a moment, love? What did you mean by ‘consorting with humans’? We had a treaty.” “Yes, but back then, the Council feared humans would take over. No one really knew what to expect from the Conqueror.” He shrugged. “You were all nahee to us.” “Aliens.” Luc rested his chin on one fist. “I’ve heard the term.” “Any Council member who was friendly to nahee was anathema. Cursed. Kimathra’s daughter overthrew her mother’s rule of the Fasra clan and took it for herself because Kimathra supported humans. When Kimathra died suddenly, and no one could prove it wasn’t a natural death, I knew the Council would change, and I was right. Kraftig convinced the Council that Kimathra had been a traitor and had her mother’s name removed from the clan histories.”

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“The way they removed Ehldani Ruh’s name after her abuse of children was uncovered. You know a lot about politics. The Council shake-up was two years ago, and you left Felidae three years prior. How did you keep up if you couldn’t read?” “Chynk.” “Ah.” Luc nodded slowly. “Your cousin has influence. I’ll keep him in mind. More Kin males need to be interested. Eventually, they’ll have equal rights, and the ones who understand politics have the best chance of being leaders.” Izzorah sniffed. Truth, at least as far as Luc could sense it. As if the Council would ever permit a male to sit in judgment of a female. “My mother thought I sat through those endless Council meetings and paid little attention, but I soaked up every word.” Luc chuckled. “What?” Izzorah angled his ears toward Luc. “They had no idea who they were playing with.” He smiled. “I’m more proud of you than you know. You’re amazing, kosset. The Pride Council deserves whatever they get, in my opinion.” “You know, Kin means pride. It’s time the Council lived up to its name again.” “Well said, love.” “Thank you. I think the Falehla tzesar suspected I was the one telling my mother secrets. Maybe she bartered to marry me so she could use my ability to her advantage. She wasn’t the tzesar back then. She might’ve figured she could use me to gain power.” He shrugged. “I couldn’t stand the thought of being used. It was bad enough at home.” Luc took Izzorah’s hand in his, rubbed his thumb across the back of it. “I’m glad you ran away. If you hadn’t, I wouldn’t have you in my life right now. The thought of you being in her hands sends fire through my veins. She’ll never threaten you again, Rah. I swear it.” He lifted his head and met Luc’s gaze straight on. “Thank you.” He gripped Luc’s hand tighter. “Mother made me lie about something else, Luc.” Izzorah licked his fangs, head down. “I need to tell you my real age.” He wrapped both hands around Izzorah’s. “You’re twenty-one, kosset.” Izzorah whipped his head up so fast it made him dizzy. “You know?” “I needed your exact age because of your heart, so I coerced your aunt Mynkoh into telling me the truth.” He groaned. “Oh God. That fffittss cannot keep a secret. I don’t know how she hides the fact she’s a rebel.” Luc blinked, his eyes round. “A rebel? Mynkoh’s a rebel?” “Uh…” Izzorah gulped. “You didn’t know? I thought since you were one too, you’d --” “Holy hell.” Luc pressed his fingertips against his temples. “Don’t tell me you can smell that.”

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Izzorah wet his lips, shoulders hunched. After a moment, Luc gestured with both hands. “Well?” “Well what?” “Can you smell the fact I’m a rebel?” Izzorah frowned, ears twitching. “You said not to tell you.” Luc swore. Though the words were in some other language, their meaning was clear. He got up and paced back and forth a moment, finally sat back down and took Izzorah’s hands in his. “Love. Kosset. I don’t want to tell you to lie, but you can’t let anyone know that about me.” “I know. Because of the empress, right?” “That’s --” Luc sighed. “It’s complicated. A million reasons, but the empress… She already --” He shook his head and sighed again. “I hardly know where to start.” The layers of conflicting emotion-smells deepened. Izzorah puzzled over them, trying to determine which belonged at the top. “She knows, but she’s --” He sneezed to clear his nose of all the scents. “She pretends not to. Luc, I don’t understand.” “If the public knew, the empress would have to act against me. I’ll explain every detail later, but you need to learn some other things first. I need to know I can trust you to keep my secret.” “I would never betray you, Luc. You’re my warrior. I owe you my life, and I gave you my heart.” His scent held overtones of cinnamon with crisp mint, very unique to Luc. Contentment and gratitude. When he smiled like that, it smelled like it came all the way from the depths of his soul. “I love you, Rah.” He drew Izzorah’s hands to his mouth and kissed the backs of his fingers. “But you already know, don’t you?” He nodded and gave Luc a human smile, showing fang. “So, do you really have a surprise for me?” Luc laughed. “Yes, love, but you’ll have to wait until later.” “I love surprises! It’s hard to surprise me, you know.” “No! Really?” Luc leaned back in his chair. Izzorah hooked a claw at him. “Don’t give me any claw.” Luc shook a finger at him. “Not showing you till later.” He sneezed. “Can I guess?” “No.” He folded his arms, lashes lowered.

Being able to see will be a big advantage once I learn what all these facial moves mean. It’d be a lot easier if humans had decent ears.

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Luc picked up his coffee mug, looked into it, and frowned. “I need some coffee.” He lifted his head. “McDoth!” “Is it another sex game?” Izzorah scooted his chair forward. “Does it involve more chocolate body paint? I liked that.” Luc chuckled. “Wait and see.” He looked up as McDoth entered with coffee. “Finally!” He rubbed his hands together. “My caffeine system has too much blood in it.” With a glance at Izzorah, who had lifted both ears, he added, “A joke, love. Means I need coffee.” He laughed. “Oh! Kory prolly has a caffeine system too.” The android poured a large mug for Luc. “Would you care for coffee, Master Izzorah?” “I’d prefer plain milk, please.” “Right away, Master Izzorah.” McDoth hurried away. “Luc?” Izzorah lowered his voice. “Why does he call me that?” “‘Master Izzorah’ you mean?” He glanced toward the door. “It’s a sign of respect.” “Oh.” He restraightened the flatware. “Did he call Wulf ‘master,’ too?” “Indeed I did.” McDoth set a glass of milk beside the plate. “Does it bother you, sir?” “No, but ‘sir’ does. I’ll think you’re talking to Luc. Could you leave ‘sir’ off? Please?” McDoth turned to Luc, who nodded. “Very well, Master Izzorah. I shall not call you ‘sir.’” He bowed. “Now, for breakfast, how about some thick country ham, fried potatoes, biscuits with honey, and sliced peaches with cream?” Izzorah almost drooled. “Sounds great! And may I have some more milk, please?” He finished the last of it. “You may.” McDoth took the empty glass and left the room. “Izzorah, McDoth and I must go out for about two hours this evening, but we won’t be able to take you with us, love. I’m sorry.” He drooped his ears but quickly perked them up again so Luc wouldn’t see his disappointment. No need to make the man feel guilty. “That’s okay. I can watch Imperinet. I can see the screen, and I’m learning how to find all kinds of things. McDoth showed me a Tarthian Fists versus Kelthian Killers ruckball game and explained how the teams scored.” “The Fists are my favorite team.” Luc leaned forward, elbows braced on the table. “That’s what McDoth said. I’d like to get a Fists T-shirt and maybe go to a game.” “I’ll take you to a home game next weekend. I own the stadium where they play.” Izzorah gave a happy rrrl, sitting up straight. “Oh, that will be fun!” “I’m sorry I can’t take you tonight, love. I hate leaving you at home, but my son Senthys is being promoted tonight within the Thieves’ Guild, and I have one of the few invitations he was able to hand out. The Guild is highly protective of their secrets and members.”

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“You must be very proud.” “He’s at level twenty-four, which is halfway to the highest level. You’ll learn all the ranks when you take your first class.” Luc winked. Izzorah gave a melodramatic sigh. “Here I am, in love with a human who’s determined to turn me into a thief. How am ever going to explain thievery to my clan? You think letting them know I’m in love with a man will get me into trouble. Hah! That’s nothing compared to this. Although finding out some of your secrets could be handy.” Izzorah spread his napkin on his lap more smoothly. “Will we be eating when you get home, then?” “Yes. I’ll be bringing Senthys, his wife, NarrAy, and his half brother Khyffen --” “The one who married Mehfawni Ruh? What if she hates us being together?” “That’s her choice, but it won’t change my love for you. I’ve come to know her rather well, kosset. I doubt she’ll object.” He patted Rah’s hand. “Are you all right with this?” He swallowed and nodded. “I have to face her sometime.” “That’s the spirit! As part of his own training, Senthys has been mentoring a young boy named Sylk, and he’ll be here too, with his father and uncle, who are the highest-ranking thieves in the Guild, and have been for more years than most of the newer members have been alive.” Luc blew on his coffee. “I did tell you Senthys is married to a Better, didn’t I?” He nodded. “I’ve never met a Better before. They avoid Kin because their pheromones can drive us wild. We live our lives by scenting everything around us, and for us, their pheromones are like drinking from a fire hose.” Luc reached out and squeezed Izzorah’s hand. “NarrAy has her pheromones under tight control. It shouldn’t be a problem for you, but let me know if it’s too much. Wulf’s spouse is a Better.” “The blond man who was with him in the closet?” “Ah, so you met Alitus. Yes.” “I didn’t notice anything different about him.” Izzorah’s napkin started to slide off his lap and he hooked a claw into it and put it back. “His are -- different. I’ll explain later.” “Yes, Luc.” He put his head down a moment, struggling with his disappointment, balancing it against being part of a special family meal later. Above all other duties and pleasures, he must support the hero of his heart, his lover, the other half of his soul. He lifted his head and met Luc’s gaze. “Is there anything I can do to help you get ready?” A slow smile crossed Luc’s face. “I may need a long, hot, sudsy shower and then help getting dry afterward.” Izzorah’s throat tightened, his cock rising, balls tightening against his body. He swallowed. The tender ache in his balls and rigidity of his cock had Izzorah squirming in his

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seat. He gave Luc a not-so-innocent smile. “Do you think you’ll really need a shower? We had a shower ten minutes ago.” The man trailed a fingertip farther up Izzorah’s arm, causing him to flush with heat. His heart pounded. “Between now and then, I intend to work up a sweat.” He lifted one eyebrow. “So will you.” Izzorah squirmed again, spreading his legs farther apart. “And then I’ll need help to dress. Tuxedo affair. I’ll teach you how to fasten everything. It’s complicated. We may have to take everything off and put it back on a few times so you can practice.” Closing his eyes, Izzorah shuddered, his body so engulfed in heat that he groaned with it. Both of them rose and leaned across the table. Izzorah gripped the front of Luc’s robe to pull him close, deepening their kiss. The edge of the table dug into his thighs. McDoth’s return with the milk broke them apart. Izzorah felt his face warm. Luc reseated himself, a smirking smile on his gorgeous face. Biting into the side of his cheek, Izzorah resisted the urge to cast breakfast aside and feast on Luc instead. The android poured more coffee and left. The size of Luc’s dark hands as they wrapped around the white mug brought back memories of the night before. Those hands had held him, turned him, lifted him. Loved him. Izzorah had given himself over in complete trust, resting in Luc’s strong arms, his hands holding him up. Those loving hands had bathed him, soaped his chest, and shampooed his pelt and hair. Those same dark hands had dried his skin and hair, lifting strands with patient fingers as he blew it dry. Izzorah swallowed, his throat tight with lust. He fought to control his emotions, trying to think of some way to get his mind off sex, even if only for a moment. “Um, Luc?” Izzorah toyed with his drink, not meeting his gaze. “Are your sons older than me?” “Hmm.” He rubbed his mouth. “Senthys is younger. Khyffen is probably closest to you in age.” “I hope they don’t think I’m only after your money or something.” He chuckled. “Not to worry, kosset.” He patted Izzorah’s hand. “I can handle them. What people think doesn’t matter. I know your heart. When my sons know I trust you, they will too.” The smile on Luc’s face and the pride in his scent told him it would be okay. “Would you excuse me a moment, Luc?” When the man nodded, Izzorah pushed away from the table and went into the kitchen.

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“McDoth?” The android looked up. “Please don’t think I’m trying to tell you how to order the house. I know it’s your responsibility and only your responsibility, not mine. But --” He hesitated. “You may speak freely with me, Master Izzorah. What is it you want me to do?” “I have a personal request. Luc is the master of the house, and I would like it if he were always served first instead of me. It’s the Kin way.” “You are a guest, and sir requires guests to be served before him. I will ask his permission, and, if given, I will comply with your request.” He bowed. “And may I say, I find your respect and honor for Mr. Saint-Cyr to be exemplary.” Izzorah swallowed. “Is exemplary good?” The android gave him a wink. “It is perfection.” His cheeks hot from the unexpected praise, Izzorah returned to his seat. “Everything all right, love?” Luc reached across and took his hand. Smiling into Luc’s eyes, he nodded. McDoth entered with two plates of food, and the scent of the ham and potatoes drew a happy rrrl out of Izzorah. “Glad you approve.” Smiling, the android turned to Luc. “Sir, Master Izzorah would prefer you were served before him, as you are the master of the house. I am asking your permission since he is a guest.” The scent coming from Luc reminded Izzorah of hanging out the wash on a crisp summer day. Clean, fresh. Respect. For me? Mmm. I like that. He inhaled. “Izzorah has moved past the guest stage. You may consider him a resident.” Pride rose in Izzorah, so strong it burned his cheeks. “As you wish, sir.” He served Luc’s plate and then Izzorah’s. “Anything else other than more coffee? Master Izzorah, more milk?” They both nodded. “More coffee and milk right away, sir.” On his way out, McDoth winked at Izzorah. “I hope I didn’t overstep boundaries, Luc.” He adjusted the angle of his plate. “At home, the warrior is always served first, and you are my warrior. It didn’t feel right to be served first.” “Rah, look at me.” When he did, Luc had propped both elbows on the table, fingers linked before him. “You have freedom to do whatever you feel is correct. I thought you handled that well. You showed respect for McDoth, as well as me. Thank you. I appreciate you taking care of me. I’m used to people deferring to me, but they do it for far different reasons. From you” -- he slid the backs of his fingers down Izzorah’s face, rubbing a thumb across his cheek -- “it’s very loving.”

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Izzorah leaned his cheek against Luc’s hand. If the man had plucked the moons out of the sky and given them to him it couldn’t have felt better. Luc picked up his fork again. “Are you as hungry as I am?” “Starved.” They both dug into the food.

***** Luc opened the door to the walk-in closet in Izzorah’s room. No more than a handful of items hung inside. He turned back to his young lover. “Where are the rest of your clothes? I thought McDoth brought everything.” Izzorah stepped in front of him and looked around. “They’re all here.” Luc scanned the paltry few items hanging inside. They took up not one-tenth of the space. “Kosset. You can’t mean -- This is your entire wardrobe?” Izzorah laid back one ear. “Luc, I’m a rocker. Kory helped me buy a tux and really pinchy shoes for the signing with you. He tied the tie because the only other time I’ve worn one was when we met with Wulf last year. I’m happy in grungy jeans and sweatshirts. I don’t need a lot of clothes. A couple of Ts, a couple of jeans, and I’m good.” “Hmm.” Luc rubbed the hem of Izzorah’s T-shirt between finger and thumb. Soft, worn, and hopefully, though it didn’t look it, washed countless times. “I’ve been meaning to ask you about this. It’s ripped and stained.” Izzorah pulled it away from his body, looked down at it, and then up at Luc. “So? It’s comfortable. I got this when we toured with Iron Soul. Their drummer gave it to me. It’s my favorite.” “It’s old. Let me get you a new one.” “I don’t want a new one. Every rip on here means something. See this?” Izzorah pointed to a smear on the gray shirt. “That’s from helping them paint a banner for their show. And this hole is ’cause I was carrying equipment for Ahneesah Kin, and one of the trunks caught on it and it tore. They all smiled at me for helping them.” He grinned. “Do you know how good that made me feel? This rip on the back collar is ’cause the guys and I were playing in the snow on Whinbrice. Tark grabbed me, and we ended up rolling down a hill, laughing like kids. It felt like being home, playing with my cousins. There’s a lot of memory caught up in this shirt.” Shaking his head, Luc sighed. Was I ever that sentimental? In any lifetime? He shut the closet door. “Fine, love. I understand. Truly. But you need more clothes.” Those adorable Kin ears of his flattened. “Why?” “What do you mean, ‘why?’ Why wouldn’t you want more things?” Izzorah’s nose wrinkled. Was he sniffing or about to growl? “I’m a rocker, Luc. Not a model.”

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“Kosset, I’m not trying to remake you. I know possessions don’t impress you.” “What about Wulf?” Izzorah stuck both hands in his pockets. “Is that why he had a closet the size of my parents’ house? I don’t understand why he kept so much.” “When he modeled, Wulf made a living with his looks, and his appearance itself was a marketing tool for Lucsondis. I’m not comparing you to him.” Izzorah narrowed his eyes. On a human, that would be doubt. “Rah, you are my prince. You’re my heart.” He laid a hand over it. “You represent me.” His young lover’s ears came straight up. “You’re my warrior, and I’m proud of you. I never thought about you feeling the same way.” He ducked his head. “I’m sorry.” “Look at me.” When he did, Luc bent to kiss him. “You’re not used to being mine yet, that’s all. When you’re seen in public, I want people to know how much I treasure you. I would dress you in solid gold if I could. But since you need to be able to walk” -- he caressed Izzorah’s face -- “the finest clothing will have to do.” Izzorah rubbed against Luc’s hand and purred. “Yes, Luc. Can I keep this shirt, though?” “Kosset, you gave up your entire world for a chance at liberty and success. I would never deny you anything. I’d never separate you from the people or things you love.” Izzorah’s smile felt like a door to summer had opened on a winter’s day. Luc stroked his face, needing to touch him. “I’ll have my tailor come out tomorrow and show us some things. Maybe have Icia Teoh do a few designs for you. She’d like playing with you, no doubt.” “Playing with me?” His ears flattened. “Figure of speech, love. She’ll treat you like a gorgeous Kin doll. Beautiful and perfect. She’ll be delighted to design for you. I can’t wait to see how she dresses you.” “You mean she’d design clothes only for me?” Izzorah blinked. “Wouldn’t it cost a lot of money? My cousin Trey says she’s expensive.” “No, no. Icia Teoh’s not expensive. She’s outrageous. And worth every drak.” Luc backed him against the wall and braced a hand on either side of him. “Kiss me.” Izzorah lifted his arms and slid them around Luc’s neck as he rose on tiptoe to offer his mouth. The feel of Izzorah against his body sent a warm shiver through Luc. He brought up both hands to Izzorah’s shoulders, slid them along his arms, and pulled him closer. “Mmm.” He nuzzled his catlike ears. “You smell good.” Izzorah purred, his eager young cock hard against Luc’s thigh. “T’hahr, you feel good.” He rubbed himself against Luc. Pulling Izzorah up hard against him, he slanted his mouth across his lips. His Kin lover yielded to his touch, digging his claws into Luc’s shirt to hold him close.

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When the kiss ended, Luc pulled his shirt forward. Claw holes marked the sides. “Uh-oh.” Izzorah drooped his ears but bared his fangs in a human grimace. “Sorry. Was it expensive?” “It doesn’t matter. Being roughed up by you is worth it.” Luc tapped him on the nose and pressed his brow against Izzorah’s. “I have a feeling I’ll spend a fortune on clothes around you. You seem to like ripping them to shreds.” “Easy fix. Always come to me naked. Is this shirt ruined?” “Quite.” “Good. Then you won’t mind this.” Izzorah used one claw to slice off each of the shirt’s buttons, which made little tink sounds as they hit the floor. The undershirt he gripped with one hand and sliced through with the claws of the other. Luc stood there, bare-chested, exposed before his lover’s eyes. Pride mixed with a sense of vulnerability he’d had with no other lover. Not from fear, nor from Izzorah’s claws, but from knowing he could no longer shield his heart. Izzorah owned it. The beginnings of a hard-on had started with their kiss. When Izzorah pushed the shredded remains of his shirt off his shoulders, Luc’s cock hardened, balls tight. “There.” Izzorah pushed his fingertips through the hair on Luc’s chest. “Much better.” He smiled up at him. Luc backed Izzorah up against the wall and braced his hands on either side of his head. “Playing with fire, love.” His Kin lover purred. “God, I hope so.” Tightening his arms around Luc, he pulled him down for another kiss. The hot, wet mouth beneath Luc’s tasted of strawberries and the sweetness that was Izzorah. His Kin tongue felt rough, a reminder of his nature. A little feral, a little innocent, all male. Luc groaned, pushing his body against Izzorah’s, needing to be closer. “Want inside you, love.” He kissed his way across Rah’s face. “Want to make love to you. Take you. Keep you in my bed forever.” “Do it, Luc.” Izzorah tilted back his head, exposing his throat as Luc sucked and bit his skin. “Make me yours. Wanna be yours.” Breaking away, Luc grabbed Izzorah’s hand and led him back into the bedroom. They shed clothes as fast as they could, ripping things in haste. Luc didn’t wait for them to reach the bed, but bent Izzorah across the side of it, grabbed lube from the drawer, and slicked it across his cock. He stroked lubricant into Izzorah’s hole, spreading him with two fingers. He felt Izzorah’s purr change to a rumbling rrrl. Mumbled and choked sounds came from his lover, but if it was speech, it made no sense. Izzorah wagged his hips, shoving back against Luc’s hand. “You want this, don’t you?” Luc palmed his own cock and rubbed it against him. “You want it filling you. Pushing you open.”

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Izzorah growled and ground his hips against Luc, desperate moans coming from deep within him. “So hot, Rah. You’re so fucking hot when you’re like this. God, I love you.” He set the head of his cock against Izzorah’s entrance and slid inside, not stopping until he’d buried his cock as deep as it would go. He held still, so overwhelmed by joy he could barely breathe. He blinked away the tears on his lashes. “Want to ride you, love. Take you, love you, over and over.” Luc pulled halfway out and slid back inside, adding a rough thrust when he reached the end of the stroke. Izzorah cried out, digging claws into the bed. “Estt! Oh, Luc. Luc!” Hearing him beg for more, calling his name, almost broke Luc’s heart. The love he felt was so deep, so poignant it hurt. How ironic those same tender feelings drove him to slam into his eager young lover, hard, hard, rocking him forward against the bed. “Estt! Ffffftt! Luc. Estt!” Izzorah spread his thighs and raised himself on tiptoes so he could arch back against him. “Oh, damn, Izzorah. Hot. So damn hot.” Luc slipped both hands beneath Rah and spread them across his chest, raised him toward himself. Izzorah’s legs trembled.

He’s close. Oh, God, Rah. Tossing his head, Izzorah stiffened, his body flush along Luc’s length. Neither of them could move, too close, too tight, too wound around each other. “Mwah, Luc. Mwah te.” Kiss, Luc. Kiss me. As Izzorah leaned back against him, Luc cupped a hand around the Kin’s strong jaw and turned him enough to reach his mouth. Swamped with lust and tenderness, cock sheathed to the hilt within his lover’s body, Luc whimpered into his mouth. Rah reached back with both hands and clasped Luc’s hips, holding him close, keeping Luc buried within him. Tight, tight. So tight neither of them could do more than rub against the other. Luc rocked side to side with Izzorah in his arms. When he reached down to grip Rah’s cock, it took only two pulls and Izzorah was coming, crying out into Luc’s mouth. Luc held him in both arms, kissed him with all the tender passion in his heart. “You’re mine,” he whispered against Izzorah’s lips. “Always and forever.” Gently, he bent Izzorah forward and placed both hands on his hips. Two, three, four thrusts, and he followed him down into bliss.

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Chapter Twenty The Loft “You’re amazing, love.” Luc held out his arms, and Izzorah stepped into them. “You’ll turn heads all afternoon.” Showered and dressed in casual jeans and a button-down shirt, the young Kin nestled his head against Luc’s shoulder and slid both arms around his waist. “Luc?” Luc smiled and took a moment to play with one of Izzorah’s ears before answering. “Hmm?” “Why are you sending me to a hair place for females?” “What?” He held Izzorah at arm’s length. “I’ll have you know Jo’s is owned by the creator of KinSkin. Remember the bubble bath and the shampoo? The soaps? The Kin deodorant? All natural, all nonscented.” “Yeah.” Luc kissed the top of Izzorah’s head. “Jo has an exclusive shop in the Di Consueto District, not far from here. All his workers are Kin males. It’s as far from a ‘female hair place’ as you can get. His salon caters to wealthy Kin males, and it’s high time you became one of his clients.” “There are wealthy Kin males on Tarth?” “Of course, and you’re one of them.” He snorted. “I hardly spend anything. I save every drak I make, give half of it to my people, and invest the rest in whatever Kory says I should. I’m not wealthy.” “Which is one of the reasons you’re wealthy. You don’t waste your money.” Luc gently pulled him back into his arms. “I took a look at your portfolio. Kory’s a wise investor. Trust

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me, love. You’re wealthy. There are a number of Kin males here, mostly married, whose mates indulge them at Jo’s. He’s a great guy. I’ve known Jo a long time. Putting you in his hands is the right thing. He’ll make you look and feel great. You’ll be treated like the tzesareen you are.” He leaned against Luc’s chest. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have sounded disappointed in your surprise.” “Being treated like a prince at Jo’s isn’t your surprise.” Izzorah lifted his head. “It’s not?” Luc tapped him on the nose. “No, but he’ll get you ready for it.” He sniffed the air. “Tell me!” Chuckling, Luc hugged him and kissed his brow. “Soon enough, kosset. Now go with McDoth and have a good time. I’ve ordered the works for you. Full body grooming, manicure, pedicure, shampoo, massage. And Jo’s going to help you pick out a new tux for dinner tonight.” “A tux!” He brought both ears forward. “I thought we were eating at home tonight.” “Yes, and it’s a formal affair to celebrate my son’s graduation to a new level. Jo will also help you pick out some new accessories, a few fun things to wear. T-shirts, jeans, jackets, boots -- everything you already enjoy wearing, only new.” He shook his head. “I don’t like to spend good money on new clothes, Luc. I --” “My love.” Luc kissed him. “You have no idea how refreshing that is. All of this will be put on my account with Jo, so don’t give it a second thought. Let me lavish you with attention. It’s my gift. I want you to come back relaxed, happy, and looking even more perfect than you already do.” The Kin narrowed his eyes, ears back. “And then you’ll tell me the surprise?” Luc laughed. “Yes, kosset. I promise. First thing. Come on, I’ll walk you to the car.” Once outside on the parking deck, the sun’s heat warmed Luc’s face. The weather shields had been lowered in preparation for the hoversine leaving, and a light breeze tickled his ears. Izzorah let go of his hand, and Luc turned back. The Kin had crouched against the door, ears laid straight back, claws out, and fangs bared. Immediately protective, Luc put himself between Izzorah and any possible threat. McDoth blew his staid butler mode when he yanked two long-nosed blasters and crouched like the seasoned fighter he truly was. James, the driver, had both weapons out and was scanning the rooftop parking deck as well. Both androids gave Luc quick gestures meaning all was clear. Nothing menaced the surrounding area. Luc went down on one knee beside Izzorah. “Did you smell a threat? Is it something we can’t see?”

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Trembling, he hissed, staring upward past Luc’s shoulder, into the sky. Luc faced the same direction. A few clouds floated by, moving on the upper currents, but no starliners overflew this part of Tarth City; there were no small craft in sight. He pivoted back to him. “Love, what is it?” He ventured a touch on Izzorah’s shoulder. The Kin glanced at Luc, back at the sky, and then threw himself into Luc’s arms. He dug claws into his jacket and murmured a single syllable. “Saa?” Luc repeated. “That’s what frightened you?” Izzorah pulled back, ears down tight against his head, for all the world a little boy about to cry. “Te nahfret.” “Shh. You’re not stupid.” Luc kissed him, caressed his face, and cradled him, rocking him in his arms. “I should’ve thought about this before I brought you out here. You’ve been on portals and in the house and haven’t been outside at all since your sight returned. It’s one thing to see the sky through a window.” He turned and sat beside Izzorah on the ground, one arm around him. With the other, he made a sweeping gesture of the sky. “That’s the Tarthian saa, love. It seems huge and endless when you’re exposed to it the first time, I imagine. You’ve never been able to really see the sky before. No wonder you were frightened. Those white puffy things are clouds, and they’re moving on the wind high above the planet.” Both James and McDoth eased back into their usual dignified personas and made themselves scarce. Izzorah shook his head. “Te skikdu.” “You are not worthless. Although part of skikdu means ‘pretty’ and you are gorgeous, so I could see that maybe it applies a little if…” Izzorah shoved him playfully, smiling. He wiped at one eye. “I promise I won’t go manic on you again when something startles me.” Smiling, Luc kissed him. “And I promise to better anticipate what might overwhelm you.” “Deal. But I’m not gonna look up a lot until I get used to it. The saa here is big. It isn’t as blue as I remember Felidae, though. I lost my sight when I was three, and what I missed most was seeing the sky and the clouds. Aylogee Mynkoh and my brother and I used to lie on our backs and watch them make shapes. We’d eat cookies and she’d tell us stories.” Izzorah unfolded himself from his crouch and held down a hand to Luc. Taking Izzorah’s hand, Luc stood. To say he had an entirely new insight into Mynkoh was a massive understatement. “The sky on Felidae is a darker blue, and like I promised, I will take you home to see it. Now, are you ready for that afternoon of pure indulgence?” Izzorah nodded. Luc walked him to the car. “Izzorah, this is James. He’s my personal driver and he’s also a bodyguard. He’s been with me for years and I trust him implicitly.” That cant to his lover’s

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ears meant curiosity. “Implicitly means without doubt or reservation. Fully. So you can trust him the way I do.” “Like McDoth, you mean?” The butler nudged his chin a bit higher, looking quite pleased with himself. Luc resisted the urge to roll his eyes. “Exactly.” “Pleased to meet you, James.” Izzorah offered his hand to the android, who shook it and bowed. Luc turned Izzorah around, kissed him, and then walked him to the car’s open door. “Off you go.” He added a playful swat on his rear. Over his shoulder, Izzorah hissed and then winked. “McDoth?” “Sir?” “Upgrade to anticipate anything that might trigger another episode like this and warn me, all right?” “Already seen to, sir.” He bowed and ducked into the car beside Izzorah. With everyone gone, Luc retired to his private office to handle personal matters. Shohn Lexius was in a meeting at idBot, but her assistant assured him she’d call ASAP. He completed a few calls regarding the dinner he’d planned for Senthys, ensured the gift he’d ordered would be ready by morning, and then called Ms. Mead. They covered questions rapidly, mostly him giving approval for decisions she’d made on his behalf. “Sir, I do have one piece of good news. We’ve found a doctor for the Kin clinic.” “Excellent! Who is it?” “Doctor Paul Stenner. He’s human, from Notidisia. His maternal aunt is the new governor.” “You don’t say!” He leaned his chin on one fist. “He must be qualified, or you wouldn’t have signed off on it.” “More than qualified, and eager to do community service. Trying to prove himself, from what I gather. He’s young.” Ms. Mead’s silver hair shone under the bright lights of the office. She sat back in her chair. “His family is convinced being a doctor is a phase he’s going through. They’re quite wealthy. He’s considered a bit odd for wanting to work for a living. They still don’t know what to think of the governor, or her prior work.” “Nothing wrong with work.” Luc sat up. “Thank you, Ms. Mead. I’m sure Nanchonta will be pleased to know he’s off the hook, although knowing him, he’ll still show up every day.” She nodded. “I was thinking the same thing. Have a good evening with your family, sir.”

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After turning off the feed, Luc started to rise. A chime announced idBot and Shohn Lexius. Seating himself once more, he answered. “Shohn. Thanks for calling back.” “Yes, sir.” She brought both ears forward. “How can I help?” Wearing the black and green of an idBot uniform this time, her steady presence and warm smile calmed him. “I’ll get down to business, Shohn. I’m short on time. I need to know if you’ve dug up any dirt on that company we discussed while Izzorah was in the hospital.” The “company” being Izzorah’s former fiancée, the Falehla tzesar and her mates. “Yes, sir.” She seated herself. “I’ve been waiting for your call, since you said you’d contact me at the right time. Good and bad news.” “Go.” Luc steepled his fingers. “The good news is the partners of the firm appear to be above reproach. The bad is they’re more or less captive to the whims of a highly corrupt CEO.” Which meant the tzesar was guilty of murdering Dallon Ruh and had abused Izzorah. Her mates were blameless, though she’d let one of them be brutally executed for her crime. “Damn, Shohn. What do you recommend?” “It’s up to you, sir, but I wouldn’t like to see you partnered with a company likely to be taken down soon.” “How soon?” Luc laid his hands on the desk, clenched them into fists. “I’d say judicial action is imminent. The public, of course, won’t hear about it till it’s over. Right now, we’re doing what we can to minimize any hint of your involvement. I recommend you distance yourself from this one publicly.”

She’s being taken out tonight, while I’m with witnesses. Excellent. She will never touch Izzorah again. Never kill another innocent to hide her own guilt. “Well, hell.” He flattened his hands. “All right, Shohn. I’ll take your advice. Close out the investigation.” “Yes, sir. How is Mr. Ceeow?” “Excellent. Remarkably improved. His heart has been fully repaired. I’m more than pleased. On a good note, I’m about to ask him to start hyphenating his last name.” She grinned and then laughed. “You mean Ceeow-Saint-Cyr?” “You got it.” “That won’t do.” She gave him a stern shake of the head. “I recommend Luc Ceeow instead. Has a nice Kin ring to it.” He laid a hand over his chest in mock surprise and then grinned. “I would do it in a heartbeat, Shohn. I’ve fallen for him completely.” “Sir, that’s wonderful. Congratulations.” “Don’t congratulate me yet. He hasn’t said yes.”

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“You mean there’s someone in Tarth City who would dare say no to Luc Saint-Cyr? Horrors! Say it isn’t so.” He chuckled. “He’s meeting Senthys and Khyffen and their wives tonight.” “That’s right, Senthys is graduating. Now that, you can take congratulations for. You’re the reason he’s made it this far.” “Thank you, but my son earned every bit of this honor. I knew he’d go far from the moment I met him.” “So are you taking Mr. Ceeow with you to the ceremony, sir?” “No. I wasn’t able to gain entrance for him. You know the Guild. More rigid than idBot.” She shook her head, smiling. “So he’ll be home alone?” “Yes, for about two hours, which is another reason I called. Tighten the perimeter and lock down the entire Loft. The household droids and chef are already here. I want no one else getting in, or Rah getting out. I doubt he’ll try if I ask him to stay put, but he’s young. You never know.” “Of course, sir. Please give my regards to your son. He’s done remarkably well for one so young.” “Young? I’ll tell you about young. My old friends Flea and Gnat have a protégé named Sylk. Now, there’s a lad who’ll go far. I’ll be watching his career. Level fifteen, Shohn, and he’s only six. Remarkable achievement.” She folded her arms. “Should be quite a party. I hope you have a wonderful evening, and that you get the results you want with Mr. Ceeow.” “Thank you, Shohn.” She stood and started to offer her hand, but dropped it. “These holograms are so real. You forget you’re not really there.” Luc stood. “I wish I could shake your hand, Shohn. I appreciate your help, more than you know. I can’t repay you adequately for all you do.” She set her hands behind her. “Sir, in this case --” They both knew to whom she referred. “It has been more than a pleasure. Believe me. Don’t give it another thought. Enjoy your family. You deserve a night to remember.” The hidden layers of meaning in their conversation guaranteed that would certainly be true. When the call ended, Luc made his way to the portal. Once inside, he withdrew the flat bottle of eyedrops he always carried, twisted off the top, and opened a second compartment hidden within. He inserted the dropper and pressed twice, then returned the bottle to its former state. This time when he pressed the button to transport to Le Persequor,

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he instead stepped out onto a ship called Sanctuary, a little piece of the Sempervian homeworld he’d left behind thousands of years before.

***** Reborn Ship Sanctuary “Talk fast.” Mahikos nodded toward a large red countdown clock. “We have eight minutes before the portal reactivates and transfers you to Pietas. He has no reason to suspect a lag, but I’m not sure how much longer it’ll last.” Mahikos had chaired the Reborn Council that exiled Pietas and his hundred followers from their homeworld, Sempervia. The Reborn had towed them into deep space confined within a ship lacking navigation, and left them adrift. Unknown to anyone but Mahikos and his mate, Luc was their spy. The luck of a freighter passing their way saved them. For the crew’s trouble, Pietas slaughtered all of them and stole their ship. He’d called his fellow exiles Sempervians ever since, refusing to be known as one of the passive Reborn. Luc cleared his throat. “Has your local crew informed you about Izzorah?” Like the Chosen of the Sempervians, the Reborn had the Elect, far fewer in number, but every bit as deeply devoted, if not more so. “I know he’s your new lover, that he had a heart attack and he’s recovering.” “He was completely healed aboard Le Persequor because it turns out he’s a Sempervian Changeling. Brace yourself for this part. Pietas and Rheyn discovered Felidae and Ezraki years before it was revealed, and it was during that time that Pietas created Izzorah. Since he always creates twins, there’s at least another his age undiscovered, and could be more.” Mahikos staggered back a step. He swept fingers through his white-blond hair. “We’ve only found fourteen of the fifty-two we knew about so far. Alitus was a huge surprise.” He looked up. “Now you think there are more? Are you certain? Are you sure about Izzorah?” “Yes on all counts. Pietas gave Izzorah triefan and it healed him. He’s one of us.” Mahikos sighed. “Could you tell?” “No, he’s like Alitus, no aura at all. I can see auras around each of us, but Izzorah and Alitus appear to be mortal, even after rebirth.” He shifted position. “There’s a child named Sylk being reared by two of my old friends. I keep hearing tales about his prowess, things far beyond what even a prodigy like Senthys can perform. I’d suspect he was a Changeling if he weren’t so young. Only six.” “We’ve kept close watch over Pietas. We have no evidence he created any more since we destroyed the Sabbath Experiment, but I’ll have someone watch the boy.”

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“Last thing and most important. Pietas is going to claim Izzorah at some point and pull him into Peril. Before I’ll let Pietas so much as touch him, I’ll take Izzorah and disappear across the galaxy. Hide out in the Worlds of Wings if necessary. I think Paladin might give me sanctuary. We were close once, before he left Peril.” “You can’t leave, Cyken. You’re our eyes and ears on Pietas’s movements. You’ve been undercover for too many years to give up now.” “That’s my point, Mahikos! It’s been over thirty-four hundred years since we left Sempervia, and I was spying for you before then. I can’t keep doing this. If Pietas discovers what I’ve done, he’ll trot out all his favorite punishments. Forget Penance. That’s only dying every day for a year. If he discovers I’ve been spying for you since the first time he and I met, and gets his hands on me, he’ll kill me multiple times every day for the rest of eternity. If that’s not hell, I don’t know what is.” Mahikos gave him a look full of pity and compassion. “He was in love with you, and he trusted you. You were the only one who could get close to him. His ego let him believe you were one of the children he’d made.” And one of the many reasons Pietas had been exiled.

He’s still in love with me. Pinching the bridge of his nose, Luc closed his eyes. Shortly after they’d been exiled, before their rescue, Pietas had held him. Their air was dwindling, food stores nearly depleted. Pietas refused to eat or drink, insisting Luc take his share. Once those were gone, they’d eventually die and go into a type of stasis, until they were either rescued or the ship imploded. “Don’t be afraid, Cyken.” Pietas cuddled him closer. “No regrets. You were worth being exiled for. Worth playing God to get. Trust me. I will not let you down. I will let no one destroy you.” Mahikos laid a hand on Luc’s arm. “You can’t back out now. Who else could we send? We’re this close to finding all the Changelings.” Luc sighed. “Well, we were.” The Reborn turned and paced, small steps, back and forth. “You knew being the watchdog of an immortal would last forever. You knew the risks.” “And I’ve been taking them for thousands for years! Damn it, I want out. I’ve done everything you asked me to do. Enough is enough. I’m no coward, Mahikos, but I’ve spent centuries living under the fear of exposure, the constant threat of punishment, feeling like a knife’s poised at my back. I’m forced to constantly betray a man who’s balanced on the edge of madness and is convinced he’s in love with me.” He covered his face, dragged his fingers back through his tight curls. “It has to stop. I won’t put Izzorah through this. I won’t.”

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“We haven’t rescued all the Changelings yet. Once we find them, you can leave. I promise.” “We don’t even know how many there are.” The clock read sixty-five seconds. Luc swore in his native tongue. “At least promise me you’ll take Izzorah with you. Don’t let Pietas have him.” “He’s one of the Changelings.” Mahikos laid a hand on Luc’s shoulder. “That’s been our mission since we discovered Pietas started making them. We can’t take him now, of course. It would arouse suspicion. We’ll have to wait until he ‘dies’ or you do, but I assure you, he’ll be safe with us. None of this would have happened if I’d had the guts to destroy Pietas when I had the chance. Instead, I turned him loose on the galaxy, hoping he would die, and I sent you to die with him.” “I knew the risk. I banked on being rescued, and we were. Stop blaming yourself for the sins of Pietas. They’re not yours.” Reproach filled the turquoise eyes as Mahikos turned toward him. “Hundreds of thousands have died because of me.” He paced like an animal in a cage, teeth bared in a grimace, hands clenched. “Rather than permanently kill him, I let him destroy an entire world, start countless wars. I’m the reason you can never go home. I put the Changelings at risk.” “You’d have had to chop him into pieces or burn him. You couldn’t do either, Mahikos. No one blames you. Pietas is the guilty one. Not you.” Luc felt a tingle everywhere as the portal reactivated. As Luc’s body made the placeshift toward Le Persequor, he smiled. “I forgive you, my friend. No man should have to destroy his own son.”

***** Le Persequor Luc stepped out of the portal only to be grabbed around the throat by Pietas and dragged back inside. Thrust up against the wall, Luc clutched the iron fist closing around his throat. His heart beat so hard he felt it in his ears. Mouth dry, he fought for air. “You think you could betray me and I wouldn’t find out?” Pietas leaned into him, his fist crushing Luc’s throat. The shape-changing Sempervian grew in size until he filled the portal. “You think I wouldn’t overhear?” Pietas’s turquoise eyes filled Luc’s vision. “Please…” he choked out, shaking his head and clawing at Pietas’s hand. Pietas released him and stepped back, returning to normal size, still five or six inches above Luc’s height. Luc sank to the floor, coughing, rubbing his throat. The Sempervian lord went down on one knee beside him and gripped Luc’s jaw, forcing back his head. “Uurah.”

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The android entered the portal. “Yes, lord?” “Show him.” He released Luc. Uurah moved closer to Luc and then turned his back, emitting a holo-image from his eyes. It played out in one-third life-size before them. Luc and Nanchonta were aboard Le Persequor caring for Izzorah. “I don’t want him near Izzorah.” “Luc, be reasonable,” he whispered back. “He’ll never agree.” Nanchonta spread both hands. “He created him. He has a right to see him.” “Izzorah is mine. He belongs to me.” Nanchonta leaned across the bed. “You and I belong to Pietas. We all do. Don’t risk Penance over this.” “Before he so much as breathes on Izzorah he will have to kill me.” “Luc.” Nanchonta shook his head. “Threats won’t even slow him down. He’d kill any one of us to get what he wants, and you know it. Being his favorite has never stopped him from punishing you.” Luc bent over Izzorah and brushed back his hair, kissing his brow. “I’ll leave. Drop out of Peril.” “If any of us had a choice, we wouldn’t be here. The referees make sure we don’t cheat, but their real job is to keep us in sight. Run, and within days, one of them would find you. If they didn’t, there are always bounty hunters. No one’s ever escaped Penance. Only one person ever left Peril, and he had Pietas’s permission.” Luc turned back to him. “I stay because I will it.” “Cyk -- Luc, damn it. Think of the risk to him.” He nodded toward Izzorah. “When I want something, I get it.” “Luc, it’s no --” “That’s enough, Chon.” Nanchonta stepped back, hands up. “Have it your way.” Pietas sat down, cross-legged, facing Luc. “You would betray me because of this Kin? You’d leave Peril?” Luc continued to cough, his neck bruised. He couldn’t speak, his throat too raw. It hurt to breathe.

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Uurah held down a flask. “It’s triefan.” He opened it and drank, tipping it up and pouring it down. Within seconds, the pain eased. Half a minute later, he could breathe without difficulty. “Cyken.” Pietas moved to his knees again and straddled Luc’s lap, his cock warm against Luc’s. “He means so much to you? You’d truly leave me if I demanded him?” The recollection of everything he’d ever learned about Pietas, every button he’d ever pushed, every favor he’d ever asked went into his next words. Luc sucked in a deep breath, keeping his gaze down. “Yes. I love you, lord, but Izzorah is mine. He’s my heart. I can’t bear to see another man touch him.” “Did I ever touch Wulf?” Luc lifted his gaze and peeked up at Pietas, reading as much as playing him. “No.” “I never demanded Alitus, either.” “They were Chosen. At least, Alitus was. Izzorah is one of us.” Pietas raised a hand to stroke Luc’s face. Luc flinched. “Cyken.” The expression of pain on Pietas’s face twisted a knife in Luc’s heart. Despite his madness, Pietas did love him. “Do you truly fear me?” “I --” Luc dropped his gaze and leaned his head back against the wall. “My lord, your power frightens me. You own me. I’m afraid of what you’ll do if I anger you.” Pietas petted him, stroking fingers through Luc’s curls. “I suppose I didn’t increase your faith in me by attacking you, either. Did I?” Luc bit his lips, offered a faint smile as he shook his head. “I’m so sorry, Cyken. All of you treat me with such respect. Such devotion. I forget you have feelings. Fears. I shouldn’t expect you to be at my level.” He leaned in and kissed him. “Forgive me.” Luc slid a hand around the back of Pietas’s neck and drew him in for a deeper kiss. He nuzzled against Pietas’s face. “I’m the one who should be sorry. I didn’t trust you.” And never will. He met Pietas’s gaze. “Can you forgive me?” “Of course, Cyken. Of course. Forgiven and forgotten. I will never demand Izzorah from you in this lifetime. When one of you dies, he’ll become mine. Better?” He stood and held down a hand.

I will burn him myself before I allow you to lay one finger on him. Luc cleared his throat as he accepted his leader’s hand. “You are generous to me, my lord. Generous and kind.” Pietas smiled like a king bestowing blessings. “Now, tell me why you’ve come.” Luc bowed. “I ask your permission to marry.” He raised his head and met Pietas’s turquoise gaze, so similar to his father’s.

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“Will it make you happy, Cyken?” “Exceptionally happy, my lord.” Pietas hugged him. “Then yes! Anything for you, Cyken.” He kissed him soundly. “Will it be a Sempervian wedding? It’s been centuries since we had one, but I’m sure Uurah remembers how it’s done.” “I do, lord.” The android bowed his head. “I’ll let Izzorah choose whether it will be human, Kin, or Sempervian.” “So you’ve told him what he is? How did he take it?” “Uh…not yet.” Luc clasped his hands behind him. “But I will soon. He’ll be meeting my son Senthys tonight. Telling him what he is and meeting Senthys might be too much at once.” “Yes, yes. Your sons all tend to be overwhelming.” Pietas hung an arm around Luc’s shoulder. “Especially the thief. I like Senthys. Oh, wait -- they’re all thieves, aren’t they? All except that insufferably ‘good’ one who became a --” He turned toward Uurah. “What’s the word?” “Detective, lord.” Laughing, Pietas turned back to Luc. “Oh, yes. Detective. Are you still planning to make Senthys your Chosen one day? Or was it Khyffen?” “Neither. Shohn Lexius, however, probably knows enough about me to be one already. I’m thinking of bringing her into the fold.” “We’ve heard of her.” Pietas made a gesture to Uurah. “Sniff out her past.” The android bowed and left. “Cyken, go home to your new lover and put all this behind you.” Luc smiled. “All what, my lord?” Pietas cupped a hand around Luc’s face. “A nice effort, but we both know forgiving and forgetting are different things. How I wish you could forget my failings. My temper. The fate I’ve resigned us to by refusing to cow before the weak-minded rulers of our homeworld. I’ve turned us into nothing more than immortal vagabonds, doomed to hide the greatness of what we are from lesser species.” He kissed Luc. Stepping back, he tossed long silver hair behind his shoulders. “Go home. Play with your new toy.” He turned and strode away, and the doors shut as the portal activated.

***** Izzorah had been sitting beside the entrance to the parking deck on the first floor of Luc’s penthouse for several minutes before the doors opened. The moment Luc stepped inside, Izzorah pounced. “You’re home!”

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Luc dropped what he was carrying and jumped back, hands up as if he thought he was being attacked. He trembled, but the lightning-quick spark of acrid fear faded to an orangecitrus bewilderment. “Luc? What’s wrong?” “I…I didn’t expect --” Cheeks darkening, Luc stooped to pick up the package. “You startled me.” “I’m sorry.” “No. It’s all right, kosset.” He took Izzorah by the hand. “I’ve had a busy day.” Izzorah linked his arm through Luc’s. “Come upstairs and see what Jo helped me pick out. I can’t wait to show you.” “All right, love. You enjoyed yourself at Jo’s? Let me look at you first.” Izzorah held his arms out to the sides and turned in a slow circle. He wore a lightweight wool suit perfect for autumn, a tan that accentuated his golden skin tones, with a darker brown button-down shirt beneath it open at the collar. Simple black stud earrings marked the base of each ear. “You’re incredible.” Luc pulled him into his arms and kissed him. “I see you’re wearing your clan bead.” “Jo thought I should. He said I should be proud of my clan and who I am. My hair’s not too short, is it?” Izzorah flicked his ears. “No, not at all. Still long enough for me to wind my fist around while I make love to you.” Luc slid his fingers through Izzorah’s hair as he bent down to kiss him. “Mmm, you smell heavenly.” “I missed you.” Izzorah pointed at the bag. “Were you shopping too?” “I picked up a gift for a young thief you’ll meet tonight. He’s graduating too.” Izzorah led him into the bedroom, entered Luc’s closet, and turned on a light to showcase the tuxedo hanging near the door. “Jo took me to Icia Teoh’s shop. I said it was too much, but she only laughed and Jo insisted on buying it.” “Good for him. It’s impeccable. The red accents will look amazing on you tonight. Excellent choice, love. Did you like Jo and Icia?” “Jo’s so nice! My cousin Trey is a supervisor, but I’d never met a Kin male who owned his own business before. Icia’s so tiny, but she has the heart of a warrior. She said you helped Jo start KinSkin and helped her build her business.” “Both were artisans. If my patronage helped, I’m honored.” Luc glanced around the small room, both directions. “Where’s my valet?” “You mean the closet guy? That silver android?” Luc raised an eyebrow. “Uh --” Izzorah winced. “He’s shiny.”

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“I see.” Luc fondled Izzorah’s left ear. “You don’t know where to focus when you look at him. It bothers you.” “You’re not mad?” “No, love. This is your home as well as mine. I want you to be happy here. Where did you put him?” “McDoth said he’d plug him into the pantry so he’s out of the way when we don’t need him. He can come up here to take care of clothes when I’m not around.” “And to help me dress in the mornings.” “Oh, no! That’s my duty.” He smoothed his hands across Luc’s chest. “You’re my warrior. It’s a mate’s duty to prepare his warrior for the day.” Amusement tinged Luc’s scent, but also wariness and uncertainty. “Sounds rather domesticated to me. A bit beneath a tzesareen.” The thought of being Luc’s prince made his cock thicken and lift. “No, kahmay t’hahr. In the eyes of your culture a servant does these tasks. In mine, such duties are the highest honor in the house.” “You think you’d be happy taking care of me?” “Not think. Know.” He rested his hands against Luc’s chest. “The primary duty of a tzesareen is to care for his mate. To prepare his warrior for the day. To dress him for battle, and welcome him home victorious at the end. It’s a tzesareen’s duty to honor and cherish his mate. Keep him happy.” Izzorah placed one hand over his own heart, kept the other over Luc’s. “I will be honored to do this for you. It will never be a burden. Sending you out the door feeling well loved will be my joy.” Luc wrapped his arms around Izzorah and tugged him close, up against his body. Luc’s hard cock rode against the lower part of Izzorah’s belly, and he rocked into him. “Kosset. You would really do that for me?” “I want to do it, Luc.” He smiled up at him. “And you will let me.” Laughing, his scent free of worry, he inclined his head. “Yes, my love.” Luc clasped both hands around Izzorah’s face and kissed him. “I adore you.” He glanced around. “Now, where are the other clothes you bought?” “The servants wanted to move my clothes into Wulf’s old closet, but there were so few things and his empty closet is as big as a house.” He shrugged. “My stuff looked like three grains of rice in a cookpot. You had some space over here.” He pointed vaguely to the right. “I hope you don’t mind.” “Not at all. We’ll redo the other closet to suit your tastes. Make it fit your needs.” Izzorah started to protest but simply smiled instead. “Yes, Luc.”

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“The way you say that makes me feel like the luckiest man in the empire.” He rocked back and forth, cradling Izzorah in his arms. “Before I give you your surprise, show me the other clothes.” “Jo insisted I buy anything I showed the slightest interest in. I kept telling him it was too much, but he would always laugh and say, ‘Luc can afford it.’ Which didn’t seem very respectful, if you don’t mind my saying so.” Luc chuckled, curling one knuckle beneath Izzorah’s chin to lift his face for a kiss. “It sounds exactly like Jo, and he’s right, I can afford it. Anything you want, anything you desire, it’s my pleasure to give you. Diamonds for your soft Kin ears?” He fondled one. “Yours. Cover the bed in rare Felidaen furs from the northernmost mountains? Done. If you wanted the moon, I would pull it out of the sky and give it to you. Only say what you want, and allow me the pleasure of giving it to you. I love you, kosset. Always and forever.” Izzorah buried his face against Luc’s chest and wrapped his arms around him, tears blinding him. He blinked them away and brushed at his eyes with the backs of his fingers before lifting his gaze to Luc’s. “I will love you forever.” He stood still and let Luc pull him close, lifting his mouth and opening it for his lover to plunder as he liked. He opened every part of himself, surrendered everything to him in that moment. Luc stepped back, breathing heavily. “Oh, kosset. Show me what you bought so I can give you your surprise, or we’ll end up naked on the floor. As much as I’d enjoy that, I have a deadline to meet later.” Izzorah took his hand and led him over to his area of the closet. When he pulled out a pair of black leather pants, the scent of Luc’s desire flooded the room, giving Izzorah an instant hard-on. Silver buckles and studs rose up the outside of each pant leg, with black leather lacing up the side from the top of the thigh to the low waist, intended to show off his lean hips. Calf-high boots matched, lacing up the outside. “I love it. You’ll be so hot I’ll be afraid to let you leave the house without an armed squad of idBot soldiers.” He laughed. “Oh, Luc. I love you.” He held up the short jacket. “Jo says this was designed to wear open and bare-chested, but in case you didn’t approve, he bought me a shirt to wear instead, or with it. I can’t remember what it’s called.” He pulled out the white, ruffled, full-sleeved garment. “What do you think?” “It’s a poet shirt, love, and I can’t wait to see you in it. Jo was right. I love it.” Luc’s eyes had a lustful glaze, and his body heat had risen. His scent filled Izzorah’s senses, hardening his cock even further. He took little time with the other things, mostly denim jackets, jeans, and a few pair of new boots. “Look at this.

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This is my favorite.” He grinned at Luc as he held an Iron Soul T-shirt against his chest. “Like it?” “I do indeed. And as hard as you are on these things, you should go buy ten more.” Izzorah laughed. “I bought a denim jacket with their logo on the back and signatures from every member of the band. So cool.” He pulled out the soft denim and crushed it against his chest. “The only thing I didn’t pick up was Kumwhatmay stuff.” “Why?” He kept his head down. “I don’t know. I’m not sure I want to go back.” When he faced Luc, though the man had solid black eyes, he felt them all the way down into his heart, into his soul. “I love you, Luc. I can’t bear to think of you being alone, or of me without you.” Luc took the jacket from him and set it aside, and then clasped both of Izzorah’s hands in his. “It’s time I showed you your surprise.” “Yes!” Luc grinned. “You bounce like a kid when you’re happy. I love it.” “You smell wonderful when you are.” Izzorah inhaled the cinnamon-bread scent. “Mmm.” “Come on.” Luc offered his hand. “It’s in here.” He followed Luc back into the bedroom and waited while he opened a drawer and removed a large, flat wooden box inlaid with kanya leaves. Izzorah gulped. “All right, love.” Luc led him to an upholstered bench. “I had this made to represent how I feel about you. When you open it, I’ll explain.” Izzorah took the box and balanced it across his knees, then pushed open the lid. Surely, this was not a Kin krona. Luc would not understand what that meant. Would he? He lifted his gaze to Luc’s black eyes. “Do you like it, kosset?” “I -- oh, Luc!” He picked it up. It looked exactly like a krona, the circlet crown worn by the prince of a clan, or the chief spouse of a tzesar. This one held a thumb-sized, oval-shaped black hematite stone clustered with garnet, opal, and peridot, set into a tightly linked gold chain. It would nestle against the forehead, and had wide loops to go across the ears and hold it in place. An anchor chain with a huge, multifaceted diamond would hang straight down the back against his hair. Matching Kin earrings lay on either side. “It’s --” Tears filled his eyes. “It’s beautiful.” “Oh, kosset.” Luc kissed his cheek. “Don’t cry. I wanted you to be happy.” “I am.” He wiped at his eyes. “It looks just like a krona.” He smiled, his scent amused. “It is a krona.” “It -- you --” Izzorah stammered a moment, finally got himself under control. “You -you know what this is for? What giving someone a krona means on my world?”

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Black-black eyes flashing, he smiled. “Yes.” Izzorah barely caught his breath, heart beating so fast he felt dizzy. “You -- I -- we --” Luc laughed. “I love surprising you! The look on your face is priceless, kosset. And yes, I know exactly what a krona is, and I’m asking you to wear it as the tzesareen of the SaintCyr clan. The hematite stands for me and who I am. The diamond is for purity, and the garnets are for sacrifice, because I will sacrifice anything to be with you. The opals are for the inner fire and love we have for each other, and the peridot is for you and everything you are. I’m asking you to marry me.” There were no words in either of the languages Izzorah knew to express how he felt at that moment. “Kosset, it’s all right.” Luc held his hands. “You don’t have to give me an answer now. Think about it. I know your career is important to you. We’ll work something out. I promise.” Izzorah shook his head. “Career?” He had to laugh. “Oh, Luc. Kahmay t’hahr, I made my choice of careers the moment I agreed to be your tzesareen. I will always have my music. It’s a part of me, and I can use it for many things. But my career will be dedicating myself to you. To honor your house, I have to learn how to read, how to write. Jo says if I’m going to be successful in Tarthian society, I need an education. That will take work. I learned how to care for a female tzesar on Felidae, not a male tzesar on Tarth. I have a lot to learn.” “But, Izzorah, giving up your career…? That’s a huge step.” He tilted his head and smiled, as patient as he knew how to be. “I haven’t given up my career, Luc. I’m only changing what it is. It’s my choice, and I make it knowing exactly what I want to do.” Luc’s scent was so tranquil for a moment Izzorah thought he was misreading him, and gave a deeper sniff. It was like a deep forest pool, cool and green, filled with the scent of life. Luc brought Izzorah’s hands to his mouth and kissed his palms, one after another. “You’ll marry me.” Smiling, Izzorah slid his arms up around Luc’s neck and kissed him. “Yes, kahmay t’hahr. Yes, I will.”

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Chapter Twenty-one The Loft Until Izzorah kissed him and vowed that he understood and would wait at home until he returned, Luc wouldn’t leave. The man had still apologized one more time, explaining again even he could not overstep Guild protocols and safety measures. He kissed Izzorah with abandon before exiting the door. It had locked from the outside, and a bodiless voice had announced, “House secure. IdBot protection activated,” and then repeated in Felis, “Tahkee gard. IdBot dil therah.” Izzorah huffed in the Kin version of a laugh. “IdBot is warrior? Well, I guess that’s close enough to get the point across.” He spent an hour watching the kitchen-droids prepare food and set the table, and took note where they stored everything. The scent of fish cooking made his stomach churn. The main android chef had silver eyes with crosshair pupils, but his skin was a flat, golden color. Not shiny. Good. He set aside two portions while he grilled the others. Izzorah gave the raw ones a sniff. “Salmon is my favorite. Who are these ones for?” “You and Domin Mehfawni Ruh, Master Izzorah.” “You’re not going to cook them, are you?” The android smiled, showing gold human-shaped teeth. Shiny. “No, sir. They’re marinating in a light sauce and will be grilled only long enough to sear each side. Purely decorative.” Izzorah stepped back. “If you’re cooking the fish, Luc must be about to arrive.” He made a quick walk-through. The candles were placed properly and ready to light. The house smelled fresh and clean, every surface polished to a warm glow. Two house-droids stood by

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in the dining room, waiting to serve dinner. Even McDoth would join them at the table. Luc said the android could eat human food as a secondary source of nourishment, but rarely did except for family occasions. Tonight would be one of them. He had even been invited to the graduation. “Next time you’ll go with me,” Luc had promised. Izzorah gave a wistful sigh and returned to Luc’s room to prepare himself for his hero. Luc would bring his family and friends with him when he arrived. Showered, shaved, and dressed in his new tuxedo with red accents, Izzorah stood before a trifold floor-length mirror in Luc’s closet. The Kin male looking back at him on three sides had a fang-filled grin and ears that stood straight up like an idiot, but he couldn’t stop smiling. The tattered jeans-and-shirt-clad rocker had disappeared behind a front of human formality. He coughed and tried on a more serious face, only to laugh and shake his head. “Is that really me?” “Indeed it is, Master Izzorah.” McDoth appeared behind him in the reflection. “You are the image of perfection. Sir will be more than pleased.” He whirled toward the android. “Luc’s back? Where is he?” McDoth held up a hand to prevent him leaving the room. “Sir is due within five minutes. Might I suggest you add shoes to your ensemble?” Ears out and forward, Izzorah puzzled over the last word. “Ahn-sahm-bul? In Felis, ahn is ‘big’ and sahm is ‘cock.’ I don’t see how that relates to shoes.” He couldn’t scent McDoth’s amusement, but his facial expression revealed it. “What does it really mean?” “Ensemble is an entire suit of clothing, including accessories and shoes.” “Shoes?” He turned back to the mirror and wiggled his toes, encased only in black socks. “Oh, shoes! I had to wear those pinchy ones last time, and they hurt my feet. I’ll have bruises on every toe claw before dinner’s over.” He opened the door to a rotating rack of shoes. “What else goes with a tux, McDoth? I’m starting to see why Wulf had so many shoes.” “Allow me to help you.” McDoth knelt, pulled up the hem of Izzorah’s tuxedo pants, glanced at his feet, and then stood to scan the few pairs of shoes. He chose a pair of plain black boots Izzorah had worn on tour. “These should do quite nicely.” Izzorah slipped his feet into them and stood before the mirror. “Wow, these look great with a tux. Thanks so much, McDoth. They don’t hurt at all.” He turned away from the mirror, examining his image over his shoulder. “Why did you look at my feet?” “Part of my medical programming is to perform deep tissue scans for bone or muscle damage. I cross-referenced the finer readings to human and Kin podiatric measuring systems and adjusted the correlation to parameters for best fit, then, allowing for fashion, color, and purpose, chose the most suitable replacement from available footwear.”

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Izzorah closed his mouth. “Uh…wow.” No wonder Luc doesn’t try to understand technology. “Thanks.” “Sir asked me to assist you in any way necessary, Master Izzorah. How else may I help you?” He picked up the flat box that held the krona Luc had given him. “How good are you with Kin jewelry?”

***** Luc stood at the door of the formal dining room. The finest linens, crystal, china, and silver graced the rectangular table. McDoth had taught Rah which fork and plate went with what, and Luc hoped his son Senthys would remember his lessons at the Guild. He’d taught Khyffen himself. Candles gave the cream-colored room a soft glow. The lighting within the translucent walls made it bright without overpowering the candles. This was a special night for Senthys, the turning point of a promising career, and nothing but the finest would do. Luc walked around the table, starting at the last seat before the open end of the table. Name cards indicated seats. McDoth, then Luc’s informally adopted son Khyffen, his wife, Mehfawni, and NarrAy, Senthys’s wife. Luc sat at the head of the table, with Rah at his right. McDoth had placed Sylk, the young protégé Senthys had been training, and the boy’s adoptive father, Gnat, next to Rah. Flea, Gnat’s partner in the Guild for nearly seventy years, sat next to his friend. Both had mentored Senthys as well. At the next place card, Luc halted, fury flushing him with heat. He slipped the mobile out of his pocket and speed-dialed McDoth. “Yes, sir?” “Explain why there is a place at this table for Wulf Gabriel.” “Of course, sir.” The android sounded pleased. “I’m helping Master Izzorah adjust his krona. We shall join you momentarily.” “I want you down here right --” The tone in his ear said the android had disconnected. Luc pulled the device from his ear as if he held some alien artifact. “I do not believe you hung up on me!” “Who hung up on you, Dad?” Senthys entered with NarrAy. Khyffen and the others followed. Luc cleared his throat politely. “Sorry, son. That was a business call I should not have taken.” He turned off his mobile and returned to the door. “Please, everyone be seated. I have another guest whom I want to introduce. He should be here any…” Luc caught his breath, focused solely on Izzorah, who was decked out in a black tux with red accents, similar to Luc’s own. On his brow and encircling his ears lay the krona Luc had given him, a Kin crown worn only by the mate of the chief warrior of a clan. Black stones mixed with

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garnets, opals, and pale green peridot, enhancing the beauty of his perfect Kin prince. He held out a hand to his future mate and linked their fingers as he turned to those in the room. Chairs shuffled as those seating themselves stood. Whispers about Rah’s masculine beauty reached Luc’s ears. He released his long-held breath and took another, held it a moment while he smiled down at Izzorah, and released it slowly, caught in the peace in his lover’s smiling, green-eyed gaze. “May I present,” Luc said, without taking his own gaze from Izzorah’s, “my future spouse, Izzorah Ceeow. You may call him Rah.” There was a mild gasp of breath and then murmured approval filled the room. Mehfawni Ruh, Khyffen’s wife, the outcast Kin who would have become the Ruh clan tzesar, took two steps and stood directly before Izzorah. Though only halfway through her pregnancy, she waddled. Her and Khyffen’s twins were going to be big, judging by her size. This was Izzorah’s first time appearing at Luc’s side before any Kin other than his cousins. He clenched Luc’s hand so tightly it hurt and kept his ears down, but he did not lower his gaze or step back from a female who had the power to slay him on their homeworld. Luc squeezed Rah’s hand to remind his lover that he was not alone. Mehfawni placed her right hand over her heart and inclined her head in a respectful greeting. “Our cousin Mynkoh told me you were here.” She glanced up at Luc, the light making her amber cat’s eyes flicker green. She took Izzorah’s right hand in her left and drew him toward her. Izzorah released Luc’s hand and hugged her, unable to reach all the way around her due to the twins she carried. They briefly spoke in rapid Felis that sounded more like cats squalling, but Luc caught enough to know they spoke of Dallon, her younger brother, murdered earlier in the year. Mehfawni brushed at her tears and stood up straighter. Curling one hand around the back of Izzorah’s neck, she toyed with his hair. “When you ran away before you could be married to your promised spouse, I didn’t understand how you could disrespect her so. Since Dallon’s death after marrying the same tzesar, I’ve often wished I’d listened to his concerns and helped him make the same choice you did.” She cupped her hands around Rah’s face. “You are marrying the most noble human or Kin I have ever known.” Her unexpected words of praise hit Luc in the heart like a blow. He clutched his chest and bowed. “Mehfawni, I’m truly humbled by such honor.” She touched him on the shoulder, every inch the queen she’d been born to be. “Were you born with furskin and sensible ears” -- she cast him an impish grin -- “I’d be proud to call you a Ruh.” She made a short, huffing laugh. “You already wear our color.” Laughter went round the table. Luc caught Khyffen’s nod and smile. Senthys gave him a wink. Luc’s cheeks felt flushed from Mehfawni’s and his family’s support for Izzorah.

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She continued, “May the creator give you both joy and bless the joining of your bodies with true spiritual union and great bliss.” Luc joined Izzorah in bowing deeply to her, hand over heart. Izzorah grinned up at Luc and hugged his arm. He turned to Mehfawni. “Thank you so much, Fawni. Receiving your blessing -- you don’t know how much it means to me.” She beckoned him closer and took his other arm while smiling up at Luc. “May I steal him away and introduce him to everyone?” He considered objecting, but McDoth had already taken his seat and simply nodded, indicating they could speak later, so Luc bent to whisper to Izzorah, “Watch out for my son. He’s an inveterate -- er, habitual prankster.” Izzorah smiled up at him over his shoulder and held on to Mehfawni’s hand. Khyffen offered a bow and then his hand, greeting him in Felis. NarrAy, the only Better in the room, gave Izzorah a naughty wink and welcomed him to the family. When they reached Senthys, Luc’s son commandeered Izzorah’s hand and then hung an arm around his shoulders before turning with him to face Luc. “So, Daddy, is this my new mommy?” Blinking, Izzorah sputtered, ears laid back. Senthys laughed. “Just messin’ with you, man.” Luc linked his hand with Izzorah’s and brought him back to his side. “I did warn you.” Somewhat recovered, if one could recover after meeting Senthys, Izzorah brought one ear forward. “Yes, you did.” He peered at Senthys. “You’re a HalfKin.” “No! Really?” Senthys turned to NarrAy. “Am I a HalfKin?” She looked him up and down. “You’ve got Kin eyes and fangs, but human ears and no claws or furskin. I think he’s right. You probably are a HalfKin.” Izzorah lowered his ears, cheeks a dark peach against his golden skin. “Wow, Izzorah.” Senthys popped him on the shoulder. “Thanks for telling me. Did you know you’re a Kin?” “He should come with a warning label, kosset.” Luc kissed Rah on the temple. “Senthys, please try to play nicely.” “Yes, Daddy.” “Where is your tie?” Luc tugged at the open collar of his son’s shirt. “One would think you’d never been taught the proper way to dress.” “I had one on earlier, but it got lost in the hovercab on the way. NarrAy ravished me.” She gasped and gave Senthys a backhanded slap on his arm. “Senth!” With a blush, she admitted, “We couldn’t find it anywhere.” When Izzorah chuckled, a hand in front of his mouth, Luc couldn’t help but join him.

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Senthys glanced around the room. “When is dinner? I’m starved.” Izzorah looked up at Luc. “Ah, now I see the family resemblance.” Luc laughed. “True. We’re always hungry.” “It’s scary,” NarrAy told Izzorah. “Wait till you know Senth better. For not being related, they’re a lot alike.” “In more ways than one, it seems.” His kosset winked at NarrAy, and the two shared a laugh, nodding at one another like coconspirators. Luc felt his cheeks flush. “How are you, love?” “Fine, Luc.” NarrAy leaned against him, the top of her head only reaching the lower part of his chest. “Good to see you again.” He bent down to kiss NarrAy’s cheek and hug her. “Make him behave tonight.” “I’ll try, but I’m not promising anything.” She took his son’s hand. As they passed Luc’s seat, Izzorah motioned Luc to lean down closer so he could whisper. “How?” “How what, love?” “How did you ever keep your sanity with him growing up in your house?” Luc shook his head. “Senthys and ‘growing up’ do not belong in the same sentence.” “I heard that!” Senthys called. His infectious laughter had all the guests chuckling. “You’ll be seated here,” Mehfawni indicated, still leading the introductions. “And next to you is Sylk.” While Mehfawni explained Sylk’s relationship to Senthys and the two Kelthians accompanying him, Luc took a moment to appraise the boy. Judging purely by size, Sylk looked no more than four, though his true age was six. His silver-gray eyes were pale, like clouds promising rain, and his dark hair, so black it had blue highlights, made his fair skin seem like the fairest, cream-colored marble. A statue of a perfect child, come to life. The boy held up both hands to Izzorah, who stooped to pick him up and then rose. Gnat and Flea flinched and looked like they’d swallowed their tongues. Izzorah laid back his ears. “Is something wrong?” Both men hesitated, glanced at each other, and shook their heads. “It’s --” Gnat started to reach out, then lowered his hands. “Spider has never let anyone else touch him but us. He shakes hands with Luc, Senth, Khyff, and the Grand Master of the Guild, but he’s never let anyone pick him up before.” “Spider?” Izzorah leaned back to better view the child. “My Guild name.” The boy linked one arm around Izzorah’s neck. “You get it at level three. I’m level fifteen now. But you can call me Sylk.”

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“You’re the young thief I’ve been hearing so much about?” He turned to Luc. “When you said ‘young,’ I pictured twelve or thirteen, not a child that fits in the crook of my arm. No wonder everyone’s amazed. He’s no bigger than a mowt.” “Size isn’t everything.” Sylk touched the krona on Izzorah’s brow. “Are you a handsome prince like in the stories my father tells me? When I grow up I want to be one and be the best thief in the whole Guild.” He spread his arms. Those around them smiled, and Luc heard a feminine awww. Izzorah adjusted his hold on the boy. “Mr. Saint-Cyr calls me his prince.” “I’m glad they let me sit next to you. You’re nice. Could you hold me a minute?” Without waiting for a response, Sylk rested his head on Izzorah’s shoulder. Mehfawni motioned Luc to bend close to her. “I have never,” she whispered against his ear, “heard him say anything more than a polite hello, good-bye, or a yes sir, no sir, other than his vows when he reaches a new level. Have you?” “No,” he whispered back. Sylk lifted his head and stared over Izzorah’s shoulder at Mehfawni and Luc. “If I have something to say, I say it.” He stretched out one hand and with the tip of his first finger touched Mehfawni’s cheek. “I pretty much trust you, Fawni.” He gave Luc a contemplative gaze. “You, I’m still trying to figure out.” “What about me?” Izzorah pulled back a bit. Sylk turned his storm cloud-colored gaze on Luc’s lover and flashed the first real smile Luc had ever seen him offer. The boy touched Rah’s cheek as he had Mehfawni’s. “You’re a Kin.” Rah glanced at Senthys and smiled. “Yes, I am.” “Not like any I’ve ever met. You’re different.” He put his head back down on Izzorah’s shoulder and clutched his jacket as if Rah were a walking security blanket. Izzorah, Luc, and Mehfawni all shared an odd smile, but shook their heads. Luc shrugged. “I’m Gnat and this is Flea.” The two Kelthians were as dark-skinned as Luc, but their hair had long since turned stark white. Though Luc, as an old man in his previous life, had helped sponsor them as children, and they’d seen him after he’d been reborn as a younger version of himself, neither had ever asked an explanation, nor revealed his secret. Luc honored those who honored him. Both these men would always live under his care. Gnat had pumped Izzorah’s hand, but Flea held it motionless in both of his. “If Sylk takes to you, then you must be a good person. If you ever need anything on Kelthia, look me up.” He handed Izzorah a business chip. “I’m retired from the Guild now and direct the House of Roget, a home for children.” Izzorah thanked him and dropped the chip in his pocket. “I’ll remember your offer, sir. Thank you.”

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The next place setting had Wulf’s name. Izzorah handed over the boy to Gnat and asked those gathered around to be seated. At his signal, the droids in the corner began serving soup. “Pardon us,” Izzorah said with a bow, “but Luc and I need to speak privately. Please enjoy the excellent soup prepared for you. We’ll be right back.” Luc let himself be led into the hallway. “Rah, I assure you, I did not invite Wulf. I don’t know what possessed McDoth to --” “Kahmay t’hahr, you may calm your heart. I invited him.” Luc blinked. “You wanted Wulf here? What in blazes for, after the way he treated you?” “He had no idea who I was at first, and though giving me the key card was improper of him, it helped me understand you better.” He smoothed Luc’s jacket across his chest. “I asked McDoth to tell me about Wulf, so I could understand his anger. McDoth said he’d tell me anything that wouldn’t violate your privacy.” Izzorah smiled up at him. “He says it like ‘prihv-a-see’ and I had to ask him what he meant. Anyway, he told me about Wulf’s affection for your sons, and how he had often helped Senthys study for exams at the Guild. I thought he would want to be here.” Luc nodded. There’s not a hint of jealousy in his voice. Amazing. “McDoth said Wulf never failed to send birthday greetings and gifts, and that all seven of your sons respected him, even now.” “That may change.” He folded his arms, resting most of his weight on one foot. “We didn’t part on the best of terms.” “McDoth told me a little about that, but not in detail. I knew you weren’t likely to approve if I asked, ’cause I could tell you were still angry.” He touched his nose. “But you told McDoth to obey my commands as if they were yours unless it would be dangerous. McDoth was only the messenger. I take full responsibility.” “Hmm.” Luc considered his words. “Did Wulf accept the invitation?” “Yes, t’hahr, but said he’d only stay long enough to give Senthys a graduation gift and wouldn’t join us for dinner.” “Then why the place setting?” “Oh, that’s simply being polite. If he decided to stay, it’d be better to have a place ready than to add one in a hurry. I wouldn’t like to be an afterthought, and I don’t want him treated as one either. He held great honor with you and your family for many years, and it’s my duty to ensure my spouse’s honor is always protected. So I asked McDoth to invite him and said I’d tell you myself. I didn’t get a chance. I hope you’re not angry with me.” “No, love, not at you. When Wulf and I parted, he was furious with me. I’ve never seen him so --” Luc shut his mouth. After a moment, he shook his head, unwilling to say more.

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“I know he hates Kin, t’hahr. He made it obvious. It doesn’t bother me. He’s the one with the problem, not me.” Izzorah clasped both Luc’s hands in his and held them between their bodies, up against their chests, so close the warmth of his lover’s breath caressed his face. “But I could tell you wanted to sing with him, so I invited him.” Luc blinked. “Sing?” “On Felidae there is no peace. We have times of clan war or no clan war. When two clans agree to join as allies, they sing together.” He flicked his ears forward. “Am I right in how you felt?” “You are. I’d never have considered inviting him, out of respect for you, but I’m glad you did. Wulf took a big hand in helping me rear Senthys the last five years, and I hated parting the way we did.” He drew in a deep breath and cupped Izzorah’s face with both hands, leaning down so they were eye to eye. “You will soon be my spouse and have the right to do whatever you think is correct. I hope you’ll be patient as I learn to trust your judgment.” The Kin threw his arms around Luc’s neck and kissed him. “Thank you for trusting me. I’ve given orders to the house-droids. When Wulf arrives, they’ll contact me.” “I’m the head of the house, Izzorah.” “Of course you are, kahmay t’hahr. But as your indihra” -- he set a hand against his own chest -- “I’m responsible for greeting your guests.” He looped his arm through Luc’s. “Besides, it will give Wulf and me a moment to speak and clear the air.” “To ‘sing’ together?” Luc shook his head. “My love, Wulf isn’t likely to give you a chance.” Izzorah smiled. “Trust me, t’hahr; my mother trained me to greet members of the Pride Council into her home. After those snakes, I can handle Wulf.” His smile started small, but soon burst into a grin. “Especially if I’m not in his closet wearing nothing but your shirt.” That image had Luc laughing with him. “Kosset, I believe you could.” He offered his arm. “Let’s enjoy our dinner and guests.” Luc saw Izzorah to his chair and then seated himself. He placed the napkin across his lap and lifted a spoonful of the tomato soup to his mouth. The taste swept across his tongue in a soothing wave of warmth. The head chef himself came to see how the guests were faring. He stopped beside Luc. “Is the soup to your liking, sir?” Luc dabbed a napkin over his mouth. “It’s excellent. I’ve never had better. This must be a new recipe. My compliments. Was it you or McDoth who created this?” “It was Master Izzorah, sir.” The chef gestured toward Rah, who blushed darkly. “An old family recipe, I believe. He helped plan the menu.”

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Supportive murmuring and praise went round the table. Sylk, seated on a cushiontopped chair, tugged at Izzorah’s sleeve and gave him a six-year-old version of a wink, both eyes closing at the same time, making everyone at the table chuckle. “Well, in that case.” Luc sat back. “I can’t wait to see the next course.” As the dinner continued, Mehfawni occasionally stiffened, the twins apparently making her uncomfortable. “Mehfawni.” Luc pushed back from the table. “May I get a pillow for your back?” She shut her eyes briefly and then nodded. “Please?” Signaling Khyffen to sit, Luc himself left the room and returned with two pillows, one thick and soft, the other small and firm. “Lean forward, my dear.” He tucked first the large, then the small behind her. “Better?” Mehfawni leaned back, sighing in relief. “Much better. Thank you, Luc!” “My pleasure.” He returned to his seat. “How much longer until you’re due?” Khyffen took his wife’s hand. “Not until Birit ten next year. The doc doesn’t think we’ll make it that far. It’s one of the reasons we’re in the city. The rebels have excellent hospitals, but HalfKin are usually born breech and there are complications afterward for the mother. Regular Kin births are easier, but female births are so rare. I want to take special care of her.” He told Gnat and Flea, “We’re having a boy and a girl.” “Congratulations!” Mehfawni smiled at Khyffen and then Luc. “Can you believe Dallon’s child is due almost the same day as ours?” Luc stiffened, aware Izzorah watched him. “Mehfawni, did you say Dallon…your brother’s child… The Falehla tzesar is pregnant?” “Didn’t you know?” Mehfawni took his hand. “I think about Dallon every day. I can’t believe he’s not here.” Luc pressed a tab inside the hem of his jacket, setting off his mobile. He pulled it from his inside pocket and flipped it open. He frowned as he stood. “Please excuse me, everyone. I have a brief but urgent business matter.” He squeezed his son Senthys on the shoulder, then bent in the other direction and whispered to Izzorah, “I’ll only be a moment.” Luc left the room and ran to his private office, where he locked the door. “Call Shohn Lexius, direct. Urgent.” Shohn answered immediately. “Yes, sir?” “I learned something redeeming about that CEO we discussed. I hope it’s not too late to change our plans.” “Hold on.” “Shohn, I --” “I have to act fast. Hold on, sir.”

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Pacing the confines of his office, he waited, the silence a roar in his head. “Sir?” Her voice came through strong and clear. “Done. The field agent was asking clarification when you called. I had to answer.” He leaned against the wall, eyes shut, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Thank God.” “I was surprised when he said --” Shohn stopped. “I would have aborted the mission until I had your final word. That didn’t seem like your usual business practices.” “Thank you, Shohn. Thank you more than I can say.” Luc stood up straight. “We’ll talk later.” He turned off the comm and erased the last message. The thought of coming so close to destroying an innocent life left him shaking. By the time Luc had calmed himself enough to return to dinner, the family was eating dessert. Luc picked at the bread pudding in a rich caramel sauce. “This is excellent, Rah. Your doing?” “No, t’hahr. I wish I could take credit, but that’s McDoth’s. It’s delicious, isn’t it?” Luc nodded, smiling in approval at his butler. Izzorah placed one hand over Luc’s and peered into his eyes. “When we’re alone,” he said, so softly Luc could barely hear, “you can tell me whatever you want. Anything you need.” He lifted Luc’s hand and kissed his palm. “Or we can simply hold each other in silence.” Luc caressed Rah’s cheek. “I treasure you, kosset.” Clenching his jaw, Luc pressed his tongue against the back of his teeth to avoid the tears of gratitude and love he felt stinging his eyes. Swallowing hard, he nodded and then stood. All attention in the room went to him. Senthys leaned back in his chair, hands folded across his waist. “Senthys,” Luc began, and amended that to, “Senth. I believe it’s time I called you by your preferred name. I don’t often say it, but I’ve always been proud of you.” Senthys reached over and took NarrAy’s hand, a huge grin on his face. “Today,” Luc continued, “is a benchmark in your career. At the rate you’re advancing, you’ll be Arcane in no time. I want to invest in your future. This will be waiting for you tonight when you leave.” Luc pulled out a pic-button and thumbed it. A holo-image of a sleek spacecraft appeared, its black hull reflecting pinpoints of light. “Yesss!” Senthys clenched both fists. “Oh my God! I can’t believe you did this!” “Fully equipped with every tool you can think of. It’s an arsenal of high-tech gadgets. You can take a job anywhere now. Plus, the hull can do this.” Luc pressed another button and it faded until nothing remained. “Hard to track something you can’t see.” Senthys laughed. “It’s invisible? This is too great! I can’t believe you did this. I never expected anything like this.” He shook his head and then jumped up, laughing, pumping one fist in the air.

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The room applauded. Luc signaled the server-droid near the door. “I believe this calls for champagne.” When all had been served, Luc offered a toast to Senthys’s success, which was loudly agreed to, and more were offered all around. A server-droid spoke privately with Izzorah, who stood and touched Luc’s arm with reassurance as he left the room. Luc downed a full glass of champagne and accepted a refill. Wulf had arrived.

***** Inside the foyer stood Wulf Gabriel, sharply dressed in business attire, a golden gift bag in hand. He might have been a Better like NarrAy, enhanced to be flawless in appearance and brilliant of mind. He’ll be handsome until the day he dies, no matter how old he is. Izzorah checked a sigh, lest it be misread, and bowed in respect. “Welcome.” Wulf stepped farther inside. A hodgepodge of emotions filled the air around him. Fear, concern, bitterness, sorrow, anger, love. Over it all, a wash of pride. “Thank you for coming, Wulf.” “McDoth said you invited me. I knew Luc sure as hell never would.” He fidgeted the bag from one hand to the other, hanging it before him. “I --” Wulf bit into his lower lip, his jumbled emotions stinging Izzorah’s nose. “Look, Senth means a lot to me. He pulled a lot of stupid crap on me growing up, but he wasn’t a bad kid. Since he met NarrAy, he’s -- well, hell. He’ll never grow up,” he admitted with a quick grin. “But he’s stepped up and taken the lead. He’s a man, you know?” Wulf lifted his chin and cast Izzorah a disdainful glance. “No, I guess you wouldn’t.” A burned toast scent indicated his smug satisfaction. “You mean that I wouldn’t know what it is to be a man?” Izzorah brought his ears forward, hands folded before him, claws out. “Our word for adult male is ahsgah, and in most clans, the title is earned when you kill an ahsgah from another clan, marry a warrior, or are taken as spouse by a tzesar. Until then, you are ahsgahee. A boy. Yes, I understand the concept. Manhood is earned on Felidae as well as Tarth.” The vinegar of shame and the sulfur of fury muddied Wulf’s myriad emotions. Izzorah bowed, a hand over his heart. “Luc’s honor is my honor, as is the honor of his sons, and all those he cares about.” He swept a hand toward the hallway. “Please be welcome to our home.” “Yeah, well, I came to give Senth his gift and get the hell out of here.” “Allow me to take you to him.” Izzorah led him back to the dining room and left him standing at the end of the table, opposite Luc. Izzorah returned to Luc’s side, waiting to see how Wulf would play this.

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The entrance of Luc’s former lover brought an uneasy silence where there had been laughter. Wulf cast a brief wave toward Gnat, Flea, and Sylk. The adults nodded. Sylk remained seated, arms folded, glaring like a wet Kin stuck in the rain. Luc smoothed the front of his tux and then clasped hands behind him, not budging from his place at the head of the table. “Wulf.” “Luc.” Wulf cleared his throat. “I can only stay a moment, but I wanted to bring your youngest delinquent a well-earned gift.” Laughing, Senthys stood, and with NarrAy beside him, went to shake his hand. The two hugged, a right-shoulder-to-left-shoulder male embrace with a few hearty slaps on the back. Wulf bent down to kiss the diminutive NarrAy on the cheek before shaking hands with Senthys. “I heard you’d finally reached level twenty-four. Your father neglected to tell me.” He glanced at Luc and nudged his chin higher. “Fortunately, Izzorah had the courtesy to let me know. I couldn’t let it pass without congratulating you. I know it’s been your goal a long time.” “Thanks, man.” Senthys shook his hand. “This is for you.” Wulf held out the gift bag. “Please. Open it.” Senthys peeked into it and pulled out an envelope, handing the bag to NarrAy. “Oh stars.” He looked up at Wulf, mouth open. “I can’t believe you did this!” He showed NarrAy. “Tickets for a cruise on a starliner. Empire class, no less. Holy crap! Every planet in the empire. This is so cool!” He hugged Wulf again, all but pounding him on the back. “Thanks, Wulf.” “Now you can take this gorgeous wife of yours somewhere besides Guild meetings.” NarrAy made a joke that Izzorah missed, and Wulf hugged her. “I have to run. Good to see you guys again. Hey, Khyff.” He shook hands with him and gave Mehfawni a hug and kiss before he turned to Luc. “Thanks for letting me do this.” Luc nodded. “Izzorah?” Wulf tilted his head toward the door, inviting him to step away. Izzorah glanced back at Luc and smiled as he accompanied Wulf. At the exit door, he bowed once more. “Thank you for coming tonight. I know Senthys appreciated it.” “Yeah, well…” Wulf slid the toe of one shiny black shoe along a line on the floor. “I did it for him. Senth hates the name ‘Senthys,’ by the way. Luc always insisted on calling him that, but it’s not who he is.” “Senth.” Izzorah nodded. “I’ll remember.” Wulf licked his lips. “Listen, um… I’m sorry about the closet thing. I --”

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“No apology needed. I’d have been pissed too. You had no way of knowing what was going on. I had stumbled into your closet by mistake not two minutes before you came along, and I was wearing Luc’s shirt, not yours.” “Aw shit, Izzorah. Rub it in, why don’t you?” “Yeah, well, I think you had one coming. No hard feelings, Wulf. I’m sorry it ever happened. You must’ve been mad as hell.” “Fuckin’ A.” Wulf shook his head. “You have no idea.” Izzorah rubbed at the back of his neck. “Uh, I think I might.” Wulf chuckled. He slid his hands in his pockets. “Man, I am sorry. Really.” “S’okay.” Izzorah offered his hand. Shoulders stiff, Wulf stared at Izzorah’s hand. After a long pause, he met his gaze. “Shaking your hand doesn’t make us friends, Kin.” Izzorah kept his hand out. “We don’t have to be enemies, either.” He turned his hand palm up. Wulf took it, gave him a quick but firm handshake, and returned his hand to his side. “He deserves better than you.” His shoulders slumped. “He deserved better than me too.” The raw pain in his emotions stung Izzorah’s nose. He controlled his breathing to keep from sneezing. “You still love him.” “Hell, no.” He lifted his head, shoulders back. “Glad to be free. He drove me crazy.” Izzorah rubbed his nose, the bitter scent of a lie making it itch. Wulf watched him, eyes narrowed. “You damn Kin are all alike. Think you know what we feel because you smell something. I’m not lying about this.” Izzorah had said nothing about what he smelled. He sneezed before he could stop it. “Sorry.” He coughed. “Pollen.” “Yeah, well, fuck you.” A glimmer of a smile flicked across Wulf’s face, and he turned his head. “I gotta go.” “Good night, Wulf.” The human jerked open the door to the parking area and stalked toward a stretch hoversine. Izzorah stayed in the doorway until Wulf reached the car and a tall blond stepped out of the back. The man stroked his hands through Wulf’s hair and cupped them around his head, causing him to look up. Apparently satisfied with whatever signs he sought, Alitus kissed him on the brow and then gave Izzorah a brief nod before he climbed into the car after Wulf and shut the door. One of the house-droids sealed the door for him and reactivated the idBot security system while Izzorah returned to the dining room. He slipped his hand into Luc’s.

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Luc bent and brushed his lips across Izzorah’s brow, moved his mouth near his ear. “How did it go?” He rubbed his nose beneath Luc’s chin. “We shook hands and agreed not to be friends or enemies.” Luc tried to hide a smile. “You sang, then.” Izzorah sighed, tilting back his head to meet Luc’s black-eyed gaze. “Off-key, t’hahr. Wulf should be a politician. He isn’t shallow; he’s all about appearances. He will be a gentleman toward me in public and when it suits him. He values his honor.” “I’ll never get used to your insight.” Luc pressed his lips together. “I could scent longing and regret between you.” “The longing is for what I wished I’d done, but my only regret is I didn’t meet you sooner. You suit me more than anyone in the universe ever would, or could.” Izzorah canted his ears. “You must have a hundred layers of scent. So many things are hidden.” The spike of nervousness made Izzorah smile. “When you’re ready, you can tell me whatever you want me to know. I won’t ask, t’hahr.” Luc brought Izzorah’s hand to his mouth and kissed his fingertips, oblivious of those in the room. “Your inner beauty shines. You’re serenity and peace. I see rest for my heart in the depth of your eyes.” He stared down at Izzorah, and Izzorah remained still, letting him look. “There’s not a hint of jealousy about you.” “My mind can’t fear losing what my heart already owns. I love you, Luc.” “Wearing this krona,” Luc said, tracing one finger across the gems on Izzorah’s brow, “you’re the prince of love. I will treasure you forever.” Izzorah stood on tiptoe and kissed Luc’s mouth, warm with the promise of later pleasure. He linked his fingers with Luc’s and turned back toward the party, standing beside his warrior, proud, honored, and loved.

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Epilogue Lucsondis Entertainment Sofftem 47 Izzorah sat down next to Kory in the upper booth of the recording studio. The human smelled like the leather he wore and a bit of polish from his boots, but no artificial scents at all. Almost as clean as a Kin. Izzorah pointed to the human leaving the stage below them. “What about that one?” “He had rhythm.” Kory shrugged. “Nothing special. We’ve spent days auditioning drummers to replace you, and not one has even half your energy.” His leather creaked as he changed positions. “Considering you had a bad heart, I can’t imagine what you’d be like now. I hate to see you go.” Izzorah rested elbows on his knees as he leaned forward. “I’m sorry.” “Don’t be, man.” The singer squeezed him on the shoulder. “You’re doing what you want to do. You’re in love, and you’re happy.” “More than you know.” “Lucky for you, the owner of the business let you out of your contract.” Kory winked. “Yeah, that was lucky, huh?” He sat back. “Did I see Tark’s kids running around down there?” “Yeah, he and his wife got back together while we were all hanging out waiting for you to heal, and next thing we know, this new clause gets added to our contract that lets performers take their families on the road and provides tutors for their kids. Did you have anything to do with that?”

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“Luc told me if I wanted to keep touring he’d meet me everywhere he could, and I started talking about Tark and how he and his wife were never together because he was touring, and next thing I know, he’s calling Ms. Mead and asking for a report on the divorce rate among Lucsondis performers and crew. It was his idea. I’m glad it worked out. I’ve never met anyone like him, Kory.” He shook his head, ears out. “When he finds a wrong or a problem, he gets people to fix it.” Kory nodded, listening. “There’s something I’ve been wanting to ask you.” “Shoot.” Kory swiveled his seat toward Izzorah. “How did you figure out I was blind? And when was it, exactly? Was it something I did?” He tousled Izzorah’s hair. “First tour, we’d finished our third gig and were at the starport getting ready to board. A sign came on that said our flight was boarding, and we all stood up to go. Once we got on the other side of the glass wall leading to the ramp, we saw you facing the opposite way, standing right up close to a poster of Felidae.” “Yeah, I remember. You came over and told me we were boarding.” “Tark started to tap on the glass, just as an announcement came on for our flight. You turned around, and I could see the confusion on your face when none of us was in sight.” Kory rested elbows on his knees, fingers linked. “Tark knocked a couple of times, and you turned your head like you were trying to figure out what it was. We weren’t more than a Tradestandard foot away, right on the other side of clear glass, but you couldn’t see us. I told the guys ‘let’s watch and see how he does for a few days. Don’t say anything.’ I came back and got you.” “Oh, shit. That’s a long time ago.” “Yeah. You got along pretty well without us, but we always made sure the path to your drums was clear, and when we traveled, one of us stuck by you so you didn’t miss a flight.” “Why didn’t you tell me?” Izzorah dragged claws back through his hair. “I was so terrified of screwing up! Some nights I could hardly sleep.” “Sorry, man.” Kory laid a hand on his arm. “We knew you had pride and didn’t want to tell us. It didn’t matter to us. You were our bandmate. Our brother. We all look out for each other, you know?” He patted Izzorah’s arm. “If I’d known you’d accept help, I’d have said something, but I didn’t want to piss you off and have you leave the group.” Izzorah started laughing, but it ended up in a groan. “I didn’t say anything ’cause I thought you’d throw me out of the group.” “No way in hell. As good as you are? Shit, I’d be an idiot. It’s amazing how you look now. I’ve never seen you so healthy. Whatever that clinic did to you, it’s like you’ve been reborn.” “I feel great. Never better.”

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“Look, I know it’s not my place to ask this, but are you sure you want to go through with marriage? You’re not worried he’s on the rebound?” Izzorah laughed. “No. Believe me” -- he tapped his nose -- “I’d know.” The look he got in return held plenty of doubt, but Kory reached over and tousled Izzorah’s hair again. “I hope so, kid. For your sake.” An alarm sounded from his pocket, and Kory dug into it for a note reader. “Damn, I forgot to tell you, your cousin Fletch called. He said he and Trey were running late, but they’d meet you in the lobby in about an hour. Which is actually about now.” He nodded toward the door. “Go. I got this.” He stood, dusted off his pants. “You sure?” “Yeah. The guys and I want you to know we all think it’s cool you want us to do the music for the wedding.” “Thanks, Kory. Are you going be my -- uh, what’s that word for standing up?” “What, best man?” “Yeah.” “Wouldn’t miss it.” Kory gave him a thumbs-up. “You ought to perform ‘Sovrayn.’ Sing it for him. It’s beautiful, man. You should do it.” “You really think so?” “Square up and on the fly. Do it, man. I’ll play for you.” Izzorah grinned. “Okay. I will. I’m really gonna miss you, Kory. All you guys, but you - you’re keet-sah.” Kory sat up. “That’s cousin, right?” “Yeah. But on Felidae, between guys, it’s tighter than a brother.” “Hey, don’t make this any harder than it is, kid. It’s killin’ me to let you go, so get outta here ’fore I do somethin’ girly like cry.” Izzorah almost bounced toward the door and then set his back against it as it opened. “Can’t have that. Ruin your makeup.” Kory narrowed his eyes. “Shut the hell up and beat it.” He bit his lips, his scent a mix of crisp family love and pride. Izzorah saluted and went out the door, heading for the lobby. Fletch and Trey were standing in one corner, near a potted plant the size of a tree back home. They turned to greet him, all smiles. The first time he’d seen them after coming back from that special hospital, they’d sniffed him all over like he was a newborn. Other than insisting he smelled different, neither could pin a claw on why. Trey hugged him first, then Fletch. “Come on, guys. We’re having lunch in the Loft.” He led them to the express elevator. “Good afternoon, Mr. Ceeow.” The guard opened the doors and bowed to all of them. “Have a nice day, sirs.”

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The three murmured their thanks, but once inside, after the door closed, Fletch laughed. “He called us ‘sirs.’ How weird.” “Hard getting used to.” Izzorah touched a panel on the wall. “Loft.” The car moved upward. “Back home, males don’t exist.” “It’s ’cause you’re with him, isn’t it?” “Luc? Yeah.” Izzorah slid both hands in his pockets. “It’s really odd. I go anywhere with him, it’s like that. Everyone bows like he’s a tzesar. They treat me like a tzesareen. Luc just smiles and tells me I am his tzesareen and to enjoy it. Hardly anyone looks him in the face.” “It’s those eyes.” Fletch shuddered. Izzorah sighed. “They’re beautiful.” “What do they look like without lenses?” He cocked his head, ears forward. “I have no idea. He wears them all the time.” Trey flattened his ears against his head. “Even in bed?” “What’s the big deal?” Izzorah spread his hands. “I don’t question my mate.” “He’s not your mate yet.” Fletch leaned against the wall. “Damn, this is taking forever.” “It’s over two hundred floors. Are you hungry?” “Yeah, but it’ll be dinner before we get there.” Trey laughed. “Be glad this is the express. Imagine if we had to stop on every floor.” “A little patience, hmm?” Izzorah smiled. I’m starting to sound like Luc. He shook his head. “McDoth is making steaks for us.” Trey groaned. “I hope he doesn’t overcook the meat.” “He makes it perfect for me, so don’t worry.” When they reached the Loft, McDoth greeted them and showed them into the formal dining room on the west side, overlooking Tarth City Park. Fletch and Trey went straight to the windows and looked down. “I can’t believe there aren’t clouds up this high.” Trey turned to Izzorah. “This is almost creepy. Is the building moving?” “Mmm. Luc says it was made to withstand hurricane-force winds and earthquakes. Sometimes at night, I wake up and feel it swaying. It scared me the first couple of times, but now I’m okay with it. Yesterday it was foggy, and we were above the clouds.” “Oh, cool. I’d like to see that.” As McDoth entered with plates for them, they all sat down. Each had a thick filet, lightly browned on the outside and still red and cool in the center, baked potatoes with butter and sour cream, blue Felidaen corn on the cob, and a salad of kolahr greens that could have come from their fathers’ gardens. Warm and sweet tahfi cobbler with vanilla ice cream

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completed the menu. After they’d eaten, the three walked outside to a deck with a semicovered pool to relax. McDoth served cold beer and went back inside. “This is Kin beer!” Trey popped the top and took a sip. “Mmm. Heaven.” He drank some more. “Straight from Felidae. Luc imports a lot of stuff from home.” “You are one lucky guy.” Fletch raised his beer in salute and then drank half of it. “That clinic he set up sure has been a lifesaver.” Trey leaned back and put his feet up. “Hire-A-Kin asked for volunteers to work there, and they got twenty people who can do two-hour shifts twice a week. That works out to eighty volunteer hours a week. I help coordinate everybody. I’m real proud of the company for doing that. None of us gets paid. We just do it, and everyone’s eager to help.” “Thanks, Trey. That’s so cool!” Izzorah leaned over and clinked his beer against Trey’s. “I met those two doctors.” Fletch leaned back and folded his hands across his waist. “They’re getting a third one. Doctor Tira Hadrian. A Chiasmii.” Trey closed his eyes. “That’s true. A sleep ghost.” “Ghost?” Izzorah sat up. His two cousins both turned and looked at him. “Yeah.” Trey picked up his beer and took a sip. “Chiasmii doctors use a special collar to link to their patients. Sleep ghosts use them to see into their dreams. Supposed to be therapy for kids who’ve been abused.” “You think there’s abuse?” Izzorah set down his beer. “I thought once we came here, abuse wouldn’t happen anymore.” “Wish that was true.” Fletch shook his head. “I see it all the time.” As a security guard at Kelthian General, he saw injured people every day. “Maybe you can put him to work stopping that.” “He has a name, Fletch.” “Yeah, well, I don’t feel right saying ‘Luc’ like I know him.” “Why not?” Luc leaned against a pole holding up the awning. Trey and Fletch jumped to their feet. Izzorah went to give Luc a kiss. “Welcome home. I didn’t scent you were there.” Luc curled his fingers into Izzorah’s hair. “Downwind, I guess.” He nodded toward his cousins. “Sit down, guys. We’ll be family before long. No need to be formal.” Taking Izzorah’s hand, he led him back to the lounge chair and sat down. McDoth showed up with more beers, took the empties, and went back inside. Luc raised his beer. “To family.” The guys matched his toast and drank.

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“So.” Luc rested his elbows on his knees. “Tell me about this abuse you see happening.”

***** The Loft Luc snuggled down with Izzorah, wrapping himself around his younger lover. Sex had been incredible from day one, satisfying him at a level no human or normal Kin could hope to match. Pietas had claimed he’d created the Changelings to be perfect sexual partners for Sempervians, and from what Luc could see, that was true. Small wonder Destoiya hated Wulf for capturing Alitus’s heart. Izzorah turned his head toward him. “Luc? Can I ask you something?” “Mmm.” He kissed his cheek. “Whatever you like.” “I don’t understand the Thieves’ Guild. If they steal, how are they considered an honorable profession? Who do they steal from? They can’t be arrested if they have contracts, but who puts those out? Why can’t they be arrested? And why don’t they have more power? Seems to me they could control the empire.” “Whoa. That’s a lot of questions. I could give you the standard response you’d get from a thief.” Izzorah hooched around in bed to face him. There was enough light to see him clearly. “What’s that?” “Join the Guild and find out at level three.” Izzorah hissed. Laughing, Luc kissed him. “I’ll take you to the Guild tomorrow and you can sign up for the first two levels of training.” “What?” He leaned back his head, meeting Luc’s gaze. “I thought you were kidding about that.” “It’s fun. People spend vacations taking them. The first two teach you how to avoid robbery, protect your home, and recognize scams. The Guild makes a ton of money from these classes. If two thousand people start at level one, only one will make it all the way to Arcane. You’re not exempt from arrest unless you have a contract, and you don’t qualify for those until you finish the Minor stage. Senthys completed it at age fifteen. Youngest in the Guild until Sylk came along.” “He’s adorable. I told Gnat that I’d watch him anytime he needed it. I hope it’s okay to bring him here.” “Perfectly okay. A thief never steals from another thief. Knowing Gnat, he taught him that the first week.” “Are you a thief?”

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“I was.” Luc drew out a strand of Rah’s dark hair and wrapped it around one finger. “I was Grand Master. Gave it up to train my five new deshai -- my adopted sons -- and when they all graduated, I went into business.” “So, why don’t thieves have more power? Why aren’t they in charge of the government?” Luc smiled into the dark. “Who says they aren’t? What politician isn’t a thief at heart?” He could feel Izzorah shaking as he laughed. “There are a lot of secrets in the Guild, aren’t there, t’hahr?” “There are secrets everywhere, my love.” The young Kin curled up closer, resting his head on Luc’s shoulder. “When you’re ready to trust me with them, I’d like to hear your secrets, Luc. I swear to protect your honor by keeping them.” He set a knuckle beneath Izzorah’s chin. The innocence in the face turned up to him filled Luc’s heart with wonder. “I know you will, love.” He kissed him. “I do trust you. I’ve been trying to decide where to start. There are so many things about me -- about us -- that you need to know.” “Can I make a suggestion?” “What would you like to know?” Luc held his breath. “Trey and Fletch asked me today what your eyes looked like without your lenses, and I told them I didn’t know. That I wasn’t going to question you about it.” He gave a small shrug. “But I really would like to know, if you wouldn’t mind showing me.” “All right, love. That’s actually a good place to start.” He sat up. “Ready?” “Sure.” Izzorah sat cross-legged, facing him. Luc reached up and with one finger, removed each of his lenses. He faced Izzorah. “What do you think?” Izzorah tilted his head from side to side, scrutinizing him. “Brown is a beautiful color.” “Brown? What…?” Luc blinked. I can see! Only one thing made that possible without his lenses. Marathon sex, or sex with another Sempervian. I get both of those with Izzorah. The effect only lasted a day at best, and then his eyes reverted to their natural state. He started laughing. “What is it?” Izzorah peered up at him. “Are you all right?” “Fine, love.” Luc kissed him lightly on the mouth. He lay down again, holding out his arms. “Curl up with me and we’ll see how they look in the morning.” A flash of puzzlement crossed his face, ears angling up and outward. He shrugged. “Yes, kahmay t’hahr. As you say.” Izzorah snuggled up to him again, a hand on Luc’s chest. “Tsohnur, Luc. Good night.”

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“Tsohnur, kosset.” He set his mouth against Izzorah’s brow. “Sleep tight, my beautiful young prince. I will love you always. Always, always, and forever.”

Kayelle Allen Science Fiction Romance author Kayelle Allen’s heart-age is slightly above 21 (more like 12, actually), and she’s married to her own personal hero. She believes that Romance Lives Forever, and uses that theme on all her sites. She loves heavy metal and hard rock, never misses 24, The Unit, action movies, or good SciFi. Kayelle’s gadget-happy. She loads up her cell phone, iPod, PDA, DS or PSP, and says she needs a larger tote that hovers and follows her around. She’s a new addict to Sudoku and confesses she’s started dreaming rows of numbers. Kayelle developed a sweeping ten-thousand years of future history, wrote a feline language, and created tradestandard laws. A reader said of her surprising twists, “Think you know what'll happen next? No way! It's by Kayelle…” She authored two romance series, and is writing two new ones. Her 130-page website features a tour of worlds where her stories are based. She coordinates multi-author online promos, and founded Marketing for Romance Writers to help authors of all genres learn about promotion. She hosts authors on her personal site, Romance Lives Forever. Writers are welcome to post contest info and excerpts, share news, and schedule chats upon request. It’s open and diverse with content that runs the gamut from sweet romance to hot ménages and GLBT. “Yeah,” she says with a grin, “I like to stay busy.” You can find Kayelle at the following Email: [email protected] Web site: http://kayelleallen.com Blog: http://romancelivesforever.blogspot.com MySpace: http://myspace.com/romancelivesforever YahooGroup: http://groups.yahoogroups.com/group/romancelivesforever