* * *
Fuck. Zercy’s sated voice. It made Alec’s muscles go limp. He sagged in post-fuck bliss atop the king’s chest. Yeah, oh yeah… That beefy shoulder was like a pillow. All big and warm and firm against Alec’s cheek.
Zercy’s hand settled onto the small of his back, and for a long comfortable moment, they laid in silence. Alec’s body hummed happily. His brain readied for sleep. Until a curious sound cut through his haze.
Brows furrowing, he listened. Something very close was thrumming. He could literally feel the vibrations against his cheek. His frown deepened. But what was it? It sounded oddly familiar….
Then it hit him. What it reminded him of.
He smiled. No fucking way.
Lifting his head, he looked at the king. “Are you…” He quirked a brow. “Are you purring?”
Zercy’s drowsy eyes darkened. His lips curved. “Perhaps.”
Alec’s smile spread wider. He couldn’t freaking help it. The sentiment was just so bizarrely cool. And while Miros had emanated something similar at the fort, it hadn’t sounded nearly as pronounced. Like the emotion that triggered it was stronger in Zercy. And coming from a much deeper place.
Alec’s eyes grew heavy. That soft pumping was strangely soothing, lulling him into a state of unexpected peacefulness. He looked away and cleared his throat, trying to shake it off. He shouldn’t feel this content, not in Zercy’s arms. Nor as utterly okay with what just happened. What he’d willingly done in passion to the king’s fantastical body. What he’d allowed the king, in turn, to do to his...
As if sensing his thoughts, Zercy ceased all happy thrumming. Rolling them over, he pressed his waist between Alec’s thighs. Alec grunted under his weight until the king lifted his torso, propping his hands on either side of Alec’s head. Alec peered up into his eyes.
Zercy smiled and scanned Alec’s chest. “You are a mess,” he rumbled softly.
Alec blinked, then coughed a laugh. “Yeah, you’re not faring so well yourself.”
Zercy’s eyes straight-up twinkled. “I do not know what you mean.” Glancing around, he grabbed a small swath of fur, one of many amidst his sea of cozy bedding. With one arm supporting him, he quickly wiped his chest and cock, then tossed it from their nest and looked at Alec. “See? I am not messy. Only you.”
Alec’s lips twitched, his head still partially floating on cloud nine. “What, you’re not gonna help me out, too? Eighty percent of what’s on me is yours.”
Zercy chuckled, “Indeed,” and sat back on his heels, then tugged Alec’s hips between his thighs. “Do not worry,” he draped Alec’s knees over his, “I would never leave your body unattended.”
Instinctively, Alec tensed. What was the king up to now?
Zercy grasped Alec’s right hand and brought it to his mouth. “I will start with this first.” He dragged his tongue up Alec’s palm. “It worked very hard for us tonight.”
Alec’s jaw went slack. Zercy smiled and met his gaze, slipping his tongue between two of Alec’s fingers.
“Shit,” Alec breathed.
The king’s pupils dilated. He sucked on each digit, then gave the tip of one a nip.
Air rushed from Alec’s lungs.
Zercy grinned and resumed, unhurriedly lapping clean each sticky crevice.
Alec fought the urge to moan. For shit’s fucking sake, Zercy was licking his freaking hand, not sucking his dick.
Zercy paused a moment later and pressed his lips to Alec’s palm. “You said my name,” he murmured quietly.
Alec stilled at his words. “I… did?”
“Tah.” Zercy nodded. “As we fucked, you said my name.”
Alec’s heart lurched. He didn’t remember. But either way, that wasn’t good. Already, he’d kissed the guy, which in hindsight wasn’t smart. The urge had just been so instinctive, so overpowering. But to have said his name, too? Motherfucker, that spoke volumes.
About shit he didn’t want to consider.
He shifted atop the furs, stomach anxious. “Huh… That’s… Huh.”
The king’s eyes hooded. Twining their fingers, he nosed Alec’s knuckles. “To hear it on your tongue for the very first time… as you writhed in the throes… I was bespelled.”
Despite himself, Alec smiled. The things Zercy said sometimes, so out there. And often—just like now—oddly flattering.
He cleared his throat. Chuckled awkwardly. “Okay… That’s… great.”
Zercy eyed him, then chuffed, amused. “Say it now.”
Alec’s smile faded. “What?”
“Say my name again, now.”
Ugh. But why? Alec frowned at his predicament. He didn’t want to say it, but denying Zercy was futile. Screw it. Whatever. It’d be different this time anyway. Wasn’t like he’d be orgasming as he said it.
“Zercy.”
The king smiled.
Alec’s heart clenched.
“Again.”
What? Again? Alec perused his lips. “Why?”
Zercy’s lids eased lower. “Is it so hard to say? Perhaps my name on your lips makes you needy.”
Alec stiffened, appalled. “Your name does not make me needy.”
“Then say it.”
“Fine,” he ground out. “Zer—unnnnngh—cy.”
Goddamnit.
That motherfucker just squeezed his dick.
“Tahhh…” Zercy rumbled with a smirk, letting go. “It sounded just like that. Very pleasing.”
Alec scowled half-heartedly and flipped him the bird, fighting off a grin of his own.
Zercy chuckled and leaned forward. “Ochay bayo.” Funny pet. Then he dipped down and dragged his tongue over Alec’s pec. Right up the middle, hitting his nipple along the way.
Alec sucked in a breath, feeling it instantly harden. His other did the same beneath Zercy’s dreads. So velvety, with their softly clinking gems and subtle weight, all tickling his nub into a little rigid point.
“Mmm. So messy…” Zercy growled, beginning again, this time laving one side of Alec’s collarbone.
Alec stifled a moan. That was sensitive terrain. He shifted atop the bedding, suddenly feeling caged in. And understandably. His legs were trapped between the king’s strong thighs and torso, with the bulk of Zercy’s body just inches above.
Alec’s pulse shifted gears, running a little bit faster. The king’s proximity, and that fucking tongue, were going to make his dick hard again.
Palming Zercy’s chest, he gave a tentative push. “For real, Kríe? You can’t seriously plan to clean me off like this.”
The king lifted his head. Donned a sassy wolfish grin. “Actually, I can. And I will. I am king.” He clutched Alec’s wrists and pinned his hands above his head. “This will not hurt. If it does, I will stop.”
His smile turned smug as he dipped back down. The Kríe knew damn well it’d never hurt. It’d feel something else entirely.
But to argue was pointless. Zercy did what he wanted, pushing his boundaries with Alec to the edge. Although, in fairness, Alec knew that were he to truly resist Zercy’s advances, the king would ultimately yield and not force him. Problem was, right now, as Zercy lapped and suckled his skin, Alec found it really hard to want to resist.
Meaning, yet another standoff that Zercy would win.
Closing his eyes, Alec surrendered to his pampering, relaxing against the king’s obstinate hold. A heartbeat later, Zercy focused on his neck. But first he had to lose Alec’s collar. It hit the chamber floor not five seconds later, then Zercy was dragging long licks up the side of Alec’s throat.
Soft little growls emerged, tickling Alec’s skin. Alec twitched and bit his lip. Zercy lapped up under his lobe, sending tendrils of bliss straight to his crotch. Things only got worse, though, when he swiped its sticky shell and realized Alec’s ear needed much attention.
Chuffing, as if amused by the firing range of his cock, Zercy delved the tip of his tongue into Alec’s canal.
Alec gasped with a start, eyes popping open in alarm.
Zercy chuckled and did it again. Every muscle in Alec’s body locked up tight.
Frantically, he squirmed. His ears were sensitive as fuck. And one of his most powerful erogenous zones. “Zercy!” he gasped. “No—Please—Too ticklish!”
But Zercy didn’t merely ignore his pleas, he plopped his weight on Alec’s torso to keep him steady. Steady, while he drew Alec’s ear into his mouth and happily laved each cum-slicked nook and cranny. Over and around, then back into that canal, working it so intently, Alec yowled. Couldn’t help it, goddamnit. And now his dick was fucking hard.
Thankfully, Zercy relented with a laugh not long after. “Nira, so sensitive.” He lifted his weight. “I must remember to clean your little ears more often.”
Alec shot him a glower, all but panting again. “Let’s not and say we did, how ‘bout that?”
Zercy smiled one of the biggest smiles Alec had seen from him yet. He didn’t reply, though. Just got back to cleaning, dragging his tongue along Alec’s jaw and under his chin. Alec’s eyes slid closed, his irritation receding fast. Because, truth be told, that shit felt fucking amazing.
Zercy made it to his cheek. Licked it softly. Slowly. Then his lips brushed feather-lightly over Alec’s. Alec froze, lids still shut. Oh, God. What was Zercy doing? Surely, he wasn’t trying to—Another graze. Shit. He was. Alec’s heart took off racing. They could not kiss again. Not here. Not in this state. Alec was sober, for fuck’s sake. Not mindlessly drunk on desire.
“Alick… Open your eyes,” Zercy murmured in his lilt.
Alec swallowed and lifted his lashes.
Zercy met his gaze. “There was something else you did while I was fucking your ass.”
Alec cringed at his bluntness.
“You put your lips on mine. Aggressively. It was strange…” He paused, his eyes thoughtful. Tilting his head, he furrowed his brow. “And then you shoved your little tongue inside my mouth.”
He seemed so perplexed.
Alec coughed out a laugh. “Right. Yeah. I remember.”
Zercy regarded him. “Why did you do that?”
Loaded question if ever there was one.
Alec sobered and averted his gaze. “I was just… Shit, I dunno… It’s a human thing, I guess.”
“Does this human thing have a name?”
Alec fought the urge to smile. “Yeah. It’s called kissing.”
Zercy quieted, then seemed to try the word on for size. “Kissing,” he rumbled. “A peculiar act, indeed. But I liked it… It was pleasing. Kiss me again.”
Alec’s eyes shot back to his. “Uh… No.”
“Tah.”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“Because,” Alec scrambled to explain. Kríe were so fucking dense. “That shit’s intimate.”
“Intimate.”
“Yeah.”
“As in, reserved for someone to whom you are attracted.”
“Yes. Exactly. Not just any—” Alec froze.
Son of a bitch.
Zercy grinned, fangs flashing. “That is right. You are attracted to me, Alick. So we kiss.” His lips engulfed Alec’s.
Alec stiffened, eyes wide, even as Zercy’s thick lashes slid closed. This was all fucking wrong. They weren’t lovers in bed. He turned his head slightly, hoping to give Zercy the hint, but damn it, the king just growled and followed his mouth.
Alec stilled, heart pounding. He didn’t know what to do. Because clearly, Zercy was just trying to exchange more affection, no doubt believing that Alec inwardly wanted the same. Something, in Zercy’s defense, he was well in his boundaries to assume. For shit’s sake, Alec just gave the Kríe free rein over his body, specifically to prove he was attracted to the guy.
But still. Their dynamic wasn’t simple black and white. It was complicated and this would only make things worse. Problem was, as Alec lay beneath the king’s body deliberating, Zercy had started doing that adorable thing again. Awkwardly trying to mimic Alec’s kiss from earlier, but failing—rather endearingly—despite his efforts. He needed better instruction. Probably just one more lesson, when he was focused and paying attention, not blind with lust.
Alec’s heart thumped faster. He shouldn’t encourage him. But for some reason, he wanted to help him out. Not because he’d enjoy it more if Zercy was practiced—quite honestly, he really liked his clumsy kisses. But because it would make the king happy on several fronts. And for some fucked up reason, despite everything he should be pissed at him for, Alec still enjoyed making Zercy smile.
Fine. Just this once, Alec thought. He’d lead the king.
After, that is, Zercy concluded his current endeavor; cleaning Alec’s teeth with his tongue while eating his face.
Alec laughed before he could stop himself. Zercy’s kiss just felt so ridiculous.
The king paused, their noses mashed together, and opened his eyes. “Alick, this is not how it felt before.”
“No,” Alec laughed even harder, “it’s not. Let go of my wrists, and I’ll show you.”
Zercy eyed him. “Your hands were not involved the last time.”
“Just do it.”
Zercy did.
Alec palmed his pointed ears—God, his head was big. He forgot sometimes how huge these Kríe were—then tilted his face just so and fused their mouths. Instantly, Zercy moved his eager lips against Alec’s.
“Stop, Kríe,” Alec murmured. “Just relax for a minute and learn.”
Zercy quieted with a rumble. Alec exhaled and closed his eyes. He couldn’t believe he was doing this. His motto tonight, it seemed. He pressed their lips together. Once, then twice. From this angle, then that. Parting his mouth for each connect, loosely closing it for each withdraw.
Zercy nodded, his dreads gently grazing Alec’s chest. “Tah…” He absently gripped Alec’s biceps. Hot current rushed up his arms.
Alec canted his head the other way and slid his tongue between Zercy’s lips. The king’s fingers tightened. That move clearly excited him. Which, in turn, excited Alec a little bit, too. He delved inside deeper, but didn’t have to go far. Zercy’s tongue was easy to find—and surprisingly well mannered. Staying put instead of attacking like a shark.
Alec’s insides lit brighter with every languid stroke he gave it. Back and forth along the top, slowly circling around its sides, each warm rub drawing growls from Zercy’s chest. Alec loosed a silent moan. He fucking loved those heady sounds…
Abruptly, the king pulled back. Alec peeled open his eyes.
Zercy met his gaze and grinned. “Now I try.”
Alec smiled, lids hooded. “Alright, big guy. Let’s see how well you follow—ungmfph.”
The king seized his mouth before he could finish. And holy fucking hell, he’d paid attention. Talk about a quick study. His lips were moving like pros. What’s more, he wasn’t merely simulating Alec’s kiss, but embellishing it with hot little accents. Like teasing Alec’s tongue with just the firm tip of his own, or tickling Alec’s lower lip with his fangs.
The king was being frisky. Not trying to seduce. Behaving with innocent intent. Kind of ironic, considering it was times such as these that he seduced Alec’s sensibilities the fastest.
Alec’s pulse kicked up speed. His dick hardened. His body heated. He did not, however, have the strength for round two. Which was a good thing. Too many lines had been crossed already.
A moment later, Zercy severed their kiss.
Alec lifted his lids.
Zercy met his eyes and smiled. “I like kissing.”
Alec blinked, feeling flushed—and pleasantly dazed. “Don’t be expecting that on the reg, Kríe. I ain’t your ho.”
Zercy’s eyes glittered. His smile widened. But he didn’t reply. Just got back to his initial task at hand. Cleaning Alec up with his big warm tongue, laving it slowly in repeated upward strokes. His soft pumping purr rose back two seconds later, filling the quiet again with soothing cadence.
Alec closed his eyes as the king worked his way back down his throat. On the other side this time. Fortunately, that ear had dodged all cum. Then he leisurely lapped the whole of Alec’s chest. His pecs, their nipples—Alec moaned in euphoria. His abdomen, licking every sticky smear. Clearing every puddle, swiping every glistening drop.
Alec exhaled, utterly relaxed. Zercy’s ministrations were paradise, melting him mind and body into the furs. So much so that when the king reached his groin, Alec didn’t bother resisting, just went with the flow. Wasn’t like he needed to worry about getting an erection. He’d been hard the whole time, and Zercy knew it.
Zercy lapped along each crease between his hips and his thighs, then detoured lower while pushing up Alec’s knees. Warm wet muscle delved between his cheeks and got busy caressing Alec’s hole with cleansing swipes. Warning bells sounded, but Alec’s brain shut them down. Because, again, the king wasn’t trying to seduce. He was clearly just trying to tend to his bedmate. To clean the mess they’d made. Properly. Thoroughly. Which, while unorthodox as fuck to cultures like Alec’s, was still a gesture worthy of appreciation.
Besides, it felt… God, absolutely incredible. He’d only had a tongue lick his ass one time before. Miros’, but it’d been brief, and felt self-serving. Hungry and rushed as he prepared Alec for the taking. Not like Zercy’s in this moment, all unhurried and meticulous. Teasing it with his purring’s swift vibrations. Alec’s hole clenched in bliss with each pass.
Zercy moved to his taint. Alec’s prostate stirred. Then the king was up and tonguing Alec’s sac. Alec’s jaw slackened. His nuts firmed. He never wanted this grooming to end. Zercy could lick his balls forever and he’d be happy.
But soon the king rose higher to his dick. Alec muffled a groan as Zercy got to work, dragging slow long swipes up its underbelly. Those strokes turned shorter though, when he reached the top. Swifter too, as he laved around its glans. Alec’s lashes fluttered, his brain hazing in sensual serenity. Zercy angled his cock downward and cleaned its front as well, but never once drew it into his mouth. Because this wasn’t a blowjob, no matter how good it felt. More like a scrubjob of repeated scrupulous laps.
Thing was, with his mind in such a state of drunken tranquility, so relaxed and at peace with what Zercy was doing, his body was left free to respond as it pleased. Which it did. At a rate Alec hadn’t expected.
Pleasure mounting, his breaths shallowed as every muscle drew taut. And as Zercy quickened his strokes, his big tongue steadily lapping, pressure mushroomed without warning in Alec’s crotch. His sac balled tight, his lower back arched. Then with a ragged gasp, he shot a second round.
Zercy chuckled through a thumping purr and licked up that mess, too. Next thing Alec knew, he was floating back to earth as the king laid down beside him and pulled him close. Zercy nuzzled Alec’s neck and draped his arm over Alec’s chest. Then his big thigh settled over Alec’s leg. Affectionately—albeit effectively—pinning his body.
Something, truth be told, Alec was totally fine with. Why? Because the king was clearly readying for sleep, and Alec wasn’t leashed with wrists restrained. Like Zercy was finally bestowing a gesture of good faith. A gesture that, going by the warmth in Alec’s belly, meant more to him than just a comfortable night’s rest.
But as he started to drift, his mind preparing for sleep, Alec stirred back to awareness at Zercy’s voice.
“You soothe me,” the king murmured, sounding reflective. Somber. “The light in my black night. You are mine.” He pulled Alec closer. Pressed his nose against his ear. “My Alick,” he mumbled. He was falling asleep. “I hope those humans you wait for never come.”
Alec’s drowsy eyes peeled open. His heart thumped uneasily.
Because while on the surface Zercy’s words were of obvious endearment—something he probably wouldn’t’ve confessed had he been coherent—all Alec could focus on as he replayed them in his head, was how sad Zercy had sounded when he said them.