* * *
“Did you hear that fucker? He said he wanted to milk my dick, but would drink straight from the tap if I wanted.”
Noah sighed, listening to Chet gripe about one of the guards as he irritably stalked around, scrutinizing their new sleeping quarters. They’d been taken to this location maybe an hour after Alec left, their captain having volunteered to take a big one for the team. ‘Big one’ being an exam he’d be given by some Kríe named Sirus, whom Noah gleaned was a scientist of the king. Talk about a stand-up guy. Because, yeah, had Alec not made that selfless gesture, they all would have gone through the same procedure.
Thanks, Cap. Sacrifice very much appreciated.
Noah chewed his lip and glanced at the door. Zaden was eyeing it, too. He looked worried about his friend, hadn’t wanted Alec to go. Noah hoped the captain was okay, too. They hadn’t seen or heard from him since the bath house.
Across the way, Bailey nodded at Chet. “Yeah, I heard him. Saw him sizing you up, too. Better watch your ass around that one.” He smirked. “Like, literally your ass.”
Chet shot him a peeved look. “I’ll break his hand if he tries anything.”
Jamis laughed. “Yeah, because you had such great luck fending off Roni.”
Their hired gun’s jaw ticked. “I was having an off day. Next time, I’m taking his ass down.”
“Next time?” Noah tucked a dark blond lock behind his ear. “I wouldn’t hold your breath. They’re not coming back.”
Chet paused from rapping his knuckles down the side of a wall. “Oh, they better,” he muttered. “’Cause if I gotta hunt them down, they’re gonna feel the wrath of one irate motherfucker.”
Bailey and Jamis swapped looks of skeptical amusement. Noah, however, felt no urge to smile.
Turning his gaze away, he glanced around the room. It was spacious. And clean. Adorned with interesting décor. Wrought-iron sconces of varying designs along walls impressed with artistic, tribal-esque motifs. Lanky, dark-purple trees sat in corners and by arched windows. There was a sitting area with Kríe-sized chaises placed in a circle. Beside the loungers, colorful decanters sat atop an outcrop from the wall, accompanied by trays of curious edibles. Striped, oversized fur pillows were stacked by a fireplace. Across the way was a table with matching stools. Stools which, incidentally, the team sat upon now as they watched their angry bodyguard scour the room. The ceiling had wooden beams. The floor looked like slate. And the double doors they first entered through were dark bronze.
His guess was that the enclosure—roughly the size of a small tennis court—was used to accommodate guests of nobility. Definitely nicer than a servant’s dwelling. Or even regular guards for that matter. Located on the third floor, down a long elegant hallway, it was the last set of doors on the right.
Their four Kríe escorts had dropped them off there with the promise of fetching them first thing in the morning. Of course, that was also when the guard named Mannix propositioned Chet with that hand job he was pissed about. Noah’s lips curved a little as he recalled their little exchange. If looks could kill, that Kríe would’ve dropped like a brick. But they couldn’t, so he’d continued to work Chet’s nerve, even though he’d clearly wanted to ‘work’ something else.
Noah sighed again, looking for the umpteenth time at the last, and most peculiar, element of their lodging—the little sleeping alcoves in the walls. Like, literally, in the walls. That you had to climb through an opening to get into. He’d peered inside one earlier, there were six in total; nothing but bedding and windows. Weird for sure, yet oddly inviting. And as fatigue set deep into the marrow of his bones, he suddenly wanted to give one a test drive. Or rather, a test snooze, so he could sleep off his funk and hopefully wake up not giving a shit about Gesh.
That asshole.
Noah still couldn’t believe what he’d done.
Raw pain flared in his chest again. He breathed a tired curse, then absently glanced over at all those decanters. Were some equivalent to liquor? How sweet would that be? Would probably help his cause better than sleep.
But as he stared at the rainbow of various thick-glassed bottles, he didn’t even have the energy to do some sampling. He was just too drained, both physically and mentally, from all the nonstop craziness since they crashed.
God, he’d hiked more in the past two days than he typically walked in an entire week. And that was saying a lot considering how often he hit the treadmill. Add to that the emotional stress, the unrelenting need to fuck, then ultimately getting plowed by a giant, and yeah, he was definitely running on fumes. The rest of the team had to be feeling similar.
He glanced back at the door. It was getting pretty late. They must have Alec crashing somewhere else. Fuck, he hoped he was okay. When would they see him again?
Frowning, he slid off his stool and looked at the others. “I’m beat. Calling it a night. Gonna go check out my little wall nest.”
Jamis nodded.
So did Bailey, his dark curls bouncing subtly. “Yeah. Sounds good. Think I will, too.”
Across the table, Zaden stood up, looking ready to help Chet investigate. “All right, man. Get some sleep.” He looked exhausted, too. “God only knows what tomorrow has planned for us.”
Chet pulled his head back in through a window, no doubt scoping out their prison’s exterior. “Pretty sure we won’t be bothered again ‘til morning.”
Yeah, probably not.
Noah kneaded his neck and scanned his options. Out of the room’s four walls, there were cubbies in two of them—the exterior walls, with the windows looking out over the land. Or in other words, the room’s back and left side. Noah chose one in back and ambled over. Its opening was a good four feet off the ground. He climbed through and was instantly on a bed of lavish furs. And while his first instinct was to flop down right there with clothes still on, he knew he’d sleep better if he stripped.
Pulling off his hiking boots, then his cargo shorts, tank and socks, he wondered if Alec ever got his clothes back. The guards who’d taken him had only allowed him a towel. Which was unsettling at the time and still was now. Noah frowned, trying hard not to worry about their captain. Alec was nothing if not level-headed. And sensible. And smart. He’d keep himself out of trouble. He would.
Noah pulled his hair tie out and raked a hand through his mane. Long bangs dropped down and brushed his cheek. Absently, he tucked them behind his ear. He was so fucking tired, and yet his brain was still churning. Drawing his knees close, he used them to prop his forearms, then glanced out one of the alcove’s three curved windows.
Of course, the first thing he rested his eyes on was the lake. With only a dozen acres of land between it and the castle, it spanned the entire length of the fortress’s rear grounds. In turn, at its farthest shore, it appeared to reach the mountains. The very range, in fact, that circled the kingdom. It wasn’t a huge lake, he could make out its entire perimeter, but somehow it still felt majestic. Maybe because its surface glittered like diamonds under the moon. Or maybe because those huge mountains looked like a crown. It was probably some of both, but what captivated him the most was the breathtaking waterfall at its far end. Illuminated by moonlight, he could see it perfectly as its lunar-lit waters cascaded down the mountainside.
His mind eased a little, its distant roar soothing, just far enough away for perfect volume. His gaze slid back down to the shimmering lake. Did Nirans fish in it? Swim in it? Was its temperature warm? He stared at it, his chest feeling strangely unsettled. Like the water was triggering some internal—
A memory surged abruptly to the forefront of his mind. A very specific one from last night. When he and Gesh had been in their own little body of water. The hot spring near the encampment’s front entrance. Surrounded by big rocks and thick, lush plants, it’d had more privacy than any two males could ever need.
“Shit,” he muttered, not wanting to go there. Not wanting to think about Gesh at all. He closed his eyes. Then covered them with the heels of his palms. But to his dismay, that fucking Kríe stayed put. Talk about ironic. When Noah wanted nothing to do with him, the dickhead wouldn’t leave. And yet, just hours ago when he’d desperately needed him …
Yeah, Gesh had fucking split.
Well, okay, so technically he’d been thrown out—on what Noah hoped was his actual ass—but the end result of his actions was still the same.
Noah dropped his hands in resignation and looked back out at the lake. It was futile to fight his feelings. Gesh had burrowed too deep under his skin. Which meant all he could do was just wait the shit out. Wait for his mind to forgive and forget. Wait for his heart to let him go.
* * *
Alec roused the next morning to the light against his lids, but mostly to the strange sounds infiltrating the alcove’s windows. His guess—early-bird critters from the nearby mountain range. Although, the loudest noises sounded more like dolphins on speed than any flying creature he’d ever heard.
Eyes still closed, he shifted on his back, then frowned, remembering his fucking wrists were bound. No wonder his shoulders ached. They’d been in an unnatural position all night long. Muttering a curse, he rolled onto his side, then lifted his drowsy lashes—and froze. For two reasons, actually.
One, because less than a foot away Zercy lay fast asleep, with just a gray pelt over his crotch. The rest of his body? Wholly uncovered. One great big expanse of muscles and sleeping face.
The second reason Alec stilled was for, ironically, the same reason, but in regards to his state instead of Zercy’s. When he’d shifted to his side, the towel Zercy had wound around him the night before had unfastened and come completely undone. Sliding off his hips, leaving him utterly bare, exposing his skin to cool morning air.
Instinctively, he rolled onto his back again, and gripped the wrap with his bound hands. But, of course, that was pointless. It wasn’t like he could toss it over his goods. Which really fucking sucked, because he was sporting some serious morning wood. A visual he didn’t particularly feel like sharing. Zercy might wake up and get the wrong idea. For all he knew, Nirans didn’t experience hard-ons when they woke, and Zercy would assume Alec’s had arisen for other reasons. He glanced again at that pelt hiding Zercy’s junk to see if there was any sign of a—
Oookay, nevermind.
Nirans definitely got morning wood, too.
Alec’s groggy brain cleared as he considered the situation. Two guys in bed with raging boners—who’d both had sex with males in the past. Well, just one male in the past where Alec was concerned, but like that really made any fucking difference. Hell, as far Zercy would be concerned, that’d be the second erection Alec popped around him. Two, in the span of how many hours?
Nope. Wrong message. Waaaay wrong message.
Which left him with only one real option to take. Hide the incriminating evidence by repositioning onto his stomach.
Fisting the wrap beneath him, he glanced to his left. Damn it. Not enough room to maneuver in that direction. Evidently, while he slept he’d scooted as far over as possible. So much so, that if he rolled that way now, he’d wind up with his face pressed to the wall—as he clutched a handful of towel to cover his ass. Yeah, that wouldn’t look totally ridiculous at all, and definitely wouldn’t prompt Zercy to roll him back over again.
Surprise, big guy! Look what I was hiding.
Right. An outcome that’d be far fucking worse than if he just freaking lay there with flagpole standing.
Alec glanced the king’s way again, measuring the distance between them. It’d be tight, considering Zercy had scooted all the way over, too. Only a handful of centimeters to spare. But once he got there, he could angle his head in the other direction and pretend he was sleeping when Zercy woke. Which would make the close proximity appear utterly unintentional while hiding the problem jutting from his groin.
Drawing in a breath, he steeled his resolve and slowly began rolling toward the king. But just as he’d barely made it onto his side, Zercy stirred, his big frame shifting atop the furs. Alec froze, not wanting to wake him. Zercy’s arm slid his way. Then his face turned in Alec’s direction, too.
Alec held his breath. The Kríe’s eyes stayed closed. And what do you know, there was some more good news, too. When his purple hand had slid into Alec’s personal space, it’d pushed a mound of fur against his junk. He exhaled. Thank you, cosmos. His dick was finally covered. Looked like he didn’t need to get too close for comfort after all. He could stay nice and still on his side.
Which he did for a good couple minutes after that, scrutinizing absolutely everything in his line of sight. The white, textured walls. That peculiar headboard. The sconces that’d long since sputtered out. Even outside the windows. From where he lay, he could see the mountaintops, and the early morning’s yellow-orange sky. Evidently, that was the color of the sky on Nira because it seemed pretty clear with minimal clouds. But, wow, did those few clouds look wild. Every shade of purple, in wispy spirals, their tapered tips jutting high into the stratosphere. He watched as they slowly swirled their way out of view, past where he could see them from the window.
And then his bored eyes were drifting back down. He’d avoided looking at the king for as long as he could, but in truth, Zercy was the most interesting thing around. Granted, the furs he lay upon were pretty exotic—what with all their rich colors and patterns—but in juxtaposition to the king’s incredible body, even they couldn’t hold a friggin’ candle.
Alec frowned and looked away. Slowly rolled his achy shoulder. But before long, his focus was back on Zercy. Only his face, Alec resolved. He’d only look at his face. The rest of his big body would stay off limits.
Alec studied his dark lashes. Down atop his lower lashes, they indeed looked twice as thick, almost—almost—rivalling his masculine brows.
He slid his gaze to one of Zercy’s horns. Up close like this, the texture alone was incredible. Like rich, black velvet molded over bone. Matte, yet with a soft, subtle luster. Its curve was subtle as well, its tip was barely sharp. And those polished stones and gold studs that ran along its ridge? Alec had never seen anything so… alluring. Out of nowhere, he had the strongest urge to touch them…
What? Yeah, no. No yearnings to touch his fucking captor.
That was entirely unacceptable.
Entirely.
He pursed his lips and dropped his gaze to Zercy’s ear. Big and slightly pointy with, shit, more of those piercings. Yup, time to move things right along. His eyes dipped lower, to the king’s powerful jaw, which in turn, led his focus to Zercy’s chin. A chin that, in fairness, was perfectly commendable—good proportions, nicely shaped—but it just couldn’t compete. Not with what was above it. That mouth.
Absently, Alec swallowed as he studied the king’s lips, all full, and firm, and partially parted. Enough to show a hint of his fangs. Just the tips, though. Nothing more. But apparently that was plenty. Alec’s stomach tightened as he eyed them. So much sharper than Zercy’s horns. Able to pierce flesh like a warm knife through butter. Yeah. He bet a clean, swift penetration like that would feel really, really fucking incredi—
His boner kicked so hard, he saw the fur move in his periphery.
Alec blinked and looked away. Jesus. What the hell was wrong with him?
Evidently, Zercy’s mouth needed to be off limits, too.
Heart rate bumping up a notch, he inadvertently glanced at Zercy’s torso—and was instantly snared by his huge fucking pecs. And those mesmerizing pierced nipples. God, the way their studs glinted every time Zercy drew in breath…
Nope. Not even going to go there, either.
And yet, before he could stop himself, he slid his gaze lower—then stilled in brand-new, rapt fascination. Because there on Zercy’s abdomen, circling his navel, was a marking Alec hadn’t noticed before. Probably because until now, he’d kept his eyes ever averted, not letting them anywhere near the Kríe’s naked dick. Although, now that he could steal a glimpse without Zercy seeing?
He regarded his new discovery, but quickly turned confused. Because not only was it captivating—a blazing sun around his belly button—but set in a rich, shimmering gold. Didn’t look like a tattoo, though, or anything done by hand. No, somehow its appearance looked natural. Which made no sense. Living flesh couldn’t be metal, or contain metal in its composition.
Alec stared at the pattern, at its starburst of rays, radiating outward like regal waves. It wasn’t big, though. Maybe three inches at its widest point, with its top and bottom beams slightly longer. But damn, the way it glimmered against that canvas of deep plum, emanating stark majesty—and raw sex. Like some innate carnal lure, seducing his eyes. Hypnotizing him. Drawing him in.
His wrists swiveled in their binds. His boner hardened more. Of their own accord, his hips rocked against the fur. Shit, that felt good. He did it again. His lashes fluttered. His dick thrummed, his gaze still glued to that mark.
He frowned. What in the hell?
When had suns become such a turn-on?
A soft, husky rumble resounded in the quiet.
He froze, then glanced at Zercy’s face. He was watching him, eyes hooded, still drowsy from sleep. But his lips, yeah, those lips were definitely curved. Fuck. He’d caught Alec staring at his body.
Cheeks heating, he looked away, wanting to roll onto his back and put as much distance between them as possible. Problem was, his stupid dick was still hard. So, instead, he just frowned irritably. “It’s not how it looks.”
“Hmm. That is a shame.” Shit, his voice. So sleepy and gruff. Like a little velvet stroke to Alec’s dick. Zercy shifted atop the bedding. “Is it at least how it feels?”
Alec frowned and glanced back at him. “Feels?”
“Tah.” He smiled. “Your hard cock pressed against my knuckles.”
Alec stilled, then eyed that mound of fur covering his crotch… realizing in horror that Zercy’s arm was still part of the jumble. Earlier, when he’d shoved the covers over in his sleep, he hadn’t moved the thing back. It’d stayed put. Good God. That’s probably what woke him up; Alec rubbing his boner all up against his hand.
Tamping a groan, he felt his ears heating, too.
Zercy chuffed in amusement and rolled onto his side. “I do not know why it is so important to you that your cock stays hidden, but it is a waste of time. A waste of energy.”
Alec met his eyes. Their faces were less than a foot apart now. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m not hiding my dick, and it’s not fucking hard.”
Zercy lifted a smug brow. “No? So I can pull back this fur?”
Alec stiffened. Ground his molars. “I’d rather you didn’t.”
The groggy king grinned wider. “What a surprise.” Without warning, he pushed Alec onto his back, then swiftly moved closer and laid on top of him.
Alec sucked in a breath, their mouths just inches apart, Zercy’s morning wood pressing against Alec’s stomach. “What the—fuck are you doing?” he grunted anxiously. “Get off. Jesus, Kríe. You weigh a ton.”
Another sleepy rumble worked its way up Zercy’s throat. Casually kneeing Alec’s thighs apart—despite his efforts to keep them closed—he rocked his strong hips against Alec’s groin. “Hmm. You say you are not hard. Perhaps our definitions are different.” Lids at half mast, he nuzzled Alec’s neck.
Alec’s jaw went slack, his skin flushing from head to toe. But not just from embarrassment. He was pissed off, too. And aggravated that he was getting so freaking horny. Couldn’t help it, though, goddamnit. Those warm lips against his skin? Not to mention Zercy’s scent again, assailing his nose. Mmm, fuck… Roasted marshmallows, all hickory sweet…
His mouth watered. His eyes rolled back—
Gah. No.
What was he doing?
Fighting to snap out of it, he squirmed beneath Zercy’s heft—which, to his distress, just spurred the Kríe to rock his hips again.
Heat coiled in Alec’s nuts. “Don’t,” he rasped. “You’re crushing me.”
Not really, but it was a valid enough excuse.
Zercy lifted his head and regarded him, his dreads brushing Alec’s chest. A few seconds passed. But then he smiled and rose onto his elbows. “There,” he murmured, his weight gone from Alec’s torso. Lazily, he ground their cocks together. “Taahhh… Much better…”
Alec’s dick kicked. His pulse spiked. “Stop,” he groaned. “I don’t want this.”
Or at least, he shouldn’t. This male was holding him captive, for fuck’s sake.
Zercy paused and peered down at him. Then frowned. “Are you certain? I do not need to enter you, pet.” His gaze dropped to Alec’s lips. “Our hands would suffice… as would our mouths.”
Fuuuck. Alec’s dick bucked even harder that time.
Mortified anew, he glowered. “Yes, I am certain. I don’t want hands or mouths, either. I’m good.”
Holy hell, his heart was hammering. Could Zercy feel it against his chest?
Zercy studied him silently, a strange look on his face, as if he didn’t understand why Alec was resisting. But right as he opened his mouth to respond, a deep-toned chime reverberated through the chamber. He peered through the alcove’s opening toward the room’s big double-doors. His smoldering gaze cooled. His expression turned resigned. “Tah,” he muttered quietly. “The day begins.”
And just like that, he was off Alec’s body, grudgingly climbing from the comforts of his warm nest. Alec stayed where he was, heart racing in his chest. That was close. Truth be told, he’d been teetering on the verge, his dick readying to go rounds with his brain. Thank fuck for doorbells, or whatever that thing was.
Closing his eyes, he willed his heart to calm. Shit knew his dick was a lost fucking cause.
The sound of the great doors opening stole his focus. He turned his head and peered out the opening. Zercy stood at the entrance, naked as a jaybird, talking with a Kríe Alec recognized. The male at Zercy’s side in the great hall yesterday. The one Alec assumed was his advisor.
Another male was present, too. He was clearly a personal servant—who, as it seemed, was tasked to dress the king. Alec watched him, half-smiling, as the male got to work, all but wrestling Zercy’s hard-on into a jockstrap. Or maybe it was a loincloth. Or a hybrid of both. Whatever it was, he eventually wrangled it into place.
Not that the king noticed. His focus was on his advisor.
The servant moved on, sliding Zercy’s arms into a garment, then closed the two sides and tied it off. Like a sleeveless robe or something, made of a black-suede material, that reached down to the lower half of his thighs. It looked soft. And those gems looked really cool, too. Small and gleaming, in patterns of green and gold, embellishing not only his deep-v neckline, but his arm holes and bottom hem as well. Majestic and masculine all wrapped into one.
And, admittedly, not a bad look.
The male wound a belt around his lean waist next; thick, black leather with a sleek, burnished buckle. Once fastened, he dropped down and gripped his king’s ankle, deftly sliding a sandal onto his foot. It reminded Alec of the kind that ancient gladiators wore; dark straps around each foot, horizontals ones up each calf, with a single, vertical strap up each shin.
He wouldn’t lie, they were badass. And yet, somehow regal, too.
And still, Zercy didn’t acknowledge the guy. Had all focus on the Kríe jabbering away. Not that Alec hadn’t noticed the servant enough for all three of them, intently watching as he buckled in Zercy’s calves.
His dark, muscular calves…
He could probably leg press a house…
Alec’s junk thrummed—because clearly, it had yet to relent. He groaned in frustration and rolled onto his back. Glowered down his torso at his dick. He needed a bucket of ice. This shit was ridiculous.
If he could just get the fuck out of this castle.
Closing his eyes, he inhaled deep, held it for a while, then let it out. He was going to see his team soon—if Zercy kept his word—so he needed to wipe these thoughts and clear his head.
“Are you ready to get dressed?” the king rumbled to his left.
Alec jerked with a start, then quickly rolled over, instinctively wanting to hide that-which-had-not-yet-gone-down. Not very nonchalant, though. Zercy must think him an idiot.
But instead of confirming his suspicions, the king reached through the opening, clutched Alec’s hip, and rolled him back over. Alec stiffened, wholly exposed, but to his surprise, Zercy covered his crotch with fur and made a face. “Your behavior is strange. I assume it is a human thing.”
Cheeks hot, Alec peered up at him, but didn’t know what to say.
Zercy’s eyes hooded. Slowly, he shook his head. “Hide your cock all you like, but it is pointless. Do you know why?”
Alec warily held his gaze. “No,” he mumbled. “Why?”
Zercy leaned in through the opening and murmured in his ear. “Because I can smell it, Alick. From across the room. I do not need sight to know my pet is aroused.”
A shiver rolled up Alec’s spine, then prickled along his scalp
Fuuuck.
Zercy’s timbre. His proximity. His words.
Alec swallowed, but before he could formulate a reply, Zercy unclipped his leash, straightened, and pulled Alec upright by his collar. And he wasn’t done there. Next, he freed Alec’s hands, then clutched his legs and tugged them through the opening.
“There.” He smiled as Alec sat on the ledge. “Would you like to see what Lotis fashioned for you, bashful human?”
Alec slid him a glare and rubbed his wrists.
He wasn’t frickin’ bashful.
Zercy loosed a small chuff. “You will love it. He is brilliant.”
Alec shrugged. “Fine. Whatever. Then we go see my guys?”
“Tah.” The king nodded and stepped to the right, swiping something off a small table against the wall. Looked like a little, folded garment of some kind. Velvety, like Zercy’s get up, but it wasn’t black. It was purple. Dark purple. Like Zercy’s skin. The king snapped it open, then held it for him to see. “Is it not handsome? Just like my Alick.”
Alec stared at the thing, trying to make out what it was. An outfit of some sort, clearly, but… it looked like half was missing. “I don’t know about handsome, but it’s definitely small.” He frowned up at Zercy. “Where’s the rest?”
“There is no ‘rest’. This is everything—aside from your loincloth.” He gestured for Alec to stand. “Now put it on.”
No rest? That was it? Aside from a loincloth?
Alec balked. “I am not—”
“Very well. Go naked.”
Alec bristled. “I want my own clothes.”
Zercy shook his head. “Mah.”
“Why not?” he grated.
“Because. They are no more.”
Alec stared at him. “No more? What, did you have them freaking burned?”
Zercy cast him a look of confirmation.
“Son of a—” Clenching his jaw, Alec vibrated, furious. “Whatever,” he bit out, shoving off of the ledge. “Just give me the goddamn thing. I want to go.”
“Hmm. On second thought…” Zercy glanced back at the table. “Perhaps you should put that on first.”
Alec eyed the slip of material the king was clearly referring to. Right. The fucking loincloth. Didn’t want to forget that. Otherwise, his dick would be swaying in the breeze. And going by the length of his ‘specially fashioned’ getup, it’d be swaying in the breeze for all to see.
Lips pursed into a line, he stalked over and grabbed it—then promptly began trying to put it on. Around and under, he wound the straps. Nope. Under and around. Even worse. He scowled at it menacingly. Stupid frickin’ thing. No matter what order or direction he wrapped the piece of shit, it still came out all freaking wrong. Damn it, that servant had made it look so easy.
“Fuck it,” he muttered. He’d make it a thong. Not because he wanted a wedgie up his ass, but because he just didn’t give a shit anymore. Tying up his goods into a very sad package, he turned back to Zercy and glowered. “Next.”
Unfortunately, the king didn’t hand over the garment. Just crossed his arms and regarded Alec’s rig job. “Hmm...” He tapped his chin, then shook his head. “Mah.”
Alec grit his teeth. “Sorry, your Highness. It’s the best I can do.”
“I will do it for you. Come here.”
“No.”
“That was not a request.”
“Does it look like I care?”
Zercy narrowed his eyes. “Take care how you address me.”
Alec opened his mouth, then shut it. The last time he’d said something the guy resented, his plans to see his team got revoked.
The king smiled a little, as if sensing Alec’s resignation, but he didn’t look smug. Just kind of glad. Like he was mentally tired or something, and didn’t want to fight.
Stepping close, he turned Alec away, then curled his fingers around Alec’s wrists. Alec tensed, instinctively fisting his hands. Zercy lifted them up to Alec’s nape. “Link your fingers behind your neck.”
Alec’s heart pounded as he obeyed.
“Good,” Zercy murmured. “Now keep them there.”
Alec stared at the wall. The king was standing so close, he could feel him like a barrier of heat against his back.
Zercy released his wrists and moved his hands to Alec’s waist, untangling the mess he’d made with the wrap. His claws grazed Alec’s groin. Alec sucked in a breath. Then the swath let go, as though conceding to the king’s will. Naturally, Alec’s boner twitched, always happy to be free, but then jerked again when Zercy nudged his feet apart.
“Widen your stance, pet. I need room to work.”
Alec bit his cheek, but complied. Swear to God, if Zercy groped him—
He stiffened as warm hands wound the cloth between his thighs. And what do you know, a minute later, the king not only had him wrapped up right, but had done it while never once touching his junk.
Alec exhaled, relieved and grateful, every nerve ending on high alert. That could have gone way worse, and yet, Zercy had surprised him. Had been considerate instead of an asshole.
Alec dropped his hands, ready to handle the rest on his own, but Zercy grasped his wrists and brought them right back up again.
“I said to keep them here,” he chided quietly.
Alec made a face. What could there possibly be left to do?
Zercy stepped to the small table and gathered a few more items; five strips of black, embellished hide. Alec frowned, eyeing the knot of tassels hanging from each end. What was getting put on him now?
The king turned with a smile and held one for Alec to see. “He is a master at his craft. I am his biggest fan. Every item I wear, Lotis designs.”
Hands at his nape, Alec eyed the short strap. Zercy wasn’t kidding. It was definitely impressive. A work of art in its own right. Sleek, masculine designs, embroidered in gold, green, and purple, masterfully twined around small, regal stones. Stones which, incidentally, looked like the ones in Zercy’s dreads. Gleaming opal and onyx, striking tiger-eyes, too. Even a couple equivalent to blood-red rubies. A composition both dramatic and artistically refined.
Yeah, this Lotis guy had some skills.
Alec gave a little nod. “Nice. But what are they for?”
“Decoration.” Zercy stepped close and wound it around Alec’s wrist, tying it secure with those tassels. “Made specifically for my handsome new pets.”
He deftly wrapped another around Alec’s other wrist, then moved to Alec’s back and sank to his haunches. Two seconds later, his ankles were similarly adorned.
“Decoration,” he muttered skeptically.
Zercy stood back up. “Tah.” He tapped Alec’s hip. “Lower your arms.”
Alec dropped them and tentatively peered over his shoulder. He didn’t like the Kríe always at his back.
Zercy’s claws grazed his neck as he went for Alec’s collar. Goosebumps. Fucking everywhere. Alec scowled. He better be taking that thing off. Sure enough, a heartbeat later, the thick band fell to the floor—only to be replaced by a new one. The final strap.
Goddamnit.
Alec glowered at the wall. “Seriously? Do I really have to wear a freaking collar?”
Zercy tightened it at Alec’s nape, then gripped his shoulders and leaned in close. “Tah, Alick,” he rumbled. “You really must. How else will I secure your pet leash?”
Alec clenched his teeth, even as shivers raced up his spine. “Leashes are overrated. I say we ditch it.”
Zercy loosed a soft chuckle. “Soon. If you behave.”
Alec exhaled in frustration and looked at the ceiling. But then something occurred to him. “You said these ‘decorations’ were made specifically for your pets. Does that mean my guys are wearing this stuff, too?”
The king turned him around. “Tah.” He handed Alec his outfit. “You may put this on now… If you are able.”
Alec shot him a droll look.
The Kríe’s lips twitched.
Rolling his eyes, Alec shook his head and got busy. At least he wouldn’t be the only one wearing this shit. And more importantly, if his teammates were sporting these digs, too, then they couldn’t rib his ass for looking stupid. Which, yeah, was a totally dick way to feel. But misery loved company, so sue him.
Stiffly, he shoved his arms through the getup’s sleeveless holes, then tied its two halves together beneath his navel. Like Zercy’s, it was fashioned like a robe of sorts, but unlike Zercy’s, it was a hell of a lot shorter. Hell, the stupid thing barely covered his upper thighs, or the bottom of his ass, for that matter.
Scowling, he took the belt Zercy handed over next and secured it with irritable jerks around his hips.
The king’s eyes glittered. “Handsome Alick…” he murmured.
Alec’s dick twitched at the sound. Zercy needed to stop saying his name. Maybe ‘pet’ would be better after all.
He frowned and looked down at his two-piece digs. Simple and yet not, what with the way it was adorned. Much like Zercy’s, although not nearly as elaborate. But the stones, how they gleamed along the edge of each opening. Around his shoulders, across his thighs, down the open-v neckline—the one that offered a generous view from chest to navel. Yeah, didn’t leave much to the imagination, but all in all, not a terrible look.
He glanced at his bare feet, but Zercy was already on it, moving to grab the last articles from the table. A pair of sandals similar to his own, except not as badass. Meaning simpler in cut, with shorter ties that looked to only reach the base of his calves.
He sighed and moved to take one.
“Mah.” The king shook his head. Draping the footwear over his muscular shoulder, he gripped Alec’s hips and hoisted him back onto the ledge. “Sit. Do not move. I shall put these on for you.”
“I can do that,” Alec objected.
“Probably, tah.” He smiled a little. “But I should very much like to do the honors.”
Alec paused, swearing he’d heard a hint of affection in Zercy’s tone. He eyed the king nervously. Affection would not be good.
Ugh. Whatever. Didn’t matter either way. To argue would be a total waste of time.
Zercy’s smile curved higher as he clutched Alec’s ankle and slid on the first of two sandals. It fit to a T. Alec frowned in confusion. How would Lotis know his freaking shoe size? Oh, wait. Almost forgot. Sirus had measured his feet. Must’ve passed along the info at some point. Zercy straightened it just so, then propped Alec’s foot against his chest and wrapped the dark straps up past his ankle.
His grip was strong, his fingers adept, sending tantalizing, warm current up Alec’s leg. He swallowed and grasped the ledge, his hard-on giving a nudge.
One sandal done.
On to the second.
Zercy held his foot secure. More teasing heat straight to his crotch.
Alec clutched the sill tighter, then swallowed again, eyes glued to Zercy’s fingers as they worked. A claw grazed Alec’s skin. Sharper zings tore up his leg. He sucked in a breath, every muscle tensing. Fortunately, the king proved not just capable, but swift.
Dropping Alec’s foot, he reached to help him down, but Alec shoved off the ledge before he had the chance.
“I got it,” he muttered, regarding his new footwear. Huh. Look at that. He had gladiator feet. A smile tried to form. He fought it back.
Zercy grunted gruffly. He hadn’t liked Alec’s slight. But instead of chastising, he simply moved past him and reached his hand inside the alcove’s opening. Two seconds later, Alec’s leash was in his grasp. He smirked. “Time to go, pet. Turn around.”
Alec bristled all over again.
The king lifted a brow. “You do wish to see your team now, do you not?”