“Is your crew still sorting Cargo Bay Three, my Imdiko?”

  Baknu’s tone was as mild as ever. Despite the lack of censure, Takat winced and colored. “Yeah. It’s me that’s holding things up, no one else. I’m a little behind, but everything will be organized before we dock.”

  “Don’t worry. I can’t focus when Gabriel’s in the vicinity either.” Baknu’s amused attention shifted to their Earther, who gaped with surprise. “You require a project, my beauty, to keep you busy—and away from us—during duty hours.”

  He’d just been reveling in how perfect life was. Gabriel pouted. “Maybe you need better control.”

  “That’s true, but you’re asking a lot. To see you is to want you.”

  “That’s for damn sure,” Kisk sighed. He rubbed Gabriel’s thigh, near his stirring groin.

  “What can I do on your ship?” Gabriel’s contentment had deflated. He could goof off with Iliana, but she spent most of her time in her quarters, sewing and avoiding the fascinated crew. No one was inappropriate towards her, but she was still adjusting to overt lustful gazes. It was hard to undo twenty-six years of expecting to be arrested at any moment.

  He could only handle being sequestered in her quarters for a couple hours at a time. He loved his sister, but she was boring in large doses at the moment.

  “You like decorating spaces. Decorate our quarters.” Baknu waved his hand at the utilitarian space.

  “Are you sure?” He tamped down on the initial surge of delight. “We’ll be out of here in less than a year. I don’t want you to be uncomfortable if I make choices you’re unhappy with.”

  As Gabriel balked, he gazed at the large room they shared. He’d revamped it several times in his head in dozens of different ways since they’d left the Adraf station.

  Baknu chuckled. “You’re already making plans. Put together a list of what you need, and we’ll check on what’s available at the next station.”

  Gabriel was more than happy to agree. A better setup for Takat’s gaming system, nice shelving to replace the industrial eyesore where Baknu kept his physical books and study material, a small treadmill station with a computer podium for Kisk…and color. Color, color, color. The beige tones of their quarters had to go.

  “Let me grab my swatches.” Gabriel was on his feet in a second. There was a large closet behind a wall that held more of Baknu’s books, the clan’s uniforms, and the belongings Gabriel hadn’t unpacked yet.

  He located his supply chest in short order. Made of golden-stained oak, it had removable trays in which he kept small tools, swatches, and samples.

  His search for its key was in vain. “Damn it. It’s probably at the bottom of a bin I haven’t unpacked.”

  “Is that a manual lock?” Kisk gaped at the chest that Gabriel set on the floor where he’d been sitting.

  “Earthers really are behind technologically.” Takat shook his head in disbelief.

  “The chest is an antique, and I like it,” Gabriel informed them in his loftiest tone, implying what barbarians they were.

  “Until you lose the key and it’s useless.”

  Gabriel fussed with the silvery bracelet he wore most of the time. Let them smirk and tease. He’d show them.

  He pulled a thick strand of flex-metal from the bracelet and bent it to fit in the chest’s lock. A bit of wiggling, a careful turn…

  The lid popped open as the lock released. Gabriel grinned at the clan, pleased with himself.

  Kisk’s brow rose slowly. “That’s an interesting skill.”

  Gabriel reshaped the metal strand and slid it into place in his bracelet. He was amused at his lovers’ obvious fascination with what he’d done.

  “Mercy Colony is home to a sect of Earth’s religion that rejects most modern technology. I had a few friends of that sect when I was a child. Everything was manual, including locks. We learned to pick them to get at stuff we shouldn’t have.”

  “I’m glad you found a use for it beyond larceny.”

  “And worse crimes.” Gabriel’s pleasure at having a noteworthy talent dimmed. “The asshole who tried to blackmail Iliana into having sex with him was part of that sect. I picked his home’s lock and waited to confront him.”

  For a moment he was there again, in the man’s home, filled with rage born of desperate terror for his sister. The bat heavy in his hands, Iliana’s tormentor falling before him to lie unmoving on the floor. And afterward, when fury had spent itself, horror at what he’d done and the frantic need to escape.

  Baknu’s comforting touch brought Gabriel to the present. “Are you all right?”

  He drew a steadying breath. “I’m glad I didn’t kill him. Even if he deserved it.”

  Baknu pulled him onto his lap and kissed him, as if soothing a child who’d woken from a nightmare. “The past is behind, and the future is bright.”

  “It is. I’m ready to leave my history behind for good.”

  Baknu’s kisses deepened. Gabriel sensed the others drawing near, eager to remind him of the joys of the here and now. The horrors of his old life faded, peeled away as his clothing was by his clan.

  * * * *

  Mit-noc scowled at the monitors. The low-strength power he used on the ship, necessary to escape the Kalquorian freighter’s sensors and scanners, made it hard for him to view the craft’s surroundings. It made many things difficult.

  Cashing in on the bounty sitting on Gabriel’s head was difficult enough that anyone else would deem it impossible. Nevertheless, Mit-noc was determined.

  He viewed what he could discern of the freighter, searching for any potential weaknesses in operation. Whether or not the Kalquorians noted his vessel’s energy signature, he remained somewhat safe in that his life signs wouldn’t show up on their scans.

  His monitor beeped. He’d programmed it to tap into the Kalquorian ship’s communications. He examined it with a growing sense of excitement. They were dialed into a frequency he’d been hoping for.

  Mit-noc tapped keys on his console. His message, already recorded as he’d waited for the right circumstances, was sent to piggyback on the freighter’s signal to Dantovon. If all went well, it wouldn’t be noted.

  He could imagine why the Kalquorians, particularly that asshole Kisk, might be communicating with a planet outside of their route. He snickered.

  “I’m afraid I might have made you popular with a certain Nobek, Nal.”

  He debated warning his client for all of a second before dismissing it. It was of no concern to him whether Nal would be killed once Mit-noc delivered Gabriel to him. The Aksukt had more than enough concerns about his own health and well-being.

  All he required was slight assistance from the eager Nal. Just a little distraction that would allow Mit-noc to find and capture Gabriel.

  He consulted the freighter’s schematics yet again. He’d already memorized what he needed to know to hopefully get his hands on the problematic Earther chattel. There was nothing else to do until Nal sent aid.

  Mit-noc settled in to wait.

  Chapter Fourteen

  “No offense, Dramok Baknu, but I hardly think a freighter captain would be an expert on what’s best for an Earther Matara.”

  The condescension oozing from Iliana’s would-be Dramok beau set Gabriel’s teeth on edge. No way he’d let such an incredible asshole or his clanmates—probably assholes too—clan his sister.

  Also, how dare he speak to Baknu that way! Even if Gabriel’s lover had been a mere freighter captain, lacking the gazillion degrees and ludicrous amounts of money, he wouldn’t have deserved to be spoken to with such derision. Dramok Rykbi was in dire need of an attitude adjustment. Maybe Takat could toss him around like a cargo bin. That would be a nice start.

  Sitting next to him on the lounger in Baknu’s office, Iliana leaned close to whisper. “At least we know he treats everyone with that patronizing tone.”

  They were out of sight of the vid transmission to Kalquor. Baknu leaned against the edge of his desk, facing Rykbi’s image. He was typically composed, his arms folded over his chest, his features blandly pleasant. Almost bored, in fact.

  “I’m most certainly no expert on Earther women. I have, however, struck up a friendship with the young lady, and she believes there to be a serious compatibility issue with your clan.”

  Rykbi sighed. From where he sat, Gabriel could see the handsome Dramok with classical features nearly roll his eyes and stop just in time to avoid insult. “Earthers are children. They’ve proven they don’t know what’s best for them. The Matara will need a guiding hand to steer her forward in her new life here on Kalquor.”

  “I must differ with you on that account, at least where Matara Iliana is concerned. She’s young but mature for her years. She knows her own mind quite well—”

  “Yes, she’s charmed you with intelligence and resourcefulness. She’s displayed excellent survival skills when it comes to her barbaric government. But animal instinct is no replacement for refined—”

  “Did that jerk call me an animal?” Iliana shouted as she shot to her feet. Baknu bowed and stepped aside as she barreled into the vid camera’s view to confront the startled Rykbi.

  “Is this the lovely Iliana herself?” An appreciative smile began to curl his lips, as if he hadn’t said anything offensive a mere second before.

  “Do you mean the childish animal Iliana? Yes, it’s me, you condescending ass. Ill-bred, primitive, uncouth Iliana. Let me show you how unrefined I am.”

  Red-faced, she did so, unleashing an expletive-loaded rant at the gaping Dramok. Gabriel managed to keep his laughter from drowning her out, but he rolled off the lounger and onto the floor. He laughed so hard, his stomach cramped.

  Baknu simply stood at her side with mild amusement playing over his face, looking from one Rossi to the other, as if he couldn’t decide who was funnier.

  Iliana gave Rykbi her unabridged opinion of him for nearly a full minute. She wrapped it up as the Dramok began to recover enough to splutter. “—and I’d sooner wipe a Tragoom’s ass than join your clan. Have I made myself clear?”

  “Um, Captain Baknu—”

  “Don’t talk to him. Answer me!”

  Baknu shrugged at the astonished man. He waved his hand to indicate the conversation was solely between Rykbi and the raging Iliana. He bowed and stepped out of the feed.

  Left to face the furious hellion he’d awakened, Rykbi struggled for a shred of dignity. “Well, Matara, it seems perhaps we aren’t the clan for someone so—emphatic.”

  “You’d better believe you aren’t. Check that smug attitude, or you won’t be the clan for any Earther woman. We might be oppressed by our government, but we sure as hell aren’t in a hurry to be parented by arrogant snobs either. End the transmission, Captain Baknu.”

  “As you wish, Matara.”

  Rykbi vanished. Baknu helped the gasping Gabriel stand.

  “That was fantastic, sis. He’s probably off to find a nice, quiet hole to hide in for the next decade.”

  She grimaced, fury replaced by embarrassment. She hunched as she spoke to Baknu. “I’m sorry you had to hear that. He was just so—so—”

  “I agree. He was ‘so.’ You deserve far better.” Baknu chuckled.

  “I wish I had your control.”

  “Actually, your forcefulness made the point quite well.”

  “Especially after Baknu’s calm.” Gabriel rubbed his streaming eyes. “Tell me why I worry about your safety so much?”

  “There’s always a time for making yourself heard loud and clear.” Baknu winked at her.

  “Loud and clear. She was that, all right.” Gabriel laughed again, clutching his aching stomach as he did so. After a moment, Iliana and Baknu joined in.

  * * * *

  An hour after Iliana had forcefully rendered herself free and clear of Clan Rykbi, Gabriel was in his quarters, comparing swatches while eyeing the room. His lips pursed as he contemplated two colors in particular.

  Kisk walked in, and Gabriel checked the time. The Nobek was supposed to be on duty for a few hours yet.

  “Oh hey! Naptime, little guy?”

  Kisk laughed at his teasing. “You’re adorable when you’re asking for a spanking.”

  Gabriel squirmed. He hadn’t decided whether it was the spankings he found exciting or being held helpless for them. It was confusing to be turned on by having his ass paddled until it was sore.

  Kisk headed for the desk and pawed through the assorted items scattered on its surface. “Gabriel, answer something for me.”

  “Sure.”

  “Why do some men find it so difficult to put things where they belong after they’re done with them?”

  “Baknu strikes again? He has a lot rolling around in that big brain of his, so I suppose he forgets.”

  “Yes, the simple decency to return a clanmate’s borrowed belongings fails to be a priority. Remind me why I don’t break open his skull and clean it out so he might do better.”

  “Because he’s your Dramok, and you adore him.”

  “He’s lucky in that respect.” Kisk gave up on the desk and examined the bookshelves. “You’d think a ship’s captain would be more organized, but when Baknu’s in a hurry to get back to a book—Ha! You’re my witness. He swore he put it back in my pouch after he used it.”

  Kisk triumphantly held up what Gabriel guessed was a tool. He couldn’t have imagined the small metal object’s use.

  He showed Kisk the two swatches under consideration. “What do you think of this color? Or this one? For floor cushions.”

  Gabriel half-expected Kisk to tell him he had no opinion. After all, Nobeks were tough guys, perhaps too tough to worry about decorations.

  Kisk came close and inspected the swatches. He pointed at the burgundy with blue undertones without hesitation. “This.”

  “Thanks. I was leaning towards that too.”

  “Kind of hard to tell with such tiny examples. You know, I saw a sleeping mat cover in a similar color and texture in Mit-noc’s shuttle.”

  “Was it nice? I mean, it didn’t look cheap?”

  “Looked high-end to me, little as I know about such things. That sleeping cabin was dressed to impress.”

  Gabriel alerted to potential decorating items he could immediately get to. “Really? Can I check it out?”

  “It belongs to you, remember? Claimed as compensation for Mit-noc’s attempt to kidnap you. It’s yours to do with as you please.” Kisk paused. “Uh, there’s something unpleasant in there. Maybe you wouldn’t want to see, since I think it was meant for you.”

  “What? Oh, you mentioned some shackles before.”

  Kisk grimaced, his expression thunderous for an instant. He pulled his handheld from its pouch and tapped its surface. A vid picture appeared, floating above the device.

  Those were shackles, all right. Big, black shackles chained to a wall. Though not precisely what Gabriel had seen in museums, they were similar enough to leave no doubt that’s what they were.

  Gabriel’s stomach churned, but he played the matter off with humor. “Talk about your medieval dungeons. Not among my favorite decorating ideas.”

  “No kidding. We’ll stick with hover cuffs when I want to put you up against the wall.” Kisk shut off the handheld and put it away before wrapping Gabriel in a bearhug.

  Gabriel rested his head against his lover’s shoulder. “Thank the prophets I have a big, strong Nobek to protect me.”

  “Always.” Kisk kissed him.

  It started gentle and reassuring, but turned into more. In a matter of seconds, Gabriel was on the mat, his swatches scattered, and Kisk undressing him.

  “This is why Baknu won’t let me hang out with you guys while you’re on duty. Aren’t you supposed to be at work?” His protest and struggles were weak despite the argument.

  “What’s Baknu going to do, fire me?”

  His mouth explored the skin he’d bared, leaving Gabriel gasping. His halfhearted attempts to push Kisk away faded to nothing as the Nobek sucked his avid cock deep into his maw.

  Sure of Gabriel’s surrender, Kisk stood straight. “Don’t move. Stay where you are.”

  Gabriel knew better than to disobey when his aroused clanmate used that gruff tone. Kisk’s palm was brutal. His paddle was worse. Worse still, he understood Gabriel was uncertain whether he should like corporeal discipline as much as he did, making the punishment more acute.

  He waited as Kisk dug into the toy drawer. The Nobek brought out a handful of black leather straps. Too many for the purpose of spanking Gabriel, so what was he up to?

  Gabriel found out as Kisk used them to bind him. One short strap was actually a collar with metal rings. Two more short straps were looped to bind his wrists, with hooks to attach them to the collar so that he lost the use of his arms and hands. The larger straps also looped, circling his legs just above the knees. They too had hooks. When Kisk clipped them to the collar, Gabriel’s legs bent nearly to his shoulders, spreading him open so the Nobek could easily access his shaft, scrotum, and ass.

  “Aren’t you the gorgeous package, all tied up and ready for play?” Kisk gloated as he eyed his prize. “Let’s start with my favorite hole.”

  He opened the crotch of his pants, and his swollen lengths sprang free. Kisk rubbed two fingers on his primary, wetting them with his juices. He paused, considering Gabriel’s unprotected hole, and coated a third digit. Gabriel whimpered.

  His whine became a groan as Kisk stuffed all three slick digits inside. His tight ass ring was grudging about admitting so much at once, but its protests were overruled by the determined Nobek. Gabriel’s groan became a shout when Kisk unerringly located his cumspot and concentrated on it as he thrust in and out.

  “Sweet boy. No choice but to surrender to me. No choice but to be fucked for as long as I wish it.”

  Pre-cum was already beading at the tip of Gabriel’s shaft. Kisk leaned down to claim it. Gabriel kicked helplessly as the rough tongue swept over his cockhead.

  “Mmm, this pretty Earther likes getting fucked in the ass. Dildos, fingers, but especially my cocks. Especially my big primary.”