* * *
“Stop! No! Gah!” Chet angrily shouted. “You just scored for the other team, you big purple lout!”
Alec glanced across the field as he and the team lounged by the lake, to see what had Chet so fired up. For the last few hours, the guy had been teaching the guards how to play football, but by the looks of things, they still needed a bit of practice.
Some fifteen yards away, Chet ripped off his shoulder guards and threw them on the ground with a scowl. “You don’t listen, you know that? What’s wrong with your ears? They’re big as fuck, how come they don’t work?”
Mannix squared his shoulders and glared at him from the other team’s end zone. “You said to catch the ball and run very, very fast!”
“Right!” Chet hollered, pointing to the opposite end of the field. “That way, you brainless dildo! Now we’re losing!”
Setch and Kellim swapped looks, then erupted into laughter.
“What is a dildo?” Kellim chortled.
“I do not know!” Setch guffawed. “But it is brainless, so it certainly sounds like Mannix!”
Alec’s lips twitched as he shook his head. Beside him, Bailey snickered. Even Zaden loosed an openly-amused chuckle. Surprisingly, however, Jamis didn’t seem as entertained. Instead, he pensively frowned down at his notebook.
Alec wasn’t the only one to notice, either.
Bailey nudged his friend. “Hey, what’s wrong?”
Jamis looked up, then shook his head and sighed. “This thing with Sirus. I keep going over the formula, the newest one we’ve come up with. So fucking close and still not right. Ugh. It’s driving me nuts that we can’t crack it.”
Noah nodded to his right, his blond hair back in a ponytail. “Yeah, I’m getting frustrated as fuck myself. How long have we been at this now? A month?”
Alec looked at Noah and frowned, because yup, it’d been a month. A whole month since they’d started working with Sirus. Since the team unanimously volunteered to be a sperm bank while the science trio helped find a cure.
Something they’d yet to do, unfortunately.
Not that they hadn’t made other advancements in all these weeks, because they had, strides that were definitely important. Like discovering a way to enhance their semen’s strength. A huge step, of which everyone was very excited. From what Alec heard, all the trees in the kingdom had finally stabilized, thanks to transfusions received via the matriarch’s roots.
More encouraging was how Sirus soon planned to send ‘medicinal donations’ to each tree personally. To date, none of the offshoots had successfully conceived yet, which wasn’t to say the populace wasn’t trying. Even at the castle, Sirus had been striving to impregnate the matriarch. Alec hadn’t witnessed the process himself, but according to Zercy, Sirus was determined. Had tried every combination of every Kríe in the castle. He’d even tried Zercy’s seed—which inwardly made Alec anxious—but in the end, even the king’s had turned up fruitless.
Needless to say, Zercy was growing more disheartened by the day, having hoped that they’d have found a cure by now. After all, it’d been a month, like Noah had said. So many brilliant minds working ceaselessly with no results.
God, the look in Zercy’s eyes when he didn’t know Alec was watching... So fucking grim, like he’d started losing hope. Like he’d begun accepting the fact that no cure existed. That their path to extinction was written in the stars.
Jamis groaned and tossed his pad aside, then rubbed at his face. “Yeah, a fucking month, with no answers in sight. Which sucks, because I’m starting to feel like a goddamn dairy cow.”
“I know,” Zaden muttered. “Thought we’d be done with this by now.”
And honestly, who could blame the guys for feeling discouraged? Not to mention, a whole lot exhausted. This whole bizarre business had proven surprisingly draining. Not only were the guys required to ‘fuck’ twice a day, but also endure the relentless ‘urge’ twenty-four-seven.
No joke, that kirah nectar didn’t mess around. As soon as they downed it and it entered their system, they immediately started feeling the effects. First to set in: tender nuts and sensitized dicks. Within the hour, they all had full-blown erections. Their heart rates stayed elevated. Their focus ever distracted. By two hours in, their nuts were swollen and twice as heavy. By four, even their prostates felt like balloons.
It made them cranky and twitchy, even the happy-go-lucky trio, turning Chet into an even bigger bear than he already was. And while technically they could go to Sirus and release the pressure early, in exchange they had to drink more fucking kirah. Not overly worth it—although in the beginning, they’d all succumbed—since all it did was drop them back in the same fucking boat.
Alec sighed. “Just hang in there. You’re close. You said it yourselves. I’m betting you’ll figure it out in the next couple of days.”
Zaden rubbed his eyes and nodded. “True. You’re Astrum Industries’ finest. If anyone can figure it out, it’s the three of you.”
The trio swapped looks, looking tired but determined.
“They’re right,” Noah agreed. “We can do this.”
Bailey lifted his chin. “Damn straight. And we will.”
Jamis forced a tight smile, but then scowled and squeezed his junk. “My dick just wants a freaking day off.”
Alec exhaled and glanced back at Chet, watching him irritably gesture at the Kríe. Not that the Kríe seemed deterred by his attitude. In truth, his disposition was a lot like theirs. Bossy and overbearing with an ornery short fuse. Yup, Chet and Kríe males, to a tee.
The other thing they had in common? A primal need to compete. To dominate. The reason, no doubt, Kellim let Chet run the training session. So he could teach all the guards a new rough-and-rowdy sport where they could charge and slam and throw each other around.
Alec smirked as he watched them, two huge lines of big dark Kríe. Facing off in battle gear as offense and defense, while Chet took the famed role of quarterback. Unfortunately, just like nearly every single time before, the second he hiked the ball, both lines morphed into a mosh pit.
Alec grinned, watching his teammate barely escape the fray, then spike his makeshift ball in exasperation.
“No, goddamnit! This is not a wrestling match!” He glowered and quickly jabbed a finger at Setch. “Hey! What’d I say about using teeth!”
Zaden chuckled again, observing the same sad fiasco. “Our boy’s lucky he didn’t get pulled into that pile. Those guys easily weigh three hundred each.”
“Yeah,” Noah mused. “Next to them, Chet looks little.”
Alec shook his head, smirking, and scratched his cheek, then overheard Bailey murmuring to Jamis.
“Chin up, man. Just keep telling yourself it’s for a really good cause. What we’re doing’s gonna save an entire species.”
“I know, I know,” Jamis grumbled quietly. “I just can’t fucking think straight. It’s making me crazy.”
“Right? Like we’re going through puberty all over again.” Bailey muffled a laugh. “God, back in high school? Stiff fucking breeze and I got hard.”
Jamis groaned. “Don’t remind me. Honestly, Bay, this feels worse.”
Bailey’s voice sobered. “I know. It’s definitely worse…” He paused, then cleared his throat. “When I’m in there, in that stall, wanting to be anywhere but, I pretend I’m fucking someone I’ve got it bad for.”
Alec lifted a brow and glanced their way.
Jamis was eyeing his dark-haired friend curiously. “And who, might I ask, do you have it bad for?”
Bailey shrugged and chewed on his lip. Rubbed the back of his head. “No one in particular. I’m just saying.”
“Uh huh.” Jamis studied him. Even Noah was watching Bailey now. “I’m gonna guess it’s that mer-dude from the river.”
“Oonmaiyos,” Bailey corrected. Exhaling, he frowned at his friend. “He’s stuck in my head.”
Jamis’ expression looked almost surprised. “Damn. You’re serious.”
Bailey turned toward the water. “Believe me, I know it’s weird. I honestly don’t understand it.” He searched the glassy surface, his hazel eyes thoughtful. “It’s like Cap said, the concept of women’s just kinda fading. And in their place, it’s like he’s somehow filling the void.”
“Yeah, but come on, Bay. I know we tease you, but you’ve never even seen him. He touched your leg once, when you weren’t even looking. Months ago. And no way was it that prince.”
“I know,” Bailey agreed, scratching his head. “It makes no sense. It’s just… I dunno… I feel like I see him sometimes. Here at the lake. Or down in the aquarium. Just glimpses though, nothing solid, which of course, makes me wonder if I’m seeing things. But then I feel it. Feel him. Like he’s somewhere close… watching me. And that’s a whole lot harder to dismiss.”
“Jesus, Bay,” Jamis muttered. “That sounds stalkerish to me.”
Bailey tamped down a laugh. “Yeah, I guess it kind of does. But it never skeeves me out. If anything, he just feels kind of curious.”
Alec traded looks with Zaden. Should he be worried about this? What if Bailey just up and vanished one day while swimming?
Jamis brooded for a minute. A moment later, he cracked a smile. “Alright. Fair enough. But answer me this: If he’s a fish, where do you put your freaking dick?”
Bailey stiffened… then muttered, “Under the dorsal fin, if you must know.” A grin tugged at his lips. “It feels fantastic.”
Noah choked back a laugh.
Jamis flat-out cracked up.
A heartbeat later, the trio tumbled over holding their sides. At which point, Alec laughed too, swept up in the hilarity. Couldn’t help it, though. The images inside his brain—water splashing… Bailey grunting… His lover braying like a seal…
Problem was, in all the laughter, Alec was swiftly reminded of his current situation below the belt. Wincing, he quieted down and resituated atop the blanket, his mind detouring to the events of earlier that day. Specifically, when Zercy had snuck in unannounced to surprise Alec while he was ‘donating’ in one of Sirus’ stalls.
Alec’s dick stirred at the memory.
Fuck, it’d been erotic. Why? Because no one knew the king was even there, and Zercy evidently had wanted to keep it that way. Meaning he forbade Alec to make a single sound. Which was a whole lot effing easier said than done. Not while Zercy sat atop the bent-over statue’s ass, nipping up Alec’s neck while Alec ‘worked.’ God, his strong legs, wrapped around Alec’s waist, holding Alec close as he teased him. At one point he’d even clamped his hand over Alec’s mouth, then slipped his wicked tongue in Alec’s ear. Alec had gasped and thrust faster. Zercy had bit back husky laughs.
Not long after though, when Zercy had had his fun, he slid his hands under Alec’s tunic and spread his cheeks. Next thing Alec knew, as he’d continued fucking that statue, a big claw-tipped finger pushed inside him. All toying and playing and moving in and out, as the king latched his lips onto Alec’s neck.
Alec had muffled so many moans in Zercy’s shoulder, he’d lost count. And when that finger homed in on his sweet spot and made him come, Zercy fastened his mouth over Alec’s to smother his shout.
Fuck, he’d seen stars. Had released for so long, unloading at least a half a cup, easy.
When his O finally ended, Zercy slid off the statue and moved to stand all snug at Alec’s back. At first, Alec had thought the king was going to take a turn, and worried his ass wasn’t ready for another round. After all, Zercy had already fucked him good before breakfast, just like he tended to do every morning. Ever since he’d given himself as a gift to Alec a month ago, they’d been insatiable, messing around every chance they got. Using ruka when the king was feeling generous and let Alec top, tachi for every other time in between.
And in those times in between, Zercy tried to be gentle, something Alec could tell wasn’t easy. Nevertheless, when those strong hips got pumping fast and furious, even with tachi, Alec still wound up sore.
To his surprise though, in Sirus’ stall, Zercy hadn’t shoved his cock in. He’d shoved something else in instead. A butt plug, which honestly, Alec should’ve seen coming. They’d been using them pretty regularly in an effort to train Alec’s body. According to Noah, if given enough time, it’d allow Alec to handle Zercy—AKA naturally, without tachi. He’d pulled Alec aside one day, when the others were occupied, and given him the unexpected advice…
“So, this thing with you and Zercy,” Noah had asked him point blank. “It’s serious? As in, the two of you are active?”
“Um…” His question had taken Alec off guard. “I guess kinda? We’ve only fucked a couple of times.”
Noah had nodded and glanced over his shoulder, then turned back and lowered his voice. “Bailey and Jamis, they said at Gesh’s compound… the pack had used some kind of venom.”
“Yeah.” Alec eyed him. “Tachi venom. Didn’t Gesh?”
Noah’s lips curved. He shook his head. “No. I didn’t need it.”
Alec’s brows had shot high. “How the—? But that’s impossible.”
“No,” Noah chuckled. “It’s actually not, and the reason I’m talking to you about it now.”
“What do you mean?”
Noah had shrugged. “I just thought you might like some tips, from a guy who’s pretty versed on the subject.”
Alec frowned, not really following. “On the subject of mammoth dicks?”
“Well, that,” Noah had laughed. “Or anything large lodged in that region.” His gaze glinted. “Without the need of any help.”
Alec’s ears finally perked. “Okay… I’m listening.” Who knew having a gay teammate could be so helpful.
“It’s simple really. You just gotta train your body. Well, your ass. Like a gymnast gradually learning to do the splits.”
The splits? Alec had suddenly felt a wee bit apprehensive. “How exactly are you proposing I… train my ass?”
Noah’s cheeks had gone pink. “Gotta stretch yourself out. People, guys, they typically use butt plugs.”
Alec tensed at that. “Like those tails.”
“Yeah. Something like that. Anything, really, that you can keep, um, inserted, for a while.”
“A while? What’s a while? Like fifteen minutes?”
“Uh, no.” Noah had chuckled. “I’d say at least a couple hours.”
“Hours?” Alec balked.
Noah laughed. “It’s not so bad. Teaches the muscles to stretch more than they’re used to.”
“Huh…” The thought of something big stuffed up his ass—all day long—definitely hadn’t been what Alec expected.
Noah had shrugged again. “Anyway. Just thought you might wanna know. It works. I speak from experience. Love me some big toys…”
Alec flat-out started coughing. “Jesus, Noah. TMI.”
The blond scientist grinned.
Which made Alec smile, too. “Thanks. Maybe I’ll uh… give it a try.”
Noah nodded and turned to go, but then stopped and looked back. “If you ever have questions… You know, about anything…”
“Thank you. I appreciate it. This is all so… so different.”
Noah chuckled. “Not that different.” But then he paused, his smile fading. “Just be careful. These Kríe… They’ll rip your fucking heart out… before you even knew that they had it.”
Alec had frowned as Noah walked away. His words had resonated too quickly. Not because Alec believed Zercy would treat him like Gesh had Noah. Alec’s situation with Zercy couldn’t be more different. Nevertheless, he worried the outcomes would still end up the same. Their paths diverging, separation imminent. Someone somehow breaking the other’s heart.
Because when the rescue team arrived and it was time for Alec’s team to go…
Alec exhaled quietly and closed his eyes, rubbing his sternum as he sat atop the blanket. Yes, it could very well be him who did the ditching. Who left Zercy behind like Gesh did Noah. Deep down, however, he wasn’t so certain. By then, he might be too attached to ever leave.
But that was just his side. Zercy posed his own threat, too. Because alongside Alec’s ever-strengthening feelings for the king, was a deep-seated fear in his gut. That ultimately, Zercy treasured Alec’s value to Nira more than he treasured Alec himself.
After all, Zercy had bitten him countless times in the past month, but never while he came in Alec’s body. His actions spoke volumes. His position was clear. To form a bond with Alec was simply out of the question.
It made Alec wonder if Zercy would ever want to mark him irrevocably. Or was the thought of kids with Alec somehow dishonorable? What if, while Alec grew increasingly more attached, Zercy continued to think of him as just his pet?
Alec swallowed and looked down. He knew that Zercy was fond of him, but what if Chet was actually right? What if Kríe really didn’t know how to love? If their species just weren’t wired that way? They weren’t human.
His stomach twisted anxiously. All those times that Zercy had held him close and told him he was priceless… what if he’d really meant priceless because of Nira? After all, how many times, when feeling exceptionally disheartened, had Zercy confessed that Alec and his team were his only solace? His only source of comfort should they fail to find a cure? What if that’s all Alec would ultimately become? A means to save Zercy’s people? As much as he hated to admit it, it’d make sense. Hell, how could any rational mind not see him that way?
If this were Earth, they’d have him locked up in a lab.
Unsettled, Alec peered over his shoulder at the castle. Home of Zercy, the Kríe he’d fought like hell not to want. Who took Alec captive, then stole his heart.