11 comments/ 12221 views/ 19 favorites Silver Ch. 09 By: Pelaam Silver 9 Retribution Pelaam© August 2008 Willis gave a soft smile as the blond wandered almost aimlessly towards him. The golden eyes were slightly unfocused and a cushion was clutched tightly against Theophilus' stomach. Willis pulled him close, turning the lithe body so that Theophilus' back pressed tightly to his chest. The blond head that now lay back against his shoulder began nuzzling at the area his scent glands were hidden. He combined releasing his musk with a slow, deep rhythmic purr that reverberated in his chest as he caressed the blond's swell. He frowned as he felt the agitation beneath his hand. If the child was moving so much, surely Theophilus must be about to birth. He glanced up as Xavier and Jameson appeared. Xavier sighed as he gratefully took charge of his young husband. A soft whine of pain escaping from Theophilus' lips as awareness came into his eyes and he blinked rapidly as Xavier made soothing noises. His beloved mate was so very close, but as yet had not settled to start the process of bringing their child into the world. "Sorry," Theophilus whispered. "I do not know how long this will continue." "There is nothing to be sorry for, little one," Willis said, cupping the blond's face and kissing the smooth cheek. "Your child will come when ready and we will just have to wait." Xavier had found no Dregan medic willing to leave their world to assist with his husband's pregnancy no matter what incentives he offered. All had tried to induce Xavier to return Theophilus from his exile to have his child but the reptilian, and all their family, had been against any such move. All he could gather, after copious payments, was that Theophilus was behaving perfectly normally for a pregnant male and that there was generally little or nothing that medical experts could do to assist birth anyway. The nesting instinct, however, was not usual for Dregan males. Many voicing that it was due to Theophilus carrying a half-Phixian child. Creating a safe nest was common for Phixians of both sexes when ready for birth. From the little he had gleaned, the blond's body would know what to do when the baby was ready. He fully intended to record every process so that, for any other child they might have, modern technology could assist. He dare not even offer pain relief for fear of disrupting Theophilus' body's natural behaviour. Theophilus was lying longer each time he went into his nesting phase. It meant that friends and family, present for the birth, were milling around in and out of the house along with those specifically designated as security. No one was able to truly settle whilst the blond was still hovering on the cusp. However, no one was complaining, all were anxiously waiting the moment when the baby was ready to enter the world. "Come back outside, my heart," Xavier urged. "You seem to prefer the outdoor nests." Jameson and Willis watched as the blond was led away by his protective mate. "Uist asked me to wait inside," Willis explained to Jameson. "He is certain Sholto will not last full term and does not want his mate to move around unduly. He was therefore torn between the two of them, not happy that Theophilus is still mobile and wandering. He is equally sure however, Theophilus will ultimately select an outside nest and is waiting there. Of course the fact that he is keeping Sholto and Rayner beside him and encouraging Theophilus to lie in the nest they are beside adds weight to that theory," the older PrideHomer laughed. "I hate the fact we have to use so much security," Jameson grumbled. "This should be a time of joy." "Theophilus is aware of little beyond his imminent giving of birth, my friend," the cat-man said, affectionately taking Jameson's arm and leading him back towards the extensive rear garden. "When he wants comfort he instinctively seeks out those he loves and trusts. There is a small army of guards, but he has gone to none of them. We are the ones whose joy is marred and then only as much as we let it." "I wasn't aware Uist thought his child would be early," Jameson added thoughtfully as they stood at the French windows. "I know Tristam has some concerns, his child is also restless and is a couple of months further away from full term than Uist and Sholto's." "If you were to ask me," Willis said dropping his voice. "I would say there is a bond between the children yet to be born that is as strong as that their parents share. Theophilus' baby is preparing to enter the world and I believe the others wish to do the same. Tristam and Rayner's child is more telepathic than its parents. Theophilus' empathic abilities developed into an additional basic telepathy, almost by sheer willpower when Tristam was incapacitated, which it is thought he shares with his child." "But there is nothing of that kind with Uist and Sholto." Jameson said. "Who knows what the brain may become capable of? There are some in my Pride whose mental abilities exceed that of the norm. It is not something we speak of. It is a talent we keep as tightly guarded a secret as that of our Warriors. Whilst Uist is not amongst them and Sholto has shown no such abilities, neither Rayner nor Tristam showed it at an early age as I understand. They needed each other for it to bloom. And here we have two children who seem to have such a talent and so perhaps the third will also be blessed. I would like to think it will be so. Better all three share the gift to some extent. Now go and keep an eye on our beautiful blond. I pray his child comes soon." **** At the same time as Jameson wandered back into the garden, his image was watched by a group of men who had stopped their vehicle where they could covertly view the older man's home. "This the place?" a gruff voice asked. "So the Boss says," an equally uncouth voice responded. "We snatch the Dregan and his half-breed. This little viewer taps into their security cameras so we can see exactly where he is and when he's whelped. Shame we can't hear what's going on," he added. "I can almost count the credits we could get for the information we could gather from this lot. Boss was disappointed this was only picking up visual, too." "I heard there were Aantnaa," another voice offered. "And PrideHomers." "Doesn't matter what they are," the second voice scoffed. "The weaponry the Boss has provided will take care of them all. Knock them all senseless whilst we whisk away the prize from under their noses. The Boss must want him badly. It's the best price we've ever been offered for a job and he's supplied the forged security paperwork, the Elite uniforms, the weaponry, this little viewer. Everything we need to breach their security and make our escape. All we have to do is get in there, get the blond and his kid and get out. Easiest credits we've ever earned." "He good for the credit, Doane?" the first man asked. "It's a king's ransom." "He's already deposited a third, Jaimin. This lot must've cost a fair bit, too. He'll deposit the second third when I call him to say the job's been a success. I get the last on delivery. You men will get to our rendezvous. Me and Liko will make sure we get the boy to the Boss. All we have to do now is wait. Let's move off. There's no need for us to get too close with this little baby," he added smirking as he waved the viewer. "With the credit from this job, we'll live like princes." Raucous laughter and coarse words greeted the declaration and the vehicle took up another vantage spot from which to view the house's proceedings. **** Rayner lay on the bed, knees bent and legs spread wide, as Tristam's tongue slowly slid over his skin. Their unborn seemed to be as agitated as Theophilus'. As the blond was yet to fully settle, Xavier had effectively ushered them away to spend some quiet time away from the general melee and possible influences of others' anxiety. From his vantage point, kneeling over Rayner's supine form, his husband was currently lapping diligently at his nipples and Rayner sighed his pleasure. He moaned and arched as best he could as his mate nibbled carefully at the taut nubs. The gentle ebb and flow of their shared pleasure was echoed faintly by the child he carried and he smiled. Tristam's tongue was like wet velvet, soft and warm, dipping lower to lave just above his swollen abdomen. Licks became open-mouthed kisses as Tristam traversed his swell. Lower again and Tristam licked his aching shaft that twitched eagerly for the loving caress. Next his testes were given a thorough bathe before each precious orb was rolled carefully in the blond's mouth. Kisses were dropped down the inside of each wide-flung inner thigh, each shin and to each foot. "Tristam," Rayner moaned as he wriggled his toes enticingly. Tristam gave into his lover's silent request and brought the twitching toes into his mouth and let the taste explode on his tongue. He ran his slick muscle over, then under, the foot at his mercy. He played with the small digits that were now wiggling in his mouth. Suckling slowly, sensuously, he stopped to watch Rayner unhurriedly stroking his arousal. "So good, Tristam," Rayner whispered as he clenched and unclenched his toes. "More please," he panted closing his eyes and moving his hand a little faster. Tristam groaned at the erotic tableau. Rayner was lost in the intimacy of the act. It had been a while since he had indulged his mate this way. He brought the right foot up letting his thumb stroke a circle on Rayner's inside ankle. He used his other hand to stroke himself to perfectly equal his lover's tempo. Their link allowed him to match Rayner's inexorable ascent to reach his climax. Their shared pleasure was thick and heavy in the air and Tristam's nostrils flared wide as he breathed deeply. The combined scent of love and arousal made his shaft throb and he growled approvingly. His hardness was slick with his leaking juices and he could scent that Rayner's was the same. He licked his lips, his eyes devouring the small foot he held. Rayner cried out as Tristam laved a long stripe with his tongue from his heel to the tip of his big toe. He whimpered pleadingly as the digit was then taken into wet heat and sucked to the same rhythm as both men worked their shafts. "Oh, Tristam, so close," Rayner moaned, although he knew he did not have to speak. Tristam would know just how close he was from the feeling of elation that was just a heartbeat, a hair's breadth away from consuming them both. His hand was gently batted aside and he groaned low and deep as a strong, masterful hand encircled his hot flesh to stroke. Rayner's hands gripped tightly to the bedding as he was propelled towards a shared zenith. "I can't hold back anymore," Tristam panted, his hips involuntarily thrusting up into his hand as he worked his lover's smooth, hard flesh. "Don't, love," Rayner whispered. "Come for me, oh, love," Rayner moaned tossing his head back and forth on the pillow. Those words were the last coherent thought that he had before his shaft pulsed freely, covering Tristam's hand and himself. As the jet of precious crème poured forth Tristam bit the arch of the foot that was still in his hand and then roared his completion. His seed adorned the satin thigh of his mate. As he began to descend from his orgasmic high, Tristam took the time to lave the spot he had marked so lovingly. He licked his hand and then Rayner's smooth skin, devouring eagerly every drop of their shared passion before stretching cat-like at his lover's side. Rayner smiled as he nestled close, certain Tristam was purring just like Uist did when particularly happy. His smiled widened as he felt his child's echo of their shared joy. "Good job Tymon has volunteered to each our little one how to use his telepathy responsibly and not invade minds as he grows," Tristam murmured, his own grin matching Rayner's. "And how we can shield ourselves when needing privacy," Rayner giggled. The musical sound became a soft moan as Tristam's mouth covered his and a knowing tongue made its home inside his warm depths. They lay trading loving kisses and then both jumped, their eyes wide. "It's time," Rayner said, his hand covering his swell where his child was moving agitatedly. The couple were already dressing as a voice, in a mixture of excitement and apprehension shouted through their door. "Theophilus has settled. Hurry." **** Tristam and Rayner hastened to take their place. They found Theophilus in the outside nest that had found most favour with Uist. Rayner smiled at the tableau. The blond was stretched out fully on his back with a sheet covering the lower half of his body. The family patriarchs: Willis, Jameson and Laban all knelt by his feet ready to be the first, other than Xavier himself, to welcome the child into their family. Uist was on Theophilus' right, the blond's hand clasped tightly. Tristam moved to take Theophilus' left and Rayner to kneel alongside Sholto. The auburn-haired young man had Theophilus' head pillowed on his knees and was already dabbing a damp cloth across the blond's brow. Rayner noticed that the air was heavy with the scent of PrideHomer musk and low, rhythmic purrs. He glanced down at his brother-of-the-heart. The normally vibrant golden eyes were semi-glazed and he realised that the scent and sound were not simply making the blond more relaxed, but actually slipping him into a semi-sedated state. The PrideHomers selected as security, as well as the guests were contributing to the hypnotic melody. He heard a counter harmony from the Aantnaa who had attuned their own chirrups to a cadence that helped Theophilus. "They know, don't they?" Sholto whispered to Rayner as his hand traced over his own swell. "Mine started kicking just before Theophilus stretched out and now he's settled." "Same here," Rayner nodded. "Uist and Tristam don't think ours will wait their full terms. I don't either." He felt the love from Tristam reach out to him. He let it fuse with his own for his husband, for his child, for Theophilus and all their so diverse family and sent it to flow gently into the blond's mind. He gave Sholto, Uist and Tristam dazzling grins as Theophilus' hitherto expressionless face relaxed into a soft smile. Xavier knelt watching as his beloved husband began the process of birthing and the gentle smile that softened the previously blank face. He glanced briefly at Tristam and Rayner, knowing in some way the smile was in response to them, He had no words to express the gratitude he felt to those of the varied races and families all around them who now actively contributed to make it easier on Theophilus to bring forth their already much-loved child. He swallowed as he saw the thin line of red that began to ooze at the point from where he would deliver their baby. He raised his head. "It begins," he announced. All his attention was then rapt on his precious mate, silently praying that all would go well. **** "Whelping time," Doane laughed as he regarded the viewer in his hand. "Nothing worth watching though. Got all the best bits covered," he added to coarse laughter and crude retorts. He looked at the blond that he and his mercenaries were being paid so handsomely to kidnap. Although he would say nothing in the company he was in, he felt a stirring of lust. The blond was indeed incredibly beautiful, in face as well as in body, and he could understand his Boss' fascination. However, there was no way he would double-cross his employer. Not to keep the Dregan for himself or to sell him to slavers. The man who had selected him and his elite mercenaries had a long reach and no payment would rival that already agreed. A part of him almost felt sympathy for the oblivious male. If he was picking up the kind of credits to snatch Theophilus, his Boss most certainly was not just going to have the blond as an adornment. "How much longer?" The petulant question roused Doane from his reverie and he blinked at the viewer, angry at being disturbed. "Doesn't look like it's quick," he growled. "I'll tell you when." **** Xavier was unaware of the passage of time as he monitored his mate and their child as the birthing continued. He watched in awe as Theophilus' body finally opened enough to allow him access to the baby. The cadence around him seemed to swell to a crescendo as he lifted free the small bundle, still swathed in a protective sac. He tore the gossamer covering away to gaze at the tiny miracle he and Theophilus had created. The baby was mammalian in features except for vertically slitted amber eyes and the tail that curled around Xavier's wrist. The skin held the palest of green tints and there was a thick covering of short, platinum-blond hair on the skull. Father and son locked eyes silently for a few seconds and then he threw back his head and bellowed, the sound echoed by his son's wail and the gathered Phixians. "Jameson, your grandson," he said, handing the baby to the mature human. "Welcome to the family," Jameson husked, earning himself a muted noise from the child in his arms before passing him to Laban. He smiled as the elder Phixian lifted the child high once more to another bellow from the gathered reptilians. Willis stared at the young life passed to him from the large, lizard male. Although no bloodline linked them, Willis felt the instinctive protectiveness for a familial cub wash over him. Grandfather and grandson regarded each other silently for a few seconds before the PrideHomer mimicked Laban's actions. "Welcome to my Pride, little one," he murmured. "My first grandson," he shouted aloud. Then he and the PrideHomers gave their own roar of welcome. He passed the child to Uist and watched smiling as one-by-one Theophilus' chosen brothers added their personal welcomes before Tristam handed the baby back to Xavier. "We have a son, my heart," he whispered tenderly to Theophilus, unsure how aware his husband would be. "Son," came the barely there whisper. The dreamy smile widened marginally as the newborn was carefully cradled against his chest. Theophilus felt Tristam and Uist released their holds on his hands as he tried to hold his baby. Theophilus knew it was Uist who was fussing as he felt a cover enfold him to ensure his son remained secure against his heart. Xavier let the cat-man arrange the newborn at Theophilus' breast and then instantly reverted from husband to physician. He started by checking that his mate's body was beginning the process of closing over now the child was delivered. He waited for the computer to display the requested information regarding Theophilus' vital statistics to verify his beloved husband was well and healing. He smiled. It would seem that it was going to be a problem-free event. He glanced around at the gathered family and friends and then the large marquee that had been set up. Once the welcoming of the infant had finished Jameson and Aurora, in the role of Theophilus' parents, would usher their guests inside. As soon as Theophilus was well enough to be moved, the three days of celebrations, that accompanied a birth of a new PrideHomer or Phixian, could officially begin. The reptilian smiled as he saw Jameson glance over at his wife as she wiped away a tear, his hand reaching to his own cheek to find unnoticed wetness. Xavier glanced back to Theophilus then to Jameson, knowing the mature male was waiting for him to conclude the welcoming ritual. **** Doane watched as the big lizard began to reach towards the blond's body. He grinned. All he needed now was to see the blond seemed recovered. His eyes never left the screen, watching intently. Eventually his patience was rewarded. "Heads up, boys," he said. "Time to collect our booty." He and his six men strode from their vehicle to the gates of Jameson's home. Doane swiped a card and pressed his face against the retinal screen for his eye pattern to be checked and verified. He turned and grinned at his men as the scan checked and the first gate opened. His nodded approvingly as the rest of his men copied his actions and they stood in a specially constructed area between the initial gate and access to the front gardens. Doane took a deep breath as a second gate swung open and an Elite leader stood ready. Silver Ch. 09 "Captain Darius, sir," he said, his voice now taking on a false smoothness. "We have been given these orders." "You know what's in here?" Darius asked as he read the sealed paper and then sighed. "Yes, sir," Doane replied. "There is an imminent and credible threat. We've been sent as added security. I have another paper to hand personally to Elite Controller Jameson." "This way," Darius nodded. Doane and his men were taken into the house. Doane blinked as a large PrideHomer growled as they passed him. "You represent a threat," Darius said apologetically. "He knows you're unscheduled so something's wrong. If you wait here, I'll get Jameson." Doane watched as Darius slipped through the French windows into the garden. He covertly drew out his viewer. It seemed as though the birth was over. The baby was at Theophilus' chest and the big lizard was fussing in some way. The guests had moved to gather in the marquee and so would be easily subdued en masse. Doane grinned. Perfect timing, he thought. "Get the grenades ready," he whispered. "Put on the breathing apparatus." Tiny breathing pieces that pinched tight their nostrils and gave them thirty minutes of air were rapidly affixed. Goggles were pulled on next and Doane nodded when he saw his men were ready. Leaving one man to cover their backs at the French windows, he readied the others to enter the gardens. He gave a mental laugh. The grenades were silent and would stun every living creature in the fall-out zone. They'll never know what hit them, he thought smugly. **** Jabez ran his hands over the pale back of the blond at his mercy. Manacles at the wrists were joined by strong chain which in its turn was locked to the metal rails that made the bed's headboard. He rammed his length into his captive hard and fast before stopping once more, smiling cruelly. The pained cry of protest was muted. His Pet had learned quickly that loud, vocal pleas for mercy would be met with harsh punishment. His hands slid from the slender hips to the leather straps on the smooth thighs. Chains led from these to the side of the bed, keeping the kneeling figure's legs spread. On the ankles were more manacles matching those on the small wrists, again chained to the bed. He drove back inside the helpless body with feral snaps of his hips. Bending forward, Jabez wrapped a thick chunk of blond hair around his fist to bare the nape of his Pet's neck. He bit down leaving a mark as he undulated his body, smiling at the whimper as he purposely stimulated the blond's prostate. "Good boy," he whispered coldly as he reached under the slender hips to pull roughly at the unwilling erection. His shaft jabbed again at the captive's prostrate as he stroked. It was not for any pleasure the blond might take from the act that Jabez ensured he would come, but rather he enjoyed the dominion over them. The power of forcing an unwilling erection, demanding an unwanted climax and then relishing the sensation of the undesired release as the contracting channel milked him of his own orgasm. He made a muted pleasured sound as he felt the tiny ripples in the slick sheath that heralded the blond's imminent crescendo. "Come now," he ordered harshly, burying himself to the hilt as he sped up the rough movements of his hand. He threw back his head with a wordless shout of completion as the spasming channel clenched and unclenched around his ready shaft. He released the organ in his hand, using both hands to grip tightly to hips as he tried to shove impossibly deeper into the heated depths of his prisoner as his semen jetted forth. He held still, letting himself catch his breath before pulling from the trembling body. The key to the prisoner's chains was on a necklace around his neck. He released one leg to join each manacle with a short chain that ensured only small steps could be taken. He unfastened the second leg and then the chain leading from the rails to the wrist restraints. He stepped away from the shaking body, nodding approvingly as they remained unmoving. His Pet was a quick learner. "Stand. Face me," he ordered. He kept his face neutral as his captive moved shakily, and with difficulty, due to the restrictive chains, to obey him. He gazed dispassionately into fearful, turquoise eyes. Bruising was still visible on the delicately-featured visage and pale, smooth chest from the punishments he had administered and it displeased his more aesthetic nature. However, they would heal and, from the back at least, Jabez could indulge his fantasy that it was Theophilus he had; a fantasy that would soon become reality. It had been because of that likeness that he had snatched the younger man from the spaceport almost as soon as he had set eyes on him. "I'm waiting, Pet," he growled. "Th...thank you, Master," came the barely audible response. "You behaved well," Jabez continued. "You may have five minutes in the bathroom unaccompanied. Make the most of it and do not be late returning here." He watched as the lithe body moved as quickly as the chains would allow. He then used a plush towel to rub at the dampness of his body and pulled on a short dressing gown, Jabez smiled as he looked at his wrist chronometer. Doane had contacted him to say the kidnapping had been a success. Theophilus and his child were on their way to him and would be arriving soon. In the circumstances he could afford to be generous to his Pet. He gave a soft moan at the thought of both blonds pleasuring him. He might never get his hands on the others, but it no longer mattered. Taking Theophilus would be like a never-healing wound festering amongst the remaining group. Next to Xavier, who was of little interest to him, it would hurt Tristam and Uist who would live with the consequences of failing to protect the blond they loved so much. He moved to the built-in wardrobe and quickly checked inside. Cases were ready and there were several boxes stacked neatly. He nodded his approval. Once he had Theophilus he would call one of his most trusted lieutenants, who were still on Earth, to come to him. His Pet would make a credible female and with dark hair, a husband and child at 'her' side, would attract no undue attention. Contact lenses and wigs for Theophilus and himself would then see a 'family' and a 'couple' leaving for his next secure bolt-hole. His Pet would put up no resistance, especially if drugged and Theophilus would no nothing that jeopardised his child's safety. His next bolt-hole would be one that none of his hired mercenaries knew the location of. He had homes, aliases and access to funds dotted across several planets. He was certain he could easily hide, no matter whom or how many looked for him. Whilst he still did not know how Tristam had been found so quickly, he was confident that he was once again one step ahead of the group and their friends. The shuffling of his Pet brought his attention back to the present. "On the bed," he commanded. He locked the chain from the headboard back to the one between the wrist manacles, stretching the arms tight over the blond's head. He did the same to the ankle restraints. He freely fondled the helpless body, from face to mid-thigh, to reinforce his dominance and then retrieved a leather ball-gag. He tilted his head at the tears that leaked. "Speak," he snapped. "P...please. Hurts," came the whispered reply. Jabez allowed himself to look as if considering the plea. Some of the bruising was still darker around his Pet's jaw and the gag would be painful. Although it would not do to be too generous too soon, the exhilaration of knowing Theophilus was on his way coursed through his veins. He glowered menacingly at the frightened, younger man. "If you make any noise whatsoever you will be severely punished. Do you understand?" He got a frantic nod in reply and tossed the gag back into the bedside locker. As he turned away from the bed, he allowed himself a calculating smile. Everything was going to plan and so much more. The safe-house was set in large, well-manicured grounds. The lower floor held only the kitchen and spare rooms Jabez never used. The real beauty was the vast ocean of which the upper floor had perfect views. Jabez sauntered from the bedroom into the opulent lounge, entering through floor-to-ceiling, intricately carved, wooden doors. One of its remaining three walls was entirely glass and had a balcony outside. Three large, sumptuous settees were angled towards the panoramic view. He ran a hand over the back of one. The leather was butter-soft. Jabez looked forward to seeing Theophilus stretched naked on it. The gold would warm the colour of his pale skin and the caramel would contrast with the blond's hair. Whilst the ambient temperature was computer controlled, Jabez had indulged in a large, ornate fireplace and surrounding gilt mantle. The only fire it held was a holographic image, but on dark evenings, specialist lighting threw the room into a myriad of light and shadow just as a real fire would. Above it was an old-fashioned mirror with an antique gilt frame. The same type of frame adorned the two art pieces that tastefully ornamented the remaining wall. The walls were the lightest blush of pink and the luxurious carpet was thick, soft and the same subtle shade as the walls. Jabez enjoyed indulging in having the best of everything around him. He moved to the old-fashioned, wooden bureau beneath the paintings and opened it, running an appreciative eye at the drinks it housed. He poured himself a large measure of amber liqueur and went to the large windows. The sun was setting over the ocean and currently the sea and the sky were a miasma of blue, orange and red. He opened them and stepped onto the balcony. The temperature was warm enough to remain outside as he watched the sun sink lower, adding deeper red to the vista. He would be sorry to give up this safe-house, but he had others just as opulent and in similarly beautiful surroundings. An insistent buzz had him hurrying inside to a communicator. "Speak," he rasped. "We're nearly there with the merchandise," Doane's voice replied. "Show me," Jabez growled. He activated the viewer and grinned as the scared face of Theophilus came into view. "Excellent," he rapped. "Time for delivery?" "Less than an hour." "I'll be waiting." Jabez switched off the communicator, swallowing a large mouthful of his drink. "Soon it really will be Theophilus in my bed," he laughed. **** A buzz from the front gates told him Doane's car had arrived. A single vehicle passed through as Jabez watched on his security camera. The car had blackened windows to keep prying eyes from seeing his latest acquisition and prevented the unlikely possibility of Theophilus recognising where he had been brought. He hurried from the room, hastening down the ornate, sweeping staircase, barely resisting the impulse to take the steps two at a time. As he reached the imposing, heavy wooden doors, intending to release the lock, he staggered backwards, his eyes bulging with fear. The doors were struck with such force that the lower hinges, despite their strength, buckled and broke to leave them hanging and swinging with protesting groans. Even as Jabez backpedalled, readying to turn and run, two PrideHomers were in the house and he could see Phixians following. Within seconds he was surrounded. Jabez's eyes moved to each of those surrounding him in turn as he tried to compose himself. Of the two PrideHomers, he recognised Denys whose fur rippled as though trying to contain an even larger body. The Phixians were Xavier's two older brothers. There was an Aantnaa soldier whose fearsome mandibles and claws, easily capable of cracking a human skull, clacked ominously in the sudden silence. Finally, at the periphery of his vision, close to the door stood a cloaked figure. "What's the meaning of this?" Jabez demanded, opting for attack as his form of defence. "You kidnapped my sibling's cub, his pregnant mate and one who is as Uist's brother. You kidnapped Tristam, intending harm to them all, one way or another," Denys growled menacingly. "They all live. They are unhurt. I will be found guilty of nothing that warrants more than imprisonment," Jabez replied as scornfully as possible. "Bloodfeud was invoked," Denys snarled. "There will be no imprisonment from where you might reach out to harm those I love once again." "You're not thinking straight, Denys," Jabez laughed mockingly. "You have already come across one clone," he continued emphasising the salient word. "How many others are there? Where are they hidden? Only I know. You kill me and they will be activated as I have instructed and I will reach out after death to continue what I started." Jabez was certain he held the upper hand. That no one in the room would act to harm him with the implied threat hanging over Tristam and the others. "You are the one not thinking straight," Denys replied. "How do you think we found you? We uncovered your foul plan to kidnap Theophilus and my great-nephew. The images your mercenaries watched occurred four days earlier. All of my family were safely relocated to PrideHome at the time you thought they were taking part at the birthing." Denys allowed himself a grim, mirthless smile at the shock on Jabez's face. "We were ready and waiting for Doane and his men." "They sold me out," Jabez hissed furiously. "They will pay dearly for that." "They had no choice," Denys continued. "They could hide nothing from Tymon. Neither will you. We will know the locations of all your clones and anyone that might try and harm our family." "I'll tell you nothing," Jabez spat venomously. "You will tell me all." The voice was deep, resonate and powerful and Jabez heard it not with his ears, but in his mind. His veneer of bravery shattered as he sought out the cloaked figure, his head shaking in denial. The cloak dropped aside. Tymon's large, naked skull and penetrating black eyes were revealed and there was no mistaking the anger or the hatred the telepath felt for him. They were like shards of glass stabbing into Jabez's unprotected mind. "You...your kind cannot enter minds without permission," he stuttered. "You cared not for the law when you sought to hurt my brother and his mate," Ivo said. His and his brother's frills were raised high and a deep crimson. He drew his lips back, baring his sharp teeth as his tail lashed angrily. "The law will not protect you now." A screaming, thrashing Jabez was dragged easily into the nearest room. As he watched Tymon follow the others, Denys noticed his son's scenting action and copied it. With Jabez gone, he could now detect a second scent. It was faint yet the fear and despair were unmistakable. "This way," Dayd said, taking the stairs two at a time. He was aware of his sire just a step or two behind him as he raced up the stairway. An instinct for which he had no name and had not felt before made it imperative he found the source of the distraught scent. He entered a room and stopped and stared. The small, bound figure's hair was similar to Theophilus, but the frightened eyes were the colour of the lake on his Pride's lands. He became aware of Denys urging him forward at the same time as he noticed the blond's nudity. "We need to free him, he's terrified." The words registered, but as he moved forward, his father behind him, the chained young man began to thrash and keen. "It's alright," Dayd crooned softly, not wanting the chained male to hurt himself. He released his musk, letting a low rhythmic cadence accompany it from deep in his chest. His heart constricted as he got close enough to hear the tiny whispers from the blond which were pleas not to be raped. "It's alright," he repeated. "I am Dayd, a PrideHomer physician. This is Denys, my sire. We will not harm you. We wish to free you. PrideHomers are a people of honour. We do not harm innocents." The two cat-men eased forward slowly, keeping their movements unthreatening as they approached the younger man. Dayd sat carefully beside him, reaching for the chains holding the wrists together and the arms over the blond's head. As he snapped them apart, he heard Denys doing the same to the ankles and legs. As soon as he was freed, Dayd helped the blond to sit, but was unprepared to find himself with the naked young man climbing into his lap, holding him tightly, sobbing desperately. He glanced at his sire for guidance. "Let him cry, then assure him of his safety. Put this on him," Denys added, handing over his tunic top which he knew would cover most of the smaller man's body. "I will ensure things go no further until you have him safely outside in the vehicle." Dayd cradled the smaller form, not resisting as the blond burrowed close against him, inadvertently nuzzling against Dayd's scent glands, triggering a stronger musk. The PrideHomer banked down any thoughts other than calming the fragile male and getting him out of the house. He eased the teary visage away from his neck as the sobbing began to abate, smiling encouragingly. "Let me help you on with this and we can leave this place," he said softly, helping the slighter form to stand. "You need not fear Jabez. He will never harm you again," Dayd vowed. Once the tunic was on he swept the unresisting form into his arms, surprised when he was clung to with a strength he did not think the smaller man possessed. He tightened his own grip, keeping the slight male close to his body and purring softly which seemed to help keep him reassured. He then hurried to obey his sire. He needed to get his bundle in the vehicle and then he would move the car away from the house. The young man did not need to bear witness to what would happen to Jabez. Denys watched, nodding approvingly as his son came swiftly downstairs, carrying the blond. He waited a moment and then entered the room in which Jabez was being held. The silver-haired man no longer looked arrogant or confident. "It is concluded?" Denys queried, his eyes on Tymon. "Nothing was hidden from me. We can end this." "Who is going to be brave enough to murder me in cold blood?" Jabez rasped, trying to take back control of the situation. "You are all supposed to be civilised creatures. I'm not armed, not resisting. To kill me is murder." "None of us will touch you," Denys replied. "That will be left to another. One whose claim for retribution outweighs any we have." Jabez looked around in confusion as the others in the room spread apart to leave him isolated. His eyes focused on the door as bestial snarling got progressively louder. He screamed as a creature, large and furred, its claws extended and teeth bared, shoved the door from its hinges. His scream was drowned out at the beast's primal roar as it saw and scented him. His legs refused to obey his mind's order to run. Jabez was still screaming as the first slash of claw eviscerated him. The second brought silence as it severed his jugular vein. The beast ignored the blood that pulsed in weakening jets from the mauled throat and the intestines that slipped from the ravaged bowel. It bellowed its triumph as its large hands fastened around its prey's neck, crashing larynx, oesophagus and cervical bones. It tossed the lifeless body away, throwing back its head and roaring. "It is over," Denys said dispassionately. "Bloodfeud has been satisfied. Come, Uist." The older PrideHomer ushered the beast from his world's past back into the hallway. He used towels passed to him by Tymon to wipe away the blood from Uist as his nephew began his transformation from ancient beast to modern-day Warrior. "Thank you," Uist panted as he regained his usual form. He nodded his acceptance of assistance as fresh clothing was offered. "Wait with Dayd," Denys said. "We need to clean up and will be some time." Silver Ch. 09 Uist stood outside and breathed the clean, fresh air, ridding his scent of the lingering coppery odour of Jabez's blood. A part of his brain had realised that Dayd had someone with him as the PrideHomers had passed. Curiosity now burned in Uist's veins and he hurried to the vehicle. He opened the rear door to find his cousin still cradling a small, blond human on his lap. The interior of the car was heavy with Dayd's slightly sweet musk. "Who is he?" Uist asked softly, sitting beside his cousin. "I do not know his name as yet. He was too distressed to truly question. It seems Jabez recently kidnapped him, I think because of his resemblance to Theophilus. He was naked and chained to Jabez's bed," Dayd added in a low, feral growl. His face softened instantly at the tiny sound of distress from the man he held and he softly nuzzled the blond's temple. "As a physician I must take care not to confuse gratitude for rescue for something more," he added, looking into Uist's eyes. "I think that for once you should let the needs of the man come to the fore. Do not push him away, Dayd. Let him come to terms with what has happened and see what transpires." "I thought to return him home and leave him..." The distressed sound had both PrideHomers releasing their musk to comfort the blond. "Take him to PrideHome and let him contact whoever he needs. My sire or yours, or even I will arrange for whatever family he wants to be brought to him," Uist rumbled. "It seems to me that your presence is important to him," he added with a smile. **** The barest whisper of his name was breathed across the candlelit room and the sound poured over him like liquid honey, tracing a frisson of passion down his spine. The cat-man stalked to the bed which held his mate. He was going to claim that which was rightfully his. Uist had waited nearly a full month from the birth of their child to share intimacy with Sholto, but had refrained from entering the precious body of his beloved mate. It was now another month later still and at the combination of his lover's insistence, and Xavier's assurance that Sholto was fully healed, he was going to unite them in passion. When he touched the edge of the enormous bed, Uist dropped onto his hands and knees. Never breaking eye contact with Sholto, he crawled forward, watching his mate's eyes darken further with desire. Uist reacted instinctively to the way his lover stretched out, spreading arms and legs open to him. The primitive within the cat-man recognised and accepted the deliberate vulnerability, the conscious submission. Uist, the civilised man, also recognised the act of love and trust. The burning need to join physically with his mate was almost overpowering. His erection, hard and leaking, began to throb in time with his lover's heartbeat. The musky scent of Sholto's desire rose into the air, simultaneously caressing and consuming him. As he crawled up along his mate's supine form, a deep growl began to sound an instinctive warning to others. Uist stopped, poised above his lover and allowed the growl to deepen in timbre and increase in volume. With ancient instincts at the fore, the cat-man glanced around his lair, sight and scent his primary senses in seeking out signs of any challenger. His ears strained for the sounds of any others that might try and usurp his rightful place. "No one else is here. No challengers. I'm yours alone." The beloved voice soothed and calmed him. Moving in unison, Sholto turned his head to the side, exposing and offering up his neck to the powerful cat-man and Uist lunged down, teeth bared. With a need to mark his lover, to leave a visual sign of his territory, he bit down on fragile flesh at the exposed neck. He pressed his lips against Sholto's carotid artery, feeling the increase in the smaller man's pulse and sucked hard. He felt blood vessels break to leave visible bruising as he claimed and marked his mate. "Mine," he growled possessively. "Yours," Sholto whispered submissively. He had waited so long for Uist to take him, his need made him feel as though he would fly apart if Uist was not inside him soon. He moaned and writhed, trying to incite Uist's mating urge, trying to hurry the final union they both needed. Despite his recognition of Sholto's desire, Uist was in no hurry to rush their long-awaited mating. Temporarily soothed by the primal marking, he licked gently at the bruised flesh. The taste of his mate's skin upon his tongue had his weeping erection twitching in pleasure. Pools of pre-come from both shafts glistened on Sholto's furred skin as Uist gazed lovingly at his mate. The younger man's eyes were dilated to almost black with desire and need. Uist gently brushed his lips against Sholto's. "More." The soft, sensual whisper was a siren call to mate. Sholto's hands ran along Uist's powerful back, trying to pull him closer. Desire pulsed through Uist's veins and he deepened the kiss. He felt Sholto open wider for him, inviting him in. His tongue thrust greedily to plunder, conquer, and finally mate with that of his lover. Hot, wet and sweet, the taste of his mate rolled over him in erotic waves. When he tried to break away to breathe, Sholto let out a throaty whimper and stretched up seeking and finding the cat-man's lips once more. Uist returned the kiss with equal passion and fervour. Travelling down the smaller man's throat to his chest, Uist left a trail of licks, nips, and kisses in his wake. Sholto moaned in response arching his back and thrusting his hips in a wordless plea. Uist smiled and moved gracefully down the furred body of his beloved, worshipping with his hands and his lips, as far as the navel he teased with his tongue, before ascending once more. He lavished generous attention on the small, cinnamon nipples. Sucking and licking them into hard nubs of excited flesh. He bit down on them gently, Sholto's impassioned bucking and begging furthering Uist's arousal and his desire to pleasure his mate. Sholto's skin seemed to be so hot as to be aflame and Uist was growing intoxicated from the pheromones emanating from the smaller man. He moved lower, spreading his beloved's legs wider and ran his tongue along the crease of thigh and groin and lower still to Sholto's sac. The taste of his mate's musk sent an inferno of desire throughout his body and gave him a shiver of excitement. He could hear breathy murmurs of encouragement escaping through soft, kiss-swollen lips. He buried his nose in the thick, fragrant curls and inhaled deeply to an impassioned cry of his name. The sensual scent of musk and desire flowed over him and he groaned low and deep. With a soft purr of pleasure, he ran his tongue from the base of Sholto's shaft up to the glistening tip. He lovingly swirled his agile muscle around the swollen cockhead and then dipped into the slit to taste liquid yearning. Sholto's taste and scent were so exquisite, so sweet, so addictive, that Uist could spend hours pleasuring them both this way. He wrapped his lips around the shaft of his mate. Slowly, he began to move up and down. He licked along the underside on each stroke and squeezed his lips tight. He loved Sholto with all of the skill and passion he possessed. Refusing to rush, he held down Sholto's hips when the younger man tried to thrust up. He kept his head moving at the same measured, steady pace even when Sholto clutched desperately at his head. Sholto ran his fingers through his big mate's hair, trying and failing to dictate Uist's movements. Then he brushed them gently across his mate's neck, knowing it sent shivers across Uist's skin. The sensation of Uist's lips working his hot, hard flesh had Sholto moaning and writhing in pleasure. All semblance of coherent thought or attempt to hurry Uist was finally lost by the skilful lovemaking of his mate. The long, slow suckling of Sholto's shaft was occasionally supplemented by a hand cupping his sac and gently squeezing the orbs it contained or fingers teasing the sensitive skin of his inner thighs and perineum. Pleasure built on pleasure and Sholto was helpless as the tsunami of his orgasm overwhelmed him. "Uist I'm gonna, oh, Uist!" Sholto's cry of his husband's name was simultaneous with his release. The living essence of his mate flooded Uist's mouth. Greedily, the cat-man suckled and swallowed. Taste, texture, scent and sound coalesced into one, sending pleasure reverberating through him. His hand gripped the base of his shaft to stave off the orgasm that would otherwise have been triggered. When he came it would be inside the beautiful body as he took Sholto to a second, shared, climax. With a soft rumbling purr, the cat-man crawled up the body of his smaller mate and, mindful of his greater weight, settled himself carefully upon the boneless form. Sholto's rapid heartbeat thundered in his ears, oceanic orbs opened, heavy-lidded with satiation, and the smile that greeted him was as bright as the sun. Uist looked into his mate's cobalt eyes and was captivated by their beauty and the love they reflected. He leant down to rub his cheek along Sholto's chin and jaw. Reaching one hand up to entangle in the auburn curls Uist kissed Sholto gently. The soft, full lips of his mate caressed his skin then nibbled and sucked on his bottom lip before opening up before Uist's demanding tongue. Uist deepened the kiss, making it more aggressive, demanding and Sholto returned it, matching Uist's passion. Desire and need rose and expanded in both bodies once more. "Want you inside me," Sholto said, his voice throaty and demanding. "I'm yours, take me." Desire and want coursed through Uist. A low rumbling growl of passion issued forth once more. Again, the cat-man lunged down, teeth fastening tightly on the tender flesh of the smaller man. His mate groaned wantonly in submissive pleasure under his dominance. "Yours oh, Uist, take me, please." Sholto pleaded, writhing once more, trying to spread himself wider to offer himself to his alpha mate. The cat-man gently ran his tongue over bruised flesh; the primal side appeased by the visual mark of possession and the scent, sound and feel of his lover in a near mating-frenzy. The heat of Sholto's skin almost seared his own. He reached for their oil and poured it into his hand. The cool liquid sent another frisson of arousal through the big male. Soon the aching flesh between his legs would be sheathed in tight, slick heat. Reining back the primitive within, he tenderly prepared his love. With first one finger, two, then three, Uist thrust into the blood-hot channel. He could feel muscles stretching and opening for him. Gently Uist twisted his fingers, moving them in and out, spreading them apart, loosening and relaxing. He growled his approval as the younger man moaned and whimpered with need. His mate began writhe, riding his fingers. Uist searched for and found the smaller man's sweet spot. He swirled a finger around it, circling and then rubbed across it once, twice, a third time. Sholto's wail of need was the final catalyst. Uist sank his oil-drenched organ into Sholto's body until they were physically one once more. The cat-man held still, feeling his mate's body relax as it accepted him. Uist began slowly, but both men knew they each needed much, much more. Aflame with desire, mating with Sholto became an erotic blur of sensation. His hips pumped in and out of his beloved, faster and harder. He yowled his joy as Sholto's legs moved to lock at the ankle around his waist and his lover began to meet him thrust for thrust. His flesh constantly rubbed his lover's jewel and Sholto's cries harmonised with Uist's into a melody of love and pleasure. With one final desperate thrust, Uist buried himself as deeply as possible and bit down hard on Sholto's throat. The coppery taste of his lover's blood exploded on his tongue and he came, sending his seed deep inside his mate his hips snapping with animalistic ferocity. Uist's orgasm triggered Sholto's second. His shaft, caught tightly between their sweat-slick bodies, erupted, coating their skin with pulse after pulse of his crème. He was not surprised to hear Uist purring loudly with utter happiness as powerful hips now moved in desultory motions and a warm tongue softly bathed the bruises he knew were displayed on his throat. He smiled in pure joy. He had waited a long time to be so thoroughly taken and he had loved every second. He pulled Uist's face to his and thrust his tongue into his mate's mouth. Now he had been reclaimed, Sholto know he could take some control. He felt Uist carefully withdraw from him and he moaned appreciatively as a talented tongue cleansed his body and his entrance. He smiled as Uist rolled over onto his back and he moved to settled over him, draping his leg and arm across Uist's body and resting his head against Uist's powerful shoulder. He felt post-coital lethargy sweep over him even as they traded kisses. "I love you, Uist," he whispered. "I love you, mine," Uist rumbled, settling his mate. They had the naming ceremony to attend later and he let his purrs deepen as he released his musk. He was happy to lie and hold Sholto as his mate slept. He had no doubt Tristam and Rayner would also take the opportunity for rest. His child and that of the other couple had both arrived early, both within three weeks of Theophilus' birthing. As a consequence, whilst all three could be named together, Tristam was as protective of and concerned for his mate's health as Uist was of Sholto's. All three cubs would now be with Theophilus and Xavier as the babies rarely seemed to want to be apart. The cat-man smiled widely. The blond was a natural at caring for them, as all had known he would be. He hugged his sleeping mate. He was looking forward to the ceremony and having the children welcomed formally into his Pride. **** Dayd smiled at the gasp of appreciation as he took Kasen to the waterfall at his Pride's lake. The spot had been recommended to him enough times by well-meaning family members, including Uist and Theophilus, that he had begun to blush when he mentioned to his sire that he was taking the young human there. Kasen was recovering well from his ordeal at Jabez's hands. However, the PrideHomer hid his sadness that the young human's long blond tresses were now just a short bob. Kasen had cut them within hours of meeting Theophilus for the first time. He sighed softly. Kasen's inability to be anything other than distantly polite, believing his other emotions concealed, to the blond Dayd loved and who was such an integral part of his Pride was still a thorny issue. However, he did not want to dwell on those matters. He wanted to bring joy to the small, human male that he was intending to take as his mate. "Would you swim with me?" he asked. He was not surprised at the husk quality of his voice and smiled reassuringly at the blush on Kasen's delighted visage. "I don't have swimming briefs," Kasen replied, a tinge of hope colouring his words. He had been attracted to, and felt safe with, Dayd from the moment the caramel and chocolate furred male had rescued him. He had been lovingly cared for and allowed to decide for himself the direction his feelings would take. He knew they had only strengthened. He had slept with Dayd every night since his rescue but, although they had indulged in some very light touching through night clothes, Dayd had been adamant on one point. If they progressed to making love then, as far as Dayd and his people were concerned, he and Kasen were officially mated. "Neither do I," the cat-man grinned. The smile made Kasen shudder. It was slow, sensual and filled with heat. He watched wide-eyed as Dayd's naked body was revealed to him for the first time. His eyes took in the broad, furred chest, the tapering waist, the slim hips and the furred genital pouch. He was mesmerised as Dayd's hand reached to free his sex and could not prevent the soft gasp. The shaft that was revealed was long and thick. Kasen had never seen such a magnificent erection. Then, before he could get too intimidated, Dayd was in the water. Kasen was barely aware of the whimpers that fell from his lips as he hurried to strip. As soon as the last piece of clothing fell to the floor he dived after the elusive PrideHomer. Arousal was temporarily forgotten as Kasen chased Dayd, only for the cat-man to submerge and swim powerfully away to re-emerge in another part of the lake. Panting and treading water Kasen looked around for a sign of Dayd, frowning when he saw no sign of the PrideHomer. Then he let out a near-scream as strong arms wrapped around his waist lifting him with ease. Before his indignation could find words, Kasen was spun to face a laughing Dayd and then lowered quickly until their lips were millimetres apart. The laughter ceased as the two men stilled and gazed into each other's eyes. Dayd could scent Kasen's arousal and feel hard flesh pressing into his abdomen. As if they had both heard a signal, the distance closed and their lips met. Dayd kept the kiss light and then nibbled and licked across the lips of his mate-to-be. The soft groan ensured the blond's mouth opened and Dayd thrust eagerly inside to taste and claim that which was his. His tongue slid over cheeks and teeth before sucking Kasen's conquered muscle into his own mouth to complete the willing ravishment. Only breaking the shared kisses for the barest of breaths, the cat-man carried the slighter form to the bank and laid Kasen on soft, fragrant grass. The bigger man lay between Kasen's spread thighs, his greater weight balanced on strong forearms as he gazed down at the blond. Scent, sensation, sound and sight all told the PrideHomer what he needed to know. Musk and arousal were thick in the air, the frantic rise and fall of Kasen's chest caused it to occasionally brush across his furred torso, hard flesh at Kasen's groin lay alongside his own leaking shaft, there was a melodic litany of panting breaths and needy whimpers and the blond's eyes were so dilated that the blue was a deep indigo. All his instincts were driving him to mate, but the cat-man forced himself to hold back for a few seconds more. "Are you sure?" he panted harshly. "Do you understand and accept that once this step is taken you are my mate. Only mine, for life?" "Yes," Kasen moaned. "Yes, yes. Want you, want this. Please, Dayd, I want to be yours." Dayd let his instincts take over. He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. His nostrils flared as he took in the scent of the body beneath him. He followed one specific, alluring scent until his nose was buried in it. Then his tongue slid out, adding taste to scent. Instantly addicted, he thrust his tongue forward again and again. A low moan reached his ears and he added sound. Rapid panting, low moans and soft groans together with a rapid heartbeat created a rhapsody of arousal. His hands roamed over heated flesh, the different textures making his skin tingle. Finally, he added sight to stare at the opening to Kasen's body, wet and slick with his saliva. He growled his approval. Temporarily abandoning the desired portal to a whine of distress from the younger male, he moved to Kasen's mouth. At first it was a gentle kiss. But then, at Kasen's choked plea, Dayd deepened the kiss. He met the blond's eyes. For several moments, they simply stared at each other. Then, as if knowing that Dayd needed permission once more, Kasen nodded slightly. Dayd closed his eyes. When he opened them they were feral. With a growl, he lunged down, biting and sucking at Kasen's vulnerable throat to a cry that was part pleasure, part pain as fragile flesh was bruised and broken. Dayd then moved back down Kasen's body to lick, suck and nip with ferocity as he marked his mate. He sucked in the hot flesh that dripped its need, letting his tongue learn its taste and texture. He held down bucking hips as Kasen thrashed and tugged at the suede-like sac when he sensed his mate was too close. Finally he moved to the core of his desire, his tongue plunging into Kasen's body once more, wetting and stretching. Everything else ceased to exist. Silver Ch. 09 "Love me, Dayd," Kasen begged, need and want like a fire in his veins. He moaned at the exquisite feeling of pressure as Dayd's long, thick erection pressed against his most intimate entrance. It made him shiver in ecstasy. "I do, dear sweet Kasen," Dayd replied as he sealed his mouth over Kasen's, kneeling between Kasen's legs, lifting the blond's hips to rest on his thighs. He pressed harder against the tight rosette. "More Dayd," Kasen pleaded, his voice rough with passion. Dayd growled low and feral as he slid all the way inside and stilled, remaining motionless although he felt it was almost beyond him to do so. The tightness made him groan as every inch of his flesh was encased by his mate's flexing and relaxing sheath. Reaching the end of his endurance, Dayd angled himself to find the spot that he thought would give the most pleasure and rotated his hips. In response Kasen wailed, arching his head back to expose the cords in his neck, writhing on the grass. A triumphant smile lit over Dayd's features as he pulled his hips back and slammed that spot again, his fingers grasped tightly at Kasen's thighs to pull his lover into every thrust. "More, Dayd, more," Kasen whispered. He reached up and cupped Dayd's cheeks in his fingers, pulling him down, his tongue flicking against the big male's lower lip. Incoherent groans left Kasen's throat as Dayd thrust faster and deeper in response. He wrapped his legs tighter around Dayd's hips, meeting his mate's thrusts to get more of the sensation that raced like molten fire in his veins. Searing heat rippled through his groin as Dayd pushed inside, pounding into him, hitting his sweet spot over and over. Dayd gave a sound between purr and growl as he thrust back and forth inside the hot, tight channel. The PrideHomer felt Kasen flex around his shaft as their mouths met in heated passion, tongues dancing in an age-old rhythm. Dayd pulled Kasen closer, growling deeply into the blond's mouth. Then, gripping the slender hips of the young man beneath him he tilted them upwards, the angle allowing him to thrust even deeper, stroking across Kasen's jewel with renewed vigour. "So good, my sweet Kasen," he husked, his passion edging him to the point at which he knew he would be beyond coherent thought much less speech. Dayd reached for Kasen's erection and stroked it at the same pulse-racing pace. Sweat dripped from his pores as he strained over his lover, his hard muscles sharply defined by the sheen of perspiration. Kasen's loins tightened and heat spread throughout his hypersensitive body as Dayd stroked his sweet spot and shaft with perfect precision. His eyes fluttered closed, his body twitching uncontrollably as Dayd played him masterfully, guiding him towards their shared zenith. Nothing he had ever experienced before could compare with the exquisite sensations Dayd engendered. Kasen knew beyond doubt that the man pleasuring him was the other half of his soul. "Fill me, Dayd," he pleaded. "I want to give you pleasure." Kasen groaned as he leaned up and captured Dayd's mouth, the bigger male instantly ravishing him with his teeth and tongue. "You are my pleasure, only you," Dayd whispered as he broke the kiss for a brief second. His tongue then swept imperiously into Kasen's conquered mouth. Kissing Kasen was so addictive that Dayd never wanted to stop. He began to thrust faster and harder, Kasen's whimpering mewls urging him on. He growled and groaned with the sublime pleasure. As Dayd stroked his mate's staff, Kasen's body quivered even more. The cat-man could feel and scent how close his lover was. The hardness in his hand was slick with liquid need and it throbbed with the same beat as their pounding hearts. Kasen's muscles were tight and quivering and he felt like a volcano ready to erupt. One final thrust against his prostrate and he came in great convulsive heaves, screaming Dayd's name, his cream pouring over Dayd's demanding hand. Kasen felt delirious from the joy coursing through his veins. Dayd's hot juices flooded his contracting channel and the flames of desire that had been burning within him flared high taking him to a place he had only dreamt of. He lay, trying to regain his breath his body still convulsing with aftershocks from the intense orgasm, Kasen's convulsions pushed Dayd beyond his tenuous control. He threw back his head and roared as he came deep inside of the young man beneath him and filled Kasen with his seed. Collapsing partially atop his mate, Dayd shook in reaction from the cataclysmic release. He wrapped one arm around his young lover, holding him and stroking his flank with the other as the blond came down from his euphoric high. He moved his nose and lips against Kasen's throat, biting there harshly, marking the blond once more as his. "You look so beautiful in your pleasure, Kasen." Dayd whispered. He continued to move slowly, languidly, into Kasen's sated body. He raised his fingers, coated with Kasen's crème to his mouth. "Look at me," he commanded. The young man's eyes fluttered open briefly and he watched as Dayd began to lick each finger clean, the primal gesture making his sated cock twitch dryly. As the last digit left Dayd's mouth, Kasen finally surrendered to oblivion. **** Kasen had no idea how much time had passed when he next opened his eyes. He smiled into the furred chest he was pillowed upon and teasingly suckled at the cinnamon nub that peeked through caramel fur. He grinned at his mate as Dayd's purrs deepened. Then a thought hit the blond. "When do we have to leave? You need to get ready for the naming ceremony." Kasen was not sure if his new status with Dayd made him more aware of the PrideHomer's mood, but he knew instantly that his lover was discomfited by the question. "No rush," Dayd said. He had known this moment would come, but the PrideHomer still tried to avoid it. "This is something really special," Kasen persisted. "Sholto told me that even the patriarchs and matriarchs of the Prides your family marry into make the effort to attend a naming. Uist is your cousin. I know this is important to you." "We will not be attending," Dayd said, deciding it was no longer appropriate to be anything other than open with the man he had just taken as his mate. "Theophilus doesn't want me there does he? This is his doing," Kasen said angrily. "No it is not," Dayd growled immediately. Kasen blinked at the tears that suddenly filled his eyes. In the months they had spent together Dayd had never raised his voice or spoken so sharply before. He did not resist as strong hands pulled him to nestle against Dayd's neck and sweet musk filled the air around him. "Oh, my beautiful Kasen," Dayd said, his voice soft and sad. "You hadn't mixed with any non-human types before you met us had you?" He gave a half-smile at the shake of the blond head. "PrideHomers and Phixians, and to some degree Dregans, we may look very different but share one trait that is important here. We do not just use sight. We use scent. You may have schooled your face to be neutral, but your anger and...your hate...towards Theophilus has been scented by us all. Theophilus also has strong empathic qualities, he knows how you feel. He is confused. He doesn't understand why you hate him. He may have more years of life than you, but you are actually more mature. He is not long classed as fully adult." "You scent me," Kasen murmured from the sanctuary of Dayd's chest. He knew it happened but somehow it had never registered, just what scenting actually meant. How much his real emotions were open to the PrideHomers. "Yes, my sweet one. I, all my family, Xavier, we have all known your true feelings and hoped you would realise you are angry towards one who has done nothing. Theophilus argued we had to go to the naming. He has been unwavering in the belief you and I would mate. He said we remind him of Uist and Sholto and I could not ask for a better compliment. It was not he who decreed we must remain absent. It was Willis and my Sire. They used the one thing against which even Theophilus had no answer. The three little ones, today is their special day. Everyone wants them to be happy. They might be babies, Kasen, but they can scent and they can feel. You cannot have failed to notice they cry when you are near Theophilus?" Dayd asked, pushing at Kasen's shoulders to look at his mate. "I thought it was just a baby thing," Kasen whispered. Shame permeated every cell as he had the sickening notion that he knew what Dayd was about to say. "They might not understand what it is you feel towards Theophilus, but they know it upsets him and that upsets them. They scent you, too and react the only way babies can, with tears." "Oh, Dayd, I've been such a fool. I was so shocked when I saw Theophilus. As bad as it was Jabez snatched me, I thought it was because he found me attractive. Then I realised it was because I reminded him of someone else. I got so twisted inside that it just became easy to take my anger and frustration and...hate out on the one I could reach. I knew it hurt him and I got a perverted sense of satisfaction from it." Kasen buried his face in Dayd's chest. "What can I do?" "Apologise," Dayd said simply. He heard the half-laugh, half-sob that greeted his reply and pushed Kasen up to look at him again. "Theophilus is the most generous-hearted person I know. If your apology is sincere he will accept it and forget the past." "You love him don't you?" Kasen asked. "Yes," Dayd said. "But I am not, nor ever have been, in love with him. That part of me is for you alone." Dayd reached to stroke the silken strands of the blond bob. "You miss my long hair, too." "I would have been happy had you cut it, no matter my preference, because it was what you wanted. Not because you thought people saw Theophilus when they looked at you. Although I recognised where the similarity between the two of you lay, it was your blue eyes that I truly noticed." "I want to apologise to him, Dayd. Perhaps you can still go to the naming," Kasen said with determination, touched by his lover's simple declaration. He trusted Dayd to speak the truth. "We both go or we both stay away," Dayd said emphatically. "We are mated. One does not go without the other. **** Xavier's tongue flickered in the air before he drew it back. He glanced at where his young husband lay on a sumptuous nest. Two little ones were curled against his right side and, although asleep, clutched at each other and Theophilus. The third, currently at his breast, was Rayner and Tristam's, the tiny telepath needing a mental connection as well as physical when feeding. Theophilus was humming softly; one hand occasionally brushing over the two sleeping infants, the other holding the third safe. Xavier recognised the approaching scents. He rose slowly to greet them. The anxiety from Kasen was pouring off him in waves, as was shame. Xavier prayed it boded well. He would not permit a young and foolish human to ruin this day. "Dayd, Kasen," he greeted them, a comfortable distance from his mate. "May I help you?" "I want to apologise to Theophilus," Kasen blurted quickly. "I'm so sorry. Please?" "He is still feeding," Xavier demurred. He looked between the fretful human and the now clearly anxious PrideHomer. He knew what his husband would want. "However, if you do not disturb them, I am sure he will be pleased to see you." "Thank you, Xavier," Kasen said, relief evident in his voice. He took a few hesitant steps forward. Now it came to it, he was completely uncertain how to approach the recumbent blond. "Kasen, you are mated. I am so pleased for you." Kasen stared at Theophilus, stunned that the other blond was still so gracious despite his previously hurtful behaviour. He found his eyes brimming with tears once more. "Come here, little one," Theophilus urged. He smiled reassuringly as Kasen came first to kneel, then to stretch out at his left side. Kasen was surprised when a deceptively-slender, strong arm wrapped around him, holding him comfortingly. He managed to murmur a half-sobbed apology as he was rocked gently whilst cleansing tears fell. A soft humming accompanied the soothing motion and occasional kisses were pressed into his hair. He found himself burrowing close, the sweet smell of the other blond like a balm to his nerves. Finally, a persistent butting made Kasen open his eyes and pull back from Theophilus' side. His own eyes widened as he was regarded intently by three sets of curious orbs. "Your cousins would like to meet you, Kasen," Theophilus said smiling widely. "This is Uist and Sholto's son." He indicated the child closest to Kasen, a light covering of reddish-blond down adorning his body. "He will try and use his scent glands although they will not produce musk until his puberty," Theophilus laughed. "And because he will, so will these two even though they have no such glands. This little one is Rayner and Tristam's and this is Xavier's and mine." The second child had dark blond hair and large dark eyes that made Kasen feel the infant was staring into his heart and soul. The third had a short mop of platinum-blond hair, a tiny frill was beginning around his neck which was currently lilac and amber, vertically slit eyes. His tail kept in constant touch with the other two children and Theophilus. Kasen swallowed as he was then the subject of very close scrutiny as first one, then all three children made their way onto him. **** Tristam, Rayner, Sholto and Uist stopped and grinned at the sight before them. On the large nest, Dayd and Kasen played with the three small children who all demanded equal and constant attention. Xavier lay back against a tree trunk watching whilst his tail gently rocked a hammock in which Theophilus lay. "So this is how you care for our cubs?" Uist asked with an amused growl. "By lazing around." As he spoke he reached effortlessly into the hammock to lift the slender blond form and spin Theophilus around earning delighted peals of musical laughter. "The little ones wished to get to know their cousins," Theophilus countered as he was set on his feet, kissing each of his family in turn. "Do you want to get to know them really well and take on nappy duties?" Sholto asked hopefully. The dismay on Kasen and Dayd's faces had him laughing along with the others. "Guess not. Hey, I tried, guys," he added. "They cannot," Theophilus said as he reached to help the small, blond human and his PrideHomer mate to their feet. "We have to see Willis and Denys. They have an announcement to make." "They make a good pair," Uist announced, his purrs rumbling deep in his chest as he watched Dayd and Kasen be led away by an excited Theophilus, Xavier following behind. "It is good Kasen has settled." **** Willis stood proudly before the gathering of his family and friends, ready to officially name the newest members of his Pride. The three couples stood before him, their small bundles behaving impeccably for the moment. "Welcome to you all," he rumbled. "Today we have our naming ceremony for the young ones. Firstly, the cub of my cub, I welcome Keefe to the Pride." The cat-man added his own roar to that of the gathered assembly as Uist held his son high, then laughed delightedly as Keefe tried to imitate the sound. "Secondly, although the first-born of my three grandchildren, I welcome Zene to the Pride." Another roar accompanied Xavier raising his son. "Finally I welcome Marnin to the Pride." He nodded approvingly at the roar, waiting for the six, plus their infants, to take their seats. Willis could see people looking at him with interest; clearly certain more was to come. He smiled widely. "I have good news for the Pride. My sibling's youngest cub has chosen a mate. Dayd has chosen Kasen of Earth." His smile turned tender as the small blond blushed crimson, trying to bury himself against Dayd's solidity as he was encouraged to stand and accept the endorsement from the gathered PrideHomers. Willis nodded at Denys. His eyes then sought out Laban, receiving a nod from the Phixian. "My last piece of good news is from our extended Pride. Laban wishes me to announce that Meta, daughter of his sibling, is to be married to Alden who helped rescue Uist, Sholto and Theophilus when they were kidnapped." The last roar seemed to echo longest, a mixture of approval and gratitude expressed in the sound. Willis looked around. His six boys were surrounded by family and friends, as were Dayd and Kasen, Alden and Meta. He felt the strong grip at his shoulder and pulled his brother into a hug. For now, at least, all danger was past and everyone could enjoy peace and joy.