Shalia's Diary Book 12 by Tracy St. John (1)

SHALIA’S DIARY

 

Book 12

 

A Clans of Kalquor Story

 

 

By

 

Tracy St. John

 

 

© copyright January 2018, Tracy St. John

Cover art by Erin Dameron-Hill, © copyright November 2017

 

This is a work of fiction. All characters, events, and places are of the author’s

imagination and not to be confused with fact. Any resemblance to living persons or

events is merely coincidence.

 

Kindle Edition

 

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only.  This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people.  If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient.  If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Amazon.com and purchase your own copy.  Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

 

 

PLEASE NOTE:

 

Shalia’s Diary is an ongoing serial story.  This is Book 12 of that tale, picking up where Book 11 left off.  It is highly advised that you read Books 1 - 11 in their entirety before reading this part. 

 

 

March 15

 

Anrel has a secret admirer. While I was in a meeting with all the bigwigs at work today, my com went off. For once, I’d remembered to put it on silent mode—okay, so Cifa reminded me before we got going. I am the worst when it comes to doing that.

 

My com vibrated against my hip where I had it in its pouch. With the head of the budget office making his yawn-inducing report, I surreptitiously slid the com out to peek at who might be sending me a message. Because anything would be better than listening to the nitty-gritty of toiletry expenditures this quarter. I don’t need to know that nonsense.

 

Meetings. As big a time waste on Kalquor as they were on Earth.

 

Anyway, it was a text-only message. A single sentence from an unidentified frequency: The baby is beautiful.

 

Well, duh. I glanced at Anrel, who was happily gnawing on a flavored teething ring while perched on Cifa’s thigh. My insides warmed at her precious little self being so quiet and contented with her Imdiko daddy.

 

With a slight smile, I gazed at the other department heads and owners at the long oval table. My bet was on the message coming from Candy or Ila, since all the rest in attendance were male. However, they were listening to the budget report drone—or at least pretending to. Candy’s eyes were glazed over. Her department’s expenditures had already been highlighted, so she was probably daydreaming about Stidmun or her campaign to make Kalquor friendly to non-traditional clannings. If it had been her sending the message, she’d done so with all the secretive skill of Oses.

 

Besides, her frequency would have come up on the notification. Ila’s would have too. I could see the belt on my sister-in-law’s waist, and her com was there in its pouch. She looked attentive, so I could cross her off the list of clandestine Anrel worshippers.

 

Another quick glance confirmed that nobody was watching the sweet baby. I had no clue who had complimented her.

 

Figuring the party would come forward after the meeting, I dismissed the matter. I thought about texting with Candy to survive the boredom. Larten had come home the night before with a ton of new bawdy jokes from the other trainers at the camp. It would be hilarious to watch Candy read them and fight not to laugh in the middle of the meeting. In the end, I decided against it. Nothing would be worse for morale than if the company owner’s clanmate was caught goofing off during an executive staff meeting. I have to set a decent example, don’t I? Though I give exactly zero cares about the cruise line’s expenditures on complimentary tooth-cleansing tabs for those guests who had forgotten to pack their own.

 

Adult-with-responsibilities problems. I have them.

 

I muffled a sigh of relief when the meeting broke up half an hour later. Cifa’s brother Erom must schedule the budget report for last because it is so boring and exhausting to listen to. We wouldn’t have the patience for the rest of the departments if they had to follow that snooze fest.

 

Both Candy and I converged on Cifa as the other heads chattered on their way out of the conference room. Anrel crowed, reaching for us both as if we hadn’t been sitting there in the room with her all along. I laughed at how surprised she acted to be in our presence and gave her a big smooch. “Look at our executive-in-training.”

 

“Too bad she can’t take notes yet. I noticed two of my department heads appearing rather distracted,” Cifa teased both Candy and me.

 

I blew a raspberry at him. “Do we really need all the minutiae on how much was spent on hand sanitizer?”

 

“Dramok Ikpi is a little on the detailed-oriented side,” Cifa agreed after making certain the budget head had left the room. “He’s damned good at his job though.”

 

“I’m not going to argue with that. You should know, Candy and I weren’t the only ones who wish he’d jazz up the proceedings.” I showed my Imdiko and Candy the message I’d received. “I guess you weren’t the one admiring the baby, girlfriend?”

 

“I always admire her, but I didn’t send you a message about it,” Candy said. “It must have been Ila.”

 

“No, Ila is our inspiration from now on. She hung on Ikpi’s every decimal point of expense and profit margins.”

 

“Really? Maybe she has a numbers fetish.” Candy winked at me.

 

I covered Anrel’s ears to whisper, “Oh, tell me more about percentages and quantity-to-pricing ratios, you sexy beast.”

 

Candy whooped laughter. Anrel joined in with her, simply because my sweetheart loves to laugh with everyone else.

 

Meanwhile, Cifa puzzled over my com readout. “Huh. I wouldn’t suspect any of the officers to gush over a baby even with Ikpi numbing our brains with his reports. That’s weird.”

 

Candy nodded to the huge picture window—an actual window instead of a vid screen. The cruise line’s headquarters is set in a cliff that curves around the beach, giving us a view of the other cliffs that face the ocean. Balconies abound on the rock faces, including those belonging to a string of shops, restaurants, pleasure clubs, entertainments, and the like. It’s the tourist area of the capital city and stays crowded—one of the reasons the local residents tend to stay away from this particular stretch of businesses.

 

From a distance, I could see how busy the businesses in this district were. Kalquorians and several alien species teemed in vast numbers on the balconies. That was where Candy’s attention had gone.

 

“They’ve got magnifying viewers set up along the balconies over there for visitors to enjoy the scenery. Maybe someone saw Anrel through the window.”

 

“A tourist who has my frequency? And would know I’m Anrel’s mother?”

 

“Goofball. Just because most of us who live in the area have the sense not to wade into that sardine can of a market doesn’t mean all our friends don’t. I bet someone from the Pussy ‘Porter or one of your foundation friends grabbed a viewer, turned snoopy, and peeked in here. They saw you and Anrel, and decided to drop you a line.”

 

That made sense. “I did give out my frequency to Megan, Heather, and a bunch of the rest,” I agreed.

 

“Does that mean I’m not allowed to throw a jealous fit about you receiving coms from strangers?” Cifa asked, pretending to be disappointed. “Or hunt down some man so I can break his messaging fingers and poke out his eyes?”

 

“Sorry, my overzealous and jealous mate,” I grinned, kissing his cheek. I glanced over his shoulder at the distant balconies again and stuck my tongue out at anyone who might be peeking. “Let’s moon them, Candy.”

 

She giggled. “There you go. The tourists will think there are now seven instead of five moons orbiting Kalquor. I suppose it would be a bad example for Anrel, though.”

 

“Excellent point,” I conceded.

 

“Don’t hold back on my account,” Cifa teased, covering Anrel’s eyes.

 

Candy laughed and held out her hands for the baby. “It’s a good thing Shalia isn’t as jealous as you. Otherwise, she’d be pounding on me at the idea that you might want to stare at my butt.”

 

I chortled. “No, I’d pound on him since it’s his idea. That’s the difference between Earthers and Kalquorians. We’re aware of where to stick the blame.”

 

Candy cuddled laughing Anrel. “I’m looking forward to being with my own possessive fella in two weeks.”

 

“Big plans?” I asked.

 

“I’ll tell you all about it later. I’ve got a class to get to.” She smiled at Anrel. “Say bye to Mom, sweet girl. We have trainees to educate on the finer points of—good night, Cifa, how long has she been in this diaper?”

 

He barked laughter. “She’s just starting. See the face she’s making?”

 

It was true. Anrel had stopped laughing to squinch up her little face as she concentrated on effort. Candy kissed her cheek. “Atta girl. Give them something to practice with.” She winked at me and took Anrel to her department, the Childcare Training Division.

 

I shook my head. “I hope this isn’t a new group she’s instructing today. Imagine that being Lesson One.”

 

Cifa chuckled. “From there, it would be nothing but fun. Speaking of fun, I’m thinking of your bare, gorgeous ass waving about.”

 

“Oh, do you want me to follow through on my suggestion to moon the sightseers?”

 

He peered at the four department heads clustered a few feet distant, talking animatedly about who-cared-what. Spotting Ikpi among them verified that I had no interest in their conversation. With them concentrating on whatever had their heads so close together, Cifa took the opportunity to grab a handful of my ass.

 

“I don’t want anyone looking at your naked butt except me. I want you in my office right away, young lady.”

 

“Yes sir.”

 

I do love the fringe benefits of working at my Imdiko’s company. Sex breaks are high on the list of perks of my job as head of Promotions and Marketing.

 

Cifa’s office has a view too, though his is that of the typical vid monitor instead of an actual window. It’s a pretty posh office, with its nice furnishings. Especially the big, sturdy desk on which Cifa keeps a large amount of the surface clear. It was to that smooth, open space his finger pointed as soon as we got close to it.

 

“Bend over like my good girl so I can appreciate you as you deserve. Legs spread so I can see that lovely pussy open.”

 

I complied, being the model employee that I am. Cifa pulled my skirt up to drape across my back and tugged at my panties to send them slithering down my legs to my ankles.

 

My crotch already had that bright, ebullient feeling it gets from sexual play. Cifa’s strong grip kneaded first one ass cheek, and then the other. He rubbed my globes with proprietary demand, telling me who was in charge. As if I would argue the point. I know who I belong to.

 

Even the heavy smack that made me jerk felt right. I didn’t protest the stinging heat that filled my backside, nor the ache that sank deep into my flesh when Cifa started massaging again.

 

“You have no idea how much I worship this ass,” he sighed. “I could play with it all day.”

 

I peeked over my shoulder to smile at him. I was happy to receive the kind of attention he was giving me.

 

He smacked my rear again, his grin growing larger at the little sound I uttered as hurt warmed and filled me with pleasure. “Such a wonderful ass. My primary cock is going to enjoy being shoved in that tight hole.”

 

Nice. Our clan had concentrated on babymaking lately, which had meant few opportunities for my rear door to be stuffed full of my clanmates’ larger shafts. I adore that vulnerable and not-quite comfortable sensation of a huge dick in my smaller channel.

 

Cifa was in no rush to make good on his threat, however. He was content to take his time pinning me to his desk with a hand pressed to the small of my back. The other delivered pleasure with rubbing, or pain with those smacks.

 

“Your ass is hot from the discipline,” he gloated after several minutes of play. “I love to feel it roasting when I sink my dicks into you from behind. Hold still and keep quiet while I bring it up to the proper temperature.”

 

I bit my lips together as he spanked me, his unyielding palm delivering explosive slaps to my naked flesh. He peppered my vulnerable pussy with the occasional spank as well, sending violent, erotic agony spearing through my womanhood. I managed not to cry out, though pain and rapture drove me to tears in equal amounts. I suffered and exulted in my Imdiko’s domination over me, bearing the intense wallops of torment for his sake.

 

As he punished me for our mutual enjoyment, his voice rose in the occasional singsong. “That’s it. Pretty ass taking its chastisement. Sweet pussy, wet from its reprimand. Look at it quiver, the naughty thing. Whose naughty pussy likes to be spanked? My naughty pussy.”

 

I gripped the edge of his desk, hanging on for dear life. Oh my gosh, how wonderfully it hurt. As I shook from the penance Cifa exacted from me, I relished that I could give myself so completely to him.

 

I nearly begged him to continue when he stopped. I wanted to stay proving my surrender to him, to demonstrate he was my world. To show him I was forever to be his, devoted to his need to dominate.

 

Instead, I behaved myself, remaining quiet except for breathless whimpers as he took up position behind me. The sound of his crotch seam purring open made my spread legs tremble. I quivered at his hard, wet cocks lying on my throbbing ass.

 

“Nice, wet pussy,” Cifa murmured, using his fingertips to spread my honey to my ass. He circled the tight aperture, teasing me before grasping my hips. “Sweet, tight ass.”

 

His cocks slid down the crevice between my buttocks, finding their way to their assigned destinations. As my Imdiko paused to adjust himself so that he could take me, I forced myself to relax. To open.

 

The tapered tip of his primary cock slid in, making me grateful that Kalquorian men exude their own wetness. Especially considering where that thick package was going. I continued to grip the far edge of Cifa’s desk, willing all tension into my fingers as Cifa’s growing girth spread me open. I wasn’t in pain, not yet. Because Kalquorians have two cocks, one for each hole, my back end is trained to accept the smaller. It had been a while since I’d had a primary however, and I expected a little reluctance on the part of my hindquarters the closer it got to the base.

 

I forgot my concerns as the secondary moved into my eager pussy. Double penetration is so amazing. I loved being filled with my clanmate. The friction against certain sensitive areas is intense and glorious. That first flush of heat crawled over my skin as the front interior of my sleeve was abraded by Cifa’s cock. I shuddered all over as thrilling effervescence bubbled through my insides.

 

Cifa felt my reaction. “That’s it. You’re going to let me fuck that hot pussy and tight ass, and you’ll love every second of it.”

 

Another trigger: dirty talk. Between that, two fat dicks, and a man who enjoys taking control as much as I enjoy handing it over, I’m a lucky gal. Of all my clanmates, Cifa delivers the naughty words best.

 

He filled me to the point where it started to ache. That was good too. I’m not into terrible pain for the most part, but there’s something about surrendering to a bit of hurt that excites me. I like to pretend I’m helpless to stop my lovers, even if a single word from me will stop them in their tracks.

 

I had no intention of stopping Cifa from doing anything he wanted. As he pressed in, insisting I accept him, I gasped and kept telling myself to relax. To appreciate the stress and the burning. To concentrate on the incredible sensations of him pressing against my G-spot. My pussy spasmed with the delight of such devoted surrender.

 

“Take it all. Take those cocks all the way.” His growl was enthralling, the illusion of danger growing with the ferocity of his lust. I told myself I had no choice, that his desire was my law, that defiance was out of the question. If pain was the price of his pleasure, I’d foot that bill.

 

I won’t deny there was relief when his groin pressed up against my ass, though the spanked flesh complained. He’d shoved all he had into me; there would be no more. Cifa paused, panting as he reveled in mastering me. He did hesitate a moment to be the devoted clanmate he is, asking, “How are you?”

 

“Glad to be your adoring servant, your favorite fuck-toy. Grateful to give you whatever you desire of me. Proud that my pussy and ass grant you the joy you wish.”

 

Cifa’s groan was all the thanks I could have asked for. Then he fell into the role I’d asked of him, his voice guttural. “You are my favorite fuck-toy. But you’ve made a terrible mistake. You called them your pussy and ass.”

 

“Forgive me, master. I’m so very sorry. It’s your pussy and ass, never mine.”

 

“Sorry isn’t good enough. Hold still for more punishment.”

 

I braced myself for what was to come. Cifa reached beneath me. He slapped my clit.

 

Profound pain lit my cunt. It drove me straight into orgasm. I shrieked and shuddered as pleasure walloped me on the heels of that blast of torment, making my pussy flex with each hot pulse that tore through my core.

 

As soon as the climax began to recede, Cifa gave my clit another spank. I detonated again, my sleeve milking his rear cock as he began a demanding rhythm, fucking me with violent abandon. He took me hard, as was his right, and he swatted my pussy each time I began to recover from orgasm. I was in a frenzy of agonized ecstasy, my insides pulsing in tandem with his pounding thrusts.

 

At last he groaned, his cocks jerking inside me. Our juices dripped down the insides of my legs, and still his shafts jolted within my channels. Cifa shuddered against me, his cries strained, his weight plastering me flat to his desk. When he could speak again, he sighed, “I’m so damned glad I hired you. You deserve a raise.”

 

I laughed breathlessly. “I’m perfectly happy with the fringe benefits.”

 

 

March 16, early

 

Katrina, Candy, and I met for a long-overdue lunch at a cliffside-restaurant that was big on atmosphere and delicious food. Big on price, too. But because Seot offered to foot the bill, we concentrated on the positive stuff. It’s been ages since the original Terrible Trio from the Pussy ‘Porter got together. Naturally, Anrel joined us. Such hen parties are educational for my daughter. She needs to know the benefits of a sisterhood in preparation for her own.

 

I see Katrina and Candy quite a bit, but I realized how much of it was in a professional capacity today. Katrina and I are neck-deep in the Family Fertility Foundation. I assist Candy with her speeches and vid interviews with Kalquorians and Earthers who want to change the clan definition and legal standing. I talk to her at Cifiler headquarters all the time too.

 

Yet with all that, we had a ton of things to catch up on. Katrina announced she was running out on us—for a couple of months.

 

“My children and grandchildren have invited me to visit them on Haven,” she beamed. “My son and daughter asked if I’d be willing to pick out a couple of homesteads for them and supervise things being set up so they can start right away. The second planting season will be in full swing when their ship arrives in a few weeks, and they don’t want to miss out before winter hits.”

 

“Yeehaw, Farmer Katrina,” I teased. “I want a shot of you in overalls, working a pitchfork.”

 

“More like hiring help to work pitchforks while I sip drinks on the farmhouse front porch.”

 

“Are you quitting your job here?” Candy looked worried.

 

“No, only taking family leave, which is no problem since I arranged for my temporary replacement already. I’ll be training Megan on my job to stand in for me all next week, and then I’m off.”

 

I couldn’t have been happier for Katrina. At one point, she’d been estranged from her son because she’d joined a clan. His objections to her mixing with Kalquorians hadn’t stood up to his children’s demands they be allowed to visit their grammy. I also get the feeling he really loves Katrina, so my thinking is that he allowed himself to be ‘convinced’ to let her in his family’s life. I hope the visit goes well.

 

After a round of congratulations, I homed in on something else she’d said. “I hate to encourage gossip—”

 

Katrina said, “Oh please do” at the same moment Candy insisted, “Encourage!”

 

I laughed at them. “You mentioned Megan playing temp for you. Is she back from staying with Clan Aslada?”

 

Katrina cackled, letting me know there was delicious rumor to be heard. “I adore that gal. She’s a smart one, our Miss Megan.”

 

“Ooh, tell me there’s a scandal,” Candy begged in the breathless way she talks when she’s excited.

 

“Not so much scandal as putting those men in their proper place.”

 

“Clan Aslada?” My eyes widened to hear my former suitors had done something to warrant such action.

 

“They do have an issue with putting in a lot of hours into their jobs,” Katrina reminded me. “Megan isn’t having it. She adores the three of them, is head over heels, in fact. But she drew the line at playing second fiddle to their jobs.”

 

“She has a point,” I agreed, remembering all too well the last week I’d spent with them. They’d gone back to work after taking time off to woo me. Though they’d been devoted the few hours when they were home, I’d seen very little of them. “Relationships take serious effort. If they aren’t ready to invest in her, they don’t deserve her.”

 

“That’s what she told them before climbing in a shuttle and coming home to the complex. They were on the com with her before she landed in the capital city, begging her to return.

 

“She said no? Is she playing hard to get?” Candy asked, enthralled with the tale.

 

“She dashed into the office before going to her quarters to unpack. ‘Katrina, I need a job. Make me your assistant. I’ll do it for free. I’ll do anything, just so I can show them I can ignore them for career too!’ She’s determined they learn the error of their ways.” Katrina chortled. “I had gotten the plea to help my family only minutes before she showed up, so the timing couldn’t have been better. The moment I offered to let her temp, she commed Dramok Aslada.”

 

“What did she tell him?” I asked.

 

“She said, ’I’m needed by my friend Katrina to look after the Mataras at the complex. I can’t stay with you for several weeks due to her leaving to visit her family. I wouldn’t anyhow, not when you don’t love me enough to spend time with me. Think about what’s more important, and I’ll get back to you when I’m available again.’” Katrina did a perfect imitation of Megan’s formal tone, the voice she uses when she’s cranky with someone.

 

“Ouch. I hope they don’t move on to the next Matara on their list if she’s really in love with them,” Candy laughed.

 

“Please. Not an hour goes by when her com doesn’t go off while I’m trying to train her on my job,” Katrina snorted. “She lets them go to message, giggling like a fiend. And the presents haven’t stopped coming in every day since she told them off. She’s got those boys by their secondaries.”

 

We hooted in delight. I hope that Clan Aslada does right by Megan. She’s great. They are great, even if they do let themselves get too wrapped up in their careers. If they can make the relationship good for all concerned, they’ll be as happy as they deserve.

 

Candy had news too. “Stidmun might be re-assigned to Kalquor soon,” she beamed. “My sweetie and I will be able to be together for more than a few days at a time!”

 

We cheered her fabulous news. “When will you know?” I asked.

 

“Re-assignments take place next week. He’s been lobbying to be placed planetside to be with me, and a few trainers in the area are retiring, which would be even better since I work here.” Candy crossed her fingers and rolled her eyes prayerfully at the sky. “Please, please, let it happen!”

 

“I hope so,” Katrina said. “Then you can build your family.”

 

“Katrina, how about if he and I enjoy each other first?”

 

“I need an army of grandbabies, both here and on Haven. Besides, if you have a hybrid child, Kalquor won’t kick you off for any reason,” Katrina pointed out.

 

“My living situation is a selfish motive to have a baby,” Candy remonstrated. “Give me some credit for having a moral or two.”

 

Our elder friend rolled her eyes. “I taught you better than that.” We laughed at her attempts to corrupt Candy.

 

It was a long, wonderful lunch. We had lots of hugs at the end, promising to have another girls’ date as soon as Katrina returned. It’s going to be rough not having her around for a couple of months.

 

We went our separate ways. Anrel and I hopped in my shuttle and moseyed over to the market’s above-ground landing area. There’s a little girl who grows less little by the day. She outgrows clothes at a crazy rate. Hina is inheriting plenty for her daughter, while I’m stuck buying new for my kid.

 

As I shopped for my sweetie, who had fallen asleep in the carry pouch I wore, I wondered if Hina would be handing those clothes back. I could be pregnant, but it’s still early to check.

 

“What do you think?” I asked the slumbering Anrel. “Would you like a brother or a sister? I always wanted siblings.”

 

I beamed at the tinier outfits, the ones made for newborns. Anrel had once been that small—smaller!—but it was difficult to remember her being so tiny. Despite her rough beginnings, she was getting big.

 

Bigger than most of the other babies I saw in the shop, one of two stores we now have in the market that has a decent selection of clothes for children. The other moms and I, all Earthers, smiled at each other as we sorted through the offerings that had become more plentiful in the short while I’d been on Kalquor. Besides us, the older Earther store owner helped a lady with a special order. A giantess of a Kalquorian woman, wearing a flowing gown and headscarf that swathed her from head to toe, scrutinized a selection of men’s trousers in the adult clothing section.

 

I considered a sweet little coat and hat set for winter. It was a size too large for Anrel now, but it would possibly be too small for her once the cold set in. As I wondered if I should take the chance and buy it, my com went off. The baby whimpered in her sleep, and I grabbed the unit to shut off its buzz.

 

Unknown frequency. You two outshine all the rest.

 

I blinked. My initial thought was that someone had hit the wrong frequency, sending me a message by mistake. I started to erase it.

 

Then I remembered the message I’d received at work yesterday. I had a bad thought. A really, really bad thought.

 

I looked around the shop again. Me, Anrel, other Earthers, and their babies. No man in sight. Certainly not the man I feared seeing the most.

 

No windows to the outside of the market, either. Only window vids that didn’t allow for two-way viewing.

 

I was creeped out anyhow. I walked up and down the aisles, making sure that Dramok Nang had not appeared out of nowhere to stalk me in a clothing store. He wasn’t, and I wondered if I was jumping at shadows. If Nang was near, wouldn’t he confront me? The last word I’d gotten from him, a message I’d received when heading to Kalquor, had made it clear he was operating under some delusion that I wanted him in my life again.

 

I calmed down but remained watchful. It wasn’t until I was in my shuttle and heading home that I remembered there had been a Kalquorian woman in the shop too. She’d been well-covered by a gown and headscarf that in retrospect seemed rather heavy for a day as warm as today. A huge woman, taller than most of the men. She had not been there when the message came through.

 

No way. He could not have gotten that close to us. Could he? And not have spoken?

 

It probably wasn’t Nang. I’m positive it wasn’t him. I was still relieved to get Anrel home, where the house staff greeted us warmly. It’s good to be surrounded by people I trust. To not be alone and jumping at shadows.

 

I’ve decided that the messages I’ve received, especially today’s, more than likely were a mistake as I’d first assumed. I’m going to show this latest text to Larten when he makes it home anyway.

 

After all, I’m Shalia Monroe. Trouble loves me, so I can’t be blamed if I cringe at shadows.

 

 

March 16, later

 

I showed the bizarre message I’d received while shopping to Larten. I also told him about the one I’d gotten at headquarters, which Cifa was able to back me up on.

 

“Could it be Nang? Or am I acting paranoid?” I asked.

 

My Nobek frowned over the message. He played with the com’s settings, trying to figure out where the message had originated from. He had no luck.

 

“It’s odd,” he admitted, his face dark and dangerous. “I’ll contact some people. It may be nothing, but I’ll feel better finding out who is sending these messages myself.”

 

Seot and Cifa moved close, concern mirrored in their dissimilar features. Our Dramok asked, “Should we take extra precautions?”

 

“Let me talk to my associates. And law enforcement. I’ll get back to you.”

 

Larten commed those he hoped might help, but most of the people he wanted to talk to were off for the day. During dinner he told us, “I know someone who could set up a rebound signal on Shalia’s com. It won’t display a blocked frequency, but if she receives another message, we could see the location it’s being sent from. If you don’t mind me taking your portable unit with me to work tomorrow, my Matara?”

 

“No problem. Here, take it now.” I handed it over.

 

“Meanwhile, we’ll keep an eye on our Matara and child,” Seot said. He smiled at me apologetically. “I’m sorry to curtail your freedom, my love, but with any luck, it will be a short-term measure.”

 

“You mean I have to be with one of you at all times?” I said, pretending to find it inconvenient. “Oh, to have to hang around men I adore! Woe is me!”

 

That lightened the mood. I won’t pretend I’m not relieved that Anrel and I are to be chaperoned every second of the day until we can figure out if something Nang this way comes.

 

I don’t think Larten was surprised when I asked for extra knife training before bed. Obsessed? Suspicious? Scared? No, not me. Not a bit.

 

 

March 17

 

I was on edge for my therapy appointment today. My abandonment issues, quiet for the most part, were set aside to discuss the possibility that Nang had made it to Kalquor.

 

“One moment, I’m in denial. There is no real proof that he’s here. Nothing concrete. Then I start thinking I have to be on my guard, just in case. Because it would be stupid not to be, right? I need to be ready in case he comes for me or Anrel. But I catch myself acting all paranoid, like he’s going to jump out from behind a tree, or a rock, or a rack of clothes, or a kitchen cabinet. I’m either fooling myself that all is well, or I’m freaking out.”

 

“Understandable.” Dr. Cafir offered the perfect percentage of concern, support, and serenity. I need to study her or find out where she took lessons to be able to do that.

 

“Is it? Or are you being nice?”

 

“A potential stalker is a terrifying prospect. You don’t know when or if they’ll show up. If they do, what is their initial goal? How far will they go to achieve it? How violent will they turn when you resist?”

 

“Stop trying to cheer me up.”

 

“You have to face the possibility of a worst-case scenario. Fortunately, you possess the kind of hard-won strength that can manage it. And you have one major factor in your favor.”

 

I knew what she meant. “The tracking implants.”

 

Cafir nodded. “Anrel’s implant gave you the ability to recover her quickly when Hina took her. I shudder to think of that occurring again, but it will save you two, should all else fail.” She made a kind of helpless fluttering motion with her hands. “You’re as prepared as you can be.”

 

“I have to hope it will be enough if the worst happens.”

 

“It’s awful to have to sit and wait for something that might not happen, not to mention second-guessing everything you do from now on.” Cafir scowled, her perfect equilibrium showing signs of fracturing. “I hate that you’re a target for this man.”

 

“Well, as you said, I’m as ready as I’m going to be. Tracker, training, clanmates sticking close by, com rigged for location detection from incoming messages, authorities alerted—though they can’t do much without an actual Nang sighting.”

 

“Tell your friends to be on the lookout when they’re around you. You can’t have too many eyes checking the surroundings in a case such as this.”

 

Her suggestion gave me another disquieting idea. “They should watch out in any case. What if Nang went after them to get to me? I couldn’t handle the guilt if he did.”

 

“Nang’s actions are his own. You can’t be blamed for what a grown man, sane or not, does in his obsession with you.” Cafir was firm about that.

 

“What do I do otherwise?” I said. “When I’m not preparing for pitched battle against a former lover, I mean.”

 

“Live life. Enjoy it as much as the circumstances allow you to.” Cafir gave me a sly smile. “That’s the best revenge against an enemy.”

 

 

March 19

 

A couple of days have gone by since I was scared half to death by that last com message. All quiet on the home front. No sign of anything bizarre or the least bit weird. Law enforcement hasn’t found out anything.

 

For the sake of everyone’s safety, at today’s foundation meeting I explained to the board about the whole embarrassing Nang thing. Hina was scandalized that a man would target me in such a manner. “Not a real man at all,” was her opinion, delivered with a sniff. “I’ll cave in his head if he comes anywhere near you or me.”

 

That’s my girl.

 

Emperor Egilka struggled with the news. He said, “We’ve had a woman go missing without explanation in the last week. She told her friends she was meeting a group of suitors, but something else may have occurred.”

 

Katrina went pale. “There is evidence of foul play with Meli—uh, the young woman’s disappearance?”

 

“Only that none of the clans on her list admits she was supposed to meet with them. They all have alibis as to their whereabouts. Otherwise, she seems to have vanished into thin air.” Egilka was visibly concerned. “Be careful in any case, Shalia. It may not be this obsessed Dramok you have to worry about, but someone else.”

 

I found it curious that an emperor would be invested in a missing person’s case. That he would even know about it, though I get us Earther gals are important to Kalquor. Still…I’d almost swear he wasn’t telling us something.

 

Flencik broke into my ruminations. “My Nobek is with Global Security. He may have resources the locals can’t tap. I’ll mention this Dramok Nang to him.”

 

“Thanks,” I said. I realized that other than his Matara Amelia, I wasn’t familiar with Flencik’s clan. “What’s your Nobek’s name?”

 

“Breft.”

 

Hina and I exchanged a startled glance. Crap. Flencik was clanned to the Nobek who had been in charge when Hina took Anrel? Double crap.

 

Yet Flencik showed no signs of realizing Hina had been charged with kidnapping by his clanmate. It’s wonderful that Nobek Breft can keep his mouth shut. I had to applaud the officer for being as ethical as a cop should be.

 

On the heels of that, I thought Sweet, gentle Flencik is clanned to that scary-ass Nobek? That was crazy when I compared the two. Then another comparison popped up: the incredible size disparity between the Imdiko and Nobek. Flencik is a friggin’ giant. Breft is the shortest Kalquorian I’ve encountered.

 

I can’t imagine how that combination works. I’m almost afraid to find out what their Dramok looks like.

 

Meanwhile, good news…because no news is good news. Larten’s contacts haven’t heard of any reports that Nang has been sighted anywhere on Kalquor. He’s gone as far as inquiring at various spaceports. Without official law enforcement clout, he’s not got the kind of clearance that lets him delve into information. He’s still sending out requests to associates on various space stations and colonies nearby.

 

Two weird messages, received days ago, and not another peep. No sign of Nang anywhere. No hint he’s on Kalquor at all. Maybe for once, my luck will be decent.

 

 

March 20, early

 

Yesterday, my clan’s morning started with an early surprise. We finished off the evening, ending the day with a bang.

 

Our surprise was when the head of household management—probably the equivalent of an Earther butler—met us as we were heading from the sleeping room to grab breakfast. Dramok Felard, a mature man with impeccable manners and unwavering attention to detail, bowed to us in the middle of the hall.

 

“Excuse me, Matara Shalia, Dramok Seot. I’ve been informed that a Global Security shuttle has landed in the bay. There are a couple of officers asking to meet with the entire clan.”

 

Seot gave me a glance. “I guess Dr. Flencik had that talk with his Nobek.”

 

“I guess so,” I replied, hugging Anrel close. “I didn’t expect him to drop in, however. He must have brought his partner with him. Raxstad, right?”

 

“Maybe he has news?” Cifa suggested.

 

Seot nodded to Felard. “We’ll meet them in the greeting room.”

 

The door announce buzzed through the home. Felard hurried ahead of us to let them in.

 

Raxstad was as big a bruiser as ever. He bowed and made silly faces at Anrel. On any other man, the sight might have been touching. Raxstad is no one’s version of adorable, nevertheless. I thought as primitive the heavy-browed officer looked, overlarge with muscle, he would have scared the baby. She didn’t find the massive brute to be fearsome in the least, however. She laughed at his gestures of peekaboo, enthralled to watch that heavy-jawed face disappear and then reappear from behind his huge hands.

 

Breft’s lips twisted in an approximation of a smile at his partner’s antics. He managed to tone down some of that aura of barely-contained savagery. He appeared approachable for a few moments. He spoke softly to Anrel after according us all the customary bow. “Hello, small lovely. You have grown at least two inches since I saw you last.” He sighed and shook his head at Seot. “They do not stay small long enough to properly enjoy.”

 

“Indeed, they don’t,” my Dramok agreed. “Would you like to sit down?”

 

None of the Nobeks sat, including Larten. After refusing any refreshments, Breft attended to the business at hand. “An unfortunate matter of miscommunication has occurred for which I must apologize. Global Security had been notified of this issue regarding this Dramok Nang’s potential danger to Matara Shalia several weeks ago. However, it somehow got lost in the system. When the Matara and her daughter arrived on Kalquor, we were to note it and make contact. We were to also put into place a detection grid in the hopes of capturing Dramok Nang should he make it to Kalquor. None of this has happened until today.”

 

“You were the enforcement agency Weapons Commander Oses spoke to?” I asked.

 

“Correct.” Breft scowled, his anger directed at the floor. “It is unfortunate this got past us. Rest assured, we are taking steps to correct the lapse and ensure that you will not suffer for it.”

 

Someone in Global Security was getting their ass kicked. For their sake, I hoped it wasn’t Breft who would do it. He might not leave them any ass at the end of it.

 

“What will happen at this point?” Seot asked.

 

“You live in a location that is impossible to reach secretly. We’ll set up a routine sea and air patrol that will keep an eye on your home. You have a security system of your own in place?”

 

“We do.”

 

“Excellent. I’m also demanding all surveillance footage of the space ports for the last six weeks. We will scan them for any sign of Nang. It may be a few of days because of the number of ports and people arriving that are involved. However, if he’s gotten on this planet, we’ll know.”

 

“And if he hasn’t?” I asked.

 

Raxstad gave me what I suppose was meant to be a reassuring expression. “If nothing comes up in the planetary surveillance, we’ll have those of the rest of the Empire’s incoming passenger records scanned. And an active watch for Dramok Nang has been enacted throughout our entire system.”

 

“He can’t be here without us discovering it,” Breft promised. “And if he’s not made it here yet, we’ll catch him when he tries to do so.”

 

“In the meanwhile, you must alert us the moment you receive any further anonymous messages. We’ll put a trace on all your coms.”

 

“There is already one on Shalia’s,” Larten told them. “But it’s doubtless not as good as what you could give her.”

 

The rest of the meeting was a rehash of the messages I’d received and my history with Nang. We reviewed all the safety measures for Anrel and me to take, inputted direct frequencies that my clan could use to contact Breft and Raxstad, and set up the traces on our coms. The officers also inspected our home’s security, and received approval from Seot to gain direct access to have his company activate the trackers implanted on Anrel and me. Breft apologized once again for my case falling through the cracks at Global Security.

 

“Stuff like that happened all the time at Earth law enforcement agencies,” I said, trying to make him feel better.

 

“It does not happen in Global Security,” he responded. His terrifying ferocity surfaced for an instant.

 

Eek. If he has anything to do with it, heads will roll at the office.

 

I felt reassured after talking with the two. I’m grateful Flencik said something to his clanmate. Between the guarantee that Global Security has my back and the fact my mysterious messenger hasn’t contacted me in a few days, I decided it would be okay to go out with the guys for an adults-only beach party we’d been invited to.

 

It helped that Matara Elwa had said she’d keep Anrel for my clan’s regular date night. I’d attempted to cancel out of the whole thing a couple days ago, but she wouldn’t hear of it. “I’ll hire security from my firm to play sentries at the home,” she’d told me. That’s Elwa; calm, cool, and collected with a plan in place. She wasn’t kidding about security, either. Darned if she didn’t have a full dozen of the nastiest-looking Nobeks this side of Breft on her property when we showed up to drop Anrel off. If Nang thought he’d pull a scheme while the baby was out of my sight, he was in for a bad reckoning. Possibly deadly.

 

“Your guards don’t have orders to kill on sight, do they?” I asked, worried that they were armed to the teeth and appeared eager to use those weapons.

 

“Ask no questions, Shalia,” Elwa said. “Focus on the fact that our little Anrel will be safer than if she was in the heart of Fleet Headquarters. The Imperial Clan isn’t as secure as our baby will be while you have some much-needed fun.”

 

I don’t know whether to worship that woman or run screaming from her. Yet I had to admit, it was a sure bet that not even a party of Tragooms would dare Elwa’s security guards.

 

With a flurry of kisses that Anrel barely acknowledged in favor of the handcrafted doll Elwa had bought her from Joshada, my men and I were off to the beach. I looked forward to music, games, food, and drinking.

 

What a blast we had. The party was put on by a kind of Kalquorian version of the district’s chamber of commerce, a massive blowout for the area’s business leaders and their clans. It was a chance to hobnob, make deals, and promote one’s commercial interests. With Seot owning a successful munitions company and Cifa at the helm of the cruise line, we were a welcome and sought-after group. Ila and Erom came with their clans as well.

 

The early part was all the party had been advertised as. I’m merely an employee at Cifiler Cruises, but I got busy making contacts on behalf of the fertility foundation. Since many of the other successful business owners are clanned either to infertile Kalquorian women or egg-laden Earther gals, I was my most charming self. Yeah, that was hard work. But not only did I get interest from potential egg donors and recipients, but also donors of the cashflow-type. I schmoozed my ass off.

 

The food was good. The band was okay, though not quite as dance-friendly as I would have preferred. The games had a casino vibe with wagers on contests of skill and chance. The businesses had put up prizes. Darn if Ila didn’t win a day-cruise from her own line, tossing polished pebbles at numbered targets on a table.

 

“Oh, by the ancestors. Only I would win my own prize,” she yelled in frustration as everyone laughed. She swapped out with another winner for a gourmet dinner delivered to her home.

 

I won a couple times too. The first prize I scored was tickets to the opening game of the kurble season, which lit up Larten’s eyes—he’s a fan. I was more delighted with my second win, which was six kestarsh riding lessons. I can’t wait for that. Someone told me the kestarsh resemble six-legged, super-smart horses.

 

The night wore on and the drinks kept flowing. People would disappear for a little while among the dunes, then return looking sandy and mussed, their nice clothes somewhat askew. My initial thought was, no way. Gritty sand in sensitive places? I think not.

 

But then it occurred to me how powdery the sand was on this beach. Super soft, like talcum. The more I drank, the more I considered, hmmm. Maybe the other clans were on to something.

 

Yet Seot and Cifa were always talking to some community leader, trading insights, making deals. Larten kept busy with games, eating, and drinking, but I noted he didn’t stray far from me. Aw, my big protector. He needed to be rewarded.

 

Buzzing pleasantly enough to be ready for a more private beach party, I sidled close to my fierce clanmate. Larten was committing his fourth round of damage to the buffet. “A walk would be romantic,” I said in an undertone.

 

Larten turned to me, his cheeks chipmunk-full of ytor shellfish. “Are you bored?” he asked in a garbled voice. “Run out of games to play?”

 

I giggled, both at the decidedly un-romantic appearance of a Nobek with his mouth crammed full of food, and him missing the hint I was giving. Ah, I love that guy, even when he’s clueless.

 

I tried again, giving Larten another chance to be my fantasy hero. My insinuation was more blatant. “Let’s go behind those dunes like the others and cover ourselves in sand.” I jerked a thumb to get him to notice the lovers coming and going from the party.

 

Larten’s eyes widened in understanding. He swallowed the wad of food in his mouth and grabbed my hand. “Sure. That’s a better suggestion than taking a walk.”

 

Sigh. It’s okay. I’ll have him trained soon.

 

We wandered along the trail that had been worn in the sand by quite a few feet. The dunes were a maze. Huge humps of sand dotted right before where the beach became seagrass and windswept bushes shorn of all but the most tenacious of purple leaves. We wound along the divots of earlier lovers, searching for a spot among the sandbanks that was apart from the other writhing, moaning shadows under the darkening sky, safe from the glow of the party’s bonfire.

 

At last, we found a semi-private area at the base of a mound. As deliciously animal as ever, Larten tugged down the straps of my sundress, pulling the fabric to my waist to bury his face in my breasts. My head reeled as his mouth tugged on my nipple, his tongue abrading the stiffening flesh. I was out on the beach, under the star-scattered sky where anyone might pass by, being fondled, mauled, by one of my true loves. Soon to be fucked. Prophets, I was excited. I hugged Larten’s dark head to me, demanding all I could take from him.

 

He put me on my back on the powder-soft sand. Dress hem up to meet my waist. Panties down around my ankles. Growling Nobek shoving his face between my legs, seizing my pussy with his mouth, stabbing his tongue inside me. I lounged on the beach, staring at the almost-black canopy of the sky, not noticing whether or not the sand was as soft as I’d hoped it would be. It could have been iron spikes I rested on for all the care I felt.

 

No, my attention was all for the tongue lapping the wet from my sex’s soft lips. For the moment it pushed in me in quick, forceful thrusts. For the lips that closed over my clit to hold it in place so Larten could use that incredible tongue to lash my most sensitive spot over and over until I cried out, uncaring that others were near. My usual concern that I might later run into those who would see me in such a manner was nowhere to be found.

 

Jagged stabs of poignant bliss imbedded my pussy. Beneath those acute strikes was a roiling tide of rapture, each wave building on the next. I clutched Larten’s thick hair as he fed on me, holding him tight as I had to my breasts, my hips moving to rut against that magic mouth. I felt exposed and safe all at once, being made love to in the open by my Nobek.

 

He snarled as I ground against his face. I excited him with my animal response, I suppose. I enjoy being bestial with him, as much as it tends to worry Larten that he doesn’t possess the finesse of Seot or Cifa. To hell with that. Sometimes a woman wants a guy who will fuck her brains out, pure and simple. And if that guy is Larten, that’s even better.

 

He yanked at my hands, pulling them off his hair. Since I didn’t have any warning to unclench my grip, I pulled a few strands with me. Then my wrists were pinned on either side of my head, with my Nobek crouched over me.

 

His eyes glittered as he stared at my face. His hips lowered to mine and he positioned for the first thrust.

 

Larten took me with a single powerful shove, driving the air from my lungs as a massive punch of ecstasy and agony barreled through my senses. He didn’t give me the opportunity to recover either, pounding against me, making me take his demanding lust. It took me so long to remember how to inhale, I grew dizzy from the lack of air. Even so, all I cared about was the rising tide of ecstasy lighting me up from the inside.

 

“Where is it? Where is it?” Larten snarled, grabbing my leg and maneuvering me, shifting me so that his primary cock pressed hard at different parts of my inner walls as he fucked me. “Come on, I know it’s there—”

 

Elation blasted through me. The darkening night flashed white, and I lost all ability to draw breath again.

 

“That’s it,” Larten growled. He held me in that position and hammered against me.

 

The pleasure was so intense that my insides tried to simultaneously twist in a knot and turn inside out. It was the feeling of orgasm, but it went on and on, with no real release—an eternal brilliance that wouldn’t quit. It was an endless moment of climax. I wound tight and tried to escape. Larten had me pinned. I had to lie there and endure as my body screamed for deliverance.

 

When I thought it would never happen, that I would be suspended in hellacious rapture forever, a more brilliant detonation hit. I blasted to pieces, rent into utter devastation. Orgasm wrenched from me as if someone had reached inside me and yanked it out with his fist. I felt shredded, shattered, torn.

 

Larten tensed and released. His groans joined my high-pitched whimpers, the only sound I was capable of making in my winded state. I felt gutted, even with lessening spasms running through my shuddering frame.  Prophets galore, that had been intense. I wouldn’t be able to walk straight for an eternity.

 

My legs were wobbly as we headed back to the party. I had to hang onto Larten for support, I was so weak-kneed. And covered with sand. When Seot and Cifa caught sight of us, staggering and covered in powdery pink sand, they couldn’t decide whether to laugh or be miffed that they’d not been invited along.

 

Yeah, as if I could have handled two more after Larten rode me like a bronco buster. Whew! What a wild party that was.

 

 

March 21

 

It’s got to be Nang. He must be here, watching me. Stalking me.

 

The nightmare began this morning. Of course, I was happy as I could be when the day started. I’d beaten Cifa to the baby for a change, enjoying the rare privilege of getting her ready. She burbled, “Mom-mom-mom,” at me, which made me happier. Hearing her talk to me never grows old.

 

We’d all slept in after last night’s party. I’m pretty sure Elwa had kept Anrel up late, playing with her and enjoying time with her granddaughter. At any rate, the baby had slept well after daybreak, waking after all the rest of us. Nobody was working today, so it was a good morning to be lazy.

 

However, I’d tucked my com into my pocket out of habit, as I do most workdays. I’d put Anrel on my hip, turning to the door to carry her to breakfast, when it vibrated against my thigh, alerting me that a message had been left.

 

Cooing and smiling at my sweetheart, I fished the com out of my pocket. I didn’t check for the frequency before I said, “Check message.”

 

I looked at the readout, and all my happy went away. Life isn’t always sex on the beach. They’ll never make you happy. Only I can. We’ll be together soon.

 

My heart boomed so loud, I believed someone was stomping down the hall. I couldn’t feel my legs, and the one rational idea I had was, don’t you dare fall and drop the baby. I tightened my grip on Anrel as I stared at my com.

 

I read the message again. And again. The words stayed the same, refusing to change. And the first sentence loomed the largest.

 

Life isn’t always sex on the beach.

 

Nang had been there, watching me and Larten. Spying on our intimate moments, his prying eyes on us as we made love. He’d been right there.

 

Somehow, I moved my rubbery legs. Clutching my chattering baby close, my com in a death grip, those awful sentences burned on my retinas, I staggered down the hall to the kitchen where my clan assembled breakfast.

 

“My Nobek.” My voice sounded ridiculously normal to me, too typical given the circumstances. Larten’s honed instincts must have heard something off, however. He turned to me, his gaze intent and nostrils flaring as if to catch a scent.

 

“What is it?” He was in front of me, taking the com from my hand and reading the message before I could utter a word.

 

“It’s him. It must be Nang,” I said, my voice still weirdly regular, at least as far as I could tell.

 

Seot and Cifa rushed over to read the message too. My Imdiko cursed and pulled me close, sandwiching Anrel between us, as if to protect her.

 

“I’m checking the trace,” Larten said as Seot scowled and pulled out his own com and told it to connect with Officer Breft’s frequency.

 

By the time Breft and Raxstad arrived, Larten had discovered a few interesting and terrifying things. First of all, the message had been recorded the night before, but sent this morning on a delay. Second of all, it had been sent from the very beach where the business party had been held, while it was being held.

 

Everything was reported to the Global Security officers that I have had too much contact with. Breft asked me, “There is no one else who might be doing this, at least not that you can think of? It’s not that I doubt your opinion. I just want to make sure we’re not narrowing the field prematurely.”

 

“Not at all. Especially not someone who would tell me we were meant to be together.” The hair on my neck rose saying that.

 

Breft rubbed his forehead. “I agree. The reports I read as to Dramok Nang’s state of mind before he disappeared from Earth shows intent and an unbalanced mind. Okay, I’ll continue to try and find evidence that he’s gotten to Kalquor—but I’m going to operate on the premise that he is here and stalking you.” He glanced at Raxstad.

 

The musclebound behemoth nodded. “All law enforcement in the area will be alerted to look out for him. Local, territorial, ours—everyone. He’ll be found and arrested on sight.”

 

I almost told Nobek Raxstad that everyone kept saying that, and with the same conviction. Yet Nang hadn’t been caught on his way here. He’d made it to Kalquor. He had gotten in close enough to see me and Larten frolicking in the dunes.

 

If he got that close to me, how easily could he get to Anrel? Even with security and guards everywhere, trying to keep her safe?

 

I was scared. Yet I was also abruptly pissed off. I’d endured Anrel being snatched, though by someone who had regretted her actions and tried to make things right. I had no illusions Nang would experience any stab of conscience over devastating me in such a way. He had left his clan. He had dodged capture to make it to Kalquor. He meant to have ‘his’ family. Such an intense fixation could turn ugly. Deadly.

 

I didn’t want Nang hurt. I really didn’t. However, if it came down between him and Anrel, he would lose every fucking time.

 

I asked Breft, “How overt does the threat from Nang have to be for me to kill him through self-defense? Or to keep my child safe? What will land me in jail?”

 

The Nobek’s eyebrow lifted as he regarded me. “Could you do such a thing?”

 

“For my daughter? Without hesitation.”

 

“She’s trained for hand-to-hand, blades, and firearms,” Larten said, his voice filled with pride. “Not that I expect her to have to do so herself with me close by.”

 

“She’s killed dozens of Tragooms,” Seot added. “If worst came to worst, Shalia could hand this Nang his—”

 

“Baby,” Cifa warned, putting his palms over Anrel’s ears.

 

“Back end,” Seot finished.

 

Breft and Raxstad exchanged grins. Breft told me, “Matara, if Dramok Nang does nothing more than wave hello to you, you are welcome to blast his head off. Threat has been established. Feel free to defend yourself at the mere sight of him.”

 

Dear prophets, I hope it doesn’t come to that. But my priorities remain unchanged since I went to Oses to ask for training on the Pussy ‘Porter. Whatever it takes, I will defend my child.

 

Last came the usual suggestions. Breft and Raxstad delivered them with more insistence: Anrel and I must never be left alone. Report anything suspicious immediately. And Breft was doubling the security flybys over our home.

 

It should be enough. With my luck and Nang possibly slipping onto the planet under everyone’s noses, I fear it’s not.

 

 

March 22

 

Nothing has happened. It’s like I’m living under a state of siege, though. With me sure that Nang is lurking, waiting to grab me and Anrel, it feels as if the world could come crashing down at any moment.

 

Anrel and I didn’t ride into Cifiler with my Imdiko today. I didn’t pilot my own shuttle either. Instead, Larten flew us. He went as far as to escort me to my office. Along the way, we stopped at Cifiler Cruises headquarters’ security office to discuss the measures in place. The head of security assured us he would keep anything that looked remotely Nang-y from entering the cliff quarters.

 

Cifa ordered a vid monitor to be installed in the corridor outside my, Cifa, and Candy’s departments—all the places where not only do I frequent, but Anrel does as well. Security officers will perform once-an-hour patrols to put actual eyes on us too. The whole staff has been briefed and readied to call for help should my stalker be so bold as to show up. Nobody is taking any chances.

 

Anrel and I could have stayed home under watch. Seot talked about hiring personal bodyguards. After mulling it over, I don’t believe I’m placing Anrel under any undue danger by us continuing our schedules as much as safety allows. We’re as shielded as we can be already. Larten agrees with me, bless the man. Home and work are crawling with security personnel. Everyone is on alert. Honestly, what more can we do, besides sneak off the damned planet?

 

It makes my blood boil sometimes when I think about it. I’ve survived a lot of shit to end up glancing over my shoulder on Kalquor. I shouldn’t have to live this way, in fear of a man who I once trusted to keep me safe. And I won’t, so long as I can guarantee Anrel will be okay. I will live my life. I will go to work. I will run my foundation. I will enjoy my clan. I deserve all of that. Nang will not take it from me, not through cryptic messages. He will not reduce me to a victim who’s afraid to walk out of her own door.

 

I’m scheduled for daily training with Larten. Last night we practiced my fighting techniques until we were both soaked with sweat and shaking from exhaustion. Hand-to-hand, blade, and blaster—everything. We’re intent as if readying for an actual war. I’m glad my Nobek is taking this as seriously as I am. I’m glad he’s like Oses in that he doesn’t feel insulted that I want to be prepared for the worst. I adore him for not letting his warrior-protector ego jump in.

 

Fortunately, work and the foundation are busy enough to divert me; another reason to continue living my life. The fall season is busy for cruises, with the summer heat easing off and making excursions more comfortable. It’s also busy for marketing, because with the autumn promos being done, we have to gear up for the bigger winter season. That’s when those in the upper latitudes are hoping to escape the cold on a tropical getaway. I have a lot of tasks to finish.

 

The foundation is busy, busy, busy too. Donations and Kalquorian moms-to-be are pouring in. The first wave of the Empire’s hybrid daughters born of Kalquorian women is a done deal, with implantations happening daily now.

 

I’m grateful, not just for the success, but also for the distractions. Yes, I made the right decision to maintain my regular life despite the security concerns. I’d be going crazy and jumping at the slightest strange sound otherwise.

 

 

March 24

 

Nothing new happening as far as my stalker is concerned. Despite wanting to remain on alert, I found myself relaxing from time to time today, thinking maybe it’s a bad dream I had, one I’ll wake up from. I know better, of course. Nang is out there. He’s keeping an eye on things, waiting for the right moment.

 

It’s hard to remain vigilant, however. I’m worn out from it on a mental and emotional level. Besides, when I’m at Cifiler, I’m surrounded by my staff. A security officer pokes his head in my office on a regular basis. Shouldn’t I be able to relax for a few minutes here and there?

 

I found myself doing that when Hina dropped by this afternoon. I’m delighted to say all is well on the baby front. All tests show normal development of the embryo she carries. Our cautious happiness wants to bloom into outright triumph. We don’t dare. Not yet. But I can feel it there, ready to explode, trembling at the threshold of hope.

 

Hina will get a daughter she can love, a little girl she can raise, whose accomplishments will fill her with pride. It has to happen. Has to.

 

That certainty was there in the background during her whole visit as we sat at my conversation area. We relaxed in a comfy corner of my office with plush seating cushions, a table, and a cooling unit full of refreshments. She’d brought some sweetcakes for us to shovel in our greedy faces.

 

“Kalquorian women don’t get morning sickness?” I asked, impressed that she ate enough for two this early on. Then again, Hina is as tall and muscled as many of the men on this planet.

 

“I expect it in a couple more weeks,” she sighed. “That’s about the period when it happened before. In my case, it’s more like all-day sickness. I won’t want to eat for three months.”

 

“We’ll have to go out for a big, super-special meal soon then, to fortify you for the bad stretch.”

 

“Oh yes, let’s do that. One that consists of nothing but desserts.”

 

It sounds as if someone has a jumpstart on her cravings.

 

As we visited, discussing everything babies, I found myself wondering if I was pregnant yet. I could check with no problem, but I don’t want to jinx things. Besides, I’ll be crushed if I discover I’m not. I’ve come down with full-on baby fever.

 

That had me wanting to further stack the odds in my favor that a baby could happen in the near future. Luckily for me, Cifa poked his head in the door about an hour after Hina left. I was staring at the promotions schedule and noticing how busy I would be for the next few weeks. Today looked like my last easy workday for a while, and that was uppermost in my mind besides the baby-making agenda.

 

“Candy’s got Anrel for the rest of the afternoon’s training. I have to go out to the docks to meet with the builders. Do you need anything while I’m out and about?”

 

My first reaction was disappointment that he was too busy to indulge in workplace shenanigans. Then I thought maybe someone else could.

 

“Could you drop me off at Seot’s office? I’m about to go nose-to-the-grindstone here for a while, so maybe I can head off his complaints if he enjoys some extra attention beforehand.”

 

Cifa grinned. “You are learning how to handle your Dramok quite well, my Matara.”

 

“I’ve always been a quick study. Anrel’s got plenty of watchers?”

 

“Two security guards are in the room with her and Candy.”

 

“Not content with them just peeking in every so often?”

 

“I didn’t order it; Candy did. No one is snatching our child without getting through her. Somehow, I feel better about Candy protecting Anrel than all the bodyguards here at headquarters.”

 

I had to agree. Candy has kept up on her training, and she’s hyper-vigilant about it after the first kidnapping. If Nang dared to try to take Anrel from her, Candy would kick his ass. I have no doubts about that.

 

Cifa dropped me off at Seot’s company, Tesen Eknat, which in English loosely translates into ‘Preparedness and Defense’. As soon as I stepped off my Imdiko’s shuttle, the security guards there commed for an escort to accompany me to my clanmate’s office. Normally, I’d protest such strong measures within the actual company—but these are not normal times. I apologized for being an inconvenience. Everyone is super friendly at Tesen Eknat, including the Nobeks. I’d swear a kind personality is a requirement for anyone to work at the headquarters. It’s a funny trait when you realize Seot’s company manufactures arms and defensive weaponry, along with helpful gadgets such as the tracking devices implanted on Anrel and me.

 

All that to say the Nobeks in security practically fell over themselves to reassure me that my visit wasn’t an inconvenience to them at all. It’s rather humbling when they behave as if guaranteeing my safety is a privilege. Seriously—wow. I need to do something special for those guys. I should bake them cookies and shit.

 

It was still embarrassing to walk down the company corridors with a security detail surrounding me. It grew worse as a few of Seot’s employees called out, “Keep her safe, men!” Ugh. I was in no danger in Tesen Eknat’s headquarters.

 

I was more than relieved to arrive at Imdiko Najo’s desk. He greeted me with his usual effusive delight at my presence. “Good afternoon, Matara Shalia! What a terrific surprise. We were afraid we wouldn’t see much of you given the circumstances. Go right in.”

 

My four bodyguards took up position, two flanking the entrance to Najo’s area, and rest flanking the door to Seot’s office. I swear, Empress Jessica probably doesn’t enjoy this level of protection.

 

Seot was already at his door, his arms held out to me. “My Matara! How did I get so lucky to have you here in the middle of the day?”

 

“Ha! I’m the lucky one. Am I interrupting anything?”

 

“Nothing that won’t wait a million years if that’s what you need.”

 

We are so sentimental and goofy. I hope it’s not because we’re in the honeymoon period of our clanship. I want to be as disgustingly sappy fifty years down the road.

 

The door closed behind us, leaving us alone. Seot held me close, smiling at me. “What has given me the joy of having you come here today?”

 

I snuggled in his arms, my cheek against his wide chest. “Making up for my schedule in the weeks ahead when I’ll be little more than a distant memory.”

 

“Extra hours again?” Aw, he sounded disappointed. I’m wanted. “I should have realized that was going to happen when Cifa started worrying about the new ships and gearing up for the winter season’s promotional drive. Are you sure you don’t want to be a kept woman? Pampered at home all day, ready to dote on me when I come home at night?”

 

I laughed. “Except for the doting part, which I’d do full time if possible, you’ve clanned the wrong woman, big man.”

 

“I thought so.” His adoring smile turned suspicious. “How did you get here? Shalia, if you flew alone to visit me—”

 

“Settle down,” I told him, my tone as warning as his. “Cifa had some errands to run. He brought me here and your security practically smothered me walking from the bay to your office. Didn’t you notice those wonderful goons crowding Najo’s space?”

 

“As a matter of fact, I did. I just wasn’t certain how you found your way from Cifiler to Tesen Eknat.” He relaxed, his Dramok-ness easing down a notch. “Sorry. You wouldn’t take unnecessary chances.”

 

“I’ll forgive you if you give me a kiss,” I promised.

 

“I’ll give you a lot more than that,” he leered, his hands reaching down to cup my ass.

 

“In that case, you’re forgiven in perpetuity for anything else you might do wrong.”

 

He picked me up, and I wrapped my legs around his waist. A few steps, and Seot laid me down on his seating area’s floor cushions, kissing me so that I was liquid and gooey with all my clothes still on. I rubbed against him wantonly as his weight settled on me.

 

“Mmm, I do love a midday fuck,” Seot mumbled against my lips as he tilted my hips up. My skirt slid away from my thighs and hips, allowing him to settle the hard ridge of his erections against my panty-clad mound. He rubbed, delivering a dry humping that had me straining against him.

 

“I never would have known you’re a fan of afternoon delights,” I muttered, moving against him, applying the most glorious friction to my eager clit.

 

“Let me show you. I don’t want there to be a moment of doubt.” His fingers, sliding inside the leg of my panties, searched out my slit. “Such a good girl. Always nice and wet for her Dramok.”

 

My breath caught as he shoved two digits inside me. Seot has this amazing capacity to be demanding without making a big deal out of it. He takes what he wants, as if it’s his to have. Which it is, when it comes to me and my body. He’s welcome to every inch of me anytime he wishes.

 

With his fingers working in and out of me, fucking what belonged to him, my core lit with a heavy brightness. We’ve not been clanned three months, and Seot knows how to play me so that I’m ready to beg for his cocks within seconds. Even if his fingerings are sublime.

 

I’d worn a new top with a loose neckline today, and I’d planned to never wear it again. It was a gorgeous blouse, but I’d spent the morning fussing with it, trying not to flashing my male staff with cleavage. I’d thought I’d be returning it later this week.

 

Seot showed me how I appreciated the shirt. He pulled it—and one strap of my bra—down to expose a breast. Discovering the leeway the neckline had, he bared all of my chest, bunching the fabric beneath two of his favorite playthings. Talk about easy access. With my skirt hiked up and my blouse pulled down, I looked ravished, a fact that made my situation all the more exciting.

 

I’m keeping the blouse.

 

That decision was affirmed as Seot mouthed my tits, licking and nipping and sucking like a famished animal gorging at a feast. Stinging warmth suffused the mounds as he enjoyed his rough use of them. I whimpered and writhed beneath his attentions, tossed between little jabs of pain and waves of pleasure. Especially when he captured a nipple between his teeth and lashed the pebbled flesh with his tongue. Each touch shot straight to my clit, a zinging blast that left me squirming with growing violence.

 

“Where do you think you’re going?” Seot growled when my wriggling got too enthusiastic for his approval.

 

“Nowhere, my Dramok,” I gasped. “It’s just that it feels so wonderful.”

 

“Does it? Does my girl want it rough?”

 

“I’ll take it however you want me to take it.”

 

Seot’s grin was more like a snarl, raising the hairs on my body. He pulled his talented fingers from my pussy and licked them clean before grabbing my wrists and pinning them over my head. Holding me down, he gave my breast a smack. It stung, but I knew how careful he was being. Just enough hurt to excite me.

 

“I like that. Do you like it?” he demanded.

 

“Yes, my Dramok.” Hell yes.

 

He slapped my pussy. I cried out, kicking at the air—but I was careful to not try and shield myself from any further swats he might determine I needed.

 

“I like that too. And I like shoving my cocks in your pussy,” Seot told me. “Both of them. At the same time.”

 

Oh, sweet prophets. The surge of excitement that hit me stole my breath. I suddenly remembered how to lie still.

 

My Dramok gripped both shafts, moving them to my womanhood. His purple gaze held me as securely pinned as the hand on my wrists. “That’s right. Keep that gorgeous cunt open for me. Here I come for you, ready or not.”

 

Mentally, I’m always ready for what Seot chooses to do. Physically—well, that was a lot of man to accept all at once. Despite the whole ‘lord and master and Dramok’ vibe my clanmate had going, he was careful. I never doubted for a second that even with the rougher play, he’d take care of me.

 

God, I love him.

 

He pressed into me, claiming me a little at a time. I ached, but in the manner I enjoy. He watched carefully, intuiting when to stop and let me adjust. For my part, I relaxed as much as I could to accept his doubled girth. When his cocks jerked with each whimper, I did so more often.

 

“Take it,” he whispered, his breath coming faster, his pupils enlarging. “That pussy needs all of me inside it.”

 

When he was far enough in so that there was no worry of him slipping out, he released himself. He had me lick the slickness from his palm, feeding me the spicy musk of his lubrication. I sucked each finger as if it were a cock, claiming every drop I could. I adore the taste of my clan leader.

 

When I’d cleaned his hand, he circled my throat with it. Again, it was all about the enjoyment of the power play, no actual threat. The illusion of being ravished, perhaps against my will, made my pussy spasm around his encroaching cocks.

 

Seot grinned at my excitement. “That’s it. I’m fucking you, and there’s nothing you can do about it.”

 

He got another convulsion for that. Evil, wonderful man.

 

He was more wonderful when all that astounding girth rubbed up against my hotspot. Didn’t I come up off those cushions when he did that! All that Kalquorian weight wasn’t enough to stop me from arching away from the ground. The blast that shot through me tried to rocket me straight up into the cosmos. Vivid, dazzling rapture, exploding in my guts. And it didn’t stop. No, not with Seot pressing deeper, claiming me inch by marvelous inch. Sweet and holy prophets, I worried I might faint from the radiant bliss beaming through my very being. It might have been an orgasm. I don’t know—it was so intense, so blinding, it must have been one. Yet it went on without pause and felt so much more. Maybe how the ecstatic oneness with the Almighty must have been to the saints.

 

Ha! As if I’d ever be mistaken for a saint.

 

Still, it was maybe the most incredible joining I’ve had with anyone. My consciousness felt as if it was expanding, encompassing all of creation. And it did not stop…not while Seot fucked me.

 

The rest of our lovemaking was this crazy exaltation, this out-of-control rapture that seems detailed and misty all at once. I could tell you how Seot’s nostrils flared with each breath, how his eyelids fluttered as he took me, how his lips trembled as he closed in on climax. I swear I remember the exact nuance of pressure of his hand pinning my wrists to the cushions over my head—I bet I could count the threads in that cushion simply by the sharpness of my memory of those moments. Though his other hand on my throat did not press at all, I could trace the whorls of his fingerprints through the nuance of touch. His weight on my hips, sliding back and forth. And the bursting pressure of his cocks, his wonderful and astounding cocks, crowded tight in my pussy, holding me in that astonishing thrall.

 

None of it compared to watching Seot’s face soften as his head fell back and he cried out the joy of release. In my state of heightened awareness, I swear I experienced his orgasm with him. I realized the tightness of his secondary cock as it filled with blazing heat. I knew the lightning strike of the instant of climax, Seot’s seed firing into his primary with almost painful elation as my passage clutched him in wet softness. I knew the violently sweet jolts of his passion jetting from him in stomach-clenching fury, gushing into me, his adoring Matara. We called out each other’s names with one voice.

 

I know it was only my imagination, but I love the idea that maybe, just maybe, I shared a wondrous moment of telepathy. If I could share a smidgeon of Seot’s experience, I’d be thrilled. He is a part of my soul.

 

 

March 25

 

It happened. I saw Nang. He is on Kalquor. He is stalking me.

 

Because I’m being so careful, I was thankfully not alone. I was surrounded by people who could keep me safe though I was not at home, at the office, or with any of my clanmates. I was at the Cifiler docks with my vid production crew and a couple of the Nobeks from the company’s security department.

 

We’d decided we deserved some air and inspiration for the upcoming winter marketing schedule, so we loaded ourselves up in a company shuttle and flew out to the pier. Soaking in the holiday atmosphere would give us a boost of motivation.

 

I was reminded of when I’d gone on the inaugural cruise of the smallest ship of the fleet. The cruise hadn’t ended quite the way any of my clan had envisioned, but it had started off magnificently. I felt wonderful as I wandered with my staff along the lineup of ships in port, either disgorging happy and relaxed passengers, taking excited vacationers on, or being cleaned and readied between trips. Music and laughter filled the air, against a background of humming hovercarts, which zoomed about with luggage, provisions, and mechanical parts. The air of celebration was so effusive that I wanted to convince my clan to cruise again. There is no greater energy than that of anticipation and satisfaction, and it was there in plenty this morning.

 

It was exactly what my team needed. Ideas came fast and furious as we watched the fun. And we were all on the same page, which never ceases to launch new creativity. No sooner did I have an idea, then one of my team would say it out loud.

 

“Open with dreary, mundane work scene, cast in muted colors. Ask the viewers if life is tedious, monotonous. Then, boom! Colors, music, brightness!”

 

“A clan dragging themselves off to work in a shuttle. They fly over this scene, look at each other, and agree without a word. They’re out of here!”

 

“Matara Shalia, your people celebrate some festive holiday in the winter, don’t they? What about a spot featuring a clan with an Earther Matara boarding a ship to commemorate that occasion?”

 

I greeted Dramok Iknu’s suggestion with wide-eyed delight. “Iknu, not just a commemoration! An actual Christmas cruise! Is it too late to pull something like that together? Tarl, make a note for me to talk to Cifa, asap.”

 

My Imdiko aide grinned and lifted his handheld. “Already have it, along with everything else. Keep talking, team.”

 

They did, the suggestions coming faster and faster. I was laughing with the others, giddy with our inventiveness, when I saw him over Iknu’s shoulder. A fleeting glimpse of Nang, as the constant eddies of voyagers and ship’s crews between us parted for an instant.

 

For a moment, it was as if I’d materialized back on Earth. It was me boarding the transport all over again, leaving my home planet for the last time. And in the distance, a man almost as tall but not as broad as Dr. Flencik. Standing as he had on that long-ago day, watching me flee from not my ravaged, dying world and him, as well.