The Last Pure Human

Chapter 1 - The Last Pure Human

Kasan snarled to himself, prowling through the small confines of his cell on long
muscular legs that trembled with the need to run. If he had to stay inside this
windowless cage for another day- which he did- he thought he might go crazy. And
he was fucking going to take everyone else along with him when he went, starting
with his asshole brother. He snarled again, remembering what Nolluz had said.

We should preserve the dungeons. Theyre a historical landmark and an important
part of Kyashin history.

As someone who was now living inside the historical landmark, the same one hed
been imprisoned in for two stinking weeks, he desperately wanted to see Nolluz
again so he could tell him to take his history and shove it up his ass. There was
nothing, absolutely nothing, intrinsically valuable about keeping a working dungeon
in this day and age. The entire damn thing was carved out of the mountain, for the
love of God! Huge wooden doors, bolts with chains that were inches thick, and
dammit, the stone might look golden and warm, but it was fucking freezing! He had
a pile of hay between his ass and the stone floor, and considering his ass had
nothing over it except his own waist length hair, that wasnt even close to enough
covering.

He really needed to lobby his father for uniforms for any prisoners, because nudity
and old dungeons were a shitty combination.

He turned abruptly as he reached one wall, his black hair flying out behind him and
clouding his eyes before he shoved it out of the way. If only the ridiculously archaic
dungeons werent so damn impenetrable, the guards loyal to him might have been
able to help. As it stood, the mercenaries Shovak had hired to guard him until his
father returned had taunted him every time his guards rescue attempts had failed.
They laughed, discussing the harsh punishments that Shovak had meted out while
all Kasan could do was rage and grind his teeth at what his men were being
subjected to. He was proud of his mens loyalty in trying to smuggle someone in for
him, but he had to admit that the continued reports of failure were taking their toll.
He didnt wish to die, which he would if he stayed here alone much longer. Every
failure was one more person who suffered because of him, one day less that he had
to find some solution. Still, hed managed to hold on to a sliver of hope until Esgard
had infiltrated the mercenary troop and pulled guard duty. Esgard had come in to
give Kasan his morning rations and offered himself to the prince as a potential
consort during his Lords heat. When Kasan realized that his friends were desperate
enough to start trying to smuggle in men to him, hed essentially given up hope.

His inability to couple with other males was a running source of amusement for
most of his friends and family. The few times hed tried, especially on the battlefield
when women were scarcer than snowfall in the low valley, were practically legendary
for their abysmal results. He simply couldnt keep his body aroused when sex and
other men were both involved. He honestly didnt know why he had to be
handicapped that way. The rest of his brothers were fine enjoying themselves with
either sex, like almost everyone he knew. Hell, Jolan and Tisu even had male
consorts! But for him, it looked like whatever throwback genes affected everything
else in his body also kept him from enjoying his own gender. No matter how hard he
tried, he found nothing but bland indifference or outright distaste at the thought of
sexual relations with other beings as big as, or bigger than, himself. Warriors just
couldnt turn him on, and even knowing thateveryone was so certain of failure that
a rather effeminate, beautiful man was their last resort.

They all knew there was nothing left: he needed sex, and he needed it now. So
even knowing it was useless, hed damn well tried to stay aroused long enough to
take Esgard.

It would have been a lot easier if his race werent so damn resistant to drugs. Hell,
one good neural aphrodisiac could have had him up for days if he was from a
different species. But no, Kyashin didnt work that way.

Damn stupid genetics.

So, hed blocked the sight of Esgards manhood from his eyes, pretending it was a
woman he was entering, and he hadnt even been able to last for 5 seconds before
his member went completely limp. Trying desperately, neither of them had
managed to make it rise again and theyd had to give up as Esgards shift ended.
Esgard had been discovered the next day and they hadnt been allowed a second
chance. Kasan hoped that the young man still lived.

He felt the need inside him buzzing so hard his skin burned with it and he kicked at
the creamy stone that made up his prison. Dammit. Dammit, dammit, dammit. His
heats end was so close that he could practically feel his remaining time dripping out.
It was almost too late. He had today, maybe not even that, before his mating heat
passed and he was well and truly fucked. His body would simply stop working,
slowly killing him over the next few weeks until he died a withered dried up husk.

Still stuck in the damn dungeon, the last moments of his only opportunity to find
someone to bond with ticking away, he growled and cursed to himself. This type of
situation was exactly the reason that Kasan had spoken out against accepting
mercenaries into the section of the military that guarded the palace and royal family.
They were too easily controlled when someone with a sufficiently large sum of
credits backed them. Of course, because he was well known for that opinion, every
mercenary had been rather uncooperative to switching sides to Kasan's payroll.

Closing his eyes as he almost ran into the far wall, Kasan leaned his heated face
against the cool stone. If only he hadnt been such a sensitive little idiot, Shovak
wouldnt have had the opportunity to set him up. As usual, hed gone to a dive of a
brothel just because he hated how the more affluent courtesans treated him- like
some kind of animalistic pre-cursor. Once his heat had arrived, preventing him from
leaving for his familys annual spring hunt, hed presented Shovak with the perfect
opportunity to end him. Shovak had simply waited until his father was a few days
gone, well into the mountains and practically impossible to find, and then hed
persuaded one of Kasans whores to cry rape. Kasan had been irritated, but not
expecting anything other than a typical attempt at extortion from the woman. After
shed been murdered, however, Shovak was able to use a rather archaic law to have
Kasan imprisoned until his father returned.

During the Second Wave of Occupation, thered been so many rape victims killed to
prevent their accusations that the Lord King had finally had to make legal changes.
If a rape victim was killed, the accused rapist was confined until the Kings men
could conduct a formal inquiry into the affair.however long that took, which could
be years if the Lord King was pissed off enough. Murders had dropped rather rapidly
at that point. For Kasan, however, this meant that he was imprisoned until his
father returned, which should be within a day or two, but too late to make any
difference.

If he didnt take a consort during his heat, it was a death sentence.

He hissed to himself and started moving again, his black ears twitching on top of his
head as he prowled back and forth, his claws flicking in and out of his fingertips and
his tail a black blur that twitched in agitation. He wanted blood, and he wanted the
blood to be Shovaks. His father would likely let him have it, too, once it was
discovered that the bastard had violated one of their most sacred rules: no one was
denied an adult partner during heat unless he was already condemned to death. Yet
here Kasan was, completely alone in his cell with only hours remaining until his own
death would be absolutely assured. Shovak, he was sure, would find some way to
shift the blame. Hed accuse one of his own followers of being at fault for the
oversight, most likely. Although Kasan could admit to himself that he was a bit
surprised that Shovak was willing to risk it. His uncle was usually so meticulous,
with every detail worked out to leave him blameless and innocent. So what was he
going to come up with to explain such a gross lapse in adherence to their laws? What
was he doing?

It would do him no good to achieve Kasans death in the only way that was
considered natural causes if he did it in such a way that he was accused of a
violation that could get him banished. What was that little weasel planning?

Kasan was startled by the sound of the door creaking open. The stupid thing was
so thick he couldn't hear a damn thing unless they opened the door or the small
viewing portal near the top. Fucking made him jumpy as hell. He backed up to the
far wall, a habit hed quickly learned to avoid being beaten away from it as the
guards entered. His first attempt to defy them had ended with laying unconscious
on the floor for half a day and he still had faint bruises remaining from the encounter.
Not that it would have done him much good to escape his cell, anyway. There was
no way out from the inside without help on the outside. And he had no way of
contacting anyone.

Shovaks annoying flunky Liosh walked in, carrying someone wrapped in a thick
blanket over his shoulder. The man's tawny ears were held erect, his matching hair
perfectly confined in a tight braid that swept against his loincloth as he sauntered in.
Little Bastard.
Kasan couldnt imagine what the man thought he was doing; was Shovak actually
giving him a consort? It didnt make any sense. The person over his shoulder was
obviously a woman, by the size. On the small side for one, actually, so what was
wrong with her? Was she disease ridden? So old and ugly she was almost
guaranteed to repulse him and render him incapable of taking her?

Not that he would want to, in that case.

But Shovak would never grant him the opportunity to take his place as the third heir,
would he? Unless he was planting a spy? Was the female someone loyal to him and
he thought Kasan would be so desperate that he wouldnt question the gift? He eyed
the bundle with distrust. Liosh remained oblivious and smiled at him toothily.

Responding to the smile, Kasan sneered at him. What a surprise to see you.. And
here I thought for sure Shovak had managed to forget all about Hinta law.
Especially considering his actions over the last week.

Shovak is a law abiding citizen of the kingdom. Liosh said, still smiling as his
eyes glinted. Youre still in heat, and you now have access to a viable mating
candidate. He hefted the female over his shoulder a bit, readjusting her position,
and she let out a low grunt of discomfort. In fact, Shovak found a very special
consort, in honor of the princes position. An off planet find, no less."

"You know very well we can't breed with non-Kyashin, you bastard." This was
sloppy, even for Shovak: giving him some other species wasnt in compliance with
the law.

"On the contrary, there is one species that is still listed as compatible in the records.
Shovak currently has papers proving that this particular creature does, indeed, meet
your genetic requirements. Personally, I think the choice is perfect for you, throw-
back." Liosh tossed the bundle to the floor and stepped outside quickly, figuring
rightly that Kasan might attack him out of sheer annoyance if he didnt retreat
immediately. Kasan wasn't exactly known for keeping his temper.

Yeah, don't let the door hit you on your tail-less ass on the way out, twit.

The little slimy bastard called back through the small window of the door after it
closed.

"Shovak sends his best wishes to you on enjoying your consort-to-be." He let out a
high-pitched giggle before slamming the small portal shut and leaving Kasan alone
with the candidate.

Kasan stared at the pile of fabric, not bothering to move towards it. One species
still listed? There weren't any other species they were compatible with, there hadn't
been for hundreds of years, not since

"You fucking son of a bitch," he breathed slowly. He was trying to play off another
throwback as some sort of human. That had to be it. He'd paid someone to fake the
genetic tests and claim that he'd somehow found a 'pure' human. Now he knew why
Shovak wasnt worried about the fall out. His weasel of an uncle had followed the
exact, letter of the law: humans were still listed in the ancient texts as compatible
with Kyashin, as the race itself had a little bit of Terran mixed in somewhere in the
past. But to his knowledge, there hadnt been a pure human seen anywhere in the
galaxy in hundreds of years. They had interbred so much that their genes were
mingled with innumerable other races. Those cross-breeds had proved to be
incompatible to his own, so far, but if that bastard had managed to get a throwback
like himself, only one who looked more like her human parentage, then as long as he
had paperwork to back it up, Shovak was free and clear.

Hed found him a legitimate candidate, legally speaking, even if it was all a bunch of
shit.

Kasan sighed, looked down at the bundle that still squirmed, unseen, underneath
the large cloak, and he stepped forward to have a look. Crouching down, he pulled
back the cloak rather ungently, and stared in surprise. His first impression was pink
skin. Lots of pale, cream and pink skin. What a rather pretty color, he thought,
feeling his over-heated body respond slightly to the sight of all that naked flesh. His
second surprise came as he saw that the small person was actually male, rather than
female. Looking at the male member resting on pale golden brown, curling hair, he
was more surprised than he wanted to admit that he wasnt losing his arousal.

He didnt believe that had ever happened before when he looked at the male body.
It was just, this males body was so unlike any hed ever seen before. It wasnt that
he wasnt fit. He could see the taut muscles of the mans arms and legs, the flat
ripples of his stomach, the rounded strength of his chest. He was fit, but he wasnt
anywhere close to having the large muscles of Kasans fellow Kyashin. Even most of
the females Kasan knew had more muscle mass than the male in front of him. He
was staring at his body so long that he was almost reluctant to look at the mans
face. Sighing, expecting to be disappointed, he moved his eyes up and saw pale
brown hair, wavy and short, only to his shoulders. And the mans eyeswere they
blue? Hed heard of some races that had that color in their people, but hed never
seen it himself. It was really lovely. And earshe had two pinkish pale round ears,
small and cute as hell, one on either side of his head.

They were absolutely adorable. So tiny. He looked at the face, trying to decide if it
was attractive or not, aside from the coloring. It most definitely was. His bones
were good, with straight clean lines, a well-made jaw. A broader face than he was
used to, but still appealing. The lips were rather full as well, the lashes around his
eyes long and dark, and his cheeks were flushed.

He looked like he'd just made love rather than come from the shoulder of a little
weasel. Had he? Had Shovak tried him out first? He scowled at the thought, his
eyes darkening almost to black as his tail slashed behind him. He leaned forward,
baring his fangs aggressively as he inhaled the man's scent, testing. It would be the
final slap in the face, to not only give him a useless candidate, but take him first, too.

Rather than the musky smell of recent sexual release, however, he was bombarded
with the bitter smell of Argenta. It was most often used to keep more valuable
slaves docile for short periods of time in some of the illegal markets, he'd heard, so
what was it doing on this small man? Perhaps Liosh hadn't lied and he'd truly been a
purchase from off world rather than being another throwback from here at home. Or
they'd drugged the man just for realism. Either one was within the bounds of
possibility.

However, the fact that he was a male almost completely negated his being a spy.
Shovak wouldn't expect him to take him; he knew his difficulties with men as well as
anyone else. Shovak could have just sent in a man and been done with it. It
showed just how serious he must be to add on this extra layer of insurance against
the consort actually being suitable.

Poor little one, he thought, watching the man stare at him with wide, surprised eyes.
The fake human tried to sit up, failing, flopping bonelessly backwards on to the
blanket underneath him, and Kasan took pity on him. He reached down and put his
arm around the man's back, holding him up. Those attractive blue eyes stared back
at him and a curious hand came up to rub at across Kasans face and up to his ears.
Kasan could feel himself arching his head slightly into the touch. He always was a
sucker for a good ear stroking.

But not from a male before, he thought. And right now, a male was touching him,
and he liked it. How amazing.

If only the man really was a human, it might have given him a chance to get out
from this. But if he was human, if he was a viable candidate, his scent would be
clear to anyone in heat. He would smell like something edible and sweet, something
delicious and crisp that was made to slide down his throat and make him moan in
pleasure at the taste.

Rather like he was doing right now.

He swallowed heavily. Why was he thinking of food so strongly right now? He
sniffed again, and caught it. Underneath the bitterness of the drugs was the sweet,
bright scent of something tasty. Like tarts and berries, but colder in a delicious kind
of way.
Shovak wouldn't have known the scent was there, not unless he'd found someone in
heat to come in and smell the little man. And if he had obtained him off world, the
xenophobic bastard would never believe an outsiders word that the pale-eyed male
was genetically human.

After all, everyone knew there were no pure human's left.

Which meant Shovak didn't know. He didn't know that this man actually was,
amazing and impossible as it seemed, a pure human.

Kasan smiled, he teeth bared again, and his consort-to-be tried to lean away from
Kasan rather drunkenly as his eyes widened.

Shhhh, little one, I wont hurt you. Kasan said, holding his hands palm down,
fingertips tucked under, trying to seem non-threatening to the startled man.

"I feel soooo out of it, you have no idea," the man said, blinking at him. "Didja know,
I'm even seeing cat ears on your head? I musta drunk something really, really good
last night."

Well, that might be a problem, Kasan thought. What WAS that language was he
speaking?

"Do you speak Hinta?" Kasan asked slowly.

"Woah, I can't even understand what you're saying. Pretty. Is that Portuguese? I
thought I knew how to speak Portuguese. Do I? Wait, has the colony landed
already? I'm supposed to be doing--something--with them. I think. Aren't I? Oh
my. I think I'm going to be sick."

Kasan watched him talk, amused at the incomprehensible rambling even as he
wished he could understand it, at least until the man started to look alarmed. He
finally figured out what was about to happen and picked him up just in time get him
face first over a free piss pot.

If the poor man hadn't been about to lose the contents of his stomach, he likely
would just from the smell in there, Kasan thought sympathetically as he heard the
man retching. Another wonderful 'historic' touch from his brother.

He really needed to beat Nolluz after he was done with Shovak.

After the man slumped against him, Kasan wrinkled his nose and moved them both
to the opposite side of the room. Feeling the man's sleek skin against his chest as
he carried him, and looking down at his still flushed face, he still felt aroused and
interested. He had the first ray of light since this whole miserable business began.
He had someone with him who he could take before his heat ended, and he actually
found the man attractive.

Shovak could kiss his ass.

After settling him down on the little one's blanket again, he put an arm around him
to support his back, holding up a small cup of water for the man to rinse out his
mouth. He handed him a small bit of mint root to clean off his breath, as well. Thank
God for the last bit from Esgard, he thought. He was about to try and communicate
to the man again when he felt a painful spike in his arousal.

Dammit.

He wouldn't have long then before the end, then. He didn't have time to woo the
little man, or do much more than relax him and try to make things as good as
possible. Even if he hadn't had the necessity of his duty to the kingdom on his
shoulders, his body wouldn't allow him to ignore the opportunity in front of him. He
was going to take this young man, no matter what either of them might want.

Although he could admit it, he and his body pretty much agreed on this one: the
man was just so damn cute. Kasan looked over the body next to him, admiring as
he turned him slightly. He was sleek and strong, if rather slight and delicate to be
considered male, in Kasan's opinion. He was also significantly smaller than Kasan
himself; a small miracle, considering that Kasan had, to date, only met one other
adult male smaller than himself, ever.

And that had been his grandfather after he'd been bent with age.

His skin looked creamy and appealing, his smell was right, and looking at his
manhood, Kasan still found him attractive. Well, what a surprise. It was actually
the large size and muscles of males that turned him off, not the actual maleness
itself.

Meet Kasans new consort: an alien, and a male.

His brothers were going to laugh themselves silly over the irony.

He took in a deep breath and reached his hand around from the man's back to curl
around his face and cup his cheek. It had just the slightest rasp of stubbly hair on it,
rather downy really. What a curious thing.

"Uh. What're you doing?" The man asked, his head resting completely against
Kasan's arm. Kasan was fairly sure that if it weren't for the support, that head
would have flopped all the way over until he hit the floor. "You're really pretty, for a
giant kitty man. Did you know I have a cat? Had a cat. Couldn't take it with me.
Poor kitty."

Kasan held the finger from his other hand against the soft lips that still spouted
the man's native language. "Shhhhh. No more talking," he said. Looking down into
the curious, almost innocent blue eyes, he smiled. Such a pretty man.

"I'll try to make this good for you. Don't worry, I won't simply take you." Kasan
murmured, bringing his face close to his consort's until he felt lips underneath his
own, soft and surprised and so easy to penetrate with his tongue that he slid in,
tasting. Ice and fruit. He smelled so of fruit that he even tasted that way. The
man's hands went up to press weakly against Kasan's chest as he tried to jerk back.
He was completely startled, his eyes wide as they stared in utter surprise at Kasan.
And then they slowly hazed over as Kasan continued to taste his mouth. Feeling his
tongue, his mouth, his slick teeth and the soft plumpness of his lips, Kasan moaned
softly against him.

God, the man tasted damn good.

Kasan held the little man's head still, or rather kept it from falling backwards again
at this point, as he continued tasting him, running his lips over the smaller man's
and finally sucking slightly on the lower lip before drawing away. He looked down
into dazed eyes, the soft hands still resting against his chest but no longer pushing
him away, and he grinned.

He'd always been told he was a good lover. He was glad to know that it would
make things easier this time around. He pulled on the head within his hand again,
kissing him deeply as he let his other hand trail down the man's chest to his aroused
member. Baby soft skin over a hard column that fit in his hand like a small, hot, ice
pop. It was oddly erotic. He'd held himself in his hand before, but he was quite a
bit bigger than the male in his arms. Feeling same shape in smaller dimensions,
touching it while he continued to feel aroused and wanting, was a positively wicked
feeling. He experimented, kissing greedily with his mouth as he started to play with
the firm erection in his hands. Gripping it tightly as he tried to recreate the feelings
he was able to elicit in his own body, he smiled triumphantly as the beautiful young
man moaned.

"That's it, precious," he murmured against his mouth, moving his hand down to
his back again. He could feel the man's muscles flexing against his fingers as his
hand moved lower to the beginning swells of his bottom.

"Woah, careful!" His hand whipped back up as the human started to topple
backwards. He chuckled. "I think we'd better get you all the way on the ground
before you hurt yourself, beautiful." He let the man lay back in a controlled fall and
ended up kneeling over him. He pulled his one hand from behind his consorts back,
the other never leaving the man's firm erection. He smiled, seeing the dazed eyes
and aroused flush to the man's face.

"Are you really a kitty woman? I'm not into guys. Nope. So you gotta be a woman
if I let you touch Mr. Happy. Definitely you do. Um, how'd you get so big?"

Kasan really wished he could understand what words were coming out of his
consort's mouth. He had the feeling they would give him a good laugh, considering
the rather disgruntled look on the little ones face.

He felt the man's prick standing upright and ready within his hand and squeezed
encouragingly, happy to see it respond. He looked down at the smooth planes of his
chest and licked his lips. Again, the differences between the male chest and the
women he was used to was odd, but still beautiful. The nipples made small, dark
circles as they lay across the flattened, rounded muscles that clenched a moment as
Kasan pulled again on the man's member. The man moaned, thrusting upwards
even as his eyes watched Kasan with an unfocused stare that merely made him
seem completely aroused and at Kasan's mercy.

"Th--that feels really good. Think you should win an award. Do they make hand job
awards? Doooooooh, yes. God, that's so--" he moaned again as Kasan let his
fingers play over the silky skin of his chest and leaned down to let his tongue flick
out to taste the small nipples in front of him. He played with the slit at the tip of the
man's penis with his other hand.

"Aaaah, what-- It's, um, oh God."

Kasan purred against the smooth skin as he heard the young man babbling.
Even in another language, incoherence was rather obvious, he thought smugly.
Feeling his own member in need of attention, he was contemplating just how to
press against his consort-to-be when he felt his arousal spike again.

Shit, he had less time than he'd thought. If he was spiking that close together,
he had almost no time at all, barely enough to prepare the man and take him.

Shit.

He kissed the man once more across the chest and sat up a little straighter before
pushing himself off of his legs.

"I'm sorry, little one, this is going to be a bit fast for our first time," he murmured,
releasing his hold on the member in his hand. "It probably won't be as deep this
way," he mumbled to himself as he pulled his lover by the waist and turned him over
onto his stomach.

The little man was still for a moment, as though unsure exactly what had
happened, before he tried to push himself up onto his hands and knees. Kasan
leaned over him, his arm around the man's waist the only thing that saved the poor,
drugged youth from nose-diving into the floor. As it was, his face fell and almost hit
the ground while Kasan's grip kept his hips in the air. Kasan lowered him a few
inches until his cheek rested against the blanket and he chuckled, enjoying the
position immensel

"That eager, eh?" he teased, wishing the man could understand him. His voice
softened as the man moaned softly underneath him.

"I'm sorry, precious. I would take my time with you if I could. We just don't have
enough time left." Kasan held him close, feeling the strong length of his consorts
back along his stomach as his other hand milked his own prick for its lubricating
fluids. He could at least take a moment to try and widen the little one up. Even if
the man was experienced, it was likely going to be tight fit just due to the size
difference.

Taking a deep breath, he pressed a finger into the small opening exposed below
him, holding tightly as the man bucked against the sensation, grunting.

Kasan bit his lip at how tightly his finger was being gripped. If anything, his
imagination had failed him on this one. His consort was even tighter than he'd
expected. He needed to get the little one used to him or the poor thing was going to
feel split in two. He angled his wrist on the arm around his consorts waist so that
he could hold onto the attention-seeking member again, noting with a grin that it
was still hard and firm. He started caressing, moving his finger in and out of the
youthful body in time to his grip around his member. When he and his consort were
both moaning faintly, he withdrew his hand and milked himself again for fluids. It
was odd. He'd thought to use the man's own secretions, but he didn't seem to be
making any. Was something wrong with him, or were all humans lacking in
lubrication? It seemed a rather painful way to make love, honestly.

He inserted two fingers together this time, getting a whine of discomfort in
response. He bent his neck down so he could reach the small, already irresistible
ears as his fingers slid slowly back and forth into the mans body. He licked across
the rounded edge of the man's ear, marveling at the lack of fur, and took a chance
based on the plaintive vocalizations and introduced another finger. It slid in a little
smoother than the first two, the man's body still slick with Kasan's fluids, and he
could hear small, insistent moans coming from his throat. He groaned to himself,
feeling close to peaking, and withdrew his hand. He had to be sheathed inside
before he came or everything was ruined. Gritting his teeth, he guided himself to
the little man's entrance and pushed in, carefully.

The man started bucking again, trying to move away, and he flinched. He knew it
had to be hurting, but he had to! He had no choice. He tried to ignore the little
man's distress, flattening his ears against the top of his head as he slowly pushed in.
He didn't have time to do it too slowly. He'd done as much as he could, but he had
to reach completion or the bonding wouldn't be finished in time. He had to, dammit!

"Sssshhhhhh. Relax, precious. Just relax and it won't hurt so," he murmured, to no
avail. Kasan finally embedded himself completely and stayed still. He thought he
had a few moments, just a few, that he could give to get used to him before going
farther. He listened, surprised when the man whimpered and moved against him
slightly.

That hadn't seemed like a bad sound. Kasan was relieved; he wouldn't have felt
good if his consort had such a hard first time, especially as being surrounded by the
grip of the small body underneath him kept him hard as a rock. He didn't want to
hurt him. Frankly, he would have preferred to wait and woo the young man in a
regular fashion, but he didn't have a choice. The heat drove him now. He had to
take this body. He wanted it desperately; wanted to own it completely.

He started to move, pulling out and thrusting back in with slow even strokes,
struggling to keep from pounding into him without restraint. At least the man under
him was still aroused, in spite of his obvious dislike of the pain, and Kasan tried to
keep touching his body, kissing along the back of his neck, his ears, running his
hands over his back and giving the man's own member something to thrust against.

He almost cried out himself as he felt the other man's body start to respond more
noticeably, thrusting against his hand. It made him pound into him more fiercely,
his need for release growing tight and hard within his body. Please, let the little one
find pleasure with this, he prayed silently. Don't let this be just a terrible memory
for him. He pushed his hips harder, hearing the other man gasp in time to his
thrusts and Kasan leaned back, both hands grasping his hips as he pounded into him
in the last stages. He felt like he was racing his heat, trying to finish in the last few
seconds before he lost the chance.

His consort writhed under him now, little cries escaping every time Kasan thrust in,
and Kasan couldn't tell if it was from pain or pleasure. He couldn't stop himself in
any case. He couldn't even control his body's need for this young man, taking him
fiercely, finally feeling his body come into him as he shuddered in reaction. He
pressed hard as his seed pulsed out of him, holding the man's hips against his groin
to get the last moments of sensation, and he felt the bond take in that final pulse as
he slumped over him.

He reached around, wanting to hold tight as golden light flashed around him, and as
he gripped the man's member, the little one came, white fluid spilling out over
Kasan's hand as he smiled in relief. He'd come. The little erotic cries hadn't been
pain, or at least not entirely. He wouldn't have a memory of only pain for their first
time. Kasan sighed in relief. It wasn't that it would have been an insurmountable
problem, but he was glad that necessity hadn't caused him to harm his consort
beyond repair.

The man went boneless underneath him as the amber light faded and Kasan gently
laid him down, withdrawing from his body as he did so. He'd heard that consorts
were often overwhelmed by the bonding, sleeping for hours afterwards. It looked
like it was more than rumor. Gathering the edges of the cloak around him, Kasan
turned him over and scooped him up until he held him in his lap like a child.

A large, flushed, and sweaty child, but the position reminded him of the role anyway.
Glancing at the door, he tried to decide what to do. He would never mock his idiot
brother again for ordering the thick doors, at least. The rest of the stupid prison he
could do without, but if he couldn't hear the guards, it was guaranteed that they
couldn't have heard him, either. They would have no idea that he'd actually
managed the passage to adulthood, if he was careful.

With a sigh, he carried his consort over to a corner and laid him down on his side.
He couldn't be caught showing interest in the little man, so he couldn't keep him on
his lap any longer.

"I really need to come up with a name for you until you can tell me what yours
really is," he said, brushing back a damp lock of dark golden hair from the man's
sleeping face. "How about Gisho?" A pretty little flower with dark golden petals the
same color as his hair. It was strong enough to grow in the mountains while the
snow was still on the ground. A good name for his consort.

He went to one of the messier corners of the cell, rubbing his fingers in the
disgusting muck along a crack in the wall, and rubbed it on his chest, right over the
small golden crown that had already started to take shape. His family's symbol, it
very clearly told that he was now able to take the crown should the heirs before him
fall.

Gisho's mark was hidden by the cloak, and Kasan was within his rights to ask that
no others touch him. And if Shovak thought he was trying to fake the bond, so
much the better. Hed leave them alone for longer, and the bastard would be setting
fire to his own home if he actually tried to disprove it. It would only help Kasan's
case to have Shovak suggest that the bonding hadnt been possible.

All he had to do right now was wait. His father should be home within a day or two,
and once he was free of this unpleasant cell, with Gisho, he would be in a tenable
position once again. He would have the support of his family, and he had Gisho to
get to know better. He just needed to wait.










Fiction~~The Last Pure Human~~Ch. 2


The Last Pure Human
Chapter 2 - Waking Up in the Land of the Cats
|



The dull click of the door to his cell opening woke Kasan instantly. Hed been
waiting all night for the sound and he was crouched on the balls of his feet before
the thick slab of wood had moved more than a slivers worth. Gisho hadnt woken
yet, thank God, so Kasan simply had to keep the bastards away. If he had them
thinking he was going to fake a successful bond in order challenge Shovak, theyd
probably leave him alone. Why would they need to do anything, after all? Hed die
within a week or two if he hadnt found a consort, and they could easily disprove the
bond if he was released before his own death.


If he had been as unsuccessful as they thought, that is.

He didnt have to force the growl that came from his throat, his claws emerging
involuntarily as he readied himself, until he realized who was walking through the
door. Leero, his first in command of the palace guard, burst in, flanked by Esgard of
the pretty face andwas that his cousin Shira? Leero took one look at Kasans eyes,
no longer the neon green of Kyashin heat, and he swore, turning to slam his fist into
the wall behind him until his knuckles bled.

Fuck! Leero turned back to Kasan as Esgard and Shira hovered behind with
flattened ears. Dammit KasanIm so fucking sorry. I swear to you, Shovak wont
get away with this, Ill

Leero, stay calm. Kasan wasnt sure how theyd managed to get by the guards to
him, but he doubted they had time for unnecessary self-recriminations. Theres
nothing to be sorry for, understand?

No! I failed in my duty. Dammit, we all failed! I should have found a way to get to
you in time instead of allowing that bastard to try and foist off some mutant as a
human and

Leero! Enough. How had he found out about Shovaks plans? All I care about
right now is leaving. How long do we have to escape?

Leero growled in agitation. Dont worry, theres plenty of time. The guards are
gone. Theyve all fled the city. Youre free now, as far as were concerned.

Tension rushed from Kasans shoulders in a torrent. Gisho and he were safe. He
didnt have to worry about protecting him.

But he still didnt know how Leero had found out about Shovaks ploy. Did my
father return then? Is Shovak in custody?

Your father was sighted on the Main North Road. Hell be here by nightfall. Leero
took a deep breath and released a frustrated snarl, his fingers twitching
spasmodically in what Kasan knew was a remnant from the days when all Kyashin,
not just throwbacks like himself, still had claws. Shovak is still missing; we cant
find him anywhere in the citadel.

Kasan growled. Damn. Hed really wanted to sink his claws into his uncle as soon
as he got out of his cell. You have men out looking. It was a statement more than
a question.

Of course.

Behind Leero, Esgard reached for Shiras hand nervously, rubbing his fingers over
the smaller females palm in a soothing manner. So, thats the way the wind blew.
And still, Esgard, and now his cousin if he wasnt mistaken, had both come to offer
themselves to Kasan if hed still been in heat. That type of loyalty was precious
enough that he wouldnt forget it.

Leero cleared his throat and Kasan looked back at him. He cant be far. We started
searching the moment your father was sighted.

Im sure you did. Im not faulting you. Although Ill admit Im curious how Shovak
could be smart enough to escape and yet still leave enough evidence behind to
reveal what hed done.

Leero smiled viciously. Liosh wasnt quite as quick to bolt as his master, and he
can be quite talkativewith the right persuasion. He spilled everything just before
the mercenaries jumped ship.

Kasan winced a little. Hes still in one piece?

Just.

Wellat least you can only be tried for assault, then. A months sentence right
now, isnt it? Kasan tried to keep his voice casual to avoid thinking about how much
he wanted to wrap his claws around Shovaks throat and squeeze the life out of him.

Well worth it to be able to finally beat that little rodent. Although I dont think hell
be filing any charges. I doubt I could prove he broke any laws, so I had him sign a
confession and then released him. I doubt hes even in the city.

Kasan nodded. Probably for the best. Although he would really miss the chance to
pound on Liosh a bit. Still Fathers return isnt exactly unexpected. Shovak should
have planned for this. Why the hell would he run?

Liosh snorted. Probably because, for the first time since I can remember, Shovaks
little plotting all fell apart. Since you were in heat, Shovak managed to persuade
your family to stay an extra three weeks to give you and your new consort some
time to get used to each other before the new unknown female had to deal with
them. According to Liosh, Shovak planned to present your dead body to the Lord
King and claim that you were one of the few throwbacks whose mating heat rages
out of control. None of the guard were able to see you except for Esgard, and he
could only vouch for what he saw in the hour he was here, so we wouldnt have been
able to honestly claim he was lying.

That explains his running like a squickling, then. Kasan murmured. But why is
father back early? No ones hurt, are they?

Leero smiled. No. Ever since that last disaster when Aosh nearly died, weve been
working on a system to keep in touch with the hunting party, no matter how far into
the mountains they go. It took a while with the fog coming down from the heights,
but we managed, and the Lord King started for home as soon as they got the
message. So now, with you living, and the Lord King returning, Shovaks entire plot
isnt worth a load of shit. And thank God the damn mercenaries he hired figured out
which way the wind was blowing and fled on their own. It would have been a stone
bitch trying to root them out from here. We were worried wed have to ransom you
back from them

Cant say I would have enjoyed that. Kasan grumbled. So, thats what had been
going on since he taken Gisho. Too bad his uncle had managed to get away,
especially since they had Lioshs confession. Damn, he muttered. I was really
looking forward to challenging Shovak as soon as I got out.

Imsorry. Leero lost his smile and his eyes grew shadowed. I will challenge him
in your stead if we cannot find him before yourpassing. You will not be denied your
revenge.

Kasan nodded. Thats right, they didnt know he had a true consort. Theres no
need for that. Ill be challenging that bastard as soon as they find him.

KasanI dont think well have him that quickly. Shira stifled a small sob at
Leeros words and Esgard wrapped his arm around her soothingly.

It doesnt have to be quick, Leero. I have a consort.

They looked at him blankly and he flashed them a grin. This was rather fun.
Im not dying, you idiot.

Three sets of ears started to twitch in confusion. Notdying? But how? No one
got to you in time, just Shovaks little fake human

Actually, the little human, it turns out, wasnt quite as false as Shovak thought.
Kasan grinned more broadly. He screwed up, Leero. He didnt give me a human
looking off-worlder. He gave me a humana pure human. I HAVE a consort now,
Leero. I bear the mark. Kasan licked his finger and rubbed at the blackened muck
on his chest until the small gold crown could be seen. Shira gasped while Leero and
Esgard looked at it in shock.

Still staring, Leero started to shake his head. A human. He bought some little
alien off planet and it turns out to actually be an honest to God human. You have to
be the luckiest bastard in the world, Kasan, just like the troops have always said.
Leero started to smile back at Kasans engaging grin. Theres actually a pure
human woman still in existence in the universe, and you got her. I cant even
imagine the odds

Kasan felt his skin flush slightly. Well, thats not quite true. At their looks, he
sighed and finally stepped aside so that they could see the blanketed Gisho. Uh,
you see, the last pure human isa man.

A man. Leeros smile faded. Shovak picked a man for you. At Kasans nod,
Leero swore. That fucking cocksucker. Not enough that he tries to give you a non-
Kyashin, he has to make it a male as well? When everyone knows you find them
unappealing?


Leero reached over and patted Kasans shoulder sympathetically. Im still sorry,
then. I am more glad than I can tell you that we wont be losing you, but I am truly
sorry for your loss.

There is no loss. Kasan huffed, shifting his shoulder.

Kasan, dont try to soften this. We know you dislike-

I dont dislike him.

Kasan, you cant pretend to-

Im not. I find the little male attractive.

Leero raised one eyebrow before he shook his head. You cant expect us to actually
believe that after weve known you for all these years?

Kasan shrugged. I didnt say I could explain it. The little one turns me on. He
really does. Iwell, look for yourself. Kasan said wryly, gesturing to his naked groin.
Leero looked down to see Kasans burgeoning arousal from just the brief look hed
given Gisho, and Kasans first in command quirked an amazed smile.

Thats for him?

Yeah. Trust me, having him as a consort is NOT a bad thing.

His shoulders relaxing, Leero continued to look at Gisho. Ill be damned. You took
a human male for a consort.

Yeah.

Leero smiled slowly as he glanced back at Kasan. I dont suppose I can watch
when you tell your brothers?

Hell, no. And right now, you can get me some damn clothes. Its fucking freezing
in here. Shira giggled and Kasan looked over to her.

I want you to know, I appreciate both of your offers to sacrifice yourself for me
more than I can say, he said quietly before he grinned a bit. But for nowmaybe
you two should be thinking about spending some time with each other, instead of
worrying so much about me. Esgard started blushing as Shira smiled again.

AndLeero, how many people know what Liosh said?

A few of the guards only. Were all keeping it to ourselves.

Make sure they continue to do so. We need to carry Gisho to my room without his
ears and face being seen for now, and I can reveal my mark to everyone before
letting them know the unusual nature of my other half. The people had a hard
enough time accepting someone as much of a throwback as me in the first place. I
cant let there be any doubt as to the legitimacy of my consort.

Of course. No one will say a word.

Good. Kasan went over and scooped up Gisho in his arms, Leero helping him
cover the mans head and face with the blanket. Kasan thought a moment and
sighed. It grated on him to let anyone see his little Gishos body, but it could help
him quell any rumors that might come up later.

Leero? Can youpull the blanket up a bit and bare his bottom? We can walk
through the courtyard on the way.

Leero nodded. and everyone will see the mark. Nice touch. Leero peeled back
the ratty cloth, tucking it in odd places in Kasans arms to make it seem accidental,
and looked down at the side of one exposed cheek of the smaller mans rosy ass. A
small silver crown glittered there, the delicate scrollwork on it an exact match to the
golden symbol on Kasans chest. A real live human. I will be damned.

Probably.

Leero rolled his eyes. I cant believe hes so damn small. I always imagined them
to be a bit moreintimidating. The stories always painted them as such an
aggressive species.

Yeah. Esgard and Shira walked out the door as Kasan gestured to them with his
head, and Leero continued to study Gishos ass in a way that had Kasan growling for
a moment.
The sound merely caused Leero to smirk at him. Growling? Just for looking at his
ass? Hell have more bare skin in his clothes than he does now. What are you going
to do then?

Ill think of something. Kasan grumbled, wondering about it himself. He couldnt
say why, but the idea of anyone ogling Gisho made his hackles rise.

And Leeros knowing grin wasnt helping. Maybe he should have let Leero think he
was dying for just a while longer. The man had been almost respectful there for a
while.
It had been a refreshing change from his usual smart-ass self, he thought, and then
he carefully followed his friend out of the cell, looking forward to being able to relax
in his own room again.

He really, really needed a bath.

**********

Max woke up slowly, feeling like his mouth was full of cotton wool and his head was
being pounded on by evil little men with hammers. He didn't bother opening his eyes,
just moaned quietly. They'd told him that coming out of cryo-sleep would be
unpleasant, but this?

This must be how his mother felt when the doctors told her labor would be
'uncomfortable.' The reality was far outstripping the prediction in actual suckiness.
Why'd he even agree to do this? He didn't want to go to outer space. He'd been
quite content to putter around discovering dying languages, or already dead ones,
and recording them for posterity.

If it weren't for the fact that he'd wanted his parents to be proud of him He
sighed. Not like it had mattered. At least they'd died proud of him. His application
for linguist of Beta Colony, section two, hadn't even been fully processed before his
fathers plane had crashed and ended both his mother and fathers lives, but they'd
known he'd applied, at least. They'd been so excited for him. More so than he was
himself, really.

Most likely because hed known what his real chances of making it into a colony had
been. The programs looked for the best, the brightest, and the most experienced.
He didnt feel that he did too badly in the brains department. Hell, he was only 23,
with his PhD. already obtained. However, without the slightest bit of official
experience, whether he was the best was most definitely debatable. Somehow, he
didnt think tagging along with my folks all over the world added up to much in the
resume department. Not that it hadnt been fun going from country to country,
discovering some new botanical wonder of the twenty-first century...it just wasnt
exactly his field.

So he hadn't been surprised when someone older, and with more experience in
diplomacy, had been chosen.

He had been fairly surprised he'd made the list of alternates, however, even if he
was at the very bottom. And he had been stunned when he'd gotten the call on
Christmas Eve that they wanted him to go to the Beta Colony. The stupid idiot
they'd originally picked had suffered a bizarre aneurism, 1 hour before the launch,
and everyone else on the list lived so far away that they'd never make their launch
time.

Although he got the impression that that theyd tried to contact all of them, just
in case.

The irony of his presence on the ship still managed to make him sigh. He got
one of the most coveted positions for a linguist, on a trip that was the most
newsworthy thing to happen to earth since the founding of Alpha Colony, and how?
Just how did he get it?

By remaining unemployed so long that he was flat broke and forced to live in a
shitty part of town next to the airport.


He was sure the entire colony would be just awed by their luck in acquiring him
in such a competitive way. He just hoped they didnt lynch him once they came out
of cryo-sleep and discovered what had happened.

So.

This was the beginning of his new life.

This was the beta colony.

His head was killing him, he was freezing, and an odd, spicy smell was tickling
his nose uncomfortably.

Beta Colony was lookin pretty crappy right now.

Why had he agreed to this again?

He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. He could do this. Hell, he didnt
have a choice. The trip to Beta Colony was a one-way ride. Maybe in a few decades
when the second wave came he could catch a ride back, if he lived that long, but for
now, he was stuck. Stuck in a situation that wasnt exactly making him jump up and
down doing the happy dance. He hadnt met anyone but the Captain and the few
crew that had been awake for the launch. He hadnt had time to read up on what
languages were actually spoken once the final colonists had been chosen. Hell, he
didnt even know if he was going to have his own home or if hed end up having to
share with one of the families. It was a bit terrifying to contemplate

but he could cope with this. He could. It was just like the traveling hed done
as a child: arriving in some completely unknown part of the world and finding their
way around by the seat of their pants. Among people they couldnt understand,
trying to find new plants in places they didnt really know the exact location of,
theyd still managed. Well, hed managed. His parents had wandered around like the
absent minded professors that they were.

Sometimes, he wondered if hed gone into linguistics simply because hed had to
learn so many languages as a kid, just to keep himself and his parents from being
mugged and killed everywhere they went.

He took a deep breath. Okay, he could do this.

Another deep breath. He could do this. It could be fun. And his fellow colonists
couldnt be too bad. After all, he was here, wasnt he? Hed stepped in and bailed
them out. Things could be a lot worse for them. Hell, they could have been stuck
together with no translator between the different groups at all.

That was what the military men whod talked to him had implied, anyway. The
guilt that thought had produced was probably what pushed him over the edge from
stunned denial to tentative reluctant acceptance of their offer. Especially after they
let him know that the first linguist's death hadn't been an accident; they were fairly
certain it was the pro-earth terrorist faction. A chemical compound they commonly
used had been found in the linguists pre-launch cocktail, although at least the poor
man had drunk his early and thus spared many of the others whose drinks had been
spiked as well. Considering that the time and date of the actual launch had been
secret, however, the military was frankly terrified that delaying their departure was
what the terrorists were aiming for. As a result, they were willing to put up with
Maxs less than stellar qualifications in exchange for sticking to the original time
table.

All of that should have been enough to persuade him to go, but if he were honest
with himself, hed had a cowardly little flinch when theyd reminded him of the
contract hed signed. If the linguists higher on the list were unable to perform their
duties, he had agreed to take his place as Beta Colonys linguist. The penalty for
reneging on that sort of government contract was paying a portion of their lost
revenue for an interrupted launch.

In other words, hed be in debt until his great-grandchildren had grandchildren.

He sighed again, refusing to open his eyes.

So.

Again, here he was. Beta Colony.

This should be interesting.

He turned his head, pausing at the sensations it produced. He was face up, the
right position for what he last remembered, but why did his capsule feel so oddly
silky? He moved his head back and forth again, shifting his body as well and
realizing that not only was his capsule's fabric no longer the cheap, scratchy
synthetic he remembered, he was feeling it with his whole body.

He was fucking naked.

Great, someone was playing pranks on him already and he wasn't even fully
awake yet. Just great. He grumbled to himself and rolled over, careful not to move
too much and bang the sides he knew were there. If they were going to strip him,
then he'd damn well go back to sleep and be mooning the assholes when the came
back into the cryo center.

And it didn't hurt that rolling over hid the fact that he was already blushing like
crazy just thinking about unknown strangers looking at and commenting on his nude
body. That was, honestly, disturbing. What did this say about the people he was
going to be spending the rest of his life with? He lay quietly, absently squirming his
hips to try and itch his stomach on the fabric beneath him. It slid with him, giving
him no friction and absolutely no relief whatsoever.

"Stupid cloth," he muttered, trying to slide his hand underneath his body to itch
himself covertly. He groaned when he hit the spot. God, the only thing better than
scratching a good itch was good sex. He humped forward slightly as he scratched
furiously at his stomach, and felt a twinge of pain inside. What in the world was that
from? He moved his hips again, felt the same pain, and was suddenly bombarded
with memories of hands and lips and someone

Dear God, he remembered someone taking him in the ass!

Someone with a deep voice and soft hands and, he knew he was fucked up now,
cat ears and glowing green eyes with slits for pupils. He had to be hallucinating,
right? He had to be. There was no way that he was really remembering someone
fucking him- just no way that some-some guy had sex with him. And no FUCKING
way that he remembered enjoying it. No way. It was a side effect of the cryo-sleep,
that was it.

He clenched his buttocks in response to the very idea of someone actually getting
into his body, and as his insides stung again he started to panic. That wasn't a
hallucination: it hurt! His body hurt in a place that he sure as hell hadn't been doing
anything to! What the hell had happened? What had the bastards who piloted this
ship done to him before he'd woken up all the way?

He fought the urge to panic, trying to focus on his anger instead. Hed been
raped in his sleep. Some bastards thought they could get away with raping him.
And it had to be more than one person, because there was no way you could do this
without being monitored from the deck. The fuckers.

Did they think he wouldnt notice, or did they simply think he was too much of a
wimp to
say anything about it? It wouldnt be the first time someone had thought he wasnt
much of a threat, although he didnt have a fucking clue as to why. Dammit, he was
six foot one! And he worked out! He didnt look like a wimp, as far as he knew. But
the moment people found out he was a linguist it was like their estimation of his
masculinity went down the toilet.

Well, these bastards were going to learn pretty damn fast that they couldnt just
molest him and get away with it. They were going to pay. He opened his eyes and
pushed himself up suddenly, reaching out for the side of the capsule and flopping
forward with a soft fwump as his hand met empty air.

He shook his head, and pushed himself up again, his vision processing the room
around him. He froze as his brain caught up to the images his eyes were sending it.

"Where the hell is this?" he blurted. He was on some weird kind of bed half
sunken into the floor. At least, it was a bed only if a bed could be made out of one
enormous silk pillow. Although it had enough small pillows littered over it to make
another bed entirely, he thought. The creamy walls around him had recesses filled
with oversized tables and benches, jewel-toned jars and oils topping them, a few
mirrors showing his naked body staring back at him, flushed and wide eyed.

The weirdest thing of all was some odd, roughly hewn pole that angled sharply
from one side of the room to end at the top of the other, exiting into some hole in
the side of the wall. What the hell was this place? The colony didn't even have fully
constructed buildings yet, if he hadn't been lied to. Yet, this room looked not only
modern, in a rather sybaritic way, but old. It had too many small imperfections to
be newly made.

"What the hell is happening? Where am I?" he yelled, and heard a brief scuffling
of movement to his right. He looked over quickly, seeing only the wall at first, and
then realized that some of the decorative beige streaks across it might actually
denote a doorway, if he was lucky. He looked around, hoping for some sort of
covering, and finally settled for holding a black velvety pillow against his privates as
he approached the possible exit. He couldn't figure out what was going on. Had
something gone wrong? Were they at the first colony, possibly? It was over three
decades old, right? It could possibly have something like this set up, he told himself,
trying to believe it.

Reaching the door, he looked at it closely. One small oval on the side was inset,
and he carefully stuck his finger in, pressing sideways. A panel almost twice his
height slid back silently and he stared, mouth agape in shock.

Two of the fucking biggest men he'd ever seen in his whole damn life turned
smoothly to face him. Fuck, they were like basketball players crossed with Conan,
he thought in disbelief. They're even wearing loincloths! As he stared up at them, he
felt himself start to shake. While their skin was human and a light golden brown,
their faces were oddly thin and harsh, their eyes had slit pupils and on top of their
heads cat ears! They each had a set of small cat ears matching their dark
mahogany hair. His first thought, that they must be costumes, died a swift death as
the furry things swiveled back and forth. They stared down at him expressionlessly.

"Shit!" He managed to squeak. They weren't human! He was looking at--at fucking
aliens! Were these here when the ship had already landed? Was he a prisoner then?
Was the entire colony a prisoner? Or had they been boarded by these people while
they were still in flight?
Hell, nobody had even fucking seen an alien before! He didn't know what the hell to
expect. The only thing he knew was that he really, really didn't want to piss
something that lethal looking off. He backed away a few steps carefully, relieved
that they didn't follow. Glancing back at the bed a moment to make sure some
freaky thing hadn't snuck up behind him while he was distracted, he was reminded
of his hazy memories of sex and he looked back to the cat men in horror.

Has one of them actually--fucked me? He'd been so sure it had been at least
partially some wacked out dream. He didn't doubt he'd been taken that way, but the
man he remembered had fucking cat ears, for God's sake! But now, now he was
looking at men with--with fucking cat ears! What had been done to him? If they'd
raped him while he was still loopy from cryo-crap, were they done with him? Or
were they planning on doing it again?

He backed away a few more steps, blushing and, he admitted, really damn scared.
He could defend himself, sure, but not against some kind of super giant barbarian
cat thing! Shit, he was so fucked.

Shit, he really wished he hadn't thought those exact words, he thought, cringing.

"What do you want?" he finally choked out as they continued to stare at him. He
clutched the pillow to himself tightly, wishing it was at least three times as big so it
could cover his whole damn body rather than just his groin.

"Where am I? Wh-what did you do with everyone else?" he stuttered, feeling rather
hysterical, and he clamped his lips together as one of them finally moved. Oh God,
he'd pissed one off. Shit, he was a fucking idiot! He backed away more, watching
them closely as one reached for something beyond the edge of the door where Max
could see. Crap, what was he doing?

He stood perfectly still, staring at them. Wait, were you supposed to stare at cats
or was that considered aggressive behavior? He couldn't remember! Did that even
apply when it was cat aliens instead of actual cats?

This was crazy!

He heard the sound of someone coming near, outside the door, and the two guards,
he assumed they were guards, swiveled swiftly and closed the door with the same
motion. Great, he was locked back in. Without the cat guys, as least. He sighed
shakily. He was being kept in a room by huge, alien cat dudes.

What the hell was he going to do?









Fiction~~The Last Pure Human~~Ch. 3


The Last Pure Human
Chapter 3 - Introductions




Kasan fidgeted on his cushion, annoyed at having to listen to Nolluz droning on
about the cleverness of the new visual communication system. Frankly, he didnt
know how the damn things worked yet, but he wasnt going to reveal his ignorance
to his idiot of a brother so he had to just shut up and nod his agreement as the little
suck up monologued the subject to death. Damn but he wanted to just finish their
discussion and get back to his little Gisho. Aside from a dazed waking when Kasan
had helped him pee, the human male had slept like the dead until Kasan had to
greet father and the rest of the horde as they arrived back home. As far as Kasan
knew, he was still sleeping. It wasnt unheard of for a new consort to sleep for over
three days after the bond was cemented. Kasan sighed to himself. He didnt care:
hed be happy to simply look at him for right now. He wanted to look at that sweet,
luscious ass and beautiful face and just fucking fantasize. And maybe live out a
fantasy or two while he was at it.

God, he had been so tight

Kasan swallowed and glanced at his father.

He hadnt told anyone in the family about his consort yet. Not that theyd asked. He
was sure theyd been curious on the way back from the hunt, but when theyd
arrived and found out just what had been going on in their absence, every male in
the family had started raging.

It had been a very loud afternoon.

Now that they had finally calmed down and he and his brothers had retreated to
talk and finish up their evening drinks, Kasan figured hed soon be interrogated over
the new member of the family. Thank God the consorts and the children had gone
back to their quarters already. He could just imagine what the entire herd would be
like when they found out hed mated with a male. His brothers were going to be hard
enough to handle as it was. Kasan, taking a male for a mate, after years of saying
how he wasnt attracted to them? They were going to tease the ever-loving shit out
of him.

Fortunately, at the moment all his family knew was that his heat had completed,
he'd found a consort, and said consort was healthy but taking a much needed rest.
Hed only assured them of those necessities before Leero interrupted to inform them
of Shovaks actions. Everything else consort related had been lost in the maelstrom.
For a while, that is.

So here he was after dinner, listening to every tedious detail about the hunting trip
as he tried to calculate how long he could politely wait before heading back to his
own chambers while avoiding any further discussion of the subject until morning.

He smiled a moment, thinking about Gisho, and flinched as Jolan punched him in
the arm.

"Hey, no fantasizing in the conference room," the crown prince mocked, grinning at
Kasan. Kasan thought Jolan was just happy he finally had a chance to say the phrase
Kasan had tormented him with for years now. He grinned back.

"You're just jealous," he said, spouting Jolan's traditional response, and the two of
them chuckled as the other four brothers groaned.

"Lovely, that's all we need, another wise-ass." Nolluz said.

"Better that than a dumb ass." Zonta retorted, and nodded his support to his older
brother with a wink.

"I'd rather have a piece of ass," Aosh said, leering.

"That's because you ARE an ass." Tisu responded, earning himself a swipe and a
growl.

"Enough." The six men turned to look at their father, Kyoru. He glared a moment
but couldn't hold the expression before breaking down and smiling ruefully. "Six full
grown men and you act like a room full of pre-pubescent boys. I shudder for the fate
of the kingdom, sometimes. Truly."

Nolluz was the only one who looked even remotely chastised, and he started to
speak again in subdued tones. Kasan was silently thanking his familys typical banter
for making them forget about his consort, again, when there was a knock at the door.
Everyone frowned. The guards did a good job of keeping frivolous interruptions at
bay, so if someone had made it to the door, it was likely to be serious.

Gisho! Had something happened to Gisho?

"Come in." Kyoru called out, his sons watching intently to see who came through
the doors.

Leero walked in with no expression on his face, and Kasans heart starting beating
wildly in his chest. God, something had happened to Gisho!

"What's wrong?" he asked, his voice already rough with stress.

Leero stared at him a moment before answering. "Prince Kasan, your--" he paused
as though considering, and went on with a bit of a smirk, "your consort has woken
up and, I believe, may be in need of some reassurance."

Oh thank God, he had woken up.

"That's all?" Jolan asked, surprised. The other brothers all watched Leero curiously,
and he was surprised they didnt start questioning him immediately. Now that theyd
been reminded, he was sure they were rabid with curiosity over his new consort.

"Don't be an ass, Jolan. I asked him to fetch me as soon as it happened. There are
some--special circumstances involved. I'm sorry, but we'll have to finish this later."
Kasan was already heading for the door.

"This, yes. But if your consort is awake and feeling well enough, bring her down,"
Kyoru ordered. "Its much easier to welcome her to the family for the first time in a
less formal setting like this. We'll arrange for the consorts to meet her tomorrow, as
well. Perhaps at firstmeal"

Kasan swallowed and nodded. Well, everyone would definitely be in for a surprising
night. He contemplated telling them about Gisho beforehand and dismissed it. It was
usually best to try and keep the upper hand when dealing with his mob of a family,
and anything that could throw them off balance was usually a good thing. Hed
surprise them when they came down.

"Of course. I'll bring--my consort down in a moment." He bowed briefly and turned,
heading out the door and over to his suite of rooms as quickly as he could without
actually running.

Leero followed, smiling at him as they walked. You didnt tell me he had such
pretty eyes, he commented lightly.

Kasan spared him a glance. Did he try to come out or did you go in?

He opened the door. He was gaping like a country bumpkin and covering his
privates with one of the black velvet pillows Tisu gave you last Naming Day. Funniest
damn thing Ive seen in years. I think Im gonna like this one.

Kasan bit his lip, imagining it. The black velvet ones, huh?

Leero smirked. Uh huh. Little tassels brushing over his skin and everything. Very
sexy.

You look too long at him with that kind of thinking and Ill poke out your eyes,
Leero. Kasan was a bit horrified to realize that he was half serious.

Leero laughed at him. And now we discover that buried deep inside, Kasan is
actually a jealous lover. I can hardly wait to watch the little one make you squirm.

Shut up, you ass.

And now youre starting to spout sweet words of love, too.

Fuck off.

Oh, please, stop. Youll make me blush.

Kasan gave up and punched him in the shoulder hard enough to make him stumble,
and still Leero kept laughing.

I liked you better when you thought I was dying, Kasan grumbled.

Oh now that hurts. Truly. I think I might cry. Leero wiped a false tear from his eye
before turning his head to watch Kasan. Think your little one is any good at
comforting a poor, wounded guard?

You really need to shut it. Right now.

Leero did, taking the opportunity to smile suggestively at a maid as they passed,
and Kasan shook his head. He was incorrigible. A few minutes passed in silence
before Leero broke it.

I never did get a chance to ask: whats your consorts name?

I really have no idea. He doesn't speak any language I can understand."

Leeros eyebrows shot up. Well, thats unusual.

My consorts unusual as well. Maybe we just suit each other.

I hope so.

Kasan ignored Leeros serious tone with an embarrassed look to the side as he
watched the wall slide by as he walked. He didnt want to admit how much he
wanted his bond to work. It was simply a physical connection, after all. Some men
had little to nothing in common with their consorts aside from the sex. Some barely
even tolerated that much. But even though he hadnt held even one actual
conversation with Gisho, already Kasan felt more for him than was comfortable.
Possibly because for the first time, Kasan had someone around who was even more
different from the Kyashin than he was. It was a connection of sorts, even if it was
fairly tenuous. But with something in common, perhaps one day there would be
enough affection between them to allow them to become friends as well as lovers.
He barely allowed himself to think of it becoming any more than that. It would
bealmost too much to hope for.

Finally reaching his doors after an uncomfortable silence, he was relieved to see
Esgard stationed by it, and more relieved to notice his relaxed stance.

"Is he all right?" he asked.

Esgard inclined his head. To my knowledge, my lord. Hes barely stirred since we
closed the door.

Kasan nodded to himself and opened the door as Leero and Esgard turned to face
the hallway. He found Gisho sitting, or rather hiding, in the middle of the bed,
pillows piled around him like some sort of cocoon so that only his head and arms
showed. His consort clutched the pillows and looked up at Kasan with wide blue eyes
as the door was closed.

It was practically criminal how damn cute the man was. It made Kasan want to just
pick him up and cuddle him on his lap.

Kasan smiled at his own odd thoughts and walked forward slowly. He visually took
inventory of his consorts health. His eyes were clear and he didnt sway drunkenly,
so the Argenta had probably worked its way out of his system. However, he looked
positively terrified the closer Kasan came. That wasnt something Kasan had
expected at all. He thought the little man might have been nervous about being in a
strange place, or angry at the speed of their last encounter, or even frustrated by his
inability to communicate, but terror?

Why was he so frightened? Kasan knew Gisho had enjoyed being screwed. The little
thing had come, hadnt he? Kasan hadnt hurt or abused him. He hadnt even spoken
a harsh word! He couldnt think of what was so terrifyingunless it was a result of
the drug? Argenta was said to have some affects on memory, so it was possible that
the entire night before was rather hazy. What if the little one didnt even remember
him at all? If Shovak had bought him from slavers, so who knew what his life had
been like, or what he remembered of it. For all Kasan knew, his last memories might
be of the slavers themselves. If that was the case no wonder hes terrified. Poor
thing wouldnt even understand that hes safe now.

Kasan tried to look non-threatening, obviously failing as the man tensed with every
step he took.

He lowered himself onto the edge of the bed, kneeling on the floor next to it so he
could rest his elbows on the soft surface, and stared at him.

"It's all right, precious. I'm not going to harm you. You're safe." His voice was a low,
soothing murmur.

Gishos eyes grew positively huge and he scrambled back, scattering pillows wildly
as he shoved himself across the bed until he perched, trembling, at the far edge.
Kasan stayed still. It wouldn't do to startle him more. Poor thing probably didn't
have a clue what was going on, and Kasan couldn't even tell him. He settled for
making soothing noises and keeping perfectly still until the pulse point in Gishos
throat slowed to a more normal rhythm.

He shifted and Gisho stiffened again, poised to flee.

Hey. Hey, now. Shhhhh. I wont hurt you, little one. He laid his hands on the bed,
palm up and non-threatening. Look. Im just sitting here. Nothing else. Just sitting
right here and not moving the slightest bit. There, see? Theres no reason to be
frightened. No ones going to hurt you anymore. Kasan felt a little like he was trying
to tame some skittish animal as he continued speaking in soft murmurs. Every time
he moved at all, he could see his consorts body jump and flinch.

Kasan really hoped that didnt mean he had been abused. Even thinking about the
dainty man being hurt was enough to make him slightly nauseous. He continued his
soft chant of reassurance, concentrating on Gishos reactions until Kasans shifting
ceased to alarm the little man so badly. Maybe he could finally make some
introductions.

Little one, he changed his tone, tapping his nose so Gisho would pay attention.
When he had blue eyes looking at his face, as opposed to staring at his bare chest,
he pointed to himself.

"Kasan." A blank look was all he got and he tried again, gesturing. Kasan... He
saw a faint glimmer of understanding-he thought- and made his first real attempt at
communication. Whats your name?" He pointed towards Gisho, watching to see if
he would figure it out. This should be interesting.


#


The door opening had Max instantly on edge. Was it them, the huge cat dudes?
What did they want? Were they going to? He stared at the open door way and
tensed as one male walked in, closing the door as he entered. He waswell, he was
freaking huge. So what if he wasnt as tall as the previous two, he was still just as
wide. Max looked at the rippling muscles covering the mans-cats-body and he
shivered in reaction. He was absolutely positive the man could break him in two like
a twig.

With his pinkies.

Long, loose black hair hung down the mans back to his waist, matched by silky
black pointed ears on top of his head. Max couldnt stop staring at them. It was so
unreal. He was looking at a man with body parts hed never seen on a human.
Thinking of it, he looked at the mans face. It was broader than the guards, a little
less alien with smooth skin, high cheekbones, and full lips that made Max think of
male models. His gaze shifted to the mans eyes and he flinched. The cats face
might look more human, but the eyes gave him away. Long black lashes surrounded
golden brown eyes that looked human until you noticed the slitted pupil instead of
the rounded one he expected. It was so disturbing. More disturbing than some little
grey space alien would have been, in all honesty.

It reminded him of how hed felt the first time hed ever seen a musk deer. Hed
been traveling with his folks, smiling as hed caught a glimpse of the little deer, and
then hed screamed as it had turned to face them and revealed two giant fangs. It
turned out that they were merely tusks, not an indicator of some bizarre carnivorous
deer, but the sensation of wrongness hadnt left him. Seeing something so
unexpected and different attached to something so familiar was just wacked. Just
like an eerily human looking alien.

Something twitched and Max looked quickly to see a tail switching behind him. Wait,
a tail? This one had a tail? The other ones hadnt had a tail. So what did that mean?
Were there merely variations, or were these different kinds of aliens entirely? This
ones hair coloring was so much darker, matched by the inky ears and furred tailit
could be more than one type of alien, he thought, biting his lip. He felt tense and on
edge, trying to notice everything about the man for later. Whatever was going on, if
he didnt pay attention, he might not survive it.

Its just like traveling with the folks, he tried to tell himself as he struggled to stay
calm. Well, struggled not to completely and utterly panic, was more like it. But still,
a new place, a new language, new customs, and trying not to get raped or killed. Its
nothing new. Just because its an alien place and an alien language and alien
customs and trying not to get raped or killed by aliens.

Dammit, he couldnt believe some cat guy had taken his body like that! And now
there was a new cat man and he was coming over to Max. And the bed. And Max
was on it. Max was sitting on the bed that seemed more suited for a bordello than a
bedroom.

Oh Godwhat if thats what this is?!

Fuck, what if this is aa a whorehouse? An alien whorehouse! He stared at the
man, terrified that he was right. Hell, he was naked, he was on a silken bed covered
only with pillows, and now guards were allowing someone to enter the room who
was barely clothed. He couldnt take his eyes away from him, thinking hysterically
that he might be in a real, damn live cat house! God, what did they want with him!?

And damn it, had none of these guys ever heard of a shirt?! The black haired man
was dressed just like the two guards outside, in some odd kind of cream and blue
loincloth with a flap hanging in front and covering up hisno, he really wasnt going
to go there. He was not going to think about that part at all, especially as large as
that part looked to be under there.

He gulped.

Butdarn it, the man had no shirt, no shoes, just a gold torque kind of thing that
hugged his neck. He was an alien; wasnt he supposed to be dressed all hi-tech or
something? Dressed and completely covered and totally uninterested in low-tech
aliens like Max in any way except helping him get back to the colony. If Max wasnt
already there, and if that was the case, God help him. Unless he was merely
captured and not in any type of place where any type of person wanted any part of
his body whatsoever. Then God would get a big thank you note as soon as Max could
write it.

As the man glided forward, Max tensed even more. What was he going to do? What
was the alien planning to do to him? Why couldnt he put on some fucking clothes
and cover up all that bronze flesh so Max wouldnt have to think about the fact that
it might possibly be touching him soon!!

The man knelt fluidly by the bed, and Max was profoundly grateful that he wasnt
crawling onto it, until he spoke. Max froze for just a moment and then he found
himself at the far edge of the bed before he completely registered that hed moved.
Because he knew that voice. That was the same deep, silky, resonant voice that he
remembered hearing as someone caressed him body, as someone thrust into him.

This was the man who had used his body. The eyes were different, but there was no
way he could mistake that voice.

God.

Oh God.

Oh Dear Fucking God Almighty What The Hell Do I Do!?? The man moved and Max
got ready to run. If he damn well came anywhere near him, Max was going to get
the hell away andGod, he really hoped he could get away from him! When the cat
dude simply sat and started talking, Max tried to calm down. He wasnt jumping him.
Thank God. He wasnt jumping on him. He was merely talking and murmuring and,
well, the tones in his voice made Max feel a bit stupid, actually.

It sounded just like Max when hed first been talking to the cat hed rescued as a
stray. Hed try to sooth it, spouting words as though the cat had a clue what he was
saying, keeping his voice low and his rhythm even. Just like the cat guy was doing.
The man shifted again and Max couldnt help himself: he froze. He just didnt know
what the man was going to do, and considering what the man HAD done, he was too
nervous about the possibilities to calm down.

More soothing sounds flowed from the aliens mouth and Max stared at him
cautiously. Was he treating him like a pet? Was that what he was now, some aliens
pet? Better than some kind of novelty Terran whoreunless cat guys fucked their
pets, too? Because this one most definitely had. And any man who had taken his
body made him really, really nervous, no matter how good they might have made
him feel. When all the man did was talk constantly and move hardly at all, however,
Max started to relax. Hed only been up for a whilewas it even an hour? Already he
was exhausted. His muscles felt shaky and too tense and he could feel a headache
starting behind his eyes. If this man wasnt going to do anything to him right now,
he could relax a little, couldnt he? Just a little bit. He didnt take his eyes from him,
but Max let his muscles soften just slightly.

His brow furrowed when the man tapped his nose, his voice changing. Was that an
order? Did he actually expect Max to have a clue what he was saying? Because he
was pretty dumb for an alien if that was the case. The man said a different word,
pointing to himself, and Max stared. He was introducing himself? The man whod
taken his body when he was obviously too messed up to deny him was freaking
telling him his name?? How could he even think Max would want anything to do with
him when hed, well, hed done things to him?

Lots of things to him. Max had remembered quite a bit as hed huddled under the
pillows on the bed. He could remember calloused hands touching his penis,
massaging it until it was hard and aching. He could remember lips and warmth
caressing his chest and back. Worst of all, he could remember the feeling of being on
his knees, exposing his ass as someone slid something slick and smooth into him. He
could still practically feel it; the odd sensation as something larger entered, as his
body felt tight and stretched when the man had impaled him.

And what made him want to just run and hide was the one memory he wished he
could wipe from his mind: he remembered liking it. More than liking. He remember
the feeling of something inside his body, rubbing against him, making him feel like
he was about to die if it didnt continue. This man in front of him had taken his body,
and his body had loved it. He could barely stand to think about it. How could he have
liked it? How could he have not only let someone do this to him, but actually enjoyed
it? It was honestly more terrifying than waking up and finding himself in a room
guarded by aliens.

And now his seducer wanted to exchange names? Maxs first thought was to tell him
to go to hell. As that would be pointless and hed feel really stupid if the dude
couldnt understand him, hed settle for ignoring him. Like hed want anything to do
with someone who had molested him. Jeez. He stared at him silently as the man
repeated the same word again, like Max was too stupid to figure it out the first time.

No, dude, Im not stupid, Im ignoring you.

His eyes went to the ears again as they twitched, and he was suddenly reminded of
the guards outside. He bit his lip as the possibilities for the future suddenly ran
through this head. This was the man who haddamn it, whod had sex with him. BIG
point against ever even talking to him again. On the other hand, he was a lot less
scary than the two guards. He talked more than the two guards. He was more
human looking than the two guards. And most importantly, he, and therefore his
dick, was smaller than the other guards. If Max was going to be some kind of human
sex toy before he managed to get out of here, who would he rather have to deal
with: the giant scary cats or the smaller friendlier cat?

Not even a contest, was it? Except, was future sex even going to be an issue? What
if it was a one-time thing? What if all he had to do was say stop and the alien would
leave him alone? Butwhat if he said stop and this alien left him alone and another
bigger one came to take his place? Or they hurt him? Did he have the option to
refuse to have anything to do with this cat, or would he be forced if he didn't do
what they wanted? The fact that he had no way of finding out before anything
happened was absolutely terrifying. He started to hyperventilate and concentrated
on his breathing.

First rule: don't panic. He needed to remember that. For the moment, the man
wasn't bothering him, right? He HAD bothered him, but he wasnt right now. He was
just talking. Max hadnt ever had to face someone whod forced him to have sex
before, but hed dealt with plenty of people whose intentions he wasnt sure of. So,
hed do what he always did in those situations: watch every thing around him like a
hawk until he figured out what the hell was going on, and run like hell if he needed
to. He started breathing in and out in slow even breaths. Okay, so what had the man
said?

He looked at him, pointing and trying to repeat it. "Kah-sahn," he said slowly, and
the man smiled and made encouraging little sounds. Max scowled. The mans tone of
voice made him feel like a trained poodle being rewarded.

He did NOT want to be a pet. He was a person. He had a name. Max. He pointed
to himself. There, trained poodles, or pets, couldnt name themselves, now could
they?

"Mah-ks" Kasan said, and smiled again as Max nodded. Max watched as the man
frowned, muttering to himself. Kasan finally held up one finger. "Mah-ks," he said,
wiggling the finger. He held up and wiggled another. "Kasan." Then he put the two
fingers close together and twined them around each other while speaking in
completely incomprehensible syllables and Max felt like he was going to
hyperventilate all over again.

What did that mean? It looked sexual; it looked so sexual Max wanted to leap away
instead of sitting there and smiling cluelessly like he was doing. Or maybe he wasnt.
Kasan was looking at him, a worried expression on his face. Could he tell what Max
was thinking? What was he going to do? Kasan moved forward just slightly and Max
pushed himself right onto the floor, holding one of the pillows in front of himself.
Kasan looked at him, muttered to himself some more, and slid back before rising to
his feet gracefully and gliding to the wall. Man, the guy could really move, and in
that teeny little loincloth, you could see every muscle, showing that he glided ALL
over. Max couldnt help envy him. He just knew that no one would dismiss his
masculinity ever again if he moved like that.

Kasan pressed on the wall with his palm and Max's eyes widened as a panel slid
back to reveal a set of shelves with cloth on them. Looking back and forth between
the cloth and Max, Kasan finally pulled something out and brought it towards him. It
was a very long, thin rectangle of fabric and Max stood up from his heap on the floor
and backed away nervously as he looked at it. It looked an awful lot like something
that might be used to tie someone up. And as he was the only other person in the
room, Max was afraid it might be aimed at him. Was this Kasan guy planning to tie
him up? Was this because hed backed away? Maxs breathing sped up and he got
ready to run again. He wasnt going to let him tie him up, dammit!

Kasan stopped at seeing Maxs reaction. He held up the cloth with one hand and
proceeded to point to his loincloth and then the cloth. He repeated the gesture and
the word as Max looked at him, and Max finally noticed the similarity in width
between the tie and the front flap of Kasans loincloth.

Air escaped in a whoosh as he let out the breath hed been holding. Clothing. Kasan
was just getting him clothing. Max had backed away from him, and his response was
to get him something to wear. That wasso much better than hed been thinking
that he felt a bit giddy. He laughed out loud from of sheer relief. Just clothes. Kasan
was just going to dress him. Thank God. His laughter subsided to a few relieved
huffs and he took one, deep breath to try and calm himself. Clothing. Crap, he
needed to get a grip on himself.

As Kasan approached again, however, Max got a grip on the black pillow instead. He
was, at this point, very fond of that pillow. Extremely fond. So fond that he had no
intention of releasing it any time soon, he thought, shifting nervously from one foot
to the other. He looked at the cloth in Kasans hand and bit his lip. How exactly was
he going to figure this thing out? Kasan was wearing a fully made loincloth, flap in
front and twisted strip over each hip. How did he get from a long cloth to a loincloth?
Max supposed hed just have to ask for help by looking as stupid as possible. That
usually seemed to work when he couldnt communicate with someone. Look helpless
and you tended to get help.

Or attacked, so it was rather important to use caution with the method. And it was
really, really damaging to the whole ego thing, honestly. Hed stopped trying to look
helpless as he got older for a reason. But right now? It was an easy, familiar thing to
drop back on, and he could really use something familiar at the moment.

He stared at Kasan who was standinga lot closer than he should be, actually. Max
swallowed a moment as he had to lean back to little to look up at him. His eyes were
like honey and dark, warm coffee. Max swallowed again with more difficulty and
tried to smile.

Uh...I could really use whatever help you could give me with this loincloth thing.
And Id really like you to stay the hell away from my body and most especially my
ass. So, the cat dude couldnt understand him. So Maxs voice was mild and not in
the slightest bit angry or threatening because it just might piss off the huge alien in
front of him. Hed still told him to stay away, hadnt he? That had to count for
something.

Hopefully.









Fiction~~The Last Pure Human~~Ch. 4


The Last Pure Human
Chapter 4 - Loincloth




With Kasan looking down at him, Max felt rather stupid. All right, so Max had told
him to stay away from him, because he wasnt going to become some alien play toy
if he could help it, but who was he trying to fool? Was the alien going to do what he
asked? It wasnt as though the cat man had asked permission the first time, now
was it? So the odds that Maxs permission would be sought for any future activities
was highly unlikely, even if the big alien had a clue what Max was saying, which he
didnt. Of course he didnt. Otherwise, he wouldnt still be standing so close and
looming over Max like some barbarian. A calm, focused, huge, half-naked barbarian
who was staring at him so intently that Max would have felt naked even if he
actually HAD clothing on. Max returned his stare, but as Kasan continued looking
into his eyes without saying a word, Maxs nerves slowly frayed, one thread at a
time. Why was he juststanding there? Why was he looking at him?

It was disturbing, both the worry over what he was planning, and the larger worry
over how his body was reacting to having the big man this close. It was frightening
and intimidating, like waiting at the top of a roller coaster just before the big plunge.
He just didnt know if the big plunge was going to be good, or bad. And his body
seemed a little interested in finding out, which was highly unsettling. This was the
man who had used his body. Max should be keeping as far away from him as
possible. He should WANT to stay as far away from him as possible. He DID want to
stay as far away as possible. It was justKasan was so close. And he was watching
him. What did he want with him?

Kasan smiled suddenly, and for a moment the only thing Maxs mind could manage
was, Wow. Who cared about the cats pupils, the alien had the sexiest smile hed
ever seen. Ever. And while the crowd Max had hung out with in college had tended
more towards the ivory tower than the runway, hed seen enough T.V. to recognize
sexy. Hed just never thought there would come a time where he would recognize it
in a man and find his breathing affected at the same time. Who could have guessed
it: big cat men had facial expressions so erotic that they crossed the sex barrier.

And their eyes did a pretty good number on the senses too, he thought as he looked
up into golden brown at close range. The huge half-naked man was standing so close
to him that hed be able to see the individual hairs on his chest if he could manage
to drag his eyes from the other mans gaze. Not that he seemed capable of that for
the moment. Everything felt slow and thick, and Max felt his cheeks flush at Kasans
silent, focused attention. He licked dry lips. This was too weird, and too scary, and
too strange: the bed, the giant men, the ears and tails, and now the man was
looking him over like he was something to eat, but not in a devour him as an alien
delicacy kind of way. Besides that, the look was making him feel kind of hot.

That was probably normal though. If someone, boy or girl, human or alien, looked
at you as though you were the tastiest thing since chocolate, it was bound to turn
you on a little, even if it was scary and intimidating and confusing at the same time.
At least, he thought it probably would. It wasnt as though anyone had ever looked
at him that way before, so he didnt really have a baseline to compare it with. He
didnt know that hed ever seen anyone looked at that way except in a movie, and
faced with someone looking at HIM so covetously, inches away, he thought that a
movie couldnt possibly convey the full impact of that stare. His skin felt all tingly
and hot, and he started to breathe a bit quicker, noticing the mans rich, rather
musky scent hit his nose. He started breathing even faster.

Crap, he was going to hyperventilate again.

Max held his breath on each inhalation as he tried to calm down. As holding his
breath seemed to simply concentrate Kasans scent in his head, and his dick
twitched in response, Max wondered in a panicked way if he should just
hyperventilate and let himself pass out. Maybe that would be better. It wouldnt be
so confusing. He wouldnt be standing so close to Kasan and finding him too scary
and too sexy and too big and he could just stop worrying about every stupid,
terrifying thought that was crossing his mind at the moment. Max tensed to take a
step away and stopped as he saw Kasans mouth above his head. That mouthit
was

Wow.

He wondered if it tasted as pretty as it looked.

Max blinked at the thought and took a quick step away from Kasan, staring at him
in horrified negation of the question that refused to leave even now that he was
aware of just how wrong it was. He didnt want to know what Kasans mouth tasted
like!

He didnt want to know what his lips or his jaw or his cheeks or hischestor
stomachor Max found himself looking at Kasans loincloth and he choked. His
eyes whipped back up to safer places and he found himself looking at the oddly
seductive mouth again.

Kasans lips quirked slightly at the corner and he chuckled, which really made Max
start to have worries about mind reading or other talents. Could alien cat barbarians
read minds?? Was Kasan only chuckling because he thought Max made a quirky
looking little pet, or because he knew Max had thought of his body in ways that were
just wrong? Wrong, wrong, wrong.

He stared at the lips again, wondering suddenly what they had done to him. Had
that mouth kissed him? Licked him? A sudden clear image of Kasans mouth sliding
over his penis hit him and he stared. W-was that a memory? It had to be, didnt it?
He would never think of something like that on his own. Uh uh. No way. But then
that meant that his dick had been between those lips, moving in and out as it grew
harder and wetter andoh darn it, and harder. Max pulled his pillow in close to his
body, hoping to God that he didnt lose it and expose his aroused state. He didnt
want to give the man any ideas, and he couldnt help it! The man had given him oral
sex, right? He had to have, that was the only reason Max would think of something
like that, and there was no way sex would fail to turn him on. It would turn on any
guy; that was part of BEING a guy. Sex was sexy, and oral sex wasreally sexy. It
was.

Those lips Max flushed even brighter, watching them continue to smile at him. It
didnt seem right that lips could do something so intimate to him and then smile so
nonchalantly.

This Kasan had no shame, having a mouth that could look like that at a person.

Kasans lips twitched again and he reached up with his free hand, running the back
of his knuckles against Maxs cheek as Max stared up at him. Swallowing, the
thought crossed Maxs mind that he should really run away screaming now. The man
had been inside his body, and Max had been inside the mans mouth- he had, hadnt
he? and now he was standing next to him and hed touched him again and only an
idiot stood naked in front of someone who had already made love to him unless they
wanted it to happen again.

And he didnt. So what if it felt really good. Fantastic or not, it had been sex with a
GUY. Amazing, stunning orgasms made no difference whatsoever in deciding who to
make love to. Sex was only something to have with someone who

Well, who

Dammit, someone who didnt have to penetrate his body as part of the process!
Having someone do that was justkind of embarrassing, and he thought it might
have hurt a bit too, and it was with a GUY. And Max hadnt been the GUY guy, hed
been the GIRL guy and that was just wrong. If he was going to have sex with some
sexy, gorgeous cat guy, Max wanted to be the GUY guy. He flushed as he realized
what hed just thought and his eyes widened while he stared up at Kasan.

Please oh please let him not be a mind-reading alien or I think Im gonna be in big
trouble, Max thought, feeling slightly panicked. He didnt really want sex, of any kind,
with Kasan. None. He really didnt, because he just wasnt interested in that type of
thing. Especially when he still wasnt sure exactly what he was doing here and it
might just be something tawdry and cheap like to be a little human whore for huge,
feline males. He felt a little cold in the gut until Kasan rubbed his hand across Maxs
cheek again and slid it towards his ear, moving it across his hair until it cupped the
back of his head.

Max looked up and gulped as Kasans face leaned towards his. Kasan was going to
kiss him! Kasan was going to use those soft lips and kiss him and he should move
away now, really quickly, except there was a hand embedded in his hair and
honeyed eyes were staring at him and those lips

Those lips were hot and sweet and they were sliding against his own as a slick
tongue ran across his mouth. He pushed away with his head, groaning as his small
jerk failed to move the palm cradling his skull. Max groaned again as Kasan gently
forced his tongue inside Maxs mouth and Max tasted honey and coffee. He would
swear that the man tasted exactly as his eyes looked: warm and bitter and sweet.
The heat of it flowed down his throat as Kasan continued to move his tongue across
Maxs, rubbing along the curves of the inside of his mouth. He felt the heat pooling
in his belly and up to the palms of his hands. Warm, smooth silky heat that flexed
within his groping hands.

Um.

Max pushed, his hands shoving against the chest that hed just been rubbing like a
sex-drugged idiot, and he stumbled back as Kasan released his head. Hed touched
him. Max had touched him. His palms could still feel the heat from the mans really
smooth, slightly furred chest andhed touched him! Kasan looked down a moment
and smiled rather wickedly as his eyes went back to Max. Max couldnt help it; he
looked down as well. Laying at Kasans feet was a tassled, black velvet pillow.

There hadnt been a pillow there a minute ago.

Maxs palms itched again. His hands twitched. But they shouldnt be twitching,
should they? They should be clutching the damn pillow that was currently lying at
Kasans feet. When in the world has Max gone from clutching his pillow to clutching
Kasans chest?
Why had he been touching the cat man in the first place? And why was he standing
still like an idiot while his erection was sticking out for the whole world to see,
especially the big honkin pervert who was currently staring at it like he was going to
lick it all over and swallow it whole. And why, why didnt that sound as bad as it
should?

Max covered himself with his hands, blushing again as Kasan chuckled at him. He
really wished the big cat would stop that. Looking down to make sure hed covered
himself completely, he yelped as he looked up and Kasan was standing immediately
in front of him again.

Dont DO that!

Kasan smiled crookedly and made a soft shushing sound before he knelt gracefully
in front of Max. The only reason Max could think of for the man to be kneeling with
his sensual, flexible mouth near Maxs gripping hands was enough to send his pulse
soaring.

Kasan brought his eyes back up to Max's and Max felt like squirming. Why was he
looking at him like that? What was he doing? Was he just playing with him? Was he
going to touch him or wasnt he?! Max frowned at him as he tried to figure it out and
Kasan chuckled deeply again.

"Jerk," he muttered, and then froze as Kasan gently took Maxs hand and moved it
to the side. As he did the same with Maxs other hand and then stopped to stare at
the firm member in front of him, Max panted. He should really move, or kick him or
hit him or yell at him. Slap him at the very least. Staring at the avid rather hungry
look on the mans face as he stared at Maxs nude, aroused body part, though, Max
couldnt move. He was horny, and aching, and the mans mouth was so close to him
and he wondered what it would feel like. He wondered if those lips would feel like the
vivid picture in his head, if theyd be warm and strong and sucking him hard.
Thinking of the possibilities, he quivered, unable to make himself move. Hed
movesoon. Any minute now. As soon as he found out what Kasan was going to do.
Kasans hand returned to his groin and cupped his penis, pressing it firmly against
his body. Max closed his eyes and gasped softly at the feel of something hard and
hot touching him, biting his lip harshly as soon as he heard himself. He knew Kasan
was a guy, butdarn it, it had been a long time since someone had played with him
this way! And it wasnt like he was having sex, he was just being touched. And it felt
gooood. Moaning inside his mouth, his bodys focus shrank to the size of his groin as
Kasans fingers curled and enveloped his entire member, squeezing lightly.

His eyes popped open as he thought he felt something wet slide over the tip of him,
and he looked down. Kasan was bending forward on his knees, staring at Maxs
member and smiling up at him wickedly. Max stared stupidly, unable to move as he
watched Kasans mouth edge towards him. The man was going to give him a blow
job. He was going to take him in his mouth and-

Max swallowed convulsively, his hands clenching in tight fists at his sides as he
watched the sexiest lips in the entire damn world come closer to him. Close enough
to feel breath blowing across his body. He was almost there

Max jumped a foot as someone laughed. He looked wildly around for a second
before realizing it had come from outside the door. Oh God, for a moment there hed
thought someone was watching him while Kasan

Wait, while Kasansucked on his penis? No, he wasnt letting this happen, was he?
This wasnt right. He shouldnt be letting Kasan do this. Kasan was trying to touch
him again and and it felt really good but that was beside the point! It was
wrong. Letting the cat man touch him was wrong. Because because

Because it just was. Before he could change his mind, Max shoved Kasans hand
away and he clutched at himself .

N-no touching the merchandise, Maxs voice trailed off as Kasan looked at him
quizzically. The man had no clue what he was saying, did he?
Kasan made soothing little rumbles in his throat and reached for him again, and
Max smacked at his hands. N-no! I mean it. Dammit, stop! Kasan paused, staring
up at him. When Kasan grabbed both of Maxs wrists with one hands and pulled
them away, uncovering Maxs groin, Max whimpered slightly. He was still aroused,
his body still wanting, but his erection was fading as he worried about what was
about to happen. Kasan was touching him. And touching led to kissing and kissing
led to caressing and that led to things that were making him really nervous and a
little frightened to think about now that there werent any distracting, skillful hands
on Mr. Happy.

With one last look up at his face, Kasan grumbled a moment and huffed out a sigh
before he started making soothing murmurs again as his other hand reached for
Maxs groin.

No! I said I dontwant to? Something silky rubbed over his member, and Max
blinked in surprise as Kasan pressed Maxs hands to his own chest, forcing him to
grip something.

Huh? Wasnt he just about to

Looking down, Max realized that Kasan had handed him one end of the cloth that
the cat man had pulled from the wall. After giving a reassuring smile to Maxs
perplexed, nervous look, Kasan leaned against the front of Maxs body and reached
around behind him to grasp the edge hed just slid between Maxs thighs. Max
thought it was going to be a tie whether he was going to die from embarrassment,
or faint from relief. Hed thought Kasan was going to give him head. It had really
seemed like the big man was about to give him a blow job, and maybe a lot more
than that, considering what had happened before, and instead, he was just helping
him dress.

Max closed his eyes. God, he was an idiot. A stupid, ridiculously paranoid, perverted
idiot. Why did Max keep doing this to himself? He had the dirtiest thoughts about the
man, and every time, he was embarrassingly off. Well, except for the first time,
when he hadnt really had any dirty thoughts at all, just dirty memories, but so far,
Kasan hadnt done anything to him in the last few minutes.

Except for the kiss. Kasan HAD kissed him. He hadnt imagined that. Somaybe
hed done THAT to him. Andwoah!

Kasan palmed his ass. Max jerked and would have yanked away but the man had
him completely immobilized as he essentially hugged him around the legs, his
shoulders braced against Maxs groin as his hands played with his ass. And now he
was

Hey! Cut it out! Max wriggled, dropping the bit of fabric Kasan had placed into his
hands. He pushed and punched down with his fists on Kasans shoulders as the man
pulled at his bottom, prying the cheeks apart. What was he doing?! A twisted bit of
fabric pressed into the middle of his ass and his bottom was released. Kasan stayed
still until Max stopped hitting him. When Kasan continued to kneel, unmoving, Max
slowly calmed down and adjusted to the feeling of the cloth. Felt like a loose wedgie.

Well.darn it. Clothes again.

Max felt a humiliated flush scour his cheeks for the umpteenth time that day. He
was just helping him with the stupid loincloth. It was just the loincloth. Dummy. He
was a complete and total idiot. Did it again. It was like he was wearing beer goggles,
but they made everything dirty instead of pretty.

Sorry, he muttered and pushed his hand down between their bodies to grab the
cloth that had been wedged there by Kasans shoulder. He stayed still as he felt the
fabric shifting between his ass cheeks, trying to ignore the strange, intimate feel of it.
Which he couldnt quite manage; it was so tight it was touching his anus, for
goodness sake. A little hard to ignore something like that. Kasan placed one hand
against the small of Maxs back, anchoring the fabric that was now twisted into a
small rope, and then drew the rest of it around one side of Maxs hip, across the
fabric he still held over his stomach and chest, and back around his other hip until it
reached the small of his back again. After a few more embarrassing pulls at the cloth,
Kasan had the end twisted around and anchored and he sat back on his heels,
staring at Max still clutching the little flap to his chest.

He smiled and reached forward, carefully cupping Maxs balls in his hand as he
adjusted the fabric over it, ensuring that all of his privates were covered. Max
squirmed as fingertips and palms brushed against the inside of his thighs, his balls,
and oh God, his dick. His skin shivered as each spot anticipated the small near-
caresses, and he wished his stupid body would just stop noticing stupid things like
that so he wouldnt feel anything at all. But there was no way to ignore it. He was
getting more aroused, and the stupid cat alien could see how his touch was affecting
Max. There was no way to hide how he was feeling when the mans eyes were
staring right at him. Right at IT. Max wasnt sure hed ever been quite so
embarrassed in his life. The man was just helping him with his clothing, and he was
acting like it was a prelude to sex. Not only that, his body was reacting as though it
expected normal sex, instead of sex where he ended up with a man coming inside
his body. It wasmortifying.

Kasan reached up and started to pry Maxs hands from the flap he was holding until
Max realized what he was doing and dropped the cloth like a hot rock. The loose bit
of cloth fell over the twisty rope around his waist and covered his front with a little
hanging flap. Which was goodbut nothing was covering his ass. He had the stupid
fabric that started twisting right behind his balls and ran in thin, ropy splendor right
up the middle of his ass like a thong, andwas Kasan expecting him to just wear
THIS?

He stepped back a few steps warily, and glanced back at his ass. Bare. His bare ass.
Ass rope did NOT count as clothing.

Dont you have anythingmoreI could wear? he asked plaintively as he looked
back at Kasan, gesturing to his butt and covering it with his hands.

Kasan stared at him, his eyebrows lowering until he looked really rather frightening
before he stood abruptly and went back to the wall where hed first retrieved the
loincloth in the first place. Opening the wall panel again, he pulled out another blue
edged piece of cream fabric, a much wider, shorter rectangle this time, with some
elaborate embroidery edged in around the middle. Gliding back to Max, Kasan
dropped the cloth over his head before Max could say a word. Max hadn't even a
chance to protest before there was a yank on the cloth and his head was pulled
through what turned out to be a hole in the middle.

He blinked as he looked at Kasans face, inches from his own as the man leaned
down towards him and fiddled with the odd poncho hed just shoved onto Max.
Swallowing, Max looked down and tried to ignore the hands that were once again
touching his body as they dressed him. Kasan was overlapping the sides of the
poncho around Maxs chest and waist, wrapping a blue, silky rope around his body
several times to tie at his waist and keep the cloth in place. Max relaxed slightly
once Kasans hands stopped their soft meanderings around his waist and the cat
man stepped back to look him up and down. Max looked back at his ass again and
was relieved to find it covered. The odd little tunic thing hung all the way to his
knees. It would flap open a heck of a lot whenever he walked, but at least he
wouldnt feel so much like he was constantly exposed.

Thanks, he sighed, and looked at Kasan warily as the man stared a moment
before he started to laugh in a light, liquid voice. He felt like he was being laughed at
somehow

Now that he was dressed, Max stared at Kasan, wondering what was next. If the cat
man had gone through all the trouble of dressing him, he wouldnt be about to take
his body again. He hoped. So what was going to happen? Was he going to leave the
room? The thought wasnt as terrifying as it had been before when Max thought he
was all alone. Actually, he was still all alone, buthe didnt feel quite so isolated. He
was trying very hard not to think too closely about what had happened between this
man and him, because aside from that, and the sexy lips, oh, and the kiss, and the
fact that his hands felt really good

Well, if he ignored all that, Kasan made things feel a lot less terrifying. All the man
had done was help him put on some clothes, but at the moment, that was the only
help hed received since hed woken up, and it was much better than being hurt or
raped or killed, soKasan still made things seem less scary. Maxs hand nervously
tucked his hair behind his ear as he thought about it. Hed adjusted to new situations
before, sure, but did anything compare to waking up to an alien place where aliens
had used your body and might do so again if you didnt figure out what was going on
really darn soon? He gulped as Kasan focused his eyes on Max again and came
closer. What part of his clothing needed to be adjusted now? He was still worrying
the thought as Kasan wrapped one arm around the back of his head and dragged
him close as his other hand glomped onto his ass. The man leaned down low and
those amazing lips covered Maxs again.

This wasnt clothing. This wasnt clothing, he wasnt adjusting clothing, he was
doing the kissing again! Max tried to wriggle free with absolutely no effect. He didnt
want to hurt him, because he didnt want to be hurt back, and he didnt want to lose
the one person whod interacted with him at all, but he didnt want to have sex and

Nnnnnn. Good kisser. Felt really, really good. Really great. Max relaxed slightly,
leaning into Kasans body and barely registering the hand on his backside moving
until it was underneath the poncho and fingers were sliding over his ass. Hands were
on his bare butt, and they were squeezing and kneading and one finger wormed its
way underneath the little thong rope and was pushing, pressing along his crack as it
started gliding down.
MMMMMMPH! Max started struggling again. Kasan was going to touch him THERE,
and he couldnt. No matter what, he-

They both stopped moving at a knock from the door. Kasan called out in a hoarse
voice and stiffened at whatever answer he receieved. He released Max, panting.
Examining Maxs face, Kasan grinned and patted his cheek, laughing again as Max
shoved his hand away and stepped back.

Mah-ks. Kasan. Kasan did his little wriggly finger thing again, then snuck in and
kissed Max so quickly that he wasnt able to push away before the cat man was
already halfway to the door. He turned and looked at Max standing like an idiot
watching him, and left, closing the door behind him.

Max rubbed at his lips before biting them. The man had kissed him again. Hed
helped him find clothing, but hed kissed him. He hadnt forced him to have sex, but
hed touched him and his hand had been about to touch the opening to his ass. His
eyes widened and his buttocks clenched as he stared at the closed door. Putting him
in a room with silk and velvet pillows, dressing him up, kissing him, and now
touching him again Max gulped.

Kasan still wanted Max to be the GIRL guy.









Fiction~~The Last Pure Human~~Ch. 5


The Last Pure Human
Chapter 5 - The Horde Descends




Max waited tensely after Kasan left, his eyes glued to the door like flypaper. In other
words, he was sure he could tear his gaze away, eventually, but it was going to hurt
like hell. So, he simply stared at the wall where the door would open and let his
mind wander a bit as he tried to stay alert. He was sure his body and his ass and his
pride would really appreciate a heads up if someone decided to enter the room again,
so he needed to stay aware of his surroundings. He couldnt let his guard down again
and let Kasan start touching him. Maybe the man would just help him with
something again, but considering the kiss, Max thought that Kasans motives were
too potentially sexual to trust him.

Although what was he supposed to do about that? Everything was so strange, and
he knew no one. Even if the colonists were nearby, he didnt know them. Hed
exchanged, what, 10 words total with the captain? There probably wasnt a single
person on the entire planet that he knew. The thought sunk in and he shivered. An
entire freaking planet of people, and not one of them cared if he lived or died. Hed
never felt so alone and insignificant in his life, not even when hed first told his
parents that he was going to study languages. That had been the first time hed
actively done something against their wishes, and theyd turned their backs on him
and walked away. Studying a subject that most considered obsolete was not what
they considered a good use of his mind. It wasnt until theyd applied to be the
botanists for beta colony that theyd started talking to him again. After all, the
colony needed people to help it function in the expected low-tech that was all that
would be available after a few decades on their own. The traditional translating
computers didnt qualify, so they were looking for human linguists. And as quickly as
that, his folks were excited and talking to him again and urging him to apply for the
position.

Which was, honestly, the catalyst that led him here, completely alone and getting
kissed by aliens. He licked his lips and his eyes popped open as he realized that he
was seeing images of Kasans face behind his eyelids.

He needed to stop freaking out and pay attention. Total, complete, focused
attention so he could figure out what Kasans intentions were and what was going to
happen to him. The sooner he figured that out, the sooner he could decide what to
do. He stared at the door again, his eyes burning until he realized he was forgetting
to blink. Periodic low murmurs from the guards flowed in from outside the door,
distracting him, and his mind wandered off again. When he remembered Kasans
hand gripping his ass as he flossed between his cheeks, Max smacked himself in the
face. THAT wasnt what he needed to focus on! He needed to keep physically aware
of his surroundings.



What the hell did Kasan want with him?

He chewed on his bottom lip nervously. Was Kasan the only one who DID want
something with him? Were there going to be other men coming in toto touch him?
He didnt want to think about the possibility that they might want more. Or what if it
was just going to be Kasan? And was the cat man even going to try anything ever
again, or was he just going to kiss him?

And what should he do if Kasan did? He didnt want to encourage him. Max thought
about the word and snorted. Great, now he sounded like some Victorian heroine
discussing her marriage prospects. Encourage him, what a stupid thought. What the
hell was wrong with him? He didnt want to make Kasan think that he was okay
having sex again, thats what he should be thinking. He didnt want Kasan to think
that Max in any way wanted to be touched or kissed or caressed or penetrated. Max
bit his lip so hard it almost bled as his mind supplied visual aids for every scenario
that hed just recited to himself and he scowled. This was insaneand lame. Insanely
lame. Why was he thinking of the stupid cat man like this?

Maybemaybe it was thatwhat was it calledStockholm thing, where people fell in
love with the people holding them captive. Did that cover starting to feel sexually
attracted to his captor? If he was a captor, and if Max really was sexually attracted
to him. He might not be. He could just be really horny today.

Because waking up to meet aliens for the first time tended to do that to a persons
libido?

He snorted. He was such a dork sometimes. Sighing, he continued to watch the
door, his eyes starting to wander the room randomly as more time passed without
Kasan returning. When Max ran out of things to look at without being able to touch
them, boredom finally overtook his nervous desire to keep watch and he started
investigating the room. While the room was cathedral-like in its massive size, there
really wasnt much to see. Frankly, everything he DID see matched the rest of the
room in its design scheme.

Alien chic meets brothel sensualism.

Why did everything he saw have to reinforce his belief that he might be in some
sort of whorehouse? It was scaring him every time he thought of anyone coming
through the door except Kasan, which made him feel so stupid and weak he
smacked himself again. What, was he going to be like some prisoners bitch, giving
himself to some stronger guy to keep all he other guys away? He glanced at the door,
thinking of the guards outside it, and swallowed. He was kind of disgusted with
himself that he didnt instantly reject the thought. Those damn giants were freaking
scary as hell. Butno, he wouldnt do that. He wouldnt.

Although, again, did he have a choice? He stared blankly into a huge mirror on the
wall, suddenly realizing he was seeing the bed. He turned and looked around the
walls. Every mirror along the wall was set up to reflect the beds occupants back at
themselves, from every angle but the floor and ceiling.

Againwhore house. Or 1970s cheesy, gigolo-style decorating. With wank-worthy
70s music popping into his head, Max fervently wished he hadnt seen so many porn
movies. He had too many images of things that could be done in front of those
mirrors.

Although all the images were girls and boys together. Except for a couple of
threesomes in that one really hot video, but that wasnt the point. The point was,
he knew enough about sex, well sex in general, or rather sexual intercourse in front
of mirrorhell, he knew enough to get flushed over the sight of all that reflective
potential. Taking a deep breath, he wandered over to the wall with the only furniture
aside from the bed: small alcoves with embedded shelves and numerous bottles and
jars. Lifting the stoppers randomly, he found what he assumed were oils and
perfumes. They smelled like perfume, anyway. And when he poured a bit onto his
fingertips, the substance was oily and slick.

Rubbing it off on his leg, the slippery feel of skin on skin brought to mind exactly
what it might be used for: lubrication.

He flinched and stepped away from the tables.

He needed more clothes.

And he was fairly certain he knew the spot where Kasan had opened the wall for
both his loincloth and little tunic, so he was going to get them immediately. After
fruitless minutes of pressing and pushing, however, Max gave up trying to open the
wall. For all he knew, the darn thing was thumbprint coded, or genetically coded, or
he was just an idiot and had the wrong spot entirely. He looked around for
something to take his mind off the fact that he was starting to feel a little chilled,
and wished he hadnt. There wasnt much else to see. The few alcoves and mirrors,
the bed and pillows, and the only other thing in the room was a log.

Why in the world was there a big, rough cut, barky log in a room where everything
else seemed geared for sensual indulgence? Because scratching post was popping
into his mind, but that seemed tooclich. The huge thing was odd enough that Max
had a brief hope that maybe it spelled a way out. If he could leave, maybe he could
find the other colonists. There were no windows in the room and nothing whatsoever
to tell him whether he was anywhere near them, but he should try to find them. He
didnt know them, but they WERE human. Maybe that would be enough to stop
feeling so alone

Envisioning Kasans smile turning into an angry snarl, Max paused. He didnt want
to do something that pissed off the cat guys until he was sure they werent going to
kill him for it. Kasan had seemed nice, sexual but nice. Actually really thoughtful, if
he ignored the sexual, which he wasnt sure he could do, but What would he do if
Max tried to get away? Again, why the hell was Max being kept in this room? Had
Kasan rescued him from somewhere? Was he merely taking care of him until Max
could be returned to the colonists and the man had merely gotten a bit too friendly?
Hey, a little alcohol had made colleagues of his do a lot stupider things than one
night stands. It was possible.

Or

Or had they brought him here to be a little sex slave.

He snorted at himself. He kept worrying about that, but

Sex slave.

That sounded so stupid when he said it out loud. Who would ever want someone
like him as a sex slave? Honestly, did anyone even HAVE sex slaves? It wasnt as if
he was in some cheesy sci-fi B movie where everyone wore togas and clear plastic
clothes and had orgies at the drop of a hat. Although if you squinted when you
looked at his tunic, it DID kinda resemble a toga

UGH! He kicked out at the bed. Why did he think of stupid crap like this? His brain
was just warped. Linguistics and fifteen languages worth of dirty words had warped
his brain, that was it. Trying to shake himself out of that line of thought, he walked
over and examined the log. It was absolutely huge, at least five feet wide, and it
went up at a steep enough angle that he was going to need some type of physical
help if he ever wanted to climb it. Looking at it, he decided that he most definitely
did, because the log left the room. The top of it disappeared into a rounded hole high
in the wall with enough clearance that he could easily slip through opening with
room to spare. Could he get out that way if he needed to?

He bit his lip as he looked at it. Could something get IN that way? What if there was
more than one way in? Ears straining, he listened carefully, still only catching the
vague murmur of sound out in thehallway? Wherever the guards were, anyway.
Nothing that sounded like it was coming from up there, but hed rather not turn his
back on it, just in case.

He wandered around a bit more, keeping an eye on the log and the door both,
touching and poking at odd spots on the walls in case something else opened up. It
never did. After hed run out of blotches and blurs of color to try out, Kasan still
hadnt returned and Max was running out of things to do. If he knew how to rewrap
the darn loincloth, hed unwrap the thing and see if he could use it to climb the tree.
Hed seen lumberjack competitions before; he knew you could do something with a
rope and wrap it around the trunk to help you get up. He could figure it out. As long
as he had enough time to try it without getting caught, and as long as knew hed
have clothes at the end of it. That way he could come back down if it didnt work and
no one would be the wiser.

Should he just take a chance and go for it? He could probably wrap the stupid thing
around him SOME way so at least he wasnt naked and then escape. Except what if
he couldnt find any more people? What if it was just a whole bunch of huge cat
dudes walking around looking for little men to molestor something like that?

And he couldnt believe he was thinking of himself as a little man. He needed to
find the colony soon or he was going to have a complex about the whole size thing.

And not THAT kind of size thing, he thought, feeling his penis rubbing against the
loincloth like it was asking for something,

Or someone.

Stupid dick. Talk to my ass and see what HE thinks about all of this.

Looking at the log again, the idea of escaping tumbled around in his head like a
little pebble. He might be able to get out, but he had no idea what hed be getting
into as a result. So far, hed seen two humongous cat guys, one small cat guy, and
no people. He was really in trouble if that ratio was repeated once he got out of the
room. But if he stayed, Kasan might come back and start kissing him again
anddoing other thingsand

Oh shut up, dick.

He closed his eyes and took some deep breaths as his prick tried to stand up at
attention in the loincloth. This was really not good. Not good at all when he was
thinking about Kasan and his dick liked it. Worse when he was thinking of Kasan
maybe doing something sexual to him and it liked it.

Had Kasan drugged him or something? Max licked the inside of his mouth, testing
for weird tastes before biting his tongue to stop himself. Like he could still taste it if
they had? He hadnt seen anyone in what had to be hours. And what if they did? If it
made him like sex that they were going to force on him anywaywouldnt that be
better than not being drugged? Not if it made him loopy and kept him from getting
away if he needed to, but if it kept things from hurting? It would be like a- a medical
drug or something, right? Like a pain reliever, but just for sex.

Yeah right. If they had given him something to make him horny, he was going to
kick someones ass. Or at least their knees, because he wasnt sure he could get his
foot high enough to reach their damn butts. Stupid freaking giants.

Max shivered and he winced as his stomach growled. Great, now he was cold and
scared and horny AND hungry. He bet hed have to pee soon, too, and he had no
idea where the hell he could go. Looking at the log one last time he sighed and
headed to the bed. He just couldnt do it. He didnt want to be here, but it was a lot
less scary then the idea of leaving when he hadnt been hurt yet. And he felt so
stupid and pathetic even thinking that way that it made him cringe. No matter how it
felt, how could he view having sex with an alien as not harmful?

Maybe because it might feel a lot worse if someone a lot bigger tried it, he reminded
himself. He hated feeling on the edge like this, though, unable to tell if staying or
running away would be worse. Hed hate himself if he left and got seriously hurt.
Hed hate himself more if fear about something new kept him in the room and the
next time it wasnt Kasan who came in but someone else who wanted the same thing.

Max climbed onto the bed and started to pile the pillows on top of him. It made him
feel oddly homesick. When his crappy college apartment heater would go on the fritz,
sometimes hed wait to dry his laundry until just before bed so he could pile the
warm clothing on top of his blankets to help warm up quickly. The shifting tumble of
pillows had the same heavy feel to them. Not quite as warm, but enough that he
burrowed underneath them all, plopping one on top of his head in a childish effort to
ignore the room around him.

Hed be okay. It would be all right. Hed find a way to get through this. Hed
managed before on his own, he could do it again, he told himself, slowly falling into
a half doze.

As long as he avoided those B-movie orgies


Max woke with a start, sitting up with a half strangled exclamation as he looked
around in confused fright for what had woken him.

He froze as he saw five men standing by the log, staring at him. Five huge, loincloth
wearing, angry looking cat men were in the room with him. He looked from one to
the other in rapid succession, terror creeping up on him when there was no familiar
face. Kasan wasnt there. Kasan wasnt with them. Max was stuck all alone with a
small herd of massive alien men, and he didnt like them. They had long hair and cat
ears and bronzed skin and obviously whatever drug theyd given him had worn off,
because he didnt find them sexy at all. They were freaking huge and scary as hell.

And they were coming over to the bed!

He tried to make his body move and couldnt. He huddled in the middle of the bed
as though he was glued there until the damn things were surrounding the entire bed
and it was too late to get away. And now they were looking down at him and oh God,
what did they want? He couldnt understand a word they said and he worried when
they talked back and forth at each other as they watched him, their thin faces tense.
What were they saying? Why were they here? What did that want with. oh shit,
one of them was leering at him. That was so definitely a leer. Oh God, what were
they here for?!

Please oh please oh please let this not be a B movie.

The leering one reached out his hand towards him and Max had to back away to
avoid him only to almost bump into the one on the opposite side of the bed. He
thought he couldnt be any more frightened than he already was when a couple of
them laughed at his reaction and he found out just how much more terror his body
could actually hold. Gang rape. Thats all he could think.

Trying to watch them all at the same time, hoping to see some way out, Max
couldnt stop himself from trembling inside.

They were all so damn huge and they were trying to touch him and laughing at him
and they didnt seem to care at all how awful this felt to be surrounded like this and
he thought they might be going to rape him. They were nothing like Kasan and his
soft voice and beautiful face and gentle hands and it was fucking scaring the shit out
of him!

Where the hell was Kasan? He wasnt supposed to kiss him and then leave him so
these huge men could come in and

Dammit, he wanted Kasan back!


#

We shouldnt do this.

The inebriated voice echoed down the corridor and was followed by a heavy thud.

Shut up, Nolluz! You know Kasan can hear better than us!

Another thud. Dont hit Nolluz. He needs his brain more than you do, Aosh. Tisu
glared a little drunkenly at his little brother crouched next to him.

Not his little one. If the idiot has any more children, were going to need to start
taking over other countries just to feed them. Aosh looked at his brothers groin as
though contemplating where to hit next.

You should be thankful, Aosh. Zontas soft voice cut through his twins thoughts
and had everyone looking at him. His little ones are the only heirs we have so far.
So unless you prefer to limit yourself to females when your heat comes, Id celebrate
your nieces and nephews rather than mocking them.

Aosh deflated slightly. Zonta, you know I didnt mean

Shut up. All of you. Jolan gestured with his hand and everyone went quiet as they
rose and followed the crown prince around the corner, padding silently towards the
two guards in the middle of the hallway. Winking at the two males, Jolan was about
to open the door behind them when two spears blocked his way.

I cant let you pass, Prince Jolan.

Shhhh, hell hear you! Jolan shushed frantically before whispering. Esgard, you
cant really mean to stop us? You know he zinged every single one of us on our First
Nights.

Esgard nodded. I know. He lowered his voice, but his weapon remained in the way
of the males that all wove slightly as they tried to keep their balance. His nose
wrinkled at the rather strong smell of alcohol coming from Nolluz and Tisu.

So move aside.

Im sorry to say that I cant do that.

Esgard Jolan sighed. Care to tell me why not?

Esgard smiled. Because Kasan is responsible for the guard. Out of all of you, hes
the one who has the right to punish me if I fail in my duties. Its not worth a beating
simply to let the five of you play some ridiculous First Night prank.

Nolluz glared, his earlier reluctance taking a back seat to being insulted. Thish is
not just a prank.

With an approving pat on Nolluzs back that almost knocked him to the floor, Jolan
nodded. Esgard, payback is practically a family creed. Getting Kasan tonight is an
imperative. Its a matter of honor.

The guard next to Esgard snorted as he choked back a laugh.

Honor. Surprising Kasan and interrupting his First Night with his consort is all for
the sake of the familys bruised honor, is that it? Esgards small smile didnt grow,
but to Jolans satisfaction it didnt disappear either.

Of course. Jolans lip twitched as he turned to his brother. Nolluz, isnt there a
law that guards may not interfere if one of the royal family is attempting to regain
their lost honor?

Uhwell, I think theres still one law in the First Book of Gorin, but the words arent
quite

Good enough! Jolan looked to Esgard. Wouldnt you agree?

Esgard and his fellow guard exchanged looks, sighed, and moved their weapons
from the brothers path. At least its a better excuse than having Aosh seduce one
of us while the other was relieving himself.

Aosh shrugged. Its a gift. Tisus First Night needed the excitement, anyway.

Tisu growled. You little

Clearing his throat, Esgard chided Aosh You have no idea how much trouble that
guard was in for leaving his post. If you recall, the punishment for dereliction of duty
is quite severe, even if its for the purpose of sexual intimacy with the prince.

Might be worth it, the other guard muttered as he eyed Aosh, and the younger
prince looked back and mouthed the word, later. The guard blushed and Jolan
rolled his eyes.

Dont unwrap your cloth just yet, idiot. Jolan pinched the tip of Aoshs ear and
looked at him sternly as the teen yelped. After a pause to make sure he was
behaving, Jolan turned and put his hands on the door. Esgard interrupted.

You may want to wait until later. Hes not here. Leero had to discuss something
with him.

Jolan laughed quietly. Nice try, Esgard.

Esgard shook his head, smiling back. Im serious, Prince Jolan. He isnt in there.

Like wed believe that. Aosh retorted. Its been so long since he was supposed to
come down with his consort that fathers already given up and gone to sleep. Even
HE knows what Kasan is doing right now. And its not talking.

Hes talking.

Well then theres no harm in us going in, now is there? Jolan smiled again and
Esgard shrugged.

Dont say I didnt warn you. And besides, Kasans consort -

Jolan waved him down. Dont worry. Well be good.

That wasnt my concern, I was simply going to say-

Youre not going to stop us from doing this, Esgard, Jolan said. So no more
talking.

After a pause, Esgard finally nodded. As you wish.

Their torsos wrapped with short ropes and small bundles, five men eased open the
door, slipping inside and closing it quietly behind them. The guards just shook their
heads. There were going to be some disappointed princes in a few moments.


The brothers stared at the pile of pillows on the bed, dismissing it almost
immediately. There would be no way to miss Kasan and his consort if theyd been
occupied on the silken thing. With a rather lackluster attempt at military precision,
they made their way over to the odd, roughly hewn pole that ran from the floor up
through a hole high up in the wall, untying their ropes and bundles as they went.
Tisu put his fingers to his lips to signal quiet and faced the pole. He tried to wrap the
rope around it and failed as he dropped one end. Hitting his head on the pole as he
reached over to get it, Tisu cursed.

Here, let me. Jolan grabbed the rope from his hands.

Im fine. Tisu insisted, grabbing for the rope and missing entirely.

Yes, I can see that. Still, Im the oldest, so Im claiming my rights. Ill go first.
Jolan wrapped the rope around the pole and grasped an end in both hands. Using it
to help him slowly climb, he held the steeply sloping log between his legs every time
he shifted the looped rope up, and then shimmied forward to until he and the rope
were even. After a few minutes he disappeared through the opening and the others
waited impatiently for him to signal. They were surprised when he peered through
the hole almost immediately, sitting himself on the pole and jumping down with an
angry thud.

He actually did it. Esgard wasnt lying. Hes not up there. Jolan whispered the
words, looking around the room as though trying to find some hidden place inside
that he simply hadnt explored yet.

What? After all the crap he did to the rest of us, he thinks he can just go off to hide
on his First Night and avoid this? Tisu looked outraged, but took his cue from Jolan
and kept his voice quiet. Nolluz and Jolan growled. When Aosh and Zonta just looked
at each other, their three older brothers glared at them.

He WILL get you two. When you get consorts of your own, he will get you both just
as good as he got the rest of us. Trust me, you will regret it the rest of your life if
you miss this opportunity. Jolan finally gave up on finding anything in the room and
sighed.

Tisu snarled. DAMMIT! He punched the pole as he yelled, swearing at the pain as
soon as he did so, and then froze along with the rest of his brothers when he heard a
surprised squeak from the bed.

Five heads turned as one entity and they all stared at the small being that had
dislodged most of the pillows it had obviously been laying under.

What the hell is THAT? Tisu growled, still angry. What, Kasan hides on First Night
and leaves us a consolation gift??

Ill take it if you dont want it. Aosh said, staring at the small creature as they all
walked over to take a closer look. Surrounding the bed, they peered curiously at the
pale colored little alien that shivered among the pillows as it looked up at them.

What IS it? Ive never seen something like it before. Jolan said quietly, his head
tilted as he examined it.

Well its obviously a It must be a Nolluzs voice faltered and he swayed in place
as he tried to stay standing.

Admit it, you have no idea. Aosh gloated, pointing a mocking finger at him. And
who the hell cares what it is? Its male and-

And how would you know that? Nolluz interrupted in a muddled grumble.

Because Kasan dressed him in his own clothing, idiot. And its huge on him. Look at
the shirtits hanging all the way past his ass. He looks like some kid playing dress-
up. Aosh reached out and the small male scooted away from him frantically only to
freeze as the movement forced him closer to Jolan. Aosh laughed. Ha, hes shy. Hey
sweetie, dont worry. I dont bite.

Dont listen to him. Ive heard stories Jolan trailed off, laughing a little as the
small male moved back from him as well. I admit it. Youre a great distraction, Little
One. Those naked little ears are just so

Naughty. Aosh supplied.

for lack of a better word. Jolan conceded, shaking his head at the fascinated
looks Aosh was giving the small male. So whats your name?
Blue eyes stared at him without saying a word and Jolans voice softened. Hey, we
didnt scare you, did we? Dont worry. Its not you were mad at. Youre not in any
trouble. He reached out a hand as well and the man scrambled away from him,
bumping into Tisu and yelping as he careened away from him as well to huddle in
the center of the bed. His eyes jumped from one to the other as he turned and tried
to keep them all in sight.

I dont think he understands us. Zonta said quietly, frowning as he watched. And
hes frightened. Would Kasan really leave this man

Where is he? Tisu growled angrily at the stranger and the little alien started
breathing in panicky bursts as the largest brother scowled at him.

I doubt Kasan has told him anything. Jolan said dryly. Its not as though we cant
intimidate the poor thing. Do you really think Kasan would leave that kind of
information in the hands of something this helpless? Use your head, Tisu.

Tisu scowled. Well how the hell do we find him, then? That little brat

Kasans older than you are, Tisu. Jolan pointed out.

Hes a throwback. They mature slower, and considering that Ive already had a
mate for three years now, I THINK I can get away with calling him a brat!

Jolans eyes twinkled as he conceded the point. All right, so hes a brat.

Little shits more like it. Nolluz muttered.

Just because he got you both

He put a swarm of keerac under my bed, Jolan. Do you know how long it took me
to calm Roto down after something like that? He was scared to death! Tisus hands
clenched into fists at the thought and Nolluz nodded in rare sympathy with his
brother.

Aosh smirked. Oh, and you didnt enjoy comforting him? We could hear you all the
way over in the training grounds. You scream like a girl when you come. He had to
duck the fist that came flying at his head.

Snarling at the miss, Tisu jumped at Aosh and the two of them went tumbling to the
floor. Their brothers ignored them and continued to watch the bed.

Do you understand us? Jolan asked. Blue eyes looked up at him before moving
back towards the small battle taking place behind him. Little one, over here, eh?
Wave if you understand what Im saying. Jolan got another glance, but no wave,
and he sighed. I think youre right, Zonta. I dont believe he understands a word. Or
hes a simpleton of some sort.

Zonta paused in answering as his twin limped back to the bed sporting a few new
bruises and a lovely case of floor burn along his side. Aosh deliberately stood on the
other side of Zonta, away from the still angry Tisu.

Tisu wasnt going to hurt the little thing. You didnt have to divert his attention that
way, you know. Zonta whispered to him.
Aosh merely shrugged and watched the bed. They all watched silently, thinking, as
the alien started fidgeting nervously.

Why in the hell would Kasan leave a little male here for us who doesnt even speak
Kyashin? Jolan wondered, examining. Is it just a slap in the face for us? He must
have known wed be coming

Who cares, Tisu snarled. We need to find Kasan NOW! He slammed his fists on
the bed and the little man jumped with a startled cry and finally broke. He scrambled
towards Aosh and Zonta, darting off the bed in between them. Putting out a hand to
stop him, Zonta fell back as the alien stomped on his toes. They turned to watch as
the man ran towards the middle of the room, panting hard as he faced them.

Are you all right? Aosh asked.

Oh, Im fine.

What did he do to you?

I think he was trying to break my toes, Zonta murmured, looking down at his foot.

Youre hurt? Jolan asked, growing concerned as Zonta continued to look at his
toes.

No. Maybe a little bruised. He looked up and smiled slightly. Little guys not all
that strong. Ive had worse bruises running into a wall.

Tisu, Nolluz, and Jolan came around from the far side of the bed to join the other
two and they all stared at the trembling male facing them.

I didnt mean to scare him, Tisu muttered.

You probably should have held onto your temper, then, Jolan said lightly.

Or covered your ugly face with a bag, Aosh added, and dodged another swipe.

His stance is pretty good. Tisu noted after a few moments of silence.

I noticed that. Jolan chuckled. Although I think he needs to grow a bit before its
going to impress anyone. He reminds me of you when you were five, Tisu, trying to
convince father that you were fully capable to joining the military.

Smiling finally, Tisu nodded. I wonder if hes fully grown. If hes still a kid, with a
stance like that we might be able to make something out of him once he puts a little
height on himself.

Thinking of adopting, now, Tisu? Jolan teased.

When Tisu didnt answer right away, everyone turned to look at him and he flushed.
Roots been talking about it, he muttered. Words of congratulations were merely
forming in his brothers mouths when Aosh spoke.

Well you cant take this one. Hes too old for you.

There is no possible way you can determine the age of a completely unfamiliar
species simply by looking at him. Nolluz said.

Aosh snorted. How the hell can you be drunk and STILL be this much of a pedantic
ass? Do you think I cant actually used my brain and figure out if the little ones an
adult? Nolluz sputtered as Aosh gestured towards the still trembling man. Look at
his frame. His shoulders are too wide for him to still be a child.

Maybe his people start out that way, Zonta said quietly. His muscles are very
small, after all. They have that same wiry slimness that someone whos young
would.

And maybe thats how his people are built, too. Nolluz concluded with an over
exaggerated nod. We just dont know! Theres no way to know until we find out
what in the world thiscreatureis. We should leave Kasans room and leave IT and
go back to bed. We can talk to Kasan about it in the morning.

We are not giving up on finding Kasan. Jolan said, Tisu echoing his words within
moments.

And were not leaving this little thing here all alone. He might get lonely. Aosh
took a step closer, his eyes traveling over the aliens body in appreciation. Yeah,
hes tinybut its absolutely adorable. Can you imagine how tight his

Aosh! Zonta glared at him.

What? Its not like he can understand what Im saying. Aosh murmured.

Its the principle of the thing! You shouldnt say something like that in front of the
poor thing! Especially when he might be

Might be what? Aosh asked absently, still staring at pale skin and furless ears.

Its nothing. Just leave the little thing alone and go play with the guard you were
flirting with.

Aosh and the others looked to Zonta. Youve thought of something, havent you?

Its just an idea, and a stupid one at that.

Most of your stupid ideas have a great deal of validity. Jolan said quietly. Tell us.

Breathing deeply, Zonta looked at his oldest brother. I was just wondering. What if
Kasan really is talking with Leero right now? If Esgard was telling the truth and
Kasan is busy, then the person he left in his room would have to bewell.

His consort? Aosh blurted out. You think this little alien male is Kasans consort?
You know I think youre the smartest person Ive ever met, but no way. Theres no
way.

I know that! Zonta snapped. But theres the possibility...

If we all didnt know that he cant stand to take another man. Jolan concluded,
patting Zontas back. Truly, if Kasan found a way to bond with some little alien male,
he would have told us. Thats not the sort of thing to keep to yourself. And thats
disregarding the fact that we CANT bond with any aliens, male or not.

There- theres humans, Zonta replied, not quite defending his idea. We can bond
with them.

"Theresh no humans left. Nolluz interrupted.

I know. B-but if there weretheyre supposed to have small ears. The old texts
mention their ears. Zonta and the others looked at the man still standing
defensively in front of them.

Jolan finally shook his head. I just cant see it. Kasan wouldnt keep something like
that from us, and Nolluz is right. There arent any humans left, and if there
werewhat are the odds that something like that would show up here on Kyashin
just at the right time for Kasan to mate with? Its too far fetched. Creative, though.

Yeah. For an insane person, Aosh teased. Are you sure you didnt drink as much
as Nolluz? Zonta threw him an obscene gesture and Aosh laughed. Think about it.
Even if it were true, thered be an easy way to tell, right? All youd have to do is grab
him and check. Aosh startled them all as he ran quickly at the small man and had
him over his shoulder in seconds. The man yelled out in surprise. Aoshs ears
flattened a little as legs kicked and small, blunt claws tried to rake across the skin of
his back. He patted the mans bottom a moment and smiled at his brothers as small
fists punched up at his head ineffectively.

Aosh. Zonta said warningly. What the heck are you doing? Put him down. Youre
scaring him!

Hes fine. Im not hurting him, and this is the quickest way to prove my point. And
its going to be a lot of fun, too. Aoshs hand breezed up the back of the mans
thighs and over his ass, moving cloth out of the way as he did so until pale creamy
skin was revealed. See, if he was really Kasans consort, thered be a mark
righthere. They all stared at the small silver crown that shone metallically on the
round cheek where Aoshs finger rested.

Son of a bitch. Aosh breathed.

I dont believe it. Jolan murmured, walking over to cautiously touch the mark. The
man over Aoshs shoulder yelled out and continued fighting as Tisu and Nolluz came
over to examine the silver marking as well.

Hes frightened! You need to leave him alone, Zonta ordered, trying to push
through his brothers.

This cant be. Hes not Kyashin, and theres no humans. Theres no humans left.
Its impossible. Nolluzs voice was faint and confused. Hes not Kyashin.

So how the hell did he get a mark then? Aosh demanded, and yelled out as
Kasans consort managed to rear up enough to grab Aoshs ear and yank on it, hard.
OW! Let go, you little hellion! Aosh reached up with his other hand and pulled his
ear free, Tisus surprised laughter ringing in his uninjured ear. Aosh just managed to
move his head to the side as the petite male over his shoulder tried to get his ear
again. Hey, stop it!
When hands grasped handfuls of hair instead, pulling in small, stinging yanks, Aosh
raised his hand to slap the bare ass over his shoulder. I said STOP!

Before he could bring his hand down, there was a bellow from the doorway. WHAT
THE HELL ARE YOU DOING TO MY CONSORT?!!

Everyone froze except for the man over Aoshs shoulder who yanked and kicked
even more vigorously.

Kasan snarled and stormed over.

Kasan, Im sorry, we didnt realize- Zontas mouth choked as Kasan pointed one
finger at him that trembled with rage.

Get. Out.

Zonta gulped and stepped back, hurrying around him as he scrambled for the door.

Tisu tried to bluster. You did it to us first, Kasan. You know you did! We were just
here for First Night and-

Shut the fuck up! And put my consort down before I fucking break your arms, Aosh!
You stupid assholes, you-

You deserve it, Ka- Tisus words cut off as Kasan charged him and he clumsily
tried to fend off his shorter brothers flurry of punches. He was on his knees, gagging,
in moments. Jolan and Nolluz took a step back as Kasan turned on them, snarling.

You-youre being unreasonable. Nolluz stuttered, and yelped as Kasan simply
punched him in the face and knocked him over. Kasan growled ferally at Jolan who
was backing up as he tried to keep a smile on his face. He stopped as his consort
finally regained his feet and Aosh backed quickly away from the little man. Kasan
took the few steps up to Max and held him by the shoulders, looking into his eyes
carefully before dragging him against his chest.

Shhhhh. Youre safe now. The assholes arent going to do anything to you. Its all
right. Ill kick their asses for you, dont worry. He scooped up Max, scowling as the
smaller man trembled slightly in his arms. He carried him over to the bed, putting
him down gently and brushing the soft brown hair out of his eyes before he turned
back to his remaining brothers.

Jolan walked towards him carefully. We didnt mean anything by this, Kasan. You
know we didnt. Its a tradition now to prank one of us on First Night.

You fucking scared him, Jolan. Kasan snarled, gesturing back to his consort on the
bed. Hes fucking terrified! Cant you damn well smell it, you ass??

Jolan paused. You know we cant smell at your level, Kasan. We werent trying
to

Kasan didnt bother to respond and whipped his leg around, kicking Jolan in the
chest and knocking him over. He walked over to his brother as he sat up, looking at
him. You were letting Aosh damn well molest my consort!! Kasans hands clenched
as he hissed through his teeth. Get the fuck out of my room, Jolan. Youre still here
after Im done with Aosh and I will REALLY kick your ass.

Jolan took the better part of valor and helped Tisu and Nolluz to their feet,
retreating towards the door as Kasan stalked Aosh.

N-now, Kasan, I didnt do anything Aosh stuttered.

You touched him. You were fucking going to SLAP his ASS, Aosh! MY consorts ass!
I should fucking rip of your hand!

Well how the hell was I supposed to know it was your consort!

He was in my room! I dont fucking care whether you knew it was my consort or
not, he was in my room! MY room, MY possessions! You will damn well learn to stay
the hell away from whats mine, Aosh! Kasan swung out a fist and Aosh flinched as
he tried to dodge.

Aw shit


Ten minutes later, Esgard and his fellow guardsman turned as the door to Kasans
room opened and the prince shoved a bruised and slightly bloody Aosh at them.

Get that idiot back to his room.

Healer? Esgard asked.

I didnt hurt him that badly. He just tripped like a dumbass and hit his head on the
floor. Hell be fine. Kasan glared at both of them as they took his younger brother.
However tomorrow you and I are going to be having a little conversation.
Understand? The two guards winced and nodded. And ask the kitchens to send up
something. My consorts probably starving. Kasan saw Esgard nod and start to
reach over for the summoning box to fetch help as he closed the door and turned
back to his consort.

He worked on calming his breathing as he looked at the wide blue eyes watching
him from the bed. His poor little Gisho; he couldnt believe his moronic brothers had
done something this stupid. His little consort was so frightened. Max was kneeling on
the bed, his hands clenched tightly to each other on his lap as he trembled slightly.
Kasan stared at him, the mere sight of his consort starting to turn him on in spite of
his anger. Especially as the oversized clothing hanging off of Max and pooling on the
bed around his bent legs was incredibly cute. And his face looked incredibly sexy.
And he was also still incredibly upset, and would probably need a LOT of comforting.

Kasan finally smiled.

Maybe the night wasnt a complete disaster.









Fiction~~The Last Pure Human~~Ch. 6


The Last Pure Human
Chapter 6 - The Heat




Max couldnt get his body to stop shaking. They were gone. He knew that. Kasan had
come in like some hero in a ninja movie, punching and kicking, and the larger men
had retreated with their figurative tails between their legs. Watching Kasan snarling
furiously as hed lashed out so fast Max could hardly keep up, though, had been
pretty damn scary. Hed never seen anything move that fast and he was sure he
never wanted to be so close to that level of lethal looking violence any time in his
future. Hed been happy to see him, but still Kasan was, quite honestly, the
deadliest looking thing hed ever seen in his life. When hed been stuck over some
aliens shoulder and hed heard Kasans yelling, hed tried to yell back. Desperately
hoping that the furious sounding voice meant that he was about to get some help,
hed been stunned at how quickly he was dumped on his feet. But seeing the end of
Kasans attack on the largest cat man there, hed been afraid to even breathe wrong
when he turned towards him. With Kasans eyes cold and hard as they glared in his
direction, Max had been certain for a moment that he was about to be beaten.

Instead, hed been embraced and carried off like some damsel in distress and gently
dumped on the bed. And treated to the sight of Kasan proceeding to kick some more
feline ass. Now, everyone else was gone and Kasan was the only one here and the
big cat was smiling at him and Max felt like a complete idiot but he STILL couldnt
stop shaking.

He didnt understand what was gong on. Hed woken up to those men in the room
and started having his brothel worries, and then theyd yelled at him and that leering
one had charged him so quickly hed barely been able to see him move. Bastard had
picked him up like he was a damn toy and hed never felt so helpless in his entire life.
Even in situations where the people around him were a hell of a lot tougher than he
was, theyd never been so damn BIG. It had been like trying to fight off a troll. Hell,
his attempts to break free had been so laughably ineffective that the cat had
completely ignored them until Max had managed to reach his head. Even then,
yanking on sensitive ears and hair, Max hadnt managed to get free. He thought he
might have just pissed the stupid thing off. Considering how quickly and viciously
hed just realized the cats could fight, the fact that hed annoyed one and lived
amazed him.

It also reinforced his conviction that he did NOT want to make Kasan mad, ever.
Hed never survive it. Hed thought the bigger ones were terrifying, but if Kasan had
chased them all off; that said something about him, didnt it? Whether it meant he
was a better fighter or stronger or nastier, Max wasnt sure, but he didnt want to
experience that part of him. Unlesscould Kasan teach Max how to be just as lethal?

That would be good. If he could learn to actually fight off cats on his own, that
would be really, really good.

Staring at Kasan slowly approaching the bed, he wished he knew exactly what was
expected of him right now. The men whod come in had said Kasans name more
than once, so he knew they were at least familiar with him. But Kasan had obviously
been pissed that they were in the room, so Maxs first fear, that hed been expected
to entertain them, was obviously wrong. The fact that Kasan had come in again,
and looked like he was going to stay for a while, gave him hope that he wasnt in a
brothel, as well. Whorehouses didnt work that way, did they? Wouldnt people
usually, well, screw the whore and then leave? Not screw, leave, come in and dress
him, leave, and come back and kick peoples asses.

Right? Maybe?

Except what did that mean for him? He still didnt know where the rest of the colony
was, or how hed been transplanted from his cryo-tube to this room, or even WHY
hed been taken, or moved, or rescued, or whatever the hell had happened to him.
Kasan had done things that made him squirm uncomfortably thinking about, but he
hadnt hurt him. If it werent for the fact that Max had been naked, and molested,
and then almost gang rapedhe might think he was rescued. He just couldnt quite
make that stretch. Wouldnt they be making some effort to keep him with the others,
if that were the case? Or trying to communicate with him to find out where he and
the ship were from, orsomething. So far, the only thing Kasan had tried to do was
wiggle his fingers in an attempt to imply that he and Max had a sexual relationship.

Not exactly rescue behavior.

To top it off, Max had noticed that as furious and lethal as Kasan had been, he
hadnt seriously injured any of the men whod attacked Max. It wasnt that Max
wanted other people to be hurt, but the fact that attacking Max didnt merit serious
pain was frightening. What was he to Kasan, exactly? Had Kasan been more angry
that the men had invaded what might be his space, or was he angry that theyd
touched his property? If Max was property, that is. He didnt think Kasan was going
the route of upset because theyd insulted a guest. Hed have to be a pretty big
hypocrite for that to work. And Max was desperately hoping that he wasnt upset
because theyd touched his whore before he was done with him yet. Because that
would mean that at some point in time, Max WOULD be done with him, and then
hed go away and other men would come in anddo things to Max and hurt him
because they were really, really big and hed just been shown pretty thoroughly that
he couldnt fight them worth a damn, and and

I dont wanna be a whore! Max wailed, and then slapped a hand over his mouth as
soon as he said it. God, he was such a stupid dink! Kasan stopped and tilted his head
curiously before smiling with a slow, sensuous uptilt that had Max blushing vividly.
The smile felt like liquid heat being poured over his skin. He shifted on the bed,
trying to ignore the slight thickening of his dick as Kasan continued smiling. How
could he smile like that?

And why did it make him feel this way?? It shouldnt feel so nice to be smiled at by
another man, especially when the same man might be thinking sexual thoughts
about him! Watching nervously, Max gulped as Kasan started walking towards him
again. Kasans smile deepened as his eyes roamed over Maxs face.

Max had to swallow noisily again as saliva pooled in his mouth. Kasan was just so
beautiful. Max had thought he was sexy the first time hed seen him, but he really
was justbeautiful. In its own way, the fact that the thought entered his head at all
was scarier than anything the other men had done. His mind was finding another
man attractive, and his body was starting to feel flushed and aroused as well. He
didnt understand this. He shouldnt be feeling this way! Kasan was a guy. It didnt
mater how pretty or exotic he was, he was male! Max had NEVER felt this way about
another man. Never, ever, ever, ever, ever.

Not even at the last Christmas party, because hed been too drunk for that one time
to count.

Feeling his body respond again as his eyes unconsciously focused on Kasans chest,
Max clenched them shut. Hed been ogling! Hed been looking at Kasan and ogling!

I really, really wish you were a butt ugly ogre, he muttered. He didnt last for
more than a few moments before he opened his eyes. It was too nerve wracking to
know Kasan was coming near but not know where he was.

And he wasalmost to the bed. Max gulped again as Kasan glided the last few feet
towards him. The mans body was flowing smoothly, his feet treading soundlessly
along the floor, and Max tried to console himself with the thought that at least he
wasnt angry any more. Max wasnt going to be attacked.

Looking at Kasans loincloth and what looked like a growing erection inside of it, he
changed his mind. It looked like he WAS going to be attacked; he just wasnt going
to be killed. Max scooted backwards on the bed. He didnt want this, he didnt care
what his body was telling him. His penis was stupid, and his skin was stupid, and the
lips that he needed to stop chewing nervously were stupid too. He knew he couldnt
want anything to do with some big huge cat who looked like he was going to jump
his ass any second now. He really couldnt.

Except if he refused, what would Kasan do? Would he call the others back in? Would
he hurt him? And how the hell was Max supposed to tell ahead of time? What was he
supposed to do? Maybe he coulddistract him?

Uhthanks for the rescue, and everything. Max smiled rather weakly and blinked
as Kasan paused in his last few steps before the man started laughing. Shaking his
head and still laughing, Kasan came over sat down far too close for comfort as he
continued chuckling.

Max started chewing on his lips again. What in the world was so funny?


#



Kasan tried to stop chuckling as he sat on the bed, but it was all he could do not to
start laughing harder. God, Max had said it again. He didnt know what it was his
consort was actually trying to say now, or what hed been saying before Kasan had
left with Leero, but that one sound in there was so close to a Hinta word that Max
couldnt help but hear it as such.

And what a word!

My delicate ass. It sounded exactly like my delicate ass and Kasan just knew that
if he heard his delicate consort say it again he might start laughing so hard it would
be difficult to breath.

His little Gisho was a complete and utter cutie.

Kasan leaned towards Max and frowned as his consort tensed. Sitting back, he
castigated himself. Of course the poor thing was going to be tense. He still didnt
have the slightest idea what was going on, in all likelihood. And then Kasans
brothers had to come in like a rampaging horde at the end of a battle. Kasan
couldnt believe they had touched his consort on First Night. Touched him! It was so
far beyond acceptable pranking that Kasan would still be pounding on them if it
werent for the fact that it would have likely frightened his consort. Max probably
thought he was about to be raped by the idiots.

Thinking of the scene hed walked in on, with Maxs ass essentially bare over Aoshs
shoulder as all his brothers examined it, he scowled. He really had let them off too
easy. His consort should never have had to suffer through that, and he wanted to
beat Aosh all over again as the image ran though his head. His young brother had
been about to slap Max in the ass. Aosh was really, really lucky that his hand hadnt
connected or the young lech wouldnt have been able to walk for a week himself.
Kasan looked up as Max shifted, and when the little ones eyes widened he realized
he was still scowling and probably doing nothing to help calm Max.

Sorry, little one. Its been a hard night for both of us, I think. Kasan debated for a
moment and then decided that he was going to have to be a little aggressive. If he
were simply seducing Max outside the bond, hed have the ability to give him some
space for a few days and take things slowly. He truly wished he had that option, but
he didnt. The way his heat was building, they would need to make love again before
the night ended. Already, he could feel the characteristic almost painful increase in
his own arousal that told him he should have had this done hours before. Drinking in
the flushed skin and lithe body of his consort, Kasan tried to comfort himself. Yes, it
was going to be rushed again. There wasnt any help for it; but it wasnt any
hardship to take Maxs body. In fact, the thought of being able to play with it, to give
Max pleasure and make him practically incoherent with need, was enough to turn
him on without the bonds interference.

It could have been so much worse. His cousin Warans bond came to mind almost
immediately. Lost during a hunting trip, Waran had gone into heat and been forced
to bond with the first ripe person he came across, who happened to be one of the
ugliest, nastiest beings it had ever been Kasans displeasure to meet. And even
though the very thought of touching the other man had made his stomach churn,
Waran and his consort still had to have sex every few days if they cared to live, at
least until they were old enough that the Kouloc was no longer active. The soonest
Kasan had heard of that happening was 16 years, and that extreme case was at
least five years less than the norm. Kasan had asked Waran once what it was like.
Hed had a hard time understanding how a couple COULD copulate when they found
the other so unattractive. How could they stand it?

Kasan wouldnt have had to ask anymore. This was the second time hed been a
victim of the heat, and it felt distinctly different than his normal arousal. Without it,
he found Max adorably attractive, and as he knew from the time hed spent away
from him, Kasan quite enjoyed fantasizing about the things he could do with the
little one. The heat, on the other hand, only affected his bodys need for sex, which
was growing steadily by the minute. It didnt affect his mind, his heart, or even his
bodys attraction to his consort. It simply made him HAVE to have sex with him. The
need would become a painful burn the longer he waited, and it would ensure that he
stayed up and potentially even forced himself on Max if he didnt follow the dictates
of it. At least Maxs body would be feeling the same affects, although to a much
lesser degree. And Kasan was fairly certain that hed seen Max eyeing his body,
which gave him some hope for the future. The bond would never affect how the man
thought of him, after all. Until Maxs heat arrived, the mans nanites would simply
respond to the pheromones Kasans body was producing and create a corresponding
need for sex in Maxs system.

Truly, the scientists had done a very thorough job when theyd created the heat.
The only problem was that theyd been more concerned with saving lives than with
creating stable relationships. So now, Kasan was going to have to make love with
Max far sooner than he thought the man was ready for. Not that he didnt want to
take Maxs pretty little body in any case, but courting would have made it so much
gentler for his consort. His lovers mind would have had time to settle after all that
had been happening, and perhaps Kasan would have managed to find a better way
to communicate. His body, however, didnt look as though it was going to give him
that luxury.

Sighing softly as he thought about the upcoming night, Kasan wondered if the
throwback genes that made his heat delayed by a few years also increased his need
for sex. Perhaps it was the fact that Max was human? He wouldnt have left Max for
so long if hed thought the heat would hit him this early; he would have wooed him
as aggressively as possible with every minute hed had. This quick build up wasnt
what he had been expecting at all. After all, if his familys example was anything to
go by, he shouldnt have been feeling this pressed for at least another few days. If
he was going to need the genetic exchange this frequentlyhe would be spending a
large amount of time in the bedroom for the next few years. Glancing at Max next to
him, the little man fidgeting with his top, he had to grin at his own whining.

Oh, the agony, having an excuse to make love to his consort at all hours of the day,
every day.

Jolan and the others were going to be terribly jealous.

And hed run out of time. He had to at least touch the man in some way or he
wasnt going to last, and considering how nervous Max looked, it would likely be best
if he did this as quickly as possible.

Kasan leapt softly at Max, flicking out his claws as he did so. Max had time to
squeak in startled surprised before Kasan sliced through the shoulder and ties of the
top, tossing the remnants aside. The loincloth was cut open and tossed with the
same speed and Kasan enjoyed Maxs wide-eyed expression of shock before he
knocked him down sideways onto the bed. It only took another moment before
Kasan was gripping him around the waist, lying behind him with Maxs ass cradled
against Kasans still clothed erection. He sighed in relief even as Max finally started
struggling and yelling. The feel of Maxs skin against his chest and underneath his
arm was giving him the respite he needed from the strong desire to bury himself in
Maxs body. Admittedly, the wild squirming was making Kasans erection even
harder, but that was a natural reaction, not a heat induced response. Even as
sexually arousing as he personally found Max, he could hold out against the heat for
a while, as long as he was holding Max. Hopefully, the extra time would be long
enough for Max to calm down as well so that they could both enjoy this rather than
have the need hit the little man out of no where.

If he was lucky, he might even have enough time to seduce Max completely before
he even noticed the strange sensations of the bond. Kasan would prefer that to
having sudden, uncontrollable need frighten Max unduly.

And no matter what happened tonight, tomorrow night he was going to seduce Max
on his own terms rather than waiting for the push from his body. He WAS going to
manage a slow lovemaking session soon, even if it killed him. For right now,
however, he was in for an uncomfortable time of it until Max calmed down.

Shhhhhh, calm down, Gisho. Kasan spoke in a soft, almost singsong voice. It
seemed to be a good choice of tones as Maxs movements slowed when he heard it.
Thats right. Im not going to hurt you. Im just going to make you come until you
scream with it, sweetheart. Nothing to be afraid of. Youll have a wonderful time. All
you need to do is calm down a little.

Max finally gave up struggling and lay stiffly within Kasans arms. Kasan could feel
his heart pounding heavily, however, and he resigned himself to a painful hard-on
for a while until Max was relaxed. His little consort was so skittish. He hoped it didnt
take too long.

Moving his hand in small, brushing movements over the waist he was still holding
rather tightly, Kasan wished again that Leero hadnt interrupted him earlier. Hed
been so close to having a taste of the little thing. Kasan smiled to himself as he
continued to hold Maxs tense body. Although Max had been terribly frightened when
hed first seen the cloth to restrain his privates, hed calmed down rather quickly
once hed understood its purpose. Kasan still wasnt sure what the poor thing had
imagined at first, although from his reaction it must have been rather terrifying.
After they were past that, however, Kasan had seen how Max was reacting to him.
Maxs pupils had been completely dilated, his breathing heavy, and his eyes had
followed the planes of Kasans body so closely Kasan felt them as if the little man
had touched him.

Hed responded so well to the kiss, too, his little sigh as he started to enjoy it
Kasans lips had been so breathy and soft. The flustered surprise when hed grown
too shy to continue and pushed away, only to leave that small little pillow lying in
the dust? It had been so sweet. Kasan had been truly looking forward to exploring
his body before theyd gone down to meet his family. There was just no way hed
been able to resist, after seeing that face. Hed been so close, too. As important as
Leeros news had been, it was still quite a pity that Leero had been as diligent as he
had in bringing it to his attention.

Maxs bottom gave another little push against him as he squirmed, and Kasan blew
out his breath slowly. That felt positively sinful, it was so good. And wasnt that just
about the damnedest thing that he was thinking something like that about another
male. Aside from the fact that his attraction made the bond so much more palatable,
there was a part of him that feltcomplete for the first time. Suddenly, a part of his
personality that had always been relegated to the status of another throwback
oddity was gone. He wasnt only attracted to just one sex anymore, and it was
wonderful. He couldnt believe how much he was enjoying the feeling. Maxs small
body in front of him, his muscles flexing underneath Kasans arm, his softly curving
head around the level of Kasans chin, Kasan enjoyed it all. His little Gisho seemed
so strong and delicate at the same time. He truly was like the little mountain flower.

At least, that was his impression of him. It was amazing how much one could
discover about a person without even the benefit of understood speech, but if he
were honest with himself, he really didnt know anything about his consort at all. To
date, most of his knowledge of the man had been gained when Max had been
drugged or terrorized. The only trait of his consort that might still exist in every day
life was that Max seemed rather prone to panicking, in a rather cute, startled kind of
way. If it happened as often as it seemed to, Kasan looked forward to being able to
comfort him once they could speak to one another and grow closer.

Thinking about the language barrier, Kasan had to wonder a bit about how long that
might be. How long until he could accurately inform his consort of their connection?
It was a little bitcomplicated, after all. Complicated enough to be universally known,
literally in this case, although Max didnt seem to recognize them as Kyashin. He
would have surely said something if he had, wouldnt he? If Kasan was lucky, Max
had never seen any Kyashin images, but would recognize the name once hed heard
it. Kasan had a feeling that might not be the case, however. Any humans that were
isolated enough not to be discovered for this long might be isolated enough to be out
of the normal news loops. If that was the case, how exactly was he going to inform
Max that they HAD to mate, and not have him think it was a lie designed solely to
obtain sex? How, exactly, did one help someone understand Kyashin history if they
couldnt speak the language? Terms like genetically engineered plague and
nanites werent exactly easy terms to define with hand gestures. He supposed he
could show him how Kasans mark disappeared when he grew aroused, as the
dormant nanites that made it up entered the appropriate parts to collect genetic
samples from Gisho.

Would that ever happen to Max? He frowned, pulling the man a little closer to his
body as he thought of it. It might not. Consorts were always mature enough to mate,
but their hormone levels hadnt yet reached the proper combination to trigger a
mating heat. Their own nanites would engage as soon as they completely matured
and their bodies required the genetic exchange to heal themselves. But since Gisho
wasnt Kyashinwould he ever need the nanites? He hadnt thought about it before,
but if Max wasnt born with the Kouloc, his maturation would never trigger the
disease and hed never need the salvation that the nanites offered.

Hed never even experience a mating heat, either, would he? Which meant that the
human male could have survived without needing a consort of his own when he had
fully matured. Looking at him, Kasan realized that Max might actually be old enough
that he would have had his own mating heat, had he been Kyashin. Max might even
be older than Kasan, which was a bit odd to think of. Consorts were almost never
older than their mates. It was practically impossible with two Kyashin. Besides, Max
was so small and slim, he looked far younger than a mature adult.

Thinking further about the implications of his human consort, Kasan was struck by
the realization that if Max didnt have the disease, he would probably be able to
survive the death of his mate. The thought had Kasan scowling, his body tensing
until he managed to relax it, muscle by muscle. He should view this as a good thing.
He had no intention of dying any time in the near future, but based on what Leero
had just showed him in Shovaks abandoned quarters, his uncle and he had quite
different views on what his life expectancy should be. It was oddly reassuring to
think that unlike a traditional Kyashin couple, his consort would live past his mates
death if it happened when the bond was still needed. If, for some ungodly reason,
that bastard Shovak actually managed to have Kasan killed, or whatever the hell
else he was planning, Max would be safe. Kasans family would look out for him, and
his body would just continue as it was, without the need for sex that Kasans own
nanite-induced pheromones were screaming for

Although, if Maxs body never needed the nanites, would that cause problems later
on? If the nanites never fully engaged to fight off the Koulac, would it break the
bond?? He tensed at the thought, his hand automatically rubbing over Maxs
stomach to reassure himself until his brain thought it over. He was letting his fear
and his lust cloud his thinking, he decided. Nothing would happen. After all,
according to the stories, once the Terrans had aided in stopping the plague and their
genetic material had been used as part of the cure, many Kyashin had taken human
consorts. And from what he remembered, the humans had been immune to the
disease, so they wouldnt have had their mark disappear either. It had worked for
them, or at least hed never heard anyone talk of it not working in the histories. So it
should work for Max and himself as well, wouldnt it? He thought about it another
moment. This might be something he should take up with Nolluz when he talked to
him next.

He wouldnt lose his little Gisho, though. That was what was important. Kasan bent
his lips to the soft hair in front of him, kissing it gently, and he recognized the soft,
even breathing of sleep. Poor little dear. He was probably still exhausted from the
bonding itself, especially with no initial nanites of his own. His body would be using
up a lot of extra resources for a few days as the nanites tried to replicate themselves
from those Max had received during the bonding. They would be attempting to reach
high enough levels to be ready for Maxs eventual, if non-existent, heat. Perhaps
that was the actual reason the two of them needed intercourse so soon. Maybe it
was Maxs body initiating it rather than his own. Not that it mattered: they would
have to heed their bodys needs, unlike earlier.

Kasan sighed at the recurrent thought. While Leero had been the one to stop the
kiss that Kasan could still taste in his mind, the mans laughter beforehand had
really done the most damage. If it hadnt been for that, Kasan was fairly sure that
Max would have given in with enough time to consummate the relationship before
being interrupted. After all, Kasan had just about had his consort in his mouth when
the damn laugh had startled him and Max had been so upset hed practically fled.
Kasan hadnt wanted to force anything on him when he was so frightened, of course.
So hed stopped. As painful as that was. He couldnt resist one last kiss before hed
left, but he HAD left him alone. And dressed him, which was pretty damn fun,
considering how aroused it had Max. He was so sexy when his cheeks turned rosy
and red.

And nowKasan was going to have to try again. Third times the charm, wasnt that
what they always said? Max was asleep, and Kasan really, really needed to be inside
him. Kasan would rather have seduced him, but perhaps it would be better this way.
He could have Maxs body aroused before he even woke up.
Hopefully, Max would be a bit sleepy and disoriented as well, so the pleasure should
hit him before the fear could. It would be less upsetting for him this way. Not as
enjoyable as mutually pleasuring each other, but mentally, this might be the best he
could hope for tonight. Especially as both his libido and his heat were growing hard
at the very thought of being inside his consort.

He groaned low as his member pressed against the lovely, firm bottom in front of it,
but smiled as something hard and insistent started pushing against his arm around
Maxs waist. He leaned up on his elbow and looked over, smiling as he saw Maxs hot
little prick growing firmer as well. Sleeping he might be, but his body seemed happy
to be there. Good. Kasan would cover Max in his scent and his touch, and with any
luck Max would be too overwhelmed NOT to enjoy it. The bond might ensure that he
came, but it wouldnt have the same impact as a climax with actual desire involved.
Kasan wanted Max to be happy that they were making love, and he knew that the
small man was not happy with things right now. When awake, he was obviously
nervous and unsure, with fear rearing its head far too often. Kasan would do
everything he could to make that fear go away; it was just difficult to figure out how
when he wasnt sure exactly what was scaring his little Gisho. Other than large,
idiotic brothers assaulting him, of course.

He hoped that this brief physical seduction would be enough for now to keep him
content, or at least not wildly frightened. He thought it might work best if he simply
made Max incoherent with sensation and took him until he was completely limp.
What a hardship THAT would be, he grinned to himself. Even if it were, hed do it. At
least that way Max would be too involved to be frightened, even if it wasnt the ideal
way to do things.

And if Kasan were honest, the idea of seducing Max in his sleep gave him an erotic
little kick, as much as it shamed him to admit it to himself. His consorts face was
expressive enough when he was awake and trying to control his reactions. What
would it look like when it was sleepy and befuddled, when he woke in the midst of
arousal rather than easing his way into it? Grinning rather ferally as he anticipated,
Kasan eased his hand from around Maxs hip and slid it across the small hollow near
his hip bone. The skin there was so soft it was almost silky, pale as though it had
never seen daylight. Kasan brushed his thumb across the small valley, following it as
it led down to crisp curling hair. He rubbed the pads of his fingers across the oddly
textured fur and then moved to the prize: the soft, hot skin of Maxs member.

He cursed under his breath as his body was hit with another jolt of lust that made
him grip Maxs body tightly. Dammit, he had really wanted savor the next time with
Max. This quick fuck lovemaking was not what he wanted. Well, not enough of it.
Hed had plenty of experiences that were simple screws when hed used prostitutes
for release. With his consort, he had really been looking forward to taking his time
and enjoying himself, and helping Max do the same. It felt like this time and the last,
hed had no chance to get to know Maxs body at all. No playing with his body, or
kissing him all over, or rubbing oil into his skin. Instead, Kasan had to go right for
the end. Admittedly effective, and so tight that it still got him hotter than hell, but he
had wanted a chance to play with Gisho for a while, and he was damn well going to
make sure they got to do that soon.

In the meanwhilehed do his best to enjoy this as well. Feeling Gishos small form
against his own, he didnt think hed have to try too hard for that to happen. Pushing
against the sleek body in front of him, he grasped Maxs member in his hand,
enclosing it carefully. It was partially hard already. Max moaned in his sleep,
squirming a little, and Kasan sucked in his breath as the little bottom in front of him
rubbed against his groin again. He pressed his hips forward and scowled as his
loincloth impeded the sensation. Releasing Max for a moment, he sat up and clawed
off his only covering, throwing it almost violently behind him as he resettled himself.
He felt like purring as his freed member managed to press intimately between pale
cheeks. Maxs body might be small, but he wasperfect. Kasans hand gripped Maxs
hip, palming the side of it and pulling back to wedge himself more firmly against his
consort, and Max was the one to groan this time. He still didnt wake, however, and
Kasan had to smile at his determined sleeping.

Moving his hand back to the prize between his consorts legs, a few brief strokes
was all it took to get Maxs smaller member completely upright and eager. Maxs
foreskin moved smoothly in Kasans hand as he played with the tip, caressed the
sides, tightened his hand around the column of flesh and pulled back towards Maxs
body with a strong, steady motion. His consort started pushing against him in his
sleep, murmuring in alien words. Kasan hoped it was a VERY good dream right now.

Kasan nudged against Maxs body from behind again as he continued to play with
his front. The yielding feel of the valley in the center of the smaller mans rather lush
bottom made Kasans palms sweat with the desire to take him just as quickly as he
had the first time, if not quicker. He groaned to himself, trying to fight it. The heat
was pushing so hard, he couldnt hold out for much longer. Even with the physical
touch, it wouldnt be denied. With almost all of Maxs body soft with sleep in front of
him, he forced himself to release his penis and reached up to play with the mans
chest. Gently stroking his fingers across responsive little nubs, he caressed along the
hard curves of Maxs chest. He stroked the lines of muscles, letting his fingertips feel
the sleek skin, flicking lightly whenever the curves led him back to increasingly hard,
pink nipples. When the heat spiked another notch, he started to pant and ran his
hand down over the tight muscles of Maxs stomach to play with the fully erect penis
that still felt a bit small and fragile in his hand. He just wasnt used to holding a dick
in his hand that didnt belong to himself.

He played with the staff of it, gripping and squeezing, pulling and pushing firmly as
he started to buck against Max from behind. When Max started pushing back against
him with more sleepy, hoarse moans, Kasan almost swallowed his tongue. It hadnt
been more than a few minutes, and Max was already aroused. It took so little time
to ready him, and Kasan was so grateful, because hed reached his limit. He had to
have him now. Still stroking his consorts erection, he used his other hand to gently
press against Maxs bottom, nudging the cheeks apart until his own erection was
settled in between, ready to penetrate his partner. His own cock was leaking the
necessary fluids in preparation and he rubbed against Maxs opening, spreading the
slippery liquid over it before he began to push with his hips.

Max moaned louder, shuddering as Kasan played with his dick more strenuously to
distract him. He had to laugh a bit at just how long his consort had managed to
sleep, but he had to admit that it was going to benefit both of them. It was giving
him the time he needed to make this as pleasurable as possible before Max woke up.
Although he wondered a little if Max was going to wake up at all, sleeping this deeply.
It might be the easiest solution to Maxs fear, but Kasan didnt really want to finish
coupling all by himself. He wanted the little one to wake up and enjoy this.
Continuing to play with Maxs cock as his own inched in, Kasan slid into such tight
heat that he had to grit his teeth at the feel of it. Making love to Gisho was the most
wonderful feeling hed experienced in his life.

He never wanted it to end.

Partially encased in his consorts body, still trying to carefully enter, Kasan moaned
deeply when Max finally woke and the mans insides clenched around him.

Wha- Max mumbled sleepily, shifting his hips a little before his entire body
stiffened. What are you Aaaaaah! What are you doing?! You cant bennnnnnng,
Oh god, that feelsshit!

Kasan thrust in so that he was embedded fully and he stayed there despite Maxs
struggles, holding him close by clasping his erection, squeezing carefully as Max
pushed against his hand. Max continued squirming in small jerks, his muscles
clamping down on Kasans member, and Kasan groaned.

Gisho, youre going to make me embarrass myself and come too soon unless you
stop that, he groaned against his consorts hair. Feeling the tight muscles
massaging him with every movement was making it very, very difficult. Please,
youve got to stop moving, little one. His hips twitched and he pressed forward in a
quick, involuntary jerk that had Max freezing.

Kasan sighed in relief. His self-control could only last for so long. Thank you,
precious. Now hold on just a little longer. We can make this better for you, love.
Kasan shifted position slightly and did a small out and in thrust that he knew would
rub against the pleasure point inside Maxs body. He wasnt disappointed as Max
gasped immediately. Struggling desperately for control, Kasan continued the small
thrusts against the same spot, gritting his teeth at the desire to pound into Max,
until his movements had the little one quivering wildly with small, incoherent
exclamations.

Ah, ah, ahwhat are you d-doing to meeeee?!! Max was almost wailing. It
shouldnt feel Fuck! Ah, ah, aaaaaaaah. FUCK! Kasan smiled and started to thrust
faster. His Gisho was so easy to seduce this way; it was wonderful. He released
Maxs erection to hold onto his hip to keep him still as he entered him. He couldnt
get enough angle to properly fuck him into the ground, but he could at least give
them both an orgasm that made them scream rather than whimper.

As though hed heard Kasans thoughts, Max came with a plaintive yell, fluids
pulsing out of his body onto the bed while his convulsions milked Kasans cock.
Kasan came before Maxs climax even ended.

Hell! He kept his arm over Maxs hip as his breathing slowed, refusing to let Max
pull away as his wits returned. Kasan kissed the top of his head. You are absolutely
adorable, Gisho. Just wonderful. He snuggled close, enjoying the feel of his cock
growing slowly more limp until it slid slickly out of his consorts body. He reveled in
the small, sleek warmth of him, resting against his heat, purring low as he nuzzled
the top of his head.

You suck, Kasan. I cant believe you did this to me again. Prick.

That did not sound like loving words from his consort, but he didnt sound
frightened at least. He seemed frustrated and upset more than anything else.
Honestly, Kasan was a little saddened that Max wasnt happy now that they'd made
love again, but he wasnt surprised. And besides, his reaction was rather cute, like
an angry baby bird. Sleep, little one. We dont need to do anything further tonight.

Max struggled another moment or two before going limp in Kasans arms with a
deep, exhausted sigh.

A freaking sex-fiend. Stupid, nicest cat here and youre a freaking sex-fiend. Their
quiet breathing was the only sound for a long time, and Kasan finally let himself
start to drift off, holding onto to Max as the small mans heart rate slowed. Maxs
small voice stopped Kasan at the edge of sleep.

I dont want to be a whore.

Kasan hugged him tighter at the rather plaintive tone and rubbed his hand across
his stomach as he nuzzled his head again. Poor confused little thing. He wished he
could tell him what was going on.

Well figure this out, little one. Dont worry, well figure it all out, he murmured
quietly. He rubbed his hand softly over Gishos hip until his consorts soft body went
limp.

Thats right, just sleep it off, precious. Things will look better in the morning and
well see what we can find out about each other, hmmm? Kasan kissed Gisho on the
top of his head again and finally let himself drift back to sleep.












Fiction~~The Last Pure Human~~Ch. 7


The Last Pure Human
Chapter 7 - Hungry




Kasan woke to a soft knocking at the door. He eased himself from Max as gently as
he could, yawning hugely. It felt as though hed hardly slept at all. Feeling the
sudden cold on his cock as he walked, he looked down and realized that his own
fluids were still wet and drying on his skin. Hell, obviously he HAD hardly slept at all.
What did they need him for at this time of night?

Kasan opened the door to two new faces. Well, at least hed slept long enough for
the guards to change shift. As he saw the third man there, he wanted to hit himself
in the head. The food. Someone in the kitchens had brought him food for Max, just
as hed asked. His lack of sleep was going to be his own damn fault.

Closing the door to ensure Max couldnt be seen, he nodded his head at the guards
and took the food from the kitchen servant with a muttered thank you. He waited
for the servant to depart before speaking.

Everything goes well?

The tallest guard nodded. Its been a quiet night so far. Suddenly the guard
smiled and glanced at Kasan. Well, its been a quiet night out here. It sounds as
though other rooms might have been more interesting.

Kasan smiled back. Mine certainly was. Chuckling along with the two men, Kasan
was interrupted as his body decided to start yawning again. If anyone come before
its time for first meal, tell them Ill see them at the formal greeting, unless its an
emergency.

Of course.

And if you could pass the word for Leero to meet me beforehand. Ill want him to
be taking my consort in personally.

As you wish.

Kasan brought the bundle inside and closed the door behind him. The younger
guard looked at his companion. You didnt mention Jolan.

I dont believe there was need. We kept him from intruding on Kasans first night,
after all.

I suppose. I really wonder why the others werent involved, though. Theyre usually
united on that type of endeavor.

Im assuming they had an actual moment of thought. You know Jolan gets away
with far more than any of the others when it comes to Kasan, anyway.

Thats true. The two guards were quiet as they watched the hallway carefully.

The younger guard spoke again on a sigh. I wonder what its like.

Hmmm?

Having a consort. I wonder what its like. His elder smiled at him.

As long as you get along, it can be absolutely amazing.

I know they say that, I justwonder.

Maybe youll be in luck and someone will take YOU as a consort so you can find out
earlier. The older guard smiled as the younger one blushed slightly.

If the sex is as good as they say, I might not mind. Its not as though its forever.
What about you? Would you have been willing to be a consort?

With a female, maybe, but I wouldnt have done well as a male consort, I dont
think. As it stands, Im happy to be a mate.

Hmmm.

Dont worry about it so much. Itll happen soon either way, wont it? Youre already
19, right?

18 still. Ill be 19 next month.

So barely a year until your mating heat arrives. You could probably be a consort
right now if you wished. If its something you want so much, you could always let it
be
known youre willing.

The younger guard shifted his feet as his eyes still looked along the hall. Im not
entirely sure I AM willing. I dont want children, so it would have to be with a male.
He avoided his superiors eyes. Ive never bottomed before. I might not like it.

The older guard looked at him and smiled more broadly. I have some friends who
could help you decide.

Ill pass, thank you. The youths ears flicked back and forth. I dont want to
practice with a bound couple. And I know you rarely associate with my age group
outside of the guard room.

Nodding his acknowledgement, the other male dropped the subject with one last
comment. If you change your mind

Yes, Ill let you know.

Their sensitive ears caught the muffled sound of Kasan moving inside the room and
soft murmurs as he obviously rejoined his consort on the bed. They were a little
disappointed that no sounds of sexual activities followed. The younger one sighed
again after a few minutes.

I wonder what its like


#

After cursing Kasan for his weird desire to cuddle, while sighing in relief that the
alien didnt want anything else, Max had been thankful to finally fall asleep. Hed
drifted off with the thought that this might not be as bad as hed been thinking.
Kasan wasnt trying to have sex with him again; he was just snuggling. It was weird,
and really darn annoying to be so much smaller that he couldnt kick the big cat out
of bed, but it wasnt awful.

His first coherent thought after waking was to call himself an idiot of titanic
proportions. Because his first incoherent thought on waking involved confusion and
nearly mindless arousal as the other man slid into his ass. That was NOT the way he
wanted to come to awareness, and he was really unhappy that the psycho perverted
cat had tricked him into letting his guard down so completely that it had been
possible. And the jerk still managed to make him climax so hard he could barely
think!

He had to let him know that he wasnt going to put up with that sort of shitin a
way that wasnt going to get him killed, that is. He knew he had to, but the deep,
satisfied lassitude from coming so completely had hit him like a freight train and all
hed wanted to do was fall asleep. He would tell him off later. He was safe now, after
all. Stupid man had taken his body again; hed be safe for a little while.

Besides, Kasan wouldnt damn well let go and didnt seem affected by much of
anything Max was doing to force him to. So, Max postponed working on his release
from Kasans embrace and fell asleep again.

The dream started sometime after hed lost consciousness. Max sat naked on the
edge of a bed covered in aqua silk that stretched out behind him for miles. A petite
red heads lips were around his dick as she gave him a very nice blowjob when
Kasan was suddenly there and shoving her out of the way. He pushed Max back onto
the bed and loomed over him. Maxs dream self did nothing more than watch as
Kasan pushed in between his legs and brought his mouth down to Maxs chest,
licking lightly.

The small, slick touch made his skin tingle as soon as it connected and he moaned.
One arm leaned on the bed next to him as Kasan pushed up, a large hand stroking
through Maxs hair. Kasan stared down into Maxs eyes, smiling gently before he
brought his face down and plunged his tongue into Maxs mouth. Fisting his own
hands in Kasans hair, Max thrust back with his own tongue and groaned as the big
cat growled against him. The mans taste was unreal; some combination of spices
that he had no words for but which filled his mind with heat and sex. Kasan licked in
between his lips, sliding into the recesses of Maxs mouth until Max felt limp and
faint. Drawing back, Kasan gave him no time to recover before he started licking
Maxs chest again.

Max felt small shocks of pleasure shoot down into his groin with each movement of
his lovers tongue. It had his cock erect and begging like a dog against Kasans
stomach. Ignoring that needy part of him, Kasans hand moved from his hair to
caress along Maxs skin in feathery strokes until it slid under his body and cupped his
ass. A hot, skilled mouth sucked and laved his nipples into small peaks while the cat
mans hand gripped Maxs bottom firmly and began to knead.

Maxs hands were tangled in the yards of hair that spread out behind Kasans head,
and he yanked spasmodically as Kasan left his nipples and started working on his
stomach. As Kasan moved even lower, Max suddenly lost the ability to breathe
properly, reduced to small, desperate gasps of air. His eyes hunting for something to
focus on, he saw Kasans ears standing upright. His vision blurred as the silky
triangles descended while Maxs cock was taken into Kasans mouth.

Nnnnnnnn, oh my God! Kasans lips were down to the skin of his groin as his dick
was completely enveloped. Kasan started moving his lips to the head of Maxs dick
and back down slickly, and Max couldnt think of anything he wanted more than for
Kasan to continue doing this until Max went blind from it. His legs splayed wide
around Kasans chest, his feet just touching the floor, he tried desperately to thrust,
groaning with need and frustration as his muscles refused to work in their awkward
position. Max was so aroused he was shaking with it, his body jerking desperately as
the tension wound tighter inside his skin. He cried out when Kasan drew back, his
mouth leaving Max just on the verge of coming.

No! No, please! With soft murmurs, Kasan move the both of them further onto the
bed and turned Maxs squirming body onto its side. Something slick and hard
pressed against Maxs ass and he arched against it as it started to push into him.
Still shaking, frantic to have his climax, Max keened as the hard length pushed in
and rubbed inside him. His body started getting tighter, his hips twitching as he tried
to thrust and arch back at the same time whenever Kasan penetrated him.
Something fantastically soft and silky stroked his thigh and Kasans hand clamped
onto his hip to hold him completely still as the man continued to enter him, slowing
his pace until Max writhed with the need for movement.

Please! Please, let me just move! Kasan didnt answer, but his pace did pick up
and Max gasped at how deeply Kasan was inside of him. His body sang in rhythmic
shocks every time he was entered. His skin felt on fire, his blood pulsed and he
wanted to come so badly he could scream. Just when he finally reached the peak,
when he was, thank God, about to come

he woke up.

He woke up still craving climax, still hearing his own voice moaning and crying out,
because Kasan was plunging into his body in the exact same rhythm as his dream.
Panting for breath, Max struggled to understand what was happening as his hips
were pushed forward, Kasans groin slapping against his ass. No. A dream. It was
just a dream. He wasnt

Max couldnt think anymore as he finally came, only moments before Kasan shouted
hoarsely into Maxs ear and pulled on his hips tightly before his body went limp
against Maxs back and bottom.

Minutes passed with only the sounds of heavy panting and his own pounding
heartbeat echoing in Maxs head. Hed just Kasan had taken him , and hed fallen
asleep, and hed dreamt, and now God, it wasnt just a dream! He had really come
again! Kasan had really taken him again! He couldnt catch his breath as he tried to
use climax-weakened muscles to push away from the man whose body was still
embedded inside of him. Kasans forearm draped heavily over Maxs hip, practically
unmoved by his struggling. His hand pet Maxs penis absently in soft strokes. Feeling
something else stroking up and down his thigh as well, Max looked down in
confusion to find the mans tail moving back and forth on his skin.

Son of a bitch, the man was even molesting him with his darn tail!

Max drew in one shuddering breath and closed his eyes, doing his best to ignore his
bodys usual request for post-orgasm sleep. This was no time to be vulnerable again.

Im never going to fall asleep next to you again, you perverted cat, Max muttered
angrily. He felt the oddly helpless sensation he was starting to get used to around
the stupid big cats as Kasan held onto him with no effort whatsoever. Max didnt
know what to do. He couldnt get away. He couldnt even turn to hit the man. Max
was lying on his side, impaled on the other mans cock, and it made it impossible to
move until Kasan let him go. But he didnt want to just lay here!

If he didnt move, Kasan might get the idea that he actually enjoyed being used this
way.

And that was not what he wanted at all. He really didnt! He felt flushed and his skin
still tingled along his ass where Kasan was plastered against him and he was a little
worried that his dick was thinking of coming to attention again if he couldnt get
Kasan to stop touching him with his hand and that really soft tail, butbut so what?
J-just because the stupid man had amazing hands and did things to him that felt so
good his toes curled didnt mean anything at all. He wasnt a playboy. He wasnt! He
was

The broad hand stopped stroking and wrapped itself around his dick completely. His
thoughts derailed at the tight, hot sensation and he tried to push forward before he
could stop himself. He didnt get far, still filled with Kasan, although the movement
rubbed something inside him and had him moving just to feel it again. Kasans tail
slipped up higher, the tip flicking back and forth as it brushed against his stomach.
He moaned out loud and hearing his own voice jolted him back to awareness.

What the hell was he doing?! He was letting him do it again! Dammitno! Kasan
couldnt do this again! He reached down and slapped at the tail before trying to pull
at Kasans hand. After a few more smacks and a lot of yanking, he finally succeeding
in rescuing his penis from the mans damn marauding appendages. He wasnt going
to think about whether or not Kasan had moved on his own, or been forced to. He
needed whatever victory he could get right now. Especially when the hand merely
retreated to Maxs hip and the tail snaked back around his thigh.

Dont you even think about touching my dick, Kasan! Enough is enough! He
covered the body part in question with his hand, and shivered violently as Kasan
laughed at him. He could feel the deep vibrations of it spread through his body as
even the cock inside him moved. The hard length twitched once and he yelped

Did the man NEVER get soft?

He squirmed. Why was Kasan doing this? Why was he screwing him and touching
him andcuddling? It didnt make sense. It wasnt like Max was that good of a
screw.was he? Or maybe cats just got off on having sex with humans. Was this
happening to everyone else in the colony? Were they all littlelittle cat toys?!

And how the hell do you make it feel good?! Bad enough that he had this huge
man after his body; his body didnt have to enjoy it, too. He couldnt understand how
that could be. He could appreciate that Kasan was sexy, but that didnt explain why
his hands made Maxs skin burn, or why his lips made him completely lose touch
with reality. It didnt explain why seeing the man made him feel rather breathless
and flushed, and it sure as hell didnt explain why he seemed to get hard as a rock
when Kasan started manhandling him.

And there was still the sex. How could his body betray him like this? Dammit, he
was still having little aftershock shivers and it had already been a few minutes since
hed come! He shifted, feeling the huge still-hard length inside of himself, and he
moaned as it rubbed against something good again. But it was so wrong. He was
feeling another mans cock INSIDE of him. INSIDE! He couldnt stop his muscles
from tightening every time he thought of it, but they couldnt do anything. They
were held open, stretched wide and impotent as Kasans dick rested within a part of
himself that Max had ignored for most of his life, frankly. It was justit made him
feel really damn helpless. The man was so big Max felt like he was being completely
overwhelmed, inside and out. And the man was still hard! What the hell did he do,
take Super Cat Viagra?! Max couldnt move until Kasan either pulled out or grew soft,
and he was just lying there stroking Maxs hip and thigh, the jerk.

Kasan shifted again, pulling out slowly, and Max sighed in relief. Thank God, he was
done. Max could get away and his skin would finally stop tingling like this.

Max squeaked as Kasan moved back in, rubbing against Maxs prostate so
wonderfully that Maxs eyes almost crossed.

N-no! You just did this! I- I- I dont wantaaaah, ah ah ah ah YESI mean no! No,
I dont want you to! Its noteeeeee, God! Oh God. Oh God oh God oh God oh God
oh God oh my FUCKING GOD! Kasan finished his sudden burst of energetic
thrusting and squeezed Maxs prick as Max came violently. Again.

Max lay spooned up with Kasan behind him, panting at his second orgasm of the
morning.

Kasanbastard. Cant touchno fair. Fucking made me come! Twice How?? Max
tried to catch his breath enough to use full sentences and couldnt quite manage. He
could finally feel Kasans member start to grow smaller inside of him and slip out as
Kasan pulled away slightly. Max didnt like the empty feeling left behind and flinched
as he realized what he was thinking. He was getting used to this. Hed only been in
this place a day, maybe two, and his body was getting used to being used by this
man. And now Kasan had finally done what Max wanted and removed himself from
his body, and Max couldnt even get away. He was too damn tired!

What was wrong with him? What had warped inside him that made him enjoy
having some man he didnt even know screw him like this? Why wasnt he fighting it
tooth and claw when Kasan was touching him? Instead, even if he could have
stopped him, Max wasnt certain that he really would have. It had felt so good a part
of him was actually unhappy that it was over.

What is WRONG with me? he asked, closing his eyes so he didnt have to look at
his own flushed, dopey face in the mirror across from him. I dont want to be a
whoredo I? Do I have some sort of complex or something?

Kasan chose that moment to finally pull completely away from Max, kissing him on
the back of the head as he moved off the bed.

Kissing does NOT make this better. Max muttered. He refused to turn over and
see what Kasan was doing, sure the man was standing there staring at him. A few
moments of silence had him starting to tense. Was Kasan still watching him? Was he
standing there, looking down at him and thinking of what sexual things he was going
to do next? Because if he wasshit, hed be looking at Maxs ass!

Max turned over quickly and had to readjust the path of his eyes as he found Kasan
halfway to the wall already. Damn, he hadnt even heard the man move!.

Max watched Kasans muscles as the cat man glided away from him and he wanted
to scream in frustration. He should have kept his stupid eyes closed. Completely
shut. He should darn well blind himself if this was the way his body was going to
react, he thought. And still, he couldnt help but watch Kasans naked buttocks flex
as he walked.

The sight of them turned him on.

He stared at the small furring of dark hair that started at the mans lower spine and
grew heavier until it flowed into an ebony furred tail. The fact that Kasans spine
seemed to so naturally change to that sinuous length of fur surprised him. The mans
body was human, the tail shouldnt fit like that. It should seem completely weird and
wrong, just like it had the first time hed seen it, but it didnt anymore. It just
seemed like a normal part of Kasan now. Kasan, the perverted cat-eared giant man
with the tail. With possibly the best looking butt Max had ever seen in his whole
damn life. What the heck did the man do to get buns like that? They looked so round
and firm he could just imagine holding on and biting a little at that golden flesh

Eyes wide at his own thoughts, he groaned under his breath and brought his hands
up to hide his face. He proceeded to mumble into his palms.

It IS a complex. Ive got a huge, freakin complex. Im a nympho. A big, male
nympho who loves anal sex. He peeked through his fingers, caught sight of Kasans
naked back and phallic tail and edible ass, and his lip quivered while his penis did the
same thing. He tried to divert his thoughts and stared at Kasans massive arms.

Flexing as Kasan reached the wall and started fiddling with something in the alcove,
his arms were impressive. Pretty darn amazing. Verydammit, they were sexy too!
Big arms are not sexy! Theyre scary and intimidating and they just mean that you
can do things to me and I cant stop you! He gulped as he thought of what Kasan
actually HAD just done to him. It was completely insane that the very thought of it
made him flush and had heat pooling in his groin again. Realizing that Kasan had
turned around to look at him curiously, Max fought and lost the battle to keep his
eyes above the mans waist.

Holy crap, even THAT part looked sexy.

Oh God, Im a submissive, cock-worshiping, anal-loving nympho!

Kasan turned back to whatever he was doing, chuckling as he did so. Max bit his lip
and covered up his face again. He wanted to just curl up and die, he really did. He
didnt want to know this about himself, and it was all Kasans fault that he did! If the
bastard hadnt done all these things to him, he never would have known that he was
this way! He didnt WANT to be this way!

It didnt matter howintenseit felt. He didnt want to be the GIRL guy!
Althoughhe looked at Kasans ass again. It was so tight, Max didnt think his dick
had the strength to even get in there

AAAGH, now Im thinking about anal sex again! This is your fault, Kasan! ALL YOUR
FAULT!

Kasan turned as Max finished yelling and walked back holding some odd little scrap
of cloth and an emerald bottle of something that looked oily and thick. Max shut up
and watched him carefully. Oil? What the hell did Kasan think he was going to do
with oil? There was nothing that they should be doing with lubrication that they
hadnt already done. Nothing at all. So Kasan had better not be thinking of doing it a
third time this morning, because it just wasnt going to happen. Max wasnt going to
let it happen. No way. He was not going to feed this weird sex obsession of Kasans,
or the even weirder one that his own body seemed to be experiencing.

Besides, his bottom hurt right now.

Max pushed himself to a wobbling kneel and yanked a pillow off the bed, a blue
silky one this time, to cover his groin. Too damn bad if it got dirty. Kasan shouldnt
have been touching him in the first place, right? He watched as Kasan poured a little
of the liquid onto the cloth and rubbed it over his own skin, commenting to Max as
he did so. It looked like he was cleaning himself. Which was good, right? He wouldnt
be cleaning himself if he was going after Maxs ass again, Max didnt think. Which
meant the weird stuff was hygienic, not sexual.

Thank God.

Although when Kasan started to rub the cloth over his prick, leaving behind slick,
clean skin after each stroke, Max started to sweat. He couldnt move his eyes away,
focusing on Kasans hand as it moved along his shaft, up and down in even, gripping
strokes. Kasan started to grow hard and Max stared. The man was huge! And he just
kept getting bigger, his member sleek and golden. The skin looked so smooth Max
wondered what it might feel like to touch. He blinked, shaking the thought away.

Stupid. He was freaking stupid as all hell. Why was he watching Kasan clean himself?
And just how long did it take to wash your own prick? It shouldnt take this long,
should it? Kasan had been finished with all the other parts in just a few seconds!
What was he doing? Max looked up at Kasans face to see him watching Max through
half closed lids as he continued to stroke and Max pushed himself backwards on the
bed, clutching at his pillow.

Oh no you dont! No way! You can justjust keep on stroking, buddy, because the
ass is closed right now!

Kasan laughed at Maxs reaction, moving his hand away-finally- and pouring more
green junk onto the cloth, completely unconcerned with the raging hard on he still
had. Max had a difficult time taking his eyes from the loaded weapon pointing at him
until Kasan got onto the bed. Tensing as the big cat reached out with the cloth
towards Maxs body, Max yanked it out of his hands and backed away.

I can wash myself just fine, he said quickly. He knelt on the bed, pillow still
covering the important bits. Wary eyes watched Kasan as he rubbed the cloth over
his skin furiously. The dampened cloth flowed over him like silk, leaving behind a
shiny, soft feel to his skin and the spicy scent that Max had first noticed when hed
found himself in the room. Maxs movements slowed as the odd liquid made the
experience a little bit more sensual than hed expected. But after each pass, the dirt
and grime and.dried stuff he didnt really want to think aboutjust washed off.

This stuff is awesome, he said softly, still rubbing. He shifted as his hand got close
to the pillow over his groin and stopped. His face felt awfully warm, and it felt like

He looked up to see Kasan watching him. He KNEW it!

Turn around, you perv, Max ordered.

Kasan quirked one eyebrow at him and did a rather human looking shrug as he
stared.

Turn around. Max made a twirling motion with his fingers and sighed huffily as
Kasan continued staring. He really hoped that this was just a communication thing.
Cultural voyeurism was not something he wanted any more than he wanted to be a
darn sex toy. Max took a deep breath. He was still feeling sticky and a little sore and
embarrassed and angry and frustrated and so many other emotions that he didnt
even have a name for them all. But he was also stuck in this room with this alien
man, and he didnt know where he was or what he was doing here other than being
used for sex. Often. He closed his eyes and took another deep breath. Okay, no
more acting like an idiot. No one had spoken to him in English, so it looked like if he
had a chance in hell of talking to them, he was going to have figure out how to
communicate. Stupid cat probably wouldnt care if his little sex toy never learned
how to say no properly, but MAX certainly did.

Besides, if he learned how to talk to these aliens, he could ask them what was
happening, and where everyone else was, and what they wanted out of him.

He wasnt sure he would be happy with the answers, but at least it would be
something! And the first thing he was going to do was learn how to tell Kasan to turn
around, because he was not going to wash his privates and his ass in front of him!
Taking his cushion with him, he slid off the bed and stared at Kasan, thinking. Finally
he turned his body around once and when he faced Kasan again, he pointed at him.
Now you do it. Turn around.

Kasans head tilted. He smiled and turned around completely to face Max. Max
growled. No! NotRrrrrr. Here. Max took a deep breath and rounded the bed. He
could do this. He really could. The man wasnt going to jump him every time he
came near, right? That would be way too obsessed with sex for any normal person
and

What if it wasnt too obsessed for alien cats? Max bit his lip hard and worked on
breathing some more. He didnt want Kasan to do stuff to him again, but as much as
he hated even thinking this way, after being screwed almost three times in a damn
row it wasnt quite so scary, at least not when he wasnt being touched at the
moment. It made him frightened that his body could enjoy something like this as
much as it did. It was frightening thinking that he was a sex toy, too, which it really
looked like he was considering how many times Kasan had fucked him in the last day.
But Kasan had seemed to have some minor bit of concern for Max while he did it. At
least the big cat guy had tried to make it feel good rather than just worrying about
himself and hurting Max. And considering how big the jerk was, he could have really
messed Max up if hed wanted to, or even if hed just been a little less careful.

Max looked at Kasan again. He really could have, couldnt he? Kasan could have
really, really hurt him, and instead hed done just the opposite.

He hadnt really given Max a choice in the matter, but Max felt the smallest bit of
the tension knotting his insides ease slightly. Max had no intention of staying here
and letting himself be used for sex everyday. No way. But if he couldnt get away for
a while, or make Kasan stop, it was a relief, a HUGE relief, to think that he wasnt
going to be hurt while he was stuck here.

God, such a relief. The man hadnt let those other cats have him, and he hadnt hurt
him. Those were pretty big issues, right? Not being traded like a sexual baseball card,
and not injured or in agony. If he could just get some damn food soon, he could
cope with this.

As long as he got Kasan to turn around.

He dithered a moment and finally took the last few steps, closing the distance
between them. He grabbed Kasans arm, pulling. If he got jumped, hed justhed
try to get away and probably end up screwed anyway, butat least it would feel
good, wouldnt it?

Max was not disappointed, not at all, when Kasan let himself be turned away from
the bed at Maxs urging. Max watched carefully as he drew his hands away, but
aside from Kasans tail starting to sway back and forth, and his ears quivering
slightly, Kasan stayed where he was. Thank God this was working. His first
successful attempt at trying to communicate something. It was always a huge rush.

And in this case it was a hell of a lot less embarrassing, too.

Max went back to his safe haven across the bed, tossing the pillow to the side.
Sighing in pleasure at finally being able to clean himself off, he drew the cloth along
the inside of his thighs and up higher where fluids had leaked out of his bottom. It
still felt a little tender and he moved the cloth very, very carefully. The soft stroking
of the silky liquid felt lovely against his skin and he hummed in pleasure. In just a
few moments, he moved onto his penis and started cleaning it slowly, wrapping his
hand around in a way reminiscent of what Kasan had been doing only minutes
before. To his embarrassment, it started to harden before he finished, but at least he
was clean. So what the heck did he do with the cloth now? Did Kasan want it back?
He looked up and froze, his hand holding the cloth to his penis as he met Kasans
eyes in a mirror. He looked around frantically. He could see Kasans face in at least
half of them. Which meant that Kasan could see HIM in that many.

You perverted bastard, Kasan. Max glared at him, blushing as Kasan smiled
wickedly. The big cat turned around to face Max and held out his hand for the cloth.
Hearing Kasan laugh as Max covered his privates with another pillow, Max lost his
temper. Hed put up with enough crap in the last few days. He really had! He didnt
need some big cat jerk peeping at him and laughing at him on top of everything!

Maxs fist tightened over the cloth in his hand and he threw the soiled, heavy piece
of fabric straight at Kasan.

Kasans hand whipped up to catch it just before it hit his face.

Oh God. Max looked at Kasan, his stomach falling to his toes as his anger drained
out so quickly he was dizzy. Had he just pissed him off?? Hed been so happy to find
out he wasnt going to be hurt during sex, he hadnt thought. There were a hell of a
lot of ways he could be hurt other than sex.

What was Kasan going to do to him?

#

Kasan grabbed the cloth out of the air and stared at it absently a moment before he
tossed it behind him at the cleaning alcove. His little Gisho was so quirky. Hed done
his cleansing striptease that hed wanted Kasan to watch through the mirrors, and
then acted as though he was angry at Kasan and done his funny body hiding again.
It had been so adorable Kasan had to laugh. Which had prompted what looked like a
little temper fit and now Max was looking nervous and worried again.

Gisho was cute, but Kasan really had no idea what motivated the little thing.

Kasan looked at his consorts exposed skin and smiled to himself as he recalled the
past few hours. Hmmm. If Max grew too upset, Kasan should really try to comfort
him a bit. He smiled as a few ways to do so sprang to mind. He could sit down and
put Max on his lapnaked. Or he could help him lie down on the bed and hold onto
his thighs before Kasan sucked him into a mindless frenzy so that he forgot all his
worries. Or he could bend him over the bed and massage his back before he took
him from behind.

Kasan groaned as he was once again as hard as stone. He really needed to stop
thinking this way. Hed already made his consort come three times in the last eight
hours; he wasnt sure it was healthy to make him come again. If it was even
physically possible; how often could humans orgasm without damaging themselves?
The little one seemed exhausted already and theyd barely started the day. Although
if the heat was pushing at him, maybe the nanites would compensate They
wouldnt have any choice in that case, after all. Kasan paused to take stock and
sighed as he found no evidence of peaking heat.

Damn.

Groaning as he tried to keep his hands to himself, Kasan let his eyes admire Maxs
face. It was so precious. Everything about it, from the lips that Max was constantly
nibbling on to the red that bloomed across his cheeks at the oddest times, turned
Kasan on. Kasans eyes dropped to the pillow blocking his view of Maxs privates and
he cursed under his breath as he felt himself firm up again.

Leero had better get here soon before Kasan forgot all about his family, and most
especially his father, expecting him. Kasan really needed to get ready for the
Greeting so he could get it over with. Ignoring his dicks opinion of what the
following hours should involve, Kasan tried to remind himself of what he needed to
accomplish. It wasnt much, in reality. He just needed to show up and have his mark
seen by everyone, and have Maxs recognized as well. At least he didnt have to
worry about proving his mark was real rather than wait the three weeks until his
continued existence proved that hed mated. One look, one damn thought about Max
was enough to get him hard, and thats all it took for the nanites to bleed into his
system and cause the mark to disappear.

Kasan was a bit more nervous about having the mark seen in the first place, as he
couldnt seem to get erotic pictures of his consort out of his head. Hell, he doubted
the nanites had been inactive long enough to form the mark all morning long. He
had to take care of that before he entered the Greeting Room. Actually, he should
probably part from his consort as soon as possible to ensure that he could tone down
the lust a little.

At least long enough for everyone to see the mark. After that, he was planning to
indulge his and Maxs bodies until neither of them could walk, hopefully.

Taking a fortifying breath, Kasan returned the cleanser to its proper place and
rummaged through his clothing for something suitable. A formal ceremony was one
of the few times where hed put up with the highly embroidered cloths that Aosh
always favored, so the damn things were practically new when he brought them out.
Grabbing a pretty blue tunic as well, he turned back to his consort.

He smiled at the sight of him, his eyes gliding over his consorts skin, and knew he
was making the right choice in picking something that would hide all that flesh. Not
that he wasnt going to catch hell for it. Tradition had the consort dressed in the
sexiest, sheerest fabrics possible for the Greeting, to ensure the mates libido
responded appropriately. The fact that Kasan planned to cover up as much of Max as
he could get away with was going to be talked about. At length. For years, knowing
his brothers.
But better that than Kasan attack someone for looking overly long at his consort. At
the moment, even the thought of everyone looking at the little mans bottom as they
verified the mark had Kasans hackles up and his ears flat. Kasan had to swallow a
growl to keep himself from scaring Max. Looking at Maxs nervous little face, he
wasnt sure if hed succeeded.

Why so nervous, little one? Youve done this before, remember? Clothing. Its
clothing.

Kasan placed Maxs loincloth, tunic, and cording on the bed and stepped back to
wrap his own cloth. He smiled as Max edged forward to grab the loincloth before
retreating to the other side of the bed. Max looked from the cloth to the pillow he
clutched to his member and his entire body flushed as he dropped the pillow and
covered his penis with his hand. Why did he keep doing that? Did humans feel the
cold there more keenly? Kasan hadnt even thought of that as an issue. Hed have to
keep an eye on him. If his consorts groin seemed to need a different sort of
covering, perhaps he could arrange to have something in thicker fabrics made for
him.

As Kasan started to arrange the long cloth, he noticed Max copying his movements
and smiled at him again. Trying to do it yourself this time, hmm? All right then, Ill
slow down for you. Kasan moved slowly, watching Max bite his lower lip as the little
one worked on mimicking his creation. Kasan made no move to correct the one error
he saw developing along the way, although the mistake itself made it clear that Max
was unaccustomed to wrapping his own loincloth. Everyone always made the same
mistake when they first started dressing themselves, after all. They had to
experience its results at least once before they really learned to tie it properly.

And the effects were always enjoyable.

Max smiled at him triumphantly as he finished, letting out a happy little shout just
before his cloth untwisted and slid down to his knees. He yelled and grabbed at it
unsuccessfully, toppling over as it tangled around his ankles. Seeing Max naked on
the floor as he walked over to him, his legs practically tied together, started Kasans
mind down a path he hadnt explored yet. Not that the little thing was strong enough
to fight him off under normal circumstances, but a little bondage was always rather
fun.

Once Max trusted him a bit more, of course.

Kasan cleared his throat as his erection once again grew rather prominent, and
Maxs eyes latched onto its obvious presence immediately. His consort started yelling
as he scooted away on the floor, his legs still bound up by the loincloth.

"Oh no you dont! Dont you come near me, you damn sex-fiend!

Kasan stopped. He didnt want to scare the little one too badly just before the
Greeting. It was stressful enough for a couple who could actually talk to each other.
It might be cutting it close, time-wise, but he could give Max a few more attempts
before he interfered.

There was a knock at the door in a familiar pattern and Kasan cursed. There went
the extra time. Hed have to do it himself.

Well need a few minutes, Leero. Kasan was walking towards his consort before
Leeros voice even muttered his acknowledgement. Im sorry, Gisho, but were
going to have to do this damn fast. Youll have to practice later.

He reached down and scooped Max into his arms, pulling the tangled loincloth from
his ankles as he did so. Max yelled out before he grabbed at the loincloth.

Give that back! I can do it on my own!

Kasan tried to stand Max on the bed and clothe him as quickly as he could, but the
little thing dodged away from him as soon as his feet touched down.

I can put it on myself! Just stay away and give me the darn loincloth! Max pointed
at the cloth in Kasans hands before tripping over a pillow and sprawling onto his
back.

Kasan had to laugh at the stunned expression on his face, and he reached over and
quickly scooped Max into his arms again. Hed rather not upset his consort too much,
but they were out of time.

Put me down, you huge honkin cat!!

Sitting on the edge of the bed, Kasan put Max on his lap and started arranging the
loincloth. His erection was pushed at provocatively as Max squirmed and fought
while Kasan worked on getting hold of the little ones member to arrange it for
wrapping. He finally managed to grasp it and he held on firmly as he shifted to reach
the cloth.

NO! Bad touching! Leave that alone! Pervert! Lecher! Freaking cat nymphomaniac!
Stop touching me, dammit, and let me do it myself!! Maxs small hands pulled and
clawed at him, but Kasan felt the mans cock swell within his hand. As the increase
in size grew even more noticeable, Max started to blush and Kasan grinned. Using
his consorts momentary discomfort as a distraction, Kasan lifted him up by the waist
long enough to slip the cloth underneath him, sliding it up the middle of his bottom
and twisting everything together while Max was still squeaking in outraged surprise.
With the loincloth on, Kasan let Max crawl off of him and onto the bed. Kasan had
one foot on the floor and was about to call out to Leero when he heard Maxs
stomach growl loudly. Ah damn, thats right, he still hadnt eaten!

You poor thing, youre probably starving, arent you? Here, precious, I should have
brought this out earlier. He trotted over to the alcove where he had tossed the food
earlier and grabbed it. He didnt want to starve him, but they didnt have much time.
By the time hed turned around, Max had taken the tunic from the bed and pulled it
over his head, wrapping the cord around it in a sloppy but still serviceable series of
loops.

Good enough, sweetheart. The others dont like it, they can keep it to themselves.
Plopping the bundle onto the pillows, Kasan opened it quickly under Maxs wary eyes
and groaned as he saw the contents.

First night. Of course. How could he have forgotten.

Damn cooks had put just about every sexual food in the whole damn world in there.
Looking carefully, Kasan couldnt see one single thing that wasnt either phallic,
hollow, or an aphrodisiac. He only hoped that Max wouldnt notice. Glancing at him,
Kasan was fairly certain he wouldnt. The little man was hovering at the far edge of
the bed, staring at the entire assortment as though it might jump out and bite him
at any moment. Blue eyes looked up at him with a clear question, and Kasan picked
up a seeded bun reputed to increase stamina and tore off a small piece. See, its
food. He popped it into his mouth and chewed.

Maxs face lit up and he scrambled forward to pick up the bread. Zee, iz food, he
said haltingly, pointing at it with his other hand.

He was trying to talk to him? Kasan smiled slowly. Leero could damn well wait a few
more minutes. Food. Its food.

Food. Max took a tentative bite and groaned in pleasure before stuffing the rest of
it in his mouth. He reached for a piece of canto fruit and paused as he looked at it.
Food?

Kasan nodded and watched him pick up the cream colored, phallic fruit. Max
moaned in pleasure again, licking the sticky juices from his chin as they splashed out,
and Kasan cleared his throat uncomfortably.

Not that he wasnt enjoying the sight of pale white fluids dripping down his consorts
face. And he sure as hell didnt mind watching Max sucking the elongated thing into
his pink lips before he bit off an end. But he was supposed to be avoiding arousal
right now and it was entirely too erotic to see him eat the damn thing. Not to
mention that Leero was probably prowling with impatience by now.

Kasan raised his voice. You can come in now, Leero.

Leero entered and stopped dead, staring at Max. Thats just cold, Kasan. Making
me wait and now throwing your recent activities in my face? Although if you were
trying to turn me on, youve done a superb job of it. Leero smirked at him and
Kasan looked at his consort, seeing him kneeling on the bed chewing on the end of
the fruit. Gisho stiffened as he continued to eat, watching Leero warily. The entire
pose was so blatantly sexual that Kasan cursed. He punched Leero in the head and
then took the fruit from Gishos hand. He almost gave it back at the look of loss that
crossed his consorts face

Leero tsked at him as he rubbed his jaw, sitting on the floor. Crueler and crueler
today. Poor little human looks like hes about to cry. How your father raised you to
be such an unkind mate, I have no idea.

Shut up, you dumbass, Kasan muttered. He tried to avoid watching Maxs forlorn
expression as he bundled the rest of the food away.

Leero stood and looked more closely at Max. The human was sitting on the bed and
somehow managing to stare after the food being carried away without taking his
eyes from Leero. Seriously, IS he going to cry? His eyes are positively glistening.

Theyre always like that, Kasan said absently as he concentrated on shoving
things into the alcove. Hes just got pretty eyes.

Another look by Leero had him shaking his head. I still say he looks like hes about
to start weeping any second. I dont think Ive ever seen someone look that
covetously at phallic food in my life.

He doesnt understand why he cant eat and he probably thinks Im simply taking it
all away. I cant exactly tell him that hell have some at firstmeal in a little while,
now can I? And this is the first thing thats gone into his stomach since weve bonded.
Hes starving. Kasan looked up and finally saw Maxs face. Oh sweetheart, dont
look like that. Im not taking it away forever, we just need to get down to the
meal

Max bit his lip. Food?

Fuck. The longing in those blue eyes was completely irresistible. Theyll just have
to wait for you, Kasan muttered and pulled out the least juicy, least phallic looking
thing he could find. He handed it to Max, his entire chest warming at Gishos grateful
look. Give him enough time to eat before you bring him, Leero. Ill take my time
getting down there, so you should be fine. Leero nodded, and then gestured
towards Maxs tunic.

You have thought about what to do for people to see the mark, right? Its pretty
much covered up right now.

Yeah. Kasan sighed again. He pulled Max to his feet. As his consort stared at him
nervously, he reached behind Max and pulled on the back of the tunic, tucking the
end on one side up under the ties until one cheek of his consorts bottom showed
with its pertinent silver crown. Max glared at him, his cheeks bulged out with the
food he was practically inhaling, and yanked the tunic out until it covered his ass
again.

Holding his lips together to keep from smiling, Kasan shook his head and put one
hand on Maxs shoulder to hold him still. Trying to look stern, he rearranged his
clothes again. A glare and a yank later, Maxs bottom was shielded from view. Kasan
heard suspicious snorting from Leero and growled at him.

Shut up, you idiot. Youre the one who reminded me that he should stay exposed
and you know it. Max was craning his neck to glare up at him and Kasan smothered
another smile. Rearranging his clothing one last time, Kasan took a deep breath and
forced himself to scowl back. It made Maxs eyes widen in fright and he took a step
back, his hands coming up defensively.

Ah no. Gisho, no, Im not going hurt you. Dammit Kasans hand hovered and
Leero snorted again. What?! Kasans voice snapped harshly as he looked at his
friend.

I just never thought Id see the day that a pair of eyes would be enough to drop
you to your knees. Leero gestured with his head to Kasans hand, still hovering as
though he might relent and let Max pull the tunic down over his bottom. You cant
tell me you werent about to let him cover up in spite of the trouble it would cause.

The scowl came naturally this time as Kasan turned it on Leero. Fuck. You. The
little things frightened, he doesnt understand whats going on, and so far his only
two words are Kasan and food. It wouldnt kill us to be a little compassionate
towards him until he adjusts.

Leeros smirk only widened. Uh huh. Compassionate. Thats one word for it. I think
I prefer completely wrapped around his tiny fingers. It has a nicer ring.

Kasan took a deep sigh and his hand dropped. He looked silently at Max, worrying
at the lingering fright on his consorts face.

Did you bring the cloak? he finally asked.

Leero nodded. Dont worry, no one will see him before he enters the room. And
before you ask, I have extra guards posted in case Shovak has more spies in the
palace than we know of and tries anything. I didnt see any evidence of interest in
your little one among the papers we discussed, but

I know. Once he finds out Max is a true consort, they may try for him. Kasan
reached out and stroked his fingers down Gishos hair before taking his hand. Patting
it gently, Kasan led him over to Leero. He held out his hand to Leero for the cloak,
taking the heavy fabric and arranging it over Maxs shoulders before pulling the hood
up. The bottom trailed in a heavy pool behind his consorts feet. Kasan leaned down
to look into confused blue eyes and gestured towards his friend.

Leero. This is Leero,

Max had to lean back so far to look up into Leeros face that the large Kyashin
finally crouched down to stare back.

Leero, let me formally introduce you to my consort, Max, Kasan said softly.

Max. Leero nodded at him and the little man nodded back hesitantly, looking
between the two of them.

Leeero. The voice wasnt the high pitched voice of a child that Leero half expected,
but the deep tones lacked the typical low grumble that came with age.

Stay with Leero, Max. Hell protect you until you see me. Kasan pushed Max next
to Leero and stepped away from them before he turned stiffly and headed for the
door.

Ill guard him with my life, Kasan.

I know. Kasan blew out his breath. Wish me luck.

With YOUR family? Take it as a given. And dont forget to braid your hair. You look
like a barbarian with it down like that!

Kasan left with a chuckle. Leero turned back to find Kasans consort staring at the
closed door with horrified eyes before staring back at him. When Leero reached out,
Max backed away, his food falling to the floor as he gesticulated and talked rapidly in
incomprehensible gibberish.

Hey, squirt. Theres no need to get all excited now. Just a few minutes and you can
get back to leading Kasan around by the balls so that the rest of us can enjoy it, eh?
No ones going to hurt you. Max continued to babble and Leero shook his head as
he couldnt understand a word of it. Well, this looks like itll be interesting, now
doesnt it?

Looking down at the food on the floor, Leero sighed. Not interested in eating
anymore, eh? Well then, why dont we go down and get this over with? Looks like
youd much rather be with Kasan. Reaching out, he grasped Maxs hand and started
to pull him gently towards the door.

His grip tightened as Max started to fight him, kicking out at his legs violently.
Shush now, its all right. Im not going to hurt you, Max. Max continued kicking for
a moment, and when that proved ineffective he started clawing and pulling at
Leeros hand.

Im sure youre trying, but trust me, theres nothing you can do thats going to
make me let go--Ow! Leero looked from his bleeding hand to Kasans consort who
was already on the far side of the room. You bit me. Leero looked at the small
round set of indentations on his hand in admiration. I didnt know you had that
much fire hiding in there, little one.

Looking at him, Leero grinned. Thats much better than just a cute face and a
pretty little body. You are going to bring Kasan past being on his knees and all the
way onto his back.

Max was shaking his head at him as Leero approached again. He started pointing to
the door and back at himself, saying Kasan over and over. Leero stopped, the
frantic, fearful gestures and wide azure eyes putting a little hitch in his chest.

Hell, I see why you get to him. His protective streak must be going absolutely
crazy when you throw that look at him, sweetie, he muttered before nodding slowly
and pointing to the door. Kasan, yes. Thats where were going now, to see Kasan.
Hes waiting for us. You just need to come with me, little one, and youll be with
Kasan in no time.

Leero tried to get close to the little man at a slow walk, but Max refused to let him
near. Every step he took had Kasans consort scrambling backwards or scooting
along the wall.

Now dont be that way. Im taking you to Kasan. Kasan. You like Kasan, dont you?
I can bring you to him. To Kasan. As Maxs eyes followed his finger and glanced to
the door, Leero leaped, trying to grab hold of him. He cursed as Max ducked under
his arms with a yelp of fright and ran to the other side of the room again. After quite
a few minutes playing a frantic, disjointed game of hunt n chase, Kasans consort
went so far as to run for the door, rearing back as the two guards still stationed
there turned to see who was coming out. No matter how many times Leero said
Kasans name and pointed to the doorway, Max wouldnt let him near enough to
touch him.

Leero cursed again as he realized just how much time hed wasted trying to simply
get Kasans consort out the door. If the guards had been listening at all, which they
likely were, hed be hearing about this for years.

He took a deep breath to prepare himself for one last attempt before he had to give
up and ask for help from the guards. Kasan is damn well going to kill me for taking
you down for the Greeting like this, but its for your own good. So, lets get this over
with, shall we?

He charged Kasans consort, leaping over the bed as Max tried to run, and just
managing to snag him by the end of his cloak. As Max yelled out, Leero wrapped the
cloak so tightly around his body that it bound up his arms, and tossed him over his
shoulder.

Thank God! You are harder to get hold of than money from a misers purse!

Foreign sounding yells and muffled curses came flying from Maxs mouth as Leero
hurried him out of the room and into the hallway. The two guards stared at him with
identical mocking smiles.

Sir

Not a word if you dont want to be cleaning the dung heap for the next month.

Ah, no sir.

Leero nodded and practically sprinted down the hallway as he tried to make it to the
Greeting on time. The two guards could hear the yelling bundle of cloth over his
shoulder long after he disappeared around a corner. They looked at each other and
shrugged.

Im sure well find out about it later.

I dont believe that I even want to know.










Fiction~~The Last Pure Human~~Ch. 8


The Last Pure Human
Chapter 8 - What IS That?




A piece of dark blond hair had fallen out of his braid and into Leeros eyes, again,
and he sighed as he blew it out of the way. It flopped back down, tickling his nose,
and Leero looked pleadingly at Niku. The older guard was standing where the
hallway began its turn for the Consorts Entrance. Hed been laughing silently at
Leero since Leero had shown up with Max over his shoulder. If Leero was lucky, his
mentor would actually come over, even though he was on duty. Considering that
Leero was currently kneeling behind Kasans consort, both hands occupied with
holding slim shoulders through the cloak, he really hoped Niku was feeling
compassionate at the moment.

Obviously in a merciful mood, Niku stepped close and tucked Leeros hair back into
his braid, chuckling. It looks like Prince Kasan is going to have his hands full with
this one.

I certainly hope so.

Nikus laugh was deep and rich. Oh, so do I. That boy needs someone to take his
mind off his troubles. He turned his face to Maxs shadowed face inside the cloak.
Dont worry, little one, you just let us know if Kasan gets out of hand and well
make sure to help keep him in line. Niku waited for a response until Leero shook his
head at him.

The squirt doesnt speak Hinta. Making sure to raise his voice so the other guard
who stood next to the actual door to the Greeting room could hear him, he went on.
Poor thing cant understand a word we say, so the entire things been a bit of a
shock.

Aaaah. Niku looked down at Max and patted the top of his head, chuckling again
as Max jerked his head away from the touch. Did Shovak kidnap some poor girl
from the borderlands, then? It seems like something the bastard would do.

Something like that, Leero muttered. He didnt feel right lying to someone who
probably remembered him still learning to run, but he could completely understand
Kasans desire to keep things private until after the Greeting. At least that way, the
Greeting itself would be seen before any rumors started flying.

Thats a hard way to become a consort, Niku murmured. Although if it had to
happen, Kasans as good a man as any to have as a mate. He might be grumpy as
hell, but hes fair, and hes usually kind to the littles. Im sure theyll come to terms.

Most likely, Leero said. He looked up to see the guard by the door carefully
shutting the small window into the Greeting room and gesturing briefly. Kasan had
come into the room, then. Leero had hardly been able to believe it when hed come
down and found out that Kasan was still waiting at his own entrance, but at least it
gave him time for his friends consort to calm himself a bit. In theory, anyway. He
honestly wondered if Max might be wriggling more now than when theyd first
arrived. Not that it mattered so long as Max didnt try to run away once the door was
open. Trying to traverse the path to the Knot while holding onto a struggling little
man was not something he wanted to do in front of Kasan.

He didnt honestly think that hed make it through the entire Greeting without
having to restrain the little thing. So far, every attempt to let Max down while
keeping him in place had resulted in more biting or the near loss of the cloak.
Holding him from behind, and in a spot where his teeth couldnt reach, seemed to be
the only way Leero could watch out for his own hide and still keep Kasans consort
safe. It was a shame he had to be the one doing this, in a way. If hed had to watch
Kasan dealing with his frantic little consort, he knew he would have laughed until his
teeth ached. As it was, he could hardly wait to pass the little one off to his rightful
mate.

Niku cleared his throat and Leero looked back at him.

Not to interfere in your duties, Leero, but you may want to ask Prince Kasans
consort if she needs to relieve herself.

Leero looked at him blankly. Excuse me?

Ive simply noticed that she seems to be squirming an awful lot under there, and I
know that my granddaughter moves just that way when shes about to pee herself.

Oh hell. Was he right? Did Max need to pee, or was he just trying to get away?
Damn. There was an alcove right off the hallway for just this purpose, but they
hardly had the time.

Max squirmed again and Leero stood up, moving quickly towards the facilities while
still holding onto Maxs shoulders. If he were lucky, theyd be quick enough that they
wouldnt hold up the ceremony. Sliding the door to the side, Leero pushed Max in
and closed it behind them. The small depression with water flowing through it took
up half the small room, and Leero looked at it skeptically. It was made so that an
adult could stand over it easily, the wastes falling into the water, but it was going to
be a bit of a straddle for Max. Hed probably do better with the childs size, but this
room wasnt equipped with that. It was solely intended for consorts, and whod ever
seen a consort this size before?

Leero looked at Max, who had plastered himself against the far wall since Leero had
released him, and he sighed. You have no idea what this is, do you? Of course not.
How lovely. Not only do I get to chase Kasans consort around his bedroom, I get to
teach you how to pee, too.

He pointed to the water. You pee here. Uncomprehending eyes stared at him.
Leero sighed again and pointed to Maxs groin and back to the water. You use your
dick here, got it? Another blank stare. Obviously not. He rubbed the back of his
head as he contemplated what to do, his golden hair starting to frizz in reaction.

He finally loosened his loincloth. I cannot believe Im doing this. Honestly. A pissing
demonstration was not what I signed up for. Kasan is going to owe me so much for
this, little one. Looking up, he saw Kasans consort trembling, his face white as he
watched Leeros hands. Hey now, whats What do you think Im going to do?! Im
just going to pee, for the love of Here. Here, this is what Im doing!

Leero tried to relieve himself and nothing came out. Now is not the time to be
contrary! he snarled at his dick, trying to relax as his head worried about the time
this was taking and the fact that he was actually taking a piss in front of someone.
Hell, this is practically obscene, he muttered to himself. With a little more effort,
and a lot of visualizing himself in a nice quiet patch of forest, Leero finally managed
to a pathetic little dribble.

He stepped back and gestured to Max. There, now do you understand what this is
for? Ill leave you alone and you canor maybe not. The little man had already
dropped his loincloth completely to the ground and was currently holding up his top
and cloak and using the elongated basin with a look of bliss on his face. Really had
to go, I guess.

About to tighten his loincloth back up, Leero grimaced as he saw Maxs cloak about
to drop into the water. Woah, dont drop it in there! Leero snagged the cloth just
before it fell from Maxs hands. Max startled violently and shied away, stepping back
frantically. Its all right! God youre a jumpy littleaw shit!

Leero jumped back, tripping slightly as his unsecured loincloth started to slip down,
and looked at his wet shins and feet. Max had stumbled away from him, but he
hadnt stopped peeing

You peed on me! I cant believeshit. Now Im going to have to Hey, wait a
second! While Leero had looked at his legs in disgust, Max had started to edge
towards the door. The pale skinned man slid it open frantically, his eyes huge and
frightened, and ran out. Leero started to follow and stumbled as his loincloth slipped
again. Dammit! Niku, stop him! He twisted his clothing together as he heard the
guards startled exclamation, and sprinted out the door after him while still trying to
tighten it.

Leero saw Max skid to a halt as Niku stepped out to block him from running down
the open hallway. The little man whipped around and sped past Leero to the
Consorts door. The other guard assigned there froze as the cloaks hood fell from
the little ones head and exposed his human features.

What the hell is THAT?! The guard growled. With one aggressive snarl, the man
leapt at Max while Leero yelled desperately.

No! Dont hurt him!

He neednt have bothered. Max slid under the guards charge, slipping on the floor
while the guard slammed into the wall. He yanked the door wide, darting inside and
ramming it shut behind him. Leero cursed to himself as he tried to catch up. Kasans
consort was terrified and running free in the Greeting Room, his loincloth still laying
in a tangle on the floor in the piss room.

Damn.

Kasan was going to use Leeros dick for sausage.


#

Kasan cursed under his breath as he braided his hair into one long plait. Working on
it as he walked quickly down the hallway, he was already on his third attempt and he
had a feeling that he was still going to need a fourth before he got it right. He
absolutely hated braiding his own damn hair. By the time he was done, it usually
looked like hed had a drunk with two twigs and a rake do it for him. Which is why
Zonta should have snuck away and damn well helped him. What were younger
brothers for if you couldnt use them to do your hair for you? Hed even have put up
with a night of smirking from Aosh if the brattish lecher would have bailed him out.

Growling, he yanked out the messy, knotted braid as he turned the last corner
before the Mates entrance. About ready to simply cut the annoying stuff off his head
rather than try braiding it even one more time, he almost yelled in relief as he saw
who was waiting for him.

Thank God! Zonta, you are forgiven for everything! Kasan walked over and
embraced his brother enthusiastically.

Im glad to see you too, Zonta said with a relieved smile. I thought you might not
make it to your own Greeting.

If I remembered I had to braid my hair for it, I might not have, Kasan muttered
as he released his sibling and automatically turned to let his youngest brother run
gentle fingers through his hair. How is it that I could beat any one of you in a fight
but my own hair does me in?

I take it as a sign that the universe has a sense of fairness, Zonta teased, trying
not to pull as he worked the tangles out. After a brief pause, he cleared his throat
nervously. Im sorry about last night with your consort.

Kasan grunted. I know you probably tried to stop them.

Not hard enough. Zonta protested quietly. He smoothed a hand over Kasans hair
and started braiding it with light, efficient twists. Were you able to calm the little
one down after everyone took their leave?

You know very well it was more a case of being thrown out rather than leaving.
Kasan chuckled. Or did the guards dump Aosh in a separate room for once?

I dont think hes grown up enough to have his own room yet, Zonta commented
with a smile in his voice as he tied off the braid with a slim gold chain. Maybe in a
couple years when we take our own consorts.

God help the poor things. Kasan laughed as he turned and looked up. He touched
Zontas lips in thanks. Youd better get in before father sends the guards after you.
You can apologize to Max after the Greeting. Im sure he would appreciate one face
that wasnt leering at his ears.

Ill see what I can manage. I dont promise anything about not leering, though. The
little things are awfully cute.

Kasan smacked him lightly on the shoulder. Go, you faker. The day you have a
truly lecherous thought, Ill eat my own tail.

Zonta smiled cheekily and hurried down the hall to the main entrance of the
Greeting Room while Kasan took deep breaths and tried to calm himself. Hed need
to wait a few minutes to give Zonta time to get back. Feeling his mind shifting to
thoughts of Maxs ears, he tried to take even deeper breaths. He HAD to keep his
mark showing until hed walked the entire room. No lustful thoughts. None. His mind
needed to be a pure as new snow, or still water, or Maxs skinshit.

He heard a low rumble through the door and mentally latched onto it. How many
people had to be inside for it to be heard through the thick door? Brothers and
cousins, at the very least, and most likely aunts and uncles and anyone else his
father had guilted into attending. A huge, crazy, noisy, wild mob, in other words.
And he was about to go in and let himself be seen by the whole rampaging horde,
and he had to let them all gape at his consorts ass. There, that took care of the lust,
he thought angrily. So far, his Gisho had only had to deal with himself and his idiot
brothers, and that had been difficult enough. Having to cope with an entire roomful
of people when he didnt know what was going on was going to very hard on the
little one. Everyone had better get a damn good look when he walked to meet Kasan,
frankly, because he wasnt going to let them look for more than a few moments
before he was taking Max away to Firstmeal.

Although even that was going to be a challenge. After all, Kasan would still have to
face his father. Considering that Kasan hadnt yet informed him of the rather unique
characteristics of his consort, the meeting would be memorable, to the say the least.
Not to mention disturbing, once Kasan revealed what Leero had discovered about
Shovaks recent activities. Finding out how the Lord Kings younger brother had
betrayed the family was going to rend a hole right through his fathers heart. Kasan
only hoped that everyone dealt with the revelation without completely losing control,
otherwise Maxs first few hours after the Greeting were going to be an absolute
nightmare, for both of them.

Maybe Kasan would be blessed and the heat would hit him again right after the
Greeting. He could pull Max away for some quiet time with just the two of them.
Otherwise, the way things were likely to progress today, the poor thing would be
plastered against Kasan for the entire Firstmeal.

Although that wouldnt exactly be a bad thing.

Kasan breathed out sharply, hoping Zonta was in place because if Kasan waited any
longer, his damn mark was going to disappear again. With a nod, he signaled the
guard to open the door for him and he walked through the entrance. The tiled floor
underneath his feet was patterned in different shades of gold, forming a path that
wound through the room in a sinuous line that would eventually allow everyone the
chance to see his mark up close. He smiled and nodded at familiar and friendly faces,
winking at the littles who peeked in between their parents legs and even receiving a
brief hug from one the smaller ones as she ran out and grabbed onto his calf for a
few minutes before he sent her back to her mother. Every time the path crossed tiles
in shades of gray and silver, Kasan had to think boring, un-sexy thoughts just to
keep his mark in place.

Jolan coating his tail with glue and feathers. Aosh borrowing his bed for his own
private orgy. Nolluz talkingat all. When thoughts of his brothers stopped working,
he reminded himself that the path was a symbol of just how far Max would have to
walk with his little ass cheek showing to everyone.

That thought worked to keep him limp and irritated for the rest of the path.

As he continued to walk, Kasan couldnt help but notice how much of the room was
covered in tense silence. The silence only lasted until he came close, then dissipated
into relieved and congratulatory smiles as soon as his mark was noted. Kasan found
himself touched more than hed imagined himself capable of. Everyone here was
worried, for him. It was common knowledge that of the few throwbacks born, some
never made it through their mating heat without it raging out of control. He hadnt
realized that so many of his own relatives had feared that the same fate might be in
his future, as well.

On the last segment of the path, walking the inner circle, Kasan passed his close
family and beamed as he saw his brothers. The only unbruised face among them
was Zontas. Which was probably for the best, considering that Aosh was the most
beaten one among them. The lecher would need his healthy twin to nurse his sorry
ass back to health over the next few days. Still smiling, Kasan met his fathers eyes.
He silently acknowledged the question in them, debating how much to tell the Lord
King about the previous night. Hed have to decide how much to share based on how
well his brothers behaved during the Greeting and Firstmeal. His beating was
nothing compared to what their father would do if he heard theyd touched his
consort on Firstnight.

A few more steps, and Kasan was finally in the center of the room, standing on an
elaborate knot made up of silver and gold tiles. He faced the Consorts Entrance and
tried not to let his tail switch too obviously. Everyone was already arranging
themselves to clear the silver path for Max, and Kasan restrained the growl in his
chest as they settled themselves so that theyd be watching the back of Max once he
started walking. The only ones completely facing Kasan were those closest enough to
see the mark; they would vouch for its disappearance when Max entered. The
thought of how many would be staring at Maxs bottom made it very hard to hold
onto his calm. At least it wouldnt be long. Leero would walk Max down the path; not
the most common arrangement, but not unheard of for those unfamiliar with the
castles rather elaborate Greeting room. Hopefully Leero would hurry Max through
the entire thing and Kasan could cover his little one up before his desire to hide Max
away became too much to handle.

A few minutes wait had many members of his family shifting impatiently. Theyd
just have to wait. Max had probably taken a little while to finish his food. Everyone
could live with the brief time spent standing so that his Gisho wasnt starving before
the ceremony. Concentrating on controlling his rebellious tail again, Kasans ears
swiveled as he heard a loud exclamation from behind the door. Leeros voice yelled
out, followed by a muffled thud, and then the door was slammed open and a small,
cloaked figure ran in, closing it behind him. Kasan watched, stunned, as Max faced
the door only a moment before whipping around. The little ones hood was off and
Kasan had a clear look at Maxs terror stricken face as he froze and stared open
mouthed at the crowd in front of him.

Feeling his ears flatten as he saw his consort completely alone and frightened, and
without Leero, Kasan scowled. Where the hell was Leero?! He was supposed to have
brought Max down and looked after him, dammit! A low rumbling ran through the
crowd from those who happened to be facing the right door, and Max flattened
himself against the wall as more and more eyes turned his way.

Screw the damn ceremony, he thought. Max needed him. Kasan opened his mouth
to call to his consort, but was drowned out by one of his nieces who happened to
notice the heads turning around her.

Mama, whats that?

Like the rest of his family, Nolluzs consort was facing Kasan and the center of the
room. She smiled as she murmured a response, glancing back to see what had
prompted her daughters outburst, and her jaw dropped.

My Goodness Her stunned exclamation got the attention of everyone within
hearing, and before Kasan could try to call out again, every last person in the room
had turned to see what was going on at the Consorts door. His poor little one was
plastered back against the wall, completely panicked, when the door slid to the side
and Leero loomed in the open doorway.

Ha, caught you! Leeros hand reached down, catching hold of the cloak. Max
dropped to the ground, yelling, and the overlarge cloak slipped over his head as he
freed himself. Bolting as Leero tossed the cloak to the side, Max sprinted into the
crowd.

Son of a- Come back here, you little squirt! No ones going to hurt you!

Having caught sight of more bare skin than he should be able to see as Maxs tunic
flapped open, Kasan snarled and finally managed to find his voice. LEERO! What the
hell happened to Maxs clothes?

Running after Max, Leero yelled back, Later! Let me catch him first!

Max ran desperately, dodging through men and women as Leero chased after him.
The little man hit a clump standing too close together for him to weave through and
halted, staring. Looking behind, he caught sight of Leero closing in and he dove to
the floor, crawling through the groups legs.

Leero, leave him be! Youre scaring him, dammit! Kasan cursed, trying to locate
his consort in the mob. Catching a brief glimpse of pale limbs and golden hair sliding
frantically around two of his aunts, Kasan left his assigned place to run after his
consort. If he didnt get to him before one of his relatives, who knew how
traumatized the poor thing was going to be.

Leero had better have a damn good explanation for all of this.

Kasan The Lord Kings voice trailed off as his newly mated son ran after the
small being that could be seen weaving in and out, and under, half the crowd. Jolan
started laughing and Kasans father turned, looking at him. His eldest son seemed
awfully unconcerned that there was some unknown, odd creature currently
scampering through the room.

Jolan, what is going

Jolan was running out into the crowd before his father finished. Sorry, father, I
need to help Kasan for a moment!

Turning to address Nolluz instead, Kyoru was somehow unsurprised to see him close
on Jolans heels, followed by Tisu, Aosh, and finally Zonta in quick succession. Left
with a small number of surprised consorts and a large space, he shook his head and
settled himself to watch. Whatever was happening, he was sure it would be
entertaining. Events surrounding his children usually were. Infuriating and
unbelievable, but entertaining as long as he could cultivate the right frame of mind,
and hed had a number of years to do just that.

Seeing the small, pale skinned little thing burst out from behind his eldest cousin
and dive into a group of females, Kyoru squinted, trying to figure out what he was
looking at.

Nolluzs consort stared with him. What IS that? He heard his own fascinated
interest in her voice.

Catching another glimpse as a male he couldnt even identify reached for the
creature, Kyorus mouth fell open as the small body jumped over outstretched arms
and its tunic flared out behind it. Something small and silver glittered a moment on
a pale cheek before the tunic covered it back up.

Hmm. I believe that may be the newest member of the family, he answered
slowly, ignoring the surprised murmurs around him. Another leap, this time
backwards as someone stepped in front of the little consort, and Kyoru blinked. The
tunic had flapped up again. Kasans consort was quite definitely of the male
persuasion. It looks like Kasan has quite a bit to tell me once this Greeting ends.

The quick footed boy ran in front of him and Kyoru chuckled as two of his brothers
collided with each other trying to catch it. Looking around as over half the family ran,
hid, or sprawled in heaps on the floor, he smiled broadly. He had a feeling he was
going to enjoy getting to know this one.

#

Kasan snarled as yet another interfering member of his family got in between him
and his consort and prevented him from catching up to Gisho. At this point,
everyone was either chasing his little one or calling out advice to those who were.

Its over here! Hurry, you can get it when it comes by you!

No, its on the path. Not thereby the Mates Entrance!

Its behind you, on your left! No, your other left, you idiot!

Ieeee, it went between my legs!

Ive got it! Ive got it! OW! It bit me!

All right, that is IT! EVERYONE STAND STILL! NOW, DAMMIT! Kasan bellowed
over everyone and his various relatives stilled and looked at him. Looking around the
frozen room, he was finally able to spot Max sliding along the wall near the mating
banner. Maxs lungs were heaving and his eyes were wild.

I need everyone to stay where you are and Ill take care of this! Kasan paused to
make sure he didnt have to intimidate anyone before he started towards his
panicked consort. Max! Kasan called out and the little one looked over at the sound
of his voice and froze. Kasan kept talking as he made his way through the crowd.

GishoMax, little one, its all right. No ones going to hurt you. Shhhh, its all
right. Max looked at him and Kasan smiled as the man noticeably relaxed. Then
Gishos eyes drifted over Kasans shoulders and he suddenly backed up against the
wall. Kasan looked back to see Leero, Tisu, and Nolluz approaching behind him and
he snarled at them. You dumb ass morons! I said for you to stay where you were!
Hes terrified of you still! Why the hell are you coming anywhere near him?

Were merely trying to help. Nolluz said in an offended tone.

Then keep your nosy asses out of my way and out of his sight!! Kasan turned just
in time to see Jolan and Aosh moving up on either side of Max and he snarled again.
Aosh, dont you fucking Aosh leaped for Max before Kasan finished speaking, his
red braid slapping the wall as grabbed him by the arm

Got ya, you littleurrrrrgggg. Aoshs eyes bulged, his hands releasing Maxs arm
to clutch at his privates as he fell to the floor. Max drew his fist back and stepped
away frantically, looking to his other side to see Jolan approaching. The crowd had
edged forward and surrounded him in a tight semi-circle with Kasan and his brothers
on the inside. Kasan could see Max looking for somewhere to run and he could
practically feel the panic rising when he couldnt find any openings.

Max, sweetheart, calm down. I know hes an asshole, but I wont let him touch you
again. Youre all right now; youre safe. Just come over here. Kasan slowly walked
towards him, keeping his voice low and soothing. He knew he was in trouble when
Maxs eyes looked over Kasans shoulder again at Leero and the stupid mob that was
somehow related to him. Looking at Aosh on one side trying to get to his feet, Jolan
on the other, and back out at Kasan, he turned and started climbing the banner
behind him.

No! GishoDammit!

Zonta darted out of the crowd and Kasan ran forward, both leaping up to try and
catch him. By the time they reached the wall, Max was already higher than they
could reach.

Kasan snarled, looking up to see Maxs pale bottom in full view as his consort
scrambled upwards. You all better take a good look at his mark right now, because
I am not staying here for another damn minute once I get him down! Kasan yelled
angrily. Silence followed his pronouncement before the rush of murmuring as
everyone looked up and finally noticed the small silver mark glittering on Maxs slim
ass. The fact that they could see everything from this angle, including Maxs balls
pulled up tight in terror, made Kasan want to tear someone apart.

And he knew just who to start with.

Aosh, get your pathetic ass up off the floor and get me something to climb so I can
fetch Max! Without taking his eyes from Max, who was almost shivering with fright
as he clung near the top of the banner, Kasan growled to the man behind him.
Leero, can you tell me why the hell I just had to chase my consort around the
greeting room? What the hell were you doing?

He could hear Leero coming up close and saw his friend bowing formally out of the
corner of his eye.

I- Dammit, I apologize, Kasan. I should have kept a tighter grip on him when he
was..

A tighter grip?! Why would you need a tighter grip? You were just supposed to be
taking him into the room, not marching him off to the dungeon!

Leero grit his teeth. I dont think hes made the distinction yet. He completely
panicked as soon as you left. I had to carry him just to get him out of your room!

Swearing, Kasan looked away from Max for a moment to stare at Leero. What did
you do to frighten him, Leero?

Nothing!! Kasans claws slipped out from his fingertips a moment and Leeros eyes
widened as he backed up a step. Kasan! I swear by my mother, the moment you
walked out the door the little thing just panicked. I didnt even have a chance to say
a word before he was across the room and spouting words like a monsoon! Hes
been acting like Im about to attack him ever since you left!

Kasan stared back up at Maxs pale face looking down at them and he swallowed a
bit of his anger. It was true that his little one did seem prone to bouts of frantic fear.

Besides, there was a reason Leero was his first in command, and it wasnt because
he liked to hurt the weak and helpless.

So what happened then, he asked, trying to keep himself calm.

Leero cleared his throat and his ears flattened just slightly against his blond hair. All
of Kasans attention, as well as that of his brothers, was instantly focused on him.
Ignoring the continued murmurs and exclamations of his relatives as they stared at
Max, Kasan glared suspiciously at Leero. What happened, Leero?

He had to take a piss, Leero muttered.

He had to piss? That doesnt explain why he ran in all alone andand what the hell
is that damn smell?

Leeros golden ears flattened to his skull and his cheeks flushed. The little brat
peed on me and ran away.

Kasan choked and he heard his brothers startled laughter. He peed on you?

Cant you tell? Its all over my legs!

Kasan gave him a glare. My consort took a piss on your leg, so you let him go?

Leero didnt answer, but Kasans brothers laughed harder, Jolan holding his stomach
as he collapsed against the wall.

Nothing to say?

It wasnt like that, I just wasnt expecting him to Hell, hes a quick little thing
when he wants to be, and I had to-- Aw dammit, I screwed up, and Im sorry.

Kasans arm swung up and he caught Leeros jaw with his fist, knocking him back
onto his ass. Apology accepted.

Tisu was practically hooting as he started to guffaw, and Jolan finally managed to
find the breath to speak.

Maybe we could use this to our advantage, he huffed, still gasping slightly for air.
If piss is enough to defeat Leero, then we should definitely be teaching the
technique to our men.

Or we could form it into some type of weapon. Tisu added, nudging Leeros leg
with his toe. The pissing gun.

Every man would be able to carry his own ammunition. Zonta added, smiling as
he gave Leero a hand up.

Well, an enemy wouldnt be able to hide after theyd been hit, because I can tell
you now, the smell alone would give them away. Jolan waved a hand in front of his
nose and Leeros face flushed again as he glared at him.

Now that hed been able to let out his temper with that momentary swing, Kasan
ignored them as he looked up at Max. His consort had a death grip on the cloth and
didnt look like he was coming down any time soon. Poor dear.

Zonta came near just as he was wondering if he should urge the little one to jump.
Aosh was taking too damn long with the ladder.

Youre very calm about him being up there, Zonta said in an undertone that no
one other than Kasan could possibly hear over the teasing Leero was still receiving.

Trust me, Im pissed as hell. Damn family couldnt just back the hell off and let us
deal with it and now Max is even more terrified than ever.

Youre notworried?

Worried? No, I can calm him back down.

I wasnt referring to his emotions. Youre not worried hes up there? What if he
falls?

Kasan smiled and patted Zontas shoulder. Its not as though hed get hurt, Zo. Im
not that overprotective.

Zonta looked even more worried and Kasan started to get nervous. What did his
brother know that he didnt?

I thought you would have had a chance to do a little research on your consort by
now, Kasan, or I would have said something. I looked up a few things in Books of
Rebirth; humans dont do well if they fall from that type of height.

What? Kasan stared at Zonta.

There were a lot of warnings about how to be careful of human consorts in the
early days. It sounds like they dont land well at all. I thinkI think he could die if he
falls from up there. Zonta finished quietly.

What! Kasan looked up at Max, seeing again the white-knuckled grip he had on
the fabric, and realized for the first time that it might not be fear of the Kyashin
beneath him that had him clutching the banner so tightly. Fuck!

Kasan snarled to himself as he realized that Aosh still hadnt turned up with a ladder
yet and struggled inside for just a moment before he turned to his brothers and
Leero.

Zonta says humans can die if they fall from up there, he said loudly, instantly
stopping the laughter and jokes. Ill go up and get him, but you have to be ready to
catch him if he falls. Leero and the others nodded, understanding more than he said.
Kasan turned to the wall and let his claws come out fully. He slowly started climbing,
using the tips of his nails to anchor himself with the small ripples and crevices in the
rock. He focused completely on the wall, moving upwards as quickly as his muscles
could move. A sharp rip brought him a rush of adrenaline and he looked up, certain
the banner had torn until he realized that it was someone ripping down the banner
on the opposite wall. He could hear them rush it over and set it up underneath Max
to help them catch him if the little one fell.

Would that be enough to keep him from getting injured?

Kasan blocked out the sounds of his brothers soft voices as they commented on
how amazing it was to watch him climb. He usually hated to hear them talk about it.
Outside of the family, exposing his claws and tail, not to mention his slightly
enhanced senses, always resulted in stares. Too often that led to leery avoidance or
angry confrontations. As a son of one of the ruling families in the Kyashin Alliance,
he was the most well known throwback on the planet. People were always watching
to see if he developed any of the genetic defects that seemed to plague his particular
anomaly. Considering that the Greeting was surely recorded and broadcast for the
daily records, he knew that the majority of the planet would see everything,
including the reminder of his abnormal features while he climbed the wall.

For once, he didnt give a shit. If he could get to Max on time, he would fucking go
down to the temple and thank God for making him the way he was. As long as he
could make it before anything happened.

He looked up from his grip on the stone wall, more than halfway to Max and started
trying to get his attention without startling him.

Max, sweetheart. Im coming to help you down, love, just hold on. Hold on tight
and Ill be there in just a minute.

Maxs head swiveled down over to him and his consort almost lost his grip as he
startled. Watching Kasan with huge eyes, Max looked from him back down to
everyone watching from below and clutched the banner more tightly. He hung there
a moment and Kasan was close enough to see his jaw tighten before he released the
banner with one hand to start climbing again. Kasan tried to hurry himself, feeling
the tension in his fingertips as they struggled with keeping him from falling off the
wall himself. Everyone froze when a sharp crack sounded above them both. Kasan
saw the bar holding the banner start to give way, saw Max scramble frantically to try
and get to the bar itself, and everything froze in his head as Max lost his grip and
start to fall with a scream.


Kasan pushed off from the wall, leaping out over everyone as he reached Max in
mid-air and pulled him in close. His thoughts raced as he tucked in his knees and
somersaulted to get in the right position to land. What made humans so fragile?
Would Max even be able to survive landing with Kasan holding him? Would his body
be that delicate? Kasan tried to hold onto anything he thought might jar, tightening
his grip over Maxs head and neck, hugging his torso as close as he could manage.

Maxs yelling was muffled as Kasan kept his face pressed against his chest. He could
feel the sounds vibrating against his nipple until the moment he landed, and then
the sound stopped. All Kasan could do was breathe heavily as he slowly stood and
clutched Max to him. Max wasnt making any noise; he never did that. Kasan
couldnt understand what he said, but his consort was constantly talking and yelling
and muttering under his breath. God, had he been injured in the fall?

His brothers were surrounding him, his father in front of him, and his family
surrounding them all before he finally managed to loosen his grip and look down at
Max. Beautiful, adorable blue eyes looked back up at him from a face that was pale
and shocked. But he was conscious. However fragile humans were, his consort was
conscious. Kasan let himself smile and he hugged Max tightly. Within a few moments,
small shivers crawled across Maxs skin and Kasan put him down to look him over,
just in case. Max turned to look behind him up at the banner that was now hanging
from the damaged bar and then back down to where they both stood.

Kasan began to grin as Max started talking in amazed tones, gesturing back at the
banner and making swooping motions with his hands as he looked up and back down
to Kasan as though confirming the distance. Kasan finally let himself relax. The one
sign he took as proof of Maxs health: constant chatter. Kasan put his arm over
Maxs shoulder, turning him towards his father, and flinched as Maxs chattering
ceased in a high-pitched yell.

Max started pointing and shaking his head back and forth as he looked at Leero
standing a few paces to the Lord Kings right.

Shhh, shhhh, Leero wont hurt you. Hes harmless, little one. Leero, get over here
and look harmless, dammit.

Leero stared at him a moment. And how the hell am I supposed to do that? Ive
worked my whole damn life to look as far from harmless as I can!

How should I know?! Justsmile and move slowly.

Leero looked around to find everyone smothering their grins and he sighed. Smiling
tentatively, he walked towards Kasan, muttering under his breath at the same time.
He was just as surprised as everyone else when Max started yelling and shaking his
head even more violently, pushing himself back. Leero stopped moving before Kasan
said a word.

Hes terrified. Leero said, appalled. Hes actually terrified of me.

What did you DO to him? Kasan growled, wrapping his arms around Max and
pulling him tightly against himself.

I told you, nothing! I dont know why the little things so frightened of me

It could it be your size, Zonta speculated. Kasans the smallest of us all; perhaps
Max feels safer with someone closer to his own height?

It could be your face, Jolan said. I know it sure as hell scares me when I see all
that ugliness in one place.

Shut up, Jolan. Kasan said, rubbing his hand up and down Maxs arm. This isnt
funny. I need to figure out whats wrong. He looked around at everyone. Im sorry,
but I need to have some time with my consort. Im afraid well have to just wait the
three weeks to finish celebrating

Why in the world would we do that? Tisu blurted out. Trust me, we ALL saw your
consorts buns, Kasan. Everyone knows hes your consort.

My mark hasnt faded, Tisu, you idiot. You know

I beg to differ, Jolan said with a rather mocking grin on his face. He looked around
at the crowd where a number of matching grins were sprouting. How many saw
Kasans chest after he looked up at his consorts naked ass? Dozens of hands went
up, and Kasan groaned.

Oh dont tell me

Your nanites bled into your skin so fast they were practically breaking the sound
barrier. Jolan smirked as Kasans cheeks prickled with heat. And the little ones
even wearing a full tunic! I never knew you had an enhanced libido along with
everything else

Jolan, you ass. Kasan tried not to smile and failed miserably.

Jolan looked to his father and went on at his nod. Then the Greetings completed!
Welcome the newest adults in the family: Kasan and Max!

A thundering boom of voices yelling out their welcome made Max practically jump
out of his skin and Kasan picked him up to cradle in his arms. He couldnt hear over
the crowds roaring as they walked out, but from the open mouth, he thought Max
was yelling at him again.











Fiction~~The Last Pure Human~~Ch. 9


The Last Pure Human
Chapter 9 - Firstmeal




Max sat on Kasans lap, still shivering in reaction as Kasan ran fingers in smoothing
strokes over his head, or maybe the shivers were from Kasans fingers. He wasnt
sure, but he sure as hell wasnt giving Kasan credit for it. Jerk. How could he?

Max shivered again as the mans other fingers brushed against his thigh before
draping themselves possessively over his knee. On the verge of hyperventilating,
Max felt like his body was a suicide jumper he was talking down from the ledge.
Good body. Nice body. Just calm the heck down so you dont leave yourself
unconscious and vulnerable to the Grand Molester, you stupid body. Cmon, it was
over now! He wasnt surrounded by the seething horde of intimidating cats anymore,
so there was no need to still be freaking out. Freak out time was over. Done. No
more complete and utter terror because there were no more crazy, scary-ass cats
running after him.

Just Kasan.

Asshole.

Taking a deep breath and holding it, Max looked around him as he tried the no-
freaking-paper-bags-in-cat-land method of NOT hyperventilating. The room he and
Kasan were sitting in was almost as large as the one theyd left. A point against it,
because that might mean that more cats could actually come into it, just like the last
one. The less cats there were, the better off he was, as far as he was concerned.

He took another deep breath, held it, and continued to look around. It was like
being in an opium den. Of course, his experience of opium dens was 70s kung fu
movies, but still, they couldnt be that far off, right? They did real kung fu; wouldnt
they do real opium dens? And why the heck did he even care if it was right or not?
What, he thought Kasan was going to get him drugged up and

He wasnt, was he? Max let out his breath as he searched quickly for drug
paraphernalia um, what exactly would that look like? but he didnt think he found
any. No smoking looking things, no pokey-needle looking things, and no cooking-up-
meth looking things; just the furniture and the room. Empty tables, low to the
ground, filled the center of the room, with tables almost as high as Maxs head lining
the sides. Every wall was draped with bright, jewel-toned fabrics. Matching pillows
surrounded the lower tables in piles and artistically messy jumbles.

What is it with all the pillows? Jeesh, cats have a total pillow fetish or something.
Max muttered. Kasan shifted underneath him and Max swallowed uncomfortably at
the intimate feeling of someones muscles flexing and softening against his ass. If he
had his way, he would just turn and punch Kasan in the nose and stand up and walk
out of here andinto a mob of alien cats, probably. Which was why he was going to
stay right where he was: seated near one of the tables with some pillows under
Kasans butt and the mans hand on Maxs head and thigh. Max wasnt even going to
push his hands away, as much of a wuss as that made him. Kasan wasnt trying to
touch private places, and right now, Max was really freaking scared that Kasan
would ditch him again, so he didnt want to make any wrong moves. Swallowing at
the thought, and the memory, he looked around some more. He didnt want to think
about this. Really, really didnt want to think about what had just happened.

Really. Freaking never, ever, EVER think about it.

Which of course meant that his brain tried to recall everything almost immediately:
running and dodging and climbing and falling. Max shuddered and tried to find
something new to look at. There had to be something he could distract his mind with!
His eyes followed the drape of the fabrics on the walls; it was a nice pattern, right?
Flat, hanging fabric for most of the wall, with just the color for the design. Along the
top and sides the silky cloths were more bunched up, hanging in upside down arches
along the top and falling in straight drops to the floor in the corners. It was kind of
like being in a giant four-poster bed, come to think of it. There were even pillows.

His brain stuck on the bed thought before he could stop it. Big beds.

Big bed meant big cats.

And big cats had sex with you in big beds and then fucking handed you over to
other, bigger cats like you were nothing but garbage and you had to freaking run the
hell away or they were going to

Max caught himself starting to panic again and wrapped his arms around his chest
as he breathed slow and deep and not freaking like he was hyperventilating! He was
okay now. No more cats, or running, or being sold, or anything else. He was not
scared. Dammit, he didnt want to be scared! It was so stupid, but how could he stay
calm? Because hed been so right: it WAS a whorehouse. Or a slave house, or some
screwed up thing that was close enough not to matter. And he knew it. He knew it
because that stupid, dumb, lying, backstabbing Kasan had given him away!

Why? Why had he done it? Max couldnt figure that out. Hell, even as afraid as hed
been since he woke up, that one moment was still such a shock that he almost
couldnt believe it. How could Kasan do that to him? The way the alien had been
acting, hed thoughtwell at the very least hed thought that Kasan was possessive
of him. Whatever he was to Kasan, it had seemed as though Kasan was going to
keep him, and keep him away from the others, too. He might force orgasms on Max
whenever he tried to sleep, but at least Kasan had been protecting him from those
honkin big cats. Hed seemednice. A huge, scary, perverted alien kind of nice, but
nice. Not hurting him or scaring him on purpose or throwing him to the wolves or
whatever their cat equivalent was. Nice.

And kind of sexy and beautiful, too. With a really amazingMax shook his head at
his runaway brain. Stupid dork. He wasnt thinking that type of thing about Kasan.
Was. Not. Because Kasan wasnt nice; he was a jerk. A deceptive, mean, nasty, cruel
bastard. One moment hes letting Max have some food, which was freaking
amazingly good, and then the next moment that dirty blond cat had come in and
Kasan just walked away! Hed left him! Hed gone from being all molesty with the
loincloth and thoughtful with the food and then suddenly hed just given Max to that
other damn cat, Leero. Kasan had punched the man once and Max had thought he
was going to fight him off like hed done to the others. Instead, hed simply walked
Max up to Leero and sauntered out the door, done with him.

WHY had he done that? He hadnt seemed angry with Max, or even upset! But
maybeMax wondered if maybe hed done something wrong. Kasan hadnt reacted
badly when Max had tried to make him go away and leave him alone, but maybe he
just wasnt the type. Maybe he just had his way with Max and then handed him over
to someone else so easily because he didnt care anymore for a whore who wasnt
doing everything he wanted them to. It was justhow was Max supposed to know
what was going to make Kasan do that if he couldnt talk to him yet? The fact that
hed been discarded was scary and awful and it made him feel completely rejected,
which was so stupid he thought he should be hitting himself for it. He shouldnt be
feeling rejected by someone he didnt even want to embrace him!

He was a moron. Hed made such an idiot of himself, and the worst part was, hed
probably do it again if it had any chance of success. When Kasan had left, Max had
been so desperate for him to come back that hed tried calling for him, hoping there
was someone outside the doors who could actually understand him and tell Kasan
what he was saying. He was such a pathetic weenie that hed practically screamed
for him until his voice started to hurt, trying to dodge the bastard chasing after him
the entire time. Hed been a complete and utter wuss, yelling to Kasan that he
wouldnt fight him any more, that hed do whatever the hell Kasan wanted if hed
just come back and take him away from the blond cat. Hell, hed even tried to run
after him, only to be stopped by the big guards at the door. Maybe he could have
run by them, but he hadnt wanted to take any chances.

Because Leero was terrifying. Along with the more elongated, feline face, Leero was
so large that if he put Max to the same use as Kasan had, Max really thought he
might bleed to death. His penis had to be huge! And so were his freaking arms and
his freaking legs so he could vault over the huge bed like it was nothing and finally
grab Max and bind him all up in that hot, itchy cloak. Even then, Max had been
hoping maybe someone would help him, or Kasan would be near enough to hear and
might change his mind. Kasan would realize hed made a mistake and hed come
back for him and kick Leeros ass and and well, then hed probably take Max back
to the bedroom and screw him silly again, but that was okay! Compared to the Leero
jerk, that would have been okay, except hed never come. Leero had carried him
down the hall while he tried to yell at the top of his lungs and looked around
desperately for Kasan or other humans or anyone who might be able to help.

Kasan had never come.

There were no humans.

And the others who saw them had laughed at him instead of helping.

If seeing some human carried off against his will was no issue in this culture, he
knew hed get no help from anyone in escaping. No one would empathize with him.
No one would try to free him. No one would help him while this stupid, terrifying cat
molested him to death.

Why had Kasan given him away?! Why hadnt he justlet Max know that he was
pissed, or unhappy, or whatever the hell he was that made him do it? Whatever he
wanted might have been scary, or upsetting, or downright humiliating, but Max
would have sucked it up as long as he knew Kasan was going to give him away
unless he did! Well, at least until he figured out how to escape. Kasan had to have
known what Leero had planned for him, though, right? He couldnt have just thought
he was handing him over to someone who was going to keep him to himselfcould
he?

Besides, Max was pretty sure that Leero was, well, much kinkier than Kasan was.
Hed made Max stand there in the stupid hallway until his bladder was about to
explode before Leero had taken him to a room to pee in; that had to be deliberate. A
person didnt just suddenly realize another adult had to pee. Well, maybe not. But
considering that Leero had made such a production out of forcing Max to watch him
pee, and then practically jumped Max when he peed himself, Max thought he knew
what had been going on. The man had a pee fetish. People had them, so alien cats
could have them too, right? Considering that the man hadnt touched him sexually
the entire time, it made it even more likely. Kasan hadnt gone that long without
touching him, so if Leero had, it was obviously for a reason. The lack of sex had
obviously pissed him off, too, because Leero had been snarly and snappish and if
Max hadnt had to pee so badly, he would have stayed away from him even after he
found out what the little basin with running water was.

Instead, hed peed, Leero had attacked him, and Max had peed on Leero. The big
cat looked so angry that Max had run for it. A huge alien with a peeing fetish was
bad enough; a huge, furious alien with a peeing fetish who was likely going to fuck
him now that Max was done peeing wasutterly terrifying. He hadnt cared if he still
hadnt seen any humans, or if he was still scared to death of how badly the aliens
could hurt him; hed been more frightened of Leero. Hed still been running under
full-scale terror when hed been forced back towards Leero by some guard. After
successfully dodging Leero and yet another guard, hed had a moment of hope. Hed
thought he might actually be able to get away. Hed actually been almost nauseous
with relief as he escaped through a door. Until hed turned around and realized that
the new room was so, so much worse than where hed been. Hed tried to see a way
through, panicking even as he worked on figuring out what it was.

No one had any food or liquids. Not a banquet.

Children present. Not an orgy.

Thank God.

No stage or music. Not a concert.

A number of people had small pouches tucked under the sides of their loincloths,
and before long, all of them were looking his way. Staring his way, actually. Staring
and talking and pointing and goggling.

Shit.

As hed become the focus of everyones attention, a thought had bubbled up
through the terror and hed sucked in his breath. Had Leero been heading this way?
Theyd been standing right outside the door for quite some time before hed been
allowed to pee; was this where Leero would have taken him when he was done? This
place where everyone seemed to be free enough to stand around and gape at him
what kind of place was it? What kind of place was it where everyone was lined up
almost as though they were waiting for him.

If they were waiting for him, why were they

What if it was aslave auction?

They had pouches; it could be money of some kind. It could!

Slave auction?

They could be waiting around because they were planning on buying something that
was coming through the door. Like a shrimpy, easy to beat up, alien.

Was it a whore house showing him off, or a slave auction or

Max had been absolutely frozen, unable to even move, when Leero had come
through the door, mad as hell, and Maxs paralysis broke. Fleeing as quickly as he
could, hed searched desperately for another door, hoping he might still have a
chance to get away. Only everyone had freaking tried to grab him!! It had been like
reliving the nightmare where he was naked and running and monsters jumped him
from every corner so all he could do was keeping running if he didnt want to die. It
had been so awful, and hed been so relieved to see Kasan that for a moment hed
forgotten that the cat didnt care about him at all.

Max had been forcefully reminded, though, when Leero and the cats whod first
attacked him followed behind Kasan, and Kasan didnt do a thing to them. He hadnt
fought them off, and so Max had started backing up. When his back had hit the wall,
Max had looked to his sides to see two more cats whod attacked him earlier. Kasan
hadnt done a thing to the two of them, either, and Max had lost hope. Kasan
obviously hadnt been trying to rescue Max from the others anymore. He hadnt
cared.

It made Maxs stomach clench just thinking of it again and Max clutched his chest
more tightly. Kasan made low, rumbling sounds in the back of his throat and he
started moving his hand on Maxs thigh, rubbing his thumb in small circles along
Maxs skin until he relaxed slightly.

Max clenched his teeth, still lost in thought. At least hed managed to rack the one
red headed cat, stupid leering bastard. Although hed lost it then, because before he
knew it, hed been up a giant banner and hanging at least 20 feet in the air. Another
great idea from Maxs brain, because the cats would never find him clinging on the
wall that they just watched him climb up! What an idiot. Why had he even bothered
trying to escape if he was too stupid to do it and use his brain at the same time?

Especially as he wasnt especially good at climbing down the stupid banner, even if
he wanted to give himself to the cats again. There was a reason he never climbed
trees as a kid; it was too freaking scary trying to get back down. So hed decided
hed just have to hang there until he starved to death or something. At least until he
couldnt hold on anymore and so wouldnt feel like he was just giving in. It was
better than being raped to death by a giant cat, even if that was what hed been
expecting as soon as he climbed down..

And then of course Kasans voice from close by had shocked the hell out of him.
Hed looked over and almost fallen right then. He still felt a little faint over it. Kasan,
alien cat man, was also a freaking superhuman fly who could stick to walls. Crap, if it
wasnt so scary it would have been beyond cool.

Although if Kasan, who didnt want him, was coming for Max

if Max had screwed up his auction or whatever this was

Kasan would probably be a pretty pissed superhuman fly, wouldnt he?

Max had started climbing higher, trying to put off whatever bad stuff was going to
happen until later, when the banner jerked down slightly, Hed looked up to see the
bar about to go, scrambled to try and reach it, and missed.

And was caught in mid-air by, again, a- a super alien. He still couldnt believe that
part. Hed looked back up and seen just how far theyd fallen and hed had a geek
moment in spite of it all. The man had jumped from the wall and freaking snatched
Max out of the midair like it was nothing! Kasan had moves like a damn superhero!

Max had been screwed by a superhero and he hadnt even known it!

Leero had taken that moment to show up in front of him and remind Max that Kasan
might have some cool moves, but he wasnt a very good superhero. Maybe a Super
Villain; Super Enslaving Catman. Or Freaking Horny Bastard. Orwhatever the hell
he was that Max hadnt been able to think about anymore because hed had to back
away from Leero, and then Kasan had started yellingat Leero? Max didnt get that.
Rather than hand him right back over like hed expected, Kasan had grabbed him for
himself and left. Hed carried him down a short series of hallways to this room,
pausing to speak to what looked like another guard at the door before hed brought
them both inside.

And if Max could only figure out what had changed Kasans mind about giving him
away, maybe he could actually calm down. Was it something Max had done?
Something hed said? Something from the others? Max couldnt see anything
different except that hed climbed up something, so what had it been?

And what had that look on the guards face been? Kasan had been carrying Max into
their current room and the big cat guard had looked at Max like he was an alien from
another planet.

Which, technically, he probably was, but if the guard made a face like that, how
likely was it that there were other humans around here? Where the hell were they all?
And if Kasan wasnt handing him back over right now, what was he doing? Why
wasnt he giving him back to Leero?

Max jumped as someone knocked on the door to the room and Kasan called out to
them. He recognized the voice as the guards and wondered what the heck was
going on now. Couldnt everyone just leave him alone for a while so he could catch
his breath for a moment? That wasnt too much to ask, was it? A few minutes to not
have to worry about being molested or chased or sold? Watching, muttering
unhappily, Max saw the door slide open and yet another strange cat came in.
Another blond cat like that Leero bastard, he thought, watching him as fright started
to grip him by the throat.

Had he been wrong? Was Kasan actually still planning to get rid of him? Was Kasan
going to try and give him away again?!

Max couldnt take his eyes away from the stranger, watching while Kasan and the
alien exchanged words, and then the big, stupid cat was kneeling in front of him. As
the cat stared at him, Kasan felt the fright creeping into the range of full out terror.
The cat was obviously looking over his body. Max was being inspected. The new
man wasnt even glancing at Kasan now that he was in front of them.

God, Kasan was going to give him away again!! The new cat finally moved, reaching
out to touch his leg.

Get the hell away from me! He kicked at him. He wasnt going to let anyone touch
him anymore. Not ever. Hed been nice and sat on Kasans lap and not tried to
punch him like he wanted to and the man was STILL going to give him away? They
could both just piss off! Nobody, especially not Kasan, was going to touch him.

Max ignored the fact that he was currently plastered against Kasan, with the mans
arm around his waist now instead of his thigh. He could only be expected to deal
with one threat at a time, right? Hed keep away the new cat maybe - and then
hed try to keep away Kasan. One thing at a time.

The other man pursed his lips and reached for Maxs other leg, getting another kick
for it and laughing slightly.

Well, at least we know his legs are in working order.

Max stared at him hard, listening. He was going to fight this as hard as he could. He
was. He didnt want to get hurt, or killed, but he couldnt think of anything hurting
more than being taken in the ass by one of these damn giants. His butt was still sore
from freakin Kasan! Two hands reached for his arms and he raised his fists,
desperately pressing against Kasans chest in some futile hope that the man would
continue to hold onto him and keep this new cat away from him.

Kasan didnt let go and continued petting his head, and the other man backed off.

Thank God.

And the arms look fine as well. Otherwise, Im afraid I can only say that I think hes
healthy. I dont know anything about this this

Human.

Really? A pure human? I will be damned. Id love to be able to look at him a little
more closely sometime

Later. If he wants to. I need to know if he was injured when we landed. You cant
tell me anything?

I dont think you have anything to worry about. The mans voice was soothing and
Max wondered what the hell he was saying. His pupils are staying round even with
the brighter light here, but

Theyve been that way since I took him as my consort.

Well, then, thats probably normal for him. He seems to be aware and noticing the
world around him. Hes not favoring any body part that I can see, either, so I
thinkmy best guess is that hes fine. Arent you, little one?

The strangers hand reached out suddenly and started fuzzing Maxs head next to
Kasans hand. Max jerked away. First that guard in the hallway patting his head,
then Kasan petting him, and now this manwhat was it with these cats and his
head?? It didnt fill him with confidence when the man whod touched him laughed.

Hes adorable.

Kasan smiled broadly and Max wondered, again, what the hell theyd just said. I
dont think he agrees. He looks like he wants to bite off your hand.

Well, from what I saw in the Greeting Room, Id believe it. Sounds like youve got a
real little spitfire to deal with.

He's definitely got a lot of energy. I think he may calm down once he can
understand whats going on, however.

Maybe. There was a pause in the conversation and Max looked between the both of
them, listening for all he was worth for the next words. He couldnt understand yet,
but he was damn well going to as quickly as he could. At least he could listen to the
for the cadence and sounds and some repeated phrases. He watched everything: he
wasnt going to be taken by surprise again. Taken, maybe, but not by surprise!
Shall I go and tell Kyoru and the rest that they can come in now?

I dont suppose you could use your powers of persuasion, uncle, and get him to
just let my consort and I go back to my room?

Every mate and consorts wish, but no, Im not stupid enough to go up against
Kyoru merely so you two can have some time alone. The other cat was smiling and
Kasan snorted. What did that mean? Were they talking about him?

Coward. Well, that was said with some definite affection there. Was that a term of
endearment? Never mind then. Would you stay for the firstmeal? I worry that we
might need a physician if theres something weve missed. Youve already seen him,
and you ARE family.

The other cat did a curious kneeling bow and Max worried theyd reached some sort
of agreement. What if it was an agreement over when the man was going to take
Max away with him?

Id be honored. Ill go and let the others know youre ready and then Id be very
happy to join you.

Thank you, uncle. I appreciate it greatly.

Truly, my pleasure. I look forward to seeing what the little one does.

You and everyone else.










Fiction~~The Last Pure Human~~Ch. 10


The Last Pure Human
Chapter 10 - I'm What??




Max breathed a heart-felt sigh of relief as the door closed behind the cat with the
roaming eyes. Tension flowed in droplets from his skin and he licked his lips as he
finally felt like he could relax. If only he could get something to drink. He was so
damn thirsty.

Poor little thing, still trying to figure it all out, arent you? Kasans voice was warm
and actually a little soothing as he tightened his arm around Maxs waist. With
another sigh, Max let himself be pulled against the stomach behind him. Heat slowly
melted through the back of his tunic and seemed to slide along his skin until his
entire body felt flushed. He shifted a bit, felt his tunic move underneath him, and
stopped. He only had one light piece of fabric between his behind and Kasans lap,
and he wanted to keep it there. He did NOT want to feel sleek muscles moving
underneath him without some sort of barrier. If he wasnt careful, first it would be
bare skin against his ass and then it would be bare skin inside his ass.

That was just not going to happen if he had anything to say about it. He wasnt sure
he did, but he could hope a little. A person could always have hope, right? Of course,
hoping wasnt getting him anywhere at the moment. Hoping hadnt found him the
colony, or another human, or a way out of this place. Hoping wasnt even getting
him away from Kasan. Away and off of Kasans really comfortable andsleek and
hot lap. Max scowled at his own thoughts, jerking his hand off of Kasans
embracing arm as he realized he was running his fingers over the smooth skin there.
Stupid damn cat. Thought he could freaking be nice to Max a little and Max would
forgive and forget?

Was that what Kasan was doing? Max bit his lip. Did Kasan even care?

Well- well, it didnt matter, because if he was, it wasnt going to work. Max was still
really, really pissed. And, he admitted, pretty damn scared. It wasnt like being held
right now took away anything that Kasan had just done to him. Max wasnt going to
be placated by some comforting gesture by some stupid giant cat who smelled really
good

Max shook his head, wrinkling his nose. Cant you stop smelling like this, you
jerk?

Why was his body acting like this? Everything about Kasan was announcing itself
like a neon sign against his senses and it was just wrong! Kasan had been a total
asshole! He was NOT someone who Maxs body should be thinking of like this. And
he was a guy, dammit! A guy whod given him away, besides!

Although hed taken him back, too. Maybe hed changed his mind? Or felt kind of
bad that hed just tossed Max to Leero like a leftover cookie? Dammit, Kasan should
feel bad. Because Max was not a cookie that should be thrown away; he should be
saved so Kasan could be the only one to eat him and

Max blinked. What the hell am I thinking? Im not a cookie, Kasan! So d-dont even
think about eating me, got it? Maxs lips clamped together as he heard, and felt,
Kasan laughing behind him. Bastard was always doing that. What the hell was so
funny?

The muscles underneath Max flexed a moment as Kasan shifted to a more
comfortable position and Max swallowed hard. This shouldnt be happening. It was
wrong, and stupid, and it should NOT be happening. He was still mad. He really was,
but surrounded by heavy thighs and a broad chest and strong arms, Max felt a bit
like he was covered in golden skin. It set his nerves tingling, and it wasnt fair. Why
was he feeling like this about the stupid jerk whod put him through all the shit that
Kasan had? It shouldnt be possible. Kasan was pushy, he treated Max like a pet,
and he wouldnt keep his hands to himself. And that wasnt even mentioning that
hed screwed him in the ass! And given him away!

And screwed him in the ASS!

Max felt his cock respond to the salacious memory and he flushed. Why did his body
find the jerk so sexy? GUY! Hes a GUY! G-U-Y! And he was a guy whod dumped him!
In an alien, youre-just-a-slave kind of way, but wasnt that even worse? Max had
ended up pursued by cats, hed just been inspected by yet another cat, and now he
didnt even know what was coming next. He was tired of being scared all time. It
made him feel like a total weenie; wouldnt a real man stand up for himself more?
Except, how much could you really do against a race of perverted giants? Would that
just get you killed?

Max leaned his elbow on the large arm around him, his head dropping into the palm
of his hand wearily. All he wanted was just a few minutes of peace, for Gods sake.
Just a few minutes where he wasnt being chased or molested or screwed with. Max
rubbed his temples with his fingertips and sighed as Kasan started to pet his head
again, the heavy stroking smoothing the jagged edges of his mind. He couldnt keep
this up, he thought, his body softening as the broad hand continued to caress his
hair. Everything was just so messed up and weirdhe didnt know what to do. What
was the right thing to do? Dammit, he was so tired of all this shit! Freaking scary
cats and their freaking rooms and their freaking slave auctionthingies.

Kasans hand rubbed the back of his neck, gently pressing in against the tense
muscles there, and Max leaned his head back against the firm warmth. He arms lay
limply on top of Kasans embracing limb as he let himself be massaged. It was so
nice. His head bobbed a little back and forth as Kasan kneaded his neck; it was like
floating in a pool and letting the water move his whole body. Back and forth, back
and forth, back and forth. He drifted, his eyes half-closed, as Kasans hand continued
to slide across his skin. It felt wonderful. It wasnt so bad being here with Kasan
when he did things like this. He could live with this

Maybe he could compromise or something, Max thought fuzzily, arching a little as
Kasan changed tactics and slid his hand in between Maxs shoulder blades to caress
stiff muscles into warm putty. If Kasan wouldnt give him away, maybe Max could
stay. For a little while. Kasan would keep him, and Max would keep himself from
trying to get away. Until he had somewhere to get away to, at least. He moaned
under his breath as the arm around his waist loosened, shifting until Kasans hand
was cupping Maxs hip. One soft finger lay on the sliver of skin exposed between the
cloth of his tunic, rubbing gently. Max shivered.

It would be so much easier if he wasnt trying to figure out how to run away all the
time, if he just went with the flow for a little while. Kasan wouldnt be a dick, and
Max wouldnt try to get away. Maxs brows furrowed. There was something wrong
with that, though. Something important that he should remember. Something hed
have to do if he stayed and

Maxs eyes closed as Kasans finger slipped underneath his tunic and led the way
over the top of his thigh, caressing it carefully.

Mmmmmmm, nice, Max murmured. His skin felt hot and tingling, everything in his
body completely focused on the pressure across his flesh. His hips arched a little and
then he froze. Something large and hard was pushing noticeably against the rear of
his bottom and his lower back. Kasans erection was pressing against him!

Sex! He wanted sex! Kasan was going to want sex all the time if he stayed!

Shit! he squeaked, starting to squirm. Max was stunned to feel his body tighten
with anticipation even as his mind yelled at him that he should be up and running
away already. Was he crazy? He couldnt stay here! His body ignored him, his hips
twisting slightly so that Kasans dick pushed at his ass provocatively.

No! This was sex with a guy here! Sex! Screwing! Fucking! Sodomybestiality? It
was sex and HE was going to be the one getting it in the rear! That wasnt
compromise, that was it was

His body jumped as Kasans hand found his cock underneath his tunic and grasped
it carefully.

Stop it! Im not done thinking about this yet! You freaking cut it out! I cantI have
to ohhhhhhh. Kasans hand closed completely around his cock and squeezed.

I think we both need something to get our minds off of everything, Gisho. If were
lucky, we might even have time to finish. Kasans other arm moved from behind
Maxs back and cupped Maxs jaw, easing his head to the side as Kasan leaned
forward and began to kiss along his jaw and down his neck.

K-Kasan! Oh God, I cant believe Max arched back as Kasans mouth slid across
his skin. The mans lips felt so damn good; how the hell could Kasan sucking on his
neck do this?? And his hand was so big it completely covered Maxs cock; it felt more
like Max was being taken into someones body than a hand job! Kasans hand
squeezed as he drew his fingers up from the base of Maxs penis to its head and
Maxs hips pushed up at the tight vise around him, his eyes closing. Kasans hips
pushed against him from underneath and Max couldnt stop his body from arching
even more.

He knew what must be coming. His body knew what must be coming; Kasan the sex
fiend was planning on screwing him silly again. Instead of tightening up in utter
terror, Max was writhing, panting at the pulling heat scorching his lower belly. This
was crazy! His body was rubbing against the long length that was prodding him from
behind, and he was anticipating feeling it inside him with an almost desperate need
that scared the shit out of him. He was aroused, and rather than looking for
something to pound into God, except Kasans hand; it was fucking amazing he
wanted something to pound into him! He really did! He could practically feel Kasan
inside him already; that huge cock stretching and burning in his ass as it rubbed
over the spot that made Max see stars. He couldnt get the feeling out of his head,
and the more Kasan touched him, the more he wanted it. He wanted something
inside of him. He wanted to feeltaken.

This was wrong! Wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong!

He gasped, his body squirming desperately.

God, he was a freaking cock whore!

Max tried not to moan as Kasans hips pushed up at him again. He did moan rather
pathetically when Kasans hand left his cock unattended and moved around his waist
to pull him back and down against Kasans body. The mans lips left his neck as his
fingers tilted Maxs head up and back until Max was arched and straining. Then the
cat curled over his body and kissed him. Max didnt have more than a moment to
notice the odd angle before he was totally consumed by the mans mouth. Tongue
and lips and teeth played with Max until he was reaching up over his shoulders
without thought, grabbing at Kasans hair to pull at him. The man was the best
damn kisser Max had ever had; it was like he knew every little spot inside Maxs
mouth that would tingle and spark and zing across his skin and into his brain. Max
couldnt think of anything but that amazing mouth and trying to keep it there as long
as possible. He began to whine as he felt Kasan try to move away and he tightened
his grip on the cats head.

#

Kasan sighed into Maxs mouth, trying to draw away and chuckling under his breath
as his consorts fingers fisted in his hair. He was fairly sure his braid was already
completely ruined from the little ones grasping hands, and he knew hed have a
ridiculous grin on his face whenever he thought about it. Gisho wanted him. His
consort had enjoyed their sexual release before, but hed never really participated.
This time, his hands were making it very obvious that he wanted to be a part of this
as well, and Kasan was immensely pleased, not to mention as aroused as hell. Even
so, they needed to stop. He didnt mind touching his consorts body in public to a
certain extent, but much more of this and he might forget where he was and who
was watching him.

Everyone, at this point.

Kasan reached back and pulled Maxs hands from his head. He smiled as Max
whimpered like a little child and tried to pull him back down. I would like nothing
better, Gisho, but its no longer the right time. Its time for Firstmeal, sweetheart,
everyones here already. Kasan reluctantly put his arm back around Maxs waist to
try and keep it from straying somewhere more interesting.

He looked over at his brother Zonta, the only sibling brave enough to join him at
the table so far, and nodded at him.

I dont believe he wants to stop, Zonta said with a laugh in his voice, fiddling with
his flame colored braid. Maxs eyes popped open at the sound of his voice, the little
ones head dropping down as he looked around. He yelled in fright and Zonta
jumped, his ears vibrating. Max slammed back into Kasans stomach, his eyes
darting around the room that had filled up with relatives while Kasan had distracted
him, and he grabbed onto the arm around his waist with panicked hands. A bright
blush slowly covered Maxs face as he continued to look around at the various tables
and met smiling eyes and good natured smirks. The bright cheeks were as cute as
everything else about the little man, but Kasan wished he wasnt so frightened again.

I was hoping it might relax him, Kasan murmured. Hes just so frightened of
everyone.

Its not that surprising, is it? Zonta asked quietly.

Kasan answered with a sigh. Not really. I thought if he saw that he wasnt going to
be harmed, he might start to adjust, but it doesnt seem to be working. Theres just
too much he doesnt understand.

Zonta muttered vaguely in sympathy.

I know your studies have been fairly intense lately, but I would appreciate you
talking with the archivists about him, Kasan said. You know they dont get along
with me too well

Smiling at him, Zonta nodded. You dont think thats because you lose your temper
every time you try to research something and end up practically destroying whatever
document you happen to have?

Possibly. Kasans mouth curled into a smile, his hand once again stroking over
Maxs head as the man sat stiffly in his lap. Ive noticed that the more fragile
records are somehow impossible to find when I wish to see them.

Zo smiled back. Dont worry. Well find out about your little one. You dont even
have to ask.

I appreciate the support. Kasans voice was warm. He could always count on
Zonta when things were emotionally iffy. So, when

Kasan, I mean it. You dont have to ask. Its already done.

Kasan looked at him, head tilted.

I told you I did some research last night, remember? I already asked them to dig
up whatever they could find about humans and especially human consorts. Theyve
been working all night to find them and make a copy for us.

All night? Damn, Zo Kasan shook his head. It was a very good thing that his ego
wasnt more fragile or hed feel positively incompetent next to Zo sometimes. Did
they give you any idea of what they have?

Zonta smiled again, his eyes bright with the excitement. They have some of the
original writings from the Reconstruction! Theres a lot of information on human
physical needs, but I think the one that might help you for now is a series of lists
with Hinta phrases and human writing. No one can read the human anymore, but it
looks like it might actually be a translation of some of the language.

And well get copies, you said? Translations? Would Max be able to understand
him then? Kasan gripped Max so tightly that the man squeaked in surprise and he
loosened up with a flush.

Zo laughed softly at the chagrin on his brothers face. They should have them soon.
I was hoping maybe before the Greeting, but its taken a little longer than they were
anticipating. Soon, though. Zonta looked down into the blue eyes of his brothers
consort and smiled carefully. Kasan made a mental note to have Zonta give some
lessons to Leero later. His brother was very good at looking harmless. So, may I
be introduced?

Kasan moved his hand from Maxs head to point to Zonta. Max? He waited as Max
stilled. This is Zonta. Zo-n-ta. My youngest brother, Zonta. Zonta cleared his
throat and Kasan snorted. Youngest by a few moments is still youngest, and you
know it. So Zonta, let me introduce you to my consort, Max.

Max stared at Zonta and bowed his head just a hair before Zonta did his own seated
bow. Kasan grinned. The little one paid attention; there might be a little competition
for Zonta there.

Finally.

I am very pleased to meet you, Max. Zonta said in a soft voice. His auburn ears
flicked back and forth excitedly. Kasan could just imagine Max biting his lip before he
answered.

Zon-ta.

Eyebrows went up and Zontas ears paused before perking forward. He does that
very well.

I certainly think so.

I wonder if all humans are such good mimics? Zonta wondered out loud.
Maybe

Jolans voice interrupted him. Zonta gets the first introduction? That hardly seems
fair. Im the oldest after all. Kasan looked up to see Jolan holding hands with his
pale-haired consort Ko. The two stood shoulder to shoulder as they both looked
curiously at Max.

Kasan felt a growl welling up and he let it out slowly, his ears flat and his tail
swinging wildly behind him. He didnt care for Jolans unease enough to control
either reaction.

Be glad Im introducing him to any of you, asshole. After the crap you did last
night

Jolan paled as his ears flattened. Kasan smiled in grim satisfaction. Obviously, Ko
hadnt known what his mate was up to.

Jolan grunted as Ko punched him in the side. Ow! Ko! That hurt!

Really? I had no idea. Ko smiled sharply. So, you were having a little drink with
your brothers last night, were you? Just celebrating your brothers mating? You lied
to me.

Jolan smiled weakly. I didnt lie...exactly. You have to admit that I said nothing
about what we did after we were done drinking.

Ko glared at him, not breaking eye contact as he commented to Kasan. Dont worry,
Ill make sure he regrets whatever crap he did.

Ko stepped closer and stood nose to nose with his mate before he leaned up and
whispered into his ear. Dont make any plans for tonight, Jolan. Youre going to be
punished. Jolans pupils dilated slightly and his breathing sped up. Kasan felt like
rolling his eyes. Sometimes, having better hearing than everyone else let him know
far more than he wanted to about his brothers and their private lives. Although it
was nice to be reminded that the crown prince had at least one person on the planet
who could keep his obnoxious ass in line. They all appreciated someone who could
take him down a peg when his head grew too big for his ears.

Ko kissed Jolan on the cheek and knelt down on the other side of the table. Jolan
hesitated before joining him. Struck a moment by how alike they were, Kasan stared.
Ko was quite a bit fairer than Kasans chocolate haired brother, with sharper features,
but body-wise, the two males could have been twins as they knelt by each other. It
was an odd reminder of just how much size turned him off.

He would have hated having a consort the same size, let alone one who was so
dominant in their relationship. The idea of making love to someone his own size
seemed odd, already. The only images that filled his head when he tried to think of
sex were Maxs small limbs, his sweetly rounded head, his adorable nude earshis
amazing, tight, hot sheath. Kasan cleared his throat as he envisioned what he was
next going to do with Maxs body and startled as a cousin with serving duty reached
in front of him to place the first of their food onto the table.

He tightened his arm around Max automatically as the little man suddenly tried to
lunge forward he was not going to chase him around the room again and he tried
to figure out what had his consort so upset. No one had approached the table but
the servers, and all theyd down was lay small dishes of food across the table along
with the water

Well son of a bitch.

Im so sorry, sweetheart, I didnt even think! Kasan let go of Maxs head and
reached for the nearest glass, dumping water in and handing it over to Max. His
consort grabbed the large ceramic cup in both hands and gulped it down frantically
as everyone stared. He held it out for more before Kasan could do more than blink.
One more, Gisho, and then youll need to wait. Youll make yourself sick. And if
youre starting the meal already, wed better get you settled, eh?

Kasan took the cup and set it on the table. He grasped Max by the waist, enjoying
the firm muscles underneath Maxs tunic, and physically set his consort next to him
on the nearest cushion. They should eat next to each other; hed enjoy the physical
closeness of having him on his lap again once the meal was over.. Refilling the glass,
Kasan watched Max gulp it down just as quickly before setting it to the side. It
looked as though he knew enough to stop himself without Kasan having said
anything. Smiling his approval, Kasan turned to Jolan to make the introductions. He
paused when the outer doors opened two of the archivists apprentices came in
carrying a few sheets of paper.

Here they are. Zonta stated the obvious with such a happy grin on his face that
Kasan didnt bother mocking him for it. He was just as anxious to see the papers as
his brother. Would he finally be able to talk to Max now?

#

Max watched everyone with heated cheeks. He could not believe hed been so
caught up in kissing Kasan that the entire room had filled up, and hed never even
noticed! No, no, that wasnt right. Hed been caught up in Kasan kissing him; he
hadnt kissed him back. Yanking on the mans hair to pull him down so he would
suck on Max until he thought hed collapse was not kissing back. It wasbeing
curious. Hed just been curious about what it might be like to participate in a kiss
from a guy and..

Hell.

Stupid, stupid, stupid Kasan and his hot, really damn sexy mouth.

Where in the hell had the man learned to kiss like that? It had been so.amazing.
Max was certain his lips were still shiny and wet from it and he couldnt bring himself
to so much as touch his mouth to check. He wasnt sure hed be able to stop. Lips
tingling and raw, it felt like they were waiting for Kasan to start back up again.

Maxs blush flared up again and he mumbled to himself. He needed to either melt
into the floor, or beat up Kasan. Not that hed be able to accomplish the latter feat,
but he could darn well try. How could the man have continued kissing him when
everyone was watching?

Thank God he hadnt done more!

But still, there were dozens of cats everywhere! One of the assholes from the night
before was even sitting across from him with a much scarier looking blondie. And on
top of that, the room was filled with strange cat men and cat women and even cat
kidskittens? There were more of the assholes he was worried about sprinkled
among them, too. Why couldnt they all have disappeared so he didnt have to worry
about when one of them might come up and Kasan would actually give him away
again? It had been so nice not to worry there for a moment, darn it.

At least it wasnt as many as had been in the other room, but there were plenty
enough to make him nervous as hell. Even that bastard Leero was there, standing
and leaning against a far table, his legs and feet all shiny like hed just used that
cleansing oily stuff. Guess he hadnt liked piss on his legs, Max thought. Wellhed
better just watch out, because if Leero came near him again, Max was going to he
was going to

Well, he could pee on him again! It had worked once, after all.

And now he finally had enough liquid in him to do so again. Thank God theyd finally
brought something to drink. Hed thought his tongue was going to turn to dust
before that happened. Licking his lips, Max looked around some more as he tried to
figure out what had everyone at the table so interested. It wasnt the food, although
that was something he had noticed from the moment some younger cats had
brought it through a small side door. This was something different. Someone new
had come through the larger set of doors; they were headed right for his table. Two
someones, actually, and the first males hed seen who were actually wearing
anything other than a loincloth. They had tunics very similar to his own, just a little
less embroidered.

They came up to the table, bowed to the rather nice cat, Zonta, and handed him a
few papers as they exchanged words. Max didnt even have time for his curiosity to
grow as the cat pushed the few papers across the table until they settled in a messy
pile in front of Max. Everyone at the table stared at him and he stared back. They
wanted him to do something with these? He couldnt speak their language, what
made them think he could read it? Kasan reached over and rubbed over his head,
ignoring his scowl over the touch. Well, hed better see what the hell this was.

Biting his lip, Max looked down. It took him a moment to understand the rather
oddly formed letters, but when he did, he honestly thought he was going to cry. It
was covered with words! Words he could understand! Someone here actually knew
words that he could understand!

Yes! He ignored everyones growing smiles as he feverishly examined the papers.
There were only five of them. On the first page, one side held words in what looked
like a slightly odd dialect of Spanish, although the other side had letters he didnt
even recognize. Was it something to help communicate? To help translate? He
looked at the next page and saw more Spanish combined with the unknown
language. The next two held the same combination but with Mandarin, which he
could read as well, and the last page had some Slavic language he didnt recognize.
He knew some Czech, which helped with quite a few from that region, but this one
was just too different for him to understand. He pushed that paper to the side.
Oblivious to the interested stares around him, he scanned the papers

The Spanish pages were single words or phrases in rows all the way down the pale
blue paper. It looked like someone had taken a few leaflets from a phrase book and
given it to him. He read along the list: Yes, no, hello, Im hungry, Im thirsty, Im
tired, Im hurt, I have to urinate, I need help.exactly the kinds of words someone
might try to learn first with a new language. A few words had letters missing, a few
more were too butchered to make any sense to him at all, but most of them were
legible.

Putting the first page aside, he started on the second. It was a little more puzzling,
with many of the phrases obviously referring to something that had no direct
translation. Those type of things were always the most challenging in any new
language, but at least hed have a start. He stared at them, his teeth worrying his
lips constantly as he concentrated. They were truly odd. The sexual need of
maturity? What the heck was that? And then what about the whole slew of words
regarding well, he assumed it was marriage. The first night of the bond, the
witnessing of the mark, the mark of bonding? And then the number of names for
spouses was impressive. the bottom or silver husband, the top or golden husband,
the top or golden wife, the bottom or silver wife. The constant references to spouses
and bonding made him squirm a bit, and frankly, having it side by side with the
sexual need phrase was rather disturbing in a page that was obviously full of
beginner phrases. What kind of people discussed sex with you as a beginning phrase?

What kind of people had sex with you as a beginning action, he reminded himself.
The cat who had given him the papers cleared his throat and pointed to the side with
the unknown lettering system. He said a short burst of syllables and then pointed to
the Spanish side and then at Max, waiting.

Max started to smile. Hello, he said, looking at what was chosen. He figured he
might as well respond in English; it wasnt as though the cats would know any
different. The cat repeated his own phrase while Max listened carefully, and then
Max tried his hand at the cats language. From Kasans approving murmur, he
gathered that he hadnt done too badly.

H-heello. Max blinked as the red headed Zonta tried English as well. They both
grinned at each other. They were talking!

Kasan said a few phrases to the cat, then moved the paper over so that he could
touch it more easily. He put his finger down on a short phrase, saying it slowly.

Mate.

Max read the Spanish translation for the word: the top or golden husband. Great,
the one word he was speaking and Max had no clue what he was saying. He looked
over at Kasan and shrugged a little.

Mate. This time the man pointed to himself, and Maxs face crinkled in confusion.
He was sayinghe was married? Maybe? Did they have more than one type of
ceremony or something? Was that the reason for the different terms?

Whoopee for you, youre married. Max squirmed as his gut rolled unpleasantly. So,
Kasan was married. Obviously Max wasnt anything more than a fuck toy or a
concubine or s-something. His enjoyment of the entire endeavor plummeted. Kasan
waited expectantly, the tip of his black tail twitching slightly, and Max tried the word
as his shoulders slumped. Kasan smiled broadly at the attempt and pointed to the
word underneath.

Consort.

His belly still churning, Max read dully. The bottom or silver husband. Great, now
Kasan was going to show him more married cats. Like Max cared. Biting sullenly at
his top lip, he looked up and his eyes crossed as he focused on the finger pointing at
his nose. Kasan spoke again and began to point back and forth between the two of
them, repeating the two phrases.

Top husband and bottom husband. Top husband and bottom husband, Top. Maxs
eyes opened wide, his entire body flushed and he started shaking. He couldnt
mean

Are you trying to tell me were m-m-married??? The small touches the two large
men across from them kept doing took on an entirely new meaning. This culture
hadgay marriage? Was that it? It couldnt be, could it?

Max tried out the phrases, pointing to the couple as he did so. Kasan was smiling
and nodding, looking extremely pleased. He pointed between Max and himself again
and repeated it. Maxs face felt unbearably hot.

Oh. My. God! His breathing sped up as he thought about what that meant. I cant
be married to a guy!!

He was supposed to be married? Like til death do us part- sickness and health- sex
all the time- married? That was crazy! He didnt want to be married! And what the
hell did a bottom husband do, anyway? Was it likelike a housewife or something?
Was he supposed to cook and clean and shit like that?? I HATE cleaning! I dont
wanna be married; I wanna go back to being a whore!!!!

Kasan looked at him with a bemused smile, reaching out to gently cup his cheek.
Max just stared at him. It was How the hell When

How can we be married!? I never agreed to this, dammit! How could he be
married??

A laugh from across the room brought his attention to Leero and Max scowled as he
saw the man grinning at him. He turned his glare to Kasan. He wasnt a slave? He
wasnt a whore?? So what the hell was that thing with stupid Leero?! You left me
with him and he chased me around the whole damn bedroom! Everyone in that
whole stupid ROOM was after me! If youre the the top husband, youre supposed
to do something about it! You should be beating them up or something!!

Kasan didnt even flinch as Max poked his arm hard with a finger. He just looked
down at him and chuckled, his thumb rubbing across Maxs cheek. Youre very
excited, little one. I hope thats a good thing. Kasan leaned over, but his lips had
just brushed Maxs own when Max leaned back and pushed out at him. Kasan didnt
move.

We are not married, cat boy! Got it! No way. Kasan moved his hand behind Maxs
head and started to pull him back in for another kiss as a few cats around them
called out. Max punched him in the eye, and Kasan finally stopped. The big cat
released Maxs head and sat back, feeling his eye and looking rather shocked as at
least half the room laughed out loud. Max looked at everyone, seeing their eyes on
him, and he suddenly realized what other activity there was that gathered people
together to watch just one person.

Or rather, that gathered people together to watch a couple: a wedding.

Im too young to be married! Max wailed, and threw himself forward over his bent
arms, burying his face into the table. This is so messed up











Fiction~~The Last Pure Human~~Ch. 11


The Last Pure Human
Chapter 11 - Welcome to the Family




Kasan looked at Max face down on the table and reached out, running his hand over
the back of his hair.

I cant believe that didnt work, Zonta muttered, distressed enough that his ears
were laying flat again. Kasan was sure they matched his own; hed been excited
about the new papers as well. Now, after a few minutes of happy excitement, Max
was back to being upset. Kasan was very afraid it was related to Max being his
consort. Hed thought Maxs status as a consort might be a surprise, but considering
how frightened Max had been, surely it would have been a good one? Max knew now
that he had a legitimate status on this world, even if he didnt know much about
where he was. For someone whod been in the hands of slavers, that should have
been a huge relief.

And Kasan knew that his little one had been enslaved. Maxs unique genetic
heritage, combined with the argenta hed been drugged with for their first meeting,
had already made Kasan fairly certain that Max had been acquired illegally. The
notes Leeros men had found in Shovaks room, the ones that had interrupted his
night, had confirmed that hed been sold to Shovak by the Niandrin. Considering
Shovaks complete lack of interplanetary resources, Kasan needed to know how hed
even made contact with the grotesque birds. He needed to know what had been
done to Max. If Max was always so frightened, had they hurt him? Abused him?
Kasan held back the growl that always rose up when he thought about it.

He concentrated on the fact that Max had at least survived it physically intact.
Niandrin were known to alter their property to try and increase the visual appeal,
even when it might decrease the poor bastards value. It had never made sense to
him. He had no idea how a race that cruel AND stupid hadnt killed itself off by now.

And where the hell had they found Max? Shovaks notes made no mention of it, and
until Max could tell them, they had no way of contacting his people or his family.
Kasans hand stopped caressing Maxs head as he took a deep breath. Could Max
have someone else back on his home world? Could that be why he was so upset? He
shook his head. Couldnt be. Every time Max had cum for him, it was as though Max
was startled by his own reactions. He didnt seem aware of what really pleased his
body, like one who was only beginning his foray into sexual pleasure. An
experienced man, a man with a mate or consort of some kind, would know his body
better.

Max was his.

But if there was no one else, and Max knew he wasnt a slave, did Maxs reaction
mean that he simply didnt want to be with him? Maxdisliked being with him?

Guess he doesnt like being a consort. Jolans voice was just a touch smug until
his consort Ko smacked him in the side of the head. Maxs face popped up at the first
ow and he watched with large eyes as Ko smacked Jolan again. Maxs body went
very still. He turned to look up at Kasan and the miniscule bruise forming around
Kasans eye, and his shoulders hunched defensively. He slowly pointed a finger at
the abused Jolan.

Consort?

Jolan stared at him, smiling. Ha, he thinks youre going to beat on him! Ow!
Dammit, Ko!

After one snarling glare at Jolan, Kasan shook his head in response to Maxs soft
voiced question. No, Gisho. The asshole here is the mate; Ko is the consort. See,
asshole, Mate, but Ko, Consort.

Max watched as Kasans pointing went from one to the other and he finally repeated
it while gesturing to Jolan. Asshole, mate.

Ko started laughing. Oh, I like him.

Jolan rolled his eyes, about to correct things when Max started gesturing very
carefully. He was obviously trying to say something, but it wasnt until he smacked
his own hand that Kasan understood. Can consorts hit their mates?? Aw sweetie, is
that whats worrying you?

The answer is no. A consort should never hit their mate. That would be the worst
thing a consort could ever ow! Jolan rubbed the back of his head from Kos
newest assault. Dammit, will you stop!

Ko shook the sting out of his hand, poked Jolan one more time in warning, and
smiled at Max. Yes. You should hit Kasan as often as possible. He needs somebody
to keep him from turning into a grumpy old man.

Max looked confused until Ko leaned over the table. Yes. Max hit Kasan, Ko said.
Quickly grabbing Maxs hand, Ko brought it up and made Max slap Kasan in the face.
Kasan grunted while Max jerked his hand back with a start, staring at them both.

Ko, you sadistic son of a bitch that actually hurt! Kasan fingered his stinging
cheek, growling under his breath. He stopped as Max scooted back from him. Little
One, its not you. Dont worry. Im not mad at you. Im Kasan looked down at the
paper and found what he was looking for. He pointed to it, smiling quickly. Im
happy.

Max looked down at it, mumbled under his breath, and took a deep breath. Ahm
happy, he repeated.

Yes. Happy, not angry. Its all right

There, see? Ko leaned up against Jolan and smirked at Kasan. Now he knows he
can hit you and youre not going to hurt him. I think, anyway. He still looks a little
worried about it. What have you been doing with him?

Looking down at his consort, Kasan could see that Max was eyeing him warily. Was
he expecting to be attacked? Poor little thing, he was so nervous of everything.
Kasan had the feeling he was going to have to treat him very gently for quite a while
if he wanted him to adjust. Hopefully it wasnt simply a part of being human.
Wondering if he could project harmless as well as Zonta, Kasan smiled and brought
his hand up to rub at Maxs shoulder. Max didnt pull away and Kasan relaxed a little.

Its all right, precious. Im not going to hurt you over something as ridiculous as a
slap. Its all right.

Jolan sniggered. You wouldnt hurt him, period. Look at you, youre so wrapped up
in him, youreOW! Jolan glared furiously at Ko, and Kasan was positive he did not
want to know what Ko had just done to him under the table.

Ignore him, Kasan. Its nice to see you found someone whos more to you than just
the Need, Ko said, running right over Jolans muttered cursing beside him. So,
before my idiot says anything else, could we be introduced?

Max, this is Jolan. This is his consort, Ko. Jolan, Ko this is Max.

His brother tried to reclaim a little of his lost dignity. Im pleased to met you, Max.

Ko rolled his eyes at Jolans uncharacteristic formality, but repeated it anyway. Im
pleased to meet you, Max.

Watching them, Max responded with a bow like hed given Zonta. Ahm pleeeased
to meeet you, Jolan. Ahm pleeeased to meeet you, Ko.

Kasan beamed at the twos surprised looks. Picks it up quick, doesnt he?

Jolan and Ko stared for a moment, and then Jolan started to snigger. Kasan scowled
at him.

What the hell are you laughing at him for? Hes just learning, its not going to be
perfect, so dont

Jolan was shaking his head and chuckling louder. Not him, you! Someone this
quick to pick up the words has got to be smart as hell. Which means you mated an
intellectual! You! You and Nolluz fight like wild shokan, and here you married
someone just like him!

Dont be an idiot. I dont fight with Nolluz because hes smart, I fight with him
because hes a prissy little know-everything snot.

Jolan shook his head. And because he knows more than you do, admit it. And now,
your consort is probably a little bookster, too and

Ko sighed and stood, yanking on Jolans ear until the man rose with a yelp. Come
on, lets leave them alone.

Oh you cant tell me you dont see the humor in this? Jolan asked, stepping up to
Kos side as they walked away.

Thats not the point.

You know youre dying to giggle about it too, Ko. Jolans voice fell to a murmur,
his hand moving to Kos back before falling to cup one side of his ass as they walked
away. Kos response was low enough that Kasan was sure no one else could hear,
but the mans hand crept over to Jolans ass as well and they walked that way over
to visit with Leero. Kasan looked down at Max and saw him staring at them, his
mouth agape.

What has you so surprised, precious? he murmured, smiling carefully as Maxs
head swung around and he found himself looking into darkly lashed blue eyes. The
man chewed on his lip and Kasan focused on it. Rosy and soft, his lips looked
extremely edible. Kasan swallowed and leaned down. Damn. You are so

Maxs eyes widened and he suddenly grabbed a paper from the table, leaning away
from Kasan as he looked at it. He pushed it up between them and pointed to a word
frantically, his finger tapping at it so hard that Kasan was worried hed rip the thing.

Here, little one. Calm down, Im paying attention. Put it on the table. Kasan
pushed at his hand until the paper lay flat and then looked closely at the small,
stabbing finger that was poking at it. His ears went down. Oh. I see.

What? What is he trying to say? Zonta looked over curiously.

Still touching the paper, Max waited for Kasan to tell him what the word was in
Hinta. With drooping ears, Kasan touched the same word. No. Thats how you say it,
precious. That word is no. No.

No! Maxs voice rang out loud enough that the entire room quieted and he looked
around nervously. When Kasan sat back up and didnt attempt to kiss him again, he
visibly relaxed.

I wouldnt have thought he disliked it that much, Kasan said quietly.

Thats not necessarily it. Zonta reached across and behind Max and rubbed
Kasans shoulder. It might be any number of things. Considering how, eh, occupied
you both were when we came in, I cant imagine he dislikes it very much at all.

Kasan smiled slowly at the reminder before looking back at Maxs wary face. True.
I just wish I knew what it was. He reached out and stroked a hand over Maxs hair
while Max watched but didnt say anything. Maybe my poor little one just wants
some control right now. I can give him that.

Or maybe hes upset about kissing in public, Zonta ventured.

Upset about. I never would have considered that. Dont the Dograthra consider
that obscene?

Highly. It wouldnt be unusual that he might have some cultural taboos were
unaware of.

They both stopped talking as one of their uncles stopped by the table to wish Kasan
and Max a brief congratulations, and before they could start after he left, Tisu and
his consort came over, along with another cousin bringing a few more dishes of food.

Watching Tisu help seat his little consort Roto on a cushion, Kasan was struck by
how gentle the man was with him. It was something that was easy to forget when
they were alone, without their consorts - when Tisu was a bit of a bully. It had
always been a little irritating that Kasans younger brother was the biggest one in
the family. He was even taller than their father: an intimidating mountain of a man
on his own. Roto, on the other hand, was only slightly taller than Kasan himself, and
was one of the sweetest people Kasan had ever met.

In all the chaos of the last few days, Kasan hadnt even thought about the fact that
Tisu and he had something similar in their lives right now. Closest in age, they now
had another common bond: delicate consorts. Tisus size difference, when compared
to Roto, was almost as great as the difference between Kasan and Max. And just like
Max, Roto tended to be moreemotionally prone to upset, not that everyone didnt
understand why. Roto had been so terribly abused when Tisu had found him; Kasan
didnt think any of them would ever forget it. Tisu had been on his first tour of guard
duty for only a few days when hed come across Rotos father, beating Roto almost
to death, the still-warm corpse of the mans own consort lying on the ground next to
them. After hitting the man so hard his neck had snapped, Tisu had personally
carried Roto all the way to the citadel to care for himself.

The Lord King had turned a blind eye when Tisu insisted on installing Roto in the
room with him after that point; it had been obvious Roto had wanted to be there just
as much as Tisu had wanted his presence. Frankly, Kasan thought that Tisus body
had even done its part to keep them together. Roto had ripened a bit younger than
was normal, most likely due to the stress. Tisu had already been legally ripened for 6
months at that point, but as soon as Rotos body changed, Tisu had gone into heat,
almost a year earlier than he should have. Irritating for Kasan, when his younger
brother went into heat so many years before him. Still, he was happy for them. He
didnt think that being mated to a different couple would have kept either of them
apart, but it would have beenawkward. Tisu was most definitely the jealous sort.

With his experiences, though, he might finally be able to help Kasan out with
something as opposed to being a pain in the ass. He had to have a few good ideas
on things to be careful of in a small consort. What they were afraid of, what they
worried about, what body parts might be more delicate. Kasan should probably have
a talk with him. Soon. With plenty of room for whatever violence was needed when
Tisu tried to give him too much shit about needing his help.

It was damn odd to be feeling, in any way, sympathetic towards the big ass, but
there it was. Right now, he could completely understand feeling highly protective of
ones consort. Max was so precious and tiny; he looked like he could break at any
moment. All Tisus slow movements around his consort, his constant touching and
checking on Rotos comfort and safety - it all struck a cord. Tisu, out of everyone,
was actually probably most likely to understand what Kasan was feeling about Gisho.

A sure sign the world had gone mad.

Movement from Max brought Kasan back to watching him. Slender arms were
reaching out, and Kasan saw Max heave up the pitcher of water not far from his seat.
The rounded sides looked enormous in Maxs little hands and it wobbled dangerously
before he got a good grip on it.

Here, precious, thats too heavy for you. Why dont you let me

No! Max pulled the pitcher closer to himself and out of the reach of Kasans hands
as he tried to grab for it. With a suspicious gaze fixed on him, Kasan put his hands
back into his lap and tried not to laugh. Somehow, having the little one angrily
defend his right to pour his own water made him seem utterly precious. And it
helped a little over the kiss as well; it wasnt just Kasan, obviously. It was likely he
was just happy to be exercising some form of control over the world around him.

He hoped.

He had to admit that Max didnt spill a drop as he poured it out. When Max had put
the pitcher back down, he carefully lifted the cup with both hands again, drinking
heavily. Kasan was glad the little one had the cup back down before Roto squealed
happily; the high-pitched sound was loud enough to startle everyone at the table.
Tisus consort was smiling and almost bouncing on his cushion as his soft brown
braid bounced with him.

He is sooo adorable! Oh, I want to just pick him up and squeeze him!

Kasan smiled. Please, dont squeeze him til we know how strong his kind are. I
dont know if he could survive it. Besides the fact that he might object to being
treated like a toy.

Blinking, Rotos golden eyes looked at Max carefully. Oh, are they fragile? Tisu said
he was human, but I didnt realize

Tisu put his arm around him and leaned down to rub his chin across Rotos ears.
Dont worry about it, sweetie. Im sure hed be happy to have you give him a hug
when he can understand what youre asking for.

Really? I wouldnt want to hurt him. Rotos ears twitched as he smiled rather
earnestly at Max.

If he was strong enough to get thoroughly screwed by Kasan, he can deal with a
little hugging.

Kasan casually held his hand up, palm in, and flicked his claws out a moment, a
tacit signal between them that he was going to be kicking Tisus ass later. Tisu
merely smiled and nodded. He wasnt drunk this time; it wouldnt be nearly as easy.
Neither of them would say it aloud, though, not in front of Roto.

Oooooh! Look! Hes picking the Kalla! Hes eating the Kalla first! Roto started
giggling while Zonta and Tisu smirked at Kasan. A few other chuckles could be heard
around the room as Rotos voice carried, and Kasan had a feeling his cheeks might
be a bit ruddy. He hadnt even thought about what food Max was going to choose
first; thered been too much going on to even wonder. But the damn firstmeal after
the Greeting was always filled with even more sexually explicit foods than theyd
given him last night. And now, Max had picked the Kalla: long rather thick rolls, filled
with white icing that spurted from the end when you bit into them.

Max startled as it did so, obviously caught off guard by the white goop covering his
hands, and then he started to lick it clean. He paused as there were more chuckles
around the room from others who were watching, unabashedly curious.

He doesnt know that theres a meaning to the food. Kasan muttered as Tisu
continued to laugh at him.

Obviously, otherwise he never would have told us that you two were at it all night
and he got such a full roll, too. You must have been really good.

Kasan flicked his claws again, held them out a little longer, and Tisu just smiled.

Zonta snorted, and looked away when Kasan glanced at him. Ah, nose tickled. It
was nothing. He looked back at Max, his eyes glinting with suppressed laughter. I
do wish wed thought of a way to tell him about the food, though. Then he really
could tell us what he thought of his First Night.

I dont think it matters. We all know what he would have chosen. Tisu picked up a
tiny sausage link from a small plate of them and popped it into his mouth.

If he was choosing sausage, it would be this one. Kasan plucked out an enormous
column of meat, lying in solitary splendor on its own platter, and took a large bite.

Oh, you wish your dick was that big, midget! Tisu laughed.

Kasan growled, then smiled. He swallowed carefully and picked up a brilliantly
crimson flower from an azure glazed plate. Still smiling, he made a production of
eating it one petal at a time. It was Tisus turn to squirm; Roto had chosen that for
their first food. Having Rotos choice informing the world that Tisu had been as
gentle as a delicate flower had been enough for his brothers to howl with laughter
at the time.

I think its sweet, Roto sighed. Even if it isnt true. How many times did you make
him come? he asked curiously.

Roto, thats not something to ask during firstmeal, sweetheart, Tisu said gently.
Thats something you can talk to him about afterwards, all right?

I dont think Kasan minds, do you? Kasan squirmed under Rotos look. He didnt
know how the man did it, but not giving in to Roto was like trying to lie to his father:
impossible.

No, I dont mind, he said, clearing his throat.

Goodie! So how many times?

Kasan cleared his throat again. Three.

Tisu finished chewing on his sausage, nodding while Roto bounced with another
little squeal of glee. A few cousins drifted closer to try and listen to what was going
on. All right, so that could have taken most of the night. At least hes not too far
off.

I would have done more, butIm not sure if it would be good for him. He came so
quickly

Get over yourself, Tisu snorted and Kasan glared at him briefly before looking
down at Max. He swallowed, watching a thin dribble of white icing dripping slowly
down Maxs chin from the corner of his mouth.

His voice was soft as he went on. Im wondering if it might be a racial trait. If hes
built to orgasm that easily, maybe he shouldnt have too many. Kasan looked to
Zonta and his brother shrugged.

I havent read anything about it. Ill see if the archivists know of any restrictions,
but nothing came up when I was looking for health differences.

If the writing survived all these years, Kasan added.

All of them looked at Max, speculating as he continued eating. His chewing slowed
as he noticed. When he started shifting nervously, Kasan patted his head softly and
he jerked it away.

No. He pointed one frosting covered finger at Kasan and frowned as he saw it. He
popped it into his mouth and sucked it clean before pointing it back at Kasan.
Kasans cock stirred and he groaned under his breath.

How can you possibly be any more sexy, Gisho.

###


Kasan stayed away, just staring at him with his eyes warming the air between them,
and Max went back to the clair thing. Cat boy was watching him, but he wasnt
doing anything, so it was safe. Kasan wouldnt try to touch him. Hed actually
listened to him; Max had told him to back off, and hed understood and actually done
it! Max wastalking with aliens, and they were listening. He was like that horse
whisperer guy, but with aliens. Hed made a humongously big alien cat do what hed
asked.

He was the alien whisperer. Except that sounded lame, sohe was something. Hed
think of it eventually.

He took another bite of the clair, and satisfaction floated to the top of his mind as
heavy sweetness filled his mouth. The taste of both lingered after he swallowed. He
brushed the corner of his mouth and absently licked the frosting his fingers found
there, enjoying the sugary white caramel of it. Sowould that do it? Would being
able to refuse sex be enough to keep him from getting screwed? Max licked his lips,
thinking of the last kiss, and quickly popped the last bit of clair into his mouth.
Chewing, he looked down at the table, ignoring everyone as he tried to think.

It was a little warm in here.

And the married thing. He was married. To an alien. To a man. To a huge, honkin
sex fiend alien man. Was no going to keep him away forever, or would he be willing
todivorce him or something? And he couldnt believe he was feeling a little weird
about that idea. Stupid. Just because his mother and father used to go on and on
about the sacred institution of marriage did NOT mean that they would have
expected him to stay married in a situation like this! Him, married to a guy? There
had to be some kind of of legal precedent for this, right? Annulment for reasons of
a really huge cock. Max grabbed a small sausage, barely hearing the deep laugh
from across the table as he chewed on it, staring to the side at Kasans crotch. It
really had been huge: sleek and richly golden. Hard. Taking him

He began to cough as he realized what hed been thinking. Dammit, Kasan! Stop
having such a big dick! Kasans ears perked up as he looked at him, and Max
groaned. Yeah, that had helped. His entire body felt hot and flushed, his own dick
already hard. He was actually hard! He began to mutter under his breath.

Idiot. Staring at his dick like its a naked woman or something. You just think what
the other colonists are going to think about this when you find them! Theyll

What the hell would they think about it? Their linguist, acting like a slut over some
huge alien cat. What was he going to TELL them? It was a form of interplanetary
diplomacy?

Ass screwing as a political statement. Yeah. Max grabbed a handful of sausages,
eating them quickly. Stupid dink, he mumbled, his mouth full.

Swallowing, he tried to distract himself and looked around the room. It was a lot
more informal than he would have expected for a wedding. People were sitting at the
shorter tables, or standing at the taller ones, or gathered in groups in open spaces.
They shifted around as he watched, children going from table to table, adults visiting
and chatting on their way to other tables. Couples hands brushed over shoulders
and waists, and touching one anothers lips was so common he wondered if it had
some type of meaning. He looked at Kasan again. It was weird; he was starting to
get used to all the skin. Bare or barely covered chests, thighs and buns, and a lot of
the youngest little kids werent wearing anything at all. It was like being in an alien
nudist camp.

Hed always thought that would be kind of neat, well, just a normal nudist camp.
Okay, maybe a Captain Kirk worthy alien nudist camp with lots of hot alien women
might have crossed his mind when he was a stupid teenager, but hed never
expected something like this. Naked flesh everywhere just made him feel rather hot
and flushed and really, really aware of Kasan sitting next to him with hardly anything
on. Nothing covering Kasans legs but skin. Practically nothing covering his prick but
a little piece of cloth, and utterly nothing blocking his view of Kasans huge, broad
chest. Max started to sweat as he stared at it. It was right in his face. Literally.

He licked his lips. What did the cat do with his days to get his chest that perfect?
And his nipples werepretty. Flat and dark like burnt caramel, they were staring at
him, and they were even a little hard. Kasan couldnt be cold it was so damn hot in
here he couldnt possibly be cold. Did that mean he was? Max looked down at
Kasans crotch again and noticed the bulge there, larger than it had been a minute
ago.

He giggled and grabbed a few of the flowers Kasan had eaten earlier, tossing the
whole lot in. They were like sweet citrus.

Would Kasans mouth taste like that, since hed eaten them too? What would his
nipples taste like? Max leaned forward before he caught himself and he blinked as he
found himself inches from Kasans chest. He sat back so quickly he almost fell off his
cushion.

What the hell was wrong with him, thinking about something like that? Kasans
damn nipples could taste like rum and coke, that didnt mean Max was ever going to
find out! Like his lips. Should Max ever have found out what his lips tasted like? No!
He shouldnt know that they tasted hot and sweet, with that bitter aftertaste that he
wanted to feel on his tongue again just like he wanted coffee in the morning. And life
was not worth living without coffee.

He looked at them, rosy beige and sensual, and he leaned forward again, staring.
Kasan would let him taste them. He knew that he would. He would. He would fuck
him in the ass if Max started going shit like that! What. The. Hell!

You! Youre doing something to me Kasans head tilted to the side as he watched
him, the pupils in his eyes so dilated they were almost as round as Maxs.
Justcontrol your lips!

Kasans body felt far too close. His legs next to Max felt so hot it was as though
Kasans skin was melting the air. Max squirmed. Damn tunic was itchy as hell, all of
a sudden. So was the stupid cushion. Hed much rather be touching something
smooth and yielding. Something warm he could grip and pet.

Yeah. Like that.

Uh, wait a second here

Max looked down and blinked at seeing his hand running over Kasans thigh. What
was he doing? He wastouching Kasan, on purpose, like a lover. He was fucking
touching Kasan!

And he hadnt taking his hand off yet, crap. Max yanked his hand back and pointed
it up at Kasan.

What the hell did you do to yourself? You are not this sexy! Kasan reached out
and wrapped his hand around Maxs wrist, staring into his eyes. Max opened his
mouth to tell him no again, and got stuck as Kasans eyes continued staring at his.
Maxs balls drew up tautly against his body, his dick hardened completely, and his
skin was on fire as licked his lips. Sweet flavor hit his tongue as he caught some
forgotten bit of frosting.

Oh man.

Kasan leaned forward with a teasing look and carefully sucked Maxs finger into his
mouth. Max whimpered as the heated swirl of Kasans tongue. The deep pull of
Kasans mouth had his mind completely befuddled. It was fantastic. Just that one
touch had his erection pressing up so rigidly it hurt. He whimpered again as Kasan
released the finger from his mouth and let go of Maxs hand. He wanted it back in
there. It was hot and warm and wet.would Kasan do that to his dick? He would,
wouldnt he? They were married, right? They could do sex things any time they
wanted. They could do it right now if he wanted, and Kasan would do it for him. Max
could get him to do that; hed get that silk and heated, polished stone feel around
his dick.

Except Kasan wasnt doing anything. He was just sitting there looking, gripping the
table in front of him. What the hell was wrong with him? You didnt suck someones
finger in that way and just leave him hanging. You always followed finger sucking
with smooth, barely furred chests and lush, smiling mouths and and why the hell
did the tunic feel so freaking nasty? He hated that damn thing. Didnt know why he
was wearing it anyway. Nobody ELSE was wearing a tunic right now, not except for
those little paper holding guys, and theyd left. Why should he wear a tunic when no
one else was? Pushing up onto his knees, Max began pulling at the ties.

Kasan put his hand out and Max smiled until it stopped him from touching his ties.
He slapped at it.

Fuck off! I can take it off it I want to, Kasan! Kasan interfered again, taking Maxs
hand in his and pushing down until Max was kneeling again with Kasans hand in his
lap. Feeling the closed fist heating the top of his thigh, Max pushed up a little. If he
moved just the slightest bit, Kasans hand would be over his dick. If he could just get
the damn thing off, Kasans hand might even go around his dick. Max could have
something hot and tight around him. He looked down at Kasans absolutely bulging
loincloth. The man was going to strain something if he didnt take that off soon. He
should really take care of it.

What would it taste like? Would it be citrus too? Or would it be musky and spiced,
like Kasans skin smelled? Or something else

It was hot, he knew that much. And hard, and it burned a little when it went inside
your body, and the painful body-thrumming punch every time it slid home was.God.
Kasan sat still, looking at him another moment before releasing his hands, and Maxs
eyes roamed over his skin. He wanted to lick it up. He wanted to feel it, so why the
hell was Kasan staying so far over there? Couldnt he tell what Max needed? They
hadnt had I want sex in the translating pages, but they shouldnt need to! Wasnt it
obvious?

If he could just get the damn tunic off, Kasan would know what he wanted. He just
had to get it off, and Kasan would touch him some more. Suck on his skin. Press into
him and make him quiver and scream anddammit, he wanted to be fucked!

Maxs hands shook as he still tried to work the ties on his tunic and he grew
desperate. He had to get the damn thing off! Kasans hands were there again, laid
across his torso, and he looked up. Had he understood? Nono, Kasan looked
worried. He put a hand up to Maxs forehead and Max leaned into it; it burned him
all the way down to his toes. He could tell it had jolted Kasan as well: he was almost
purring under his breath, his hand moving down Maxs cheek and over his jaw.

And then he started cursing and stood up, scooping up Max as he went.


##


Fuck! Kasan turned from the table, cradling Max who had started to rub against
his body. He took two steps away from the table before Tisu was up and his hand
was on Kasans arm.

No way, you horny bastard. You have to suffer through this just like the rest of us
did. Tisu smirked at him and Kasan had to reach deep to find the willpower not to
claw him.

Its not the same. Tisu snorted and Kasan pulled, yanking his arm away. Look at
him, dammit! Its not the same! Max was squirming wildly in his arms, and Kasan
clutched him tighter as his consort ran his hands over Kasans bare chest and began
to suck at one of his nipples. Dear God.

Woah, heseager.

Hes fucked up! WE fucked up. The damn Chera root

What of it? So youve got a nice horny buzz going: everyone else had to wait until
after his post-greeting meal to take care of it. No way were going to let you get
special privileges. Uh uh.

Growling, Kasan shivered. Think about it, dammit! Its intended for us! What would
that much root do to someone Maxs size? You know the nanites dont neutralize
Chera!

Tisus eyes widened as he watched Max whimpering in Kasans arms. He let out a
low growl.

Son of a bitch. No wonder hes writhing like that.

Kasans legs shook as Max bit him and plastered his small body against his chest.
Shit. Justfucking talk to the cooks and get them to make something without any
root! I have to help him with this or itll be bad.

Tisu nodded quickly and turned away. Pausing, he looked back and smirked once.
Have fun.

Kasan snarled out an unintelligible reply and walked for the door while Max began to
reach up and pull at his hair. He could hear people calling out behind him, teasing or
asking what was going on, and he ignored them, getting out into the hallway as
quickly as he could. He could feel the buzz of his own lust going already thank God
he hadnt eaten more than a bite. Hed been too preoccupied with watching Max. It
was hard enough right now with the little one going crazy within his arms. Max had
to feel on fire by now, from the way he was acting. If he came, though, hed be okay.
The little endorphin rush combined with the orgasm would make the drug dissipate
quickly, but he had to do it fast.

Kasan looked around, trying to find somewhere private he could get to, almost
running down the hallway, and he slapped open the door to the greeting room as he
came to it, hugging Maxs waist to his body with one arm. Maxs legs wrapped
around him before he finished closing the door. It was empty: everyone was on his
way home or at firstmeal.

He was going to have to make Max come fast. Hed just bring him to orgasm, it
would be faster than taking him, and then theyd get back. Maxs tongue and lips
were moving along his collar bone, nipping at the skin fitfully while his hands slipped
on Kasans shoulders. Kasan took them straight to the nearest wall. He pushed Max
back against the brilliantly red hanging, pulling his legs off of Kasans body and
sliding him up along the fabric until he was raised high. Kasans arms were
practically parallel to the ground as he hooked them under Maxs knees. He planted
his palms against the wall and spread his arms apart, supporting his consorts spread
legs on his biceps as Max curled in on himself a little against the wall. The little ones
tunic was hanging down behind him, and Kasan looked at the covering in the front a
moment before grabbing it with his teeth and pulling it to the side. He grinned as it
put his face close enough to Maxs penis to be tickled by small, crisp golden hairs.

Max was practically incoherent, reaching for him until Kasan bent his head and took
the small, erect cock into his mouth. Then hands fisted in his hair and Max moaned
low in his throat, the muscles in his thighs straining as he tried to push his hips.
Kasan kept him there and tongued the underside of his cock, sucking softly as he
drew back on it. He tightened his lips around Maxs shaft, curling them around his
teeth to protect the soft skin as he drew it back into his mouth. Crying out, Max
moaned with incoherent whimpers from his own language. Kasan drew back again
and then took Max into his mouth until his lips touched the flesh at its base. He
didnt have time to play, really. He should just do it quickly. A few more bobs of his
head, and Max was already close to the edge. He knew it. He should do it.

Instead, Kasan drew him out, one last time, and paused. It was be a moment or
two more before Max orgasmed if he didnt continue, butthere was something he
hadnt done with Max yet. And Max would probably really, really like it. Pulling his
mouth free, he leaned in and up with his arms, curling in Maxs body just enough
that Kasan had his bottom completely open and exposed in mid-air.

He salivated as he looked at it. Pink. His consorts entrance was as pink as his lips,
and he couldnt wait to see how Max reacted when he tongued him there.

Hold on, precious, almost there now. His head dipped forward, his tongue slipped
out, and he licked the soft, wrinkled skin carefully. The spicy musk of cleansing oil
invaded his senses at the same time Max squeaked adorably. Max twisted, his legs
pushing out as Kasan tasted him again, licking him in small circles as his consort
yelped and pleaded for only a few moments before he came. His legs stiffened like
marble before his entire body went boneless, and Kasan chuckled against his skin.

And resigned himself to an uncomfortable few more hours. Max would recover now
from the Chera root, and they should go back, no matter how enticing his body
looked as he was draped over Kasans arms and pinned against the crimson banner
behind him. Completely luscious. Like creamy ice and berries. Kasan closed his eyes
and took a deep breath as he tried to keep himself from lowering Max down onto
himself. He should be good. He should be controlled. He shouldbe noticing that Max
was beginning to moan again rather than coming back to himself. Kasans eyes
widened as he looked at Maxs body and saw his erection standing proudly again in
front of his face.

God, how much of an overdose had Max gotten?

Max moaned rather pitifully, trying to move, and Kasan swallowed. Max needed to
come more than once. As much as Kasan was appalled at how much his consorts
body seemed affected by the damn stuff, the fact that he was going to be able to
take him now, the fact that Max needed him to take him

Ohhh, he was really going to enjoy this. Maxs soft blue eyes were desperate as he
tried to talk to Kasan, eventually just reaching for his own erection to thrust against
his own hands, and Kasan barely paused as he slid his hands along the wall until
they had wormed their way behind Maxs back. With a quick twist, he flipped their
positions. He had himself leaning with his back against the wall, holding Max by the
waist. The little one leaned onto him, wrapping his arms around his neck as he tried
to drag Kasans head down to his level. Kasan pulled him up higher instead, biting
feverishly at his lips, sucking on the pink softness until it was swollen. He pulled at
his loincloth while Max shimmied and squirmed and tried to devour Kasans mouth.
It only took a few minute to disrobe, but it was as twice as long as it should have,
and that was too long by half.

When he was finally naked, he pulled Max closer, his mouth moving along Maxs jaw
until he reached his ears. He began to lick along their edge while reached down
between them and snagged the front of Maxs tunic, pulling it out of the way. While
Max wrapped his legs around him, Kasans hand slipped down and cupped his
bottom. He could feel the mans skin against his groin, the hard little erection
thrusting frantically as Max keened and arched against him. Maxs head shifted and
his lips pressed against Kasans again. Small hands gripped at Kasans hair until it
pulled against his ears. A slim, pink tongue shoved into Kasans mouth as Max
growled like a little kitten.

Aggressive, Max was even more fucking adorable and sexy than hed been before,
and Kasan hadnt dreamed that was possible. Feeling Maxs hips jerking against him,
Kasan spread the fingers of his hand where it supported Maxs bottom. He could just
see what it looked like in his head. Pale cheeks opening as Kasan lowered the little
body, his own dark erection threatening that pale, rosy entrance. He could feel it, a
soft pressure as he nudged Maxs tight, sensitive little hole. He was so hot for Max,
his erection had probably been leaking lubricating fluids since hed seen Max earlier
in the same room. God, he wanted him right fucking now!

Pressing his back against the wall, Kasan pushed his hips forward. Maxs legs were
up high and twined around Kasans torso, his lips were still trying their best to attack
Kasans mouth, and he looked and smelled of lust and sex. But could he take this? If
they did it this way, it was going to be deep, and Max was so small. Had they been
mated long enough for the nanites to make the proper adjustments? The microscopic
machines usually worked quickly, from what hed heard, so his consorts little bottom
might be flexible enough to take him more easily now. Max hadnt seemed to have
too much discomfort from this morning. That should be a good sign.

He hoped. God, Kasan wanted him, but if it hurt him too much, he was going to
have to stopif he could. With another groan blending with Maxs frantic whimpers,
Kasan began to push himself in. Maxs lips never left his; he just began whining until
Kasan shoved his tongue into his greedy mouth. The little one began sucking on it as
his legs curled up higher around Kasans hips. His body dropped even further, giving
a better angle for Kasan to thrust upwards, and he embedded himself completely
with one smooth stroke.

Max took him in with a delicious, gripping shudder, but his body seemed to be
enjoying it rather than trying to push him away and he held onto him tightly with his
thighs. Kasan groaned into his mouth. The fact that Max was so hot for himKasan
wanted to ravish him. His legs were shaking from need. He was gripping Maxs ass
so tightly he might be leaving marks, and his arm had moved from around Maxs
waist to his back as he kept him still.

And Max obviously loved it. He was pushing his hips down onto Kasans shaft and
crying out into Kasans mouthand then doing it again. Max wanted him. The Chera
root was making Maxs need to come desperate, but Kasan had seen others who had
taken too much Chera before. They would refuse people they didnt like in favor of
their own hand, if it came down to it.

Which meant that Max wanted HIM.

Kasan pulled up on Maxs bottom until he could feel the tightness of the small outer
muscles gripping the head of him and then let Max slide back down. His consorts
erection rasped along his stomach as he did it again. And again.

And again.

He wrapped his other arm around Maxs waist again, drawing him up with his
bottom and pulling down at his waist until Kasan was seated fully within Maxs
heated body. He needed to push in; he couldnt wait. His legs quivering on the floor
as he thrust up, bracing himself against the wall. His lust-fogged mind tried to keep
the rhythm with his hands and his hips. Max was whimpering and shifting to force
him deeper, and faster, and Kasan found himself doing exactly that. His arms began
to tire as he completely supported the little mans weight before each thrust,
slamming his hips home as Max yelled hoarsely into his mouth. Maxs tunic was dark
with sweat, coarse as it rasped against the skin of Kasans chest and arms: erotically
painful. Both of them clutched at each other, their hips jerking wildly, and Kasan
pulled his head free, screaming as he slammed Max down one last time and came
into him. His legs stayed stiff, cramping, before he realized he hadnt heard Max
release.

Except Max was leaning against Kasans chest right now, breathing hard, his body
quivering and shaking. Kasan shifted, and felt Maxs erection begin to fade, slipping
between their bodies along fluid that hadnt been there when theyd begun. Kasan
hadnt even noticed when it had happened.

Thank God Max had come.

And Kasan hoped to hell it was enough, because too much longer and his legs were
going to give out. He needed a bed. Or at least a cushion.

He shot away from the wall as the door to the room opened with a bang, Ash
charging in withthe ladder. He was yelling as he ran in.

Out of the way! God dammit, everybody get out of the way, Ive gotit. Aosh
stopped inside the doorway and stared at Kasan and Max, and the empty room, for a
long, silent moment. His eyes traveled down to where Kasan was still embedded in
Maxs body, their connection hidden by the back of Maxs tunic hanging down, and
his entire body relaxed. He smirked, leaning the ladder against the wall, and crossed
his arms over his chest as he leaned next to it.

Tsk, tsk. Cavorting in the greeting room? While everyone else isat firstmeal, Im
assuming? What would father say?

Kasan glared at him and carefully withdrew his cock from Max. From the mans
murmurs against his chest, he wasnt certain Max was entirely conscious. He settled
him sideways in his arms, carefully making sure to hide his bottom from Aosh.
Stupid lecherous idiot was staring at Max with much hotter eyes than he liked.

Hed say to mind your own business. And if you dont stop staring at my consort
like that, hes not going to say anything at all to you, because youll no longer be
among the living.

Aosh smirked even more. After the noises I just heard as I was coming down the
hall, youll have to forgive a little staring. Here I thought something must have
happened and instead. Hmmm, Id never heard that you were a screamer. Or was
that the little one?

Kasan sighed. He leaned back against the wall with Max curled up in his arms,
murmuring against him with his eyes closed. He wasnt sure if he could walk just yet.
Shut up, Aosh.

No, really, Im curious. You know how running all over the citadel looking for some
huge, heavy piece of shit that was obviously unnecessary tends to spark my
curiosity. So Id really like to know: what the hell are you doing here? And WHY the
HELL didnt anyone send someone to tell me you didnt fucking need the ladder
anymore! Aoshs smirk disappeared as he glared at Kasan.

Kasan glared back. A little exercise wont kill you.

Oh, is that why you and your consort are here? How foolish of me to interrupt your
training. I can see how that is so much more important than anything to do with
me.

Oh forLook, brat, things happened

I can see that.

Kasan snorted. Youre a regular little snot when youre pissy.

Im not pissy, Im pissed. Huge difference, Aosh replied.

Kasan shook his head and stood away from the wall again. Shaky legs or no, he
should get back. Just shut up and lets get back to firstmeal. You can bitch all you
like to Zonta when we get there. And then you need to get this ladder put away. And
stay away from Max. He walked passed Aosh, watching him carefully, his tail
smacking his brothers legs as he went by.

Aosh didnt bother to disguise his small laugh as he followed. Kasan could feel him
staring the entire walk down the hallway, and he couldnt stop re-checking Maxs
tunic to make sure he was covered.

His tunic looks like its making you nervous. Are you sure you wouldnt rather take
it off of him?

Not with a lecher like you around.

Im sure the view would beinteresting, Aosh murmured.

Stop it, Aosh. Dont push me right now. Im not in the fucking mood.

Really? You looked like you were in the mood just a minute ago.

Kasan glared at the second set of chuckles that joined Aosh: the guard by the door
to the dining area.

Dont you have anything better to do?

The guard smiled lazily. Nope. Just standing here guarding. Sounds like it would
have been more fun to be guarding another part of the citadel this morning.

It was definitely louder, Aosh said with a grin, and he and the guard laughed
again. Kasan gave up and walked past him. He entered the firstmeal and ignored
everyones stares as he went back to the table hed settled on before. He wanted
Max to be near Zonta, and it looked like his brother had planted himself there,
guarding their papers. Kneeling, he lowered Max onto a large cushion next to him.
Max muttered and curled up, sleeping, while Kasan ran his hand over his back. He
looked up at the snorting laugh from across the table. Tisu and Roto had left, and
now his brother Nolluz was there with his consort. Just what he needed.

Neera was a lovely woman, which was why he had no idea how she tolerated Nolluz.
Whom he stilled owed a good beating for preserving the damn dungeons. That last
punch had been solely for Maxs sake. The man was pompous and rude, and while
he was highly intelligent, the fact that he knew it and waved it in their faces had
most of his brothers gritting their teeth around him. Daily. Right now, he was
snickering as loudly as Aosh, who sat down on the other side of Zonta.

Neera smiled brightly, her eyes sparkled, and she gestured with cheerful little wave.
Well, I have to say that I am honestly surprised. I hadnt realized you were so
traditional.

Traditional? What in the world was she talking about? He never Kasans cheeks
flushed as Aosh finally started to guffaw.

Didnt even realize, did you? Aosh chortled. I was hoping for maybe for half the
hallway, but you made it all the way here!

Kasan threw a cup at him and Aosh just caught it before it hit him in the head.
Zonta, dont let the lecher here lay a finger on Max. Ill be right back. He glanced
at Max, who was sleeping through the entire thing. At least it wasnt just sex that
didnt seem to wake him up, he thought, grinning in spite of his own discomfort. He
got up and tried to keep his dignity as he headed back to the door.

Oh, by the way, no hard feelings over the ladder, Kasan. Im feeling much better
about it now.

Kasan ignored him, and everyone else who was watching with broad smiles.
Somehow, he had a feeling he was going to be seeing looks like that all day long;
the entire morning had all the makings of a true disaster. And dammit, it wasnt as
though he minded going traditional, but he really would have rather done it on
purpose than be caught totally unaware. With a light shove, he closed the door
behind him, and slapped his cousin guarding the door in the stomach.

You could have told me, he muttered, walking past.

What, and miss the sight of you going back to the greeting room? I wouldnt dare.

Kasan gestured obscenely with his claws as he proceeded down the hall, his tail
swishing over his naked ass while he went to retrieve his loincloth.











Fiction~~The Last Pure Human~~Ch. 12


The Last Pure Human
Chapter 12 - Father and the Pink Blob




Max sighed sleepily, rubbing his face on the soft cloth underneath him. He hadnt felt
so rested and boneless in ages. Man, he loved sleeping in. Just letting your body rest
while your mind zoned out, warm and soft and petted.

Why was he being petted?

He opened one eye and stared at the browned skin a few inches from his face. Huh?
He sat up, peering around blearily in the bright light, and the cats and voices
crashed over him like a wave. Kasan was next to him, smiling, and he had

Oh my GOD! Did we just- ? You just -? What did you do to me?! Max jumped to
his feet, slipped on his cushion, and fell sideways into Zonta. His legs smacked into
the table on his way down, and the water and plate of flowers went flying. Kasan
caught the water pitcher before it landed on the floor, and ended up with a pile of
red flowers decorating his hair and ears. Max stared at him as Zontas hands helped
him to his feet.

For the love of God, theyd just fucked against a wall! A WALL! And Max had been
the one to come onto KASAN!! Hed gotten so horny just looking at Kasan that hed
actually wanted it! Hed practically attacked him!

It was worse than being a cock whore! At least if he was a whore, he just lay there
and enjoyed things. Now he was attacking other men for sex! He was a a an ass
commando or something! How could he have done that? He let out a pitiful moan
and whimpered as his throat hurt. Why would his throat hurt? It wasnt

A shiver ran through his body as he remembered screaming Kasans name. He had
actually screamed himself hoarse. From sex. And he was suddenly aware of stinging
and aches in very freaking intimate places. Every detail about how hed gotten them
slammed into him.

It made him a little hard again.

Noooooo! Its not fair! How can you make guy-sex that good?! Max clamped his
lips shut. He didnt want to like this, but it was like he was getting worse! He was
getting addicted to Kasan. Was that possible? He looked at Kasan and the slight
sheen on bronze skin made him pant suddenly. Fuck! It was! He was an anal-sex-
with-aliens addict!

Why is this happening to me? I was a good kid! I went to church, dammit! I-
Kasan stood and Max shut up as he looked high into Kasans face. He gulped. He
was just never going to get used to having to look up so high at everyone. It was too
nerve wracking. Youre way the hell too tall, Kasan.

A flower fell off of Kasans hair and he shook his head irritably until petals rained
down onto Max. Waving his arms, Max brushed them away.

Hey! I dont need a flower shower, okay!

Kasan ran his hand over his own head, picking out a few remaining petals and
unraveling the remains of a long braid in the process. He reached down, picked up
the papers that were still on the table, and held them out to Max.

Kasan screwed him until he passed out, and now he wanted to act like nothing had
happened? That was just just

Just like the first time. Max grumbled. Crap. Why did no one think this was a
problem but him?! Kasan wasnt upset about it at all; Max could tell. Those ears of
his were all perky and happy looking. Didnt Kasan realize what a big deal this was?
It was huge! Hot sex, WALL, multiple orgasms in the middle of a party

kinda like a spy film, if you thought about it just right.

He sighed and rubbed his face. Yeah, if the big, badass spy was the one getting
screwed. He suddenly felt a lot of sympathy for all the women in those action
movies. What would a movie chick do if she just got screwed against a wall?

Like he even needed to ask. Theyd go back to the party like nothing happened. And
then theyd turn out to be the double agent and try to kill the spy later. Stupid randy
spies. If he ever got to name a spy film, he was going to call it: Badass Spy Gets
Exactly What He Deserves for Being Such a Horny Bastard.

Damn. He looked up at Kasan. There was a bright petal still stuck next to one black
ear. Fine, Kasan was acting like nothing had happened? Max could do the same thing.
Hed just pretend and make sure he never did something like this again. Sort of like
his first blind date.

Except it had been so good.

He shook his head. No more! Kasan was smiling at him, still holding onto the papers,
and Max concentrated on that instead. He was not going to think of the darn sex,
hed think of what was happening, thats all. Think of right now, when Kasan was
being nice and helpful.

He looked rather sexy when he smiled like that.

Max ground his teeth and tried again. Think of something else. Anything else!

Kasan wasnt going to give him away.

Thank God, because if someone else screwed him up against a wall hed

Crud.

Kasan was He was Oh yeahmarried to him.

How often did married couples HAVE sex here, anyway?

Aaaaaagh! No more stupid sex thoughts! Max wanted to pound at his head. He was
NOT going to think about Kasan and how gigantic he was or how smooth his skin
was or how sexy his smile was or

Moaning under his breath, Max grabbed at his hair with both hands. He had more
self-control than this! Dammit, if he could learn over a dozen languages, he could go
five minutes without thinking about some pushy alien and how fantastic the sex with
him was!

Think. He had to think of something that wasnt sexy at all. Putting his hands down,
he stared at Kasan. Kasan stood there, waiting, holding out the papers. He rustled
them at Max as though he didnt know if Max had seen them, and Max suddenly had
an image of his fourth grade homeroom teacher. Shed always rustled the homework
papers she was returning if she thought a student wasnt paying attention.

He pictured Kasan dressed in the baby blue sweater, tweed skirt, and granny
glasses shed always worn. Muscles would be bulging out and Kasan would look at
the clothes in confused disgust and accidentally smash the glasses as he looked at
them. Max laughed once.

Not sexy in the least, just funny. Finally. Max reached up to take the papers from
Kasan, and the big cat smiled. He looked relieved. It was like hed been expecting
Max to completely freak out or something.

Hmph. If he was flipping out, it was all Kasans fault anyway. Stupid, sexy jerk.

Still smiling, Kasan handed the translations over and leaned down at the same time
to kiss him. His hand full of paper, Max stared into Kasans eyes as their lips touched.
Soft and warm, it only lasted a few moments. Just long enough for Maxs entire body
respond before Kasan pulled back. There were a few laughing comments yelled out
around the room and Max flushed, shaking himself free from whatever haze Kasan
seemed to have poured over his brain.

Kasan! How can you- We just screwed, you stupid sex fiend! You- You- Maxs fists
clenched, crushing his papers, and he felt like throwing them at the big pervert.
Fine! Youre so happy I didnt lose it that you go and kiss me? Im gonna freak out
for the rest of the night! How do you like that!?

A deep voice spoke from just behind him and he jumped. He turned quickly. These
stupid cats and their stupid quiet walking and

Shit! His throat closed up; all he could get out was a ragged squeak. He started
backpedaling frantically. The perverted cat! The big, red headed pervert whod
grabbed him last night! Max backed right into Kasan and he didnt say a peep as the
man wrapped an arm around his chest to anchor him there. Kasan groping him?
Perfectly fine! Kasan taking him away to screw against a different wall? Freaking fine!
Anything that kept the other pervert away was perfectly, wonderfully fine!!

Ive got people to seduce before all the good ones are spoken for, Kasan. Can you
get it going with the introductions to your little cutie pie here?

Max, Aosh. Aosh, Max, Kasan said in a irritable tone, pointing between the two of
them. Aosh bowed quickly and said their little greeting. Max got out a pleased to
meet you so fast it was probably incomprehensible, but he didnt care. Almost
everyone seemed to leave after they said it, so he was hoping the perverted bastard
would follow the same pattern. Kasan relaxed his hold on Max as Aosh turned to
walk away, and everything in Max calmed.

Crud. The ass-molesting jerk had been close enough he could have picked him up
again! He shivered. Bad enough that the entire race towered over him, they had to
have giant perverts, too. If he ever got back to earth, he was making them list that
as one of the dangers of outer space exploration, dammit. Watch out for big damn
space perverts, all you earth midgets.

That was still so frustrating. He wasnt short, yet he felt like such a Lilliputian with
all these cats around. Especially as everyone was even more humongous than Kasan.
Bastards. Max glared at the back of Aoshs head as Kasan sat back down at the table.
About to join him, he saw Aosh turn back a moment. The big cat looked at Kasan,
already distracted by Zonta, and smiled slowly before he blew Max a kiss. He
laughed at Maxs gaping mouth before he turned away again.

That damn pervert! Thought he was hot shit, didnt he? Thought he could do
anything he wanted cause the little human couldnt do a damn thing about it, huh?
Stupid jerk! Well, Max had just fucking had enough of that! Justenough! With a
frustrated growl, he ran the few steps separating them and kicked high and hard into
stupid Aoshs leg. It hit the cat in the back of the knee. Aosh grunted in surprise and
stumbled forward, catching himself in a kneel.

Take that, asshole! Thought I couldnt do anything to you and now youre on your
knees, arent you?! So much for being a super barbarian; Max Renwood takes you
down! Max hooted and made obscene gestures as he danced from foot to foot,
euphoria and adrenaline singing in his veins until Aosh shifted. The cats back rippled
with muscle as it braced itself to push back to its feet, and he suddenly realized that
he was looking at the back of Aoshs head. The cat was still on his knees, and he was
a little taller than Max.

And Max was standing on his feet.

Oh shit.

He gulped and took a step back. What the fuck was wrong with him!? Aosh COULD
darn well do whatever he wanted because he was A FREAKING GIANT! Crap, the cat
would kill him! With more speed than hed ever used in his life, Max sprinted back to
Kasan and crouched down on the other side of him.

Hiding.

Kasan was big. Kasan had beat up this Aosh guy before. Please oh please let Kasan
be willing to not give him away right now! Or better yet, let him beat up Aosh.
Oh God, Max was going to freaking die!

He peeked up and saw Kasan staring down at him. The cat looked confused and
amused as Max shooed at him with his hands.

Crap, dont look or hell know where I am! Max whispered frantically. Dammit, did
Kasan WANT his consort to get killed?! Aosh muttered something that sounded
nearer than it should be and Kasan turned away as Max made himself as small as
possible. He stayed that way until Kasan looked at him again. The mans eyes were
round and he was smiling broadly. Maybe he didnt mind that Aosh character getting
a good kick in the knee? As long as he kept Aosh from doing the same thing to him

One little blown kiss, thats all I did, Kasan. Aosh chuckled and Kasan turned back
to him again. Max hoped Aosh wasnt about to do something to him. Kasan would
stop him then, wouldnt he? Maybe? What a funny little brat. I guess if you come
downstairs limping tomorrow well all know what happened.

Very funny. Youre lucky thats all it was or Id be the one kicking your sorry ass.

Oh dont worry. Im well aware that hes your consort now. Id never touch the little
thing. There was a long silence, but Max didnt hear anyone leave. Of course, hed
never heard Aosh walk up behind him in the first place. What if the cat was creeping
up on him? Right now? Kasan would probably help him out, but could he really be
sure of that? He might need to run again.

Max bit his lip. Putting his hands on Kasans side, he risked a look around the cats
torso, peeking behind his back. He gulped as he stared into Aoshs face just a few
feet away. There was a snort, and then Aosh was shaking his head and laughing

Damn but he is the funniest thing. Promise me youll find out where he came from?
I think I might like one of my own. Those ears are beyond adorable Aosh laughed
again and turned away.

Max took a deep breath and let it out slowly, yelping when Kasan turned, picked
him up, and plunked him onto his lap.

Hey! Cut it out! Its theres people here!

Kasan purred and chuckled into his hair. Im happy. Kasan happy. Max happy.

No I am not happy! Let me down!

Kasan happy. He picked up a soft neon pink fruit and handed it to him. Food.

Yeah, I know its food, lecher cat, Max muttered. But damn, he was still hungry.
He took it out of Kasans hand and tried to ignore the fact that his tunic had shifted
and his naked ass was resting on Kasans legs. But Aosh was gone. He let that sink
in.

Hed kicked the jerk, and nothing had happened to him. Ha! Take that, stupid cat!
You got taken down by a member of the kick-ass human race! Eat dirt! Grinning, he
took a big bite of the fruit and lay the papers that were completely crumpled in his
fist onto the table. He tried to focus on the language as he flattened them out. He
hadnt been hit, he had been fed, and hed been given a way to begin talking to the
cats.

And hed kicked that big pervert and taken him down! Double ha!

It could be worse, right? A whole lot worse. If he could just figure out this new
language and see if he could keep from getting screwed again His face heated and
he squirmed, feeling Kasans skin heating up his backside.

Um, yeah. Language. Learn the language, and thenother stuff. Words, words,
words. Just do the words right now. There werent that many phrases; not much
more than 100, and almost half of them were just different words for family
members. With that many, family must be a really big deal in this culture. It made
learning it all a heck of a lot easier, though; thered probably be a lot of repetition in
there. So he could do this. Hed had to learn more phrases than this in one of his
cram sessions; this should be no sweat.

Especially not for someone whod stood up to a giant cat pervert.

He grinned to himself. If that nice cat, Zonta, helped him a little, he could figure it
out before they finished eating, maybe.

If Kasan and he didnt leave again and get all sweaty together. His smile faded and
he felt a little flushed at the reminder.

If he could get his penis to stop thinking about Kasans leg underneath his naked
butt.

He took another bite of fruit a little desperately and turned to Zonta. Words, not
legs. Words, not legs. He swallowed heavily as he felt Kasans muscles flex
underneath him.

Kasan had really nice skin.

Gaaah. Stop moving, Kasan! Im trying to work here! He looked up backwards at
Kasans face and glared at the total lack of comprehension there. Max NO happy!





Kasan grinned. Max isnt happy, he corrected, and kept grinning as Max nodded
and repeated the phrase back to him. He couldnt believe the little thing had kicked
Aosh! Damn, he wished he could have seen more than the aftermath; hed probably
still be laughing. My little warrior, huh? He fuzzed Maxs hair fondly and Max jerked
his head away with an annoyed humph. Max cast him one last glare and then looked
over at Zonta, belligerently pointing to the paper and talking to his brother as
though trying to prove Kasan didnt exist. Kasan grinned again. Let the little scholars
enjoy each other; he was going to enjoy Maxs pert little bottom against his thighs.

Damn, he could take him again already.

His brother Nolluz cleared his throat from across the way. While that was
undeniably entertaining, in a rather crude sort of way, there are things that you
need to finish, Kasan. You havent introduced us yet.

Youll have to wait. Max is busy. Not that a little research would have stopped him
with any other brother, even Aosh, but Nolluz was such an

That is insufficient reason to delay an introduction, Kasan. I shouldnt even need to
remind you of your duty. You are not some ignorant, pre-ripened child.

uptight, condescending prig.

Reason enough for me. Kasan smiled and crossed his arms. By the way, I didnt
get to thank you for the dungeons yet.

Nolluzs ears were tense and down. I dont see what the dungeons have to do with
this conversation, brother.

Nothing whatsoever. Im just pissed about them.

You shouldnt let your personal feelings interfere with aaaaaaaah! Nolluzs voice
rose an octave as he yelled.

Max pushed himself back into Kasan with a frightened squeak as Nolluz reared up to
his knees, grabbing at his backside. With an outraged glare, Nolluz turned to his
consort so quickly that his dark brown braid swung out and hit the table.

Neera smiled sweetly at him. Dont mind me. Go right ahead with what you were
saying.

You- you- Nolluz seemed unable to finish his sentence and Kasan waited to find
out what had just happened. It was bound to be good; there was a reason he really
like Neera.

I was just checking. Sorry to have interrupted. You can continue talking.

You were checking for what!!?

Oh, it seemed like that stick must have snuck back into your bottom. I was going
to take it out for you. Kasan laughed at Nolluzs shocked look. When Neera merely
raised an inquiring eyebrow at her mate, her honeyed ears innocently curious, Nolluz
finally snorted once and sat back down. A reluctant smile twisted his lips for just a
moment.

Brat. Nolluzs voice was soft.

Neera smiled back and leaned against his shoulder. You need a brat. Be happy you
got one or youd be so insufferable no one would have anything to do with you
anymore.

Kasan smiled. Completely true. Neera, you have done a wonderful job keeping him
from being the man he could have been today. My brothers and I are eternally
thankful. He looked down at Max, who was beginning to relax again now that no
one was yelling. And now that Max is no longer busy Max, this is Neera and Nolluz.
Neera, Nolluz, this is my consort, Max.

Max was already bowing and repeating the phrases, still a little nervous until Kasan
pointed to Nolluz. Max? Nolluz is happy. Happy.

Nolluz looked at him. What in the world are you talking about? Im not happy.

Zonta spoke quietly and drew Maxs attention back to the papers while Kasan
answered Nolluz. You saw the archivists; they brought in a few pages of text that
are helping us communicate. I dont have a lot of choices in vocabulary.

And the best you could do was Im happy? Why would you

Neera poked Nolluz in the side. Obviously, he doesnt have the words yet to say
my brother here is having a small conniption and isnt really about to leap over the
table to try to eat you. Would that be about it, Kasan?

Pretty close. He didnt get a chance to say more before there was a high pitched
crying from the corner of the room. Neera laughed lightly.

That would be my signal to leave. Wed better go see to the little ones.

I was wondering about that. Why didnt you simply bring them to the table? It was
a rare thing for parents to be away from their children at a gathering like this. He
was actually surprised theyd managed to get this much time to themselves, now
that he thought about it.

Neera looked at Max. I didnt want to do anything to upset your little one there. If
hes as fragile as he seems, well need to have quite a bit of being gentle practice
before the children are going to be allowed near him. She looked at Kasan seriously.
You may want to take that into consideration if anyone else comes by with their
littles.

He leaned over and touched her lips briefly. Thank you. Ill make sure to take
care.

She nodded, smiling, and she and Nolluz left with their hands entwined only to be
mobbed by a small pile of children when they made it across the room.

Kasan took a deep breath and looked down at Maxs head. That was the last of his
brothers. His father Kyoru would be coming over now. Not every family operated
that way, but his father usually assumed that their new consorts might be a little
nervous meeting the Lord King of the Hinta and he tried to let them enjoy the other
siblings first before he showed. Kasan had to smile to himself; somehow, he didnt
think his fathers position would worry Max any more than every other person hed
met. One Kyashin probably looked just as intimidating as another to Max.

He hoped so, because his father was already on his way over. Kasan moved his tail
forward and wrapped it around Maxs waist to keep the tip from twitching. Max
squirmed and petted it absently as he continued to talk with Zonta and Kasan almost
jumped. His cock hardened underneath Max and his belly clenched with shocked
arousal. Max was touching his tail! Dear God above, hed not even thought of it.

No one touched his tail. He might smack someone with it occasionally, but there
had been too many pranks and yanks in his childhood for him to tolerate any other
contact. He kicked anyones ass who touched his tail now, and they all knew it.
Except for Max, and Kasans breath hitched as dexterous fingers ran through the
short fur. Ohhhh that felt nice. A purr started low in his throat and his felt his body
start to arch before he shivered and stopped himself. He didnt have time to continue
this. He was so very happy Max seemed comfortable with Kasans embrace,
andoooooh damn, they were going to have to do this again when they had
privacybut now wasnt the time! He needed to be able to concentrate. With a
rather jerky push, Kasan reached his arm forward and insinuated it between Maxs
hands and his tail. Max continued talking and his hands quieted against Kasans skin.
Good.

Kasan glanced at Zontas animated face as he spoke with Max and smiled, trying his
best to control his arousal in the last moments he had before his father arrived. Max
seemed very comfortable with his little brother. That should help if the Lord King
made Max nervous. Kasan admitted that he was a bit uncertain about how this
particular meeting was going to go himself. His father tended to be a bit
unpredictable. It wasnt helping his nerves that his body was still focusing on Max
and his hands.

He shakily inclined his head as his father sat down across from him. After all the
couples whod been funneling through, his fathers solitude touched a small ache in
Kasans chest that finally cleared the lust from his head. He hadnt seen his father sit
down with his consort since Kasan was a small child. Their mother had died of a
fever soon after the birth of Aosh and Zonta, a few months after fathers heat had
ended. Memories of her teasing his father into laughter always hit him the hardest at
family gatherings like this.

How is your consort adjusting? his father asked softly. His deep brown eyes were
watching Max curiously. Max was so engrossed in his conversation with Zonta he
didnt even notice the mans presence.

I think having a little of the language is helping him quite a bit.

The Lord King nodded. I am correct in thinking the little creature is male? Kasan
flushed and nodded. He wasnt quite sure how to interpret his fathers expression
until Kyoru spoke again. And this isnt a problem for you? The elders have been
worried about the effects on both of you if you havent any desire for one another.
We dont need another tragedy like that in the family. So tell me the truth: do you
need to wait until the heat hits before you can perform with your consort?

Kasan chuckled. Maybe he shouldnt have bothered to control himself. Then
everyone would have known exactly how little they had to be concerned about.
Honestly? I think hes the sexiest thing Ive ever seen in my life. There is NO
problem at all in that arena.

His father smiled broadly. I was hoping that was the case.

Kasans hand rubbed over Maxs stomach and his consorts body relaxed slightly.
My preferences seem to have aligned themselves nicely with Maxs looks, Im happy
to say. Im more worried about wearing him out than anything else. Kasan
exchanged another smile with his father over Maxs head.

Kyoru quieted, watching Max attempting to copy Zontas pronunciation of Im
thirsty. His ears twitched with interest.

Jolan tells me hes human.

Kasan nodded.

Im curious as to why I had to hear it from him rather than you.

Kasan flinched. He should have known father would get right to the point. Kasan
had already called himself five kinds of idiot for not letting everyone know that Max
was human. He could have gotten him killed, and all because he wanted to come out
ahead in he and his brothers constant games of one-upmanship. He knew hed
made a huge mistake.

Knowing hed screwed up didnt mean that he wasnt going to pay dearly, but
acknowledging it might mitigate his punishment slightly.

My apologies, father. It was foolish of me and Im well aware the results could
have been fatal. He shuddered as he imagined Max seriously injured. If something
hed done had caused Max to be hurt, he didnt know what he would have done.

Kyorus voice was still soft when he spoke again. Im sure you are. Youre far from
an idiot. And to tell you the truth, watching that little chase of yours around the
Greeting room was quite entertaining. He smiled briefly before looking serious again.
Im sorry to say that the elders didnt find the spectacle as enjoyable.

Kasan winced. His fathers two aunts were the eldest in the family at the moment,
and if his father was mentioning them, it could only mean theyd given him a
message to relate. He glanced around, trying to get a feel for the mood of the room.
Jolan was smirking. Tisu was positively gloating at him every time Roto wasnt
looking. Nolluz was busy pontificating to some young cousin and Aosh was off in a
corner kissing the face off of a visiting dignitary that he must have smuggled into
Firstmeal.

The smirking and gloating had him worried. What had the elders decided on?

You withheld information from the family that we needed to know, Kasan. As a
result, your consort was frightened half out of his mind and put into a situation
where he could have been seriously injured. His father stared at him and Kasans
ears flattened. He swore he could hear Tisu enjoying this. A Recompense has been
decided on for your actions.

I understand.

Dammit. He really didnt need this right now!

What exactly is required of me? It could be practically anything. The two women
were nothing if not creative when it came to dealing with problems within the family.
Sometimes he hated the old biddies almost as much as he loved them.

The Lord King smiled and held out a long, heavy red ribbon tied into a decorative
loop at one end with a gold clasp. Kasan heard Jolan and Tisu make quiet,
celebratory whoops and his tail tightened up on Maxs waist before he could stop
himself. Max started petting his arm.

Service?! But

Your little one is too small to treat endangering his health lightly. One top of that,
it has some concrete significance so that it can be understood by your consort. His
father grinned at him with a little sympathy. Be glad they were in a good mood and
they want your consort to feel he has had justice more than they want you to learn a
lesson.

Kasan took a deep breath. He didnt entirely agree, but he was a part of the family.
Father was right. It could have been worse. For how long?

I managed to talk them down to one day. Youll need to introduce your consort to
them at the end of your service.

Im sure Jolan will love to hear it. And he was sure the bastard and all his brothers
would taunt him over it as well. All day long, as often as they could. Why did it have
to be Service?! Damn.

The Lord King chuckled at the expression on his face. You start tomorrow morning
at Firstmeal. Since the little one may not understand what is involved, Im trusting
you with the collar. Im sure you can find a way to explain to him what your duties
will be.

Kasan took the ribbon and placed it in front of him, trying not to look at it. He was
going to get so much shit tomorrow! He couldnt keep his ears off his skull right now
if he tried. Yes, father.

Taking a deep breath, his father smiled broadly and turned his focus back to Max.
So, now that were done with that unpleasantness, tell me about your consort.
Where does he come from?

I dont know. He wished he did.

Kyoru frowned. Do you not know where his family is, then?

We dont even know if he has a family at this point. Im hoping I can talk to him
about it later today if hes learned enough Hinta. He hated what he was going to
have to say next. He was drugged with Argenta when Shovak had him given to
me.

Kyoru was very still. Kasan could see the effort it was taking him not to react. His
father knew the drugs prevalence among slavers. The thought that his own brother
had dealings with slavers, after all those bastards had done to the Kyashin before
theyd been stopped, must be utterly devastating. Almost worse than the knowledge
of how badly Shovak had betrayed the family was going to be. Kasan really wished
he wasnt the one who was going to have to tell his father all about this.

Father? He kept his voice soft. The family needs to gather today. Leero has found
some things that we shouldnt wait much longer to discuss.

Kyoru sighed deeply, his eyes losing some of their shine. Involving Shovak, I
assume? Kasan nodded. He hated seeing the pained look on his fathers face. Kyoru
didnt deserve to have a brother like Shovak. No one did. If one of Kasans siblings
had acted so dishonorably It was impossible to even consider.

Do you wish your consort to be included? his father asked, looking at Max.

Id prefer he have some time to himself. I think hes had enough for the day.

He may be excused then. We can use the Great Room after Firstmeal. His father
was silent, and they both watched Max and Zonta for a few more minutes. Kyoru
cleared his throat. So, are you going to introduce me to the little one?

Kasan rubbed Maxs shoulders until his consort looked up at him and he pointed.
Max, this is my father, the Lord King of the Hinta. Father, thisis Max.

His father smiled slowly and bowed with careful precision. Im very, very pleased to
meet you, sweetheart. Welcome to the family. Max looked at him seriously, his
brow furrowed at the slight change in structure and he worried his lip before he
spoke.

Ahm pleased to meet you, the-Lord-King-of-Heenta. Even Zonta chuckled a little.

You may call me father, if you wish, little one. At Maxs blank look, Kasans father
adapted and simply pointed to himself. Father.

Father. Maxs eyes brightened and he tilted his head to look back to Kasan.
Kasan father?

Yes, Kasans father. Kyoru reached across the table and laid one large hand over
Maxs. No one should be without a family, little one. We may not be able to find
yours right away, but until then, we will do all we can to make up for such a great
loss. He took Maxs hand and pulled it up until Max was reaching across the table,
touching the Lord Kings chest. Maxs father.

Kasan took a deep breath, touched. His father had made the same offer to Roto,
and the poor thing had been nearly incoherent with the honor. To be taken into
another family was not something his father could simply offer. The elders must
have discussed this along with his Service.

He wouldnt forget their generosity.

Maxs body was tense on his lap, and his voice was a little confused when he
answered. M-Maxs father.

Kasan took Maxs hand and pressed one finger against his fathers lips. Thank you,
he prompted in Maxs ear.

Thank you, Maxs Father.

His father smiled and took a moment to give in to temptation and fuzz the earless
top of Maxs head. Kasan laughed as Max pulled away. He could just imagine that
familiar disgruntled look on Maxs face. Kyoru smiled at them both.

Best wishes on your mating, Kasan. Im happy it has worked so well for you. Well
talk after the meal.

Kasan bowed his head as his father stood. Hed barely raised it before more
relatives were coming by. His eyes strayed to the red ribbon lying on the table.
Everyone would know what was coming as soon as they set eyes on it. What a huge
pain in the ass. Trying to smile and look threatening enough to keep anyone from
making a snide comment, Kasan sat through the introduction of countless cousins
and aunts and uncles. Everyone was making sure they dropped by so they could at
least get a glimpse of Max. He took Neeras advice and asked the few with children
to keep them across the table from Max until they could be sure hed be safe.

Hed thought the entire thing might be overwhelming for his consort, but the man
hardly seemed to notice. Every spare moment he was questioning and repeating
words and phrases with Zonta; he only paused to repeat an introduction before hed
be back to Zonta and the pages on the table. Kasan had to explain that the little one
couldnt speak Hinta, and was a male, and wasnt Kyashin so many times he thought
he should simply create a sign to set up at their table.

He kept them both there until almost no food was left on the tables and his relatives
started withdrawing from the room. When Leero gestured at him with his head, he
finally interrupted Zontas attempts at speaking human.

I need to take Max back to our room now, Zo. The rest of us are gathering in the
Great Room right after the meal. Do you think you might have time afterwards to
help finish teaching Max the rest of these pages? Hed really rather just cuddle and
caress Max for the rest of the day, but the language would be more important to him.

Hes done.

Pardon? That couldnt be right.

Hes finished the pages. Theres one that doesnt seem to be something he
understands, but all the rest weve finished. Hes been teaching me his language for
the past few minutes.

All of them?

Hes very good with words. Id be happy to keep working with him on the language,
however. His is fascinating. I can hardly wait until I can - Zonta began to mutter,
thinking to himself, and Kasan shook his head, impressed.

Well talk afterwards, then. He nodded to Zontas head, snagged the ribbon in one
hands, and scooped up Max as he stood. Heading for the door, cradling Max, he had
to grin as his consort sputtered and gestured at him. Max quieted as they left the
room. Crossing his arms over his chest, his face adorably flushed, he glared up at
Kasan while they walked. Kasan felt his mood lift. Max was just too damn cute.

He was glad his rooms werent too far, though. It would give him a little time to get
Max settled before hed have to head back. As soon as he was inside his room and
let Max down, however, the little one started gesturing wildly again and pointing at
him.

No! No, Kasan! Max, Kasan - no on top of bed! No THERE! Kasan saw him pointing
to the bed and shaking his head and he smiled. It was lovely to be able to hear Max
trying to make himself clear. It also had some possibilities he hadnt considered
before.


Ahhhhh, I see. No sex? Kasan reached down before Max could move away and he
pulled him close. Are you sure, Gisho?

No sex! NO sex! Kasan let him go and Max was halfway across the room before he
finished speaking. He scowled as Kasan laughed a little.

He took one step towards him and Max backed away again. Shhhh. Its all right. No
sex. We wouldnt have time anyway, as much as I might like to. No sex right now.

No sex? Max stopped retreating.

None. No sex. Youre cute behind is quite safe at the moment.

Safe? Nodanger?

Yes. He needed to take a look at the Zontas papers and see just what words were
there. Hed grab them on the way down. Right now Here, precious. I have
something to show you. He tossed the ribbon into a wall alcove and walked to the
far wall. He gestured for Max to come over. Eyeing him suspiciously, Max sidled
closer. Kasan had to wait until he was within reach before he could continue.
Showing him the small green streak that designated the door, he pressed Maxs
hand against the wall and purred reassuringly when Max jumped as the door opened.
Max followed him out and his reaction to Kasans private garden was more than
Kasan had hoped.

He was glad Max liked it. He didnt have a lot of entertainment for someone Maxs
size who couldnt read, but at least Kasan could let him spend some time here while
he was gone. It was well within the walls of the citadel, and with the privacy
enclosure around it, this was as private and safe as Kasan could get for Max without
locking him in their room.

Max? Max was staring up at the sky as though hed never seen it before, and it
startled Kasan to realize that it was an actual possibility. Had Max ever seen the
Kyashin sky, or had he been too drugged when hed arrived on the planet? Kasan
personally loved the outdoors, being outside under the blue sky, or at night when
either of the moons shown. Max looked fascinated, and he was so glad hed shown
him the gardens. He wished hed thought to do it before.

Max. Max finally looked at him, swallowing. Max, you need to stay here.

Here?

Max here. Kasango. Kasan there. He pointed towards the door into the room and
Max nodded carefully. Max, youre safe here.

A smile finally. Safe. Yes. Safe here. Kasan sighed. Thank God, the little one
learned quickly. It was such a relief not to see that frightened incomprehension on
his face now. Crap.he needed to show him a few things.

Max, in here. He gestured inside and left the door opened as he pointed to the
alcove. Theres food and drink. Understand? Max looked at the food and nodded
slowly, gesturing to his mouth. Then he bit his lip, his feet shifting.

His voice was very soft when he spoke. Kasan? Maxfamily?

Kasan nodded slowly. Yes, were family now.

No. No. Uh Maxs face screwed up as he obviously tried to think of the words he
needed. I need my family. MAX family. Max family here?

The other humans, Kasan thought. I dont know where they are, Gisho. Im so
sorry. No Maxs family here. Seeing the small shoulders slump, he wished like hell
he could have told him differently. Well find them, Max.

He stood awkwardly. He hated leaving Max unhappy like this, but there wasnt
anything he could think of that would compensate for what his consort was going
through. It made his gut churn that he couldnt make this better.

Max began to squirm and drew his attention. Um. Ihave tourinate? Kasan
nodded and showed him the door on the opposite side of the room. A quick slide of
Kasans hand against the wall taught Max where to put his hand in order to open it.

Before Max could disappear inside, he stopped him. Ill be back soon, Max. Kasan
go now. Maxs big eyes stared up at him and he groaned. That sweet face was so
delectable. He leaned down and kissed him quickly, just because he couldnt think of
anything else he could give Max to express how he was feeling right then. That, and
he wanted one last taste of Maxs lips before he had to leave for a few hours. He ran
a hand over Maxs head as he pulled back. Max glared at him, panting slightly.

No Sex, he said, pointing at him. Kasan backed away with his hands up.

Keeping me honest, hmmm? All right. No sex. Youre right. I need to get going.
He went to the door out and turned back as it opened.

Ill be back soon, Precious.

Max shifted his feet a little and did an odd wave with his hand. Ahll be back soon
pre-shus.

Kasan nodded, biting his tongue until the door closed behind him, and smacked
Esgard as the man smiled.

Dont say it.

I wasnt going to speak.

Good. Son of a bitch.

He wondered how many of his brothers were going to be calling him Precious by
this time tomorrow.

##

Max watched to make sure Kasan was actually gone before he used the facilities.
Looking around the room as he came back in, he headed straight for the door to the
outside. He needed something to cheer him up. Hed really been hoping Kasan and
the others knew where the colony was, but it didnt look like Kasan had a clue.
Where the hell WAS everyone? How the hell had he gotten here when no one else
had? It made no sense! He sighed, rubbed his hands over his face as he walked out
the door, and groaned as his lips tingled.

Stupid cat, kissing him all the time. Was there ever going to be a time where Kasan
wasnt molesting him? Flushing, he glanced back inside at the bed and imagined
what might be happening there when Kasan came back. Then he growled at his
bodys response and leaned back to look at the sky. No more thinking of cats, or
Kasan, or the colony, or anything other than the fact that he wasnt stuck inside a
building. He was actually outside. It felt like hed been trapped inside forever. He
hadnt seen one single window since hed first woken up with the cats. He should
enjoy this while he could.

He blinked at the bright blue of the sky broken up with a few wispy white clouds. It
was strange. Who knew how far it was from earth, but the sky was still blue. Just
not quite the right blue. He kept blinking, trying to get the color to change to what
he expected. The color was just so intense, like an azure sunset across the whole
sky. Pretty, but disturbing. His gaze dropped and he looked at the plants instead.
One brief glance and he was glaring at them nervously.

This was definitely Kasans garden; all the freaking plants were damn giants. It was
like a wall of vivid green. Surrounding him were bushy ferns and thin reeds and tall,
straight trees that looked a bit like pines, with small thin paths of pale rock winding
their way into the jungle. He could hear running water somewhere nearby, but there
were too many plants to see into the greenery any great distance. Hed have to push
leaves aside just to walk down a path, the growth was so thick. At least he could see
glimpses of a wall a ways back behind some of the taller trees. A garden jungle was
a hell of a lot less frightening than the real thing.

It was supposed to be safe, he reminded himself. Kasan had said it was safe. He
knew that word now. If this was safe, that meant there couldnt be anything like
man-eating pod plants or poisonous trees or blood sucking crickets. He knew there
was something alive in the place; there were strange whistles and chirpings and
rustles among the leaves. If it was safe, though, he could relax and just check it all
out. He didnt have to be afraid. He could just look around, without anyone watching
him or screwing him against a damn wall. He could explore.

He took a few steps onto the right-hand path, wincing a little as the pebbles dug
into his feet. There were round, but they still hurt a little. Had to toughen up his feet
if he couldnt get any shoes. With a deep breath, he pushed his way through a fern
on the path and started walking. It was cooler in the shade of the trees, without the
sun beating down on his legs and keeping them warm. The smells were rich and
pungent, with an odd waft of fruity sweetness every once in a while whenever he
passed small, broad-leafed shrubs with colorful flowers. He followed the path as it
led deeper under the trees, and started to relax as he made his way through without
encountering anything but plant life. Whatever was rustling nearby was staying away.

This is actually really nice, he murmured. He was congratulating himself when he
pushed aside a broad leaf in front of his face and something pink caught his
attention. Slime covered and bright, as large as a Galapagos tortoise, it sat on the
path ahead of him and he wondered at first if it was some kind of mammoth fungus.

You are one butt ugly piece of plant life. A giant gelatinized lump of Pepto-Bismol
was all that he could think of, and he felt himself gag at the thought. Blech. Kasan
had some weird tastes in plants. Walking on the edge of the path, he was about to
skirt around it when it trembled and moved.
Towards him.

He scooted back, eyes wide. Was this freaking thing some kind of animal, or had he
just imagined it moving? A ripple ran across its surface and it slid along the trail a
few inches in his direction. He started walking backwards. Safe garden or not, that
was the creepiest, grossest thing he had ever seen in his life. He was damn well
going inside! He glanced behind him to make sure he wasnt about to hit a tree and
then continued walking backwards while he watched the jello critter to make sure it
stayed the hell away from him. He was almost out of sight of it when its surface
shuddered and small spikes jutted out like a slimy hedgehog on steroids. He froze.

Oh crap! The thing started sliding at him soundlessly. Really damn fast! OH
CRAP!

He backed up so quickly he went off the path and hit a tree. Ow! He spun around it
with a jerk and ran. What the hell was it?! He could hear it crushing leaves and twigs
behind him as he ran. Jumping over ferns and leaping to the side as he tried to
dodge trees in his path, he ran until his legs were numb and the thing just wouldnt
stop! He had no idea where the hell the door was anymore; he just had to lose it!
The slick rustling behind him seemed to get louder and he looked back in a panic. He
grunted as he tripped over a fern. Rolling head over heels, he face planted into the
dirt just in time to save himself from hitting the wall with his nose. Dirt in his eyes
and mouth, he scrabbled desperately, trying to get to his feet as the thing closed on
him. Panting with terror, he ended up splayed against the wall as the mound of
spikes advanced.

Moments away from being impaled, brown fur jumped down from the nearest tree.
It stood, growling, in between him and the giant pink loogey. He had a glimpse of
sun glinting off needle sharp claws as a large paw slipped under the charging jello
blob and flipped it up onto its back.

Gulps and gasps were all he could manage as he tried to get his shaking legs to
bear his weight enough to run away from the new animal. The furry thing leapt onto
a pink belly, plunging its head in with a snarl. Max couldnt move as the slime
covered head emerged from a gaping hole it had torn in the underside of the blob. It
was chewing on something pale and slippery, and the pink stuff slowly started to
deflate almost before the creature jumped off.

Ewwwww! The creature shook itself like a dog and slime flew into Maxs legs and
face. Gross! When it finally stopped, Max watched it, readying himself to defend
against whatever the hell this new thing was, and then he gaped stupidly.

Hed been saved from the gelatin blob by a puppy.

It wasnt exactly, but aside from the slime it was currently cleaning from its
brindled fur, it looked like an adorable, fluffy little puppy with floppy ears. The size of
a small terrier, it was cute as a button, and with a long tail that seemed more like a
monkeys. A wet black nose on a blunt snout and large, orange eyes looked at him
once and then went back to cleaning, obviously unconcerned with his presence.
Maybe this was why Kasan had said it was safe? He had a guard dog?

Thank God! You are the best damn thing Ive ever seen in my life! The little thing
stopped licking itself and stared at him, its tail swishing like a cats, and it bared its
teeth just slightly.

Im sorry, shhh. I didnt mean to yell, little guy. Here, smell me. See, Im okay. He
crouched down and held out his hand. The puppy crept forward and sniffed at him.
You are just gorgeous, arent you? He really was a pretty thing. The slime was
already licked almost completely clean, leaving behind thick and silky fur. Browns
and creams blended together until it looked almost like it was made of velvet dirt.
He stood very still as it rubbed its damp head against the palm of his hand.

Do you like to be pet? Huh, boy? He stroked carefully and smiled when it not only
let him scratch it behind its ears, it began to rub over his arm and higher, its body
undulating up to his own until the dog was squirming with small, odd little growls
while Max petted its fur and fuzzed along its belly when it reared up to rub against
his chest.

He tried to push it away as it began to lick his face clean of the small bits of slime
still there. Soft orange eyes stared up at him and he grumbled. Hell, puppy dog
eyes really do work. With a sigh, he let it continue cleaning him until it seemed
happy.

The little thing had saved him, the least he could do was let it satisfy its urge to get
the slime off. He smiled when it finally subsided and lay across his knees while he
stroked its back.

Well, youre not a cat, but then again, I think Ive had enough cats for a while.
The little beast let out an odd humphing sigh that felt like agreement and he laughed.
Right. Dont worry, I wont tell your buddies a cat owns you. Wouldnt want you to
be embarrassed or anything.

He dug his fingers into the fur and scratched until the puppy started to whine.
Guess I get to name you until Kasan comes back and tells me what your name is,
huh? It should be something heroic. The little guy had saved him from spiky horror-
show reject; he should have a name to reflect that. How about Androcles? He saved
the lion first instead of the lion saving him, but I can at least promise that Ill help
you out if I ever get the chance.

Androcles looked up at him, stretched his forelegs out while extending his claws,
and rubbed his head against Maxs belly with a soothing trill.

Okay. Androcles then. I need to find one of the stupid paths. Dont suppose you
know where they are? Androcles got off his knees and waited while he got up from
his crouch before it walked away. He stared at him when the puppy stopped as they
crossed one of the paths. No way. You actually found one! He followed Androcles
along the path until he came out from under the cover of the plants and saw the
door to Kasans bedroom.

You are freaking Lassie! Awesome! He felt safe until he wondered if any more pink
things were around, and whether any of them had slipped inside when he was
wandering the garden, running for his life.

When Androcles trotted into the room, the things tail swishing happily behind it like
a giant sideways pendulum, he was happy to follow. He stood at the entrance until
hed seen Androcles explore the entire room before it came over to rest its cool nose
in Maxs palm. Androcles definitely deserved a hug, and he crouched down and gave
it to him. Thanks, boy. Ill tell you, that pink thing was even scarier than the damn
cats.

Androcles bumped up against his arms and then wriggled free. With an odd grunting
sort of bark, it trotted over to the log that went from the floor to the high hole in the
wall. It sprouted claws like a cat and climbed until it had gone through the opening
at the top. He looked up to see orange eyes peer down a moment as it barked once
more before it disappeared.

So thats what the damn thing was for. It was a tree climbing, alien dog run. Nice to
know what that was now, anyway. He turned from it with a sigh, noticed the still
open door, and went over to close it with a quick, nervous look outside. Relieved as
he got it closed without anything coming in after him, he looked at the room around
him. How long was he supposed to stay here? His stomach growled, reminding him
of how little hed actually eaten at the meal, and he went over to the shelf on the
wall with food wrapped up on it. He could start with eating something and worry
about what to do to pass the time later. Maybe he could try leaving the room when
he was done.

With another sigh, he bit into a pastry that looked particularly tasty, and went over
all the new words hed been learning as he chewed. This looked like it was going to
be a long, long day.











Fiction~~The Last Pure Human~~Ch. 13


The Last Pure Human
Chapter 13 - Time to Party




Growling deep in his chest, Kasan stared at the guards who blocked his path. He
only had a brief time for the mid-day meal, and then hed have to go back to what
had turned into a truly miserable gathering. All he wanted was to spend his few
minutes of free time with Max, and now he ran into this shit! He could hear laughter
from inside the room behind the two men. These useless doorstops had let people
into his room, with his consort, after everything that had happened today. And they
were keeping him OUT! Tail lashing wildly, his body rippled as he prepared to assault
them both. They had one chance.

He forced his voice out with a hoarse snarl. Move.

We cant, Prince Kasan! Rui was very new to the guards, barely ripened. An idiot
who shouldnt have been allowed guard duty if he was doing anything but getting
the fuck out Kasans way! Please, we cant! He looked to the other guard for aid,
and Kasan hoped for the other mans safety that he had more brains than this one.

MOVE!

The consorts came, Prince Kasan. Davis voice was gruff and matter-of-fact. His
relaxed stance informed Kasan that while the mans younger partner might be
nervous about confronting their prince, he certainly wasnt.

The fear for Maxs health winked out of existence, and a new worry took its place.
The consorts? Theyre Welcoming him now? No wonder there had been so few
consorts at the gathering. They must have talked to his father first. But why now?
Dammit, he wanted to see Max!

Shrugging, Davi flipped his dark braid over his shoulder. I can only assume they
wanted to take advantage of the mates presence at the gathering. You know how
frustrating it is when this many consorts disappear at the same time. And you can
understand why I will not open this door, I hope?

Kasan scowled, his tail calming as the twitching of his ears took its place. His glare
took in both of them. I could assign you to dawn picketing on the edge of the
mountain, you know.

Ruis golden eyes widened until his partner snorted. Ive known you too long to fall
for false threats, Prince Kasan. Besides, the elders punishment for letting you in
would be far worse than anything you could dream up. Were not moving.

Laughter echoed from the room again and Kasans claws worried at his fingertips.
He didnt hear Maxs laughter. Hed only heard it as that drugged little giggle during
firstmeal, but the light sound had been fairly distinctive. It would stand out against
the deep tones he was hearing right now. Why wasnt Max laughing with everyone
else? Was he all right?

Rubbing at his face, he sighed under his breath. He didnt need this. Ever since hed
left Max, things had only grown worse until all he wanted right now was to hold his
little Gisho on his lap and forget about it all. He and Leero had just had to spend
hours explaining to his father and the others how deeply Shovak had betrayed the
family. The bastards attempted assassination of Kasan, his presence within the
previously unknown purist group, and his dealings with slavers had been presented
and dissected until every last detail had been wrung from them both.

Watching his fathers and uncles faces as their brothers intentions became clear
had been heartbreaking. As best they could figure out from the few notes left behind,
combined with what Leero had beaten out of Liosh, Kasan should be dead. The purist
group had wanted him to be kept from any potential consorts, and then the bribed
guards would attest later that his heat had simply raged out of control. Neither he
nor Leero were certain why that was important, but his status as a high-profile
throwback, and the claim that his heat had rejected taking a consort, had been
vitally important to the group for some reason.

Greed was the only reason Kasan was still alive, although theyd only just found
that piece of the puzzle before todays gathering. One of Leeros guards who was still
working through the notes had found the first message between the Niandrin and
Shovak. To their complete surprise, the slavers had contacted Shovak rather than
the other way around. Although no one could think of a reason to have done so, they
had offered Max up after hearing about Kasans heat in the interplanetary gossip mill.
Theyd given his bastard uncle a huge sum of credits if he would give Max a chance
as Kasans consort. From the way the note was worded, it was possible one of the
slimy little birds had been outside Kasans cell when Max had been tossed in. They
hadnt wanted to pay without confirmation that the little human had truly been given
away.

Disbelieving the Niandrins claims about Maxs heritage, Kasans uncle had probably
thought he had nothing to lose. Hed kill his nephew and still make a profit.

When Leero had made the point that Kasan truly had been meant to die, without a
doubt, the Lord King seemed to wilt. The elders had unanimously decided to strike
Shovaks name from the family record. The punishment was worse than death for
most Kyashin; no family would take in an outcast. Old enough that hed already
parted from his consort, Shovak would never have another Kyashin to call his own
for the rest of his life. It wasnt surprising that most outcasts took their own lives
within a few months. Who could live like that?

After the pronouncement, everyone had taken a break for the mid-day meal,
although he honestly thought the pause was more to allow them to reconnect. He
and his brothers had simply embraced out in the hallway for minutes, immersing
themselves in each others scent. Kyoru had been surrounded by his own siblings
inside the gathering room before the rest of them even made it outside the door.

Poor Leero had been forced to stay inside with the Lord King. His beating of Liosh
hadnt been forgotten, and hed been given one month of service to Kyoru as a
Recompense, starting immediately. Considering that usually the punishment for an
abuse of power of that type was sewage scrubbing or worse, Kasan thought the
elders had made a strong statement about how little they truly disapproved. It was
also a fairly good indication of how worried they were over the Lord Kings reaction
to his brothers perfidy. Leero would be staying in Kyorus rooms during his service;
Kasan wouldnt be surprised if the elders took him aside and gave him more detailed
instructions on how he was supposed to watch out for their King.

He did not envy his friend in the slightest. At least his own service would only last a
day.

He swallowed, trying to remove the unpleasant thoughts from his head. All Kasan
wanted was a little time with Max right now. He wanted to feel Maxs skin under his
fingertips, the light weight of him in his arms. He wanted to see that grumpy,
suspicious little scowl when he reached for him. He needed to touch him or he didnt
think he could rid himself of this empty ache in his gut. Dammit, if he could simply
have one moment to stroke pale, soft skin and reassure himself that his little one
was all right, it would at least be something!

Son of a bitch. Why did the consorts have to choose now, of all times? Because if
the consorts were giving a Welcoming, the elders would be on Kasans ass again if
he interrupted. Mates were not allowed at this sort of thing, but he needed to see
Max. Besides, what if his consort was frightened? Would the others even notice?

Knock for me, he ordered, keeping his voice from lashing out like his claws still
wanted to.

Davi stared at him. Pardon?

Ill accept responsibility, butI need to see that Max is well. Please. He bowed his
head stiffly. Knock for me.

With a look at Rui, the elder guard finally shrugged and knocked loudly.

The noise inside cut off almost instantly, and after a minute Ko opened the door. He
raised an irritated brow at Kasan, and shook his head, his blond braid swinging. The
guards stepped back immediately to leave Kasan solely responsible for the breach of
tradition.

Unless theres an emergency, I dont see any reason not to have the elders string
you up by your balls for trying to gain access right now, Kasan.

I need to see him.

Ko snorted and started to turn away. You need to go back to whatever youre doing.
Hes fine, worry-bird.

Ko, Kasans claws were out and he tried to keep his hands loose and non-
threatening, even though he failed at retracting his nails. Hes been too stressed
today. I just need to see that hes well, Ko. Im not trying to interrupt, but I need to
know this.

Ko stared at him a moment with a light, mocking smile. Worried about the little
one? How sweet.

Ko, dammit. Kasan took a deep breath. The gathering has been Just please, let
me see him.

Ko straightened, his face sobering. Bad?

Bad enough. I can tell you for certain that Jolans going to need you tonight. Ko
nodded, staring at him for a moment, and then closed the door. Kasan heard
murmuring from inside and shuffling until the door slid open again. His consort stood
looking up at him with a bright blush on his face, his toes curling nervously against
the floor while he swayed slightly. Kasan could smell yakkin on his breath and
wondered how much his precious had drunk. He was still upright, although not very
steadily. Hed probably had quite a bit, not that the effects would last the nanites
would clear it out of his system fairly quickly. Anything that interfered with arousal
wasnt tolerated for long by the little bugs.

He was awfully cute while he was still under its influence, though, with his huge
eyes and wobbling pose. Kasan watched him without speaking, taking in the pale
skin and sleek muscles with a stirring in his belly. He managed not to groan as Max
licked his lips nervously, leaving them slick and shining. He even stood firm when
Max twisted his hands in his tunic, lifting it up until it almost exposed his little cock.
But focusing just over Gishos head in an attempt to control himself backfired.
Golden brown hair curling over the smooth curve of his head was more temptation
than Kasan could overcome and he reached out to run his hand over it gently. Silky
strands tangled under his fingers, but for once, Max didnt pull away. He simply
watched him with a confused furrow in between his eyebrows. Kasan stroked over
his head softly, petting him to keep himself from doing anything more invasive.

Max is happy? Kasan asked, keeping his voice to a low near-whisper.

The little one cleared his throat, not answering. His face flushed and bright, he
glanced behind him at the swarm of consorts that covered Kasans floor briefly
before looking back at his mate. Frowning, his head tilted before he slowly reached
out and touched Kasans hand where it hung down. Kasanhappy?"

Something thumped in his chest as he felt small fingers brushing against his own.
The little one was asking after him? He tried to swallow past the lump in his throat.
Max actually wanted to know how his mate was doing. Earnest blue eyes looked up
at him; was he worried for him? Kasan reached down and wrapped his arms around
Maxs waist, picking him up off the ground and holding him tightly against his chest.
The delicate feel of Gishos body in his arms calmed his nerves immediately. He
smiled against the soft skin of his consorts neck as Max squeaked in surprise.
Moving his head to nuzzle up his throat, Kasan murmured against his skin. He
rubbed his face over him until their cheeks brushed, and then he kissed him with a
slow, invasive lick before pulling back to drink in his features.

The exotic cast of his face stirred Kasans body immediately. His cock was hard and
straining against his loincloth, but he simply looked. Hed touched him, but he had
enough control not to proceed any farther. Hed be content to watch him for just a
moment, he thought, and then Max reached out and touched his face. The little one
stared at his cheek curiously, as if he werent sure what he was feeling, and that
small, confused look drew him in again until he kissed him softly, savoring the subtle
warmth of delicate lips against his own before he sighed. This would have to do. If
he didnt step back now, he was going to run off with Max or something equally as
stupid. He knelt and put the little one back on his feet.

Maxs disheveled hair and flushed face had him smiling.

Kasan happy now, he said, reaching out to brush the hair out of Maxs face. He
touched Maxs lips with his finger and kissed him on the forehead. Thank you, Max.

Ko cleared his throat from behind Max. While that was admittedly hot and sweet at
the same time, we need to get back to playing now. Dont worry so much, Kasan.
Well keep the little one safe. You can see him at Last Meal.

Max and I are having Last Meal in my room. This gathering doesnt seem likely to
end before then, so its the only time well have today.

Be careful. Youll wear the little thing out, Ko laughed, shooing Max back into the
room with little hand motions. Why dont you tell Jolan to order the same thing for
us when you see him?

Kasan nodded, touching Kos lips briefly as well with his hand. The door closed and
the two guards looked at him.

What, no thanks for us? Davi teased.

Kasan flicked them both in the mouth lightly and chuckled as Rui stared at him.
Why so surprised? Im not completely lacking in manners.

With a flush, the younger guard nodded. I- ah- yes. Of course not.

When Kasan had gone around the corner, the two guards looked at each other.

He wouldnt have done that two weeks ago, would he? Ruis ears shifted
uncertainly.

Possibly. Davi looked over and smiled, stroking the soft, nervous ears with a touch.
He does seem quicker to smile. Usually he would have brooded for days once he got
that look in his eyes. I think the human is good for him.

He seems so happy. I just wish - Youthful eyes looked wistfully at the closed door
behind them.

Itll come soon. Dont be in such a hurry to mate.

A soft sigh and both guards went back to monitoring the hallway. When Rui sighed
again, he felt a soft stroke across his ass and jumped. He looked over at Davi.

My consort has been wanting to have a threesome, the elder said softly. He
thought you had nice eyes.

The younger man swallowed loudly. He did?

Hmmm. And other features. The same hand flitted across his bottom again.

Oh.

Just think about it and let me know. No hurry. Theres plenty of time.

Yes. Ruis voice cracked. I-Ill do that.

The hallway was quiet as they both stood at attention again, Ruis thoughtful face
the only change.





Max was aware that it was impossible to die from embarrassment. He had proof; if
humiliation were deadly, the cats would already be burying his cold, dead corpse. He
sat on the floor, leaning against Kasans bed with the object Ko had just handed him,
and stared at it with stunned eyes. Smiling weakly with crimson cheeks, he accepted
another glass of orange punch from the cat next to him and gulped it down. The too-
sweet flavor burned down his throat strangely, but he didnt care. At this point,
anything that distracted him from the cats around him was a good thing. For the first
time, he was very glad Kasan wasnt with him while other cats were. He didnt know
where the big, hot, sexy No, that wasnt right. Pervy, that was it, the really pervy,
not-sexy-at-all cat. He didnt know where he was right now. He hadnt come back
since hed left that morning. But it was good he wasnt here, because Max would
have disproved his own theory and died. Mortification would have killed him off.
Kasan and what was going on right now were too deadly for a poor human to survive.

The knock had started it, a stupid little knock that he should have ignored.
Remembering it, he just wished hed stayed on the bed. Stupid cats and their stupid
knocking and their stupid presents




Bored to tears, he was trying to coax Androcles to come down and play when he
heard it. Soft and tentative, the sound barely registered. It took a few moments to
penetrate that it was coming from outside the room. The growl from above him
followed as he walked across the room.

Calm down, Androcles. Itsits probably nothing, right? It was, wasnt it?
Consoling himself with the knowledge that he had a dog capable of ripping
something pink and spiky to death, he kept gong. As long as he had a guard dog,
hed be fine. Super Alien-Kicker Max and his dog, the Blob Assassinator. Shaking his
head at his own stupidity, Max slid open the door and looked up.

Beaming cats filled the hallway. He stared, blinking in shock, as a few them yelled
out something, laughing with each other and continuing to smile. The entire group
seemed odd for some reason until he realized that there were quite a few more
women in the group than hed seen before. Hed had Kasan and other men around
so much he was barely used to seeing breasts. Not that he got to see actual breast,
he thought, looking up at the nearest woman and noting her large musculature with
a nervous little tic. They used what looked like the loincloths to wrap around their
tops, winding it around in a straight band or criss-crossing it over boobs and the
back of the neck.

He stared at one of the women, wondering just how damn BIG their boobs must
actually be. You could shoot those things out of cannons! He was nearly hypnotized
by the sights above his head when a familiar voice spoke and drew his eyes again.

Welcome to the family! It wasRoto, wasnt it? Hed been with that absolutely
huge catTisu, thats right. Among the rest of them, even the women, he looked a
little small, but still big enough to be intimidating. Max would love to find out what
these stupid cats ate to grow this big. Super veggies? Gigantor Wheaties?

Uh. Thank you. There was a happy squeal and Roto reached out as though he
were going to hug him. Max backpedaled to keep away and the cat brigade invaded.
All the cats poured in so quickly he couldnt keep track of them all. Backing up
rapidly, hed managed to hit the bed like an idiot and his knees buckled, knocking
him back. Why did he always do that?! Stupid pillow-strewn monster was like a
freaking leg magnet. As he struggled to get enough traction on the silky fabric to
push himself up, the cats closed the door and spread out across the floor.

Did cats form herds? Because this was definitely a herd, he thought as he sat on the
edge and watched them, nerves tight. Or maybe a swarm.

A cat bumped against him as it walked past and he nearly toppled off the bed. The
apology and pat on the shoulder afterwards almost knocked him over again. A
stampede, thats what they were, he decided, rubbing his arm. A huge, dangerous,
crush- everyone- underfoot, stampede of giant cats.

Although at least theyd brought food. Hed been getting hungry, and hed eaten
everything Kasan had left him. Actually, theyd brought a lot of things. Brightly
colored rugs covered almost every inch of Kasans floor. Trays held pitchers of a
drink that looked like liquid pumpkin. Small, bready rolls and buns lay next to them,
and leafy bundles were piled near the bed.

He breathed a small sigh of relief as the women and men arranged themselves on
the floor rather than accosting him like the men had done before. Did he have a
different status now? Was that why, for the first time, people werent trying to jump
him? Maybe it had been the meal, he thought, chewing nervously on his lower lip.

Max! Kneeling on the floor next to him, Roto gestured until he finally understood
what was being asked. Sit.

It was next to, but not ON, the bed, and with a quick glance up to reassure himself
that Androcles was still watching, he allowed himself to be coaxed onto a pillow. His
entire body stayed tense as he tried to keep an eye on everyone. A few nice
gestures didnt mean they werent going to do something to him. He knew that well
enough from Kasan. The cat would be nice and sweet and then wham he was
screwing him against a wall.

Squirming on the pillow as he worked really, really hard to ignore the fact that his
bottom still felt a little tender from that encounter, Max tried to distract himself. The
women. The cat women were new. Hed concentrate on them! Looking around at the
large females and their muscles, he realized a number of them could break him in
two just as quickly as any of the men. Wonderful. He was the biggest, weakest wuss
on the whole planet! Next the cat kids were going to be smacking him around!

And those breasts! Crap, the things were huge! He realized he was making cupping
shapes with his hands in his lap as he tried to figure out just how big they were and
he stopped with a flush, dropping his eyes. Bare thighs and cloth-covered loins
surrounded him and he just managed to stop himself from making gestures again as
he wondered about cock size. Was everyone as big as Kasan? Hed felt the big cats
penis inside his body more times than hed seen it, but it had been-

His buttocks clenched as he remembered what it felt like, and even the tightening of
his muscles reminded what it had been like to clench them around something. He
took in a deep breath and stared straight ahead, flushing as his body shivered. He
just needed to stop thinking about about that right now. It wasnt happening at the
moment, right? And hed just stare at something else. Stomachs werent dangerous,
he told himself. Hed look at stomachs.

Taut abdomens took up his field of vision and he swallowed. One cat a few feet
away fanned his face, a bead of sweat rolling down his chest to slide into his
loincloth. Max couldnt breathe as he watched, although his blood seemed to be
pumping just fine it was all going to his dick! When a familiar voice on his left
asked him a question, he latched onto it desperately. The blond cat from before, the
one whod said hello at the meal. He didnt really care who it was, as long as it
wasnt the pervert.

H-hello, Ko.

Kos sharp features relaxed into a grin and he nodded back, holding out a smooth,
leafy bundle to him. Max.

Reaching out for it, plopping it on his lap to hide his growing erection, Max stared at
what he had in his hands. It was almost as long as his forearm, the dark green leaf
folded intricately to provide a smooth, rounded finish to the oblong shape. The leaf
had to be huge to be folded this well.

Great, yet more gigantic stuff. Was everything bigger here than on earth? His eyes
fell to Kos groin and he yanked them back to the leaf. He was not thinking about
that! Stupid brain, look at the leaf. A leaf was much more interesting that anything
related to big cats and body parts and... Leaves were fascinating. He could watch a
special on the various colors of leaves and hed never be bored. Loved the leaves.

He peeked at Kos loincloth once more before going back to the heavy thing in his
hands. What was this supposed be? Was it edible?

Um, food?

Ko and a few of the others laughed in a rather friendly way. No. No food. You open
it, Max. Open, like this. Ko reached out and worked at one of the folds until it
peeled apart and then moved Maxs hands to do the same to the others. Its a gift,
Max, to welcome the familys newest consort, little one. Open, like this.

Watching carefully to see if he was guessing correctly, he slipped his fingers
underneath a fold and worked the edge free. Open likethis? Ko nodded back
and watched as Max continued to peel apart the leaves.

Max open. Ko reiterated, obviously for his benefit, and he repeated the phrase
gratefully.

When the leaf lay in bent glory on his lap, he could only stare at what had been
wrapped inside.

Dear.

Fucking.

God.

It was a pretty color at least, he thought a little hysterically, picking it up at the
urging of the people around him who smiled and giggled on seeing it. And smooth. A
little cool in his hands. But he would give up his first born for it to not be what it
looked like. Because it looked like a freaking dildo almost as long as his forearm.
Please oh please let this not be a giant crystal cock, he prayed to himself.

Roto poured something out for him into a cup and he put thepenisdown and
drank it without even looking, still staring at the thing in his lap.



And now here he sat, on the verge of death by humiliation, and he couldnt even
move it off of himself. It was just.it was HUGE. The God of all Phalluses. Penis-zilla.

What the hell was wrong with these perverted cats?!

Ko chuckled and picked it up, moving it over to his side. For Kasan, he whispered
with a salacious grin. Max finally ripped his eyes away from it and stared at him,
horrified.

No! he blurted. There was no way he was giving Kasan that thing! What the hell
were they thinking? If Kasan used that on him He stared at it again, breathing hard.
Crap, hed never walk again!

After a surprised look while Max cringed and leaned away from the goliath of the
dildo world, Ko started laughing. He laughed harder when Max ignored him and
poked the monstrosity away from him with stiff fingers.

No. No, Max. Ko still chuckled as he picked it back up, commenting to the others
until they were grinning as well. Ko forced Maxs fingers around the base of the thing
while Max flushed bright red, and then gestured. For Kasan, he said again, and
moved Maxs hand in a thrusting movement. Maxs. For Kasan.

Ko laughed again as Max dropped it as soon as his hand was released. They wanted
him toto stick this into Kasan? Were they insane?! Hed have to want sex with
Kasan first whichwell, it wasmaybe not as bad as hed thought it would be, but it
was still sex with a giant. They couldnt possibly think hed even want to do
something like that, let alone that Kasan would let him. Really, why the hell would a
huge guy let someone penetrate that luscious, golden backside withhe swallowed.
That was not a thought that had any business being in his head. Stupid Kasan.

Get out of my head, he muttered, and gulped as a smiling Roto passed him
another gift. Looking at the pile of them, probably one from every cat in the room,
he prayed fervently that they werent all the same caliber. Thats all he needed, a
mountainous pile of dildos. Maybe he could let Androcles use them as chew toys, he
thought grimly. Taking another quick sip of punch, he took one deep breath and
started to unwrap the next one.



A half hour and six glasses of punch later, he was feeling a bit more relaxed about
the whole thing. They werent so bad, he thought, squinting at the newest gift. He
wasnt sure if it was one or two pairs of velvety handcuffs. They kept blurring in front
of his eyes. They were soft, though. Petting them with his fingers, he laid them on
the pile next to him. Feathers, ribbons, and chains lay underneath, along with two
illustrated books.

He kind of liked the books. He snorted into his hands as he thought of them,
glancing over at Roto who giggled along with him. They saw each other, stared with
matching, glazed eyes, and started laughing. Max lost his balance and leaned into
Roto, still laughing. He thought of the drawing in the book, with a small cat Rotos
size being bent over a bench and taken, and guffawed.

It looked just like you! The black haired cat taking another one against a wall
popped into his mind and he giggled so hard he almost slid off of Rotos side. And
Kasan! We did that wall thing! I bet you didnt even know, did you! We screwed
against a wall! Were just like an alien sex book! Max laughed so hard he started to
hiccup and he reached for more punch. Ko plucked the cup out of his hands just
before he dropped it.

Hey! Im thirsty! With a little shake of his head, Ko handed him a glass of water
instead. Not as good as the punch, Max muttered, gulping it down anyway. He
choked, dropping the water over himself as he coughed. Looking down at his wet
chest, wondering how to wipe it off, he licked his lips clean. It was a little cold.
Staring, he watching the water droplets running down his chest, making trails
around his nipples and down his stomach. A number pooled in his belly button and
he giggled a little. Look, its a water drop party.

Kos hand ruffled his hair and he stared up at him. Ko said something, waiting for an
answer. With a lopsided shrug, Max shook his head.

I have no freaking idea what youre saying. You could be telling me that youre all
hoping Ill have sex with you, and Id have no clue. Uh uh. Wait. How do you say we
all want to have sex with you? I should really learn how to say that so I can say no.
Nodding sagely, he pointed at Ko carefully, just avoiding poking him in the stomach.
He didnt want to have sex with them, anyway. They were all too big. Needed
someone smaller.

Like Kasan.

Another cat asked Ko a question and he turned away. Max reached over and
grabbed a glass of punch sitting near Roto, gulping it down quickly. The little cat
smiled at him, almost toppling backwards, and took a glass of punch for himself as
well. Ha, so there, stupid, punch-thieving Ko. Roto and he were doing just fine. He
was staring at the nearly empty glass in his hands when Ko turned around and
grumbled, pulling it out of his hands. Max slapped at him.

Quit taking my punch. Ill drink it if I want to. Feeling a bit light headed as he
glared up at him, he tried to get another glass. Someone had moved the tray holding
the punch and replaced it with water. Thats not cool, switching it when I wasnt
looking. You know that.

Didnt they, he wondered muzzily, sipping some water. Maybe it was normal for cats
to move stuff around like that. They werent humans; they wouldnt think like people
did. His mind floated hazily while he thought about it. He missed people. Being
smaller than everyone was so frustrating.especially when they stole your punch.
He scowled up at Ko and figured out how to move his head away a minute after it
was already fuzzed by the mans hand.

Why did everyone keep doing that?

And why couldnt they find any more people like him? Kasan hadnt known where
any humans were. What if he never found any? What if he were the only person out
here? After a brief search of the room, where everyone was bigger than him, with
pointed ears and slitted eyes, he sniffled. Roto looked at him and patted his head
clumsily, leaning over him with a delicate little belch. At least they seemed nice now.

If he couldnt leave, and he stayed as some kind of husband/wife thing to Kasan.it
was a life, wasnt it? The food was nice, he reminded himself, picking up a small
dumpling from a plate next to him and tossing it at his mouth. He missed and had to
grab it off his lap before he could pop it in. Chewing, he leaned into Roto. Maybe he
could stay with him, if Kasan was being a pain. He was nice. And he didnt steal a
persons drinks.

He stared at Ko and pointed at him. Drink thief. Dont think Ill let you do that
again! Im watching you now. Ko raised one eyebrow in his direction and shook his
head, turning away to talk to the others. Max hiccupped and slipped back from
Rotos side to lean against the bed. Staring around the room again, he realized that
he wasnt scared at all. The cats were huge and unfamiliar, and more than one had
chased him around and scared the shit out of him earlier, but they hadnt hurt him.
He couldnt say that about a lot of places hed been. Beatings and muggings hurt
him worse than anything that had happened here.

It was actually kind of nice.

And he was married. That was so weird. He was married to Kasan.

His head flopped to the side as he laid it on the bed and watched everyone. Men
and women were touching each other constantly. Not sexually, just small, light
touches across shoulders and lips and legs. It was comforting and a little erotic at
the same time. He noticed they didnt do the same to him and for a split second he
felt rather left out. It was hard to be amongst all this bared skin and constant
physical closeness and not be affected, he told himself. Anyone would want a little of
it. He patted Rotos leg and felt a little better when he got a little brush against his
arm in return.

There, that was nice. Now he was just like a cat, right? Just a part of the herd. Or
had that been a stampede? Had he decided? He murmured to himself, blinking with
dark eyes as he looked over the room. He bit his lip as he saw a dark haired cat
brush his hand over anothers lips as he fed him with a laugh. Imagining Kasan
doing the same to him, he flushed. It wouldnt be so bad with Kasan. His skin tingled
thinking of what Kasan and he had already done together and he moaned softly. It
felt good, right? Would that be so awful? Kasans body wasit was really hot. So
were a lot of these cats, now that they were sitting around and not trying to touch
him, but they were still so huge they didnt quite feel real. Like he was expecting
someone to pull off a head and show a smaller man inside a costume.

Kasan felt more like a real person, he decided. If Max had been a woman, he would
have totally gone for Kasan. Totally. But since he wasnt, it was different. Wasnt it?
His hand rested on his thigh and he moved it up his leg as he thought about it.
Kasans fingers had been hot and amazing when hed touched him there before. And
his tongue. Theyd been against the wall and hed touched him there with his tongue!
And God, that had been

His hand had just crept under his tunic when a knock quieted everyone. Ko got up
looking worried and pissed at the same time. Max heard him talking through a warm
fuzzy haze, and then stared at him, surprised, when he came back and helped him
up.

Kasan is here, Ko said softly, helping him walk over.

When he got to the door, he stared up at Kasan and the first thing to pop into his
head was the huge dildo waiting for him back by the bed. His cheeks flushed so
brightly they burned. Stupid dildo gift. Swaying, he tried to grab the ground with his
toes. That would keep him up. Kasan looked down at him, and something about his
face made him feel even more flushed. The feel of Kasans fingers over his hair
feathered across his scalp and seemed to flow down his back while he stared,
mesmerized.

Kasan was really, really pretty. That skin was so silky it was unreal. Did they make
skin out of silk? His hair was flowing down is back again; hed taken out his braid.
Light shone off it in blue highlights and he blinked at the effect. It was making it
hard to focus. Looking back up at him, he frowned at his eyes. What was wrong with
his eyes? They looked so sad. Was he all right? He was asking about Max, but he
looked so unhappy. And he was asking if Max was happy. How sweet. Of course he
was happy. He felt just fine right now. He looked back to check on the room. Was
there punch anywhere near them?

Kasan shifted slightly and he looked back up into Kasans face. Such sad, sad eyes.
He tried to pat his hand, misjudged the distance, and just barely touched it.

Kasanhappy?

Max wobbled, trying to figure out what that new look was on Kasans face. He
wasnt expecting the sudden glomp and he yelped when he was picked up like a toy.
His body swayed dizzily, Kasan burrowing against his neck. Soft, wet heat slid up his
throat and he gasped, panting until lips covered his own and a tongue delved in deep.
Insides quivering, his lips burned from the small touch. He stared at Kasans face in
front of his.

Kasan was always kissing him.

All the time.

He had really nice skin.

It was unreal how gorgeous the cat was. His skin couldnt be as smooth as he
remembered, could it? He reached up to touch his cheek and check. It was like
golden cream, he thought. How could he be this pretty? His body was rocked by
another kiss before Kasan put him back down on the floor while his head spun again.

Befuddled, he could only stare as Kasan messed with his hair. One broad finger
touched his lips gently and lips brushed his forehead before Ko was shuffling him
away. Pressing against the spot with his own fingers, Max stumbled back to the bed,
sitting on the edge with a dazed thump.

Kasan kept doing that to him. How did he do that? Did they have kissing classes on
this planet or something? Had to be something. Hed never had a clue kissing was so
nice before he came here, but his lips were still tingling. Actually, all of him was
tingling, he realized. He held up his hands and looked at them, moving his fingers.
He couldnt feel them very well. He lay down as things started to feel a little too
fuzzy for comfort. After a minute, Ko and Roto leaned over him and said something,
but he pushed at their hands until they stopped. Hearing them argue with each other,
he started giggling.

Its a cat fight, he muttered, still giggling. Roto flopped onto the bed next to him
and Ko dragged the other cat back up with an irritated grumble. Max wasnt sure
how much longer it was before people started leaving, but when Ko pulled him up
and forced him to drink some water, nearly everyone was gone. He spluttered,
swallowing, and Ko stroked his head once before helping him lay down again. There
was the sound of the door opening and closing one last time, and then quiet. He lay
there, watching the ceiling twisting above him. He closed his eyes as Androcles
jumped down and licked his face, settling in on the pillows.

Im just going to lay here a little while until the room stops spinning, he slurred to
Androcles. Ill get up soon. Will. Closing his eyes, he enjoyed the curious feel of the
whirling bed underneath him.

He wondered when Kasan was coming. His lips were still tingling.




In the third hour after hed seen Max, Kasan was in the middle of asking for help in
finding the other humans when the pain hit. He sucked in his breath, staring, as he
rode out the spike. A smile lighting up his face, he turned to Leero and asked him to
finish. Leero stared at him until he turned and bowed to the family.

The Need calls. I must return to Max.

So soon? His fathers words were immediately followed by his aunts.

His grandfather was the same that old throwback mated almost every night for
the first year. The elders sly smile might have embarrassed him but for the dimple
in her cheeks. Go. Enjoy your consort. We will do what is needed for him; you
neednt worry.

He bowed again. Thank you. Very much. I will see you at First meal, then.
Hurrying from the room, he walked rapidly towards his room. He would have rather
caught this earlier he still had to go quickly with the little one when the heat was
pushing him. It was so frustrating. He wanted them to be able to take their time!
Hopefully Max wouldnt be too frightened by whatever he was feeling. Hed looked
like hed consumed a fair amount of yakkin when Kasan had last seen him. That
would help considerably, if he was still drinking and keeping it in his system. Kasan
could just see Max, soft and relaxed from the drink, reclined against the bed,
reaching for him.

He walked a little faster. He could hardly wait to get back to his room.











Fiction~~The Last Pure Human~~Ch. 14


The Last Pure Human
Chapter 14 - Leero, Lust, and Mirrors




Leero watched Kasan leave the room, hoping his eyes didnt betray how desperately
he would love to join him in departing from the inquisition. He tried to take a deep
breath to calm himself and could have cursed as it only succeeded in making things
worse. Every movement caused the heavy velvet collar around his neck to shift just
enough to remind him it was there, and his ears flattened before he could stop them.
At least the leash wouldnt be attached until it was time to follow Kyoru out of the
room, but having to stand as the center of attention with this around his neck was
excruciatingly humiliating. The servility of the situation dug under his skin like hot
needles. He hated service.

There was a quiet clearing of the throat by Kyoru and Leero looked over at him
curiously until he realized hed been standing silently in front of everyone. Cheeks
flaming, he quickly resumed speaking. His eyes ran over the flowing text on his
hand-comp with an unsteady stare and he continued breathing in deep pants, nearly
floundering again. The soft rub of velvet around his throat was creating a disturbing,
sensual counterpoint to the scent of ripe Kyashin. He hoped his discomfort went
unnoticed, but if that failed, at least most would assume it was due to the service.
Answering questions as fully as he could manage with his mind wandering away
from him every few sentences, he inhaled carefully, mouth open. And then he did his
absolute best not to look at any of the unmated Kyashin around him for more than a
few seconds.

Taunting him, his mind provided him with images of what Kasan was most likely
already doing with his dainty little consort. He kept himself from moaning out loud
by the skin of his teeth, and read faster. The follow-up fantasy, involving a number
of mated Kyashin in the room doing wild, wonderful things with their own consorts,
broadsided him and he felt his cock straining against his clothing. He had to pause
and bite his lip to keep from making another sound.

Composing himself after a few seconds, he began to speak again. As the words
flowed mindlessly, Leero wondered what he had done to merit a day like today. A
few days before had been one of the happier ones in his life. Kasan had lived,
Shovak and fled, and they finally had the evidence to prove that the traitorous
keerac had betrayed them all. Hed been so pleased by the end of it; everything had
felt as though it were coming together perfectly.

After all, even with the shock of Shovaks treasonous behavior, Kasans family
would survive. They were always rock-solid in their love and faith in one another.
Before hed met them, hed never even realized there could be a family with so much
mutual affection. Loyalty and commitment were a given, but love? That was
something precious. He was always deeply honored that hed been allowed to
become such an integral part of their family. The elders gave him punishments as
frequently as they did their own, after all. It was a sign of how close to their hearts
they held him, even if hed never been officially adopted.

And so todays events, the utter and complete catastrophe of them all, were still a
surprise.

Chasing Max around the bedroom had been exhausting and more stressful than
tracking down a family traitor could ever be, but he could laugh about it later. Being
pissed on had been more unpleasant. It had taken two scrubbings of cleanser before
he felt like he could come to Firstmeal. Still, he could laugh about that as well, even
if it would be a lot later. But Service wasnt something he could smile over for a long
damn time. And to finish the day, to make everything else shine in comparison,
there was


This.

He twitched his nose as his nostrils flared, catching Aoshs and Zontas scent, and
he shuddered as he looked at them. Leaning against each other for unconscious
support, the stressed young men stroked the soft ends of their braids, rubbing at the
fluffy hair with uneasy fingers. It drew the eye, making him think of those same
fingers rubbing over his skin, and he dragged his mind out of the piss room and back
to the hand-comp. He shouldnt be near them. Hell, their presence was the reason
hed stayed away from Kasan during Firstmeal.

It was also the reason he was cursing himself every moment and trying to keep his
eyes down and his breathing shallow.

Because his body had rebelled and decided that now was the best time to go into
heat. Hunting Shovak and searching for a hidden cache of humans and surviving a
months service werent enough for it, obviously. He had to go into heat as well and
make the entire day just fucking perfect. And now Kasans youngest brothers were
heading his bodys list of persons of interest, simply because he was most familiar
with their scents in the first place.

Gods ears are vibrating with laughter by now, he thought morosely.

Hed started to feel it in the beginning of Firstmeal an all over bodily tingle that
would build to a heated burn over the next couple of weeks. His sense of smell was
already overly sensitive, and every Kyashin who was ripe and unclaimed, and near,
was driving him out of his mind. He could keep himself from taking them, that
wasnt the issue. But he didnt want simply anyone. A quick, satisfying fuck was far
different from choosing someone hed be with for over a decade. He wanted

He wanted what Kasan and his family had. Every one of them had found a Joining
consort as well as one solely for the mating heat. Theyd all made permanent vows
before their heats had ended. Every last one of them whod been together for over a
year it was practically unheard of to have that many love matches within one
family, but seeing them all, he couldnt help but want that for himself.

And he had no damn idea how to do it. He should have had a few months, where he
could tease and flirt a little, get to know all the potential consorts out there. Its what
hed been planning to do, before he had to help prepare for the annual hunt.

And before hed had weeks of scheming and plotting to try and rescue Kasan.

And before hed had to head up the investigation and pursuit of Shovak.

Right now was about the worst possible time he could go into heat; he couldnt have
planned it more poorly if hed tried. The only consolation was that no one knew. His
irises might be a little greener, if anyone cared to look, but like other green-eyed
Kyashin, his eyes werent changing much during his mating heat. A fact for which he
should be thanking God hourly. He had no desire to be distracted by an inundation of
interested men and women. He wanted a little space to make his choice before
everyone knew.

He wanted to find someone special. And he wanted to complete a little of his service
before he had to inform Kyoru and the elders of the situation. He wanted as little of
it left as possible to distract him from a new consort.

He damn well wanted to go back in time and look at the Kyashin around him
without the heat clouding his mind.

He snorted as Aosh and Zontas scents tripped back into his awareness. Not. Them.
Aosh would make him crazy within days, and Zonta was far too sweet. If only his
body didnt find them as appealing as everyone else who was unmated. The scent of
everyone in the family swirled in his head as though trying to help disguise the twins,
and he almost moaned out of sheer frustration as he realized that he was even
finding mated Kyashin a bit arousing.

He should ask someone to simply pee on him again - at least then hed have one
problem that he could deal with easily.


******



Max sat on the silky pillows on Kasans bed and reflected on pets. His pet,
specifically.

Androcles was the best dog in the world. It didnt matter how many dogs existed on
this planet, or what tricks they could do, because Androcles was the best. Androcles
did housework.

And he really seemed to like velvet and feathers.

Watching as the dog dragged the last kinky feather up the log and through the little
door atop it, Max would have sighed in relief if he werent still so impressed. Hed
only been awake for a little while now, feeling a bit jittery and horny but a hell of a
lot better than hed ever felt after drinking as much as he had. It would have been
one of his first peaceful moments in a bed since hed gotten here, if the cats hadnt
booby trapped the stupid thing before theyd left, the bastards.

He was betting on Ko setting him up.

Because when hed roused himself, the sex book was opened, propped up right in
front of his face. The first thing he saw on waking was an illustration of a male cat
being screwed by two others. So he did what any red-blooded, sleep-muddled male
would do when confronted by an alien-gay-threesome as soon as he opened his eyes.

He screamed like a little girl and tried to shove himself away from it.

It had looked freakin real when it was only an inch from his nose, dammit!

But then hed hit the booby traps. His hand had tangled in a pile of feathery sex-
toys, his foot had caught on a length of chain as he tried to free his hand, and hed
fallen off the bed when his knee slipped on the pair of fuzzy handcuffs. The stupid
things ended flipping into the air and hit him right on the head as his ass hit the floor
with a bruising thud. Just in time to give a wonderful impression to the two guards
from the hallway who rushed in to check on the noise.

He tried not to think about how he must have looked, splayed out on the floor and
covered with sex paraphernalia. Like a one-man-band orgy or something. It was
enough to know that theyd helped him to his feet, grinning, and then fuzzed his
head and left chuckling to themselves.

Dammit.

As soon as theyd gone, though, Androcles had come down. The first thing hed
done was to glare at a large feather and take it in his mouth before scrabbling up the
log with it. When hed come down and treated a velvet whip the same way, Max had
sat down to watch. Hed been sitting on the bed ever since, awed by his dogs
dedication to rid Max of every embarrassing, indecent, warped gift hed received. He
hoped Androcles chewed them all to bits.

Actually, he hoped he hurried up and came back down, because there were still the
two books and the thing left. Crouched obscenely on the silky fabric of the bed, they
looked like they were taunting him. He waited another minute, curling his bare toes
against a green, fuzzy pillow while he sat there.

Androcles? Androcles! A furred head peeked over the edge, looked at him, and
disappeared again. Max poked at the three objects left, thought of Kasan seeing
them, and the room suddenly heated. He tried to cajole the animal down

Are you sure you dont want a- a nice bone? He picked up the crystal phallus and
waved it in the air. It was heavy and almost slickly cool. Like a honkin big, erotic,
stone cucumber. That Ko had suggested he insert in Kasans-

Fetch, boy! Fetch? Do you play fetch here? he said quickly, his voice squeaking.
He cleared his throat and tried again And then you can just take it and bury it just
like a boner crap, bone. He flushed, staring at the stupid thing in his hand.
Androcles peered down at him again, his mouth open and panting.

Laughing.

I know a dog laugh when I see it, he muttered, turning away as Androcles
disappeared again. What the hell was he supposed to do with this stuff now? He
couldnt let Kasan see it God forbid the big cat got any more ideas! He had far too
many of his own without inspiration! No need to bolster a perverted imagination with
new material.

Looking around for a suitable hiding place, he tensed at murmuring out in the
hallway. Everything happened in a frenzy of movement as he heard something
scrape against the door. He shoved the books onto the floor, tossed the dildo on,
and kicked off a small pile of pillows on top of that before jumping in front of the bed.
His body was awkwardly posed, one leg still on the bed, when Kasan open the door
and stepped in.

Stumbling to get both feet under him, Max stood stiffly, a weak smile on his face
while he tried to figure out what the hell he was going to do now. How could he
move the stupid things without Kasan seeing? When Kasan went to pee or
something? Or maybe hed want to go out in the garden.

Actually, what did Kasan want right now? Last time, hed

Max blushed brightly and shifted, his body feeling awkward and exposed. He was
uncomfortably aware of his naked ass underneath the flimsy-feeling tunic. Did he
even have to ask about the cats motives? What did the cat always want to do? Kiss,
and touch, and stroke, and lick, and bite -

Different train of thought needed, his mind yelled, and Kasan provided it.

The cat smiled, his teeth shiny and sharp and white before his lips covered them
and he came closer. Max better now?

Uhbetter? Ye-es. Better. Max would have taken a step back but he was right
next to the bed. He wasnt getting any closer to that than he had to. Uh uh.

Good. Kasan winced, his hands clenching, and started coming forward. Sorry.
Will be fast again.

Uh, what? I dontuhunderstand. Wha- aaaah! Kasan scooped him up, taking
him right to the bed, and Max flailed as he was pressed into the mounds of pillows.
Kasan was on him instantly, hard thighs pushing his legs apart. His tunic flapped
upward, exposing him, and it gave Kasan the opportunity to rub his own cloth-
covered erection against Maxs uncovered groin. He felt his body twitch, his dick
growing hard at the sensation with a suddenness that was actually frightening.

No! No sex! No sex, Kasan! He pushed out at Kasans chest as it was coming
down towards him and began to pant in relief as the big cat pulled back. Kasan
didnt go far enough, though. Max still couldnt bring his legs together and they
spread wide, supported on pillows and sleek, muscled cat. He struggled with his
hands. They were sweating from the heat of Kasans body, slipping a little, and he
wondered suddenly what it would taste like. Such smooth skin would be just like
licking coffee flavored cream, wouldnt it?

His eyes widened. His stupid body was going rogue! NO SEX, Kasan!

Staring down at him, Kasan looked, for the first time since Max had met him,
frustrated. With an uneasy shift, Max finally scooted away from him a little, his head
slipping down as it hit the space where hed scooped out pillows to conceal the Super
Pseudo-Dick. He froze as he noticed his new situation, with his hips propped on top
of the pile still on the bed. It made Kasans groin push against him at a different
angle, closer to his ass than his cock.

This was not the position he was trying to get to, he thought wildly, feeling aroused
and keenly nervous at the same time.

Max. must have sex, Kasan said quietly, his eyes very dark and serious and he
put one hand around the side of Maxs hips.

Max swallowed. He didnt think he was going to like where this was going. Kasan
wasnt smiling at all, not even that little bit with his eyes that Max hadnt even
realized he was used to seeing. Max wanted the smiling back. It made the fact that
he was staring at a bead of sweat sliding down Kasans chest less nerve wracking if
it was the sweat of someone smiling.

Which was retarded and stupid, but it was in his own head so it didnt have to make
sense, dammit.

N-no sex, Kasan. His voice felt a little wobbly and he moved his eyes away from
Kasans chest. It was too toned. The muscles were almost as rounded and big as a
normal persons ass, for Gods sake. It was so fucking hotobscene! It was obscene!
Muscles that big were wrong!

Notreally, really arousing.

Kasan released his hip and reached out to stroke Maxs hair with his hand. He
leaned forward, his hips settling against Maxs pelvis and his face only inches away.
His voice was a rich murmur. Max. Max, no sex with Kasan, Kasan die.

Max stared at him for a moment. The cat was trying to tell him thatwhat? Hed die
if he didnt make love to him? He blinked, running over the words in his head to
make sure he hadnt misremembered any of the new language, and then he shoved
hard at Kasans chest. Kasan leaned back again.

Kasan, that is the cheesiest line I have ever heard, he said in English, scowling up
at him. What, you think I was born yesterday? No one ever died for not having sex,
you big pervert!

EhI not understand. Kasan stumbled over the words, obviously trying not to use
any Max wouldnt know. Max had a brief moment of thanks for the consideration, but
it was quickly buried under the annoyance of getting hit on, badly, by his
ownhusband.

Crap, thats right, he was married.

No sex with Max, Kasan die? he finally said in Hinta.

Kasan nodded, his face coming down towards Maxs again. Feeling Maxs body lean
into him, Kasan started to get the sexy smile back on his face. Max realized what he
was doing as soon as he saw it and stopped himself in shock. He quickly pushed the
flat of his palm into Kasans nose to keep him away.

Hold up, Romeo! He panicked, unable to think of anything but English for a
moment.

Kasan peeled away Maxs hand as Max tried frantically to make his cat-obsessed
brain think.

N-no funny! Kasan safe! Kasan no die! No sex, Kasan! Bad Kasan! Crap, what else,
what else, what else?! Oh! Max tired! No sex, Max tired. There. That should do it,
shouldnt it?

Max stiffened as he saw Kasans fists slowly clench on the bed near his head.
Enormous biceps flexed so close to his face that he could see the tendons shift with
the movement. What was Kasan going to do? Max was still under him, with the big
mans body pressing him down into the cushions and making him feel like he could
be crushed at any moment.

Was Kasan angry? Hed seen what he did to the other cats when hed been royally
pissed. He barely had time to shiver with the briefest beginning of fear when Kasan
kissed him on the forehead with soft lips. The big cat pushed himself up from the
bed so quickly Max squeaked, cringing in embarrassment when Kasan looked
surprised. Everything but Kasan faded from Maxs view for a tense moment, and
then Kasan took a few deep breaths and turned around.

He wanted to be happy. Hed stopped him. Kasan had stopped, even though it
looked like hed really been ready for sex. And it was a little flattering, he realized,
his belly and groin still taut and missing the contact of another body. Really, how
often did a guy have someone want their body so much that they had a hard time
stopping? Unless you were a perverted prison warden handing out pardons, it never
happened. But hed stopped, Max thought, slowly sitting upright on the bed as Kasan
began to walk away. His eyes drawn by the tail, and the ass it connected to, he
suddenly thought of the Great Dong of Doom behind the bed. Sweating, he couldnt
help watching the globes of Kasans backside flex with every step, the soft fur of the
tail brushing across golden skin as it swished back and forth.

Harder than hed been before, he refused to look down at his own body. If he didnt
look, his erection wasnt there. If he couldnt see the small tent in his tunic, then it
hadnt been pitched and was really packed away somewhere in another room. Tent
pole? What tent pole? He didnt see a tent pole.

There was no pole at all, he thought, feeling his confidence slipping away as his
cock firmed even more. He couldnt understand this. The slightest glimpse of another
mans backside and he was feeling like this? He really was some kind of nympho.
Except, wouldnt he have known? Unlesscould he just be a cat nympho? Or Kasan
bent forward to pull something from a shelf and Max found himself watching the tail
as it swished, wondering if it would move all the way to the side so he could see the
tight rope of the loincloth between Kasans legs.

He choked when he realized what he was doing.

Why do you have to be so fucking sexy? he whimpered softly, and his face
bloomed with color as Kasan turned to look at him. When the cat started back
towards the bed Max scooted away. Why was he coming back?

He relaxed as Kasan sat down and held up a small, square, computer-like screen
that looked a bit like a tablet. There was no way that could be sexual. A game
maybe, oror the alien internet? Something totally non-sexual.

Unless it was porn.

Biting his lip, he tried to see what was happening on the screen without actually
getting any closer. But when Kasan began to flick at the screen with his fingers in
odd little gestures, Maxs curiosity finally got the better of him and he crawled back
across the bed to see what he was doing. You couldnt have sex when you were
fiddling with a computer, right? And if it was porn, there was that whole hand-and-
dick pose that gave it away, wasnt there? Kasan finished just before Max got within
sight of the thing and the alien angled it towards him.

With a valiant attempt at self-control, Max tried to focus on it and ignore the huge
bulge behind Kasans loincloth that was a lot more interesting. He pursed his lips as
he quickly picked out the outlines of four people drawn on the screen. Kasan was
drawing? He was sketching little people. Max looked at them hard, wondering at first
if he was imagining the utter, well, crappiness of them.

Ive seen five year olds who draw better than that, he finally said, looking way up
into Kasans slitted eyes. You have to be the suckiest artist alive. It almost felt
good to know that there was at least something he could do better than the Kasan.
He wasnt stronger than him, and he was pretty positive he lacked his amazing skill
at kissing, but he could sure as hell draw better than him!

Kasan carefully took Maxs chin in his hand and directed his face back to the screen.
He pointed at the first figure while Max pulled his face free of the constraining
fingers. It was an effort to ignore the heated tingle those callused digits left behind,
but he did his best to concentrate on the pictures.

Kasan. The cat was pointing to a small outline of someone with pointy ears and a
bunch of colored dots inside him. Max. The dotless, human outline was ridiculously
small compared to the other.

Im not that short, darn it, Max muttered. Kasan gestured to the two figures more
forcefully and Max nodded. I know! Max, Kasan. I know. I understand.

No sex, Kasan said, pointing to the two again. Kasan and Max have sex. He
pointed to two new figures, each with colored dots in them now.

If no sex, Kasan die, Kasan said, and began to draw more and more and more
dots in the pointy-eared body, finally ending in a large X that covered Kasan and
Max both. Kasan die if no sex, he said again, and then he waited, giving the board
to Max to look at.

Max stared at them, his mind racing. No sex, no dots. Sex, and suddenly he had
dots. And then no sex again, and even more dots. What the heck was that supposed
to mean? Sex gave him dots, and then sex kept the dots under control after that?
What the heck was-

Oh no. Oh that just wasnt possible!

Was it?

Youyou gave me an STD? Kasan stared at him uncomprehending as he started
to gesture.

Sex andKasan and Max sexuhbaduhneed s-sex.. he managed to sputter,
trying to breathe and not hyperventilate. There was a huge smile as Kasan relaxed,
nodding, and Max dropped the screen as if it had bitten him. He stumbled off the
bed, teetering on his feet and fighting the urge to scrub at his privates as though he
could get those invisible dots off of him.

Oh my god, oh my GOD. You gave meyou freaking gave me alien herpes? I have
alien sex herpes! And now we have to have sex? I cant You have to be kidding
me!!

Kasan stared at him and shrugged and he realized he was speaking in English again.
Kasanneed consort? Kasan no die? he finally got out. Kasan nodded carefully,
studying him with eyes that stared a little too intently. Max choked, turning around
and walking in a jerky pacing around the room. What the hell type of planet had sex
diseases where afterwards you had to have sex? Sex diseases were supposed to
make you stop having sex!

You have the fucking pervert planet of all time, Kasan! The fucking planet of
perverted cats and perverted diseases and and perverted, damn sex toys! What
the hell. I dont want to do this, dammit!

He whirled around to scowl at Kasan only to find him standing right behind him.
Naked. The huge cat reached out and pulled him close, running a large hand over his
head as he rumbled in his chest. Max struggled to pull back. This wasnt happening!
Just because he had the Pervert Disease of Constant Fucking did not mean that he
was going to

He wasnt just going to let himself

Kasans hand crept down and cupped his ass, pulling it close so that his erection
pressed between the cats thighs and he lost his train of thought. Ohhhh, that was
nice. He moaned once, and then his brain twitched just enough to remind him what
was going on.

Big cat, big hands, and big dick were about to screw him silly. And he. Was he
going to have to let him? Closing his eyes, Max stood there, shaking, as his face
rested against Kasans chest. He felt a hand stroking slowly over his head and down
his back, over and over again. It calmed his body a little, his breathing slowly
altering to match the pace of the slow caresses, but his mind was still trembling.

When was this stupid crap going to end? Every time he thought it wasnt going to
get any weirder, any worse, thats when it did! He wasnt just a fuck toy, he wasnt
just a husband, he washe was contagious. And that meant he was stuck. Even if he
got out of here now, he might never be able to have sex with another human again,
would he? If he got it, that meant he could infect other people, and he could just
imagine how well that would go over with the colony.

Yeah, sorry about inspiring the colony-wide orgy, everyone. At least the climaxes
were good, though, right?

He was stuck with the cats forever, unless he did the whole monk-celibacy thing.
Feeling the body against his, still rumbling and stroking him a little more firmly now,
he didnt think he was cut out for that. But could he deal with this? The cats were
so

They were so

Actually, they were obsessed with sex all the time, as far as hed seen. Was this
disease why everyone here was so touchy? They all had to have sex or theyd die?
That was really kind of sad. Well, for him it was. He supposed if he was on top it
wouldnt be quite as bad. Most guys would think it was pretty cool, actually, if you
really could come up to some chick and say, I need to screw you or Ill die, and be
telling the truth. Except he was the guy someone was saying that to, and it was a
totally different thing then!

Wasnt it?

Taking a huge shuddering breath, he kept his eyes closed and leaned against Kasan.
He couldnt let Kasan die, could he? And he didnt want to die, and that big X had
been over his body as well. Which probably meant he had to have sex too, didnt it?

He swallowed, unsure of where to focus. Hands over his back and softly kneading
his ass, bare chest and abs against his own, soft murmuring against his ears, and
that was just from Kasan. He own body ached almost unpleasantly near his groin,
his brain skated around life and embarrassment and desire and death.

He had to do this, didnt he?

He wished he were still drunk, he thought, as a small whimper of arousal escaped
his throat when Kasan pulled his body in tightly. Drunk, or so frenzied that he didnt
know what he was doing, like earlier in the day. Then he could just say it happened.
He didnt have to watch and participate, fully aware when it actually WAS happening.
Standing really close to musky, silky skin right now, a large erection pressing against
his stomach, the thought of sex was more frightening than it had been when hed
woken to it.

He was going to have sex with Kasan, he thought, swallowing painfully. He really
was. He was really going to do this.

He finally opened his eyes and leaned his head back to look up, way the hell up,
into Kasans face. A large hand squeezed his buns as Kasan smiled down at him.

Kasan and Maxno sex? he asked tentatively, still hoping that maybe he wasnt
understanding this right and Kasan would laugh and hed find out it was all some
stupid alien joke.

The hand behind his head grazed gently over his ear until it cupped his chin. Kasan
leaned down close. Kasan and Max have sex. Now, he said softly, and he kissed
Max with a lingering press of lips before Max could pull away.

Standing very still, Max let the now-familiar taste of honey and coffee enter his
mouth with Kasans tongue. Maybe he could view it as being seduced, he thought
faintly. He was being seduced by a cat lecher; he wasnt actively getting himself
taken in the ass. He closed his eyes as Kasans tongue ran over the edges of his lips.
The hand on his backside shifted, sliding underneath his tunic to cup one of his bare
cheeks. He lost his breath at the heat of it.

The man was too good at this. His thoughts were just coherent enough to groan
about that excess of skill as the fingers caressing between the cheeks of his ass
moved in concert with the tongue invading his mouth again. Sliding, prodding,
flicking with teasing little bursts, the mans body was making it impossible to do
anything more than keep on his feet.

Lips came off abruptly, leaving him gasping and panting. He stood, shocked when
Kasans hands moved off his ass so quickly it felt violent after their soft stroking. The
ties to Maxs tunic fell apart and it was pulled over his head with one quick shove.
Completely naked, he couldnt move as Kasan stared down at him, the cat breathing
heavily and clenching his fists again.

He felt devoured without Kasan even touching him.

Those alien eyes, warm and soft for so much of the afternoon, were dark, the pupils
almost round as he ran his eyes over Maxs body. Max restrained the urge to cover
himself for a moment, and then gave in and did it anyway.

N-no look, Kasan. They could have sex without looking, couldnt they? Maybe they
could just close their eyes totally and he wouldnt feel this visual molestation that
was so deep he felt penetrated already.

Kasan smiled slowly. Kasan and Max have sex. Max beautiful. Kasan look.

Beautiful? I not understand It was familiar, but he couldnt remember what the
word meant and he didnt have time to try and puzzle it out before Kasan suddenly
turned him around to face one of the mirrors on the wall. He stared at himself, his
skin rosy and flushed. His body looked like a midget compared to the huge cat
behind him. And he didnt understand why his skin seemed almost delicate with the
caramel flesh that was hovering behind, coming around to spread its fingers over his
stomach. His cheeks bloomed with color. He panted as Kasan moved that large hand
down to wrap around his cock while a black tail wrapped around his thigh.

Max beautiful, Kasan whispered in his ear, leaning down. Max had no idea what he
meant, but he couldnt move his eyes away from the image of the two of them in the
mirror. He watched as the large hand gripped him tight and began to move. Hips
jerked even when he tried to keep them still, and he closed his eyes and moaned as
Kasan licked his shoulder.

Unable to keep silent as another moan welled up, Max moved against the hand
around him. The hard erection against him from behind was hot and it slipped
against his skin. Musk surrounded him as much as Kasan did. He couldnt get away
from it; it was like it was settling against his damn skin. It shouldnt feel this good,
not this fast. But his body was already arching. His ass clenched and throbbed as
though it was asking for something to come inside of him. He hadnt even been
there for more than a few seconds, how could he be this aroused?

How could he want this? He opened his eyes just in time to see himself gasp as
Kasan pulled back on his foreskin and brushed his thumb delicately over the tip of
him.

He lookedsexy. Is that what that word had meant?

There was a slow build up of erotically charged pressure against his neck as Kasan
sucked the flesh there into his mouth, leaving a brilliantly red mark as he released.
Max stared at it. It throbbed with a sweet kind of pain and drew his eyes so
completely that he barely noticed Kasan moving behind him. Kneeling, the cats free
hand moved up, fingers teasing across Maxs nipples and finally settling his full palm
across the middle of it. He released Maxs erection.

Kasan? Uh, what- Aaaahhh. Broad fingers pushed apart the cheeks of his bottom
and his knees buckled as Kasan licked him right in the middle with a broad swipe of
his tongue. He would have fallen except for the supporting hand around his chest,
although that still let him sag until he was bent forward. His head fell at another slick
caress.

Oh dear God. He tried to push back up Kasan wasnt forcing him there, he was
just keeping him from falling but when that wicked tongue did it again his legs
went completely limp. Looking up, his eyes were glazed as he stared at the figures in
the mirror, the small man being held like a toy and thoroughly molested by the alien
behind him. Their bodies were already slick with sweat, their faces flushed, and
there was a steady moaning from somewhere that happened in time with every
movement of the cats head.

He couldnt support his neck and let himself fall completely against Kasans arm
again. The mans muscles were quivering as he held Max there, tight and hard
against his ribs. Hes so fucking strong, Max marveled, just before Kasans face
pressed in closer and made burning heat spread deep inside his body. It drove
everything from his mind but the desperate need to tend to his cock and the burning
heat in his belly. His weak legs tried to push back against Kasan, but the cat merely
tightened his grip over Maxs ass and continued to lick him so slowly it wasnt sex
anymore, it was fucking torture.

Kasaaan! Please! Kasan chuckled against his skin and finally kneeled back, his ass
settling over his heels. His arm around Maxs chest tightened and pulled. Without the
energy to even protest, Max let himself be dragged back to sit on the cats bent legs.
His own legs splayed out over heavy thighs. He could see the cats cock as it was
pressed down from the weight of his body, thrusting out underneath his own. It
rubbed against his seam and made him feel like a little kid seeing his fathers dick
for the first time. That cock was the most impressive thing hed ever seen.

And it wasshiny. Slick. He could feel it sliding against his body with slippery,
shining fluids already. When had Kasan had time to oil his cock? Hed never even
seen him do it.

Kasan moved his head down behind and nibbled at Maxs shoulder near the small
bruise hed made earlier. Max arched into it, and then squeaked as he felt himself
lifted. Kasan had one thigh in each hand, spreading his legs up and out, and he was
meeting Maxs shocked eyes in the mirror. Swallowing, Max saw the sleek cock
underneath him move as the weight came off of it, rising until it was high
andaimed at him.

Max beautiful, Kasan said again, nuzzling his ear, and he began to lower Max onto
his cock.

Wait! Max squirmed, a little frightened. He couldnt move, and they were about
to and he shouldnt want this, but his body was twitchy and tense, waiting for it.
Kasans cock looked so large, though! And Max was aware of what was happening
and he didnt know if he was ready and

Shhhh, Gisho. Max Beautiful. Kasans eyes held his through their reflection, that
sensual smile in them still, and his fingers ripples against the thighs they held.

I dont c-care! We should wait. We can do this t-tomorrow, or n-next week, or

Shhhh. No hurt. Max safe. No danger. Kasan nibbled at his shoulder again, still
lowering, and Max felt something large and firm against the cheeks of his backside.
He could see himself in the mirror, eyes shocked and wide as his body was about to
be taken. He wriggled again, embarrassment and nerves churning in his gut. He
didnt want someone to see him this way, even himself. It was too personal. Too
private.

Really kind of hot and that was not what he wanted to see!

I still think w-we shouldohhhhhhhhhh. Kasan began to enter his body. He could
feel him pushing in, stretching him, opening him up, but there was no pain. All that
hit his senses were pressure, heat, slick sweat and bitter musk and the bare rasp of
hair against his palms as he gripped Kasans hands and pushed to try and keep
himself cock free.

He saw it go into him, though. He couldnt stop it. That huge, sleek column was
disappearing into his body, inch by inch, and he could feel it as it slid inside. He
could feel the tip of it as it finally passed his prostate and the rest of it followed,
rubbing within his body, making him writhe.

He was finding it hard to think, but he couldnt stop looking. It looked so good. It
didnt seem like he was watching himself. He was looking at someone else, some
pale, tiny person who was being completely breached by a huge, fantastically
beautiful, cat-eared man. And it was so erotically sexy. He loved seeing cocks enter
someone. He always had. He just hadnt known that watching them go inside a man
would be so amazing. The swells of his ass were smooth, Kasans cock and his
thighs were smooth everything was curved and sleek and glistening. His balls
clenched as Kasan was finally all the way inside of him, their bodies pressed tightly
to each other.

Max is so, so beautiful, Kasan purred against him, the rumble against his back
causing a chain reaction that trembled all the way down to his ass as his muscles
clenched tightly. He could barely see, but he wanted to. He wanted to feel Kasan
moving in him, he wanted to see that enormous cock sliding out and thrusting into
something, and he had only enough time to register the desire before it came true.
Kasan lifted his body up, the cats erection sliding free of his body reluctantly and
then sliding back home as he pushed him down.

Max gasped hoarsely. Oh crap!

A-again, he whispered hoarsely, trying not to look, wanting to see it anyway.

Kasan moved him again, and he felt completely helpless. Would he ever stop feeling
helpless with these giants, he thought frantically, gasping again as his head fell back
against Kasans chest. He flailed at another thrust into him that pressed against his
prostate. The man nipped at his neck again, the tiny pains timed to meet each
withdrawal so Maxs muscles contracted at just the right point to feel the tip of
Kasans cock slip against the sensitive opening.

He was penetrated again as he tried to think of what to do. It was so hard to think.
His brain felt sluggish and dazed, his body desperate, and he could only watch as he
was taken, watch as the thrusts grew stronger, as the heavy flesh entered him more
quickly. His voice grew hoarse and needy and thin the faster Kasan went. Sliding
against Kasans chest, he saw himself pulled down hard onto the mans heavy
erection, over and over. Strong arms were the only things his hands could reach and
he clung to them, nearly sobbing at the building pleasure every time his body was
entered.

Oh God. Oh God. Oh God. The sound of his ass hitting Kasans thighs matched his
voice and it seemed almost too soon when he finally cried out as his climax rocked
him. Seed poured from his body to spill over the floor and Kasans legs while his ass
gripped and pulled the semen from Kasans body on one last, stunningly deep thrust.

His legs more weak and useless than before, Max leaned back against Kasan as his
bleary eyes watched the reflection of their glistening bodies. He looked like a limp
rag, he thought, noticing his hair flat against his head from the sweat coating him.

And fucked. He looked thoroughly fucked. Staring, his breathing slowed along with
his pulse. Kasans hands moved up, stroking his chest again with soft hands as the
man murmured incomprehensible, soothing, arousing words.

Hed just been fucked. The realization settled into his mind. Hed just watched
himself get fucked, and it had been better than the best porno video hed ever seen.

Holy crap.

He knew he was going to blush. He knew it. Max wanted to close his eyes and avoid
seeing it, but he couldnt. It wasnt hot or erotic, it was justlike a train wreck. He
didnt want to watch, but he couldnt look away. His eyes saw the bright red start at
his forehead, traveling across his face and down his torso with a tingling rush he
could physically feel. The sensation didnt stop until his entire body was pink and
prickling. He looked ridiculous. Kasan smiled slowly as he noticed it, playing with
Maxs nipples for a second before Max smacked his hands away.

I-

He couldnt believe hed just done that.

How could you-

And he couldnt blame Kasan for screwing him, because they had to, right?

The mirrors-

Watching himselfthat was Kasans fault. This horrible, frantically embarrassed
feeling in his chest, that was Kasans fault. Max pushed, trying not to notice how
useless his movement was until Kasan helped him stand and he came free of the
mans cock with an ass-clenching slide. He stumbled and would have fallen if Kasan
hadnt caught him by the waist, steadying him. Turning around within the clasp of
Kasans hands, he took a deep breath and stared at him.

He saw the interested, carnal look to the cats eyes and he was sure his damn blush
got darker. If he had to to have sex to live, there had to be, what was the word?

Ground rules.

He pointed to Kasan. Kasan. And himself. Max.

And the bed. Bed.

And then the mirror. He waited, looking at Kasan to see if he figured out what he
was asking.

The cat smiled, kneeling on the floor casually as though they were at a naked
garden party. His hands slid up from Maxs waist in a slow glide until they curled
around his back.

Kasan, Max, Bed, Kasan inclined his head towards the mirror. Mirror.

Max nodded, repeating the word to himself. He pointed firmly to Kasan when he felt
he had the pronunciation right. Kasan? Kasan, NO sex mirror!

Kasans eyes opened wide and then he burst out laughing, the deep sound vibrating
Maxs entire body as he was pulled into a tight hug. He squirmed, yelping as his legs
were scooped out from under him and he ended up sitting in the cats lap. He
scowled up at him, trying to ignore the slippery feel in between his ass cheeks as he
sat on the smooth thighs.

He jabbed him in the chest. Kasan! No funny! No sex mirror!

Kasan just kept laughing until Max finally gave up. He punched him and grumbled
under his breath.

Stupid pervert cat.

Kasan ignored him and continued to laugh.










Fiction~~The Last Pure Human~~Ch. 15


The Last Pure Human
Chapter 15 - Dreams of Molestation




Chuckles still rumbled in his chest when Kasan stood up, carrying Max towards the
bed. He almost started laughing all over again at the renewed muttering it produced.
He was growing to love this quirky grumpiness of Maxs. It happened so often now,
it felt as though it were a normal phase of their lovemaking. Part of the mans
pattern. The nervous, frantic panic before they touched. Then the passion, loud and
hot enough to singe the fur from his ears. And at the end, Max either passed out or
he wascranky.


Kasan wasnt certain why he always ended this way. Why so crabby when hed
enjoyed himself just moments before? Maybe he needed a nap, like the littles did
after they ran around a lot? He wasnt that much larger than an older child. It could
be. Worth looking into.

Or it could be the speed of it all. Aside from the few times when Max was half-
asleep or drugged, theyd only had heat-driven couplings. Those were always rushed
and raw hed heard others describe them that way before his own heat hit, and
now that hed experienced it himself, he had to agree. An orgasm during a heat
spike was still gut clenching, but there was something missing. There was no time to
savor his consort. He wanted that, a chance for them to explore one another with a
little more finesse. Could the little one want the same thing? Was that why he
seemed so upset?

Glancing down at Maxs folded arms and pouting face, he grinned and nuzzled the
top of his head. Max growled, hunching his shoulders. With a frustrated grunt, he
pointed to his own head as he glared up at Kasan.

Hmmm. More words, or something else? Head?

NO head, Max said emphatically. Kasan choked on another laugh.

I cant agree to that one, precious. Therell be quite a lot of giving head in the
near future.

Max looked at him suspiciously. I not understand.

Dont fret over it, little one. You will soon enough. Kasan kissed the tip of his nose
it was so damn cute, all small and snub and he got another long grumble. If he
had to guess, hed say it was a long stream of cursing. It had him wishing again that
he could understand the little one.

Hed give quite a bit of money to know what the hell went on in that clever mind of
his.

Although whatever was going on in Maxs head, Kasan would find out soon enough.
As quick as his consort was picking up the language, hed be chattering away in
Hinta in no time. Good thing, too, because there was no way Kasan was going to
learn human. Hed barely been able to learn galactic; it had taken him years longer
than it should have. He and Max would still be trying to say hello if they had to rely
on Kasans language skills.

Thank God he had the talent Kasan lacked. Staring at him, Kasan wondered how it
worked out that way.

What were the odds that Kasan would get a consort who meshed so well with his
own skills and personality? A million to one? A billion? But Max made Kasan
feelwhole, like all his jagged edges had been filled in, smoothed, so they finally fit
together in a way that made sense. Even Kasans lack of height suddenly had a
purpose who else in the family could have mated Max that first time without
tearing him open? Looking at Maxs face, rosy as the man began to blush at the
concentrated attention, Kasan swallowed heavily.

Leero had been right; he was the luckiest bastard in the world.

Feeling Maxs nude body sliding against his chest as his consort moved in his arms,
he swallowed again. He clutched him so tightly Max started to protest, cussing Kasan
out in his incomprehensible human until he relaxed his grip. Kasan really wasnt sure
why Max seemed to fit him so well, so quickly. They hadnt even had a conversation
that lasted more than a handful of sentences yet. Still, he could so easily see their
future. Feeding the little man, laughing with him, celebrating his brothers matings
when they came, and his nieces and nephews after that.

He could see himself growing old with him.

He tried to force down the lump that was growing in his throat. That wasnt a
mating; that was a joining. He was actually thinking about joining. That was insane.
A life-long commitment, based on a few days knowledge? Insane

His fingers rubbed against Maxs skin as his steps slowed.

Insane.

Besides, he wasnt sure if Max wanted that level of commitment yet. His consort
wouldnt even know what it was. And even if the idea of being with Max for the rest
of his life felt so damn right it was making it difficult to think of any other way, it
didnt matter. Thered been enough decisions made on the fly lately. This one
needed serious thought. Kasan had should wait a little.

Think about it for a while.

Another step and he found the one flaw in his decision to wait. Every time he got
close to Max, his brain was only focused on one thing: getting inside of him. So far,
thats what he thought about away from him, too. How the hell was he supposed to
contemplate something as important as a joining if he couldnt get his brain off the
image of Maxs tight ass? Damn. Maybe Jolan would have some idea. Hed been
mated the longest.

His body began to burn again, just lust and impatience rather than the heat, but
riding him just as strongly. Groaning under his breath, he tried to ignore the mans
compact little body pressed against his nipples like a brand, sliding over his skin with
every step he took. His cock swelled slightly. Max squirmed and Kasans cock
hardened so fast it ached. From the corner of his eye, he saw the faint golden
outline of his mark, just coalescing now on his chest, fade away as the nanites
flooded back into his system. He couldnt stop the stray thought that the little things
were just as eager for him to take Max as he was. Stupid, really. They were just
responding to his own lust, like theyd been built to.

Dammit, how the hell was he supposed to think clearly when Max was so damnably
cute that Kasans own mark couldnt even form properly? The man was too sexy for
his own good,

But it was too soon, for sex, for joinings, for anything but going to bed. Waking up
the night before had taken its toll; Kasan was looking forward to getting to bed early.
He would ignore how Max hair was curling around his pink ears, or how his lower lip
stuck out just enough to seem like an invitation, or how good his bottom felt when
Kasan squeezed the firm cheeks in his hands, or how being able to see and feel all of
that for the next couple of hundred years made his heart stutter.

Shit.

Although

There was his grandfather.

Another throwback, hed joined with his consort within the first week, and the two
of them had been deliriously happy together. It had been a huge scandal, making
such an important decision so quickly, when the body had barely recovered from the
first mating heat.

Maybe the family was due for another scandal, Kasan thought.

He purred deep in his chest, inhaling Maxs scent and rubbing his chin over the top
of his little head as he carried him the last few steps to the bed. He got a dainty
grunt and a slap to the chest in response. At least the little one wasnt afraid any
more. He didnt think Max would have dared hit back at him so casually even earlier
in the day hed reacted as though he was going to be attacked every time he lost
his temper. He seemed much more relaxed now.

Was he as relaxed as Kasan? Kasans body was loose, soft and fluid after his
orgasm and the lack of heats edge. Even getting hard again, he still felt better than
he had in weeks.

Kasan laid Max on the bed, admiring the attractive flush that covered his skin, and
wondered if they were both feeling the same way right now. Max could be getting
aroused again. His rosy cock was still half-hard, and when they made love, he
seemed to flush just like he was doing now. He could be just as aroused as Kasan.

Crawling up next to him, Kasan felt like purring again. This time, they could take it
slowly. He could run his hands over Maxs skin as long as he wanted. He could kiss
him until Maxs lips were swollen in a permanent pout, lick down his stomach and
make Max come with his mouth at least twice before they did anything else. They
could-

No sex mirror, Kasan. Max said sleepily, pointing his direction with an emphatic
finger before he rolled over on the pile of pillows and presented Kasan with his back.

Well damn.

No sex. Although the little thing was either very trusting tonight, or very cruel, he
thought, watching Maxs backside jiggle slightly as his consort tried to get
comfortable. Telling Kasan no, and then presenting such a tempting target? Kasan
swallowed, trying to relax and keep to his section of the bed. After all Max had been
through today, if the little one didnt want to do anything else tonight, the least
Kasan could do was try and respect his wishes. Especially when theyd just finished
making love.

Maybe Maxs little bottom was simply sore; Kasan had been in deep this time.

He shook his head. Stupid idea. The nanites would have taken care of that by now.
The sex-obsessed metal beasts should have altered Maxs body enough to
accommodate Kasan before the little one had even woken up after their first mating.
Thats what hed been taught, anyway. And now that he thought about it, he could
remember Tisu talking to him about his First night. The big lummox had been
shaking over how difficult Rotos first mating was, no matter how gentle hed tried to
be. But the next time they made love, after Tisu's nanites had activated Rotos,
everyone in the citadel had been able to hear that there were no more problems.
Roto wasnt exactly quiet when he was enjoying himself. Talking it over later with
Tisu, his brother had said it was like someone had cast a magic spell. Their bodies
had fit perfectly.

Like they were made for each other, Kasan thought, watching Max and thinking
about how their lovemaking had been so far. A little rushed, and Max had definitely
been upset a few times, but Kasan couldnt think of any time other than that first
night where Max seemed in pain. He just took Kasan smoothly into his body now,
small and tight. And so hot. Kasan groaned under his breath, clenching his fists.
Remembering the feel of that gorgeous ass around his cock and the shocked,
aroused look on Maxs face in the mirror, Kasans skin suddenly tingled from the tip
of his toes to the top of his head. He blinked, surprised. His skin buzzed in the wake
of his reaction. It waslike music. That physical reaction to a moment of true beauty
when he heard something pure that gripped his heart. Something that was as close
to perfect as the world made.

He focused on him again, noting the sleek skin of his consorts back as Max turned
away from him, the sweet backside, the strong legs. His skin tingled deeply all over
again.

Even his body thought Max was perfect.

He smiled despite his discomfort. They were going to be all right. It felt stupid
thinking it again how many times was he going to need to reassure himself like
this? but it was true. Max would have to learn a little, and Kasan needed to think a
little, but this was going to work out. So what if it was too early to feel this way. It
wasnt like any other part of his mating was normal, was it? A late heat, a mating at
the last possible moment, and an alien for a consort.

An early joining was hardly worth mentioning, after all theyd been through. Maybe
it wouldnt happen, but if this feeling didnt go away, and he could get Max to
understand Hed have to get Zonta to help him decide on what words they should
teach Max next. Just in case.

Joining consort was definitely going to be one of them. Zonta wouldnt give him
any shit over including the word. And he would be able to come up with some of the
more crucial terms they might need, especially for finding Maxs family. If they could
find out more about them, it might help them locate any other humans. Max would
have his family again, and that couldnt help but make him happy.

Watching Max as he began to shift on the bed, he smiled at the mans sluggish
movements. Max was already beginning to fall asleep. He must be completely worn
out. After the day hed had, was it any surprise? Carried about the greeting room,
treed up a wall hanging, overdosed on Chera, and then hed had to meet the family
it had been a damn full day. Who wouldnt be exhausted?

Poor thing, he whispered. He ran his fingers over Maxs hair while his consort
continued to grumble, arranging himself among the pillows again. The little one
finally flopped face down in an ungainly sprawl after one last glare and another
pointed, rather slurred, no sex. Rubbing Maxs back softly while his eyes traced the
enticing curve of his calves up to his thighs, Kasan purred quietly to himself as the
little one finally fell asleep. He reached behind him and over the edge of the bed,
finding the hard button embedded in the side that dimmed the lights.

You always fall asleep so quickly, Gisho love. He wondered if that was another
trait of the species. Did humans usually sleep this much? Or was it a sign that Max
was doing more than he should? He frowned, running his hand in soft strokes over
Maxs spine. He needed to find this sort of thing out if he didnt want Max to be hurt.
A mistake like the Chera at First meal could have been fatal.

Kasans chest felt a tight as he stared down at the soft slope of Maxs shoulders and
back. He shifted, turning further onto his side to slide his hand down Maxs bottom.

I wont be so negligent from now on, precious. No more mistakes. Max grumbled
in his sleep at the words, squirming until Kasan palmed his pale backside fully and
he settled back down. It was nice to see that his touch made the little one feel better.
Ill take care of you. When you wake up tomorrow, I can-

Well, actually, he could do whatever Max wanted him to, he realized. Because
Service started as soon as First Meal did.

Shit. The teasing that went along with it would be a huge pain in the ass, but he
could put up with it. Annoying as hell that he wasnt allowed to retaliate to anything
his family said, too, even after his Service ended something he knew his brothers
would take full advantage of but still survivable. But being at the complete beck
and call of his temporary Master, or anyone else if Max wasnt around, was usually
enough to raise anyones hackles.

Watching Maxs sweet body, his back rising evenly as he slept, Kasan realized he
wasnt dreading it like he usually did. Hed only earned Service a few times in his life
and hed hated every moment of it. But being in service to Max didnt seem that bad.
Max barely understood what was going on. And he didnt seem like the type to lord it
over someone, not like Jolan or Tisu. Or, god forbid, Aosh.

And Max wouldnt know that requesting something sexual wasnt allowed. Maybe
being fully in charge might finally give him enough security that hed feel able to
approach Kasan, wide awake, instead of the other way around. It made Kasan
salivate, thinking of it.

Kasan had a brief image of Max wearing the collar instead, the deep red velvet vivid
against his pale skin, and he began to pant. If Max ever did anything to earn Service
to him, Kasan wasnt letting him out of the room. He wasnt letting him even leave
the bed. He couldnt order him to have sex, but he could sure as hell make it difficult
for his body to ignore the idea.

He could only hope that Max might choose to do the same. Hed much rather spend
most of the day closeted with Max than go out among his family and face the
constant crap theyd dish out. But he supposed hed find out what would happen in
the morning.

Goodnight, little one. He let his head rest back on the pillows, moving his hand off
the tempting curve of Maxs ass to the familiar smoothness of his back. The warm,
steady breathing helped keep his mind calm and edge closer to sleep. Theyd solve
this.

His sangfroid disappeared moments later when Max grunted in his sleep and rolled
over, his arm slapping Kasan in the chest. Kasan shifted his hold, splaying his palm
over Maxs stomach. Almost immediately, he had to move his arm out of the way as
Max shifted again, rolling all the way over until he faced Kasan. Kasan could see him
frowning in his sleep, wrinkles forming between his eyebrows as he felt blindly with
his other hand until it found Kasans body again. His forehead smoothed as soon as
he found it, his body scooting forward until his face nuzzled Kasans chest. Kasan
froze as Max muttered in his sleep and started sucking at a small patch of skin next
to Kasans nipple. His fingers kneaded at the muscles of Kasans chest, stroking and
gripping in tiny, convulsive grabs.

Well, damn, he was doing it again. Hed done the same thing the night before, the
little lirling.

Kasan cupped Maxs head and tried to ease him away.

Sweetheart, you need to stop.

Max growled and gripped tighter, licking at the skin hed had in his mouth. He
arched towards Kasan, his cock a hard heat next to Kasans. Whimpering when
Kasan didnt thrust back at him, his small body began to pulse forward until Kasan
reached around and held his bottom close, trying to keep him still.

Max, no sex, remember?

Max whined and squirmed against Kasans body, his hips trying to move while
Kasan tried to hold onto his own decision to leave the little one alone tonight. If Max
had fallen asleep, then he needed to sleep. Kasan shouldnt wake him up. Kasan
should leave him the hell alone so his little body could recover from the day, but this
was just like last night. Theyd gone to bed, Max had passed out, and then hed
damn well seduced Kasan in his sleep.

Kasan slipped his hand between their two bodies and managed to push Max away
from him. No sex, Max.

Max rolled over. Kasan let out a sigh of relief only to choke as Max scoot backwards.
The moment his body hit Kasans, Max sighed softly and his body went limp again.
Kasansdidnt. Max had pressed his backside against Kasan, the cleft still slick their
previous play, and it was pillowing Kasans cock.

Actually, that was just like the night before as well. Obviously, Kasan needed to put
up a damn barrier between them next time. Kasan swallowed and closed his eyes,
moving his hands to gently grip Maxs shoulders. He needed to push him away so
the little one could get the rest he needed. His own cock was throbbing, slick again
with lubrication that was leaking onto Maxs skin like pearls of oil.

He could just imagine the sounds Max would make when he came again.

But he was going to leave it at that, because he was going to move his consort over
and let him sleep. Kasan kissed the top of his head, his hands shaking, and in the
end, he scooted away. He didnt think his self-control was up for touching Max now
or else he wasnt going to make it.

Max started keening softly, something Kasan couldnt understand, as soon as Kasan
moved, Please please please The man arched back, his legs stiff, and one of his
heels hit Kasans shin. He backed up as soon as he touched it, plastering his back
and bottom against Kasan again. Kasan could see his smaller cock in the shadow of
his body, erect and trembling.

He wanted to taste it so badly it made him shake.

Max, he whispered, trying to scoot back again and cool off. He just needed a little
distance. Maybe he should get off the bed. Gisho. Scoot over, sweetheart. If youre
this close, I dont think I can stop-

Max squirmed around uncomfortably until he was facing Kasan again, his palms
splayed over Kasans chest. One leg bent up until it flopped over Kasans waist. The
poor little thing had to be wildly uncomfortable his legs were spread wide just to
get one of them over the thick muscles along Kasans side. But he still wasnt
opening his eyes. How the hell could he sleep through this?!

Maxs hips started to move, pushing his cock along Kasans body. The open v of his
legs made the little hole of his ass slide along Kasans length as he ground against
Kasans stomach. He moaned in a higher counterpoint to Kasans involuntary
thrumming.

Oh fuck. Kasans cock slid slickly between the cheeks of Maxs bottom again,
feeling the slight give in the middle that felt like it was begging to be taken. He
lasted one more sliding grind and then he cursed and grabbed Maxs hips.

All right, dammit! You win. Well have sex again. He began to thrust slowly, letting
his cock slide along his consorts body. The happy little humming Max was making
had him shivering.

Leero was right; Kasan was wrapped around this little things fingers.



Ruis body flinched noticeably at the muffled keening from the room behind him.

How many times are they going to do this in one night?! he asked. His golden ears
flattened at a string of loud, incomprehensible babble. The high-pitched, desperate
voice was quite obviously not Kasan.

This is only the second time, Davi said, lips quirked.

Its too much already.

Dont be such a worry bird. Just relax and enjoy it. This has got to be good for at
least a few fantasies.

Rui flushed and shifted uncomfortably. Kasans voice took on a rhythmic type of
grunting that seeped from the room, surrounding them both, and Ruis voice cracked
when he tried to speak, his eyes as strained as the material of his loincloth.

What time is it?

Hmmm. A couple tics til Late Fifth.

Thank God.

Davi chuckled again, and his arm stopped in the middle of brushing over Ruis in
sympathy as they both heard foot steps and muted voices from around the corner.
Davi brought his hand back down to his spear. His ears started twitching wildly as he
suddenly stood straighter, blinking in surprise.

Korosh?

A bright red pair of ears popped around the corner followed by a broadly smiling
face. Surprise! The man sprinted down the corridor and flung himself at Davi.

Korosh! Davi sputtered, trying to juggle cat and spear at the same time. Damn,
man, you almost gutted yourself!

Never happen, the red head said cheerfully, planting a kiss on the other guard
that quickly moved to a full-body molestation. Rui cleared his throat, his ears so flat
they disappeared into his hair as moaning from the room meshed with the groping in
the hallway. His cheeks darkened until they matched the new cats hair.

Eyes wild, he began looking anywhere but behind him and his grip tightened as he
looked back down the hall. The redhead hadnt been alone. Another young man was
following behind hesitantly, spear in hand. Dark brown hair hung down in a sleek
braid to a waist that was young and a bit too thin. His eyes were a nervous gold. It
matched the trembling of his ears.

The cat nodded to Rui as he drew near. His teeth nibbled at his lip. They both
pretended not to notice the strenuous near-humping going on behind Rui.

Was there a change in the shifts? Rui finally asked.

The boys ears flattened slightly. Oh! Sorry. Im not he flushed. First time I got
called on my ready period. Im replacing Esgard for the next shift.

Why is Esgard- Rui squeaked as a hand pinched his ass. Whipping around, he
stared as Koroshs golden eyes sparkled at him. The man was leaning against his
mate as he waved at Rui with a happy little flutter.

Hes in heat, pretty boy. Along with about a dozen others.

Davi groaned as he hugged Korosh to him. Dont tell me Kasan set off a frenzy.

The redhead looked back over his shoulder and patted Davis hands. Looks like it. I
wouldnt be surprised if half the ripened in the citadel end up mating before the
month is out.

Thats going to play hell with the schedule, Davi muttered.

Korosh rolled his eyes and leaned back against him. Believe me, I know. Which is
why Im not actually here to drive you mad with lust, love. Im replacing Leero until
his Service is up. The newbie is Esgards replacement.

Davi cursed. Korosh rolled his hips slightly, grinding his ass against his mates groin,
and Davi cursed again. Not fair, Korosh.

Just making sure youll appreciate me when I get home. He turned and gave Davi
one quick kiss before shoving him away. Now, go and get yourself something to eat.
You know youre a real shokan when you dont eat enough.

Korosh-

Shoo. Youre shifts over and were fine. The redhead looked to Rui and smiled
slowly at him. We have enough food at home for three, you know.

Rui flushed while the new boy looked at all three of them as though trying to figure
out what fairy tale hed walked into. I ah Im not sure- ah-

Leave him be, Korosh. He hasnt decided yet.

No? Too bad. Im really in the mood tonight, Korosh pouted slightly. Theres
always tomorrow, though.

Davi sighed, shaking his head, and turned to go. He paused before he took his first
step. Did you get Leeros instructions if Jolan-

Yes, yes. I know all about that. Now go feed your self. I think youre gonna need
the energy tonight.

Davi walked away, Rui following behind and glancing back a few times before they
turned the corner. Korosh and the new guard arranged themselves in front of
Kasans door in silence.

S-soyoure a consort? the younger guard finally asked, his voice cracking slightly.

Mmm hmmm. The redhead glanced at him, but his mind seemed elsewhere.

Do you - uh - like it?

What? Being a consort?

Y-yeah. B-bottoming as a consortdoes it hurt?

Korosh snorted. Never after the first time, and that time hurts only if your mate is
a complete idiot. And if hes too stupid to treat you nicely, beat him until he learns
better. He looked at the ducked head next to him curiously. Why dont you find out
for yourself, if youre wondering about it?

Thats what my partner said this morning too, but I dont think I could. Not just to
know what it felt like. It seems too cold.

Its practical, not cold. Howre you gonna know what you like if you dont try it?
Doesnt do you any good to wait until the mating heat hits or you get taken, cause
then youre stuck with whoever you screw. My advice? Go have some fun now and
find out what you like best. And if you like to top, find out how to do it well, so your
consort doesnt have the need to beat you for poor performance, eh?

The young guard flushed and didnt answer. There was a small cry from inside the
room, high pitched and climactic, and then silence. The dark haired man swallowed
nervously and glanced at the door.

H-have you seen Kasans consort yet?

Korosh nodded. Yup. Strange looking thing. I cant imagine mating with something
that tiny.

Really? So hes really

A human? Yeah.

Whered you see him?

I had my regular shift at the Consorts entrance today. Korosh grinned, his red
ears shifting fluidly along with his smile. The little guy is faster than greased ice on
a skillet, thank God, or I would have hurt him. Thought some alien had gotten into
the citadel for a few moments.

Shit.

Korosh nodded. Wish Leero would have let us know ahead of time, but you know
how he and Kasan are. Secretive little brats.

The boy nodded as though he understood, his eyes uncomprehending. They stood in
silence again, breathing evenly as they both kept watch, until Korosh gave him a sly
grin.

Sooooo, what do you think of Rui?




Soft knocking woke Kasan in the early morning and he untangled himself from Max
carefully, stroking Maxs fingers as he got up. Damn but he loved touching him.
Looking down before walking to the door, he frowned slightly at the nude body
splayed bonelessly across the bed. A quick glance at the door and then he put a
number of pillows over Maxs body. Strategically, until there wasnt the slightest hint
of skin showing except for the mans head. Kasan looked at the small mountain hed
made over his consort and felt an embarrassed flush as he turned back to the door.

There was no reason to hide the mans body everyone was going to be seeing it
every day of their lives but it made him want to growl when he thought about it.
He wanted to keep Max all to himself right now. Shaking his head at his own
stupidity, Kasan opened the door to a guards apologetic face. The man whispered
softly to him after glancing beyond to see Max still fast asleep.

Kasan was glad hed covered Gisho up.

Zonta just sent a message. Theres been some news on the galactic channels about
your consort. He said he can tell you later or you can

Where is he now?

The main vid room.

Tell him Ill be right there. Kasan closed the door behind him and grabbed his
wrinkled loincloth off the floor, wrapping it quickly. Leaning over Max, he ran his
fingers over the edge of his round ears before he left. He was out the door in
moments and talking to the guard.

If Max wakes up and comes looking for me, let him know Ill be back soon. He can
understand a few words of Hinta enough that you should be able to get the point
across. Kasan turned to go and then turned back. He pointed at the more
experienced guard.

Dont let him leave. He doesnt know his way around yet.

A pause.

And page me so I know hes up.

Another pause.

Dont talk too loudly. Or look threatening. Hes fragile. And he gets frightened
easily.

The guard pressed his lips together, his eyes sparkling. Anything else, mother?

Dont crack any jokes, Kasan said immediately, getting a snort in response. Kasan
sighed, his ears flicking. Hes so damn vulnerable; you have no idea. It was bad
yesterday

I heard.

Then you can understand why I want today to be a lot calmer.

The guards voice softened. Of course. Well be very careful with the little one.

Kasan nodded, leaving, while the guards watched after him. He heard them
whispering behind him as he left. Someday, he really should make it clear just how
well he could hear.

Calling him mother? I didnt know you were so close to Prince Kasan.

I was one of his tent mates in last years Battle. He doesnt stand on ceremony
much, anyway.

Kasan reached the corner and was just about to turn when he heard the last
comment.

Ah. Silence. Is it true what he can do with his tail?

Kasan chuckled as he turned and lost the rest of their conversation, and then
realized what he was doing. The hair on his tail stood on end, he was so shocked.
The two men were talking about his tail, and not only didnt it bother him, he found
it rather amusing. He hunted through his mind as he walked, looking for the usual
irritation that came with hearing people discuss his throwback characteristics. It
wasnt there. All he could find was a keen interest in seeing what it would feel like to
have Maxs hands over his tails fur, and now

Now, he was very curious to discover what the rumor about his tail was. He didnt
do anything special with it, but the tone of the question had been decidedly sexual.
What if he could do something with it? Something sexual? Something sexual with
Max.

He distracted himself with potential new sexual fantasies until he finally reached the
right room. His heart thudded painfully he looked at the door, barely seeing the
guards on either side, all his concerns from before rushing in. Now maybe theyd find
out something about Max and where he came from. If Zonta had found something
worth waking him up over, this must be important. He just didnt know if it was good,
or bad.

But he needed to find out. The two guards pushed open the door before he could lift
a hand, nodding to him as he walked past.

He hardly noticed his surroundings, closing his eyes as he took a fortifying breath
and wondered what he was going to find. And then the door closed behind him, his
eyes opened, and he found himself in the dark. Son of a bitch! He should have
fucking paid attention. What the hell was going on? His hackles rose as he realized
that not only was it dark, no one was there. The walls were covered with blank
screens that should be full of news and gossip from the stations they monitored. The
rows of desks were empty of people. The handcomps were all tucked away in their
alcoves underneath the screens instead of being used by the people who were
supposed to be working here already.

He didnt hear anyone breathing inside with him, and the guards hadnt seemed
concerned at all, but this was reallywrong. He started to back towards the door
when the main screen glowed to life. The rectangle showed him a vividly colored
version of the greeting room from the day before, brightly lit, with full sound blaring
loudly into his ears.

But the scene wasnt from the greeting.

Kasans jaw dropped as the video panned closer to the only movement that had
been in the room, Kasan holding Max against the wall while he took him into his
mouth and his consort writhed in his arms.

What the fuck! Kasans entire body reacted as he saw himself curling Maxs knees
towards his stomach to lick the middle of his ass. His cock filled with blood. His mind
went blank and he fought to catch his breath as Max came and then started crying
for release again.

And all he could think, as his video double turned and pulled Maxs body down onto
his cock, was that he wished the camera had another angle because he couldnt see
enough with Maxs tunic hanging down over his backside.

Dear God Staring, it was all he could do not to reach around and cup himself.
This was better than the damn mirrors.

He jumped and spun as he heard Nolluzs voice at the opposite end of the room, the
door to a side alcove open behind him. Its amazing how smoothly he opens when
you enter him. Ive never seen such a good example of how quickly the nanites can
adjust the body before.

Kasan could only stare at his brother, gaping as he realized that Jolan, Tisu, and
Aosh were standing next to Nolluz in the dark. Their eyes went from the screen to
Kasan and back again.

You cant see it as well with that stupid tunic, but I have to hand it to you, your
consort has a damn fine ass, Tisu added.

I never realized just how easy it is to pick him up and fuck him like crazy, Aosh
commented.

And we cant thank you enough for doing it in a public place when the recorders
were still on. Jolan finished, turning to look at him with a huge, smug grin. I was
just trying to get an audio of the two of to play at first meal, but damn if you didnt
set up one better! When Aosh told us when youd gone in there, before the
scheduled recording had finished? You made my whole damn year. The four of them
turned then, grinning like theyd just outwitted the Great Trickster. Jolan took two
steps forward in time to Maxs aroused gasping that filled the room.

His voice was smooth and unbearably smug. You are my fucking hero. The only
one of us to avoid the First Night Prank, and the only one to as good as arrange his
own pranking the next day. This is gonna make great entertainment at first meal,
Kasan.

Kasan felt his claws come out. Lust had already started to fade as soon as Nolluz
had started talking, and now rage was quickly taking over. I dont fucking think so.
You should have just fucking done it without this stupid-ass gloating, cause theres
no damn way youre getting this shit out of here.

Jolan smirked, the others grinning behind him. Ha, you cant do a damn thing. You
think were stupid? You just head on back to Max now. Were gonna enjoy knowing
all you can do is wallow in anticipation of your upcoming humiliation, little brother.
After everything youve done to us, you SO deserve this. He bared his fangs.
Paybacks a bitch, aint it?

Kasan could still hear Max on the screen and he stalked towards Jolan with his claws
noticeably bared. Turn this the fuck off, and give me the damn recording.

Jolan took one surprised step back.

Uh, Kasan. Didnt you hear me? Go back to Max now. Thats an order.

Turn the fucking video off! Kasan readied himself to leap.

What the hell are you doing, Kasan! You cant attack me! Youre in Service today!

Kasan grinned ferally. Do you see a fucking collar on? Jolans face paled,
highlighting the faint bruises from the beating the night before, and his eyes veered
down to see Kasans neck, bare of even his torque this morning. Kasan bared his
fangs back at them. Service doesnt start until First meal, you moron. You are SO
fucking dead.

Oh shit

Kasan pounced.


The guards outside the vid room both jumped as something slammed into the door
behind them.

The larger one put a hand on his partners shoulder before he could burst in.

Dont.

There was a loud snarl followed by a shattering crash.

Holy shit.

It doesnt matter. Their ears both flattened at furious cursing and another door
rattling thud. The guard tightened his grip on the other man. Its the princes. Trust
me; you dont want any part of this. Just turn around and look down the hallway.

They heard a concussive thump combined with a snarling scream.

Really. I guard Prince Jolans door periodically. There are just some things you can
never un-see. Turn around and let them work out their personal tiffs without us.

The other guard finally nodded and they both stood stiffly outside the door, trying
not to cringe too often at the minor apocalypse going on just beyond their sight.

I really hope youre right about this, the small guard muttered, glancing at the
door after spine-tingling shriek.

I am. Someone yelled again, his voice ending on a high-pitched yelp of pain
followed by what sounded like a small explosion. With the Lord Kings family,
discretion is ALWAYS the better part of valor.










Fiction~~The Last Pure Human~~Ch. 16


The Last Pure Human
Chapter 16 - Waking Up is Hard to Do




You know, this didnt go quite as Id planned, Jolan slurred, his lips swollen and
bleeding.

Aosh snorted, wiping at a cut on his forehead with a ripped piece of loincloth. No
shit.

Glaring at his younger brother while he crouched to gather up assorted pieces of
glass, Tisu grumbled under his breath. It would have been fine if youd mentioned
Service didnt start until later.

You need me to do everything for you? I found the recording, I faked the call from
Zonta, and I found out there was going to be service. If you cant be bothered to
double check the actual time, dont blame me!

Tisu stood up and smacked Aosh in the back of the head and got a snarling swipe in
return.

Shut the hell up, Kasan barked, pushing a tumbled desk upright again. He winced
as one slender leg collapsed and dumped it back onto its side. Looking around at the
room, Kasan cursed quietly under his breath. The others gave similarly discouraged
looks and continued with their own clean-up efforts.

There were only two intact screens on the wall, plus one hanging slantwise with a
smoking hole taking up most of its center. The rest were shattered in pieces on the
floor. Hand comps were scattered over the rugs like leaves. Most of the desks would
have a better chance at walking out the door under their own power than being
returned to a shape even vaguely resembling a piece of furniture.

Fuck, Kasan muttered, throwing his desk onto the pile of broken ones in the
corner. Father is going to kill us.

Of course he is, Nolluz said. He wiped a hand over his limp bangs, brushing them
out of his face. You destroyed the vid room! The main vid room!

Kasans ears quivered before lying flat against his head. I destroyed the room?!

We certainly werent the ones foolish enough to start this altercation in the midst of
extremely expensive, and fragile, equipment. Nolluz said calmly as he looked down
his bloody nose as Kasan.

You damn well were! You all fucking started this!

You cant blame us for not having a proper hold on your temper. Honestly, Kasan!
Im amazed your human consort hasnt tried to run from you, if youve this little
control.

With a furious snarl, Kasan started for his brother. Jolan and Tisu jumped between
them.

Kasan, calm down. Jolan said, bracing his palms against Kasans chest and getting
hit for it in return. He looked back over his shoulder. And quit being such an ass,
Nolluz!

Tisu shoved Nolluz away to a safer location ignoring him after he fell sprawling on
the other side of another broken desk and then glared at Kasan. I dont know
what youre so fucking pissed about still. You got the damn recording.

There shouldnt have been a recording in the first place. Kasan glared back.

Tisu continued to talk as though Kasan hadnt said a word. He spared a glance at
the youngest brother in the room. Of course, if someone could have kept his big
mouth shut, maybe youd still have a reason to be such a shokan.
Aosh raised his fingers to flick them an obscene gesture. Dont even give me shit
over that, he said, pausing with a hand full of shards. You heard him; he was going
to tell Zonta what weve been doing unless he got the video. A beating is one thing,
a furious Zonta is something else entirely. I did not agree to pay for this with the
next few weeks of my life!

Tisu and Jolan raised their eyebrows, Jolan snorting dismissively. Yeah. Baby
brother is terrifying. Im shaking.

Aosh glared. Id rather be up before a meeting of the clans elders than have Zonta
well and truly angry with me. Hes evil when hes pissed off!

Tisu laughed at him. He sure as hell makes you flatten your ears like a little, you
squickling.

Go ahead and laugh, Tisu. See how funny you find it when you wake up with your
hair shaved off and your hand glued to your cock!

Tisu started laughing again. That was him? I thought it was Kasan! Ha, how drunk
do you have to be for Zonta to actually get one up on you?

Fists clenching, Aosh got ready to leap at him when they heard the door open.

Turning in unison, ears flattening at the same moment, they all stared guiltily at the
group of men and women who usually manned the communications room. Choked
gasping escaped the oldest tech as he stared around the room with huge eyes.

What the hell did you do!? You said you just needed it for an hour, Aosh!!

Aosh swallowed before pasting a sensual smile on his face. With a roll of his hips, he
walked towards the sputtering male who was quickly turning an unhealthy shade of
puce. The other techs alternated between staring at the smooth saunter of his body
and the destruction of the room.

Aosh reached over and ran his hand over his victims shoulder. Ah, as to that
things might have gotten a bit out of hand, but-

Out of hand! You destroyed the entire room! Shit, everyone was right I never
should have listened to your damn pillow talk. Im going to be in Service for a
decade for this!

Aosh shushed him with a finger on his lips. Its not that bad, is it? Weve already
cleaned up most of the mess-

The pale haired man snarled and yanked his head back. This is cleaned up!? He
wavered where he stood, his ears getting flatter with every new thing he discovered
in the room. A strangled growling was coming from his throat.

Well take responsibility, Kasan and Jolan said at the same time. They glanced at
each other, frowned, and nodded once.

Well pay for repairs. Kasan said quickly.

And clean it up, Jolan added.

What am I going to tell the next shift?! Well miss the rest of the news packet for
the entire fifth! And theres not even enough equipment left for everyone on shift to
use!

Kasan came forward and patted the shoulder Aosh wasnt clinging to. His brothers
sped up their cleaning efforts. We have a few extras in the militarys surplus. Ill get
them out for you. Well have you back up before First Meal, dont worry. And you
can get the first half of the packet from another group later tonight, cant you?

The man looked around and finally sagged against the nearest wall. Theres no way.
The Elders are going to skin me alive. Its completely destroyed.

Aosh lightly shoved Kasan out of the way. Dont worry. I wouldnt leave you in the
lurch like that, not after you helped me out. He reached out and lightly touched the
mans ear, stroking it between his fingertips. Kasan shook his head as the man
shivered, his eyes suddenly hazy as he leaned into it. The techs body sagged
forward and Aosh pressed against him. Well fix it for you. I promise. Just relax, he
whispered.

Kasan sighed. His baby brother, the universal seducer. He nodded once to the
others huddling in the doorway, inviting them in, and went back to cleaning. A few of
the techs pitched in, although most just stood at the edges of the room, watching
and shaking their heads. Kasan did his best to keep his temper in check. Every time
he looked up at the screens still on the wall, he saw Maxs body in his head. It made
him want to leap on his brothers for seeing Max at all.

Come on, Jolan finally said. We better get this cleaned up damn quick. He
smiled at Kasan, licking at the blood that beaded up as his split lip opened again.
We wouldnt want you to miss your Service, now would we?

Kasan snarled at him and went back to cleaning.

It was a shame, but the headman was right. Even with everything fixed up, the
Elders were still going to skin them alive. If they found out, of course. Kasan hoped
he was remembering right about what was in storage, or they were in for it.

_____________________

The nearly silent thump as a large animal leapt to the floor didnt register in Maxs
sleeping ears. Nor did the pad of paws across the floor, or the huffing grunt near his
ear that blew his hair against his scalp. He merely huffed in return and turned over
onto his back, dislodging pillows and scattering them across the bed to expose
himself.

He didnt make as sound as a large, furry head bumped against his side and rolled
him onto his stomach. He grunted once without opening his eyes as another thump
against his body rolled him again. And he was silent for one last moment as a shove
pushed him the last inches off the bed and onto the floor. He woke up with a garbled
yelp as his head thumped painfully on hard stone and his legs fell with a jarring thud
immediately afterwards.

Ow! Max lay on the floor, rubbing at his head and blinking as he looked up at the
ceiling. Wha--?

His head ached, his legs were vibrating painfully, and there was something poking
into his butt underneath the pile of pillows that was arching his back up off the floor.
He grumbled, eyes and mind glazed with sleep, and rooted around under the pillows
until his hand grabbed something hard.

Pulling it out with a fumbling yank, he lay on his back and stared at it. It was
familiar, but he couldnt quite figure out what the hell it was.

Too early, he mumbled, squinting as he brought it closer to his face. Long, thick,
crystalline.phallic.

Crap, its the cock! The Dong of Doom was stalking him now! With a convulsive
jerk, Max flung it across the room. He didnt realize what hed done until glassy
clattering rang in his ears.

Oh shit, Kasan! His stomach squirming and tight, he rolled to face the bed. He
closed his eyes just before he would have looked up. Please dont wake up, he
thought desperately. Sleep like the dead! Dont notice the dildo!

Cringing a little, his arms fisted defensively over his chest as he lay on the floor,
Max opened one eye, expecting to see Kasans face staring down at him. Relief
slithered through his belly when he saw Androcles peering over the edge, instead.

And laughing at him, like always. Something was off about the head, but it was
definitely a dog. Not a cat, thank God. Although if Androcles was there, then that
meant that hed been the one whod moved Max down to the floor.

Youre a menace, he muttered, and froze as he realized how loud his voice was.
The damn room echoed like a freaking stage. When Kasan didnt instantly pop up
behind Androcles, Max got his priorities in order and rolled onto his hands and knees.
This might be his only chance. He crawled quickly over to the phallus. He wanted to
peek and see if Kasan was watching, especially when his naked ass was hanging out
all over the place, but his memory was waking up along with his body and he didnt
think he could face Kasan at all right then.

Maybe not for a couple of years. Max flinched, his skin prickling from the blush that
started from the top of his head and quickly spread down to his toenails. He hadnt
even known toenails could blush! Swallowing, he tried desperately not to think about
what theyd done during the night as he crawled back with his prize. His hands
gathered up pillows to pile on top of the Damn Penis and the two books he could see
peeking out underneath.

And then he slumped against the bed.

How could they have had sex like that? Not just in front of the mirrors, but again in
the bed! Stupid cat had molested him in his sleep for the second night in a row! -
and been half-way inside his ass before Max even woke up. Made him too aroused to
fight him off that way, the jerk. And Max had been so nice and let the both of them
not die and let Kasan do all those things to him and

He swallowed again, the prickle growing fiercer over his cheeks. He sat on the floor
next to the pillows and put his face in his hands. He couldnt believe the things that
theyd done. Or how unbelievably hot the damn sex had been. Pressing his palms
against his eyes, he sat and tried not to remember the feel of Kasans skin and his
hands on Maxs thighs. Or the sight of his cock disappearing inside of him. Or the
feel of slickness and jolting pleasure with every thrust while Kasans bitter-sweet
scent wrapped around him.

He didnt want to be this way! It was crazy that remembering the night before
already had him hard and swollen. He could almost feel the cat taking him right now,
in a way that made his body feel empty and small. In a way that missed being full,
he realized with an unwilling shiver.

Dammit, he hadnt asked for this! He hadnt asked to get the damn alien STDs, had
he? He hadnt wanted to be screwed by some big, honkin alien and come multiple
times and and He whimpered, pulling his hands away from his face to look
around the room. Everything was alien: the size of the doorway into the bathroom,
the log slanting up to the wall, the cleaning oil against the wall, the bed he was
leaning against. Max couldnt keep from thinking about what Kasan had told him last
night as he saw at it all.

He was all alone. Kasan didnt know where any other humans were; it was just Max.
And that meant he had no way home. He didnt know any star charts, or whatever
the hell hed need to find Earth, or the colony, or anything! Even without the stupid
STD thing, he was stuck here with Kasan.

And who knows how long thats gonna be for, he whispered to himself, reaching
out to stroke the comforting softness of the nearest pillow. The thought creeping up
into his brain was freaking scaring the crap out of him, but it wouldnt go away.

He was all alone, he didnt know where the hell he was, and he had an alien who
claimed they were married and was willing tohelp him. As long as they had sex.

A hell of a lot of sex.

He flushed and covered his face again. He wanted to hate it. If the sex was hurting
him, if Kasan was a real bastard who beat him or something, then he could hate
everything about this. But the sex wasnt horrible. God, it felt so amazing he was
almost wishing Kasan was sneaking up behind him just to do it again. It made him
feel like a man slut, but crap. Kasan was really good at it! How was Max supposed to
hate it like he should if it felt that good?

And besides, Kasan was well, he was a horny bastard, but he wasnt a bastard
bastard.

Breathing into his hands to stave off the umpteenth hyperventilating fit since hed
woken up in Giant Land, Max rocked a little against the bed.

It would be okay. He could do this. It was only marriage. He could do marriage,
right? Hed watched his parents do it for years. No problem. His breathing began to
slow. Just marriage to an alien cat who was hung like a whale and lived a bazillion
miles from other humans on a planet where everyone could pick Max up and smack
him around like a piata.

He started to breathe in gasping pants again and clamped his hands down tight over
his face. It wasnt helping. His hands began to tingle almost immediately. His head
swam. He had to calm down or he was going to pass out! Its not bad, he repeated
frantically, its not bad. Kasan wouldnt hurt him. Hed been really nice. He was a
good guy. A good, big, freaking hornier than hell guy.

He screwed me blind in front of a mirror.

Maxs breathing got even faster and everything faded to gray.

______________________

He woke up to slime lapping against his face.

Bleh, he slurred, pushing at the furry thing attacking him with its tongue. What
had just?

Oh, yeah. Just great. Hed hyperventilated himself unconscious. Opening his eyes,
the edge of the bed was the first thing he saw. Kasan was sure taking a hell of a
long time waking up. How long had Max been out? A few minutes? A half hour?
And his h-husband still wasnt looking for him? What type of callous sleeping was
that!

And dammit, Maxs head hurt now, both from the knock on the ground when hed
fallen out of bed, and now from fainting like a sex-triggered narcoleptic.

Ow. Did the cats have pain pills on their planet?

Shaking his aching head, hearing Androcles panting next to him, he turned to pet
him once before he confronted Kasan. He froze with his hand outstretched.

Holy shit!

He stared at the dog sitting next to him. It was the same color as Androcles. Same
eyes, same shape of the head, same pose Androcles seemed to take when he was
sitting and watching Max make a fool of himself.

But now Max finally realized why his head had looked so odd on the bed. The dog
was huge! Max tried to call for Kasan, terrified at the size of the animal that was
sitting so close its fur brushed against his legs. All that emerged was a terrified
whimper of sound, and the dogs mouth opened up just like when Androcles laughed
at him.

His head was right at the level of Maxs, so near that Max got a good, close look.
Shit, the things teeth were as big as his little finger!

Why did everything here have to be so damn big! He wanted Androcles! Or Kasan!
Max tried to catch his breath. He didnt want to faint again, not when this thing was
sitting right next to him, ready to

Ready to lick him again?

Dumbass. If it was going to eat you, it would have done it already, you idiot. It
had had all the time hed been out, hadnt it? It could have chewed his face off! But
it hadnt. He felt his heart slowly calming back down to normal. Just because its
not small like Androcles-

It yipped at him softly as soon as he finished speaking and scooted closer, leaning
in to rest its chin on top of his head.

Oh not you, too, he grumbled, shoving it off. I dont need something else thats
messing with my hair. I just want Androcles.

It yipped again. Max stared at it. Why was it doing that? It stared at him, the
orange eyes strangely intense as they watched him.

What? I dont even speak cat-language, dude. Theres no way Im speaking dog.
After another minute of staring, it suddenly leapt away, startling him into slamming
back against the bed. He watched as it scampered up the log. His jaw dropped as it
came back down with one of the feathers that Androcles had hidden up there.

No! What are you doing? he hissed, waving at it. Androcles already

Another yip as it stomped on the feather dropping from its mouth. Staring at it as
the dog began laughing at him with that wide open, panting mouth, Max bit his lip.
There was still no sound from Kasan, and there was something about this stupid dog.

It justacted exactly like Androcles. Except it was over twice as big as hed been
the night before, but it acted just like him. Maybe they werefrom the same litter?
Or something? Because they couldnt be the same dog.

Dogs are not blow up toys. You cant grow that much in one night, he whispered
nervously.

The dog sat and stared at him calmly.

Max shook his head. Look, thats just crazy. It panted in his direction and he
scowled. Your breath stinks, you know. And Im not calling you Androcles.

It yipped again and he shushed at it. Shut up! Im not calling you Androcles, you
dumb dog.

It yipped louder and he just knew it was going to wake up Kasan. Fine! Fine
already! Look, you take that stupid feather, and this stupid crap the real Androcles
left here, up into that room at the top of the log. You do that, Ill call you whatever
the hell you want, you stupid He gaped as the dog leapt back up the log before
he finished speaking, the feather disappearing with him. When the big animal came
back down and started pawing through the pillows, it grabbed both books in his
mouth and finally the stupid dildo and took them all away.

Max could only swallow nervously when the dog came back and sat down in front of
him again. Shit, how smart were these dogs?! A-all right, then. Ill call you A-
Androcles. Waiting for another noise, he sighed in relief as the dog finally settled
down, resting its head on its front paws.

It was a LOT less disturbing when it wasnt so big looking.

Except now that he wasnt making any more noise, and the stupid crap from the
pervert cats was tucked awaythere was no reason not to wake up Kasan. Max
glanced up at the corner of the bed again and took a deep breath. Then another.

Married, he reminded himself. And stunning, mind-melting sex. And Kasan.

What would Kasan look like when he slept?

He sucked in his breath, seeing all that golden skin in his head. Kasan hadnt
looked over yet, so that meant he had to be asleep. So Max could look at him for a
little bit and get over all his embarrassment before he had to talk to him. He could
do this.

As quietly as he could, he got to his hands and knees and crouched behind the bed.
He reached up the couple of feet to the top and inched his head up to see.

There was nothing up there but pillows.

Oh thank God. He slumped down and leaned his head against the bed, studiously
ignoring the way his cock started to soften at the lack of big, naked Kasan. Kasan
was gone again. Maybe he went to work in the mornings or something.

So where did that leave Max?

What am I supposed to do now? He looked down at himself and grimaced at the
mess he finally noticed covering his stomach from the night before. He wasnt really
sure which of the pretty bottles of liquid Kasan owned was the oily cleansing stuff,
but he sure as hell hadnt seen anything that looked like a bath. No way he was
getting dressed when he was this gross. And really no way he was walking around
naked all morning. Not when Kasan or anybody else could just walk right in.

Finally taking a chance on the oils, he figured out which was which from the smell.
It felt as good as it had the first time, and he was a bit embarrassed that he already
had a hard-on as he picked out a new loincloth and top. He was pretty damn proud
that he actually got them both on without any help, though.

It didnt last long enough to keep him from getting bored, sadly. Androcles wanted
out into the garden after only a few minutes of boredom, and when he disappeared
into the greenery, Max closed the door behind him. There might be more pink
porcupine blobs around, and he sure as hell wasnt letting them invade the room.
Androcles the small had taken one out; Androcles the Great-freaking-Dane would
have NO trouble defending himself.

Another few minutes and Max was eyeing the door that led to the hallway. What
was taking Kasan so long?

Unless maybe they were just waiting for him to come out? Kasan had come back
that first time after Max had stepped out, hadnt he? Maybe they needed to page
him for Max or something? Hed feel pretty stupid if that were the case, buthe
gulped. He could do it. It wouldnt hurt to try, right? Probably? They hadnt messed
with him yet, they were just so so freaking big.

Suck it up, Max. If youre not going to leave for a while, then you need to he
closed his eyes as he remembered the guards from before, towering over him. Y-
you n-need to face these guys.

He swallowed heavily, dragging his feet as he went towards the door. His heart was
beating painfully loud in his ears, thumping in his chest so hard that he felt like he
should be able to see it move the cloth of the little shirt covering it. He heard his
breath coming in harsh, quick pants and started holding his breath for a few seconds
each time he inhaled, trying to keep from hyperventilating yet again. God, he didnt
want to do this. He wanted to be home! Just home and in bed and listening to
airplanes flying overhead and making enough noise to rattle the windows.

And even so, slithering in between the fear and the freaking out was a tiny bit of
pleasure, because maybe these guards would go get Kasan for him. And if Kasan
came, maybe they woulddo things.

Youre such a damn nympho you should wear a sign, he growled at his cock,
feeling it rising up. Youre a a sex fast-food chain.

With one last sigh, he carefully opened the door and stared as the two large cats
standing there swiveled to look at him. He tried not to whimper in fear. His brain
couldnt keep that size in his head! How could they be that damn huge!?

He couldnt speak, staring at them, and it was oddly surreal when he finally realized
that they were staring at him as curiously as he was watching them. Not as scared,
that was for damned sure, butthey looked at him like theyd never seen anything
like him.

He cleared his throat, flushing as the bigger one of the pair smiled at him.

Uh. Wh-where K-Kasan?

They both smiled now. One of them crouched down to talk to him, a bit humiliating,
really. He felt like the man was treating him like a toddler.

Hes in the main vid room, little one. Well get him for you.

Well. That was a hell of a lot more words than he knew. He recognized one phrase,
especially one that Kasan seemed to say to him, little one, but that didnt help a
whole hell of a lot.

I Hell, how did he say it again? d-dont understand.

The big one crouching next to him talked way too fast for him to follow even if hed
understood, and the smaller one went over to a box embedded into the wall. When
he pressed a button and talked into it, Max was wondering if he was reading too
much into it, thinking it looked like an intercom. But when a voice spoke back out of
the speaker looking part, he gaped.

It made no sense. The guards wore freaking loincloths and carried spears, for gods
sake. How the hell could they have an intercom thingie and still have spears??

He wished something about this stupid planet made any sense at all, dammit!

Kasan come here soon, little one.

Max watched as the man pointed to where they were, and hope to god it meant
what he thought it did. Kasan was going to be here? He was coming? Kasan come
ere soon? he repeated.

They both nodded, smiling, and the one in front of him stood up, reaching over to
fuzz his head as he did. Max scowled and stepped back. He would give a hell of a lot
if they would stop freaking patting his head like a dog. He jumped as the door hed
come through suddenly closed with a soft click. He hadnt heard it sliding shut!

Staring at it, panic started to creep up on him. He was out in the hallway with just
these two big cats, and no Kasan, no Androcles, no room. He backed away, staring
up at them both as he moved until he could feel the door against his back. It wasnt
opening. And a look around him made him feel even more nervous. The freaking
hallway was ginormous. Maybe it felt good for freakishly large cats, but now he felt
even more like a midget! All he could think of was the last time hed been in a
hallway, running away from the blond cat whod tried to molest him in the bathroom.

Shhhhh. We wont hurt you. You dont have to be so nervous, little one.

He tried to stay calm. They werent making him go back in the room, werent
pointing him to go somewhere else.

Werent trying to molest the crap out of him.

Should he wait here, then? They seemed to expect it. Watching him, their bodies
relaxed when he didnt move past huddling near the closed door. Maybe they didnt
know what to make of him, either? He leaned back against the wall and tried to
pretend he was just waiting, simply a a tourist interested in looking around the
hallway. Listening, he worked hard to recognize anything familiar as they began to
talk to each other.

Hes so small, the smaller one said quietly, looking at him. Talking about me, he
thought. What the hells he saying?

Yeah. You couldnt quite see it as much when Leero had him all wrapped in that
cloak.

They both stared at him again and Max tried to look like he didnt care. He would
have given anything to know what they were actually saying, because the look in
their eyes was making him blush a little.

The smaller one spoke again. I think Im going to put some money in the pool.

For or against?

For. I bet Kasans tail can do something to a little thing as small as this. Isnt like a
tail would have to be that strong to penetrate an ass this tiny, is it? How about you?

Ten against penetration, fifteen for something sexual. I could see caresses, but
penetration? I dont think a tail would be that stiff. The big one looked at Max and
smiled in a way that made him squirm. He must be absolutely adorable when he
comes, dont you think? I can see why Kasan is so protective of him. What a cutie.

The other ones head tilted and stared at Max for a moment with those slanted,
alien eyes and this time he did squirm. Well, hes cute, but hes so skinny. He
doesnt have any muscles, and he seems rather nervous, doesnt he?

I think thats even cuter that way.

Eh, not me. Not my type at all. Id rather have something fully grown that you can
really hold onto, not someone Id have to worry about breaking all the time.
Something you can get a good grip on.

Good thing youve already got a nice, big mate then, eh?

They both smiled and chuckled a bit and Max smiled too, automatically, wondering if
it was a joke at his expense. Not that he minded, as long as it was something he
was being included in. He just felt soalone. He didnt know these two, didnt know
anyone here. Not really.

He didnt know anyone.

Feeling his eyes start to sting, he bit his lips to stop it. He wanted Kasan so badly
his entire body ached like an open wound.

He waited so long, listening to them talk back and forth, that his back grew frigid.
The stone behind him was seeping cold into his skin, and he knew hed start
shivering soon if he didnt move away. But he didnt want to get any closer to the
guards. He was getting ready to try and talk to them again, see if he could find out
more about Kasan, when the big cat finally came around the nearest corner.

Max blurted out his name the second he saw him, and Kasan grinned at him so
hugely he couldnt stop himself from smiling back. The cat opened his arms like he
was expecting a hug and Max took a few steps towards him before he caught himself.
He froze, his face burning, as the cats next to him chuckled again, obviously
commenting on his reaction. He bit his lip again.

What, a couple days of constant sex and he was ready to run into the aliens arms?
What the hell was wrong with him?

He looked as Kasan came towards him anyway, still smiling, if not as widely, and
the same melting sensation hit his middle that had snuck in the moment he saw him.
He was just sorelieved. He knew Kasan. As well as he knew anyone here, but he
felt safe from everything but sex with him, and even that didnt hurt. It was just
embarrassing as hell, and Kasan had stopped periodically, hadnt he? Except when
he seemed to think they had get it on or die. And when Max was asleep, the
molesting bastard. But

Kasan reached him and scooped Max up in a hug as he struggled.

Hey! Put me down! Therespeople are watching, Kasan! Jee-mmmmm He lost his
train of thought as Kasan kissed him. By the time he came back to himself, his legs
were wrapped around Kasans waist and he was holding onto the cats hair.

And the guards behind him were sniggering again. He thought he was going to die
of embarrassment. Pushing frantically at Kasans chest, he sighed in relief as the cat
let him down.

The caress over the edges of his ears that followed shouldnt have surprised him as
much as it did. It was kind of erotic. Gave him a shiver, at least. He tried to ignore it,
flushing anyway as Kasan looked him up and down. Kasan tilted his head and then
crouched down, fingering the cloth of his tunic.

Max do? He pointed to the loincloth and mimicked wrapping it. Max do?

This?

Kasan nodded.

Y-yes. I do.

Kasan smiled, hugged him again and made him feel like a freaking plushie, and put
him down to take his hand. Food, Max.

Oh thank god. Im Crap, what was the word? hungry!

They took two steps, or rather Kasan took two steps and Max took four, when one
of the guards called out. Kasan stopped, his ears going flat, and Max started
worrying. What the hell would make the big cat do that with his ears? That seemed
like an Im pissed kind of thing, and he didnt want to be the cause of anything like
that.

Kasan? Not happy? Angry?

Shhhh, Gisho. Im not angry. Kasan fuzzed his head and went back to the room.
Stay here, Max. Ill be right back.

Max stood where he pointed, watching the guards nervously, a bit relieved when
they didnt do anything but watch him back. He stared at what Kasan brought back.
Something wound up in his hand, red and velvety looking. The guards smiled at
Kasan, almost like they were teasing him, and he wondered exactly what it was by
the way Kasan growled back at them. What the hell?

Come, Max. Its time for Firstmeal.

Firstmeal, he knew that one. Like breakfast. He could do that. As long as they didnt
chase him around again. Trotting along side Kasan even though the cat was
obviously walking slowly, he watched the halls around him, trying not to feel
intimidated.










Fiction~~The Last Pure Human~~Ch. 17


The Last Pure Human
Chapter 17 - Service




Clasping Maxs smaller hand in his own, Kasan eyed his consort as they walked. He
could see pale thighs flashing from the sides of the tunic as Max tried to keep up,
and it was more than enough to catch Kasans interest, especially when a few beads
of sweat began to decorate Maxs skin. Kasan swallowed and glanced away. He
couldnt stop and lick Max clean at the moment, as much as he would love to.

And dear God but he would love to. With no more than a moments thought, he
could envision Max raving incoherently while Kasan laved the soft flesh between his
thighs. It was far too easy to imagine the salty taste of Maxs cock on his tongue,
the swells of his bottom when Kasan held them in his palms and pulled him close,
the sound of Maxs alien babbling when he was tics away from coming Kasan
turned a corner of the hall and stopped, panting.

He felt Maxs eyes drop down to where Kasans erection strained the fabric of his
loincloth. It was rather sweet how quickly the little one turned his face away, looking
frantically around the hallway as though trying to pretend Kasans groin didnt exist.
Not that he would have fooled anyone, not with his face as going as red as a berry.

Kasan crushed the collar in his hand to keep from reaching out for his consort
nearly impossible, these days. Dammit, he had to stop thinking like this, even if
Maxs lithe body did invade his senses every few minutes. They had to get to
Firstmeal. Kasan closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When that didnt help, he
relaxed his hand and rubbed his fingers together over the velvet collar and leash.
The strange fuzz combined with the cold metal clasp brought his body to heel
enough to start moving again.

It was only for one day, he reminded himself. Leero was going to be stuck in
Service for an entire month. One day really wasnt all that bad. Although Leero didnt
have five brothers waiting to pack in as much humiliation during his Service as they
possibly could.

Not that Leero would escape them, either, of course. Theyd happily torment the
both of them.

So, again, one day wasnt too bad, all things considered.

He glanced down at Max to see how he was doing. The color still filled his cheeks,
and Maxs hair fluttered in front of his face. The little man glared at it as he walked,
shoving it out of the way with his free hand. He looked so disgruntled that Kasan
smothered a smile. That expression was becoming almost as familiar as Maxs scent.
When Max growled under his breath as his bangs fell in his eyes again, Kasan
reached out to help. He paused when a murmur rumbled down the corridor: the
guards outside the dining rooms doors.

He'd mooned over Max so much that theyd arrived before hed even realized.

His ears lowered just enough to be noticeable, his hand dropped, and the murmur
grew louder. He saw Shoru, his cousin Warans consort, griping to the other guard;
Kasan grimaced. The mans sour frown was the only expression a person saw when
they met Shoru for the first time, and it didnt improve any on subsequent meetings.
Everyone would be glad when the heat no longer bound Waran and Shoru, and the
unpleasant bastard left and went back to his own people.

About to walk by the two guards, Kasan caught the disgusted look Shoru aimed at
Max. He growled low in his throat. If Shoru said one thing to upset Max, Kasan was
going to let out his claws until the man bled. He kept an eye on him, but other than
a sneering grunt, the man held his tongue. The other guard smiled at Max broadly
as though trying to offset Shorus rudeness.

It seemed to work; Max was smiling back, at least. Although with Shoru guarding
the Firstmeal doors today, Kasan didnt want to stay outside the doors and chat,
even if it might have won him a few more minutes of freedom before the meal. With
a heavy sigh, Kasan urged Max into the room, hoping they were early so he could be
done as quickly as possible and pick some obscure corner where he could at least
hope that not all his brothers could get to him at once.

He saw an appropriate table as soon as he walked in, just big enough for three. He
had one moment to enjoy the sight before he realized it was too late. Jolan and
Aosh were already waiting to ambush him on either side of the door. As soon as he
saw them, they smiled broadly, the bruises on their faces twisting to make the
expressions as much a brotherly promise of humiliation as a greeting.

How lovely to see you here at Firstmeal, Kasan. Jolan put his hand on Kasans arm
as he spoke.

And your shiny, new consort as well. Aoshs attempt to put his hand on Kasans
consort ended as Max shifted to the side. Max stumbled slightly, his body bumping
up against Kasan, and the little one clutched at him to keep from falling. Kasan
used the opportunity to wrap his arm around Maxs shoulders. His claws flickered
out in warning and Aosh took a quick step back.

Im sure you dont want to keep us waiting. We saved you a place, Jolan said,
tugging at his arm. Kasans ears went flat as he saw the rest of his siblings and
their consorts at the nearest, and largest, table. He would have yanked free, except
he noticed Tisu watching from his cushion at the table.

His brothers would have no scruples about forcing him to join them.

Glancing at Max, whose body was tense as he watched them all carefully, Kasan
didnt protest. Max had been through enough the past day; he and his high-strung
nerves didnt need to witness another brawl. Kasan wasnt letting anything upset
Max today.

Kasan smiled, willing it to look normal and hoping his ears wouldnt give him away.
Max wasnt completely fooled; he still leaned against Kasan as though he were
seeking comfort.

Come along now, Kasan, Jolan said. I would hate for you to have to go through
your Service alone, after all.

I would rather slide down the mountain on my face than have breakfast with you
this morning, Jolan, Kasan said in a friendly sounding drawl.

I bet you would. How disappointing that youll have to avoid such an improvement
to your looks and spend the rest of the day with us, instead.

Only if Max wants to. Im in Service to him today, not to the rest of you.

Jolan and Aosh both stared at Max Kasan thought that if the man had furred ears,
they would have instantly wilted with nerves and then they glanced at each other
with another smile.

I bet we can persuade him to give you to us for a little while, Aosh said. He licked
his lips. I can be very persuasive.

If you try and persuade Max with anything other than a polite question, I will tie a
knot in your cock, Kasan said softly. He tried to keep it light, but Max tensed
anyway. It might be due to the fact that Kasans tail accidentally hit the little one in
the back as it twitched violently.

Kasan, I wouldnt-

Aosh, stop bothering Kasan, Zonta called out.

Aosh grumbled under his breath but left them both to return to the table. It would
have been nice if Jolan did the same, but he refused to relinquish his grip until Kasan
was standing at the table.

Kasan made sure he sat down with Max kneeling between himself and Zonta; his
youngest brother would help him relax, if he could protect the little ones other side.
And it didnt hurt that Kasan had taken Jolans seat before his brother sat down, so
Jolan had to move to another side of the table with Ko.

Kasan took what pleasure he could in the small irritation. Hed better; he didnt
have much time before he wouldnt be able to do a damn thing to them.

Not that it would distract him from what was really important.

With a smile, Kasan looked down at Max. Max, are you good? Max nodded just as
Kasan patted Maxs thigh below the tunic. The soft, curling hairs on his consorts leg
brushed against his fingertips. Nice, but not as attractive as the suddenly straining
loincloth or Maxs pink face. Kasan couldnt stop a grin. He would never get tired of
how quickly the man reacted. Mmmm, Max not good, Max happy.

Max is not happy. Max is hungry. Maxs attempts at looking offended failed
miserably as Kasan slipped his hand up higher and the tips of his fingers brushed
over the cloth covering Maxs groin. His consorts hips jerked and Max inhaled so
quickly that he started to choke. He was the focus of every eye at the table by the
time he recovered.

Max sunk low into the cushions when he realized how many people were watching,
his face scarlet.

With a soothing purr, Kasan curled his tail around Maxs waist, smoothing the fabric
of his tunic with delicate strokes. Poor little thing. Maxs flush spread, disappearing
into his neckline as the tip of Kasans tail brushed over his stomach. His scent grew
just aroused enough to detect. Kasans tail paused and then the tip began twirling
lower. If Max were interested enough, he might be willing to order Kasan back to
the bedroom. And after that-

Kasan, Jolan said from across the table. Kasan deliberately stiffened his ears as
he looked up at him, his tail clamping tight around Max. If he were lucky, Jolan
would be worried enough about what that meant that he might leave entirely. The
dishes are arriving.

Hmm. He pretended not to look; Max was far more interesting to watch than
bright bits of pottery placed on the table. And Kasan would much rather focus on his
consort than on what the newly arrived food represented.

Tisu leaned over the table, grinning widely. Firstmeal has officially started. Time
to Serve, big brother.

To add to the humiliation of the moment, Kasans face heated visibly, he was sure,
based on his brothers reactions. He gained a few seconds as he looked around as
though to make sure they werent making it up. It was a small insult, but anything
he could use today without actively going against his Service was something he was
grabbing with both hands. A few of the farther tables had dishes covering them with
color and steam; his cousins working in the kitchens today had already gone back
for more.

Jolan cleared his throat loudly and Kasan spared him a glare before he looked at the
red collar and leash hed piled on the table in a pyramid of velvet. He reached out
and nudged it with his fingers, then nearly jumped when a small hand reached out
and did the same.

What on top? Max stared at the bright velvety ribbon with a fascination that was
entirely different from Kasans.

Whats on the table? Thats a Service collar, Gisho.

Max glanced up and then back at it. Service collar.

Or a Fuck-me collar, Tisu said.

Aosh wasnt the only one to laugh as Max tried to repeat Tisus words as well.

Why do they call it a fuck-me collar, anyway? Roto asked. Its not as though you
can force someone to actually have sex when theyre in Service. Tisu flushed a little
and cleared his throat. It was gratifying that the man was paying for being an ass.


Its because Kasan has to bend over whenever we ask him- Aosh grunted mid-
sentence. Kasan looked over in time to see a narrow-eyed Zonta move his elbow
away from his brothers stomach.

Dont even start in on him, Aosh, Zonta said with a sharper tone than Kasan
usually heard. I know you were up to something this morning.

Aosh stiffened as Zonta stared at him. His brother was practically sweating at the
look in Zontas eyes. It was too bad that Jolan interrupted; seeing Aosh intimidated
by his twin was always enjoyable.

Oh, Kasan? Collar, still on the table. The elders will make you wish you could crawl
back into mothers womb if you dont get it taken care of.

Zontas eyes let go of Aosh and glanced over. Kasan didnt want to acknowledge
either the worried look or the obnoxious comment, but Jolan was right. Not putting
on his Service collar at the proper time would be cutting his own throat. He didnt
need to find himself in worse trouble than he already was.

That was even more of a concern after this mornings battle in the communications
room, if anyone found out about it.

Kasan grimaced and picked up the collar, the soft fabric tangling on Maxs fingers.
Zonta smiled at Max as the man mumbled to himself while he tried to unwrap them.
Yanking every time there was the smallest bit of slack, Max ended up with a bigger
tangle than ever before Kasan managed to free him.

Kasan wondered if the poor man was going to ever get rid of that flush this morning.

He lifted the thick ribbon off the table and paused. Breathing deeply, Kasan rubbed
a hand over the smooth skin of his throat. He was glad hed been in such a hurry
this morning to get to the vid room that hed never put on his torque. With a low
growl he couldnt stop, he fastened the heavy velvet collar around his neck with a
small click as the clasp hooked onto the other side.

The thinner band of velvet that made up the leash hung down, tickling his chest. It
was an unpleasant sensation that hed managed to avoid aside from a few rare
occasions, but the merest brush of it against his skin had his ears down flat enough
to disappear into his hair.

God, he hated Service. Jolan started chatting with his consort as though nothing
momentous had just happened, a deliberate pause, Kasan knew, because the man
lived to be a pain in the ass at times like this. Kasan growled again, repressing it as
he wasnt allowed to lash out at anyone for the rest of the day, now, and he looked
down to avoid seeing at any of his brothers.

His gaze collided with Maxs. Max stared up at him, his eyes nervous while he
chewed on his lower lip in that endearing way he had. His eyes flipped from the
collar to Kasans face and the furrow between his brows deepened. Kasan could
nearly see the wheels in his consorts mind turning as he tried to figure out what was
going on. The little ones eyes went rapidly through all the people at the table,
trying to gauge their reactions, and came back to his looking just as confused.

Kasan didnt think that handing the end of the leash to Max would calm him any,
but Kasan had an obligation. Taking Maxs hand in his own, Kasan placed the leash
in it, the stark red reminding him of the bloody wounds hed want to make on Jolan
and Tisu probably Aosh too by the end of the day. He closed Maxs fingers over
the lead and then released his hands.

Max looked down at the leash in his hand and dropped it back onto the table like a
live wire.

I dont even want to know what game this is, Kasan, but you can count me out.
Im not playing some cat S & M thing! Or pet kitty. Or Maxs eyes stared at the
collar and ran down Kasans chest, following the lead. Damn. You look like you
should be on Playgirl or something, Max muttered, and Kasan could see his throat
work as he swallowed heavily. His pupils widened and the scent of arousal jumped
up a notch.

Kasan picked up the end of the leash again and put it back into Maxs hand. Max,
hold this. Please.

Max look at him and would have dropped it again if Kasan hadnt kept his fingers
wrapped around Maxs to keep them closed. The little man started babbling again
and Kasan couldnt think of a damn thing to help him.

Why is he so upset holding the leash? Kasan wondered out loud.

Why else? Because everything upsets him, Aosh remarked off-handedly, popping
a bit of fruit into his mouth.

Thats unfair, Aosh, Zonta said, defending Max where Kasan couldnt. Just think
how youd feel if you were the only one of your kind in an entire planet.

I doubt Id flatten my ears as often as he does. Aosh looked at Max, tilting his
head before he shook it and smiled. Although I dont think Id look as cute doing it
as he does, either. Maybe Id do it more often if I could pull off frantic and sexy
half so well.

You are impossible when you get like this, you know that? You act as though Max
is doing it on purpose. Zontas face was becoming flushed as he glared at his
brother. Hes scared. How else is he going to act? And besides, for all we know,
leashes could have some negative connotation where hes from.

Aosh nodded, placating. You could be right. I imagine Max has probably worn a lot
of collars in his time plays off that delicacy of his nicely, I would think. Aosh
grinned teasingly in response to Zontas renewed glare.

Jolan spoke before he could say anything, however. Actually, I can see what you
mean. He would look sexy with a little collar and a leash. Kasans pet human, ready
to service him whenever he needed. Jolan and a few of the others grinned.

Kasan wanted to growl at them, but he was too focused on the image Max kneeling
naked on the bed with only a red velvet band around his throat, the leash of it
resting in Kasans hand. God. He had never so desperately wanted his heat to spike
so that he could head back to their room.

Jolans consort, Ko, interrupted the fantasy. I dont think Max is the only one whod
look sexy in a collar. Ko stared straight at Jolan. Jolans eyes widened and color
crept up his neck.

Yes, wellthats not Licking his lips nervously, Jolan looked around a bit
desperately.

Kasan thought Ko might very well be looking for some velvet ribbons later today,
knowing him. It almost made Service worthwhile, just to know his oldest brother
was going to be paying for it. Although the fact that Jolan would climax at the end
of his play took some of the fun out of it, but not much.

There was a moment of quiet as Ko smiled wickedly at his mate.

Maybe Max simply doesnt know what to do with the leash, Zonta said slowly.
Kasan wondered if his youngest brother had even really heard what Jolan and Ko
had been saying or if hed been thinking about Max since hed reprimanded Aosh.

Aoshs ears perked up as soon as he heard Zonta. Kasan wished terribly that he
could respond to whatever was coming.

Max?

Max turned his head to look at Aosh suspiciously while his hand clamped down on
the lead of its own volition. His body leaned back into Kasans until their legs
touched.

Aosh smiled. Are you wondering about the collar and leash, little one? I can tell
you all about it. Kasan has been a bad, bad boy, and he needs to be punished for
it.

A spanking would be good, Ko said with a smirk, and Aosh snickered. Kasan took
back any good thoughts hed had on Kos perverted behavior.

Max looked at them both with that strange combination of blank staring and focused
attention that Kasan was beginning to figure out meant he was listening, but really
didnt have much idea what they were saying. Ko directed his next words to Zonta.
We should really put Kasan needs a good spanking on the short list of words Max
needs to learn right away.

Ko! Zontas cheeks flared.

Kasan heard Aosh mumble to Zonta under the volume of Kos laughter, How
someone who masturbates as much as you do can still blush Zonta must have
heard as well because he glared at him again and his older twin turned a bit
frantically to talk to Max as though he hadnt said a word.

Instead of a spanking, you could make Kasan carry you around all day like a little.

Actually, it might be fun to carry his consort around, feel the supple strength of his
body within Kasans hands. Maybe

Nolluz spoke up in a peevish voice. My research quarters need a thorough cleaning.
If you let me borrow Kasan for a few hours, he could do that.

Or you could make him clean the piss rooms of the entire wing," Tisu said. "That
always does a good job making Service hit home.

Kasan clenched his jaw, not allowed to say a word as the suggestions for his Service
grew filthier and more disgusting as they ran around the table. Roto was the only
exception, wondering how well Kasan might be able to plant some flowers, but that
was met with such laughter that Roto gave up.

Kasan tried to remain unmoved, especially as Max glanced at him after each
comment by one of his brothers or their consorts. As hard as he tried, though,
Kasans ears wouldnt do anything but flatten, and the fur on his tail bristled where it
encircled Maxs waist. Max pressed closer, the entire side of his body flush against
Kasan, his hands clutching the leash tightly. When even that didnt seem to help and
Maxs scent began to change, Kasan got set to blast them all for making his consort
frightened, whether or not it would extend his Service.

Zonta beat him to it. Max seems really upset, Jolan. We should stop.

Jolan took a look at Max and sighed as he saw how Max huddled against Kasan.
We can wait until Max is a little bit more acclimated to Kasan in a collar. He
grinned at a silent Kasan with sharp teeth. Like maybe at an hour. We wouldnt
want you to be too bored today.

Kasan glared at him. Quivering, Max watched everyones reactions nervously.
Kasan reached up a hand to brush gently over his hair. He smiled when it wasnt
moved away.

A small issue, maybe, but even those were important. The steps that mattered
toward a joining were often the smallest thats what they always said, anyway.

His brothers began talking amongst themselves normally again while Kasan
continued to stroke Maxs hair. Ko dragged Jolan over to go try a new dish two
tables over. When Max finally began to relax, rubbing the velvet leash between his
fingers rather than crushing it, Zonta started talking to Kasan again.

Hes much calmer today, isnt he? Zonta asked quietly.

Yeah. Kasan wondered how quickly he could make the little one lose that calm if
he started licking him again.

Wore him out last night, eh? Aosh asked

Kasan winced. It figured Aosh would have caught that. It was nice that Max was
feeling safe enough for the moment that he didnt tense as Aosh spoke, however.
The little ones eyes went to the food as the servers added more dishes to the table.

Zonta chewed on bundle of steamed leaves. I know Aosh is teasing, but you might
want to be careful about that. I couldnt find any records on human sexual habits,
and none of the archivists knew of any. Im not certain how much his body can take.
If hes so exhausted that he isnt reacting normally any more...

Its not fatigue. At least, I dont believe so. We came to an understanding. I
managed to explain a few things last night that helped.

Do tell. Aosh smiled broadly when Kasan glanced at him across the table. And I
mean that literally. Do tell.

It wasnt personal enough for Kasan to have the right to refuse, although it was
definitely skirting the edges. Aosh was too slick to screw up in that regard.

Kasan repressed an irritated snarl something he knew hed be doing most of the
day. Max knows about the nanites now. It made it easier for him when the heat
spiked last night.

Nolluz cleared his throat next to Aosh, shaking his head sadly as though Kasan were
the most deluded fool hed ever met. You managed to inform your consort of the
existence of our nanites and the Kouloc, where neither Zonta nor I would know the
proper terms? I highly doubt it.

Kasan grit his teeth. No snapping, no angry words, he reminded himselfand his
claws. He swallowed down the anger and coiled it in a hard ball in his belly.

He could hold back now. As long as he used his anger and funneled it into thinking
of what he was going to do to Nolluz after Service had ended. After all, retaliatory
pranks were acceptableas long as he didnt get caught.

I used one of the hand comps and drew him a picture. It wasnt that difficult to get
my point across. Kasan was proud there was only a hint of irritation in his voice.

Aosh choked on his water, spewing it over the table. Nolluz started coughing on his
own food while Neera and Zonta bit their lips. Tisu started laughing heavily. Roto
tried to smile but it ended in a nervous little giggle.

Aosh was the first to start speaking. You drew him a picture? Im not surprised
hes calmer today, then. He probably thinks no one else is here, now that hes been
blinded by your artistic talent.

What talent? Kasan doesnt have any artistic talents. Hes got an artistic curse.
Jolan said, stepping back up to the table with Ko. Kasan should have know he
couldnt stay away too long.

Kasan reached for his food and tried to ignore them. It was the only thing he could
do, after all.

Thats not fair, Zonta said quietly, his lips twitching. Kasans art isnt thatbad.
He choked on the last word and Aosh pointed at him triumphantly.

Ha! Even you cant say that with a straight face! The last time he drew a picture
of father it looked like a bilious lizard attempting to molest himself with a plate of
sausages.

That was a long time ago, Zonta countered.

It was last year.

Ill admit, Im still scarred from the memory, Jolan added, seating himself near
Kasan again. I cant see sausages without shuddering. He looked at the plate near
him and pushed it away with an ostentatious grimace.

Kasan rolled his eyes; his art wasnt that bad. It simply wasnt all that good. That
didnt mean he couldnt inform with his drawing, if the need arose. Irritated, he tried
to change the subject. Even in Service, he still had some things he needed to get
done.

Zonta? Do you think you could help teach Max some more Hinta today?

Zontas ears popped up as his eyes brightened. Of course. I dont think there
would be any trouble with pausing on my studies for a day to help out the little one.

Nolluz straightened in his seat, his lips pursing. You havent even asked. You
shouldnt presume that simply because you think it will be fine that I will allow you
to skip your studi ow!

His consort, Neera, smiled at him and pulled back her elbow. You go ahead and
help Max. Nolluz can work on his own today. Kasans consort seems to trust you, so
I think that would be a fine idea. Dont you, dear?

Nolluz stared once into the bright smile and hard eyes of his consort and nodded
after only a moments pause. Of course. That would be lovely.

The topic changed to more serious items after a few more small comments:
Shovaks crimes, how the family was taking it, whether the news packets had
contained anything of interest. Kasan and most of his brothers went silent on the
latter when one of their uncles at another table wondered about the technical
difficulty that had delayed the news.

And then Kasan lost track of the conversation as he realized Max wasnt eating.
After taking a few nibbles himself to show it was good to eat, he handed Max a small
violet petal in oil. The man pushed it away, and then refused the small sausage he
was offered next, and even a leaf and berry dish.

Max finally glared at Kasan and mumbled under his breath, NO sex food, Kasan!

Kasan was glad hed swallowed his own leaves or he would have choked as he
realized what Max was worried about. No, no sex food, Max. Good food.

Max took a bit of coaxing, including Kasan popping a small fried blossom into his
mouth, before he started going after the dishes voluntarily. When nothing happened
to his body after a few bites, Max began eating steadily with his small hands flitting
from dish to dish.

As amusing as watching him was, though, Kasan felt like he was waiting for the
next hailstone to fall. There was a subtle tension building at the table. Combine that
with the fact that his brothers werent done teasing him and it didnt bode well for
his peace of mind.

He knew he wouldnt have been done teasing them if theyd been in Service. They
werent going to be any easier on him, that was for sure.

Especially not Aosh. It wasnt often that his younger brother was able to tease him
without fear of retaliation. And something about Aoshs tone of voice, or maybe the
quivering of his ears, drew Kasans attention. He was only talking about Rotos last
visit to family in one of the outlying areas, but still. This was Aosh. One should
usually be ready for about anything, with Jolan and Aosh involved.

Tisu mentioned you saw Akam this time, Aosh said around a mouth of food.

There. Wasnt Aoshs voice a little louder than normal?

Roto nodded absently, taking a drink before he answered. When he was visiting
Uncle Rilan before the hunt.

Aosh smiled slyly; it was enough to send tension slithering over Kasans skin. Did I
hear right that you saw all of him.

Roto giggled once before covering his mouth and nodding. He spiked while we
were there, and they forgot to lock the patio door. Roto flushed and giggled again.
Akams a lot more flexible than I thought.

Aoshs eyes slid to Kasan for the briefest moment before he continued talking.

Sois it true, then?

Roto looked at him blankly, taking another sip of his water. Is what true?

You know what. Aoshs voice was leading.

Tisu pulled Roto against his side. Aosh, dont mess with Roto.

Im not. Im just curious if Roto noticed Akams size, thats all.

Roto perked up, his face brightening. He leaned forward, barely noticing as Tisu
sighed in resignation and let go of his shoulders. Yes! Oh my God, you should
have seen! Hes almost twice as big as he was when he used to live here!

Zontas ears quivered. He didnt look like hed gained weight the last time I saw
him.

Roto giggled again and Aosh snerked. Not weight, brother, Aosh said softly.
Length. Maybe girth, too, although youd have to ask Roto.

Zonta looked at him blankly and Roto blushed. Jolan laughed softly as he met
Aoshs eyes.

He means his dick size, Zonta, Jolan said.

His member grew?

Why so surprised? Aosh smiled at Zonta, taking his moment of superiority while
he still could.

Zonta spluttered before he glared t his twin. Were talking about a mans penis
they dont simply increase in size!

Aosh shifted, and Kasan realized hed found a way to strut without leaving his seat.
Can it be that there is something my beloved genius twin doesnt know?

Zontas ears lowered and his eyes narrowed. Of course there is. Im not
omniscient.

But surely youve heard the rumors? Choosing your consort wisely and all that?

Zonta glanced between him and Roto, his ears twitching thoughtfully, before he
finally shrugged.

Aosh sniggered again. Nanites, dear. Youve seen the size of Akams consort
havent you? The man is almost as big as Tisu, and Akam barely Rotos size. Poor
cousin probably didnt have the surface area on his dick for enough nanites to get
across the skin to his consort when he was pounding away, Aosh leaned closer, his
tongue curling around the words like a sweet candy, so his cock grew to
compensate for the size difference.

Zonta stared at him, his cheeks flushed even while he swallowed. I-I suppose its
p-possible, but that type of size change seems a bitextreme, compared to some of
other changes nanites have made that were aware of.

Roto gestured excitedly across the table. No, I saw it! Akam is HUGE now! I had a
really good Roto paused and giggled one last time. A really good angle, if you
know what I mean? Akams dick is amazing!

Aosh nodded smugly. Youre always going on about how much the nanites do to
make the bond work, Zonta. Stretching the muscles, dealing with infertility issues,
correcting erectile dysfunctionit shouldnt be that much of a surprise. Although it
does beg the question, doesnt it? Aosh smiled and turned to Kasan.

Aw shit, Kasan thought, here it comes. He knew it was going to be something.

Since we know nanites adjust mates to match their consorts - just how small is
your dick now, Kasan?

Kasan growled in place of putting his head in his hands, and he closed his eyes as
Aoshs teasing set off another round by his brothers. Max didnt seem to be paying
as much attention now that he was eating, at least. This time, though, Zonta didnt
have a prayer of stopping it. They were all on a roll.

Kasan wrapped his tail tighter around Maxs waist, flattened his ears to block as
much of the sound as he could, and concentrated on eating.

It went on long enough that Kasan wondered if they might make it through the
meal with nothing more than teasing a good thing considering the beginning of the
day when there was an irritated clearing of a throat.

Leero stood behind him, the mans cheeks as flushed as Kasans as he stood with
his collar on and the leash looped intricately down his chest before weaving back into
the clasp. Leero had such dark shadows under his eyes that they seemed to glow in
contrast the man looked like he hadnt slept in days.

The Lord King asked me to come fetch you, Kasan, he murmured quietly.

Leero might as well have shouted; everyone was sitting in silence as they watched
the both of them with rabid curiosity.

Leero lowered his voice even further. His ears were stiff as he stared over their
heads rather than meet anyones eyes. You need to introduce Max to the elders
now.

Kasan stood before his brothers could interrupt and scooped Max as he rose. Max
yelled out, dropping the handful of roasted vegetables hed been holding. It was
unfortunate, and a bit rude to leave the mess for those who had kitchen duty today,
but the faster Kasan got away from his brothers, the better off hed be. Hed have to
make it up to the servers later. He turned while Max jabbered at him irritably,
shoving at his arm and his chest.

Ill let you down soon, Gisho. Kasan kept his voice down as he took a step away
from the table. He winced in sympathy as he heard Jolan speaking to Leero behind
him.

Im surprised you and father showed up today. Jolans voice wasnt raised
exceptionally high, but it was still clear enough to hear from a table or two away.

Its Firstmeal. Kasan could practically hear Leero rolling his eyes as he readied
himself for whatever Jolan had planned.

That doesnt mean anything. Theres been plenty of times father missed Firstmeal,
or sent someone to grab him a bite or two. And I would have thought youd still be
attending to your duties. In the bedroom. Or didnt father have any Services for you
to perform last night?

Kasan stopped dead and had to turn back to look. Smiling wickedly, Jolan had
leaned forward into Leeros space, and Kasan could see his friends profile as the
man flushed as red as the velvet collar around his neck.

He knew nothing had happened he couldnt imagine his father demanding
anything even if it were allowed but that didnt mean there werent decades worth
of jokes about sex and Service. Kasan was surprised that Leero reacted so strongly
to it.

Youre awfully red, Ko said, pressed against Jolan. They both leaned forward a
little more. Anything interesting happen that you should be telling us about?

Nothing happened, Leero ground out.

Oh? Jolan looked him over and finally leaned back out of Leeros space. Kasan
saw Kos hand trail over his mates chest and they exchanged a glance. Kasan had
to turn away. He couldnt help feeling relieved that the man about to be ribbed so
thoroughly was Leero instead of himself.

Youre very brave to fess up, Ko said, just loud enough that Kasan could still hear.
Most men dont like to admit when nothing happens. Have you had this problem for
very long?

Jolan took up the gauntlet before Leero could respond at all. It would explain a lot,
wouldnt it? Kasan could just imagine them nodding sagely at each other. Grumpy
all the time, shoving all that energy into training rather than other pursuits. All this
time, and we never knew. How brave, to suffer in silence for so long. You must be
looking forward to when the heat hits and your nanites will correct that little
problem.

Are you done? Leeros voice was strained. Kasan knew the feeling.

Not by a long shot, Jolan said happily, his voice nearly bubbling. I am going to
enjoy your Service to the fullest, just possibly not as much as father will. But for
nowId really like to have some Chera root added to my drink, Leero. Why dont
you go and fetch some for me in the kitchens?

Kasan could imagine Jolans wide grin as easily as Leeros flattened ears. Unless his
father had told him to return immediately, Leero was stuck catering to whatever shit
those idiots came up with until he was called back. And it looked like they were in a
mood to play, now that theyd been denied Kasan.

Poor bastard, he murmured. Max was quiet now, staring up at him. He pulled on
the leash, soft as a butterfly testing a webs thread. His eyebrows were drawn
together in the middle as he searched Kasans face, and Kasan smiled slowly and
hugged him closer. Its all right. Max and Kasan safe. Meet family.

As positive as he made it sound to Max, it was still a trial to make it across the
room. It felt as though everyone in the family made a comment as he passed.
Kasan was grateful hed been summoned and had a reason to deny their thinly
veiled commands to join them at the cushions and pillows.

Although maybe that would have been better, he thought, looking into the eyes of
the elders as he neared their table. The two matriarchs were seated side-by-side and
staring at him with cold glares that made an icy sweat break out over his skin.
Fathers three uncles, and Father himself, were seated by them. While they looked a
bit more amused, they were not amused enough to make Kasan feel the least bit
comfortable.

You wished to meet my consort? he asked as he approached them. He knelt on a
free cushion, settling Max on his lap, a comforting armor against their attentions.

Not that it could keep him safe if theyd heard about the main-vid room.

Aunt Nerin raised one eyebrow and glanced at her sister before growling faintly. It
was enough to have Kasan wishing he was stuck doing work on the dung heaps. It
would be less painful to his senses than if the elders decided to have it out with him.

Nerins sister placed a parchment-skinned hand on her older siblings arm and
nodded to Max, who was frozen in Kasans lap as he stared at them. The little one
will not understand our irritation.

She smiled at his consort. Max, I am Asha. I am pleased to meet you, consort of
my nephews most difficult son.

Max relaxed by a hair at the familiar words. Pleased to meet you, Asha, he said
softly, testing his memory of the words.

And this is Nerin.

Pleased to meet you, Nerin said, her voice barely making it past a growl.

Pleased to meet you, Nerin, Max said faintly. He gripped Kasans leash with white
knuckles, rubbing the ribbon between his fingers and coincidentally moving upward,
drawing Kasans head down if he cared to let it move.

Kasan had to smile as he let himself be drawn down until he was curled almost
entirely over Max. His consort blinked in surprise as Kasan blocked his sight of the
rest of the table, and Kasan couldnt help kissing him once on the tip of his blunt
little nose. Max squirmed, staring at the upside down face of Kasan, and then he
kissed Kasans forehead bird-quick as his eyes slid to the side as though he couldnt
quite look at what he was kissing.

Then he flushed and released the ribbon. His hands fidgeted in his lap. Seeing Aunt
Asha soften as she watched Max, Kasan knew he was going to be spared the worst
of it. Aunt Nerin would probably find Max irritating anything soft tended to offend
her sense of how the world should be. But Aunt Asha would put a damper on any
fury that got out of hand, as long as she wasnt too irritated herself.

Which meant his consort was even saving him from getting his tailed chewed by the
elders. Kasan would have to reward him tonight with something special.

Max hungry. Food? Max looked up at him to get a positive nod. Kasan wished he
could figure out what was going on in the little ones head, he thought, handing him
some marinated leaves he thought Max might enjoy.

Kyoru stayed Kasans hand before he could get some for himself. If Max agrees
and Im sure he will well need to talk after the meal, Kasan. About this morning
and our curious lack of a news packet.

The fur on Kasans tail stood on end. Oh damn.

Kyoru nodded to Max. Im sure that you dont want your little one worried with
this. Why dont you start off his day with Zonta right after first meal. You can find a
way to explain the situation properly so that hell agree to loan your Service to us,
cant you? Theres a lot for you to do today. A lot.

Kasan flinched as the elders smiled at him almost cruelly. They knew. He should
have known theyd find out.

I believe you should start with doing a complete inventory of the citadels military
supply warehouse that holds our computer equipment, Aunt Nerin said.

Kasan swallowed heavily. That would take him days, not simply todays Service,
and he couldnt say a damn word about it. Aunt Nerin smiled at him with the
sweetness of a sour grape as she saw him nearly biting his tongue not to say
anything. Then her eyes slid over to the table where his brothers sat laughing over
Leero, blissfully ignorant. I believe youll have four young men joining in to help
you, along with the entire morning staff of the main-vid room, so it shouldnt take
more than a day.

She turned her glare back to him. It will not take more than a day. Understand?


Yes, Aunt Nerin. Maxs bottom shifted on Kasans lap and reminded Kasan that
once again, he was unlikely to get to touch his consort without the heat driving him.
It was becoming ridiculous. How much was it going to take for him to simply make
love to Max without something forcing it on both of them?

Aunt Nerin stared at him as though trying to find some fault with his answer. She
grunted when he kept his eyes on Max and didnt say another word. Aunt Asha
continued the speech.

Zonta will do well enough with your consort, Kasan. Hes always been a
responsible young man and hes gentle enough that he wont scare the little one.

Like thats an issue? The human needs to toughen up or hell be jumping at
shadows for the rest of his life, Aunt Nerin growled. Asha tsked at her.

Give him time, Nerin. She turned back to Kasan. Youll walk Max to Zontas room,
settle him in, and then report to the computer warehouse as quickly as possible after
Firstmeal. And then well see what else we think may need to be done, once we get
the second packet tonight and determine the importance of what was missed. Her
smile was soft, but it carried more threat than Aunt Nerins

Kasans shoulders hunched along with his ears. Yes, Aunt Asha.

Max looked nervous again, nibbling on the leaves and pouring himself a large cup of
water from one of the bundle of clean cups in the middle. He glanced up at Kasan
and whispered as Kyoru spoke to his aunts about his brothers.

Kasan safe?

The warmth that spread across Kasans gut surprised him in its intensity. Kasan
and Max safe, he murmured back, running his hand over Maxs head and down his
bare arm. Popping another blossom into Maxs mouth, he enjoyed the way the man
grumbled over it. Officially, he could have been reprimanded for doing something
like that, unasked, while in Service, but Max didnt know any better. And he was the
one who would have to take him to task.

Leero finally showed up, his hair dampened against his forehead from the heat of
the kitchens, and Kasan shared a sympathetic glance with him. The Lord King
detached the leashs end from the clasp and put it back in his hand absently as Leero
knelt next to him. Kasan wasnt surprised to see Leero flushing from the gesture.
More color spread down his neck as Kyoru ordered him to eat something.

Even the elders have noticed how often you and Kasan miss Firstmeal when you
start to work on a project. Its not healthy. Eat. Kyoru pointed to a dark, sweet
smelling sausage again as Leero hesitated. Kasan wondered how many of the guards
would have paid to see their superiors ears droop like that.

Leero picked it up and chewed it with painful slowness. He never had liked eating
his meat. Thank god Max didnt

Kasan eatthat, Max suddenly said. Kasan looked down at him, staring as he saw
Max looking from him to Kyoru and Leero. Max looked up at him again, his hand
tight on the leash, his voice a little more hesitant as he pointed to a floral dish that
Kasan wasnt all that fond of during the normal course of things. Kasaneat?

The elders beamed in approval. Kyoru chuckled. Learns fast, just like you said.
Youd better get to it, son. Hes in charge today.

Kasan reached over and popped the unappetizing food into his mouth, trying to
swallow before his tongue could taste it. Max was watching him intently.

This might be a very long meal.



Firstmeal had ended, the hallways finally cleared of people, when the guard Shoru
turned to the man watching the door with him.

My heats spiking. Ive gotta go.

The other guards brown eyes narrowed, his ears flicking irritably. You said that
yesterday. And the day before that, too.

So Im as virile as a damn throwback. What the fuck do you care?

I care because you always seem to go into heat half-way through shift. This is
bullshit.

You saying Im a liar?

The other guard stared at him and gripped his spear tightly as he turned to face him
completely. Im saying that if this happens again tomorrow, Im reporting it.

Yeah, go ahead and do that. See if I give a fuck. Shoru turned and left, stomping
down the hallway as the man behind him started a request through the summoning
box for someone to replace Shoru. Stopping at his quarters, Shoru sneered at his
mate as the man opened the door.

You left it long enough. The other mans voice was tight.

Fuck you. Im here, arent I?

Neither of them said another word as they headed to the bed, disrobing as they
went. The sex was silent, perfunctory, and quick. Shoru didnt move as his mate
pushed off the bed the moment they were done and began cleaning his skin as
though hed been contaminated.

Lying on his back with flattened ears, sweat drying on his thighs, Shoru pretended
to be asleep as he watched his mate pull out new clothes. The man dressed down in
a pair of breeks and a collarless shirt with short sleeves. He tied a small bundle that
jingled with coins to the inside of his shirt and left the room with almost as much
speed as theyd had sex.

Shoru was up off the bed and dressing as quickly as he could the moment the door
close.

Think youre so damn smart, you smarmy bastard, he growled to himself. See
what youve been up to and then well see who everyone thinks is an asshole.

Shoru slipped silently out the door and sprinted down the hallway. He peered
around the corner in time to see his mate disappearing down another corridor.
Keeping pace, Shoru followed his mate out of the citadel and into the city
surrounding it, through the residences, then all the way past the merchant sector.
When the man started looking at bars in the pleasure quarter, Shoru smiled nastily
as he whispered to himself.

Knew you were a freaking deviant. See what that high-and-mighty family of yours
thinks when they find out what youre doing, huh?

Shorus mate finally walked into a small bar, the building squashed between two
inns instead of the alley that should have been there. Shoru stepped in a minute
after him, just in time to see him heading to the back of the building, through a
hallway labeled privacy.

Pervert. What the hell are you doing? Shoru muttered. He walked through the bar,
ignoring the bartenders eyes following him, and crept quietly into the small hallway.
There was a row of three rooms, each just big enough for a stool and a small screen,
separated from the hall by privacy curtains. Only one of them had the curtain pulled
closed. Glancing around, Shoru let his claws come out his one throwback trait -
and pried the edge of the seal away from the wall. He pressed his ear to the break in
the privacy field.

His mate was grumbling to himself, cursing as he rifled through something that
sounded papery and thin, and then Shoru could hear the clicking of buttons, and
finally his mate started talking.

You wanted to talk to me?

The voice replying was too low to be heard outside the stall.

I thought we didnt want him. No, we didnt get the news this morning. Some kind
of glitch. A pause as he listened, and then Shorus mate laughed shortly. Well shit,
no wonder then. Tonights damn soon, though. I dont know if I can arrange it.

The sounds of the bar trickled down the hallway and Shoru cupped his hands around
his ear, trying to keep any sound from getting into the booth and giving him away.

Yes, its large enough to fit through, but theyre fucking each other constantly. I
dont know when the hell were going to get him alone. I know its time sensitive,
dammit! Dont blame me for this shit! If Shovak had used his damn brain, wed
already have him.

Shorus free hand rubbed nervously at the pommel of a dagger tucked into the
waistband of his pants. His other ear flicked wildly as he continued to listen.

Nowyou dont have to do that. His mates voice wavered nervously. I didnt say
I couldnt get him in. You know you can count on me; its just going to be tricky.

With a loud swallow, he whispered. The main tunnel, then, yeah. Well vid you
when weve got him. The soft humming of the screen went dead, and Shoru heard
his mate cursing up a blue streak.

That was all he needed.

Shoru ripped open the privacy curtain with a vicious grin, his dagger out. You
fucker, you are so fucking dead, now. I dont know what the hell youre doing, but I
bet the elders will kick your bitchy, pathetic ass if youve got anything to do with
Shovak, you-

Shorus eyes went wide as his mate pulled a small laser pistol and aimed it at him
with cold eyes.

I may not be able to kill you, Shoru, but all I need is a hole to fuck for the next few
years until the heats done. That leaves me with a hell of a lot of body parts that
arent really all that necessary. Including your tongue. Shoru didnt move. Drop it.

There was a muffled clatter as Shorus dagger hit the ground. You are such a
fucking bastard. Someday theyre all going to see it, too, you piece of shit.

I doubt youll be able to enjoy it, his mate sneered, and gestured him out into the
hallway. Shoru went with a snarl. The bartender watched them leave as silently as
hed watched them enter, and then went back to pouring drinks.











Fiction~~The Last Pure Human~~Ch. 18


The Last Pure Human
Chapter 18 - The World According to Max




Kasan hovered inside the door to Zontas room. If hes upset, keep your voice low;
loud voices startle him. And if he asks for me, Ill be in-

-the military supply warehouse. Zonta smiled, his eyes twinkling as he watched
Max clinging to Kasans leash. I believe I remember that from the first two times
you mentioned it.

Kasan felt himself flush. The pressure of the collar against his throat was negligible,
but at times like this, he would swear that it made it harder to swallow. Slowly
blowing out his breath, he tried to ignore the murmur of the guards voices outside
in the hallway as he composed himself.

No matter what he did today, he damn well knew he was going to be in a constant
state of embarrassment or humiliation, and it was, quite simply, going to take a bite
out of his ass.

Zonta waited, trying to make eye contact with Max while Kasans face lost its heat.

Max asked about his own people last night, Kasan finally said, smiling in spite of
himself as Max looked up at the sound of his name. I had to tell him that we dont
know where any other humans are.

Zonta murmured sympathetically. Hes holding up well.

Kasans ears flattened. Im worried its one of the other reasons hes calmer today.
I dont Kasan dropped his gaze to watch Max, reaching out to caress the round
curve of his ear. I dont want lost hope to be what takes the fear from him.

I see. Zonta looked down as well he seemed fascinated by Maxs wide-eyed
stare as it darted along the perimeter the room. The little one had already examined
everything down to the dust motes, all without leaving Kasan. He had a white
knuckled grip over Kasans red leash as though it were the only thing keeping him
alive.

Zonta spoke softly, still watching Max. If hes been thinking that someday he could
see his own family, to have that taken away

Exactly. I cant let him fall into a despair. I need him to feel like a part of our
family. Kasan had seen inclusion work before on a man whose family had been
killed in a giant mudslide. With luck, the same sense of belonging would help Max,
too. Im going to have a talk with the others-

Kasan, Father will crucify you if you have another fight so soon. Zonta looked far
sterner than a baby brother had a right to, and Kasan flicked his ear for it.

Not that type of discussion. Kasan rubbed a hand over Maxs head again, more for
himself than his consort. But I need them to pull back a little so Max can adjust.

Like you did for their consorts? The wry twist to Zontas ears was enough to make
Kasan feel like squirming. Sometimes, Zonta had a streak that was pure Father.
Worse, he was right as often as the Lord King was, too.

Kasan hadnt endeared himself to his brothers when it came to their new consorts.

Kasan could admit - to himself- that rearranging Nolluzs entire bedroom just before
his brothers First Night hadnt been very kind. Hed known Nolluz was too anal to
make love before hed put it all back to rights. And hed laughed himself silly when
hed heard that Neera had been more than a little irate over waiting to take care of
the heat while Nolluz obsessed over his furniture.

And releasing a horde of Keerac into Tisus room just before Roto had arrived hadnt
qualified as considerate. Funny as hell, but considerate of Roto and what the little
one would think when he saw what seemed like a pack of fluffballs scamper across
the floor? Not in the slightest. Kasan cringed as he thought of how Max would have
reacted, especially if hed had Rotos knowledge Keerac didnt travel in groups,
only their more vicious cousins, the shokan, did.

Theyre going to give me hell, he muttered.

I imagine so. I probably would, tooif Id mated yet. Zonta smiled again. I
imagine Aosh and I will reap the benefits of Maxs influence.

Kasan nodded, but didnt reply how unlikely Aosh was to escape a good First Night
prank. Hed touched Max, and that meant Aoshs ass had a debt to repay that Kasan
wouldnt forget. Just like his brothers wouldnt forget his own damn debts.

They wont do anything to upset Max, Kasan. Just let them know about his family.
You know theyll move their teasing to you alone.

Zonta put a hand on his shoulder as Kasan nodded again. With a small sigh, Kasan
hugged him briefly, ending with a thankful finger against his lips. They both smiled
as Max watched them. The little one frowned and gave a tug on the leash. Kasan let
it pull him away from Zonta.

I think he may be jealous, Zonta whispered. He looked on the verge of a childish
giggle.

Maxs hand softly reaching for Kasans hand added to the impression. Kasan
caressed Maxs fingers against his palm, trying to get back to the topic at hand
before he did something insane like take Max back to his room and suck on his
pretty little cock until the man passed out.

Today was going to be a long damn day. He had to stay focused on what Max
needed right now, not what he might enjoy. Even if Kasan was sure that hed really
enjoy it.

Zonta, can you teach him about our people as well as our language today? I
thought it might give him more of a connection if he knows more about the
Kyashin. Zonta nodded. Drawing a few images got the point across last night; if
you drew a few of the finer points of our history -

Zonta started chuckling. Or I could put on one of the vids that we use to teach the
littles about the heat. Its made to teach, after all. And as most of the small ones
dont understand nanite anymore than your new consort does, I imagine it should
be basic enough.

Kasan grumbled as he realized how much effort he could have saved himself the
night before. But still, hed put across the most important point. I taught him about
the nanites last night just fine, remember?

Mm hm. Zontas lips were pressed together seriously, but his ears had a playful
angle to them.

You dont believe I did it any more than the others do.

Zonta laid his hand on Kasans arm with a smile. Lets just say that Im sure you
found something to calm him, but Im not certain exactly what Max got out of the
conversation.

Youre only saying that because I didnt think of using a video instead of a line
drawing. Kasan tried not to smile and failed. I probably would have thought of it if
my blood hadnt been pooling in the wrong head.

Zonta laughed, flushing slightly, and they both glanced at Max again. The sound of
the little mans muttering was soft, but clear. It was better than the bells some
parents attached to their littles clothes Kasan didnt think hed ever have a hard
time tracking Max, as long as the man talked to himself as often as he did.

Zonta? Kasan waited until his brother took his eyes off Max. Can you teach him
about joining?

Zonta stared at him for a few moments before answering. You think hell need to
know?

I hope he will, yes.

Then it shouldnt be a problem.

Kasan was certain Aosh wouldnt have passed up the opportunity for a round of
sexually charged teasing. Dealing with Zonta was, in so many ways, a relief. He
hadnt been certain even Zonta would react so calmly to his request: thank God it
had been so easy. The hard part was going to be saying goodbye to Max for the day.
He didnt want to have a repeat of Leeros free-for-all chaos again. Hopefully, if
Kasan found the right words, he could avoid it.

With that in mind, he chose his words carefully as he began to pry Maxs delicate
hands from the leash.
XXXXXXX


Max sat on Zontas bed and watched as the big cat rooted through the shelves on
the far wall. Unlike Kasans space, Zontas had two rooms, and Max would have
been happier if Zonta had been all the way in the next one. Because Zontas rooms
were both bedrooms: little, tiny bedrooms with big, damn hedonistic beds. Through
a wide, doorless space, Max could see the other sex-trap of a mattress, lurking
within walls covered in velvety swaths of emerald, crimson, and azure.

He wished the damn place were as dull as a bankers tidy whities. Then he could
ignore it and Zonta and assume that everything was going to be fine. But no, it
had to be like everything else on this damn planet: suggestive and aggressively
sexual.

He wasnt in that room, though, he reminded himself. Hed been encouraged to sit
on the bed closest to the door, in the room filled with shelves and small tables
trapped under coatings of books and plastic tablets. Still, Zonta had wanted him on
a bed. And while this room might be more functional than alluring, the bed was
covered with blankets, velvets and furs piled so thickly Maxs lower half disappeared
where he sat. Like it was trying to keep him from escaping.

His lungs burned as he began to gulp his air. Calm down. He had to calm down. It
was okay. Kasan wasnt giving him away. He freaking wasnt making a gift of Max to
the nice, bigger than Godzilla, Zonta.

Kasan had said he would be coming back for Max when hed dropped him off here,
hadnt he? Max might not know a hell of a lot of this language yet, but he knew
enough to figure out Kasan was trying to say, in essence, Im not giving you away
as a plaything to Zonta. Hed understood enough to stop him from panicking.

Max watched Zonta bend over, the bulge in the front of his loincloth hanging down
low enough to be seen from between his legs. With a ragged choke, Max cupped his
hands around his mouth and nose as his lungs seized and then began to rev up to
hyperventilate and pass out mode again.

He caught Zontas smile as the man looked back at him for a moment and he tried
to smile back. When that proved impossible without moving his hands away, Max
gave up nodded as he kept his hands in place so he didnt pass out.

Okay, so maybe hed panicked a little, before Kasan had said anything. And maybe
he was still panickinga little. He gulped the stale air inside his palms as he tried to
calm down. A teeny, tiny bit of panic. Thats all.

But the last time Kasan had left him with someone had been pretty damn bad. Who
would blame him for some well-earned terror? That other bastard cat had chased
him around like some mustachioed, melodrama bad guy after a pretty virgin, and
that had been in the safety of Kasans room. Now Max was being left in someone
elses room with another cat, and even if Zonta seemed very nice, he was also very
God-awful-ginormous.

And what did Max know about this whole marriage thing, anyway? He was all set
to be monogamous, but that didnt mean Kasan was. Had the big guy said anything
about monogamy? No. So what if Kasan was already married, say, to Zonta?

Because that fucking hug hadnt seemed very platonic at all.

But what if? What if Kasan was already married, and what if Zonta and he
thought they were going to share Max?

Max didnt fucking want to be shared, and the fact that Zontas first move was to
park Max on his bed didnt help him feel safe one damn bit. Max had absolutely no
interest in polygamy, and neither did his ass. He was absolutely positive that he had
a religiously monogamous ass.

And even his kindergarten teacher had pointed out that Max was terrible at sharing.

Im going to run like hell if you come anywhere near me with anything even
resembling a dildo, Zonta, Max said, trying to look stern as Zonta glanced his way
again. The moment Zontas eyes hit his, the look disappeared and Max smiled
weakly. He couldnt help himself. It was becoming an automatic response, like
chanting nice doggy at a growling Rottweiler, just before you ran the hell away.

And wasnt that pathetic? This was one of the cats he liked, and he couldnt relax
with him.

Not like he could with Kasan. Max bit his lip he wished his husband were with him.
He shouldnt want Kasan around that badly; the man had sex on the brain every
moment of the day. Except right now, Max might have beenokay with getting off.
Hard. And he would be okay with Kasan taking care of the erection that had snuck
up on him and was right now invading his loin cloth like a pushy relative that
wouldnt leave.

And why the hell did this always happen now? Why were thoughts of Kasan almost
instantly followed by an erection now?

Wait.

Max ran every encounter through his head. Hed thought Kasan was sexy from the
first moment hed seen him, even when hed been scared shitless. That couldnt be
normal. It had to be something else. Had to be, and the only thing that was involved
that that might affect it was

That damn STD.

Holy crap. Max wasnt some kind of sex addict with a fetish for hot asses and body
builders, he was afflicted with an- an ass-craving STD!

He watched Zonta dig through the towers of junk as he flushed and wished like hell
hed never even heard of this planet. A disease that made him crave sex like a drug
that had to be it, didnt it? And now- now Max might even want sex with anyone
he was noticing Zontas package, wasnt he?

Max was diseased, and addicted to sex. Max wasoh dear God. Max was literally a
freakin poxy whore.

Max flumped back onto the bed, pressing a hand against his eyes to push against
the headache starting behind them. This was insane - comic book worthy insane. He
stared up at the ceiling and told himself it didnt matter. So what if he wanted sex
all the time? So what if Kasan walking around with butt-floss and a smile got Max
hard? That should be good, right? Because he could keep up with Kasan when the
cat wanted to screw his brains out.

Except, what if the disease was the reason Kasan wanted Max, as well? Max
swallowed as the thought settled in the pit of his stomach, an unpleasant lump.
Kasan might not really want Max at all. Max sat back up and punched down at the
bed a few times. He tried not to growl to loudly. It didnt freaking matter.

He did not care if Kasan wanted him because he thought Max was fuckable, or
because the honkin cat had nympho-pox. It didnt matter. Right? Maxs dick didnt
care why it liked Kasan, his ass didnt care why Kasan liked him, and the rest of
Maxneeded to shut up.

Max wanted to hit himself in the chest. Maybe then the ache that was building
there would just go the hell away.

And he felt the same way about his stupid, trigger-happy dick. It hadnt behaved all
day long, especially with that stupid leash that wouldnt have looked out of place at a
bondage club on Valentines Day.

The ache in his chest faded as Maxs skin warmed. His cock thickened instantly, and
he had to punch the bed again to keep from touching himself. What the hell was up
with that collar? There hadnt been anything like that before, and then both Kasan
and that Leero had shown up with them on today. Hed never seen anything so
erotic in his life it was better than the damn mirror sex.

His cock twitched and he hunched his shoulders. Okay, so it might take an orgy to
beat the mirror sex, but the collar was stillstunning. A bright slash across Kasans
throat, dripping red down his chest and bringing out the bulges of his pecs. It
should have been gory, like a slashed throat, but Max had been terrified hed come if
he thought too much about Kasan in that bondage gear.

Especially when hed seen freaking Ko and the Crystal Dildo of Olympus sprang into
mind.

The erection had only faded when Max had figured out what the collar really meant:
anyone could order you around if you wore a collar. Master and slave were universal
concepts, it turned out. Although Max didnt know why Kasan was on the slave end
of this.

Yeah, it had been nice for a few minutes to mess with Kasan and be on the master
side for once. But that had ended as soon as Max watched one of the old women at
his table order Leero to do something.

And the big ass cat did it.

His eyes had narrowed as hed caught Max watching, but Leero had obeyed.

The implications still had Maxs ass puckered. The old cats werent the ones who
were holding the leash, but Leero still had to do what they said. So what did that
say about Max and Kasan? Could just anyone come up and order Kasan around?
Could anyone make him leave Max all alone at the damn table?

Could they order him to give Max to someone else?

Max had stopped giving any orders at all the moment hed thought of that, and
pressed as close to Kasan as he could. Hed hoped that if he were quiet enough, no
one would remember he was there to make orders about in the first place.

It should be better now, away from all those people. It should be better with just
one cat. But it wasnt. It felt exactly like what Max had been afraid of: Kasan had
left him alone.

It was with Zonta, and Zonta was simply gathering up supplies, but Max missed
Kasan. Right now, no matter what reason Kasan wanted Max, being without Kasan
made Max feel naked in a room filled with barbed wire. If he held very still, he might
be all right, but he wasnt going to relax until he either got some clothes or left the
damn room. He wanted Kasan back, collar and all.

Max?

He looked up and jumped a foot as Zontas face peered at him from less than an
arms length away. He scrambled back on the bed before he could stop himself, and
then he wasnt sure he wanted to stop himself anyway. Not until Zontas ears
flattened slightly and the man knelt on the floor next to him.

Clothes intact, no erection in sight, and not invading Maxs no cat personal space,
thank God.

Max safe. No danger, Max. Here. Zonta held out a dark, plasticky tablet. Max
swallowed, trying to control his breathing as he reached for it. Language. This had
to be language. Hopefully. The alien was going out of his way to make himself
seem non-threatening, and that was completely different than when Kasan had left
him alone before.

It was hopefully a step in the right monogamous direction.

The screen was blank until Zonta reached up and pressed a few indentations on the
side. And then it was like watching a movie. Zonta turned down the volume a bit a
good thing, because Max couldnt understand much of what the thing was saying,
anyway and tapped the screen.

Well start with this, Max. History first, words second. You need to know where you
fit in, I think. And this should take your mind off of whatevers got you worked up.

Max smiled at him and felt proud how little he flinched when Zonta slowly rose to
his feet and then settled himself on the bed. As long as the tablet wasnt going to
follow Kasans pattern and imply that Max had to have sex with Zonta, too, then Max
would be okay.

Crap, he really wished he hadnt thought of that.

Max took a deep breath and tried to focus on the screen. Just keep his attention on
the screen and he could ignore Zonta. That was all he needed to do.

It wasnt as hard as he thought it would be. Pictures of Kasan flashed on, lasting
only a moment before flickering to another. After a few shots, with Kasan looking as
freaking sexy as he always did, Max realized he was starting to look kinda cute as
well.

It was weird, almost like

Wait, are these Kasans baby pictures? Kasan was getting younger and younger in
the still shots, and Max had to admit, he was adorable as a kid. His ears looked too
big for his head, just like a damn kitten. His hair was a short, silky black, and
solemn, sad eyes stared at whoever was taking the picture. There were shots of him
holding his fathers hands, shots of him with a smile on his face as a toddler and held
in a womans arms, and then it started to go faster. The images flickered too fast
for him to see, just hints of cats getting younger, the background changing, until
Max finally figured out what Zonta was trying to do.

He looked away before the images gave him a worse headache, putting his hand
over the screen. Enough. I get it already. Youre showing me something in the
past, right?

Zonta pressed a button and stared at him.

I understand, Max said again, and sighed in relief when Zonta finally smiled and
fiddled with the damn thing again, taking away the seizure-inducing slide show.

Obviously, epilepsy wasnt an issue for cats.

The screen ran a computer animation of more cats instead of the stills. The images
reminded him of a costume drama all bright colors and elaborate setting.

Then the screen stopped and words in odd characters flashed along the bottom of
the screen in bright, bouncy letters.

Okay, costume drama, or Kitten TV. Planet of the Cats, for Kids? Cat Planet, anime
style?

He really, really needed to get a grip, he realized, and made sure to grip the covers
rather than anyone nearby.

As it began to tell a story, Max forgot about Zonta sitting next to him. The video
was fascinating, not to mention sad, frightening, and sometimes as confusing as a
concert of alien frogs. And he could sum it up in three words: Max was screwed.
Because while he couldnt understand some of the story, he got enough to realize
that he was so far from Kansas that not even ruby slippers were ever going to get
him back home.

And in Maxs Oz, the only Toto with a tail and ears wanted to screw Max into
oblivion.

Although at least he knew a little bit about where he was right now. And hed
always loved history. Not as much as languages, but enough that he could focus on
the story and lose himself in it a little. He thought he probably would have guessed
this was a history, or at least a fictional story, just by the differences that stood out.

Like clothes all the cats in the story wore clothes that actually covered their asses,
the lucky bastards. Every cat was also covered in a full-body coating of short, silky
fur, and like Kasan, they all had tails.

Not to mention that they had technology better technology than Earth, even -
couldnt miss the flying cars all over the place. But with the extra body hair, Max
couldnt escape the feeling of watching Neanderthal cats with higher tech.

Weird, but the story had a simple beginning, thank God.

Mahogany cats had a society. Tawny and ebony cats had a society. Neither society
was terribly fond of the other and they had a smack-down, drag-out brawl in the
form of a nasty world war.

Sci-fi proponents of the humans are the most violent race in the galaxy theory
were going to be sorely disappointed, if this was the history that he was assuming.
Although he really wished they hadnt tried to recreate things so graphically. He
hated horror movies in general, and seeing a war and realizing he was seeing a
retelling of something that had actually happened was so awful he felt sick to his
stomach.

Especially when it was clear that part of the war had been biological. Neon purple
clouds drifting over a city had been followed by hundreds of cats dropping like flies in
the streets. And then hospitals full of cats with silent, wasted bodies, or screaming
and tearing at their mummified skin. It looked like even some of the animals were
affected. Big felines the size of horses lay dead in the forests, little ones the size of
rats scrabbled in death agonies on the floors of the hospitals as the cats screamed
along with them.

You poor fucking bastards. He heard a deep murmur and glanced over to Zonta
to find the cats ears flat as his eyes focused on the screen. Turning back, Max tried
to swallow the lump in his throat as the images kept coming.

The damn scene just went on and on, like a bad movie that couldnt realize it had
already made its point. When it finally ended, the view pulled back with a less
depressing but somehow creepier global image. The deep purple color oozed across
one continent after another until every landmass was completely covered.

Max thought it was over when the shots of empty cities and countryside came on,
until he noticed the small bands of ragged, starved little cats. City after deserted city,
children crept through the wreckage in every one. But not one damn adult. What
the-?

It just killed the adults? He looked up at Zonta and tried to ask the question. No
Big? He pointed to Zonta for lack of a word.

Kyashin?

Max nodded, looking back at the screen. It hurt to look. That was one thing that
had landed him in trouble everywhere hed gone on earth the street kids. Made
his whole chest ache like his lungs were full of sand.

No, no big Kyashin, Max. The Kouloc killed everyone past puberty. Zonta looked at
the screen and made a strange gesture with his hand, touching his chest and then
his lips. It reminded Max of people making the sign of the cross when they
mentioned someone whod passed away.

Max swallowed and went back to watching. It had skipped ahead to show small
communities of kids, the teens obviously taking care of the smaller ones, but it was
clear that they were barely hanging on. And when the older teens started sickening,
and dying, just like the adults before had, it was damn obvious that no Kyashin were
getting big. They were dying as soon as they started looking like an adult. Puberty,
maybe? Crap.

Even Earth had never fucked up quite that badly. Close, sometimes. World War III
had been a horror, from what hed read, but it had never taken out as much of the
population as the cats war had.

As he watched the screen, though, Max couldnt understand what came next. It
made no sense. Not like hed finally lost his mind from too much sex, but against
the laws of physics no-sense. Because huge space ships that made Maxs colony
ship look like a rusted out hulk landed on the planet, and the aliens coming out of
them were all shapes and sizes, but some of them were most definitely Maxs shape
and size.

Some of them were human.

What the hell! How can those be

Humans, Max. We call your kind humans.

That just wasnt possible. Humans didnt have ships that looked like that, and they
sure as hell didnt know any aliens, let alone fly around space with them, landing on
alien planets like some Lewis and Clark of the freaking stars. So how could humans
have come here, to this planet, with other aliens? In this planets damn past, when
no human except for Max had even screwed an alien yet, let alone met one?!

Orthe other way around. Crap.

Watching while his brain sputtered, Max saw people from the ships find pockets of
little kids, giving them food, coaxing them out, treating them and then studying
them in a lab.

Looking for a cure?

At least we get to be the good guys, Max muttered, rubbing a shaking hand over
his face. Why did things keep getting more confusing, every freaking minute he was
here? Life should not resemble a Twilight Zone episode!

With slow, even not panicked, dammit! breathing, he watched the human/alien
contingent trying to save the kids, and just as obviously failing. The little cats died
just as horribly as ever when they grew up. He couldnt watch once the screen
showed the humans fail. He had to close his eyes until the screams stopped. When
he opened them back up, there were some of the animals that had been dying, now
in the labs with the aliens and humans studying them. And in one was-

Thats Androcles! A little one rather than the incredible anti-shrinking dog that
Max knew, but it was still the same kind of animal.

Zonta patted his hand. Its a Shokan.

He didnt want to watch as the dogs died as well it was too close to seeing
Androcles die, and that stupid laughing hyena was one of the only two things on this
whole damn planet that Max felt close to.

S-so. He looked up at Zonta and tried not to hear the death throws of the poor
animals. What does Kasan call his shokan?

Zonta shook his head, confused.

Kasans Shokans name He couldnt think of the words. The sounds on the
screen were too awful.

Zonta smiled shook his head. Dont worry, Max. Kasan wont let a shokan near you,
little one. Max safe.

Max couldnt even get frustrated over the obvious miscommunication; he hadnt
meant to sound scared of Androcles, as though he needed reassurance. But the
horrible cries on the screen finally stopped and he dropped it. It wasnt worth the
effort, at the moment. Hed ask Kasan later.

They werent done with the animals, though. On the screen, the humans injected
something into the dog, with a camera close up of the syringe. It reminded him of
the way all the old medical dramas would enter the human body and show you the
blood inside to show you the problem. And as the screen magnified the syringe,
inside it wereholy shit, machines?

Are those robots? Its teeny little robots, isnt it?

Humans, with freaking nano-tech, which they didnt even have yet! What the hell
was going on?

Nanites, Max. Zonta paused the screen and pointed to one of the miniscule robots
as he repeated it.

And things just got more complicated after that. Dogs living, cats dying, more tests
and more aliens and finally a picture of a couple dozen human men and women. It
was a real picture, not a cartoon, and each person was paired with a cat. Seeing
them together, Max realized the cats were all a hell of a lot shorter than hed
thought. Nowhere near as big as they were now. The shortest was barely a head
taller than the humans next to it.

Each human was highlighted while the screen read off names, some of which he
would have been comfortable hearing on Earth. Which put paid to any idea that
these werent really humans. What were the odds that there would be another
planet of human-like people with names like Pauline, Mick, Jaime, and

Wait, did it just say Kasan?

Zonta nodded and paused the screen to point to the smallest human in the group, a
young Asian man standing in the front row. Kasan Yoon. Your mate was named
after one of the Saviors, little one. Its good luck.

Well holy shit. That was justweird. And it made him feel the oddest connection to
Kasan. The connection felt a bit more like history repeating itself when he saw what
the humans and the Kyashin were doing together in the story. Each one was
injected with what he assumed was the nanites, and then he knew they were getting
it on.

It was sobering to see the next picture, though. It was another photograph or
whatever they had here and had only half the number of original volunteers, with
their partners beside them. And then it showed a small funeral service for all the
other humans, mostly woman, and the Kyashin theyd been partnered with. Max felt
so incredibly stupid, but it made his throat close up. In that second picture, the
people looked devastated at the loss even while they were smiling over the success.
They were long dead, but the looks on their faces was too raw to ignore.

He felt like a bastard, whining about Kasan and sex, when these people had gone
through what he had, had died for it, all to save another species. Except he hadnt
volunteered, he reminded himself, and they must have. That didnt make him feel a
whole lot better. He couldnt separate the guilt from going through this and not
being brave about it, and his bright new spark of panic as he realized he might have
little, teeny nanites inside of him now too. It was too much.

He glanced at Zonta, trying to avoid the screen again, and it only made it worse to
catch the big cat sniffle as he watched the screen, clearing his throat to try and hide
it from Max.

Max reached out and patted him on the back lightly before trying to finish the story.
He wished it would just damn well end so he could stop thinking about it.

The next scene finally had something happy in it: hundreds of thousands of humans
possibly millions arrived in their bad-ass-shouldnt-even-exist ships. All male
and all getting hooked up with Kyashin men and women. And then the ships left and
a butt load of humans stayed behind with cats that were holding onto their waists
and arms.

Zonta turned it off. He sat quietly as Max tried to figure it out.

Humans had been here before. Humans had saved these guys. But Earth didnt
make space ships like those on the screen, and they sure as hell didnt know any
aliens. So what the hell was going on? Max swallowed, wracking his brain, and all
he could come up with was the cryo-sleep.

How long was I freaking asleep for? Just how long had it taken him to get to this
planet? Did he even want to know, if Kasan didnt know where any humans were
anymore?

If hed been separated, or his tube had been broken and left in a garbage heap for
years and years, or his tube had pulled a Buck Rogers and headed out to the middle
of nowhere for freaking forever

Were there any humans left anywhere?

Max felt the bed move as Zonta shifted. He looked over at him. If all those Kyashin
had little half-human babies, then there were a lot of part-human descendants
right here. Right? He studied Zonta as he tried to see it. Zontas skin could be
human the coloring was right. He hadnt seen any cats who had blue or green or
purple skin or anything it was all human colors.

So no matter what, Max wasnt the very last human, justthe last human without
cat ears and gigantism.

He wished that were more comforting, because Zontas face made it harder to feel
welcome in the bosom of semi-humanity; it was too thin and alien to be human.
Scanning down his body, Max paused. Zontas ass was sure human. Max swallowed
and dragged his eyes away as his mind thought of Kasan and what parts of him were
human too.

Then again, he thought most of Kasan might be too freaking sexy to qualify as
really human.

Zonta tapped his nose suddenly with a gentle little flick and interrupted his train of
thought. Are you good, Max?

Max shrugged uncomfortably. Yes. Good enough, anyway. It seemed to be the
right answer. Zonta started pointing to various objects, naming then, and Max was
thankful he could immerse himself in something that actually made sense for the
first time that day. Something concrete was a welcome relief.

And maybe he could finally learn something useful for keeping people away, like
kiss my ass, you stupid cat.

Or

He thought of screaming More! as Kasan took him.

Um.maybe hed just learn how to say blanket, instead.


XXXXXXX



Leero stood next to the Lord King and tried to stare into the wall rather than at the
people around them. It was the only way he could avoid seeing the leash trailing
down his chest and ending in Kyorus hand. The sight frayed the ends of his nerves
every time he noticed it.

Leero took a deep, silent breath; he had to deal with this, and he had to deal with it
now.

But dammit, hed thought that he was prepared for this. His finding out hed been
mistaken was like a hot poker up the ass. After Kasan had been imprisoned, making
the decision to beat answers out of Shovaks little pet had been easy. Hed known
this would follow it was the most commonly chosen punishment for that type of
abuse of power. But the Lord King was so casual about ordering Leero around, while
Leero had to stand or kneel nearby all day and

and inhale that damn smell that was driving him slowly mad. If Leero had gone
more than a few tics in the last day without an erection, he couldnt think of it.
Swallowing heavily, Leero could feel the scent dragging his eyes over to look at
Kyoru. They met the Lord Kings as the man glanced at him at him at the same
moment, one side of his mouth quirking up.

Leero stiffened and stared straight ahead again. When had the Lord King started
smiling like that? Leero couldnt remember. He could remember Kasans father
chuckling over his sons foibles, laughing outright when they got into some ridiculous
scrape and dragged Leero along with them. But this knowing half-smile? That was
new and, quite frankly, disturbing.

It was one of the reasons that Jolans and the others teasing had Leero reacting like
a barely ripened idiot with his first sight of a mate in heat. Every salacious joke had
him envision Kyoru with a taunting, sexual smile on his face. And then Leero would
flush fit to burn the citadel down around them.

A man old enough to be in heat was too old to react this childishly.

And the Lord King wasnt flirting, he reminded himself. Kyoru was exacting in his
propriety. He was calm, as Leash Holder should be. Polite, firm, in control he acted
no different than he ever did with his other subjects. No different at all, if it werent
for that odd smile.

Not that Leeros body cared. Kyoru was the only one in the room under the age of
120. His scent wasnt as strong as the twins, or anyone younger and ripe, but right
now, it was enough to make Leero sweat. And after having slept next to him all
night, Leero couldnt get him out of his head.

His ears flattened. That damnable bed had shocked the hell out of him. Hed been
prepared to spend the next month on a few cushions on the floor of Kyorus rooms,
or a small cot somewhere. Instead the Lord King had made a disgusted sound his
first night of Service and told him to stop acting like a martyr and get into bed.
Kyoru did have a huge mattress fit for a king might be clich, but it was the only
term that really fit a bed that could have taken up an entire room.

And there was nothing sexual about it, of course. They had slept on it nearly a
mans length apart.

Or theyd tried. Leero hadnt had much luck finding any sleep at all while the
nanites raged through his body and fired his blood in preparation for taking a consort.
Most especially when he was so close to one who smelled like berries that had been
on the vine long enough to be rich and musky-sweet on the tongue.

Leero swayed and startled as he realized hed nearly fallen asleep standing up. He
was worse than a new recruit, acting like this. Hiding his heat, nearly falling asleep
and neglecting his duties.

He had to get control of himself.

Kyorus scent hit him again and he bit back a groan. This was simply not going to
work; the heat was more encompassing than hed understood. It was going to be too
difficult to ignore.

He needed to let the elders know about his heat. It would get him out of Service
until hed dealt with it. He would simply find a consort that appealed to him and get
through the next few years without incident. He didnt have to have as close a
relationship as Kasans family, no matter how it clenched his gut unpleasantly to
think about it. Hed take what he could find and be grateful that he was no longer
stuck writhing silently on someone elses mattress while he wished desperately for
some privacy to ejaculate in peace.

And then he could ignore his imagination, which couldnt stop thinking of stroking
himself in the dark and having Kyoru lean over, offering to help finish him off.

When he was starting to think like that, it was time to admit defeat and cry mercy.
Kyoru might still be in the prime of his life. He might still be more fit that was good
for Leeros mental health, especially when he turned to talk to his oldest brother and
flashed the side of his buttocks at the edge of Leeros vision, but he was Kasans
father. He was the Lord King.

He was not a cute piece of ass that Leero could take as a consort and fuck for the
next few decades, and that was the only person Leero should be wasting his time
with. If he could just get off the damn leash and start looking.

He grunted softly, shifting and doing his best to ignore his erection. Staring straight
ahead again was the only way he could pretend the people around him hadnt
noticed it. At least they were all mature enough not to comment.

He hadnt thought it would be so much of a problem. How the hell could he know
that hed be spending all his service trapped in a room with smirking elders and their
peers? He needed to get out and see some young blood, even if the elders berated
him for not telling them the instant the heat had hit.

It was pathetic. He hadnt even lasted a day before he gave in and avoided Service.
Not that he was using his heat to do so, but he was sure Jolan and Tisu would
accuse him of it, in that obnoxious way of theirs.

Too damn bad. He simply didnt care anymore. He had to find a consort.

Lord King, he said softly, hoping the elders would continue their conversation and
not pause to listen in. They were all involved in discussing what more should be
done about the purists that Shovak had been associated with, now that there had
been some communication with a few of the other clans.

In a moment, Leero.

He bit his tongue, waiting. He couldnt leave service until they released him. And
he couldnt honestly claim that he had to be released this moment to take care of his
heat. Leero continued to stare at the wall as he waited for Kyoru to finish his
conversation.

Before he had his chance, there was a brief scratching at the door and a tec came in.
Her scent followed her, but it barely tightened Leeros groin.

She probably already had a consort or a mate of her own.

The Kotas head tec sent me their morning news packet, Elder Asha. Leero
noticed the woman stared resolutely only at Elder Asha. He could appreciate that.
Most people preferred to deal with her than her sister.

With his training to oversee the military in case anything happened to Kasan, hed
been around them enough to know how foolish that was. They were both terrifying
in their own way, but in a pinch, hed prefer to piss off Nerin rather than Asha. Asha
was usually milder, but when she was angry, she tended to get creative in ways that
made you remember never to disappoint her again.

Im assuming there was something worth seeing, then, if you bothered to bring it
to our attention?

The tec nodded, her ears moving with a nervous flutter. Theres been news of
Prince Kasans new consort. It involves the Niandrin. Her ears flattened entirely
and her lip curled up for a moment to expose one white fang as she spit the last
word.

Leero was only just able to control his own urge to do the same.

Thank you for bringing it up so quickly. The Lord King held out his hand for the
small square of data and handed it to Leero as the tec took her leave. Code it up for
us. Well need to look at this ourselves. Kyorus voice slipped underneath Leeros
loincloth to give his cock a pet.

Dammit it to hell; he needed to get out of Service now and get some ass before he
went utterly insane.

He kept himself from ripping the leash out of Kyorus hand with an effort as he
waited for the man to release him. Hoping his erection wasnt as visible as he knew
it was, Leero hooked up the hand comp to the main screen.

He stepped back to Kyorus side as one of the major gossip news shows lit up the
screen.

A petite, silvery-blue commentator was in mid-speech, making an obscure joke in
galactic standard. As he talked, the screen showed images of the greeting room with
Max running through the crowd. The male alien made some irritating comments on
the willingness of the Hintas newest royal consort, some speculation over whether
or not Kasans status as a throwback might have something to do with Maxs
behavior, and then Leeros ears perked up along with the rest of the room as the
man continued.

rumor has it that Prince Kasans consort is actually a human, although the
Kyashin liaisons have yet to confirm or deny the rumors. But considering that this is
the first successful alien mating with a Kyashin in centuries, the gossips may be on
to something.

The alien smiled hugely, his canines showing prominently against purpling lips.

For those of you who dont recall, the Kyashin were the last race to benefit from
the Infinitum Coalition before the group was eliminated by the Triad. The humans
within that community were the last ones to mate with Kyashin, the lucky devils.
And not only-

Leero stared at the screen. How did they-

Be quiet, Ro. We need to hear this. Leeros cheeks heated painfully at Kyorus
tone, and the name. Hed been eight the last time someone had called him by that
name. He kept his eyes on the screen and tried to act as though hed never said a
word.

is taken as further corroboration of human sales on Kiensa in the past two
months. Leero could feel the tension in the room jump. As usual, Kiensas regent
has been impossible to pin down, but our sources in various markets there say that
the Niandrin were attempting to pass off some of their newest slave stock as
genetically pure humans. After a number of failed attempts at convincing buyers that
they werent falsifying the genetic results again - they pulled them off the market
with the news that they would soon have proof to offer for their claims.

Could Prince Kasans new mating be the confirmation they were waiting for? And if
it is, what does this say about the Kyashin and their previously violent anti-slavery
stance? What will this do to the usually united cat men when every detail has come
to light? Well keep you posted on this, and, as always, on the sexy men and women
of Kyashin

The silence lasted just long enough for Kyoru to turn and face Leero. His half-smile
was gone. Go fetch Kasan and his brothers leave Zonta with the little one. Come
directly back. Well need you here when Kasan hears the news.

Leero merely nodded and headed for the door. The heat could wait another few
minutes.


XXXXXXXX


Amber eyes watched coldly as a shadow emerged from behind the deeper black of a
large tree. Slipping to the side, the shadow tightened to the shape of a large cat,
checking a heavy blade strapped behind his back. His body was nearly invisible as it
slipped from tree to tree.

The eyes followed as silently as oil as the cat worked his way to the garden door set
against the citadel wall. Pulling out a box that glinted in the moons light, the cat
clicked his fingers over it, pushing it up against the doors lock after a few moments
calibration.

There was no sound as heavy paws crept up behind him.

There was only the wind against the leaves of the trees as a large body crouched.

And there was no time to scream before sharp teeth clamped down on the cats
windpipe and dragged the still-struggling body back into the heavy brush and
disappeared.










Fiction~~The Last Pure Human~~Ch. 19


The Last Pure Human
Chapter 19 - Rescuing Humans




Standing in the room with his family around him, Kasan could barely breathe as his
mind processed the news from the screen. His brothers and their consorts were
almost as upset as he was; at the edge of his awareness, he could see ears flicking
downwards, hear their angry murmurs even while they tried to offer comfort. There
was the brief touch of Aoshs hand brushing against Kasans shoulder, considerately
avoiding the leash hanging over his chest. Rotos fingers rubbed at his ears. Even
Ko and Jolan were patting his arms gently, but it wasnt enough to take the shock
away.

Did the Niandrin really have Maxs people?

From the large, paternal hand petting the top of his head, it was clear his father
believed they did. The elders must believe it as well or they wouldnt have put their
punishment on hold to call him in.

Kasan didnt want to believe it. It made Kasan and Max into a damned test case for
the Niandrin, and one that might help sell the rest of Maxs people. Kasan thought he
might vomit, knowing what the humans would end up as: whores, concubines, pets
to be kept in a collectors zoo, or worse, specimens to be experimented on.

At least they were too small and frail to make good competitors in blood sports.
Hopefully, that meant they would live long enough to be rescued. And then Kasan
would like to see the slaving sons of bitches try to get them through the Guardian
Satellites of Kyashin.

Bastards like these were exactly why the grid of satellites had been installed in the
first place. Now some of the Saviors technology that still remained would help
protect some of the very species that had built it. If they could get to humans in
time. Kasans growl grew as he stared blindly at the screen while his family huddled
close and touched him soothingly until he got a sliver of control again.

He wanted to believe it would take the Niandrin a long time to off-load their human
cargo. Everyone knew that theyd successfully faked genetic tests in the past; it
would hamper their attempts to claim that Maxs people were really humans. They
would never get what the humans were worth.

Or they never would have, if it werent for Max. Because everyone, especially the
filth in the slave trade, also knew that Kyashin couldnt survive puberty without
another Kyashin, or without a genetically pure human. They didnt know the details,
but they knew enough to always try to capture Kyashin in pairs.

So theyd used he and Max to get the best fucking price for Maxs family. Kasan
shuddered, choking back the rage before he lost control. Stupid, damned gossip-
mongering idiots had helped them do it, too; his own mating would have been all
over the social news hours after it happened.

Max had people of his own, people he probably loved, and right now they were
being sold as slaves. Kasan vibrated with growls so deep his collar shivered against
his throat. He partially crushed the screen control in his hand before his father took
it from him with a gentle touch.

With a throat that felt raw from unuttered screams of rage, Kasan finally managed
to speak. Were getting Maxs family back. Every last one of them.

Jolan pinched his ear. Dont be stupid. Of course we are. Theyre part of our
family.

The elders and his father nodded sharply, not that Kasan needed the reassurance.
Hed simply had to say the words. He needed to know that they were true.

He needed Max.

The screen was paused on an image of Maxs pale face, frozen in a moment of
terror during their greeting. Kasans whole body ached, remembering the little ones
fear, imagining what it could have been.

What were the odds that the Niandrin had picked Max out of all the humans they
had? It could have been anyone in Kasans cell with him that day, and Max would
have been sold to someone else. The terror on his face, blown up to enormous size
on the screen, would have been just as real. But no one would have cared.

Red clouded Kasans eyes. His beautiful, amazing, helpless little Max, with some
low-life, slave-buying bastard who wouldnt give a damn how frightened Max was.
Kasans claws emerged entirely. His body shook with the need to attack the Niandrin
and rip them apart so savagely he would feel blood spray across his face.

I will fucking kill them.

You will stay here and take care of your consort. Kyoru looked at him with eyes
like sharp stones. Everyone else took a few steps back. And Shovak still needs to be
dealt with.

Ears flat, Kasan refused to look away. These were his consorts people. He wanted
blood. They have the other humans!

Kyoru looked at him without speaking. Even with the collar on, Kasans fingertips
tingled as he flexed his claws. He didnt know what might have happened had Aosh
not interrupted the unspoken challenge.

His baby brother stepped between them. Ill go get them.

Kasan, the Lord King, and everyone else stared at him until Aoshs ears wilted.

Aunt Asha yanked at one of Aoshs braids. You so much as think about it and I will
strip the fur from your ears.

Aosh stood straight and met her glare, even as his ears flattened protectively. You
know its feasible. Zonta and I are known to be brothers to Kasan and we dont have
consorts. If we dont deny the slave purchase outside of Kyashin, then they might
believe that wed want a human for ourselves. Aosh and I could get into the auctions.
Besides, Zonta is fluent in practically every damn language he comes across,
including the humans, if he can study it a little. We can-

You can stay here where you wont be picked up and sold. Aunt Ashas biting voice
was lethal and she yanked at his braid again so hard that he was forced to lean
down until they were face to face. You think were going to let two barely ripened
Kyashin off-planet? And identical twins, at that? She glowered at him scathingly.
Youd be snapped up by a whore house in seconds. Even if they only had a year
before you both died during your heat, theyd make enough profit to make it worth
their while.

The very harshness in her voice made Kasan stare at her hard before he looked
away. His claws sank bank into their sheaths as he was reminded of an old rumor
hed heard and discounted, that Asha had managed to sneak off planet when she
was very young.

According to the story, shed been found in a child brothel on Tiensa.

Aosh stood as the Elder released his hair. We wouldnt be alone! People expect
guards and servants with royalty. We could have an entire ship of trained-

Youre also needed here, Aunt Nerin said. Aosh turned to confront at her with a
frustrated scowl.

You have dozens who can do what I-

Dont argue about this. Youre too young, the Lord King said.

Kasan completely agreed. His youngest two brothers werent ready to leave the
planet yet, even if Aoshs gesture helped Kasan keep his claws in.

His father wasnt done talking. and youre definitely too fond of making people
squirm to be let out on your own, yet.

Aoshs jaw tightened. I am not a child. Zonta and I-

We have diplomats, leaders, and warriors who would all make better choices, and
thats only in our own family. If we ask for the aid from some of the others clans,
there are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of people I would choose before Id let
you and Zonta endanger yourselves that way. Kyoru paused before a small smile
softened his features as he reached out and flicked the tip of Aoshs nose. Besides, I
have a feeling youre almost as interested in finding a human for yourself as in a
rescue attempt.

Aosh didnt look amused.

Kasan felt about the same, but for entirely different reasons. Father was going to
ask for help from the other clans? I agree that Aosh and Zonta are too young. He
touched his finger to Aoshs lips when his brother began to growl. Not that I dont
appreciate the offer, Aosh, but you are. You dont even have a consort yet. But-

Youve only had yours for a few days! Aoshs snapping reply stopped Kasans next
words in his throat. He didnt care about jibe; it didnt matter that Kasans mating
was so recent. It did matter that he had a consort now.

He deserved a punch in the head, reacting like this, like someone still ripe. Kasan
might ache for the Niandrins death with a stomach-gouging need, but painful as it
was, it wasnt nearly as consuming as his need for Max. The little one was far more
important. And if he followed through on what he wanted and went after the
Niandrin himself, where would Max be? With Kasan, close enough that they could
mate nightly as they needed to? Vulnerable to any group who wanted a human of
their own? Kasan would never put the Max at risk like that.

He couldnt leave the planet.

Kasan swallowed the words Aosh had halted, and thought before he spoke. It felt
like the first time since hed watched the news that his mind had started working
beyond the lust for Niandrin blood.

Father, we cant waste too much time contacting the other clans. We need to get
someone out there now.

It would take over a week to get to Tiensa. Whether Kasan went or not, they didnt
have time to spare for interviewing too many candidates for a rescue mission.
Kasan thought he could ask for volunteers and have enough men from their own
forces before the end of the next fifth. That was as much time as he wanted to spare.

His father raised an eyebrow and Kasan added, No, it will not include myself. Ill
keep Max safe.

The acknowledgement of what was needed for his consorts health seemed to
ameliorate some of the tension among the older members of the family, especially
his father. Im glad you finally calmed enough to think of his safety.

Kasans ears flattened. He knew a backhanded reprimand when he heard one.

Aunt Nerin shifted close enough to touch his hand. I know youre worried, but
impatience and an ill-planned attempt will help no one.

Therell be no one to help if we take too long. Theyll all be sold. He couldnt
believe the Niandrin wouldnt be prepared to put the humans on the market
immediately. The elders had to be as aware of that as he was.

If theyve been sold, then we will track them down, Kyoru said, his tone soft. He
passed by Leero to stand closer to Kasan. We will not let your consorts people be
harmed, if we can help it. But we will not dive into this and endanger our own men
foolishly. We must check with our allies, find out if the humans are already for sale,
and by then we will have enough people to make the journey. With luck, it will
require nothing more than funds to pretend we wish to purchase them ourselves.

The Elders snorted their contempt at the idea of dealing with the Niandrin, but they
didnt speak against it.

It is more likely we will need to help them escape from other owners. Kyoru
hugged Kasan tightly, rubbing his chin over Kasans head. We will not forget them,
Kasan. There are other problems this report causes, however. The other clans have
already begun to ask questions. They want to know if we bought you a consort.

Jolan snarled. As if any Kyashin would purchase a slave! Ko touched his arm and
gestured to their father. Kasan saw the moment that Jolan recalled Shovak, who had
dealt with slavers, even if he hadnt actually bought Max. That is Damn. This
could be bad.

Kasan was very glad that he wasnt the one who dealt with diplomatic issues; Nolluz
was going to have a firestorm on his hands. All Kasan had on his plate was a list of
who to send, and his consort's feelings. What was Max going to think when he
found out what was happening?

Max is going to be devastated. His voice was muffled against his fathers arm.

Kyoru slowly released him, stepping back before he spoke again. Will you tell him,
then?

I dont know. Would the little one feel the same guilt Kasan did, knowing their
mating had paved the way for this atrocity? Maybe I should wait.

Tisu spoke for the first time. At least wait until the rescue team is gone. You dont
want him trying to get involved and get hurt. Little things like him are fragile.

Roto flushed as Tisu wrapped his arm around him and the smaller Kyashin elbowed
Tisu in the side. He added his opinion before poking Tisu again. You should trust
Max. Tell him.

Let Kasan make his own decisions about his consorts needs, Kyoru said. Kasan,
dont worry about who to send. Leero knows as much as you do about our men. He
can provide me with couples who are both capable of taking this on, or men and
women beyond the heat who are willing to volunteer. Kyoru tugged Leero forward
with the leash and Leero flinched noticeably. Kasan had never realized how bright
green his eyes were when his cheeks flushed like that. Youll need to do this before
next meal, Leero. Any other request for your services by someone other than myself
may be ignored until the task is complete.

Releasing the leash, Kyorus fingertips ran lightly down Leeros spine as he pushed
him forward. Kasan thought he saw Leero jump before the man nodded stiffly and
left.

Kyoru turned as soon as the door closed behind him. Nolluz, youll need to let the
other clans know about Shovaks involvement. They are already aware that his name
has been struck. Kasan, reporters from multiple races have been sending requests
for interviews about your new consort. We need to discuss what you will say. Youll
need to-

Stall them, Aunt Nerin croaked out.

Kasan had no idea what she meant. So you dont want me to speak to them?

Of course I do. Thats not what I meant. She tottered forward until she was
staring down at him. Her hands teased at his leash. Lie, boy. Give an interview,
look sickly, put some gray on your face, say were not certain the mating is taking as
we thought, perhaps because your consort isnt what was claimed. They hardly
know a damn thing about mating; theyll believe it. Itll delay any sales the Niandrin
try to make, if others believe their goods are tainted. Theyve done it too often.
Stalling might get us enough time to get to Tiensa ourselves.

Kasan nodded slowly.

Nerin looked at his other brothers and their consorts. And the rest of you, go spend
some time with each other. This needs something joyful to wash the taste of it from
your mouths.

Roto bit his lip, looking up at Tisu as they all hesitated. What about the inventory
they were doing?

Aunt Nerin waved her hand. Theyll still do it. Tomorrow. Go on now, before I
change my mind.

The others made it out the door before Kasan had even turned, Neera giving Nolluz
a quick pat on the backside before she left him standing next to Kasan.

His father spoke to him as Nolluz began talking to the elders. Well try to make this
as quick as we can. Two or three of the more reputable reporters should do our job
well enough.

Kasan followed them over to the screen to prepare for the talks. He wanted this
over with so he could hold Max again. Whether he told him about the Niandrin or not,
he wanted the feel of the little one in his arms for the rest of the damned night.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


Kasan hadnt realized how tense he was until the moment Zonta opened the door,
and Kasan realized Max wasnt with him.

Where is he? A brief touch was the only thing that stopped him from charging out
of the room to find him.

Hes simply out in the garden. My, you must really be getting a lot of teasing
today if youre so disturbed by a few seconds without him. Zontas smile fell flat as
Kasan failed to return it. Kasan hated to ruin his mood, but he needed to be told.

Weve found out where Maxs humans are.

Thats wonderful!

Theyre being held as slaves by the Niandrin.

Zontas ears quivered. With a sympathetic murmur, he hugged Kasan around the
shoulders. The leash was crushed between them. Im so sorry.

Kasan reached up to gently push him away and found himself holding onto his
brother instead. He couldnt let go until Zonta spoke against his hair. Ill get ready
to help retrieve them.

As opposite as they were in personality, in some ways, Aosh and Zonta were so
alike it was eerie.

No, you wont. Not according to father. Aosh already tried to volunteer the both of
you and it was discarded. You cant do this, Zonta.

ButI know more human right now than any of them! The offended surprise on
Zontas face was about what Kasan would have expected. Aosh wouldnt have
volunteered them both if he hadnt been sure Zonta would want to come. The two of
them had probably discussed something like this as soon as they all started trying to
find out about Maxs origins.

It was very touching.

Zonta, you havent even had your first heat and you have no experience off-world.
Somehow, I dont think that makes you and Aosh the most qualified for a mission
like this. Kasan tempered his words when his brothers ears wilted. But I
appreciate more than I can say that the both of you are so willing to offer.

Zonta shrugged awkwardly. His mouth and shoulders were tight. I hate not being
able to help, he murmured, looking out towards the door leading to the garden.

I know. But considering that youve been teaching my consort how to speak Hinta
all afternoon, I cant imagine why you dont believe youve been doing just that.

It doesnt seem enough.

Trust me, it is one of the most important things you could be doing, as far as Im
concerned. Anything that helped Max acclimate and took the fright from his eyes
was vital. Until the little one felt safe, Kasan didnt think he could give Max
information that would upset him even more.

Kasan scanned the area as Zonta led the way into the fading light of the garden.
Sundown should be soon, but it was always dimmer inside the enclosed gardens. He
looked around, not seeing Max immediately, but as the insects and birds quieted at
their presence, Kasans ears caught the barest hint of human muttering farther back
in the recesses of the garden.

A tight knot inside his belly eased into a mere tangle at the evidence of Maxs well
being. He could already imagine his consorts unfocused stare as the little one talked
to himself. Walking towards the sound, Kasan thought he recognized Dont touch
that. My touch now. being repeated over and over in Maxs smooth voice.

Kasans ears fluttered as he chuckled under his breath. Funny little thing. Thinking
of how much he was looking forward to finding out what went on in Maxs head kept
the smile on his face. Every step closer to him smoothed out the tension in Kasans
shoulders. If he could touch Max, he could believe they had a chance to retrieve the
other humans. As long as he had Max, he had the feeling he was capable of almost
anything, these days.

Zonta stepped around a large bush on the winding path and Kasan followed him
impatiently. It was difficult not to push Zonta aside and hurry past him. He could still
hear Max, but the foliage was so pungent Kasan could only catch a hint of Maxs
scent. Unpleasant. Hed never understand why Zonta and Aosh let the caretakers
take over the planting of their garden and put in crap like this. Thorn-ridden, head-
high shrubs that needed little care who wanted an entire garden of this?

It masked peoples smell, it constantly stung the skin, and unlike Kasans garden,
there was nothing he could climb and leap off of to speed things along. Cursing at
another set of scratches as he brushed too close to a high shrub, Kasan wished he
were already back in his own garden with Max. Hed love to take the little one up
into one of the bowers hed built in a few of the largest trees. They needed
somewhere they could both forget about the rest of the world for a while. The vision
was enticing: Max flushed and moaning softly underneath him, surrounded by
velvety petals and shining leaves.

Perhaps they could even manage it today, even though Kasan could feel the
smallest prickle of the heat in his fingertips. It would still be at least a couple hours
until he was in dire need.

He shoved aside an overgrown bush from the path. Zonta, has Max eaten anything
for Lastmeal, yet? It was a bit early, but Zonta tended to have meals in his room at
least a few times a week, especially when he got caught up in his studies.

Zonta turned his head, smiling. Youre in luck. I thought you might be in a rush
when you were done with the inventory, so I had food brought in. I wasnt
expecting you so early, but as it standsas soon as you two wish, you could have
some time alone.

Zontas flush ruined whatever teasing he might have intended. Opening his mouth
to reply, Kasan stopped as he realized he couldnt hear Max any more. He waited a
moment for the little one to speak again; a stray breeze eddied around them,
rustling the leaves. Max still wasnt making a sound. Kasans hackles rose at the
relative silence. Stupid, to feel a moments quiet meant anything. Max didnt have
to talk constantly to be well. But Kasans tail began to twitch, and his ears strained
to hear Max speaking yet again.

Kasan? Are you-

Max screamed, high-pitched and terrified, and Kasans stomach dropped to his toes.

He plunged into the brush, a small limb of thorns slapping viciously at his stomach.
Maxs scream echoed in his head so loudly he wasnt certain if he was hearing it
again or if his mind was playing tricks on him.

Max had to be all right there was nothing here!

So why did Kasans entire body crawl with superstitious dread that he was about to
find Max bloody and gone. Because of the Niandrin? Because of the scream?
Dammit, Max screamed all the time!

But not like this.

Kasan leapt over another bush as high as his head, tripping as it caught at his feet.
An alarm from the top of the walls screeched and Kasan stopped thinking entirely.
He sprinted towards Max, whose screaming kept Kasan focused if the little one
could scream, he was still alive. Kasan clawed through the brush in front of him,
unwilling to weave around it.

Blinded by the leaves in his face, he nearly knocked Max over when his consort
sprinted around the next brush. Maxs blue eyes were so huge in his face that they
looked warped. Kasan caught him, cutting off his scream as they both grunted from
the impact. Stumbling back and nearly falling into another bush, Kasan put Max
beside him and stepped in front. He couldnt hear anything following behind. Maxs
terrified panting was too loud in the air, even with the birds scared off by the alarm.

Whats wrong, Max? He didnt take his eyes off the brush in front of them as he
spoke. Max pulled at his arm, back towards the door to Zontas room.

Its the freaking pink blobs again! Come on!

Max, I cant understand you.

Shit! Uh, uhbig, sharp animal! Chase Max! Kasan, run! Kasan tried to figure out
what the hell was in the garden with them, pushing Max a littler farther behind him
as he scanned the trees quickly in case one of the larger raptors had gotten in. The
guards had seen something, if they set off the alarm.

Max reached from behind Kasan and tried to yank at his leash. Kasan! Run!
Kasan barely heard him as an animal screamed in agony near the rear of the garden,
so high pitched it made Kasans head ache. Zontas tosa the only sounds they
ever made were so high they were almost inaudible. And very few things attacked a
tosa.

Of the animals that did, only one could climb well enough to get into the walled
garden.

Kasan turned, picked Max up in his arms, and sprinted back towards the door.
Zonta! Get back inside!

Max held onto the leash and collar as Kasan ran, nearly choking him until the little
one let go and finally hunched himself into a small ball. Kasan leapt through the
bushes again, curling around Max to keep the thorns from him. He would swear he
could feel something gaining on him, breathing against the back of his neck. Not that
hed hear a damn thing if there were - hed feel the claws before he heard a damned
thing.

And then theyd tear into Max.

He ran faster.

Bursting through the last shrub, seeing Zonta sprinting ahead of him, Kasan pushed
himself so hard that he stumbled headlong into Zontas room, flipping over onto his
back at the last moment as he hit the ground. Max and he went skidding along the
floor and Zonta stared at him as he flew past.

Close the damn door! Close it!

Zontas hand snapped the lock and Kasan didnt start breathing again until the door
slid completely shut. He couldnt talk in more than repeated curse words. His legs
trembled in reaction.

God. Max. I almost lost Max. Kasan held him tight to his chest, ignoring when his
consort squirmed to get free. I swear to God, Im never letting him out there alone
again. Shit.

Zonta swallowed and stared at them both. What happened?

Shokan. I heard your tosa die in the garden behind Max. It must have distracted
the damn thing so it didnt go after Max. God Kasan stared down at Max as the
man started to shake. Shhhh, youre safe n-now. He couldnt keep his voice
steady. Panting, he tried to calm Max for another tic when he realized the shivering
was his own arms, shaking as they held his consort. He put Max down on his lap so
he wasnt jolting him so much, but he couldnt make himself let go.

I cant believe I could have just lost him.

Zonta came over and knelt down on the floor next to him, patting Max, who looked
more terrified now than he had before when hed been running.

Kasan? Animal outside? No danger here? The little ones voice shook.

Kasan stared at him before he nodded. Absolutely right. Nothing was getting in here
at Max.

Kasanhurt.

Kasan felt a small sting on his arm. Looking down at Max touching his bicep, Kasan
saw thin rivulets of blood beading up and running down. The pain started as he
looked at it, stinging stripes that covered his arms, legs, and chest, one hot line
down the side of his face, and his entire back burned from where hed skidded across
the floor.

Kasan hurt big. Maxs hands hovered over the small wounds covering Kasans skin.

No, Max, not big. Theyre small. Youre the one who Kasan swallowed and
hugged him tighter. Max almost eaten.

A tremor rattled Kasans entire body. It wasnt the loss of his own life that bothered
him, if he lost his consort. It was losing Max. Max in pain and torn to pieces,
poisoned from a shokans claws, paralyzed as the pack carried him away and ate him
the moment he died.

First the Niandrin, and now a shokan in the gardens. He wasnt letting Max out on
his own for a long damn time. Like the next five years.

They were still on the floor, Zonta gathering a few bandaging supplies, when the
guards burst through the door. There was a shokan sighted on top of Zontas wall-

We know. Kasan got to his feet, taking Max with him. We got inside safely, but it
got his tosa. He headed to the bed. There would be more guards coming, and hed
feel safer if Max wasnt going to get stepped on by the crowd.

The younger of Zontas guards gasped as he saw Kasans back. Your wounds! Did-


Its from hitting the floor. I dont need an antidote. He made a note to keep that
one out of the garden. If the man didnt know enough to realize Kasan would already
be paralyzed if hed been clawed, he shouldnt be getting anywhere near a shokan.
Have they surrounded the garden yet? he asked over his shoulder.

The older guard shook his head. Not when they contacted us, but they had more
men coming. If its not secured by now, it soon will be.

Kasan put Max on the bed, smoothing his hair from his eyes. Zonta joined them
with an antiseptic that smelled like tea flowers.

I need to treat these.

Kasan shook his head as he stood. Im fine for now. You can help me with them
once I come back in. Right now, the others will need me to help in the garden when
they locate the pack.

Snagging the now-ragged ends of the leash, Max surprised them both. Kasan, sit.
Kasan paused.

Zonta smiled sharply. Forgot you were still in Service?

It was tempting to ignore it and take whatever punishment came his way, but
Kasan couldnt make himself do it. He flushed, sitting down next to Max, and let
Zonta start cleaning the small cuts. He could hear the guards chuckling, wondering
how much his consort ordered him around when they were in private. Or in bed. A
quick glance at Max made it clear the little one wasnt listening to them at all. He
was watching Zontas hands as they smoothed the cream over Kasans skin.

He was oddly focused on it, and after a few more strokes along one of Kasans arms,
Max held out his hand. I do it.

Do what? Zonta continued rubbing in the cream, leaving behind a pleasant
coolness.

Max gestured towards the bottle. Make hurt better. I do it. Kasan would swear he
heard him mutter, Kasan mine.

The guards chuckled louder as Max took the medicine and tried to use it himself.
He ended up with a goopy mess that dripped off his hand as he spread it over
Kasans other arm. Kasan shivered violently. The cream was cold enough when it
was only a thin film. A full slathering of it was icy.

Max, not so much, little one. Its cold.

Maybe he can warm you up, then. The older guard smiled at them both. Max froze,
glancing at him and flushing before he poured out a much less generous portion. His
fingers shook.

Kasan watched Maxs eyes, alien and round, framed by those feathery, dark lashes.
The little one was worrying his bottom lip, his white teeth forming a sharp
indentation in the plump flesh. Kneeling to reach Kasans body, Max seemed
completely focused. He ran his hands over each small scratch, lingering over the
marks. Starting at his stomach, Max spread the slippery lotion over his body,
working his way up an inch at a time. Kasan couldnt stop his reaction.

He was certain everyone noticed, too, except for his oblivious little consort. The
guards had quieted, clearing their throats and watching so closely Kasan felt like he
was in the middle of a peep show rather than receiving first aid.

He cleared his own throat. Max, I think thats enough. You dont need to do any
more. Not until they were in private. Then he could rub lotion, oils, and himself all
over Kasan.

Max poured out another dollop of antiseptic. No. Kasan help Max. Kasan hurt. I
help Kasan. Starting on another scratch, both of their breaths hitched as he
followed it over Kasans nipple. Maxs fingers stopped over the dark beige erotic
point the moment it hardened. He flicked it once. As it hardened further, he
massaged it curiously, rubbing small circles with his finger until Kasan groaned
deeply.

Max jumped, stared up at his face, and yanked his hand away as he flushed
violently.

I- I- Max dropped the bottle of medicine and it clanked loudly as it missed the
bed and landed on the floor. They stared at each other and Maxs eyes went to the
scratch that was now throbbing along his cheek. He swallowed heavily. I help
Kasan, he said softly, getting up higher on his knees.

The little one lifted up his lotion-covered hand, still flushing like mad. Small fingers
slid gently across Kasans skin, skimming over his cheek and up past his eye. Kasan
didnt think Max realized how close he was until they were both breathing into each
others warmth. His consorts hand didnt move, heating Kasans skin, until Kasan
couldnt help himself and touched his lips to Maxs.

His consort tasted of his last meal, sharply sweet with a little heat. Kasan let his
tongue enter Max leisurely, savoring his taste, memorizing the velvety feel of his
mouth. He couldnt bring himself to smile as he pulled away. He felt too raw,
thinking that he might have missed this. One moment too late, and Max would have
been gone. Thank you, Max.

Maxs tongue darted out to lick his lips. His nod was shaky as he sat back down on
the bed and clasped his hands together over his groin. I h-help Kasan.

Yes, you did, Gisho.

Are you sure you want to help with the pack, Prince Kasan? Kasan glanced over at
the guard who was smirking fondly at him. The older ones tended to do that,
unfortunately. Your consort looks as though hed rather have some time alone with
you. Id say he could really use yourServices.

Zonta coughed as he started to laugh. Kasan thought the guards might have teased
him more but the summoning box rang and interrupted. They werent laughing when
they came back from getting the message.

Theyve secured the garden, but they cant see a pack from up on the walls.

Kasan cursed. Zontas garden didnt have enough coverage to hide an entire pack.
Either they were dealing with one animal, a rogue or one separated from its pack, or
the pack had escaped before they secured the perimeter.

Or it was one animal and it had escaped. The work involved in searching the entire
citadel if that happened would be immense, and risky. It was dangerous enough
trying to clear shokan from an outlying farm, when they could use modern weapons.
Having to keep to the more traditional weapons if they didnt want to set off the
citadels defenses made things potentially deadly.

He revered the Saviors as much as anyone, but he would never stop wishing that
plans for this citadel had survived the centuries so some of the defenses could be
disarmed in a situation like this, at least temporarily. Kasan knew the Yanta were
able to do that; they ribbed the Hinta all the time for losing their own schematics.

As more guards finally started trickling in, including a couple with a few throwback
traits like himself, he tossed aside the regret and they started discussing the best
way to search Zontas garden. They wouldnt worry about an escaped shokan unless
they came up empty-handed. The planning didnt take long; most of them had dealt
with the animals before, on the battlefield or the outskirts of a town, if not in a
situation like this. All Kasan needed before they started was a weapon.

Zonta stopped him as Kasan headed through the open door to Aoshs room to find a
spear he didnt have time to excavate Zontas for something useful. Kasan, are
you certain you wish to do this? We have enough guards.

But not enough throwbacks to give us an edge.

Zonta let go with a soft sigh and nodded slowly. He knew as well as Kasan that
against shokan, they needed whatever edge they could get. The deadly predators
were nearly silent, had almost the same scent as a Kyashin, and were faster than
lightening. Not to mention they outweighed even a giant like Tisu.

When Kasan came back with a spear and a small collection of knives that he tucked
into the sides of his loincloth, he paused by Max. He leaned down and hugged him
quickly, smearing him with antiseptic as he kissed him hard.

Stay with Zonta, Max. Ill be back soon.

Kasan joined the group guarding the door as they slid it open, and when nothing
attempted to charge inside, they slid out the door as rapidly as possible. With the
door was secured behind them, Kasan said a small thank you for Maxs safety, and
then he and the others fanned out and got ready to hunt shokan.










Fiction~~The Last Pure Human~~Ch. 20


The Last Pure Human
Chapter 20 - Hunting for Blobs and Dogs




The dusty rustle of disturbed sand from a stray Kyashin foot rattled Kasans nerves.
He was already too tense, what with the shadows now crouching over possible tracks,
the sharp scents blinding his nose, and the nervous ears of his party flickering wildly
in the corners of his eyes.

Young Rui jumped as leaves fluttered around them. His dart gun jabbed up
defensively. Kasan would have sighed if the noise wouldnt have been audible. At
least Rui reacted appropriately to a possible threat, although Kasan would have felt
better if the guard could calm his ears.

Kasan wasnt even sure what was bothering Rui. The man was the youngest guard
allowed on the hunt tonight, but he was supposed to be experienced at this; he
shouldnt be so tense. Living in the outlying villages, he would have been a part of
their yearly efforts to relocate encroaching packs since before he was ripe.

He might have been more used to modern weapons, living outside the citadel, but
hed handled his blowgun competently enough in training. So when his ears waved
like moth wings on his head, it was impossible to write it off as youthful nerves.
Kasans own ears ached with the need to swivel just as wildly; it made every step
through the garden a test of will.

He managed. After a minor eternity, theyd covered a quarter of the garden without
finding any sign of a pack. Another nerve-wracking eon and Kasans small party had
made it halfway with just as little to show for it. They were coming up on the spot
where Max had first started screaming, however. And none of the other groups had
called out a sighting, yet. Everyones eyes and ears quivered from moving constantly,
the tension rising with the certainty that there would be a confrontation soon.

Rui was the one who discovered the tosa. Flipped over and already deflating, its
fuchsia body had been gutted for the small organ inside. A clean slice marred the
glistening surface, the only evidence that something had attacked the harmless
herbivore. Kasan tried to scan the ground for tracks while keeping his eyes on the
brush surrounding them: forgetting to keep an eye off the ground was a mistake he
might not live to regret.

This isnt right. Rui hunched his shoulders as his mumble drew everyones
attention.

What do you mean? Kasan returned to scanning the brush and the trail as he
waited for an answer. He couldnt let down his guard until theyd found shokan.
Even his speech was whispered so quietly he could hardly feel the breath leave his
mouth.

Rui softened his voice before he answered. Its whole.

Kasan felt as unenlightened as the others looked. Unlike Rui, he hadnt lived near
the animals. He hadnt studied them more than he needed to hunt and tranq them.
And whole means...?

Well That is A pack leaves tosa alone unless its the birthing season. But they
always tear it apart. You never see one left like this if a packs gotten to it.

They were silent for a moment. Kasan quickly appraised the tracks on the ground,
searching for variety. He couldnt use the path of the tracks to help him: shokan
were known for going over their own tracks dozens of times, to hide their numbers
and make them more difficult to track.

More than once, Kasan had wondered if the animals had always been so cunning, or
if the nanites from the saviors had added something more than the ability to survive
the Kouloc.

After hed looked over all the tracks in the vicinity, he could only come to one
conclusion: it was one animal. The tracks were the same depth, same size not fully
grown - and if he was seeing it clearly in the growing dark, there was a ragged claw
on one of the back feet. Just one shokan but it was a young one. Davi and the
others with him must have reached the same conclusion as he; one of them cursed
softly.

A rogue? Ruis question hovered reluctantly in the air.

No one answered. It might have been a pack member that had been separated, but
with the half-sized track, it was much more likely that it was searching for a mate.
Shokan always left their packs at the first signs of puberty, visiting other packs and
choosing a mate just after they achieved full growth. But a rogue was always
unpredictable, and usually vicious.

If a rogue had escaped the garden, the next day or so were going to get ugly. The
efforts needed to find a single animal hiding in an entire city

Hed rather inventory every storehouse in the citadel, first.

Moving past the dead animal, Kasans ears flickered nearly twice as fact as the
others, trying to catch a sound that wasnt the other cats combing the foliage to
either side of them. His eyes brushed over the ground, noticing faint tracks leading
onward, and he hoped they veered to the side soon. But by the time they all reached
the far wall, the tracks stopped. There was nothing to be found by any of the teams
whod been searching.

Whatever had killed the tosa had escaped the garden.

One guard signaled to the guards on the wall the best he could in the dim light,
while another ran back ahead of them to get to the summoning box and give them
more detailed information. Theyd need to clear all the gardens and the citadel
walkways: everything would need searching now. The rest of them headed back to
Zontas room with flattened ears, walking heavily. Kasan spoke with one of the older
guards and arranged for his own garden to be searched immediately. Kasan had
time to help with one more place before his heat hit; he was making sure Max had a
safe place to go.

And he was making sure that a throwbacks senses would ensure that it was
absolutely safe. His garden was a nightmare of hiding places for a partially grown
shokan. They were going to need spotlights to search the tops of his trees while the
men searched below. He might have to climb some of the trees to make sure
nothing was missed.

Because the thought of making a mistake over this terrified him. A shokan, jumping
down from the trees to take Max?

Kasan shuddered.

The man beside him cleared his throat and Kasan realized hed stopped in the
middle of a sentence. Sorry. Ah, youll arrange for the next group to meet me in
my rooms?

Of course, Prince Kasan. Ill get a few more to help search your garden. Its a
bit

Large. Yes, I know. Hed never regretted it, before now.

Kasan heard the young Rui speaking to someone behind him. Ive never seen a
shokan come this far into the citadel before.

Always a first time. Ah, that was Davi.

Hopefully the last, Kasan whispered to no one.

He didnt want to think of Max in danger like this; hed had no time to teach his
consort about their world yet! Max didnt know what the alarm had been for, or even
what to avoid or where to go for help. If Kasan hadnt been there, even if Max had
been given warning, he would have been killed.

Kasan couldnt think that there was a lot he could have done differently, but he was
shaking in his chest, realizing how dangerous it really was for his consort to do
something as simple as visit the garden. Hed have to ensure someone was with him
at all times, now, until the little one learned more.

They opened the door and found Zonta teaching Max again. The little one didnt
look like he was listening; he jumped up before the first guards foot was inside the
room. The way Maxs body loosened when he saw Kasan was obvious, even without
the relieved smile that followed.

Kasan smiled back as he made his way over. I want to take him back to the room,
Zonta.

Of course.

Zonta urged Max off the bed. Kasan found it difficult to move, absorbing Max with
his eyes to reassure himself that his consort was still whole and undamaged. The
other guards left them alone and Max was standing in front of him before he could
overcome his paralysis. All Kasan managed was dropping to his knees in front of his
consort. Closing his eyes, Kasan clung to Maxs waist, breathing in the scent of him
as Max stood stiffly in his arms. A tentative hand stroked his ear after a moment and
Kasan half-chuckled against Maxs stomach.

I cant believe hes all right.

Zonta heard his words despite their being muffled by Maxs body. But he is.

Kasan released Max, still kneeling by him, and looked into his eyes. They were so
round; he looked like a perpetually surprised, open-faced child. The look was still too
new not endear itself to him.

Lets go back to our room, Max, he said softly, swallowing, and he held up the end
of the leash to Maxs hand. Max took it with a tight grip, glancing at Zonta as
though his brother might steal it before he had a chance to hang on. He started to
flush as Kasan stayed on his knees.

Kasan couldnt take his eyes off of him. His consort was soperfect. Neither of
them spoke, Maxs cheeks growing redder until Kasan finally hugged him one last
time, kissing his belly softly as he wrapped his arms around him as gently as
cupping a seed fluff in his hands.

K-Kasan?

Its nothing, little one. Imhappy youre all right.

Zonta tried to fill the silence as Kasan kissed Maxs chest and stood. Ill think of
some new words to-

The door slapped to the side, and Aosh stormed in. He passed by Kasan and Max,
his eyes giving them the briefest of once-overs before he went to Zonta. Are you all
right?!

Zonta instantly switched gears. He smiled at his brother and waved his hand
dismissively. Im fine.

The guards said there was a shokan-

We didnt even see it.

You were outside? Kasan could see Aoshs ears flatten and he tried to loom over
Zonta it didnt work very well when they were the same size. What were you
thinking? You could have been killed! You have to use your brain for more than
books, Zonta! What if-

Aosh, Im fine. Zonta reached out and touched Aoshs lips with the tip of his finger
and Aosh stopped. Its not as though we went looking for trouble; Im perfectly
aware that hunting is not one of my skills. We happened to be outside when the
alarm sounded.

Aosh barely paused. If there are shokan coming into the citadel now, you need a
guard before you go outside. You cant-

Kasan turned to go, guiding Max as the man glanced back and forth between the
twins. This was likely to take a while. Aosh never dealt well with thoughts of Zonta in
serious danger; hed likely have to vent for an hour or so.

Zontas placating voice followed them out the door. Aosh, dont work yourself into
a panic. Im uninjured. Besides- The door closed behind him and Kasan could
almost forget the leash in Maxs hand as he shared a look with the guards at the
door.

Aosh playing the worry-bird? The blond guard smiled down at Max as he spoke.

Hes trying to persuade Zonta to have a personal bodyguard. At all times.

The two men by the door shook their heads, smiling. Dont know why the boy even
tries. Between the both of them, theyve gotten into more trouble than the rest of
you.

Kasan nodded and gently pushed at Maxs back so they could leave. It wasnt
usually the way Service was done, but Max wouldnt know how to get back to their
rooms, otherwise.

This way, Max. Max held on to the leash and followed along, almost like an erotic
pull toy, until Kasan took his other hand in his own and walked down hand in hand.
Maxs face flushed again, but he didnt draw his hand away. He seemed to need the
comfort; hed startle and clutch it tighter, his knuckles turning white, whenever
someone said hello as they passed.

A tec nodded as he crossed the hallway, and the pressure over Maxs family
returned full force. Max jumped again as another tec turned the corner and nearly
bumped into them; it made the decision easy. With so much happening, and all of it
upsetting to Max, he didnt need to know about one more thing that was only going
to upset him. Not when neither of them could do much about it.

The little thing was too emotional to put one more burden on his shoulders. When
they knew more, or had the other humans in hand, then Kasan would tell Max about
what was happening to them. Hed do everything he could to keep Max happy until
then, just in case there was bad news.

A large contingent of men and women were already in Kasans room by the time
they arrived. They stared at the cuts covering Kasans body, and a few of the
younger ones glanced at Maxs nails as though trying to compare the size of the cuts
with them. Always the newly mated ones who put a sexual context to everything.

Of which he was one of, he admitted.

As the grip on his hand grew nearly painful, Kasan rubbed a hand over Maxs head,
ignoring how everyone watched the two of them. Theres nothing here, little one.
Youre safe.

Maxs hand relaxed, and he let go of the leash entirely. He still grumbled. Say
garden safe, too.

Kasans tail snapped to the side at the reminder. He had to protect his consort
better than he had been. It was shameful that luck was the only thing that had kept
Max alive.

And Max needed a lot more than luck to protect him, Kasan admitted, watching the
little one trip on his own feet. Max didnt seem extremely capable at times like this.
Maybe it was the situation he was in that showed his clumsy side, but Kasan wasnt
certain that was the case. Max needed a lot of care to keep him safe. And happy.

Once they were done clearing his garden, Kasan thought they should have time to
further their connection. It would be close to the heat again, but this time, he was
hoping they could talk. What about, he didnt know, but tonight had reminded him:
every day was a gift. He was going to use as many of those gifts as they both had
left to them, and he was going to do his damnedest to make sure he spent them all
with Max.


XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX



Max was trying to relax on Kasans bed, but the more time that went by without
Kasan returning, the less success he had.

He mumbled under his breath. Wait on the bed, Max. Yeah, like thats going to help
anything? Like it was easy letting himself get vulnerable on the silken altar of sex,
anyway. And now? How could anyone freaking relax when Kasan and an angry horde
of cats were hunting for pink jellies of doom? Especially when no one would listen to
him. Max had tried to tell them that Androcles had already killed one, and everyone
had verbally patted his head and assured him he was safe and that theyd take care
of it all. Jerks.

He knew he was safe! He didnt need super cats telling him that all the time!

Well. Kinda. It was nice that Kasan seemed to care enough to reassure him now
that Max could understand what the hell he was saying. But hed already seen Kasan
kicking ass on his behalf; he expected it at this point. When that damned pink blob
in Zontas garden had come after him again, he knew that his first thought had been
to run for Kasan.

But right now, when Kasan was out there facing those things, Max was starting to
worry. The horrid things had almost eaten Max twice now. It had to be some kind of
spiky, blobby infestation, the way everyone had reacted. And now Kasan was out
there with them and their spiky-blobbiness.

What if he got hurt?

Maxs body tightened up again and he go to his feet, pacing. It was so easy to think
of Kasan as some unbreakable superhero sex fiend, but even he had run from the
blob when Max had told him what it was. Max jerked to a halt, his hands fisting.
Hed never seen Kasan look afraid before. Hed never so much as thought about the
big honkin juggernaut having something that scared him as badly as the cats
freaked Max out. Not that he was stupid everybody was afraid of something, right?
but to actually see it

He hadnt realized how much he was already relying on Kasan to kick everythings
ass and keep it away from Max. The other cats, yeah, but alien monsters? God, he
was a selfish, self-centered dork. What, was he expecting the cat to take care of him
like a freaking little kid or something? Or a concubine. Haremboy?

His cock thickened a little. No! This wasntit wasnt fair! He hadnt asked for this.
He hadnt asked to come here, to be screwed up the ass, to be married, none of it!
He hadnt asked for some stunning, god-like man to touch him for a half-second and
turn his brain to goo like this.

To go out and face pink blobs for him.

Max cursed and punched the wall, then cursed again and popped his screaming
knuckles into his mouth. Darn it, what was he supposed to do, charge out and kill
the evil jello, too?

He flushed and looked to the door again. What was taking them so damn long?
They should be done by now, shouldnt they? Unless something had gone wrong?
What the hell could those neon lumps do that scared the cats so much?

Could they throw those nasty spikes? Some kind of projectile freakozoid? Absorb
people like an alien amoeba? Shit, what if they had, like, acid for blood or something?

Hed seen that freaking movie; he didnt need to live it! Max gnawed on his lip.
Whatever freako powers the blobs had, if they were enough to scare Kasan, it could
mean that Kasan could bekilled.

A chill spiked down his spine and his ass clenched so tightly it made his shoulders
jump. He reached for the door and then punched it with his closed fist instead. Hed
be no help at all. He didnt know how to kill those damn things, and he didnt even
have a damned weapon to do it with, anyway!

Kasan and the others all had spears and dart guns and one even had what looked
like a crossbow. But Maxs knowledge of martial arts had never involved fighting
blobs. So what was he going to do, yell the thing to death? Unless he had some
banshee blood, that wasnt gonna do a lot of freakin good.

And besides, what if he went out and Kasan heard him, what if it screwed
everything up? Max turned and stomped away from the door, chewing his lip so
hard he thought he tasted blood. Kasan might be hurt if he tried to rescue Max and
got caught by something. And Max was kind of shocked to realize that he knew
Kasan would do it, too. Hed been so terrified for so long, but right now, he couldnt
imagine Kasan abandoning him. Not to something that would kill him.

The sex issues were still up in the air sexy and scary and too much to deal with
right now - but Kasan would never let him get hurt. Max believed that utterly.

And it scared him.

Max grabbed one of the pillows on the bed and flung it against the wall. This was
pathetic! Max was totally useless right now. And he was a freaking coward, because
no matter what he wanted, the thought that he had to wait here for Kasan, rather
than enter the garden with the blobs, made his stomach soften into relieved jelly.

Except what if Kasan didnt come back? His stomach curdled the jelly and froze solid
again. Kasan didnt deserve to be hurt just because he was protecting Max. And
besides, Max didnt want to lose hisshit, his husband. Kasan had to stay alive, and
come back, and and kiss Maxs stomach in that weird and really erotic way hed
just done. He had to. Max had only just gotten used to having a husband; he
couldnt lose one before hed even figured it out!

Theyd never even had a freaking honeymoon, dammit!

The door drew his eye again and he walked over to it. Maybe he could just open it?
Peek out and see if he could hear Kasan? Both the pink things had been far away
form the doors last time; they probably didnt like coming close to the building.
Maybe?


Crap.

His hand was actually touching the door itself when there was a soft scratching from
the other side.

Holy crap! Stumbling back, he fell onto his ass and didnt even bother getting up.
Hed almost opened the damn thing, and something was on the other side, just
waiting for him to come out and get sucked into its jelly tentacles and impale him
and-

Another soft scratch made him crab-walk back a few more feet. He should go for
the guards that were still outside the door, shouldnt he? They were huge and ass-
clenching scary, but they had weapons; they could take care of this and then Kasan
wouldnt be in danger, right?

He turned to do just that and heard a whine and another soft scrabbling. The blobs
hadnt whined. Theyd never made any noise at all, actually. So what-

The scratching started repeating, one scrape after the other in a high-powered
scuffling, and it whined again. Just like a freaking dog.

Androcles? Max kept his voice low, and he wasnt even certain why. It wasnt like
the blob or Androcles was going to answer.

There was a barely audible yip from outside the door and Max shoved it open so
quickly it nearly bounced back onto itself. Androcles leapt inside. The dog was a little
wild-eyed, panting hard and quivering. And if the dog was terrified, what the hell
was chasing him?! Max slammed the door shut; Androcles whipped his tail out of the
way just in time.

Maxs knees gave out and he knelt next to Androcles. The dog nuzzled his face with
his cold nose

Poor boy. What happened to you? Did those big cats scare you?

Please let it be the cats and not something even worse than the blobs. God knew
that mass of cats had scared Max jumpy. Thered been so many of them in their
room Max thought he was going to be crushed until Kasan put him on the bed. And
they all looked seriously unhappy. Even Kasan had looked furious when hed come
in with them from Zontas garden, the fur on his tail a little puffed, his ears lower
and tense.

Not at all like hed looked when hed let Max put that medicine on his body. Max
looked down at his hands; the skin still buzzed from where the medicine had touched
it. The orange and sage smell of his own palms teased his nose every time he
paused enough to pay attention. And the feel of it, flowing across a fantastic
washboard stomach and bulging pecs-

Androcles licked him in the face and he turned his face away, gagging at its breath.
He shoved his own hands over his nose to cover the smell.

Androcles! Jeez, something crawl into your mouth and die? Your breath is rank!
Max pushed himself to his feet and realized Androcles head seemed even higher
than it had before. You had better not tell me that youre going to grow to be their
size, or Im disowning you.

With one last look at the door, listening vainly for the sound of Kasan returning,
Max went back to stomping around the room. Androcles kept pace, following
alongside and bumping against Maxs body as they neared the bed. Strands of silky
fur stuck to his body where Kasans lotion had smeared over him at their last hug.

Careful, boy. Androcles bumped him again; Max stumbled against the bed and
caught himself with his hip. Watch it. Youre gonna knock me on my ass if youre
not careful crap! Androcles jumped up and planted his paws on Maxs shoulders,
tumbling him to the bed. One leap and it landed on top of him.

Androcles! Get off! The big dog rested its front paws on his chest while he tried to
shove it away. The damn thing weighed a freaking ton!

And then it started to sniff him all over.

Androcles! What the heck are you doing? The dog got nose-drool all over him: his
bare chest, his face, his stomach. It was like Androcles was trying to memorize his
body. He tried to shove the dog again when it scooted down and started nuzzling at
his legs. And then-

Dont you dare go for the crotch, Androcles! Will you stop snorting me!

Androcles nuzzled at him again, snuffling and burying his face in the loincloth, and
Max thought he was going to have to start punching him in the head when the dog
finally shifted off his legs and let him up. Max tried to give him a shove for good
measure, but the dog was so massive now that he barely moved. With a grumpy
sounding herrumph, Androcles settled himself on the floor, between Max and the exit
to the garden.

Max was still eyeing him when Androcles jumped to his feet and growled at the door.
Max leapt back onto the bed before his brain had time to think. Demons growled like
that, deep and thundering. Not dogs. No freaking dog growled like that! It was a
frightening reminder that as much as he might resemble a canine, Androcles was
still an alien animal.

Max stayed very still. Androcles was just growling at the door, and hed never hurt
Max, right? He wasnt growling at Max, it was only at the door and-

Androcles looked over at Max.

N-Nice doggy. Im not doing anything scary right now, right? Just- Maxs throat
closed up in terror as the dog leapt at him, closing its mouth around his arm. He
opened his mouth to scream. Androcles was going to eat his arm! Hed rip it off and
swallow it whole!

Kasan!

He was going to be left with a bloody stump! Hed be dog food! Alien puppy chow!
He was going to die! And Androcles had been his friend! Dammit why would he do
this? Why would he attack him and bite him and

start pulling him across the floor by the arm, which oddly enough wasnt hurting
even the slightest bit.

Maxs heart rate dropped as he pulled back. There was no blood, no pain at all.
What the-

He took stock of his arm as he stumbled across the room. Oh thank God, Androcles
was mouthing him. Not biting, not picking the flesh from his bones, not eating him.
Mouthing. Max dug in his heels and got a yank hard enough to have him stumbling
after Androcles again as it backed up towards the slanted beam on the floor.

Dammit, what the heck was it doing?

Yes, thank God it wasnt eating him, but what the heck was it doing?

A-Androcles? What are you What the heck were you supposed to say to a giant
dog that was supposed to be a friend but was now dragging you somewhere against
your will like an evil Lassie? L-let go, boy. Im not a chew toy. Androcles, let go
now. Cmon. Release. Stop. Cease. Bad dog. Nice dog?

Androcles stared at him he would swear the dog looked annoyed and pulled at
him again. Max was already most of the way across the floor to the log-beam-thing,
and he wondered suddenly if the dog was going to try and drag him up as well as
over.

Because that would hurt like hell!

And he was about to try poking the dog in the eye to stop it. Just a little poke, to
get his attention. But the dogs face turned at the last moment, and just before he
growled Max heard faint voices coming from behind the door.

He was reacting this way because of the cats? Was he trying to protect Max, maybe?
That was so

You arent an evil Lassie after all! Max hugged him around his head with the one
free arm, scrubbing at his muzzle and trying subtly to make Androcles release. The
jaw was massive and heavy, the velvety fur covering it made it almost harder to try
and get a grip. Hey, now, I know theyre freaky big and as comforting as a football
squad on a bender, but you dont have to protect me from them. Honest. As long as
Kasan was around.

Max pulled at Androcles lips, his fingers scraping up against truly massive teeth.
Kasan had to be around. Swallowing, Max tried to listen for his voice as he was
dragged along again. Androcles had his back paws on the log and Max pulled onto
his tiptoes when he finally heard it

Kasan! Oh God, he was okay! The blob hadnt got him; Kasan was all right!

Androcles stopped, his head cocking and nearly sweeping Max off his feet as it
kinked his arm. Kasans voice was clear for a moment, answering someones
question, and Androcles stared at the door hard before he suddenly released Maxs
arm.

Max promptly fell on his ass, rubbing at his arm with his hand. It ached oddly from
being up at such an awkward angle. Androcles watched him, leaned down to lick his
finger once, and then started climbing the wooden log up into his hidey-hole.

Androcles, stay, boy. The dog ignored him and continued climbing.

Nothing ever listens to me here. He watched Androcles climb and rubbed at his
arm again, trying to get off the slobber. Nothing is ever small here. Stupid giant
planet. With a sigh, he headed back to the bed. If he didnt want to get trampled,
hed better get on higher ground.

And then he could wait for Kasan. Who was not yelling, or screaming, or anything
else that would mean hed been hurt more than the scratches from before. And he
was coming back to the room. And Max was on the bed.

He stared down at his crotch as his cock decided to express its opinion on the whole
thing.

Ohcrap.








Fiction~~The Last Pure Human~~Ch. 21


The Last Pure Human
Chapter 21 - Living in the Moment




The moment Kasan saw Max kneeling on their bed, he wrapped his arms around him
and picked him up. His consort groused at him, but the little one was safe and alive.

Not the fate of whomever the shokan had dragged into his garden. None of them
had found a body, but not only was his gardens tosa dead and dead over a day
thered been blood as well. The guards said no one had entered his room or the
garden while theyd been on duty, but someone had been attacked there.

With that amount of blood, there was no way the person had lived through it.

Theyd have to start checking to see who was missing from the citadel. It made him
ill, thinking that someone had already died. Worse, he had a guilty relief that the
blood didnt belong to Max.

For the second time that night, Kasans hands shook as he held onto Max. He buried
his face in Maxs hair. Kasan didnt know how far the shokan had roamed, but one
thing had been clear from their search of his garden: it had been hiding out there.
For days, long enough to have marked a number of the trees near the back wall and
dragged off the poor bastard whod likely been its dinner. Hints of paw prints were in
the soft mosses and grasses and shed hair draped the lower branches near the
markings. The scent might be nearly indistinguishable from his fellow Kyashin, but
the signs had been there.

There was no excuse for this. Kasan should have noticed something had invaded his
private space. If Max hadnt once again been luckier than anyone could have
expected, hed have been killed. And Kasan would have been responsible. He
couldnt stop shaking, thinking of the odds that Max had come outside during
whatever brief time the shokan hadnt been in the garden.

Kasan put one hand underneath Maxs ass and brought him in closer, trying not to
jostle the little one in his arms. The room smelled like stressed Kyashin and nervous
Max sweaty but it didnt feel safe. The damn carnivore had been out there with
them tonight; they all knew it. Although no one had caught a glimpse of it, the signs
near the door had been new newer than when they went out the door. His garden
still wasnt fucking cleared. They needed more men to hunt the damn thing down.

But he wasnt going to be one of the hunters. The search had taken too long.

Sex soon, little one. Kasan kissed Maxs forehead and pulled him flush to his groin.
Their cocks sprung to attention almost as soon as they touched.

Maxs head popped up nearly as fast at Kasans whisper and he stared at him with
huge eyes. His face slowly flushed.

Most of the guards had stayed in the garden to wait for reinforcements, but a few
had followed him in. My apologies for not joining you for the rest of the night. My
heat is spiking. They all nodded. Most of them had probably seen the signs already.
Give me a moment and well clear the room. Youre welcome to use whatever you
need during the search tonight.

Honeyed ears twitching, the highest ranked guard gestured towards the door. You
might want to try for the green rooms. Davi was complaining that the blue and red
rooms were full.

Davi nodded sharply. Good luck finding somewhere.

The other guard smiled. Its quite the frenzy youve set off; half the ripe in the
citadel have gone into heat, from what I hear.

Kasan cursed under his breath. He should have thought of that. With this many
couples looking for rooms that werent occupied by roommates, privacy was going to
be hard to find.

Kasan, what wrong?

Kasan loosened his hold on Max, smiling for his sake, and noticed shokan hair
clinging to his arm. His smile froze and his stomach roiled unpleasantly. Shit. I
didnt mean to get you covered in that damn things hair, too. The beasts fur had
been everywhere outside. Every time Kasan had brushed against so much as a leaf,
the hair had clung to the medicine coating Kasans body.

He couldn't stand that hed brought anything from that thing back inside to
contaminate Max with. Growling under his breath, Kasan let Max down and grabbed
a small rag, wiping the hair off them both with angry swipes. It took him an extra
minute to get it off of the velvet of the leash and collar.

Kasan?

Shhh. Sorry, Gisho. Its fine. We have to go to a new room for the night, though.
Kasan ran a hand over Maxs shoulder at the mans confused look. Another room,
Max. Sleep in another room.

Did Max look disappointed?

Not withKasan?

Warmth blossomed in his middle at the forlorn note to Maxs voice. Max and Kasan
sleep in another room.

Blood filled Maxs cheeks again. Kasan wanted to touch him desperately, but his
emotions were scattered even as the heat made his body burn. The Niandrin, the
shokan, Maxs near death, even the poor soul whod lost his life - he didnt want to
have them in his head when he was making love to Max.

It was hard to put into practice what hed been taught: to live with the heat meant
to live in the moment. Everything from arguments to raging battles had to be put
aside whenever ones body required it. They all knew it. This was the first time
Kasan had been so tested with it, though.

Davi cleared his throat. If you dont mind some advice?

Kasan didnt look at him as he nodded. He stroked the soft, naked curve of Maxs
ears while he listened.

It helps if you can immerse yourself in your consort. Focus on Max try something
new if you need to and deal with the rest of the world after youre done. Davi
sighed quietly. It does get easier, with practice.

Another guard snorted. I think these two practice enough that its gotta be plenty
easy by now.

Kasan ignored him. If he could think of it as concentrating on Max rather than trying
to forget the rest, he could do it. The little one was on his mind constantly. Kasan
only needed to concentrate everything in his head on Max.

Kasan tightened his awareness to the tips of his fingers, stroking around Maxs ears.
He would likely never stop enjoying how lovely they were. He liked the way his
fingers could glide over the furless skin. Smooth and curled, with finely made whorls
decorating the inside. And the small, fleshy lobe underneath was far too tempting.
He wanted to nibble on it and hear Max squeal.

His cock thickened, but it felt natural, no longer an invasion to his state of mind.

Images ran through his head and he closed his eyes to let them flow faster. He
wanted to see Max spread underneath him, flushed and panting with need. He
wanted to caress Maxs skin and hold him so tightly that they melted into each other.
His cock wanted to embed itself in the little ones warm body until Kasan could forget
the sight of blood spattered ground and the rotting corpse of the dead tosa.

Davi touched his shoulder. Go on, well take care of the garden. Remember, if
things start to overwhelm you, just empty your mind- He grinned. - and fill your
consort.

Kasan thought Max understood the last, because he started flushing again. A hand
rubbed over the top of his head distracted him and Max grumbled.

Kasan couldnt quite let go. Be careful. If someone else was killed while taking care
of my garden-

Well take every precaution. You neednt worry.

Kasan nodded abruptly and hustled Max out the door. Velvet brushed against some
of his scratches as he scooped Max up; he placed the hanging leash into Maxs hand.
The extra pressure as Max held on tight should have felt restrictive.

It didnt.

By the time he made it to the green rooms, his mind still hadnt settled completely,
but his erection was a permanent feature. He walked down the hallway, nodding to
the guards, finding room after room with busy, no company needed markings on
them.

One of the guards spoke up. Cleaners just finished with the last one on the left,
Prince Kasan.

Kasan thanked him gratefully. They might have a little while before Kasan had to be
inside Max, but that didnt mean they would have had time to find somewhere
private, if the frenzy was this bad.

Heat and Death waited for no one.

Max didnt understand what that meant yet, Kasan was sure. Privacy for their
mating wasnt a given. But it wasnt necessarily comfortable out in public, and he
wanted Max to be happy. His consort had been dealt with more than enough already.
And Kasan couldnt help worrying that he was going to go through so much one day
that he grew sick of them all.

Well get through this, little one, Kasan murmured. He triggered the door with his
shoulder and carried Max in.


~~~~~~~~



A trio of guards stood close to each other in the hallway, watching Kasans black tail
flick once before the door closed and blocked their view. Two sets of golden ears
slanted towards each other.

Was that the princes new consort?

Looks like it.

And its really a human.

Looks like it.

Hes small enough to tuck under your arm.

Looks like it.

How do they even-

A third voice interrupted. Thats none of our business.

The other two looked at him and back to each other.

Why didnt he use his room?

Who knows.

Maybe his heat caught him by surprise. They always say throwbacks need it more
often. Maybe it hits them faster, too.

Could be.

The sounds of masculine and feminine moans drifted through the closed doors and
the guards sighed, stoically trying to ignore their own responses. One with black hair
had to adjust his loincloth to accommodate his erection and turned away. His ears
flicked forward as he caught sight of a brown haired cat that resembled Waran
passing by at the end of the hall.

Poor bastard, he murmured.

Hmm?

Just thinking of Waran.

Oh, yeah. Shorus a real asshole.

Waityou havent heard? The other two stared at him blankly. About Shoru?

No, but I swear Ill kiss you if you tell me someone finally called him on that Im in
heat shit. Like hes some kind of throwback or something, the ass.

Someone beat him.

The taller guard grunted. About damn time.

No, I mean really beat him. Hes in a coma in his rooms right now.

Blond ears went flat. Shit. What the hell happened?

No one knows. From what I heard, the town guard heard him yelling, but Shoru
was unconscious in an alley by the time they got there. Someone used a laser pistol
on him.

The other two touched their chests and mouths reverently. Is he going to live?

Sounds like it. Nasty head wound, though, maybe some other injuries. I saw
Korosh on the way here. He was up when they brought Shoru in. Said Warans
pretty shaken up.

I can imagine. Hate to be him, if he spikes before Shoru wakes up.

The black haired guards ears were flat against his head. Happened to me once,
he whispered. The others stared at him. Guadalupe had the flu last year. The
nanites took care of it, of course, but she was still out of her head with fever when
we spiked. Itit was like I was raping her. His pupils dilated and his body shivered
noticeably.

The others left their posts and came over to stroke his hair and ears.

Hey, its not your fault. Happens to a lot of people.

Yeah, the heat never leaves anyone unscathed, you know that.

They stayed close until the shivering stopped and he touched their lips gently.
Thank you. His ears were upright again as the other two returned to their posts.


~~~~~~~



Even being held in another mans arms, Max could admit that they were in a
nice room. Blue and green silk on the walls, deep teal rugs all over the floor, and a
bed that was a built la orgy, because it would have fit at least five cats into it at a
time. He wasnt confused about why they were here sex soon was pretty clear,
even without Kasans hands all over him on the way over.

But why not their room? Was there something wrong with it? Was this going to be
their room now? What did it mean that all those cats were still in his room and the
garden when theyd left? More of the pink blobs had invaded?

At least Kasan wasnt out there with them, this time. He was safe.

Kasans hand under his legs drifted up towards Maxs ass and Max tried to grab it.
Why am I not surprised that even blob invaders dont stop you from wanting sex,
huh, Kasan?

Kasan looked at him politely, finally putting him down. Maxs feet hit the floor at the
same time his stomach bumped against an erection already nearly bursting out of
the loincloth. He stepped back with a small gulp. It was all right. He could deal with
this. Besides, after everything Zonta had showed him, Max knew Kasan couldnt help
himself. The big cat had sex-fiend nanites, right?

Although Max had a sneaking suspicion that Kasan was probably born horny anyway.
Or, wella horny infant didnt sound right at all. Born with a lot of potential dick
energy was more like it. Or should that be kinetic dick energy? There was
movement involved at the end

Max looked over at him and shivered as he realized Kasans loincloth was already on
the floor. The big man didnt move towards Max, though. Just stood there, cock at
attention, muscles taut, and so covered with lacerations that Max felt the strangest
urge to try and comfort him. That one on his face had nearly cut across his eye. Max
imagined kissing it better and cringed at his own stupidity.

Yeah, like he could do that? What the heck did Kasan need coddling for? The man
was a freaking pillar. He was hard, and bronzed, and tall, and -

Max turned around as he realized he was staring at Kasans cock.

Hard, bronzed, and tall, yeah, that pretty much described it, too.

He focused on the only thing in the room worth looking at the bed and
rethought the decision almost immediately. It was taunting him. Like he needed a
reminder about what they were there for? Max knew they had to have sex. Knew,
knew, knew they had to have sex, but last time, theyd had some sort of super sex
frenzy in front of the mirror that had wrung him out so much he was surprised he
could even walk today.

And Kasan was going to take him in the ass again today. And tomorrow, again. And
again, and again, and there were so many agains ahead of them that it was hard to
even think about it clearly. Maybe if Max just thought about today. He could do this
one more time, for one more day.

But forever was still a little too much. What about if they found more humans? What
the hell would he do then? Max couldnt leave Kasan or hed die, right? If the sex
had to be with Max and only Max he thought thats what hed seen on the video -
thats what it would mean. And as for going to live with another colony, if they found
one? Max couldnt even imagine Kasan walking among throngs of people, towering
over them and flashing his backside in that thong of his. It broke his brain. But then
that meantwhat?

Could he live with Kasan like this? Forever? With Kasan risking his life for him, and
wanting sex with him, and Max doingsomething.

Max?

He looked back at Kasan again and was reminded that the cat wasn't completely
nude; the deep red collar was still on. And the way Kasan looked in it?

Max had never seen anyone look so much like a sex slave in his entire life, and
considering hed thought he was a sex slave, he figured hed know. Kasan looked
like some captured barbarian prince from the land of unending sexual pleasure.

Kasan took a step towards him and Max nearly fell over as he backed up and
bumped against the bed.

Okay, maybe a captured barbarian prince that had already broken free and was
looking for a little sexual payback, actually.

Kasan. He didnt flinch much when Kasan came in close and wrapped a hand
around Maxs bicep. The cats fingers almost touched. Great. Maxs arms were so
puny here he might as well be a twig. Just great. He could hire himself out as a
scarecrow. Although maybe then hed get more clothes to wear, so when Kasan
looked at him like this he wouldnt feel so completely and utterly naked and
vulnerable and exhilaratingly terrified.

Need sex soon, Max.

I know.

They didnt move, staring at each other.

Kasan sat on the bed and pulled Max down next to him. Max

I know! Justgive me a minute, okay?

Max?

Crap, hed spoken in English. Kasan wait.

Cant wait long, little one. Not if we want to do this right.

Kasan leaned down and nuzzled the top of Maxs head. Max grabbed his leash and
yanked. Wait!

He didnt know what he was going to do, but Max felt like he should be thinking of
something that would make everything easier. Things shouldnt be this difficult; he
and Kasan had sex every day now! It wasnt like it was new!

His fingers tightened over the leash and he looked at them in disgust. Like the
leash was going to help him figure things out? It wasnt going to do a damn thing for
him. It was as useful as the time hed tried to walk a St. Bernard on a skateboard.
The only thing he could do with it was close his eyes, hold on tight, and pray
everything worked out okay.

Actually, hed ended up with a raw ass after that one, too.

But Kasan wasnt moving. He was smiling, his grin white and a little lusty, but he
didnt pull away. His head tilted and his ears kinked forward before he smiled
broader.

Holding onto Maxs hand, he stroked the end of the leash. And then sat there,
running his eyes over Max. And Maxs stupid, stupid, body thought that was just the
hottest thing it had ever seen and went boneless and shivery. And a little empty.

Dammit, what is going on with my ass!? It was happening again. His entire body
felt like a piece was missing, and it was just the same size as Kasans dick. What
did you do to me? My ass-

Kasan tilted his head again and Max couldnt finish the statement. What the hell
could he say? Not what gay, porn star ghost just possessed my ass, and how do I
make it go away? It wasnt like it was painful, but it made him feel needy. Like he
couldn't do without Kasan, and he didnt like it! He didnt like worrying about him
and watching him get hurt and scratched up and actually caring that he was hurt
and scratched up.

It wasnt his fault that he was married to an alien and doomed to be fucked in the
ass for eternity. Orgasmic eternity. He looked down at Kasans dick again and
wondered if that was the bad kind of eternity or not. Probably the going to hell for
this eternity. Although he couldnt go to hell if he was eternally being rimmed,
anyway, could he? So

God, he really needed to stop going insane. Soon.

Max dropped the leash, and Kasan handed it back, very slowly wrapping Maxs
fingers around it.

Max, this is yours. Hold on.

M-mine? As inhe was going to be wearing it soon? Blood rushed to his face.

Kasan is yours. Tonight. His ears flicked and he grinned again, leaning in so close
that Max could see the flecks in his eyes, the pupils widening slowly into dark moons.
Max is in charge now.

Maxs brain couldnt process that. It did some sort of internal dance, screaming
barbarian sex slave, I knew it! But he must have heard wrong. Except everyone
told Kasan what to do today, and if hed done everything they asked, did that
meanhed do everything Max asked?

A flush went from his ears to his groin. Max was horrifically embarrassed that
without even trying, he could think of five different things he could do with Kasan.
Graphic, penetrative things, with pre-arranged dialogue, that could not have possible
come from his head unless hed thought of them before, but he sure as hell didnt
remember thinking of them, but they were there so

Nono sex? His voice came out as a bleating kind of whisper, but Kasan shook his
head, his hand over Maxs bicep sliding down to hold onto his hand. The cat lifted
Maxs palm to his mouth and kissed the tips of his fingers.

We need sex, Max. But Max can decide. Kasan is in Service to Max, to you, now.
You are in charge, until tomorrow.

Max stared at his hand, wondering at the sharp darts of lightening that zipped all
the way up his arm with each kiss. He felt so self-conscious over the feeling that he
yanked his arm back, but he didnt let go of the leash.

Max was still trying to get used to having sex. He wasnt really sure he would ever
be completely comfortable with always having sex, butif he had to.

Would Kasan really do what Max said? Anything he said? What if Max were the one
on top? Maybe he didnt have to be the girl-guy at all! Except his ass was feeling so
empty, so freaking needy that he wasnt really sure -

Dammit, he kind of didnt want to be on top. He wanted to feel something big and
thick inside him, and he thought his face must be as red as the damn leash as he
admitted it to himself.

He looked at the leash itself, pulled at it a little, and Kasans body bent supplely
from the waist until their eyelashes were close enough to kiss. Max didnt look away.
Did he want to look away? Maybe he should. He was in charge, wasnt he? Shouldnt
he know what should he do? Dang it, shouldnt he know whether looking into
someones eyes like this was a good thing, so close that the smallest jeweled flecks
in their eyes were as big as teardrops?

Except he didnt have a clue. He didnt know what to do at all. How did he make a
decision about which way to get screwed in the ass? He was still getting used to
Kasan and marriage and even the idea of getting screwed in the ass. And now Kasan
wanted him to be in charge of the sex, too?

Why didnt you tell me I had to be in charge? I dont know any gay sex positions!
Crap. What if I choose wrong? It would be terrible! And youd still do it, wouldnt
you? Youd go right along and let me pick something horrible and do everything I
said and wed end up like a bad movie and then youll think I suck at sex and youll
never let me be in charge again! And Id be damn good at it if youd just tell me
ahead of time so I can figure something out, dammit!

He didnt understand why Kasan found that funny - because it wasnt! - but the
stupid cat chuckled and kissed Max on the nose.

My poor little Gisho. I think Ive finally figured out something that you might like,
and you still surprise me. Kasan leaned down and kissed him softly on the lips. You
certainly make it easy to keep my focus on the two of us. Now, whats wrong? Are
you still frightened, little one? You neednt be. Youre safe now. Nothing can hurt you
in here. Or is something else upsetting you?

Max caught some of it, but only enough to know Kasan was asking how he was.
Probably.

Im fine.

Kasan chuckled again. Im sure you are. Beautiful and delicate and fine and
absolutely delicious.

Max flushed, his cock swelling. Kasans voice was hot syrup running down his
stomach. Not beautiful.

Yes, you are, sweetheart. Now, youre in charge. Come. Tell me what to do. Kasan
looked down at Maxs cock and the stupid thing took the initiative to bob up inside
its clothing like the attention seeking whore it was. Ah, I see. Max needs a little
attention?

Kasan practically slithered off the bed to his knees, and Max yelped such a
freaking unmanly sound when Kasan crept between his legs. Kneeling on the floor,
Kasan looked at Maxs loincloth like someone waiting for a curtain to go up in a play.

And Maxs curtain was rising so fast it was making him lightheaded from sudden
blood loss.

Kasan?

Kasan put a hand on either side of Maxs hips, brought his face in close to Maxs
loincloth, and looked up at him with slitted eyes. He licked his lips so close to Maxs
clothing that Max thought he saw a damp spot appear on the cloth.

Swallowing the cock-sized lump in this throat, Max froze. Kasan licked his lips again,
then brushed the insides of his forearms against Maxs legs. His tail slid over the side
of his naked ass and drifted down to Maxs leg. It was unreal how soft it was when it
curled around his calf. The tip drifted up and down the back of his knee, like a
tongue of velvet.

What would it feel like around his cock?

Kasan His voice squeaked out before he could stop it.

Yes? So innocent, like Kasan didnt know exactly what he was doing!

Max couldn't look at him. It wasnt that he didnt know what he wanted, but how
could he ask for it? He couldnt- there was no freaking way he could ask Kasan to
do anything to him! It washell, it was embarrassing. Worse than his first time
realizing hed just being screwed, worse than agreeing to be screwed and asking for
more. To ask for Kasan to wrap his tail around Maxs cock, or his mouth, oror

To stick something inside of Max?

His ass tightened, fluttering open and shut for a few seconds like hed had a mini-
orgasm. Oh dear God, thats what his freaking body wanted him to ask for,
something inside of him. Soon. Kasan purred, bringing Maxs eyes down to Kasans
cock, eager and ready over his heavy thighs, his balls thick and heavy underneath.

He tried to shift his eyes somewhere safer, and realized that nothing was. Even
Kasans mouth was magnetic. Max couldnt stop looking at it. Bronzed lips with a
hint of rose to them, flexible and hotter than hell. He knew them so well he could
feel them over his own mouth again, working their way down his body.

He couldnt ask Kasan to fuck him. It was just impossible. He freaking couldnt! But
those lips of his were so sexy and soft looking, maybe Max could ask that. Maybe
that.

Kasan His voice cracked and he yanked at the leash on accident. Kasan let it
drag him closer. K-Kasantouch Shit, he didnt know the word! Zonta had never
taught him the word! Dammit!

Touch you where, little one?

Max swallowed and couldnt say anything.

Ahhh, you dont know how to name the body well yet? Well, we have enough time
for a few lessons. And I need something to focus on today, little one. A game, that
will help. So, would you like me to teach you some new words, Max?

Max nodded stupidly at Kasans face. He wasnt sure what he was agreeing to, but
with that look on Kasans face, and his eyes they were so fierce, like Max was the
only thing in the world that mattered. At that moment, Max thought could do
whatever he had to, if it meant Kasan looked at him that way some more.

Or smiled like he was doing now, too. So where would you like me to touch you,
sweetheart? Your feet?

Kasans fingers smoothed over the top of Maxs feet and moved up. Or your calves,
perhaps?

His huge body was completely at ease as he knelt at Maxs feet - even if his eyes
didnt quite match. And then Kasan slid his hands up the back of Maxs calves,
massaging gently with small waves of his fingers. They eased their way up by inches.
Max swallowed a small moan. It felt good!

Do you like my touching your calves, little one? Kasans hands stilled.

When they remained there for a minute without moving, Max tugged on the leash to
try and get them to caress him again.

Calves. Kasan rolled the world around in his mouth as he squeezed them gently.
The small movement made Maxs toes curl into the carpet. You have to say the
word if you want the touch, sweetheart. Calves.

C-calves. Maxs hips squirmed against the bed as Kasan not only used his hands
but twisted and leaned down to nip at the fleshy part of Maxs calves.

Kasan!

Mmmm. You taste so sweet, Max.

Kasan

You like this? Max gasped with barely a sound as Kasans teeth grazed the back of
his calf again. Or maybe youd rather I play with your knees?

Kasan chuckled, kissing the skin. A moment later, Maxs legs were lifted just
enough for Kasan to lick the soft crease behind the knee. He had to fight not to fall
over backwards.

Holy crap. Knees were almost as sensitive as freaking nipples!

You like that?

Max shivered and tried to nod. His entire body felt too aroused, like Kasan could lick
his freaking chin stubble and it would feel good. Althoughwait. Max hadnt shaved
the whole time hed been here. His face should have been all stubble now. What the
-


Kasan brought his hands around and rubbed his thumbs over the inside of Maxs
knees and it ceased to matter. His brain couldnt think past Kasan and his hands.
Barely touching, the movement should have barely registered. It was on his freaking
knees. How could it bring so much of Maxs attention to those two spots on his body?

Wh-what are you-

Pushing gently with only his thumbs, Kasan pressed Maxs legs apart and insinuated
himself between them until Maxs thighs were splayed wide. Feet barely touching the
floor, almost falling off the edge of the bed, Max couldnt bring himself to move.

He didnt want Kasan to stop touching him, and for some reason, Kasan was acting
weird tonight. Like he might stop.

These are knees, Max.

Huh? I dont understand.

The word, sweetheart. Can you remember the word? Knees.

Oh, the word thing! If he said itwhat would Kasan do? Max had to take a deep
breath before he spoke. Knees.

Kasan smiled at him. With a small kiss on the side of Maxs knee, he slid his hands
around and up Maxs legs. This time, he lifted until Max fell back on the bed, his feet
in Kasans hands, and Kasans mouthright back at the same spot. Oh God, he was
going to do it again. Kasan dragged his tongue over the back of Maxs knee slower
than dripping ice cream. Max squirmed, moaning softly, and his cock jumped as
Kasan continued to lick at his skin.

Thats it. Let yourself enjoy it. Give me something else to think about.

Kasan dragged his tongue up. Max knew his stupid legs were quivering like a
virgins, but he didnt freaking care. Lowering Maxs feet to his shoulders, Kasan
wrapped his hands around Maxs thighs and pulled until Maxs ass slid off the bed. A
little shocked, Max tried to squirm back onto the mattress. Kasan tightened his grip
to prevent it, holding Maxs ass in mid-air with no apparent effort at all.

He licked at Maxs thighs just as softly as hed touched Maxs knees, and then
looked at him. The corner of his mouth curved softly. You are so beautiful, Gisho.
And you have such pretty thighs.

Max stared at him, still holding onto the leash as though he could do anything with
it. He tried to watch as Kasan leaned forward and nipped at the inner skin of his
thigh, but his head fell back on the mattress the second he felt lips on him.

Thighs. Kasan paused, licked the pinkened skin carefully, and looked back up at
Max.

Thighs. He nipped it again, higher and closer to Maxs groin. Dont forget to say it.
Or do I need to make sure you know which body part I am teaching? Kasan nibbled.
His hair brushed against the line where Maxs loincloth ended and his thigh attached
to his body.

Max sighed the words in a long, drawn out treble Thighs.

Beautiful thighs. More caresses and nips eroded any thoughts Max tried to form
and he couldnt speak until Kasan finally stopped.

B-Beautiful thighs.

Kasan shifted, his shoulders shifting closer to support more of Maxs legs. Max could
feel Kasans breath on his calves. One broad finger drifted up and along the edge of
the loincloth, not quite pushing underneath the fabric but making it clear that Kasan
could if hed wanted to.

And Max really, really wanted him to.

Kasan? Kasans fingers stopped at his waistline and Max bit his lip. He had to do
this. Max wanted to do this. Take off theuhthis? He pointed and Kasan smiled
slowly.

Your loincloth? Id be happy to. Kasans eyes strayed to where Maxs body was
shouting its little phallic hallelujas, and Maxs cock twitched. Its looking a little snug,
sweetheart.

Kasan reached under him and after that, all Max was conscious of for a long while
was Kasans fingers over his body. Every touch drifted along his skin, lifting his hips
even higher, sliding along the edges of the loincloth and running down his groin and
the depths of his ass as though taking off a loincloth was supposed to be another
word for having sex.

Max came close to coming; his hips twisted wildly as Kasan seemed to take every
opportunity to drag the cloth over his cock. And when Kasan peeled the last of the
loincloth away, his breath tried to create a new one made of warm, sweet air. It
curled around Maxs cock, under his ass, over his hipbones. And Max couldnt even
look at him to see where the next puff of air would come from. Hed closed his eyes
the second Kasan glanced down, his feline grin far too knowing. Max wanted to
watch, but he didnt want to watch, but he wanted to feel Kasan touching him
andwhy wasn't Kasan touching him anymore?

Opening his eyes, Max saw Kasan with one hand inches from Maxs balls, set to cup
him. Warmth and a soft, sensual pressure embraced his sac as soon as Kasan saw
Max was looking. Max stopped breathing.

A little pair of balls. Kasan said, and he squeezed softly with each word.

Oh my God.

Balls, little one. Kasans smile was wicked as he continued to roll Maxs sac in his
palm. Then he stopped again. Balls, Max.

Kasan! Please!

You can do it, sweetheart. B-a-ll-s. Balls. One tiny, teasing squeeze.

Crap! B-balls!

Gooood, Max. I knew you could do it. And then he let go!!

Kasan, dammit-

Kasan canted forward and lifted Maxs hips up at the same time. His tongue lapped
gently over the soft fuzz on one of Maxs balls. Yelping, Max kicked out in surprise,
nearly clipping Kasans ear with his knee.

Kasan moved his head away and Max couldnt help flushing. Who kicked someone
licking their balls? An idiot, thats who!

S-sorry, he muttered, his cock throbbing miserably. Accident.

Shhh, little one. No harm done. But I think well have to arrange you a little
differently. Kasan grinned and slowly pulled Max up by his legs. Maxs body left the
bed until he was barely supported by his shoulder blades and his head. He could feel
Kasans face between his thighs, his legs dangling over the mans heavy shoulders.

Kasan, you cant! I- Ohhhhh Kasan kissed his sac with the barest hint of suction,
then licked over it carefully, leisurely tasting. His nose brushed the base of Maxs
shaft.

Max jerked desperately on the leash but Kasan ignored his rather feeble attempts at
control. He took both balls into his mouth, sucking on them just enough to make
Max whimper and try to move into him. The scent of the lotion covering Kasans
body drifted around them, so strong the flavor of oranges and sage filled Maxs
mouth. Max squirmed. As Kasans tongue moved over him, Maxs insides grew so
hot his bones felt like they were melting and pooling in his groin, leaving him weak
and aching.

When Kasan took pity on him and released his balls, his lips slipped off with a soft
pop. He leaned over to look down at Maxs face, curling Maxs body in on itself a
little. His smile was wicked. Max held on tight to the leash.

Kasan? What was Kasan going to do? He had to be heading to Maxs cock, didnt
he? His lips were right freaking there. So close Max could flex his muscles and have
his cock bump against those damp lips. Should he? What if Kasan-

Ma-ax. Kasans fingers tapped him on the nose. What shall I do next, little one?
His breath was twirling around Maxs cock as his free hand held onto Maxs ass.

Max stared up and tried to move his cock against his mouth, but Kasan shifted his
head with a teasing grin.

Oh, youd like me to worship your thighs again? Kasan turned his head and kissed
the inside of Maxs thigh. He tried to move lower and Maxs hand tightened over the
leash frantically. He didnt want him moving away from his cock!

Kasans low, rather lecherous laugh made Maxs cheeks flush, but he still didnt let
go. So, Kasan knew what Max wanted. There was no reason that was embarrassing.
Every man liked lips around his dick! Every man hed ever met, anyway, and Kasan
was so freaking close and he seemed to want this sort of thing all the time so why
the heck was he just sitting there, letting his fingers make stroking lines down Maxs
thighs while Kasan held him up to his lips like a buffet.

Not your thighs? Youll have to tell me what to do, then, little one. Youre in
charge, Max.

Max was in charge? He didnt feel like he was freaking in charge! But Kasan didnt
look like he was going to do what Max wanted unless he said something, and asking
for sex was nothing, no big deal. He could do this.

Right. Maxs face burned with heat when he mumbled, Touch me. He felt like he
was naked on a stage in front of his entire freaking highschool class

Kasans smile didnt change, but Max would swear it kind ofsparkled. Like Kasan
had suddenly painted his lips with wicked lip balm so they twinkled salaciously and
coated his words when they came out. Touch you where, sweetheart? Here?

Something warm and soft slid up Maxs thigh and grazed the cheeks of his ass.

Kasan! He should be embarrassed, but all he could think about was the look on
Kasans face, so freaking happy that it made Maxs body wriggle in response, close
to coming.

There was that same teasing chuckle and Kasan palmed Maxs ass, bringing it flush
with Kasans mouth. His tongue tickled the portal to Maxs body as Max began to
whimper helplessly. God, it felt so good. His ass opened and closed, trying to draw it
in, or make it go faster, or anything that would help him come.

It ended with a teasing prod that didnt quite enter.

Not there, then? Perhaps here? he purred, lowering Max and kissing up the length
of Maxs cock. When he reached the tip of the erection, he kissed the rosy flesh
there, too. It was moist where the foreskin had pulled back already, hypersensitive.
Max could see it disappear into Kasans mouth and he watched, stunned, as Kasan
licked a few pearly drops from it. Max stared up at Kasans lips, trembling violently.
Kasan licked it again, then ran his tongue across his lips.

You taste good here, too, little one. Maxs whole body quivered, but Kasan only
licked him one more time, the barest touch that made Max cry out. Was that really
him, all high and needy?

Kasan.

Yes? You wanted something? Kasans voice didnt sound like him, either. It was
so hoarse.

Kasan

Kasan didnt move, his hand kneading Maxs ass like a heavy, slow massage. And
Max suddenly realized that Kasan wasnt going to swallow him down until Max said
something. He didnt understand Kasan didnt act like this, but there was
something different tonight.

Dammit, Max wanted a cat blowjob!

Kasan Why the heck was it so hard to say? Touch methere. Kasan raised an
eyebrow. What did he want? Uh...please?

The word, Max, whats the word. What is there.

Max stared at him and wanted to wail. Had Kasan said? Max couldnt remember. He
wouldnt really keep Maxs cock lips free just because Max didnt remember the word
for cock, would he? Kasan wasnt like that.

Kasan ran his tongue over the slit on Maxs dick, humming, and pulled back. The
word?

I dont know. I dont remember! I- Please-

Kasan stared at him in surprise, his eyes wide, and then he slowly flushed, laughing
softly. Poor little one. I never told you, did I? You make me forget everything, do
you know that? Cant even remember what Ive said. Here, let me thank you and
make it up to you.

Thank him? What- Max groaned deep as Kasan took him into his mouth, all the way
to the hilt and beyond, a little of his balls getting enveloped by that slick, tight
cavern of warmth.

He thrust as soon as he could, and Kasan let him, taking Maxs abortive little
movements as suggestions for him to pull all the way back and sheath Maxs cock in
deep. Max couldnt remember any woman, ever, feeling as good as the inside of the
cats mouth. Kasans tongue was doing something against the underside of Maxs
cock, adding extra heat and pressure in places that it seemed impossible to hit all at
once. The tip of his tongue rubbed against the ridge of Maxs glans.

Maxs body tightened so much his toes nearly curled in on themselves.

God, what are you freaking doing to me?

Kasans hand shifted where it palmed Maxs backside, a few fingers holding up
Maxs cheeks on either side, and one long finger pressing in the middle like some
heavy phallic symbol reminding Max what was coming.

Maxs brain responded with less thought and more blood to his cock. He closed his
eyes, lost in the feel of Kasan over his erection, the muscles of the mans shoulders
playing underneath Maxs thighs while his feet hung over them. He even enjoyed the
pressure against his own chest where the rest of his body pushed down on it as most
of him was held off the bed. And then Kasan began to rub his finger back and forth
over the crack of Maxs ass, brushing against the bundle of nerves right in the
middle, moving in counterpoint to his mouth. Maxs hips slammed up into Kasans
mouth and then tried to impale himself on the finger behind him. He bit his lips to
keep from screaming as Kasan took him closer to the edge.

Just when he was about to spill into Kasans lips, the bastard pulled off. Max tried to
thrust back into his mouth and he wriggled wildly, desperate when Kasan wouldnt
let him. He couldnt even speak; he was so close, it just needed another minute!

Cock.

Wa-huh? Maxs lips wouldnt work right.

Kasan licked the head of his cock, fully exposed now. Cock. This is your cock.

Max couldnt figure out what the heck he was saying. It was too hard to think right
now. Was Kasan asking if he should finish? Please?

Kasan laughed, shifting and lowering Maxs entire body to the bed, and then moved
out from under his legs. He kissed strategically as Maxs body slid from him. Balls.
A light licking. Thighs. He nibbled down the line of Maxs thighs. Knees. A small
kiss. Calves. A warm squeeze. Then Kasan wrapped his hands around Maxs cock
and Max thrust into it with a relieved moan. Cock.

Kasan took his hand away when Max didnt respond with anything else.

Max? Max, sweetheart, do you remember the word?

Max nearly cried. Cock! I know, cock! Yes, touch the cock, for the love of-
please!

Kasan smiled and pumped him a few times, then let go again.

H-hey! I said it! I did! Cock! See! Cock, cock, cock, cock, cock! See! I say it!
Max yanked at the leash with frantic jerks that didnt do a damn thing to the big cat
on top of him.

Kasan crawled up onto the bed, chuckling as he scooped Max up along with him
until they were side by side in the middle of the giant thing. I know, Max, shhh.
Youre quite smart. His hand rand down Maxs side, fingers lingering over his
hipbone, and Max grabbed at him. Kasan wouldn't let him pull his hand to Maxs cock

Later, sweetheart. If youre to climax when Im inside you, youll have to wait.
Theres not much time.

Kasan gently pulled the leash from Maxs hand. Do you want me inside you soon,
little one?

Max flushed, craving release like his next breath of air. And he knew some of those
words. Inside he knew that! That aching, empty feeling that crawled from behind
his balls and up his spine? He could get something to fill it up and make him come so
hard he saw stars

Inside. Yes. Now.

Kasan smiled and Max found himself whirled in the air and suddenly sitting on top of
a fantastically muscular chest. Maxs thighs splayed wide over Kasans stomach.
With little kisses over his fingers, Kasan handed Max the leash again.

Kasan lay back onto the bed and stared up at Max. Max in charge.

WhatKasan was expecting Max to do something? With a nervous start, Max
clenched his legs, feeling the muscled body between them. But he pushed himself
backwards just enough to bump up against something hard and blunt. It nestled
snugly against his ass as it pointed to the ceiling.

Max didnt even look back to it. But god he wanted it inside. He could feel his body
yearning for it already, that deep sensation that drove the air from his lungs and
sizzled low in his belly.

Max rocked back against it with a small moan, but he couldnt get as close as he
wanted. His knees were barely touching the bed; he was more resting on his thighs
over Kasans stomach than he was kneeling on the bed. And Kasans cock was
jutting up like a skyscraper, inches higher than Max could reach.

God, he wanted to be on that stupid cock, but how the heck was Max supposed to
do this?

Biting his lip, Max looked at Kasan, almost ready for the cat to be laughing at him
again, but Kasans eyes were solemn, intent, staring at Maxs face with such
concentration that Max couldnt look away.

If Kasan wasnt going to do anything, if he was letting Max do somethingMax could
do this. They needed sex he didnt care if it was because of nanites, or STDs, or
leprechaun fairy rainbows, Max needed sex. Right now. His skin was going to burn
off his bones and leave him an empty husk if he didnt get Kasan inside of him.

And Kasanhe was flushed and sweating, too. His hands were clenched on the bed

Pushing up, Max tried to kneel high enough to sit back on Kasans dick. Taunting
him, it slid along the crack of his ass. He wasnt high enough!

Dammit. Youre dicks too tall, Kasan!

Max looked back at it. It really wasimpressive. The erection engorged and thick,
barely curved towards him, with that shine to it that Max was used to seeing all the
time now. But he knew there hadnt been any oil this time. There hadnt been!

Was Kasans dickself-oiling?

He wasnt going to ask. Not right now. As long as it was slick and it wasnt going to
hurt, he just wanted it in. Maybe if he knelt on top of Kasan

Hed only just got his knees on Kasans stomach when the cat grunted painfully and
grabbed his hips.

Id rather not get your knees in my diaphragm, little one, even if they are
particularly adorable.

Maxs legs slid to either side of Kasan again with a self-conscious slump. Just how
the heck was he supposed to do this? He wanted sex, dammit! His cock was aching,
and his head had no blood left in it at all. What was he supposed to do? Biting his lip
as he looked around, he finally braced himself on Kasans chest with his hands.

Dont move, he ordered.

Kasan gave him a small smile, but he did as he was told must be because Max
had hold of the leash, still. Trying to balance, Max raised his ass in the air by
straightening his legs, straddling Kasans body. He nearly lost his balance and caught
himself again on Kasans chest. But hed done it! His ass was finally over Kasans
cock!

Although the angle

Crap. Could he squat? He wasnt sure if he could keep his balance, and hed have
to grab behind him to put it in, anyway, and- How the hell do gay men figure this
out!?

Giving a soothing rumble from the back of his throat, Kasans hands latched onto
Maxs hips again, one on either side, fingers wrapping around the sides and clutching
his backside.

Someday youre going to have to assume this position when I can see from the
other end, Max, Kasan murmured. But it looks like you need a little help, for now.

Help?

Kasan smiled broadly. Id be happy to. Here, hold onto my arms, little one. He
motioned to his forearms with his head, and Max tentatively reached for them,
unable to lower his ass since Kasan had taken control of it.

And God but it felt good to have him hold him there. Embarrassing as hell, but
good. Almost like it wouldnt have been right without Kasans hands on him. Kasan
sat up and shifted them back towards the edge of the bed, his feet on the floor. Max
ended up kneeling over Kasans lap, his ass cupped in those enormous hands, and
holding onto Kasans shoulders.

Kasans dick was along the crevice of his ass, slippery and so close Max squirmed to
get it inside.

And then Kasan lifted up his hips and it was. Maxs arms gave out as Kasans cock
pushed in; he face planted against Kasans chest with a deeply satisfied, relieved
moan that didnt stop until Kasan was fully embedded. One of Kasans arms released
his hips and wrapped around his back, slippery with lotion as it pulled him in close.
Max shivered, his ass clenching tight over Kasan, emphasizing his size.

Kasan hugged him tighter. Max his voice wasnt the wickedly slow drawl from
before; it was frantic andpossessive.

Max looked up at him. Kasans head was thrown back, his eyes closed, and Max
stared, gasping as Kasan lifted him up again before thrusting in hard. Harder than
normal. Max had a fleeting thought for Kasans cuts Max was plastered against
them. They had to hurt! but Kasan thrust in again and the thought burst apart like
bubbles.

He tried futilely to move himself. He was supposed to be in charge, wasnt he? But
he was so close his body wouldnt stay obey him. His legs wobbled and twitched
rather than helping him impale himself. The pressure in his balls and behind his
belly button was growing stronger, a pressure that he thought might explode any
second if Kasan didnt go faster.

Kasan! H-hurry!

Kasan bent his head, taking Maxs earlobe in his teeth and biting lightly as he held
him tighter and thrust deeper. His body curled around Max until it was everywhere.
Inside him, over his skin, underneath his thighs. They slid together as the lotion
smeared over them both when they moved, Kasans grip tightening to keep Max still
to thrust into.

Kasan growled low in his throat, the barest hint of claws scoring Maxs ribs where
Kasans hand wrapped around from his back, and thrust in so deep it knocked the
breath from Max. Kasans hips jerked convulsively as he held on, growls growing
higher pitched for a moment before his body stilled.

Max squirmed once, desperate to get Kasan to rub against his prostate. Not again!
He was left on the edge again!

Kasan! Move! Kasan tilted his head and stared down at him. Max realized the
leash was still in his hands and he yanked at it sharply, pulling Kasans head down.
Please! Move!

He knew the man understood him as his eyes suddenly sharpened and he pulled
Max up and thrust again. Max whimpered in his throat. The tension was urgent. He
had to finish before Kasans body went limp, because

It speared him again and he didnt care. Yessss. Yes, please, like tha-a-at His
voice wavered as Kasans thrust interrupted his air. He panted. His skin was slick
with fluids and lotion and sweat and he just needed to come, oh please Yes!

Maxs vision went double as he came, the fluid slicking up his stomach even more,
trapped between their bodies. His seed felt so hot it should have burned him. He
wobbled, his grip on the leash falling away. Holding him close, Kasan reached up to
push his head down against his chest.

Poor, tired little one. Kasan kissed the top of his head, his hands rubbing down
Maxs arms. Thank you so much, sweetheart. I needed that. Thank you. Shhhh.
Rest now, Max.

He laid back, his feet still on the floor. Still five yards up Maxs ass.

Max struggled, rather embarrassed that the full, stretched feeling in his ass wasnt
disturbing, was almost fulfilling a need.

Kasan. Get out of Crap, he didnt know the word.

Kasan kissed him again, chuckling softly. His hand reached down, circling the tight,
fragile skin where Kasans cock was still embedded. Mmmmm, this? Get out of
your wonderful, sweet little hole, Max? Or your pretty, pretty backside? He
clamped his fingers over a round handful of flesh and squeezed. Maxs ass clenched
again and had him shivering as it pulled Kasan inside and put more pressure on his
prostate.

Kasan!

Yes?

Kasan, get out ofmy Dear God. This was not something he even wanted to
know what to say! Get out of my hole. The last word was a whisper that was not
half as showy as his blush that accompanied it.

Kasan grinned without an ounce of shame. Im sorry, little one, I shouldnt tease. I
cant pull out yet. I dont believe the nanites are done. Im too engorged. Max
couldnt figure out what he was saying and Kasan nuzzled the top of his hair like he
always did. Soon, sweetheart. Ill withdraw soon. Kasan didnt let go of Max, or pull
out, but he shifted until they were fully on the bed, his arm curled around Max. He
nuzzled Maxs hair again, then tucked his chin over the tangle.

Sleep, little one. Ill watch out for you. Just sleep.

Max wasnt sure he had enough energy left in his brain to understand what Kasan
was saying, but it didnt really matter. He was sated, his body was exhausted, and
Kasan was holding him like Max was somethingprecious and wanted, no matter
how many problems they had, or what might happen in the next few minutes

His backside stretched and somehow comfortably, erotically full, Max closed his
eyes and fell asleep to the sound of Kasans heartbeat in his ears.










Fiction~~The Last Pure Human~~Ch. 22


The Last Pure Human
Chapter 22 - Wishing for Normal




Passing the green rooms, Waran shifted his eyes to glance at the opposite wall. He
didnt acknowledge anyone standing guard. Head down, with a clutch-sack over his
shoulder, he shuffled past another set of rooms, then the last of the North
residences and into main storage. A few guards recognized him well enough to call
out and he nodded, mournfully, without a pause. The closest Kyashin eyed the sack.

Waran gave him a wan smile. A few things to trade at family storage. Theyve got
one of those teal lamps from down south and Shoru. Hes been meaning to try and
buy. Warans voice petered out and his ears flattened jerkily. I wanted to make
sure Shoru had something nice to wake up to.

The others all nodded; a few of them patted his shoulder. Waran extricated himself
with suitable reluctance. His shoulders were slumped as he turned away.

Storage was empty of people but for one older man behind the old stone-slab of a
desk. He grunted at Waran, standing up to take the sack and sliding over until he
was standing at the door, facing the hallway. Neither said a word as Warans stride
changed. Ears sharp and erect, feet slapping the ground angrily, he stomped into the
cavernous maze of permanent shelving and headed to the far side. Dodging small
items that had yet to be returned to their proper places, Waran started growling as
he walked.

He turned left at the fifteenth shelf in, then started counting under his breath each
time he passed another opening. A turn to the right and then he swore, his shin
bumping up against a small cabinet in the aisle. He kicked it so hard it tumbled down
the space between the shelves, cracking audibly against stone. Swearing again, he
stomped after it and shoved it out of the way, clearing a space against the back wall.

This edge of the room was exactly the same as the other three walls, the ever-
present creamy stone older and less polished than most places in the citadel. Waran
glanced back at the shelves to his back, shifted one step to the right and verbally
marked the stone blocks up from the bottom, counting under his breath again. His
fingers tapped in seemingly random spots and then with one push on a rougher
block, low on the left side, a small section of the wall slid aside. Waran walked into
the shadows, waiting to continue until the door closed behind him.

He stopped at a harsh whisper from the dark.

Wheres Antal?

Dead, I think.

Dead? The shadow voice snarled a few times. Did he give us away?

I doubt it. Im pretty sure a shokan got him.

There was a long pause. A shokan. In the Hinta citadel?

Right in Prince Kasans garden.

What happened?

I gave the map and the guards schedule to Antal, waited for over an hour for him
to meet me here, but he never showed. Then a shokan was spotted in the citadel
and blood found in Prince Kasans gardens.

Nasty way to die. Another long silence. There was nothing about an attempt on
the human?

Not a sound. I doubt Antal even got into the room. Waran shrugged.

Still, it puts us in a difficult position. If any part of his body is left to be identified, it
could expose us.

Im keeping an eye on the situation. So far, they have nothing.

Yet. We need to get the human immediately, before they do find anything. Youre
going to have to take care of this.

Warans ears flattened. Me? Thats ridiculous. My training isnt for-

Youre here, youre trusted, and you have access. And we dont know how much
time we have.

Pay Antals family for another professional, Waran snapped.

Negotiations take weeks. We were lucky last time that wed already hired Antal
when the news broke about the humans authenticity.

Warans eyes were slits, his ears flat against his skull. The human isnt going
anywhere, and the lab is well hidden. We have plenty of time to hire another from
Antals family. But if I do it now, everyone will know exactly who took the human.

Obviously.

Thats not acceptable. Waran growled low, a deep rumble in his chest.

There was a matching rumble from the darkness. Its not negotiable.

I might agree with the True Kyashin, but that doesnt mean Ill give up my name
for it. And we agreed that having me in this position was better for us all! With
Shovak gone, Im fourth in command of the military. Without Kasan, Ill be third,
and with the sympathy from Shorus permanent disability, Ill make second or first.
Im not giving up everything Ive worked for, dammit.

That was before we knew about the human. Having access to him is more valuable
than having you here. We wont need you here, once we have him. And you knew
what might be required of you when you joined. Whatever it takes, to purify the
race, even if that means being cut off from your most distant mothers cousin.

Waran growled again, his teeth grinding audibly. That was never part of this. I will
not do it.

There was a shift in the unseen Kyashins voice. Im surprised you let Shovaks fate
frighten you into running like a squickling.

Warans ears stayed low and flat. Shovak has nothing to do with this. Hes always
been an arrogant ass, and he paid the price. I have no intention of doing the same.

Dont be nave. The voice hardened. And dont be more of a fool than you already
are. Its too late to change your mind now. That human is our best chance to finally
prove which genes have been corrupting our bodies all these centuries. You will get
him.

No! I can get the family to understand once Kasan is gone, but not if they know I
was the one who took his consort.

You dont have a choice.

I wont. Sweat dripped down the side of Warans face. Theyll strike my name
from the family record.

It can be reinstated, when the Hinta realize what a service was done for them.

Waran shook his head. Prince Kasan will be dead. They wont forgive that.

His father is the Lord King. He has greater concerns than the well-being of one
tainted child out of many.

Waran didnt speak for a moment, his ears still flat. Youcant really believe that?
Hes family.

A small sacrifice, paving the way for the cleansing of the race? It may take a while,
but I fully believe the Lord King will understand in the end. Once the truth comes out,
they will reward you for it. Have you forgotten the story of Ayame? She was reviled,
too, her name stricken, until everyone realized what shed done for the clans.

Warans ears shifted enough for the tips to be seen above his hair, but his voice
snapped as he spoke. Thats a fairytale, not history. I wont sacrifice my place
within the family on the slim chance that-

Hard, bare feet scraped rapidly against stone and a long spear darted out from the
darkness to nearly touch Warans throat. Would you prefer to make your sacrifice
here and now?

Waran stumbled back and the spear followed. What are you doing?

You are either loyal to us, or you are not.

Of course Im loyal! Ive done everything thats been asked of me. Warans hands
twitched, clenching, but the rest of his body was still.

Then continue to do so. Bring the human through the tunnel tomorrow.

I told you-

The other man stepped out from the darker shadows of the tunnel. Dressed in a
green tunic and pants, the small blond male stared at Waran with cold eyes. His ears
were perfectly still, and the hand holding the long-handled blade never wavered,
keeping it close to Warans throat. Loyal or not, Waran. Decide here and now. Youll
be rewarded as greatly as the rest of us if you see this through, but only if you see
this through.

Waran opened his mouth and the man smiled coldly. Id think very carefully before
you answer.

Warans eyes darkened. He stared at the spear a long moment. Ill do it. But youll
still have to wait. I need to get my consort. I cant smuggle both he and the human
out that quickly.

There was a long pause as they stared at each other, and then the man let the
spear drop.

As you say. Another half-day, then. Shoru hasnt awoken?

Warans eyes left the spear and stared at the other man hard. Not yet. Not for
another day, at least. The family thinks Im sending him to a relative in the town
proper. I need one of the cells for him.

The man stepped back into the shadows. Pick one, then. Get him taken care of,
and get the human. Dont disappoint us on this, Waran. Actions speak louder than
words, when it comes to loyalty. The voice was retreating down the corridor. And
True Kyashin do not suffer disloyalty.

Waran glared coldly into the darkness, waiting. The sound of footsteps grew fainter,
and then there was silence. Hitting the wall with his fist, he turned with a snarl and
headed back to the storage room.

~*~*~*~*~*~



Leero woke up humping the Lord Kings leg.

He should have realized who the limb belonged to, but the thick, muscled thigh,
with its faint furring of crisp hair, felt so fucking good that Leero couldnt think at all.
He just kept humping, rubbing his cock against it so hard that he could feel his
foreskin slipping off the weeping head as he tightened his buttocks and thrust.

Something shifted and he tightened his legs to keep the friction in place. His arms
wrapped around a broad waist, pulling the body closer so he could nuzzle it. The skin
smelled so much like sex that he growled. He wanted to lick it all over and then hed
keep pumping his hips until he found something to slam into and then-

Sorry to interrupt-

The deep, amused voice stopped Leeros body in mid-thrust.

-but Im afraid Ill be needing my leg back now.

Leero jerked away so fast he probably pulled out some of Kyorus leg hair. He
blinked in speechless horror at the large man next to him in bed. This was worse
than Kasans consort pissing on him. Worse than the time Kasan had glued his
loincloth to his ass. Worse than Service.

Hed been humping the Lord Kings leg! And he had to dig his hands into the
mattress to keep from doing it again!

Kyoru met his frantic stare with an amused smirk, shaking his head. Its a natural
reaction. You neednt act as though youve eaten my youngest child.

Leero closed his eyes and tried not to moan. His dick was still stone-hard and crying
to keep rubbing up against Kyorus massive leg. The Lord Kings lack of outrage only
made it that much harder to keep away. Leeros body was clamoring for him to go
back and finish what hed started.

Dammit, this never should have happened! He should be out of Service and
searching for a consort, right this minute, but every damn time he tried to tell the
Lord King that he was in heat, something interrupted him. One of the Princes, the
Elders, or even a simple Quiet, Leero, from Kyoru.

And now his heat was making him sexually assault the Lord King in the mans own
bed. Leero was taking this as a sign. He had to get the words out. Now. No matter
what tried to interfere. He had to end this before he attacked someone.

Lord King?

Kyoru lay casually on top of the silken sheets, watching him with half-lidded eyes.
Yes?

Im Leero paused, almost surprised that nothing stepped in to cut him off. Im
in heat. He waited to be relieved, his emotions swaying with the realization that he
would have to go search for a consort now. No more time with the Lord King;
Service would be put on hold.

He didnt feel as relieved as hed expected.

I thought as much.

I know its a sur- What?

Kyoru chuckled. He sat up, stretching and getting out of bed as though Leero had
told him that they were low on cinnamon for firstmeal. Youre not the first person
whos gone into heat, Leero, nor the first to wish to keep it private for a time. The
signs are fairly obvious. His eyes twinkled as he smiled. I think the Elders were
about to take bets on how long youd last before you told us.

Leeros ears flattened. He should have known. The Lord King had seen four sons
through their heat and an untold number of siblings and cousins. He probably knew
the signs inside and out. Why should Leero be exempt from his notice, especially
trapped in close proximity with him nearly every hour, for days?

Leero raised his hand to his collar and dropped it with a start as Kyorus voice
stabbed out. What are you doing?

Hed thought it was obvious. Taking the collar off .

You have to be given leave.

ButIm in heat.

Kyoru stared at him hard. As I said, Im aware of that. That doesnt negate your
Service unless youre in the final stage. Are you?

Leero shook his head slowly. But usually-

There is usually, and then there is the actual law. And according to the law, you
need to be given leave. The collar stays on. The Lord King turned his back and
walked across the room to choose a loincloth, his nude body drawing Leeros eyes
along like a cord. His voice softened. If this situation were usual, Id have taken
your collar off the moment I knew about the heat, whether I was told or no, but your
circumstances arecomplicated. Kyoru stared back at him after an odd pause, his
eyes running over Leeros face.

Leero heard him, but it was difficult to focus on his voice when the mans body was
right there. All this time with the Lord King had finally made him realize why the
older guards were always teasing the newly-ripe about older men. The idea that
Kyashin didnt reach their sexual peak until after heat was over, at forty, was a
common boast. At fifty was even better, when the heavier muscles developed fully.

The Lord King was an uncomfortably good example of that; his muscles were harder
than his sons, somehow. More defined. And Leero shouldnt be noticing, so he
shifted his eyes to stare past Kyorus body at the far wall. He ran back the
conversation in his head. Complicated circumstances, yeah.

Leero nodded, slowly. That described his life, these days. Shovaks betrayal, the
discovery of other humans, the shokan still at large, and Leeros heat following so
closely on Kasans heels? Complicated was an understatement. Because if Kasan
and Leero were unable to fulfill their duties, Shovak should have stepped in. Now, it
would be Davi, and with everything happening so quickly, Leero hadnt even had a
chance to speak to him yet about what was going on.

If Leero mated now, it could be a disaster.

He glanced at Kyorus body again and swallowed heavily, yanking his eyes back up.
Complicated. Definitely complicated.

Leero addressed the wall, just above the Lord Kings ears. I- I can see what you
mean. It, uh, it will be difficult for Davi to step in before hes brought up to date.

Kyorus ears stilled, and then quivered oddly, almost as though he were laughing.
Yes. Davis new role would definitely be part of the difficulty. He stared at Leeros
face again for another moment. Are you able to keep from going feral for another
week? Or at least until we choose a contingent for Tiensa? As you say, it would be
excessively difficult to lose two Kyashin of high position at the same time.

Leero made the mistake of looking back at Kyoru to answer and found it impossible
to look away again. He nodded absently as his eyes drifted down.

Months ago, he remembered seeing Tisu playing with Roto, down in the baths, and
hed been impressed by the mans size. Now he knew with absolute surety that
Tisu had come by his assets naturally. Leero stared at the Lord Kings cock, thick
and long between heavy thighs.

Leero?

Hmmm?

Can you last that long?

Leeros cock twitched and sucked more blood from his brain. Could he last? Of
course. I can last a long time. A really, really long time.

The Lord Kings impressive example of male endowments rose under Leeros
scrutiny. It disappeared as Kyoru turned away. Leero, are you focused on the
proper subject right now? His voice was definitely amused.

Leero swallowed as he stared at Kyorus ass. It was very round, so muscled he
would never be able to span it with his hands.

Leero?

Dont worry, he mumbled. Imcompletely focused. And damn, Kyoru still
smelled fantastic. The smell was getting stronger as the man turned again and
started coming towards Leero. He was- Ow!

Leeros head snapped back. He rubbed at the tip of his nose where Kyoru had
flicked it. Hard.

Leero, Kyorus eyes were very dark, all amusement gone. Leero attempted to
push aside the hot blood taking over his body so that he could listen. Im truly
sorry that I have to ask this of you, but I need to know if you can wait for a partner
a few more days. Can you do this?

Closing his eyes, Leero made another attempt to regain control. He couldnt imagine
not doing what the Lord King asked, but it was hard to imagine what good Leero
would be to anyone. Every part of him was focused on sex, and on top of that, his
body was spending too much time with Kyoru. It was starting to attach itself to
Kyoru, and that was a very, very bad idea.

Not that late-stage matings didnt happen usually before 150 years of age, of
course but not with the Lord King.

Sire, Ill do what I can, but with the heat, Im not sure. His body didnt feel like it
was his own to command anymore.

If you feel as though the heat is taking over, you can let me know. I have no desire
to see you act so precipitously that you choose an unsuitable partner. Kyorus ears
twitched oddly again.

Thank you. Ill make sure and keep you informed. Leero would just have to look
for consorts while he was finishing up his service and preparing Davi for his new role.

Do that. Kyorus head tilted, and he smirked suddenly. Would you like a little
time to take care of that before we start our day?

Leero stared at him stupidly until Kyoru gestured. It took him a moment to
remember he was still nude, and his erection was standing as tall as a pine. He
flushed; only his collar kept him from growling at the joke. There would be no relief
from that until the moment he took a consort, no matter how much Leero needed
the release.

I appreciate the concern, he said, his ears flat.

Kyoru laughed, already on his way out the door. Come find me at firstmeal when
youre dressed. And no straying. As I said, I dont need you getting out of control
and taking a consort before everything is properly prepared.

The door closed on the sound of renewed chuckling, but Leero ignored it. He was
already grabbing his cock, no matter how futile it was, and thinking of that round,
bubble ass and the musky sweetness of adult Kyashin.

~*~*~*~*~*~



Lying in bed next to Kasan, Max wondered when a morning after would feel normal.
Not that hed had many of them with his husband, considering Kasan loved sneaking
away before Max even had a chance to wake up, but normal had to happen some
time, didnt it? This was his life, now, right? Maybe it had only been days since he
had been woken up with vague dream-like memories of Kasan making love to him,
and maybe everything after had been like a rollercoaster of sex and giant aliens and
sex and marriage and dogs and pink blobs. And more sex.

But this was what his life was going to be like now.

Max really wished his nerves didnt feel like tassels at the whole concept. And not
the pretty, silky, braided kind of tassels, but the ratty, half-chewed ones that his cat
had mauled while Max slept. Everything was so strange and overwhelming, was it
any surprised he felt at the edge of his rope?

Hed get used to it eventually, though, right? Of course he would. Every cross-racial,
uh, cross-species couple probably just needed some

Kasan mumbled and pulled him in close, his cock pushing against Maxs ass, and
Max bit his lip to keep from moaning.

needed some adjustment time.

Purring in his sleep, Kasan cuddled Max closer. He started to thrust leisurely with
his hips.

Oh crap. That felt really, really good. K-Kasan? Uh- Kasan? A-Are you awake
Aaaah, God!

Mmmm, no, Kasan said. He kissed the top of Maxs head and thrust again.

Kasan!

There was a chuckle against his hair. Kasan scooped Max up onto his chest. You
are too adorable, Gisho. He pulled Max higher and looked at him, something bright
in his eyes. Max licked his lips, bracing his hands on Kasans shoulders and stared.
Something was different.

Wait, the scratch across the face. Where the hell was the scratch. Max squinted,
staring, and just caught the faintest line over Kasans face, as though the cut from
the night before was weeks old.

You have freaking super-fast healing, dont you? Max sighed before Kasan said
anything. Why am I not surprised? Couldnt Kasan do anything like a normal, non-
superhero person?

Kasan blinked at him slowly and it completely derailed Maxs inner-gripe. Was
Kasans face a little closer? It was, wasnt it? Were they going to kiss? Or his hands,
Kasan was moving his hands, definitely. Maybe not kissing. Maybe something else,
something morepenetrative?

Or was Kasan going to smile blindingly at him, squeeze him tight, and then roll
them both off the bed to stand up and head over to their discarded loincloths, taking
off his velvet collar as he walked. No dawdling, sweetheart. Time for firstmeal; we
slept in late, today.

No sex? Max frowned until he realized what he was frowning about, and he tried to
focus finding where in the heck hed tossed his clothes the night before.

Okay, so Max was going to need a lot of adjustment time before he figured this all
out. And it was for more than the whole marriage thing. There was the entire culture,
and the barbarian cats, and the freakazoid animals, and the weird, incomprehensible
blend of computers and freaking spears. And, again, the cats, who watched him
constantly whenever he wasnt alone with Kasan.

He wondered if all barbarians were natural voyeurs.

The thought hit him again the moment they left their room; he heard the guards
whispering amongst themselves across the hall.

Kasans voice cut in. Has the shokan been found?

No, Prince Kasan.

Andthe person it injured?

No body, and no one has been reported missing, although we havent heard any
news since the last fifth.

Kasan nodded, his ears low against his head. Max wished he could figure out what
was so upsetting, but no one said anything to him as Kasan led him away. Max
couldnt stop glancing back at the guards. No one was looking - for once - but three
sets of ears swiveled in their direction.

He thought that counted, when it came to catmen. Likelike peeking, rather than
staring. Looking up at Kasan, he noticed the black ears flicking back once before
they rounded a corner. So Kasan was peeking, too. What Max wouldnt give to be
able to understand a little more, though.

Kasans hand reached down and took Maxs. His calluses were a little rough, in a
comforting, my-husband-could-kick-your-ass kind of way.

Whats wrong, sweetheart? Are you upset we didnt have time for some bed fun
this morning? Ill do my best to meet you earlier, today, so we can have time
together, but Ill need to finish the inventory first. And we have to take care of the
shokan so you can be safe in the gardens. Ill need you to stay inside until its found.
I think you can

Max let the words flow over him, not really trying to pay attention for once. It was
rather nice just listening to Kasans deep voice, even if he was worried about what
had Kasan so tense. The big man was looking like he had last night, before sex. On
edge and tense.

Max squeezed Kasans hand to try and let him know he was there. Not that Kasan
necessarily cared, but what else could he do? And when Kasan squeezed it back, he
figured it meant, well, something. Maybe not much, but something.

They turned a corner and Max bumped against Kasans hip. The hairs on his arm
stood on end where theyd touched, like his husband was made of static electricity.
Dropping his head, Max tried to look at their feet instead of Kasans naked thigh. If
they werent having sex, then he needed a distraction. A boring distraction.

Nothing was more boring than dirty feet.

Like Kasans. They were broad, the same caramel as the rest of his skin, with nice
toes that looked odd at the same time the toenails were claws. Max hadnt really
noticed that before. And it should have been really weird, or disgusting, or reminded
Max of just how alien everything was, of how alien his husband was.

Instead, like everything else with Kasan, it made Maxs insides quiver. Because it
was actually a little hot.

That is so completely unfair. You should at least have ugly feet.

Maxs feet were ugly. Skinny things with long toes. A girlfriend had once called them
elegant. He figured that was a classy way of saying your feet look like they belong
on an anemic, inbred Duke. Not that he cared.

Who cared about feet, for Gods sake? That was just stupid. No one went around
comparing their feet to their husbands and giving themselves a complex just
because their husband had sexier feet.

Besides, feet arent sexy. Good skin is hot and sexy. Asses are hot and sexy. Cocks
are hot and sexy. Max choked on his own words as he heard them out loud. Uh,
that is.

Glancing up, he realized Kasan had stopped talking and was watching him. Maxs
entire body tingled as a flush started working its way down. Oh God. I didnt
mean. He couldnt help it. He didnt want to, but hed just said it, and he couldnt
help looking at it. Covered by the loincloth, it didnt matter. Max could imagine
Kasans cock in his headwell, sort of. He hadnt seen Kasans cock all that much,
actually.

Hed done a lot more feeling it. Inside. Huge and thick and Okay, fine! Your cock
is hot, too, dammit.

Kasan smiled at him, rubbing his thumb over the palm of Maxs hand. Gisho?
Youre not speaking Hinta. What are you saying, little one?

Max was going to blush a hell of a lot worse if he met Kasans eyes so he looked at
the ground again. And got hit with the attractive cat feet like a slap. Even your
freaking toes really are sexy. Everything about you is Dammit, how can you be so
sexy and hot and- and Im just some?

A hand ruffled his hair, drawing Max in close and chuckling at the same time.

Its not funny, Max muttered.

You are such a quirky little thing.

I have no idea what you just said, but I bet it would annoy me if I did. And dont
think that smiling-kissing-fabulous sex thing will make it better, either. Even though
it probably would.

Maxs glare should have helped make himself understood, no matter what language
he was speaking, but Kasan didnt seem to clue in.

He only pulled Max in closer, still chuckling. I am so looking forward to
understanding when you tell me off, little one.

They stared at each other until Max blurted out something just to break the tension.
Im hungry.

Ah, of course. My apologies, Max. Kasan loosened his grip and his hand moved up
until it was resting gently on Maxs shoulder, guiding him into a right turn in the
maze of golden hallways.

Only a few turns later, and Max recognized the door to the dining room, although
only one of the guards was familiar.

Davin, Loro. Kasan frowned at the two guards. You had a double shift, Davin?

The cat nodded. The frenzy there were too many new matings to compensate for
immediately. I hear theyll have the schedule set by tomorrow.

I thought Shoru was supposed to be with you?

The other cats ears flattened. You havent heard, then?

Heard?

He was attacked last night in the pleasure quarter.

Kasan sighed heavily. By himself, Im guessing.

Davins ears went low. Yeah not that anyone ever said he was a good consort,
but I was still surprised that he went down there alone. He got hurt bad.

How badly?

I dont know. Korosh spoke to Waran about it. Shoru was still in a coma this
morning; Waran is going to take him to a cousin in town who can look after him until
he regains consciousness.

Kasan frowned again and Max reached out for his tail. He wasnt sure why he did it;
his own cat would have kicked his ass for it. But Kasans ears were so flat, his body
tense all over again, and the tip of his tail had started twitching. Max just grabbed
without even thinking.

The velvet-furred tail settled down in his hand, and Kasans body softened. The
other two cats stopped speaking and both guards stared at Maxs hands with huge,
rounded eyes.

Kasan spoke as though he hadnt even noticed. Not that Id wish Shoru more than
a regular beating to get some of the attitude out of him, buthe would be the one to
run into trouble. I only hope his stupidity doesnt put Waran in danger.

M-me either. Davins eyes drifted down to Kasans tail again, where Max stroked
the fur softly. Have a good meal, Prince Kasan.

Kasan nodded to them as they passed through the door and his tail pulled itself
from Maxs hand, slowly, like a happy little snake reluctantly sliding away. His
loincloth was noticeably swollen in the front. Max glanced back at the tail.

Had that?

Max reached out behind Kasan to stroke it again and Kasans stride hitched. The big
cat glanced down and deliberately pulled his tail away again.

Not now, Gisho, he whispered. His hand stroked the edge of Maxs ear. Later. He
ushered Max ahead of him, and this time, when Max reached back, the tail flicked
out of the way. Kasan grunted at him.

Okay, fine. Later. Max whispered back. It wasnt like he wanted sex now. It was
justhed never managed to touch something like that and see Kasan react, like that.

He looked around, and was suddenly very, very glad that Kasan had stopped him.
Because as usual, barbarian voyeurism was everywhere. The room was mostly full;
hordes of cats, of all ages, stared at them both. Max avoided their eyes until he saw
the table Kasan was aiming for. He could recognize most of the people. Zonta, and
the Aosh jerk, Jolan and the pale haired Ko, too. Roto cast him a smile and waved
his fingers like a little kid the gesture was weird from such a large guy, but it
matched his eyes.

Sitting down, Max was thinking it would be easier this time. He knew these people,
right? Hed gotten drunk with some of them; he was pretty sure that was male
bonding no matter what planet you were on. But as they sat there, he couldnt forget
that every eye was on him, studying him silently.

Hadnt they seen him enough already?

The largest one there, the one holding Rotos hand, started talking. How much did
you tell your consort about the Niandrin?

Kasan shook his head quickly, glaring and pouring a drink for himself and Max
without asking. Max could feel his shoulders hunching defensively the second Kasan
looked irritated. He didnt want to be around the cats when they were pissed off; the
first time in Kasans room had been scary enough.

Was the table big enough he could duck under if things got too rough?

Everyone started talking at once, too fast for Max to follow, even if the tension at
the table made it clear this was not a happy subject. He thought he saw one of the
cats poke the big one whod spoken first.

Roto gestured widely and Max had to duck to avoid an elbow in the eye. Kasan
dragged him against his side and growled.

Everyone ignored it and kept right on arguing. Max found himself on Kasans lap
scooped up, plopped down, and wrapped up in Kasans arms like a present. He
shivered as Kasan leaned over him.

Dont worry, Max. Theyre just upset. Not mad. Ill keep you safe. Kasan kissed
the top of Maxs ear and Max shivered again, shifting to try and get out of Kasans
lap. He was not coming in front of the whole room.

Exceptit felt so private. With Kasans hair draping over both of them, Max could
barely see anyone. The large arms made a warm cage around Maxs body. And his
cock was long and getting harder under Maxs ass.

With a swallow, Max reached up and put his hands on Kasans arms. They were hot
Kasan was always hot but they werent doing anything.

He wasnt even paying attention to Max anymore. Kasan had lifted his head and was
talking with everyone else, now. Quieter, yeah, but that justsucked.

He just tucked Max on top of his dick, made him think of sex, and then what did the
big ass cat do? He talked. What the hell was up with that? If you were going to
make your husband think of sex in public, then you should darn well have sex in
public

Okay, maybe not - definitely not - sex, but, wellthere had to be something Kasan
was doing wrong, because now Max was really horny and he didnt get to do
anything about it. Last time hed been horny, Kasan had taken him out and theyd
screwed against a wall. What made today so different?

And why did it even freaking matter? There was no wall-sex today. He should be
glad.

I am still a nympho, Max muttered, not feeling glad at all.

No, he wasnt going to let this get to him. He didnt have to think about Kasans
cock! He had plenty of stuff to think about. Things that would help everything seem
normal. Right. Normal, that was it. He couldhe could eat the food.

He was hungry anyway. It didn't take him long at all to get started, trying different
dishes, picking out the words he knew from the conversation around him.

All perfectly normal for breakfast with in-laws.

His eyes drifted around as he listened, noting the little kids running all over the
place, the adults following suit at a walk, and everyone talking a mile a minute. It
really was kind of normal, wasnt it? Just one big - really big - family.

He looked at the bodies, trying to see them as people rather than scary-ass, half-
naked aliens. The hair caught his eyes first, something that had more variety than
the ever-present loincloths. Most of it was fairly simple. Kasans black mane was
down his back in a long, flowing waterfall. Zonta had a simple braid down his back.
Most of the women had braids that were wound back up against their scalps. And a
lot of the men had a braid like Zontas, but Aoshs was braided into small, intricate
twists and pulled up high before falling over his shoulders.

There was no makeup, no piercings, and only a few big pieces of gold or silver
jewelry. Armbands and torques and a couple circlets here and there he wondered if
they were worn to highlight the tattoos, because almost everyone had those.

Those were gorgeous. Brilliant silver and gold scrolls and curls in some small symbol,
with very little variation that he could see, even for the placement. You either saw it
on someones chest, or on their ass. There was so little variety, he wondered if they
might be clan markings.

And if they were, was he going to have to get one? God, he hoped not. Needles
made him queasy.

He twisted his head behind him to look at Kasan; nothing on his chest. Max had
stared at Kasans ass enough to know that the big cat didnt have one there. Did
they not have to get one, or was it something that happened later?

Like, after marriage?

Kasan?

Kasan had been glaring at the big cat next to them Tisu, that was it but he
looked down as soon as he heard Max. Yes, little one?

You get He sure as hell hadnt learned the word for tattoo. You get little body
picture?

Kasan and the others stared at him blankly, and Max pointed to the large cat with
Roto. Like him? The color, on front. You get body picture like him? Or not like?

Kasan stared at the larger man and glanced down at his own chest.

Ah, the marks. Of course, ItsHere, let me show you. Max was scooped again
what was he, ice cream? and put on the cushion next to Kasan. Sweeping his black
hair behind his back, Kasan gestured to his bare chest and then slowly flushed.
Chuckles spread across the table in a dark wave.

He hasnt ever seen your mark? Roto asked.

Kasan shrugged, and Max yelped as he was grabbed up again and popped back onto
Kasans lap. Idont think he has, Kasan muttered.

Roto squealed. Ever? Thats so romantic!

Tisu snorted. Because my big brother is so horny he cant stop being aroused near
his consort? I dont know if romantic is the word Id choose.

Max squirmed a little closer to Kasans stomach. That cat was just too damn big,
even in giant cat land.

Youre only saying that because youre not romantic, Tisu. Zonta smiled.

Roto was doing some sort of happy dance on his cushion, his ears flickering back
and forth. What about his? What does his look like? Is it different on a human? I
didnt pay attention last time.

Kasan blinked at them, and Max wondered what had been said. What was a mark?
Were they talking about him? Everyone turned to look at Max and he gulped. Yeah,
talking about him, definitely.

Max looked up at Kasan to gauge if he should be worried. The smile that broke out
over Kasans face made heat pool low in Maxs belly. When Kasan turned that smile
on him, with eyes just as bright as his smile, Max had a hard time catching his
breath.

I havent seen it since the Greeting. Kasan said the words as though they were a
surprise to him as much as anyone, and when he reached out and drew his finger
down Maxs nose, ending at his lips and pressing there gently, Max couldnt say
anything at all.

Not that anyone would have heard him as Roto squealed. The two of you are just
adorable! Tisu, isnt it so romantic?

Tisu grunted. So they are both so horny for each other that their nanites hardly
ever stay out of their private parts. Again, I dont think-

Well I think its romantic. Roto glared up at Tisu and the big man wilted. Max was
stunned to see him actually smile after a moment and kiss Rotos forehead.

Then I suppose it has to be.

Max bit his lip. He didnt think it would be a good idea to laugh at what was
obviously an Im so whipped moment, although he heard a few others snorting into
their hands. It seemed to break the tension, whatever it was. Peoples voices fell in
volume, their ears came up off their skulls, and Kasans arms around Max lost their
tension.

Which meant that Maxs brain could focus on sex all over again. And he didnt want
that. His whole life here was not going to be about sex. It couldnt be. Could it?
There had to be other things that hed learn to do here.

He had to think of something, likeactivities. Non-horizontal activities. Maybe Max
could go outside on a walk, see the sun, in some non-blob area? No one was running
around anymore, so that had to mean good things about the blob-infestation, didnt
it? There had to be, like, blob-free zones or something. And right now, Max could
really, really use some space where he wasnt staring at the inside of a building.

Max squirmed, feeling Kasan grow hard under his ass again. He lacked that empty
feeling that hed started to associate with Kasans need sex times, but the heavy
length against him was filling his head with images that were going to make it
impossible to walk without limping.

His voice hissed between his teeth. I can think of things other then sex. I am not
just a nympho, dammit.

Not sex. What the hell did he want aside from sex? Maxs mind blanked for a minute.
Oh, yeahhe wanted to go outside. He didnt want to have to go near the blobs. He
wanted to spend time with Kasan. That made him pause.

He really did. Max wanted to go on a walk with Kasan. He wanted it to be simple for
once, with no one watching him, nothing attacking him. A plain old walk in a garden,
like any stupid cat on this stupid planet would do with their stupid husband. Because
he wanted to be just like any stupid person on this stupid planet, if he was going to
live here. Justshorter.

He wanted to fit in, the way hed never quite fit in back home.

Max swallowed, closing his eyes. Yeah, like that was going to happen? The only
human on the planet; sure, hed fit right in. Like a crab on a tricycle.

Kasan shifted, pulling Max in close, and Max bit back an embarrassingly aroused
sigh. It was so strange that he felt like he fit with Kasan at moments like this, no
matter how nervous it made him at the same time. But he was pretty sure that
wasthat it was just the mind-blowing, amazing, gay sex.

Which didnt count. Knowing an alien in the biblical sense still didnt mean that-

Waitcould you call anal sex biblical? Maybe it was more anti-biblical.

Not that it mattered, because he just wanted to go outside, thats all. His gay sex
life with his giant husband wasnt the problem.

I cant believe I just thought that. Exceptwas it? Or wasnt it? The damn sex was
so intense that it scared him, but at the same time-

Max? Kasans ears swiveled his way.

N-nothing. Flushing, Max sopped up some sour lavender sauce off a plate using a
spongy little piece of bread.

Eating first, walk second, and sex

He looked up at Kasan and swallowed the food in his mouth with an audible gulp.

Sexas often as Kasan wanted it?

This is going to take a long, long time to feel normal, he muttered, and grabbed
another piece of bread.








Fiction~~The Last Pure Human~~Ch. 23


The Last Pure Human
Chapter 23 - Time to Get a Job





Maxs belly was taut with food by the time Kasan and most of the others finally
decided it was time to leave breakfast. Feeling a bit like a kid, Max stood obediently
when Kasan popped him on his feet. He squirmed, struck once again as Kasan held
onto his hand and led him through the maze of tables towards the door.

When had he last held someones hand before Kasan? The big cat did it so naturally,
like holding hands with Max was nothing special. All of them did. Half the cats
around him were clasping hands or arms or waists.

Naked hands and arms and waists.

His parents had never touched each other, or Max, this frequently. And Max had
never even attempted it with the few women hed dated. Holding hands was such a
sappy, romantic thing to do that it seemed entirely too un-masculine.

Geeks dont hold hands.

Max was pretty sure hed seen a t-shirt saying that once.

But Kasans hand enveloping his own made him feel safe, and cared for, and that
was pretty damn impressive for five fingers and a palm. So as always, Max didnt try
to pull away as they headed out the door and down the hall. Returning the smile
aimed at him, he even got a little shiver when Kasan squeezed his hand reassuringly.

And then the damn cat ruined it all when he yelled out right above Maxs head.
Scared the crap out of him! Zonta, wait!

Zonta stopped, looking back down the cream-colored hall.

Kasan started talking as they headed over. Can you watch Max today again?

Shifting his feet, Zonta smiled at Max before he answered. I was hoping to use
today for research. There are a few sources on humans that were a bit obscure; I
thought perhaps now that we have Max, we might be able to figure out what they
mean.

Kasan ran his hand over Maxs head and Max nearly lost track of the conversation.
Could you take him with you to the archives, then?

Youre not going to spend the day with him?

Kasans ears flattened slightly. No. I was going to participate in the hunt, but the
Elders have brought in more people to search for the shokan, so Im free to finish
the inventory.

Zonta chuckled. How terrible for you. Forced to confront boxes instead of deadly
beasts.

Brat. Kasan flicked at Zontas ear. Truly Im sorry to ask, but I think it would be
better if he didnt work on inventory with me. Max cant really help yet, and youve
seen how he is; hell fret himself into a frenzy if he doesnt know whats going on.
Besides, I dont think well be done until after Lastmeal. Thats far too long to ask
him to sit nearby, doing nothing.

Zontas ears twitched. I suppose

Kasan ran the hand down Maxs back, making small circles over the tunic. Thank
you. Hes usually so nervous left to his own devices, and with new people. But he
trusts you.

Zonta smiled and offered his hands as he nodded. Dont worry, then. It shouldnt
be an inconvenience. But I was wondering- The red-headed cat looked down at Max
and smiled at him. Nice smile. Kind of sexy and innocent.

Oh god, Max was analyzing mens smiles now. Gay, gay, gay.

Kasan, what does Max want to do today? Have you asked him?

Kasan shook his head, ears a little flatter. His hand spread across Maxs shoulder,
enveloping the muscle there and wrapping around it. He doesnt know enough to
make that decision.

Zontas eyebrow rose and Max seriously wondered what was going on. He knew
they were discussing him, and something about boxes hed managed to
catchmaybe Zonta was going to go over more stuff with him again today?

Hed been looking forward to it yesterday, but there was a surprising twinge of
disappointment at the thought of not being with Kasan. Again. Didnt spouses ever
get time together? A honeymoon month? Even a honeymoon day or two? A honey
hour?

Kasan, Max might be human, but dont you think he has the right to make his own
decisions? What if hed rather come with you?

Kasans tail wrapped around Maxs waist and Max pet it while he watched them both.
If Kasan looked unhappy, this was likely something that would make Max unhappy.
Another time. Zonta, hes too delicate to take a chance right now. As soon as
things settle down and Max knows how to get along, then itll be different, but right
now, I need to keep him safe.

Max is not going to take well to being babied. Anyone can see that, Kasan. Youd
better be careful or youre going to have a very angry little consort. Zonta paused
as Roto and Tisu passed through a cross hallway, Roto very obviously chastising Tisu.
He smiled and gestured to them. And you know how much trouble that will get
you.

Kasan grinned sheepishly and looked down at Max. I can imagine. I think youll be
very good keeping me in line, hmmm, little one? Or do you think I will be far too
difficult?

Max saw Zonta nodding and mouthing yes with a small grin and he repeated it.
Kasan laughed and fuzzed his hair. Max, will you be all right going with Zonta
today to study? My job is more unpleasant today. Kasan wants Max to be safe. You
stay safe with Zonta today?

Max frowned. Thats what hed been afraid all this was about getting dumped off
with Zonta and not Kasan. Not stay with Kasan?

Not this time.

Never stay with Kasan, he grumbled, annoyed, and Kasan sighed. To Maxs
surprise he nodded.

I know. Not for long, though. Soon well have some time together.

Max understood enough to relieve the odd pressure in his chest. This
notnormal?

What?

No Kasan and Max together. Apart all day. All nightuh Max looked at Zonta
and cut himself off before he said any more. Zonta grinned into his hand. Max was
aware that Zonta knew exactly what he was going to say, but as long as it stopped
here, he was going to pretend that the man hadnt a clue.

No, Max. This isnt normal. Well have more time together soon, I swear.

Smiling, Max nodded, feeling like a goof at the tension that disappeared. But he
couldnt deny that it had. With one last head fluffing, Kasan stepped away from him,
and it was like some giant heater that had turned off; Max felt cooler almost
immediately.

If you need me, Ill be doing the inventory with the others, and then Im visiting
the elders to see whats been done about Maxsabout the Niandrin.

Zonta nodded, almost turning away before he shook his head. I still cant believe
you all destroyed an entire vid room. What were you thinking?

How badly I wanted to pound on them.

You all think about that far too much.

Youre just lucky youre the baby or youd be wanting to pound them all too.

I have patience, thats all, Zonta said lightly. Kasan snorted.

Max swallowed as Kasan turned his attention back to Max. With a small smile,
Kasan leaned over him. He tilted Maxs face up, and Max felt the briefest brush of
lips against his own while Kasan stroked over the back of his head. They looked at
each other briefly, and with an abrupt twist, Kasan turned to go.

Maxs hand, caught in an abortive movement to reach for him, dropped back to his
side. Bye, he whispered.

Kasan looked back and smiled, waving quickly before he turned the corner.
Something about it felt false. Or maybe that was the smile on Maxs face as he
waved back.

Self-involved dork. Youre a grown man. Suck it up. Max swallowed, staring at the
last place hed seen Kasan. Hed really wanted to stay with Kasan today.

Come on, Max. Well be going to the archives today. Zontas hand touched Maxs
elbow with a gentle dexterity that seemed out of place in a man as large as he was.
The day will be done and Kasan will be back before you know it.

Max swallowed, nodding as though he understood it all, and followed Zonta. As they
walked, the floor under his bare feet changed until it was slicker, like amber glass
worn smooth. The smell shifted to marble infused with dust and vaguely reminiscent
of the small downtown library hed liked to study at when he was in college. Looking
around, Max thought even the walls were subtly different than they had been.
Rougher, less polished, with the cream color deepening to a brown flecked golden.
Light reflected poorly off the stone.

Doors along the hallway appeared with less and less frequency, until Zonta turned a
corner and the only exit was an enormous door at the very end. The thing was huge,
feet above even the cats heads, and made of something that looked like enormous
wooden planks, if wood were yellowed stone. A pair of very elderly guards stood in
front of the massive thing.

Max was almost expecting some moldering tomb, but instead, once the doors
opened and they hiked through the long doorway, he found a room that looked
surprisingly like an enormous, slightly tidier version of Zontas room. Books, papers,
scrolls and little mini hand computer screens were everywhere. Enormous shelves
were built into the walls, some stretching from floor to ceiling in the middle of the
room. Smaller bookcases had obviously been added later and they decorated the
room at random intervals.


A very, very old looking cat came over to greet them, his dark braid striped with
shades of silver and gray. Staring down at Max with an expression he hadnt seen
yet on the cats: distaste.

Did he have food on his face or something? Max reached up to check unobtrusively
while the man spoke in a quavering voice to Zonta.

What is this?

Zonta smiled, but his hand tightened where it had curled over Maxs shoulder.
Kasans human. I was going to-

This is the human? The old cat's eyebrows came together in a furry car crash of
dark fuzz. That cant be right. Humans are the same size as Kyashin.

Zonta tilted his head, eyes unnaturally wide and even more innocent than usual. Is
that so? How curious. Apparently, this one is smaller than normal.

The other cat stared at Max and muttered to himself for a moment. Well, what is
he doing here? Kasans consort should stay with him. They were just mated, werent
they? Or was that Tisu?

Its Kasan, Minoru. Zontas voice softened as he spoke.

Hmph. Well of course it was.

Max? Let me introduce you to Minoru. Minoru, this is Max.

Max discovered that it was much harder to speak when a giant that was looking at
you as though you were a strange looking bug. P-Pleased to meet you, Minoru.

Yes, yes, pleased to meet you, Max. Minoru waved a hand at Max after a few
moments. Sowere done here. Go on now. Back to your mate. Zonta has work to
do.

Max stared at him, and Zonta choked back a laugh. I need to keep him with me
today, Minoru. Kasan is working elsewhere. I was hoping to finish up some of the
uncompleted human research. Under the circumstances, I really should get to work
on it as soon as possible.

Minoru scowled slightly, his ears back. He looked like an grumpy Cheshire cat. Max
almost expected the shadows behind him to come out and leave nothing but a
strange, glowing frown afterwards.

Im not certain Im comfortable with him around some of the more fragile papers.
He is Kasans consort. A consort is the shadow of his mate, you know.

Zontas hand tightened over Maxs shoulder again and Max knew there was
probably something in the translation that he was missing.

I have every faith that Max will be perfectly safe among the more ancient of the
papers. You can tell by his size; he is a scholar, not a warrior.

Minoru stared at him and finally grunted. I suppose thats true. I dont see what
help he could be, however.

I was thinking of those papers from the Reconstruction. They are in human, arent
they?

Those are priceless! We cant have someone in there who might damage them.
Minoru growled under his breath in an hoarse treble.

Zonta looked around them ostentatiously and leaned in towards Minoru, whispering,
But what if he could translate them?

Minorus ears popped up.

The human can read the language; he already read through the papers that were
sent up to teach him Hinta. With his help, we might have the first translation of
these in over three hundred years. Zonta glanced around again, making Max think
of some pathetic spy just asking to be caught. Just imagine. If it works, perhaps
even the other clans would give us access to some of their Reconstruction texts so
that Max could translate them.

Minoru glanced down at Max like someone finding a $100 bill in the middle of the
street. It was almost worse than the scowl. His ears quivered.

The man turned to go, gesturing them to follow with an irritated hand. Well? If
were going to get these translated, we dont have all day! And I have just the piece.
Julian - you remember, Zonta, hes that pompous windbag from the Yanta he was
looking at it just last month, claiming he had translated the first three paragraphs.
As if that hack could figure it out? Preposterous. Hell be chewing holes in his ears
over this!

Max swallowed and looked to Zonta. The big cat smiled and pushed him along. He
leaned down to whisper. Dont worry, Max. Minoru just needed the right motivation.
Its safe now.

They followed behind, working their way deeper into the stacks of books and
records, until they were in front of another large door. Max recognized a controlled
environment the moment they stepped in. There were scrolls and a few books, but
no computer bits in this section. The lights were dimmer. The air was a bit cooler
and he shivered, wishing his tunic was thicker. Or that he had anything covering his
legs at all.

When he sat down on an enormous chair the first hed seen and it nearly froze
his butt to the chair, he amended his wishing for something to cover his ass as well.

The older cat muttered to himself as he tottered around the room and eventually
brought out three very fine, very old-looking papers. A slurry of words that Max
couldnt understand at all preceded his being allowed to so much as breath in their
direction, but finally, Max got to take a look and see what they were doing here.

Translating.

The papers contained only two languages, English and Portugese. The first was an
old list of supplies gathered for some type of journey. The second was a letter to
someones husband, best he could tell, and the author was explicit enough in what
he was going to indulge in when the husband returned that Max couldnt stop
blushing.

He wondered if his body would even bend that way.

The last was instructions on some sort of machine, if he understood correctly.

After some verbal fumbling, Zonta finally got him to understand that they didnt
have the Kyashin version of these papers, unlike the ones theyd given him before.
They wanted him to help them make one.

Translating languages, just like he was supposed to do for the colony.

Max swallowed, staring down at the papers. He had to blink when his eyes started
to sting. Dumbass. So what if he had something to do now that wasnt sex? That
was no reason to-

Max?

He cleared his throat and turned his head away. Im good. Its nothing. Taking one
deep breath, he gave a wobbling smile to Zonta and looked back at the papers. His
eyes wouldnt focus at first, but he finally managed to get started.

Reading the second paper helped him calm his pathetic ass down; it was good to
remember where he was. Sex planet. He wasnt sure if Zonta and Minoru would want
the translation when they found out it was ancient letter porn, but knowing the cats?
Of course they would; it had to do with sex.

Minoru started working with Max first, but it was clear almost immediately that
Minoru and Max were like peanut butter and pickles. Clashing was an
understatement. After five minutes, a cat sucked into a vacuum would have been
happier than Minoru was. Max knew so few words in Kyashin that he had to try and
find out what a new word was through a combination of bad Kyashin and charades.

And Max had always sucked at charades.

He was panicked that they were going to give up on him altogether when Zonta put
aside his own papers and scooted over to help.

Dont worry, Minoru, I can help with this.

Thank god. I dont know how humans were able to help us in the past, if they were
all like this. Pardon my saying so, but Kasans consort must be some sort of genetic
anomaly. Possibly a mental aberration. I need to go recover.

Of course, Minoru. Shall I meet you here in the archive later today once Max is
done?

Certainly. Where else would I be? Minoru left the room, and Zonta and Max got
started.

Zonta seemed to be about as good at guessing in charades as Max was in
presenting them, so it was a long, slow process of Max learning Kyashin words just
so he could tell Zonta what a human term meant. No matter how long it took,
though, every new word had Max and Zonta beaming like loons.

Translating a word was better than discovering diamonds, damn.

They had a quick break for food, but then it was back to the letters. Hours passed,
and Max spent the early afternoon immersed in the language and words of someone
long gone - some human long gone.

He felt oddly less alone.

Until they finished. When Maxs eyes started to see double, Zonta called a halt to it
all. He called for someone to put the papers back in their containers, and theyd
been heading out of the library when Minoru stopped them. He seemed very
insistent that Zonta stay to finish something. Max wasnt sure what it was, but in the
end, Zonta had nodded and talked to the guards. One had spoken into one of those
little intercom boxes they used, and theyd waited until yet another cat had come
trotting down the hall.

Which led to Max standing here as Zonta chattered faster than he could understand
to the new cat. The big stranger was supposed to escort Max back to his room, then
stay with him until Kasan came back. From what Max could follow, Zonta didnt even
think Kasan would return before their next meal, so Max would be eating with the
new one, as well.

Max swallowed, frustrated. Hed been feeling so good about the day. Exhausted, but
good. And nownow it was hard not to feel like a sex toy prisoner again. Max was
going to be utterly sick of that damn room if he had to wait there until Kasanwell,
until he had time for him. Biting his lip, he glanced at Zonta and caught a smile as
Zonta looked down at the same time.

Okay, so that wasnt a prison guard smile.

But Kasan had better get back to the room soon. Max didnt want to be stuck with a
bunch of strangers, and he really didnt want to eat with them.

Looking up at the big male Zonta was talking to, Max quickly looked away. He still
wasnt fond of new cats, especially ones like this big bastard, where he couldnt read
his face. The two guards at the door would have been easier. They were smiling, at
least. This one was as stiff as a tree trunk.

Max? Zonta was waving in front of his face and Max startled. Zonta patted his
head. Max thought it was supposed to be calming, but Zonta was a bit clumsier than
hed been before. The soft thunking against Maxs skull just rattled his brains a bit.

Can I introduce you? This is my Mother cousin Waran.

Max swallowed. Mother cousin. Hed learned that word; cousin from my mothers
side. So they were related? Shouldnt that have made him less frightening? Max
looked up and tried to distract his run away from giants reflex by looking for a
resemblance.

The alien was big, he was a cat, and he had ears. That was as much resemblance as
Max could figure out. Not good enough.

He tried to step back without making a production out of it, but hed rather have
backed to the wall. Up close to the new man, he had to crane his neck back so far
that the cats size was intimidating as hell.

P-Pleased to meet you, Waran.

Pleased to meet you, Max. He didnt sound pleased. He sounded annoyed.

Max took another unobtrusive step back.

Waran is going to take you to Kasans room, Max, and stay with you. You wait with
him until Kasan can join you.

Max swallowed again and watched Waran. He tried to smile. Why did he feel so
creeped out?

Max? You understand?

Yeah. I understand. He just wanted Zonta to tell him that hed changed his mind
and was coming along too. Or that Waran had a sudden case of the runs and one of
the other guards was coming.

Zontas voice lowered. Its safe, Max. Waran wont hurt you; hes family. He
reached back, put a hand on Maxs back, and gently pushed him towards Waran.
Kasan will see you soon, Max. Do not worry.

Max nodded slowly, and when Waran started down the hallway he tried to keep up.
And stay at least an arms length from Waran. He felt his breathing starting to speed
up the second they left the hallway and the big library door was no longer in sight.
No, he wasnt this stupid! It was just like just like

Just like whenever hed traveled with his parents as a kid. Nothing to worry about.
Theyd walk unfamiliar streets and listen to unfamiliar languages, and he would so
desperately wanted to know what the people around him said so he could ask where
to find food since his folks hardly remembered to eat once they were immersed in
their work and

Maybe not the best way to think about it. Just the walking part, though, he could
do that. When hed been surrounded by color and smells and sounds that were
completely different and new. And that could be good. Just like now. He was walking
with someone new, through an enormous complex that he was still unfamiliar with.
Exploring.

But without poisonous snakes. Or pink blobs.

Max glanced at Waran and looked away again. The man wasnt talking, wasnt even
looking at Max more than the odd glance here and there. Max would rather do the
same. He looked up on the walls, pretending interest, and finally realized there were
small plaques attached at intervals, usually at the corners.

Something like street signs?

Waran, what those?

The cat glanced down as Max gestured. He smiled, and Max nearly shuddered.
Waran had one of the long cat faces that looked particularly alien right about now.
Warans face looked more feline than most of the others Max had met, like a god out
of a old Egyptian myth. The smile on his face seemed as wrong as seeing a real cat
smile.

Max jumped as the man finally grunted out an answer. Directions.

Max tried to smile back while his insides shivered as though he were in an icy fog.
But this was good, dammit! Here he was, no Kasan, no Zonta, all alone with a
strange cat, and look! No running! He was doing this.

He could do this.

Max took a deep breath and hoped that the chant in his head would sink into his
bones and feel like more than a line from a musical. They walked for a while in
silence, although he could feel the other cats eyes on him like theyd been popped
out and rubbed on his skin. Which was such a gross thought that he gagged once.

He hated silence. Uh, how are you doing, Waran? Good day now?

The cat looked at him with his ears popping up and then slamming back down a
moment before they slowly shifted neutral as though the cat were forcing himself.
Yes. I am having a good day. Things are fine, human.

Waran started walking faster.

Oookay. Max trotted after him, barely able to keep up without running. He was
ready to cry uncle so he could catch his breath when they turned another corner,
and there was Kasans door. He recognized the small symbol painted above it on the
wall. Waran slowed down.

Thank God.

Thank you for the walking. Max was hoping if he said thank you soon enough,
Waran would leave sooner.

Waran hardly glanced at him, continuing to the guards at Kasans door and Max
remembered what hed seen the other cats do, that lip touching thing. Maybe Waran
was pissed that Max hadnt remembered? It felt pretty stupid, but he trotted ahead
and tried to reach up to touch Warans lips and say thanks. The cat took a quick,
almost startled, step away from him.

Youre welcome, Waran said quickly and walked towards the guards who were
watching them both with a strange combination of expressions. They nodded to Max
and one opened the door.

The bigger guard smiled. Stay inside, little one. I know Kasan doesnt want you
out in the garden until we find the shokan.

Max worked on that one. Inside, and Kasan not wanting something about a garden
and a shokan. Not out in the garden without his shokan. Got it.

Yes. I understand. Max turned to go inside.

Kasan wanted me inside with him, Waran said. Ill be taking him to Lastmeal as
well. Max paused, foot on the threshold, and nearly flinched as Waran started his
way.

No, no, Im fine.

Waran frowned and took another step. Kasan wants you to have company.

Max wasnt sure exactly what he was saying, but Waran was still coming towards
him. No. Max good. No need Waran. All good. Max happy. Thank-you-good-bye!
He darted inside and closed the door, leaning back against it and listening hard for
any sounds on the other side. He could hear talking, but no one was coming in.

A guard laughed. Kasans consort is still a little nervous, Waran. Dont take it
personally. Hell be safe enough in the room alone.

Kasan didnt want him left alone.

Im sure he didnt mean in his rooms. Hell be fine. You can always come back to
fetch him for Lastmeal.

There was a long pause. Is his garden secure now? Waran asked.

Not entirely, but theyve checked it over thoroughly. Dont worry. Truly, hell be
safe enough.

I suppose. Waran was quiet another moment and Max strained his ears. I heard
that someone was killed. Did they find out who, yet?

No, theres nothing left but those few bloodstains. No ones reported missing.

Waran made sympathetic noises. I wonder who the poor soul was.

The other cat piped up, his voice still the higher-pitch of a teen. The Elders are
worried it was someone visiting town.

Warans voice was a low grumble. Max could almost hear the frown in it. But that
would mean that the shokan has been all the way outside the city and chosen to
come back. Would one actually do that?

I dont know, but the Elders seem to think its possible. Thats why were supposed
to keep Kasans consort out of the garden. It might be safe for the moment, but
were not certain how long that will be the case.

I see. Yes, that is disturbing, thinking that a shokan might be in Kasans garden at
any time. Waran sounded annoyed again. Max pressed up hard against the door,
wondering if he could do anything to keep the cat out if he tried to force his way in.

He didnt know why it bothered him so much, but Waran really gave him the bad-
vibe heebie-jeebies. Maybe the cat just didnt like humans?

The younger voice spoke up. Uh, Waran, did you need something else?

Hmmm? Oh, sorry. My mind was wandering; Shoru

There was another long pause before Waran started talking again. Max wished he
could understand exactly what they were saying.

Difficulties all around, these days. Waran took a deep breath that was half sigh.
Actually, since Im here I do have one problem you might be able to help me with.
I have next shift, but Im a bit worried the heat will hit early. Its difficult to get out
to Shoru now without a little more time to reach him.

Ah. You need someone to cover for you?

Only for the last two hours. I would have arranged it through official channels, but
with the frenzy, scheduling is overwhelmed. I thought this might be easiest.

Its not a problem. Dont worry. Id be happy to help.

I cant let you do it without compensation, though. Please, let me take the last
hours of your shift today?

Waran, you dont need to-

Its no bother. I wouldnt feel right, asking this of you without giving something in
return. There was a long pause. Please, its the least I can do.

You feel that strongly about it? Another long pause. Well all right, then. Zerard,
you dont have a problem working with Waran for a few hours, do you?

Of course not. Id be honored, Waran. Ive always admired how well you deal with
your consor- Uh, that is. Oh god, Im sorry!

Max thought he heard the youthful voice cracking and he was almost tempted to
open the door to see what was happening. But not tempted enough.

Warans voice lowered into some semblance of soothing. Dont worry, Zerard, Its
not more than the truth. Shoru isdifficult.

The other guard spoke again. I heard about what happened. Im so sorry you have
to go through this.

Yes. Thank you. But I shouldnt be surprised, I supposed. Shorus always been
this way, ever since we mated.

I know, but no one deserves to have their consort comatose with the heat. Its

I know. Waran cleared his throat. Let me go and arrange a few things and then
Ill be back to take over the last few hours. Say, just before Munchies?

That works.

There was silence for a long minute and then the two guards were speaking again in
lower tones.

Do you think hell be all right?

I dont think hes been all right since he mated Shoru. Hes never been the same
since he came back from that trip. Just wish hed had better luck than ending up
with that asshole.

Max waited another minute, pressed against the door, but there was nothing else. If
Waran was still there, he was talking to low for Max to hear. Shaking off a case of
nerves, reminding himself that Waran wasnt in the room with him, Max blew out his
breath and peeled his body away from the door.

He took two steps before he was half-tackled. Androcles head-butted him, nearly
knocking him over, and latched onto to the flap of his loincloth to play tug of war.

Max tried to yell and whisper at the same time; he didnt want Waran to have an
excuse to come in, if he was still outside! Androcles! Stop it! Andro-eep! The
loincloth tightened with a strong tug and gave Max a groin-crushing wedgie.

Androcles! Max could barely speak, holding onto the loincloth with both hands as
he tried to keep it from pulling tighter. He was getting better at tying the stupid
thing, but it wasnt built to withstand Androcles yanking at it!

He hissed at the dog. Let go, dammit!

Androcles released him with a giant, obnoxious dog-grin. Max flailed and fell over
onto his butt. He pulled his cloth from where it had lodged between his asscheeks
and glared at Androcles, who was still bigger today. Great, the dog was now
officially bigger than a great dane. He was like a small mutant pony.

What the hell do they feed you? Growth serum dog chow? Crap.

Androcles let him get up without messing with him, but then he crowded into Maxs
space. Trying to shove his way clear, Max ended up backed into a side wall.

Androcles started licking him all over.

And againstop with the crotch licking! And the LIPSdo you know how gross dog
slobber is? It doesnt matter if its alien dog slobber or not, Androcles, its still
gross. Max shoved the heavy muzzle away from him and made a face at the slimy
mess left on his hands.

There was a reason hed always liked cats a little more, and dog slobber was
definitely one of the reasons. Not that he hated dogs, it was simply that cats were
better. Kasan came to mind and he flushed and shivered at the same time. That
was NOT the reason I liked cats, he muttered.

After another minute of struggling, Androcles finally stopped attempting to give him
a bath and headed to the garden door. Max wondered if Kasan had forgotten to
come over to let him out.

Andwait, was he supposed to clean up after the dog? He hadnt actually noticed
any giant piles of dog poo out in the yard, but maybe Kasan usually cleaned up?
Would he expect Max to do that? Somehow, that seemed like an awfully big chore.
And getting bigger.

I think Im going to pretend ignorance and just let you go out on your own. Youre
okay now, right? They said I could go out with you, so I could if you need me to.
He slid open the door as he talked.

Androcles scampered out like a gamboling t-rex, pausing to stare at Max once at
the edge of the trees. Then he slipped into the shadows. It was amazing that
something that big could disappear so completely.

Guess you dont need me. He waited a second to see if Androcles was coming
right back and then started to get nervous and closed the door.

The pink spiked blobs were still to much on his mind. They were freaky. As. Hell.
He was more and more glad that Kasan had a dog.

With a sigh, he drooped over to the bed, floomping the pillows into a good nest
shape and curling up in them. He could have kicked them all off, but it was kind of
fun to make a big mess of them to rattle around in. Must be the latent monkey in
him.

Or the cats were wearing off on him.

Either one wouldnt surprise him. Especially with how tired he was all the time; he
thought hed had a siesta every day since hed woken up. Obviously, dealing with
big-ass cats took a lot out of a guy. Although right now it was his eyes that were
giving him trouble. They were exhausted from reading all day; hed just close them
for a little while. Lying in the pile of fluffiness, he caught a familiar scent close by
and started sniffing. It was the pillow next to his face, a little black velvet one, fuzzy,
with tassels. And it smelled exactly like Kasan. He pulled it close to his face and
closed his eyes for a nap.



~*~*~*~*~*~



Wiping the sweat off his face with a damp towel, Kasan looked around him with a
relieved groan. The men and women whod been on duty in the Main vid room had
been allowed to leave earlier, but his brothers were seated against the wall with him,
panting in the sweltering warehouse room. The boxes were all neatly put away, the
numbers tallied up on the hand comps theyd been using half the day. Kasan had
been bitching at everyone the entire time, working double-time, hoping to finish
early so he could get out to see Max.

It was nearly five hours earlier than expected, but they were finally done. Kasan
might even have enough time to go have Munchies with Max. He usually skipped the
snack between meals, but hed take what he could get today.

Especially as hed missed the little one at Midmeal. Kasan had thought hed have a
chance to see Max until Leero had shown up with food, courtesy of their father. A
little smack that reminded them all that they werent being allowed to stop working
until theyd finished.

Leero had looked like hell, though. His body had jumped when Aosh spoke to him,
backing up a step like a new recruit. Jumpy as Rui hunting the shokan. Kasan hadnt
been able to figure out what was wrong this wasnt like Leero at all but Aosh had.
The lecherous brat had started to laugh as soon as Leero left.

What? Tisu took a bite of his meat roll while he looked at his brother.

You cant tell? I finally figured it out. Aosh grinned maniacally and wouldnt say
another word until Jolan threw a sausage at him. Aosh caught it in mid-air and took
a large bite, but it did get him to talk, at least. Fine, spoilsport. Leeros in heat.

Nolluz snorted dismissively. Ridiculous. Father would never allow him to remain in
Service if he were going into heat.

Aoshs eyes narrowed instantly. Trust me, I can tell when someones reacting to
me, and Leero never has. Just now, he was so hard when I spoke to him youd think
I was his long lost lover. I would bet my braids that hes in the middle of heat.

Nolluz continued the argument, the small spat escalating until Aosh dumped his
salad on his older brothers head. Kasan ignored them with the ease of long practice
and chewed his own food as he thought about it.

There was a good chance Aosh was right. Little bugger was seldom wrong about
sexual things, no matter what else he screwed up. And it wasnt as though it was
unexpected. Leero was the right age for heat, a couple years younger than Kasan.
Add to that the fact that there was a frenzy currently going on? It made sense.

But if that were the case, why was he still in service? Kasan would have to go talk
to father and make sure he knew what was going on. It was entirely possible that
Leero wasnt saying anything because of some strange sense of duty. He always
took too much onto himself.

And Kasan wanted to make sure Leero got a chance to be with someone who could
make him happy. He could still remember when Tisu and Roto were mated. Kasan
had been complaining about his little brother going into heat before him, and Leero
had still been blurry from yakkin. Sighing drunkenly about how he was looking
forward to his own heat, Leero had blathered for nearly an hour over how much he
wanted a consort like the others in Kasans family. Someone he could Join with.

Leero had denied it vehemently the next day, but Kasan had kept his eye out since
then for a potential consort for his friend. He hadnt found anyone yet who seemed
just right.

Kasan damn well hoped Leero had. Considering Leeros high standards, there was a
good possibility that if he hadnt have some time to look, the heat might take over
and hed go feral. At least Kasan had avoided that with Max. The damage he could
have done to Max if hed lost himself in the heat like that he could have nearly
killed the little one.

As mindless as some Kyashin were close to the end of their heat? He shuddered. His
heat might have been hard to control, but not to the extent hed heard about. Kasan
had to think that the old wives tale was true: throwbacks werent hit as hard. Thank
god. Kasan couldnt have forgiven himself if hed hurt Max like that.

He doubted Leero would forgive himself either, if it were to happen to him.

Tossing the towel to Nolluz, he stood up. Max was what he wanted, enough to make
his guts ache right now, but Leeros issues had to be addressed first. With that in
mind, he said quick goodbyes to his brothers, glad that hed finished the damn
inventory before nightfall.

After nearly an hour of searching and redirection by various family members, he
found his father in consultation with the elders. He managed to wait a few sentences
before interrupting. Father, may I talk to you for a few minutes?

Of course. Ill meet you in the main room.

With a nod, Kasan left them to their discussion it looked as though they were
eliminating candidates from those who had volunteered to go to Tiensa. It was
gratifying to see how many people were on the list on the wall, and amazing that
theyd managed to collect so many names already when nearly half the guards were
still trying to hunt down the shokan. Done with the citadel and already into the city
now, the last hed heard.

He should check to see if they had finished the city, yet. Another delay in seeing
Max. Dammit.

Perhaps they were lucky and it had left the area entirely. That would be the best he
could hope for, but it still left an uneasy taste in his mouth. The thought that they
might have missed the shokan lingered in his head.

He wasnt leaving Max alone outside for a few weeks, if they didnt find any sign of
the animal. It was just too chancy. Perhaps he could teach the little one some
moves to protect himself. With the spear, one of the shorter staffs that the littles
trained with, or a sling. Something.

Max could learn. He was frightened a lot, but he didnt give up. Spirit was
something you couldn't teach, and the little one had that in spades. Excitability too,
but the spiritKasan grinned again, seeing Max in his head from the night before.
So gorgeous, his face flushed as he tried to figure out what to do. Adorable, and
sexy as hell, and.Kasan lost his train of thought as his father came in, but the Lord
king could probably tell what hed been thinking about.

It was awfully hard to hide an erection AND a lack of tattoo on his chest at the same
time.

The knowing grin from Kyoru made Kasan get right to the point before his father
started in on him. Leeros is in heat.

Kyorus ears quirked once before he smiled. I know.

He hadnt expected that. But hes still in service. Why hasnt he been released
yet?

I have need of him; hes agreed to stay in service until the heats end grows too
close.

But-

Kasan, Leero and I have already spoken of it. Its decided. Kasan tried to speak
again and Kyoru cut him off. Dont worry; he wont be put in jeopardy. I care for
him as much as you. He suddenly grinned. He doesnt need much time to choose,
in any case. Theres a candidate lined up already.

Kasan wondered what the hell was going on. There was something in his fathers
eyes, like when he used to tease them as littles. He hadnt seen this look on the
Lord Kings face in a long, long time. Aosh and Zonta had almost never seen it at all
father had stopped playing for years after mother died but he used to be even
worse with pranks than many people accused Kasan of.

Along with his genes, pranking was something Kasan came by naturally.

Now he was wondering whether this grin was aimed at him, or whether he should
be worried about something happening to Leero. Are you feeling all right, father?

Im fine, Kasan.

Are you sure? I know that its been difficult with everything thats happening.

I know. Kyoru sighed, losing his smile. Its not an easy time right now, of course.
But you are still alive. I have a new son in your consort, and Leero will be gaining a
new partner as well. Despite the Niandrin and my brother, there is enough joy to
focus on, Kasan. Dont worry yourself into an early grave.

Father, I-

Kasan. Kyoru shook his head and flicked Kasans ear with his finger. If you must
do something, make sure you bring your little one to last meal this time so that I
may see him again. Hes quiteentertaining.

Of course. He couldnt argue that. Nodding carefully, he withdrew, pausing before
he completely left the room. The search for people to go to Tiensa?

It goes well. We will have people ready by tomorrow, and our allies have someone
already there who confirmed that there are humans for sale. But Kasanit does not
sound like there are many. The rumor is that one has already sold, and they are
only putting up three or four more for bidding. I dont know if this is all they have,
or if they are trying to get the best price and hiding the rest. We will need to find
out.

Kasan nodded quietly, swallowing as he left. That few? That couldnt be all of Maxs
family. No one could survive on their own for this long with so few people, and for
Max to be as unaware of their species as he was, they had to have been isolated.

He should have asked before what size group Max was used to, but things had been
so chaotic. Kasan would find out when he spoke to him next. Which would still have
to wait a few more minutes. He needed to check and see if the citadel guard needed
anything, check how the hunt for Shovak and the shokan went, what the other clans
were saying about their own purist groups if theyd spoken to Nolluz about it already,
and if anything else needed his attention, and then he could finally go see his little
one.

The day was far too short for everything he needed to do. He needed another pair
of arms. The sudden image popped into his head of just what he could do with Max if
that were the case and he ended up walking down the hall with a huge smile on his
face.










Fiction~~The Last Pure Human~~Ch. 24


The Last Pure Human
Chapter 24 - Protecting Max




Pacing between the shelves in the public archives, Kasan lashed his tail irritably. Max
was taking too long. Kasans tail lashed to the side again with a quick snap. He
heard it topple a pile of scrolls right before he felt the rolled parchment ruffle his fur.

Damn, not again.

Within seconds, three archivists converged, making tching sounds in their throats as
Kasan tried to stuff the paper irritants back on the shelf. They politely urged him to
go stand somewhere else. Hed heard that same phrase enough in the last few
minutes to make him want to let out his claws and see if he could make the scholars
scatter.

And Zonta wonders why I hate this place. Kasan kept his voice low, but he didnt
really care if anyone heard him. He disliked the archives intensely. In his opinion,
the reason their forefathers had kept rooms and corridors wide and open was
because Kyashin originally had tails. All the shelves added to this room in the past
200 years made it so cramped that Kasan was in danger of knocking over something
every time he forgot to keep his body reined in.

And Zonta had kept him waiting for almost ten minutes now. What was taking him
so long to bring Max over? Zonta had to know that the older archivists wouldnt let
Kasan enter the sections containing the oldest papers. But waiting like this, when all
Kasan wanted to do was see Max, was pure hell. For the first time since they were
mated, Kasan could spend the entire evening with Max getting to know him instead
of satisfying the heat or keeping him calm. They could make love slowly for once,
just because they both enjoyed it. Considering how quickly Max was learning Hinta,
Kasan thought they might be able to actually talk.

Kasan could finally learn more about his husband. Like the actual size of his family
that they should be looking for, or how Max got here. What hed done before the
slavers had acquired him, what he liked to eat, what he enjoyed doing.

What he really felt about Kasan.

Kasan lashed his tail again, bumping against a stack of hand comps. He winced, the
clacking, metallic slither echoing like a screeching yowl through the archives. He
had to stop doing this. The archives were not hell, and he didnt have to dwell on
hellish, nerve wracking worries every time he came here.

But he usually did, which was another reason why he avoided the place like it was
infected with kouloc. The last time hed been in the archives had been - before last
years battle? Yes, that had been it. His first time as the Battle Leader, when hed
had Zonta look up a strategy that would work better in hill country.

By the time hed left, Kasan had been second guessing his choices already,
wondering if he was ready to lead, or if hed lose the Hinta their concessions for the
year.

Competitions in warfare might be a quick way to sort out political disputes, but they
were still a pain in the ass.

Kasan had managed to avoid thinking of it, but after waiting in the archives, the old
concerns were creeping back in. He growled under his breath, dodging another low
shelf. No matter how complicated his familys situation was currently, there were
only a few months left until this years battle. Preparations had to be made.

And he had no idea what to do about Max.

How was he going to keep the little one safe? Kasan had to participate, and that
meant so did Max, but all the other consorts would be trained and able to defend
themselves. And Maxwasnt. Not that thered been any deaths in years, but there
were still some debilitating injuries. Any one of which could kill someone of Maxs
small stature.

Kasan shuddered, fighting against an image of Max lying on the ground, broken.
That would not happen. Slavers and shokan and this years battle it didnt matter.
Kasan wasnt letting anything hurt Max. If he had to, hed work with Zonta and Tisu
on making sure of that. They could figure out a way to keep Max safe. Untested
newbies had been forced into the battle before. It could be done.

Hed simply never done it with someone he cared about so much.

Kasan took a deep breath, wrapped his tail around his own thigh, and closed his
eyes. God but he wanted Max. His fingers twisted in on his palms just thinking about
running them over that fluffy, golden brown hair. He wanted to see the soft blush
over Maxs cheeks when Kasan flustered him into incoherency, that little smile that
Kasan had only witnessed a handful of times now.

It wasnt right that the expression Kasan was most familiar with on Max was fear.

Kasan growled under his breath, his tail jerking once against his leg.

Dammit, he wanted to be able to look into Maxs face and tell him that everything
was going to be all right. That Maxs family would be fine. That nothing was trying to
hurt him anymore, not wild animals or rogue members of his family or fanatics. That
Kasan hadnt failed him.

He wanted to Max to be happy. And he wanted Max to be his.

Kasans ears flattened. He couldnt explain it, but every time thoughts of Max
entered his head, he knew he wanted something more than mating. Yes, right now,
Kasan was Maxs, and Max was his. Most people would be content with that; theyd
be mated for at least a couple decades. Plenty of time for feelings to deepen
between them.

If only his previously sane emotions would agree; right now, it didnt seem to
matter that they had time and that Kasan barely even knew Max. Even a moment
alone with his consort reminded Kasan how viscerally attracted to Max he was. How
Max looked, and spoke, and acted it was permanently etched into Kasans bones.
He didn't know how Max had invaded his mind so easily when Kasan didnt even
understand yet what went on in his consorts head, but at the same time?

The thought of life without Max felt flat and colorless.

Kasan started pacing again. How would Max react to joining with Kasan for the rest
of their lives? Zonta had taught him the word, hadnt he? So Kasan could ask, but if
he did, what would Max say? What if he didnt want such a commitment?

What if he didnt feel the same way?

Of course he doesnt feel the same yet. Kasans sharp growl startled one of the
younger archivists and she jumped before scurrying away.

The little one had been through so much in such a short time. How could Max
possibly feel as deeply as Kasan? Gisho might be enjoying their sex thankfully
but he was separated from his family, newly mated, and on a strange world. How
could there be any place left in his mind for an equally strong attachment to Kasan?

But what was Kasan going to do if it never developed?

Kasan lost control of his tail again and groaned as it toppled a small stack of books.
Dammit, he wanted Max! What was taking Zonta so long?

Destroying the archives again?

Finally! Kasan turned, his ears rising off his head, but they stopped half-way as he
faced Zonta. His brother was clinging to a large sheaf of papers. Max wasnt with him.
Kasan peered around Zontas legs, just to be sure.

Wheres Max? He couldnt help the snap to his words.

Max? Zontas own ears fluttered, then drooped. Didnt Waran get in touch with
you? Max is already back in your rooms.

No, he didnt get in touch with me! Max wasnt here? What the hell are you doing
here if Max isnt? I asked you to watch him, Zonta!

Zontas eyes narrowed. I did. For most of the day.

But hes alone now! What if he tried to go outside on his own and the shokan was
there? Kasan whipped around to find him when Zontas voice cut him off.

Did I say he was alone? Zontas voice was flat. Warans with him. I thought you
would feel more comfortable with family watching out for Max, so I asked him to
stay until you were finished with your work.

Kasan stopped, his stomach still trembling from the adrenaline rush. He inhaled
deeply to get back some control before he could turn to face his brother. I asked
you to watch him for a reason. Max doesnt know Waran. What if Waran frightened
him?

Zonta put aside the papers in his hand, laying them on the nearest table. His ears
flickered in annoyance. Hes cared for, Kasan. The poor thing was exhausted, and I
was detained here. I was not going to make Max suffer because I cannot keep up
with my own workload. Besides, hes an adult. If he were worried over Waran, he
would have found a way to make it clear.

Hes fragile, and high-strung. And youve seen how he acts when hes startled; he
might hurt himself trying to get away. What if Waran couldnt keep track of him?

Zonta snorted. Do you really think thats likely?

Kasans ears went back as he heard the tone in Zontas voice. His youngest brother
used it primarily when he thought one of his older brothers were acting like an idiot.
Kasan flicked his ear for it. Dont be a brat. Its a legitimate worry.

For a first time parent, perhaps. Dont be so overprotective. Give Max a little
room. Zonta sighed, closing his eyes. He looked tired.

Kasan caught himself before he spoke again. He wasnt going to apologize Max
needed special care, and Zonta of all people was aware of that. But he could calm
down. A little. As long as Max was safe Waran knows what he was supposed to
do?

He knows to stay with Max until you arrive. He was going to take him to Lastmeal,
but obviously thats not necessary now. Zontas ears fluttered back to their normal
position. Im sorry that you wasted the trip here. I should have thought to have one
of the other guards get in touch. Waran has so much on his mind right now

Kasan nodded. Zonta looked exhausted. Had it been that difficult today?

What about for Max?

Reaching out to touch his finger to Zontas lips, Kasan softened his tone. Forgiven.
Im sorry the day was so arduous.

Zonta shook his head, a smile creeping in. Only the last hour or so. Max was an
enormous help. Elder Minoru retrieved some of the documents from the
Reconstruction, and Max was actually able to read them. The translation is still
going to take some time, until Max learns more Hinta, but we made definite progress.
With his knowledgeI cant tell you what a benefit having Max in the family is going
to be, Kasan. Even for other clans. There are so many records that weve never been
able to understand, including some that might pre-date the citadels creation. He
paused and his ears lowered. There has to be something in there that would help us
reprogram the citadels defenses.

Kasan caught the stress in his voice and suddenly Zontas irritability made sense.
He reached out again, rubbing Zontas ear. Worrying about Aosh?

Zonta nodded jerkily. You know how he feels about our tec constraints. Its been
wearing on him lately how little he can contribute, hamstrung like that. If something
doesnt change soon, Im worried hell try and leave for another family.

Kasan nodded, adding that to the growing pile of concerns to be dealt with. He
should mention this to father. Ill talk to him.

No, please. Dont. Itll just put his back up. He wouldnt like to know I mentioned
it. Zontas ears flattened and Kasan nodded slowly. Hed still try to figure out how
to keep Aosh from making a serious mistake, however. I wish he could- Never mind.
Can Max come to the archives tomorrow to continue the translation?

Not on his own.

Dont worry, Ill work with him.

Kasan sighed. Zonta, you have training tomorrow, remember? I know; I double
checked the schedule to see when you were busy this week.

Training can wait.

No, it cant. You postponed it last week and then forgot to set a time to make it
up. You need to keep up with this as much as with your studies. Zonta frowned and
Kasan flicked his ear. How are you going to help us with planning for Battles after
your mating if you cant help us in Battle? Train tomorrow. You can study with Max
the day after.

Zonta grumbled, disgruntled. Kasan kept his encouraging smile until he turned to
leave. He frowned as soon as Zonta couldnt see his ears anymore.

Aosh, thinking about leaving. Yet another problem to deal with, but at least it was a
familiar one.

It was hard to wrap his mind around Max working as an archivist, though. Kasan
knew Max was smart, but thinking of him working wasstrange. Did Gisho even
want that? And if he did, why was the thought so disquieting?

Max as a working member of society, earning a place in the family, interacting with
people every day - without Kasan.

Kasan pushed open the door exiting the archives and frowned again. He felt.

He felt left behind. Max was his consort. His. Kasan had barely had the time needed
to exchange more than a few words with the little one ever since theyd mated. He
didnt want to damn well share his consort with everyone else, this soon, when they
hadnt even had enough time together yet.

Kasan didnt want to chance losing Maxs interest before he was sure he had it in
the first place.

Which was unfair and selfish on Kasans part, if that meant keeping Max from
something he took pleasure in. But Kasan couldnt help one last growl as he
imagined it. Hed rather lock them both away for a week or two so they could make
love, and talk, and Kasan could feed Max new foods just to see his eyes go wide in
surprise over the tastes.

While the rest of the world waited to continue until they got back, of course.

Kasans ears slapped against his head and he blew out his breath. That was never
going to happen. But at least for tonight, he could spend time alone with his consort.
If he hurried.

He jogged the rest of the way to his room.

Waran and Quim were standing guard outside his room when he arrived; both their
ears flattened for the briefest moment when they saw him.

Max wasnt with them.

Wheres Max?! What the hell did Waran think he was doing out here without Max?
And if he had guard duty, what had he been doing down in the archives fetching Max?
It was still mid-shift.

Hes inside the room. Waran smiled as though Kasans claws werent slipping out.
Dont worry; you dont need to take a break from your work just to check on him.
Seamus will be taking over my shift early. Im still able to take your consort to
Lastmeal.

Im done, Kasan growled, cutting himself off when Warans ears drooped. Control,
he reminded himself. Max was safe; thats what mattered. You were supposed to
stay in the room with him, Waran. Max needs looking after. If you had other
commitments that kept you from doing your duty, you should have told Zonta.

Warans ears went down further. His eyes glinted. Your consort didnt wish for
anyone to be in the room with him, and Seamus felt that we should adhere to his
wishes. He cleared his throat. After that, I asked if I could change shifts so I could
remain nearby. I have not been neglecting my duties, Prince Kasan.

Kasan scowled. Waran only used the title when he was annoyed. But the man
should have known better. Tell Seamus to get off his ass and box me, next time
theres a conflict. If Shorus ill health was affecting Warans judgment this way,
maybe the man needed to take a few days off.

Of course. Warans jaw was tense and angry.

You can take the end of this shift off, if Seamus is spelling you. Ill go with Max to
Lastmeal.

Both mens ears quivered sharply. You- You dont have anything else to finish
today? Waran asked slowly.

Nothing that cant wait. Im going to spend the rest of the evening with Max.

Waran and Quim exchanged a look and Kasan wondered what it was supposed to
mean. And then why Quim was there at all. Wasnt Zerard supposed to be on shift
with Seamus today? Or did he get caught up in the frenzy, too?

Waran paused and then smiled, nodding. You know how it goes; the young ones
are so easily overwhelmed. Quim was able to take over after Zerard left. We have it
covered. And truly, if you have things you need to do, I would be happy to take your
consort to the meal for you. It would be no trouble at all. I-

Kasan opened the door and patted Warans shoulder as he passed. Thank you,
Waran, but the only thing I need to do is spend time with Max. He shut the door on
them, ignoring the determined look on Warans face. With a nasty consort like Shoru,
Waran was unlikely to understand how happy Kasan was to simply be with Max.

Who was fast asleep, as usual. Kasan smiled as he walked to the bed. Max was
curled up in a small ball, taking a nap in a nest of pillows like some exotic baby bird.
His head was partially buried under a black velvet pillow. He looked sweet.
Vulnerable. Sexy.

God but Kasan wanted him.

Max? Max didnt move and Kasan shook his shoulder gently. His little one slept on,
stretching once and turning over onto his back. He started to snore softly. You do
sleep with a will, dont you, Gisho? Kasan gently shook his shoulder again. Maxs
face scrunched into a grimace. He kicked out once with a grunt and settled, his legs
splayed wide. Grinning, Kasan reached down and cupped the now-visible bulge of
Maxs testicles through the fabric of his loincloth.

Max stopped grimacing, but he still didnt wake. Kasan leaned down and nipped at
Maxs bottom lip. And then spoke more loudly. Max! Wake up, little one! If you
sleep too much now, youll never get to sleep tonight!

Max blinked his eyes once, seemed to register Kasan, and then let his lids drift shut
again.

Max!

Another slow blink and then Maxs sleepy face brightened with a sudden, sweet
smile. Kasan?

It was the expression Kasan felt like hed been waiting all day just to see. Hello,
sweetheart. Kasan brushed his fingers over Maxs small sac as he withdrew.

Maxs smile faded and his face flushed. Uh. I- He glanced down at where Kasans
hand was removing itself and clamped his thighs together. H-hello.

They stared at each other until Max stumbled up out of the cushions with an
awkward cast to his limbs, scooting them around self-consciously. Smiling again,
Kasan stood back to let him up. Max shuffled about, trying unsuccessfully to scoot
himself over the pillows and off the bed. He grumbled as he finally had to stand and
walk. Kasan couldnt stop smiling, his eyes taking in everything about Max, from his
tousled hair to the rosy tint to his cheeks. Maxs eyes shied away as he soon as he
noticed.

He immediately tripped on a large teal pillow.

Kasan caught him with a laugh. Careful, Max. One day, youre going to fall and I
wont be there to catch you.

Max flushed was brighter. Yeah, been there, done that, he mumbled. He squirmed
until Kasan let his feet reach the floor.

Looking down at the top of his head, Kasan was reminded as though he needed a
reminder of how small Max really was. The little one would have to go on tiptoes
just to lick Kasans nipple. And no matter how thoughtful Waran was, he wasnt
Zonta. He hadnt studied humans so that he was aware of their fragility, and their
issues.

Even on something as safe as the bed, Max seemed determined to injure himself.
The walk back with Waran could have been a complete disaster. Kasan frowned just
as Max looked up at him.

He had to keep him safe. You should have stayed with Zonta.

Huh? Max tilted his head. Why?

Zonta knows you, Zonta knows what you need, and Zonta is the person I asked to
watch you.

Max stared at him and Kasan wasnt sure what he expression on his face meant.
Still feeling like a slave, Max muttered. Im safe.

No. Kasan changed tactics when Maxs eyes widened. All right, yes, youre safe,
but it was Zontas responsibility to make sure you were safe, Max. To protect you.

Max struggled with something, his face scrunching up in a particularly cute manner.
Kasan Thats not- Ugh, this is so frustrating! Max took a deep breath. I like that
Kasan think of Max. He didnt sound as though he liked it. I just dont want to be
some sex-toy alien-husband thing that has no life but to get passed around and get
screwed, okay? I want to- I want to freaking do something.

Max? I cant understand you.

Dammit. Max began to pace, gesturing with his arms as he picked up speed. Max
want to take care of Max. Sort of. Not that I wouldnt mind some help with the blobs
and the big freaky cats, and the perverts, but I can at least pick what I want to do,
and where I want to walk. Eventually. Right? Im not a stupid kid, Kasan! I just- I
take care of me.

Max, youre too small. Far too small.

Max clenched his fists. Maybe youre too damn big. I might need help sometimes,
yeah. Who doesnt need help when youre all big, lecherous mutants? ButI.
Max struggled with something and Kasan sat down on the bed. He pulled Max onto
his lap. Max glared at him, squirming again. It was rather adorable.

Maxs finger poked Kasan in the nose. Max is not a toy.

I didnt think you were.

Max is not weak.

Kasan hugged him around the back, reveling in the feel of his pert ass clenched on
Kasans thighs. I know. Not many could survive an entirely new culture so soon
after the loss of their family. I have every respect for your strength, little one. He
rubbed Maxs back, trying to sooth him.

Max can look after himself.

Kasans hand paused as he really thought about that. Should he be honest? Im
sorry, Max. I dont agree.

Max growled. Max is adult!

Kasan wished he could make Max understand. I know that. But youre so ignorant
about the Hinta, yet, Gisho. There is so much here that could harm you, and you are
not even close to knowing what all the dangers are. Even one of the littles could
injure you if they happened to catch you alone. I know you want to have more
independence. Kasan thought thats what Max wanted, if he was reading it right.
But you have a lot to learn, still. You need looking after. Youyou need help, still.
You need me.

Maxs eyes focused inwards, confused. Kasan sighed; the little one probably hadnt
caught all that. Simpler might be better. Max, you cant look after himself.

Thats bullshit, Kasan. Max stared up at him and bit at his lips while he half-glared.
Yeah, I dont know what the hells going on, and maybe I trip over my own feet
sometimes, but Im not an imbecile! And I hate Waran. Hes a creepy freaking
bastard. And if you think I need to be taken care of all the time, you can- you can
just do it yourself and stop running off everywhere so Im all alone in this stupid
room all the time!

Because Im telling you, if you leave me alone here one more time, Im going to
get Androcles to slobber all over you. Maybe youll remember what a pet really is,
then, huh? Androcles is a dog; Im a person. Not a dog. Which you should know. Dog
saliva is nothing like mine, you big, honking- Max stopped, his voice cut off as
Kasan gave into an urge and kissed him. Maxs tongue slid against his own, curling
around it when Kasan sucked it into his mouth.

Kasan could do this every moment for the rest of his life and never grow tired of it.

They were both breathing heavily when Max pulled away. The little one grumbled
under his breath, his fingers trembling. Just have to be good at that, dont you? I
bet you do it on purpose, too. Just to drive me crazy. Because this is insane, you
know that, right? Im an insane nympho now.

Kasan rubbed his hand over Maxs back again, making soothing sounds. Max all hot
and bothered was something hed been waiting for all day, but he wished the little
one wasnt quite so upset.

Dammit, he hated still not being able to understand him. Soon, Max. You can tell
me everything soon, when you have the words. Although I wont compromise on
your safety. You can hate me for it as much as you like. But its my duty to care for
you, precious. And I enjoy doing it. Kasan smiled as he looked Max over and rubbed
a dusty smudge off Maxs nose. Right now, that means I can help get you clean.

Kasan popped Max on the bed and walked over to the shelf with the cleaning oils.
He picked out a new rag.

Max sighed behind him. What, you kiss me and then thats it? I thought we were
going to have sex? And why do we need the oils again? Not that you dont look really
hot when you put the oil on your cock and- Max stuttered to a stop and then started
grumbling again. Why cant you have non-perverted ways to clean people? Hasnt
anyone here ever heard of a shower? Or even a bath?

What did you say? Kasan walked back with the cloth, wondering as Max paused
and looked at him with a struck expression.

Kasan? Kyashin have big water to clean in?

It was no effort to stop. Kasan barely registered that he had stopped. Big pool of
water? To wash in? You want to wash in water? Totake a bath?

The smile that lit up Maxs face had Kasans cock so hard it was awkward. Max
wanted a bath? A bath?

Yes! A bath! You have these?

The oil dropped to the floor and Kasan had to pick it up quickly before it all poured
out. Saliva pooled in his mouth. Max wanted to go to the baths.

Max couldnt know what that meant. Probably. Did humans even bathe the same
way? But what if he did? Kasan hadnt even dreamed theyd be taking a bath
together for weeks yet, if not months, not with the state of Maxs nerves. But he
looked so excited right now, the frustration from earlier erased entirely. MaxMax
seemed to really want it.

Max was looking forward to it.

Wehave baths. But Max, how humans take baths? He had to be sure there was
no miscommunication here.

How do we-? Uh, we get clean? In water?

That sounded the same, for part of it. Do you doanything else?

What the hell else is there? Uh, clean hair? Use liquid, like cleaning oil? That
anything else? Or more?

Kasan swallowed, envisioning Max covered in oil, hair damp and shining. Yes, he
said hoarsely. More. He could lay Max down on the furs and stroke him until he
was incoherent, babbling in his human language non-stop, then fill him so slowly
they were both writhing with the need to come.

And then they could do it again.

Max shifted, staring into Kasans eyes. His pupils darkened, leaving only a thin circle
of blue around them. His cheeks were pink when he spoke again. Kasan mean sex.

Kasan smiled slowly. Max wasnt trying to step away from him. Yes.

Maxs hand gripped the fabric of his tunic. Of course you do. Couldnt have
something non-perverted in cat land, could we? Dammit, why are you all so- Kasan
drew a finger down Maxs arm and the little one swallowed heavily. W-Want to
know, humans have sex in baths?

Yes.

I- Uh. Max licked his lips. Yes. We have sex and bath. Sometimes.

Kasan moved one step closer and the little one shifted his head to look up at him,
still flushed. But Max stood his ground. This time? Kasan whispered. Sex and bath
this time?

Max chewed the lip between his teeth. His feet shifted again. He looked up at Kasan,
down at his body, and then down at his own hands. Taking a deep breath, he
straightened his shoulders. I- I dont know Those blue, beautiful eyes looked up
through dark lashes. Y- Yeah. Okay. This time.

Kasan grabbed Maxs hand before his consort changed his mind and tossed the oil
back to the shelf. Max started sputtering before they even hit the door.

Kasan, woah! What are you-

Max tripped and fell against Kasan as they both paused to open the door. Kasan
turned back, wrapped his arm around Maxs waist, and kept going.

Waran called out as Kasan raced through the door. Kasan, wait. I needed to ask
you-

Ill be back after Lastmeal. Were going to the baths! He grinned as he glanced
back, ignored their odd looks, and pulled Max along. He hadnt turned the corner
before he realized that they werent going nearly fast enough, even if Max was
scampering to keep up.

Kasan picked up Max and chuckled when his consort smacked him in the chest.

Dammit, Kasan, what the hell?

Shhh, Max. Dont worry. Well get there soon. In fact, here, hold on to my neck,
well get there faster.

Max glared at him. Where?

Kasan pulled him in close and nuzzled his hair as he moved. The baths, Max. Were
going to the baths.

Max finally stopped squirming. Oh. Bath not in Kasans room?

No. Very big baths, not here. Now hold on! Max did, a blush staining his cheeks
as he wrapped his arms around Kasans neck.

Kasan grinned and ran full out down the corridors. Theyd have to get to the heart
of the citadel, where the springs came up, warmed in the bathing chambers. If he
didnt want to waste their time together, he was going to get there as quickly as he
could. A few cousins tried to hail him and he simply yelled out, Baths! as he passed.

Most responded with a grin, some with yelled out suggestions.

Aosh stared at him as he ran by, and did both.

Maxs face was crimson by the time they arrived at the in front of the glided doors
that separated the baths from the rest of the citadel. Putting him on his feet, Kasan
watched Max carefully to make sure he hadnt changed his mind. He couldnt always
understand his husband, but it was moments like this when he felt that somehow, he
still knew Max. Max wasnt having second thoughts. His face flushed so brightly he
glowed, but his eyes were clear, he wasnt chewing on his lip, and he looked at the
door impatiently until Kasan finally opened it for both of them.

Time to go take their first bath together.











Fiction~~The Last Pure Human~~Ch. 25

The Last Pure Human
Chapter 25 - Bath-time




The enormous bathing chamber contained dozens of naturally formed pools in golden
stone, ranging in size from single person tubs to miniature lakes that could hold an
entire family, cousins included. Small passages led out of the main area to smaller,
more secluded, sections. Kasans ancestors had chiseled out bathing seats, benches,
and small alcoves that had since been filled with whatever comforts a couple might
need.

Kasan preferred the smaller rooms to the side, stocked with furs and oils.

He watched Max for his reaction, wondering what would catch his consorts fancy.
The little one hadnt said a word yet. At least this time, Kasan knew that it wasnt
other Kyashin intimidating his little Gisho; the baths were completely empty.

He hadnt thought about what might happen if there were others enjoying a hot
soak, but it was probably for the best they were alone. Max could completely relax
this way, away from everyone but Kasan. The last thing they needed was for
someone to walk by when they were enjoying themselves in one of the alcoves and
scare Max in the midst of playing.

Not to mention that Kasan still wasnt too happy with the idea of anyone seeing all
of Max. He could accept that it would happen some day that it had already
happened with his brothers, the rats. It was a rare couple that made it through their
years of heat without a few public displays. But he didnt really want it to happen
today. He wanted to hold Max and play with him and revel in the little one when he
was safe and happy and aroused.

They could even talk.

The shokan hunters didnt need him until their shift ended, there was no
volunteering for Tiensa, and Shovak could wait. Now it was time for Kasan and Max
to finally, finally have some time to themselves.

Holy crap. Max stared around the baths with his mouth still hanging open. His
eyes were rounder than normal.

Max like?

Hell yes, Max like! Wow. This is like something out of a Greek fantasy house.
Justwow. Max almost tumbled into the water, loincloth and all, as he stared up at
the ceiling and took a few steps forward.

Watch where you walk, Max. Since the little one didnt seem attached to one bath
more than another, Kasan steered him away from the edge of a deep pool and
headed towards one that was a bit more shallow, with seats carved into the sides
below the water level. It was the one his brothers usually preferred, big enough for
the whole family, including the littles, to swim in while they soaked. The rough path
there was slick enough to be a bit slippery, with steam wafting around them from
the heated water.

This beautiful, Kasan. Maxs eyes couldn't seem to stay still. He looked at
everything, including the small hollowed rooms near their pool. The furs inside
sparkled with droplets of condensed steam.

Im glad you like it. We can come here at least once or twice a week. Any more
would dry out his skin far too much, even with help from various oils afterward. Hed
had plenty of time to itch himself into a rash when he was too young to be
persuaded that moderation was a virtue. Hed learned his lesson since then. Do you
want to bathe now?

Max nodded after a moments thought. He gestured to the bath Kasan had led them
to. This one?

Its a little deep for you, but not too much, I think. And theres plenty of places to
rest on if you get tired of keeping your head out of the water. With a smile, Kasan
shucked his loincloth and stepped into the pool, groaning in pleasure once he was
chest deep and sitting down. The heat pressed against his skin like a massage.

Max didnt join him. He looked hypnotized by Kasans loincloth on the ground, going
so far as to toe it to the side. No clothes? His voice was a bit squeaky.

No. Not unless you want your clothes wet.

Max shifted uncomfortably, looking around the large, open room. He scrunched his
eyes shut, took a deep breath, muttered something grumpy and soft, and burst into
action. He stripped himself and stumbled into the water so quickly the water
splashed around him in a fountain.

Kasan wiped the water from his face before he found Max. The little one had to
kneel on one of the benches just to keep his head out of the water, and he cheeks
were more flushed than they should be. Was he going to be all right? Max? Too hot
for you? If it is, we can move to a-

No. No, Max good. Just wasnt expecting a naked bath room, is all.

Max?

Max good. He leaned his head back against the back of the bench, ending the
conversation, and Kasan waded through the water and sat next to him. He might
have thought Max hadnt even noticed except his entire body stiffened. There was
movement underneath the wavy reflection of the water around his groin.

Kasan almost reached down to check, but Max did seem relaxed right now. Theyd
have time for that in a few minutes. Right now was time for other things.

Right nowit was enough to simply be, quiet and comfortable with Max, with
nothing else they had to do. It was surprising how relaxing that actually was. Kasan
didnt tend to need to talk to fill the silence, but even so, he didnt often feel this
complete.

They sat there, saying nothing. Maxs hand brushed against Kasans when the water
eddied around them and encouraged the touch. The steam deepened every moment
the door remained closed. Maxs hair dampened and started to curl at the edges,
framing his face. Kasan must have been staring more than he realized, because Max
turned to look at him, one soft eyebrow quirking up as his blue eyes stared up.

He was so damned beautiful.

Kasan swallowed and took an unsteady breath. Could he ask Max about joining?
Was this the right time? They were alone, Max was at peace, and they were
botharoused. Perhaps he should

Max

Hmm? Max smiled briefly. Yes?

I wanted to know if- Kasan floundered, his throat refusing to let through air as
Max blinked at him innocently. -if, ah Max blinked again, condensation gathering
in glistening drops over his bangs and kissing his eyelashes. He was so damned
perfect. Would he even want-? Ahcould you tell me about your family? Kasan
closed his eyes. Coward. Buthe should wait.

Wait until pleasure was foremost in Maxs mind, overshadowing the unpleasantness.
Kasan had to remind him of what good there was between them, first. Then hed ask
if Max wanted to join with him, forever. That would be best.

He opened his eyes when Max prodded him in the chest. Max?

You want know family? Maxs voice was uncertain. Other humans?

Kasan nodded, and Max shrugged uncomfortably. He hesitated, biting his lip in that
sexy way he had that made Kasan want to forget talking altogether so he could
nibble on it, too.

What want know?

Kasan thought of what he didnt know: everything. Not even answers to some of
the simplest questions. Have you ever seen a Kyashin before me, Max?

Kyashin? You and Zonta and family all Kyashin?

Yes, Kyashin like us.

Max shook his head. You first I see.

You know about us? Another head shake. The Infinitum Coalition? The Triad?
Max shook his head again, chewing on his lip.

So he had been as isolated as Kasan had thought. Nearly everyone had heard of the
Kyashin, and Kasan couldnt even think of somewhere so backwoods as to not have
at least heard of what had happened to the scientists of Infinitum. Their destruction
had prompted the first galactic alliance to hunt down and destroy the damn Triad
bastards.

Everyone knew the story. It was the basis for most of the treaties that still existed
today. It was the reason galactic standard had been created as a language in the
first place. It was the reason so many species no longer ignored what their planetary
neighbors were doing; it was far too easy for tyrants and conquerors to decide to
move on to your planet once they were done with those closest to them.

So how could Max not know this?

Max, what planet are you from?

Kasan not know? Kasan shook his head and Max seemed to wilt a little. Yeah,
thatd be too easy, wouldnt it. From Earth.

That wasnt one Kasan was familiar with at all. Hed have to check with the
archivists to see if any of them had heard of it. Far away?

Max nodded slowly, sinking into the water and staring at it blankly. Yes. I- Yes. Far
away. I think.

You know where far away? Know how to get back home? Max shook his head
mutely; he looked as forlorn as Kasan had ever seen him. There was no way Kasan
could watch him, eyes bleak, without picking him up and putting him on his lap. Max
startled, but when Kasan wrapped his arms around him and simply pulled him
against his chest, the little one leaned against him and sighed heavily.

Im sorry, Gisho. If the archivists knew of this Earth, maybe they knew where it
was, as well. Or maybe Max might know something that could help them trace his
path back home. How did you get to Kyashin, little one? Do you remember? If he
could remember, they could find out how Shovak contacted slavers.

Max looked up at him, shifting, the warm water making his thighs slide against
Kasans. Kasan could see awareness blush into life on Maxs face. His consort spoke
as though his face werent practically on fire. Ihow I go here?

Do you know?

Max shrugged oddly. In ship to new planet. Sleep in ship. Wake here.

Kasan blinked. He hadnt expected that. Waityou dont know how you got here?

Wake here.

Butyou dont remember the Niandrin? Max looked at him blankly. The
slaversNiandrin. They are large, like Kyashin. But gaunt and beaked. Their speech
is like birdsong.

Max shrugged again. Sleep in ship, wake here. Nono Nee-ahn-drin. Just... He
flushed and shifted on Kasans lap again. Just Kasan. Kasan notnot see Maxs
ship?

It was Kasans turn to shake his head. The Niandrin brought you to us, little one. I
dont know where your ship is. Except he had a very good idea where it might be.
If Max was in a ship, and the Niandrin were selling other humans, then they had to
have the ship. Fucking slaving slime. Were your family on the ship with you?

Max hesitated a long moment and finally nodded. Humans on ship.

A small ship, yes?

No. Big ship.

Oh no How many people, Max?

Ummany tens.

Kasan clutched Max tighter before he could stop himself. That many? What had
happened to them all? Were they already sold again? Hidden away? Or worse, dead?

Max pressed his cheek against Kasans chest, seemingly content to stay there. His
voice was a soft murmur. I wish I knew where they were. Just to know what the
hell happened.

Kasan blew out his breath, already feeling guilty. He didnt know what Max had said,
but he could guess by the wistful tone in his voice. The little one missed his family.
Of course he did. Kasan couldnt even imagine separation from every member of his
family, all at once. Dammit. He wanted so badly to be able to produce the humans
and bring them back for Max.

The words to tell Max that theyd found them were on the tip of his tongue, but he
couldn't say them. Raising the little ones hopes only to dash them if something went
wrong was worse than cruel. It could break him. But not telling himwas he hiding
something from Max that his consort had a right to know? Kasans tail swished under
the water, uncertain what to do.

He finally chose to say nothing. At least until they had people on Tiensa. A day
wouldnt hurt either of them, and it might help Max feel a little more connected to
everyone before he got the news. He tried to ignore that a day might have Max
agree to join with him already, too. If his consort didnt know there were more
humans nearby, he might be more willing to stay

Were looking for them. Kasan blurted it out before his own selfish thought could
finish. His ears went flat in shame.

Forfor humans?

Nodding, noting how Maxs body grew stiff, wriggling now until Kasan let him go,
Kasan frowned. We think we think the Niandrin found you and your family. Selling
them. Were going to get them back.

Max stared at him from the seat next to him on the bench, his head tilted, an
unreadable expression on his face. You- you find humans?

Well bring them here, as soon as we find them. I promise, Max. Well find them.
You dont have to worry, we wont-- Kasan was cut off as Max launched himself,
hugging Kasan around the chest. He looked up from Kasans midsection and pushed
up to kiss Kasan once, clumsy but enthusiastic.

Thank you. Another kiss. Thank you so much. He wrapped his arms around
Kasans neck and pressed his face there. Fuck. Thank you so, so much.

Max? Did he understand? We dont have the humans now. Not now. Were
looking. I dont knowI dont know how many of your family we will find. Do you
understand?

Understand. Max paused and his finger went up to carefully press against the
middle of Kasans lips in a lingering thanks. You help Max, yes?

Kasan nodded and Max smiled. Max happy.

Kasan nodded again and shook the water out of his face as Max pushed backward
and flopped into the water, soaking him. And to his amazement, that was the last
Max said about it. He didnt ask more questions, he didnt even seem angry that
Kasan had attempted to withhold the information. The fact that they were
attempting to retrieve his family was somehow enough for the little one.

Kasan still didn't think hed ever fully understand him. If the same had been done to
him, Kasan would have torn apart the offender. Which made him feel even worse
that hed been contemplating doing this to Max. But it made him want Max even
more. Such a loving, sweet

Max splashed him full in the face, chortling as Kasan sneezed.

Ha, now I know why you dont take a lot of baths. You look like a drowned rat.

Kasan leaped for him and Max scrambled away, snorting a mouthful of water as he
laughed. Kasan teased at catching him, grabbing his hips and legs and letting him
slip away simply to feel that slick skin slide through his hands. And to watch him
squirm, and laugh again.

Hed never played with him before.

Kasan didnt want to push it; he was worried something might happen to frighten
Max and ruin the moment. Letting Max make it to the edge of the bath and pull
himself up onto the small seat embedded there near the top, Kasan stayed in the
middle of the pool.

Kasan held out his hands, weaponless. Peaceful. Max win.

Max panted slightly, leaning back against the edge, grinning with a triumphant
gleam in his eyes. Water sheeted off Maxs chest, following the lines of his torso.
Kasan wanted to lick down the same path.

Kasans cock thickened under the water. Maxs thighs were spread, his balls resting
on warmed stone. The flaccid length of his cock lay half over his leg as though it
were snuggling against his thigh. Kasan let him rest there, long enough to drink him
in, and then he lunged. Snagging him by the waist, Kasan ignored Maxs startled yell
and pulled him in tight. And then he dunked them both under the water.

The second they surfaced, Max pushed his wet hair off his forehead, laughing. The
look of him branded itself into Kasans brain. Max looked so at peace. That was
what Kasan had been wanting to see, all this time. Max without the worry and fear
that had dogged him since hed been Kasans consort.

Kasan would be willing to come to the baths every damn day, if it made Max look
like this. The dry skin would be worth it.

Let down, Kasan. Max smiled as he said it.

Kasan smiled back and slid one hand down to cup Maxs bottom. He pulled him in
until Max couldnt miss his erection. Kiss first.

That quickly, Max sobered. He squirmed. UhKasan.

Kiss first.

One long pause, and Max nodded and tilted his face up. Kasan pulled him up and
rested his lips against Maxs. He licked the water from them, tracing the edge of
Maxs lips and letting the soft warmth of them caress his tongue. He made little
kisses along the edges of Maxs lips, dabbing away the water. But he didnt
penetrate his mouth, even when it opened on a small sigh. Max finally opened his
eyes on the third round of small, teasing licks. He looked so disgruntled Kasan
chuckled.

You dont like my kiss, Max? Kasan chuckled again at his flush, then lowered his
voice. Would you like to get out of the baths now?

Max licked his lips and glanced at the nearest alcove. His skin took on a rosier hue
than the hot water left on it. Bath andsex?

Kasan nodded. Scooping Max up higher, he carried him out of the bath without
another word. Maxs eyes dropped instantly as soon as the head of Kasans cock
cleared the water, trapped between their bodies.

Kasan?

Water dripping down their legs, Kasan carried them both to the nearest alcove.
Yes?

Have to have sex?

That gave him pause. Was Max having second thoughts? Kasan didnt want to take
away that look from his face. God, it would hurt, but if Max didnt want to. There
does not need to be sex, no. Not if Max does not want so.

Max nodded, but his cock stiffened against Kasans stomach.

Kasan felt a smirk hit his lips. Mmm, Max wants to.

Max wouldnt meet his eyes. Kasan carried them all the way into the shadowy
interior beside the baths, trying to be patient. Max finally nodded. Yeah. Sex
issex is good. But here? Veryopen.

No one is here, Max, Kasan purred. Max shivered, staring up at him. Kasan slid
him down his body until Maxs feet touched the thick, dark furs carpeting the stone
floor. There was enough light from the common room to shine through the doorway
and illuminate the flush still on Maxs cheeks.

Bottles of oil lined a small built in shelf along the wall. Just what he needed. Usually
Kasan preferred a lover after the baths, but oils would be a necessity today. He
didnt think Max had the proper saliva to help Kasans skin.

Hopefully, the after-bath ritual would help Max get in the right mood without losing
the joy hed found in the water. Max, can you rub oils into my skin?

Oils? Max looked away from Kasans body to the bottle Kasan placed in his hand.
His pupils dilated.

The water dries my skin too much. I need oil after a bath to keep it healthy. Better
for me.

Max didnt move except to shift his stare back to Kasans chest. He swallowed
heavily. Kasan smiled, encouraging, and stepped away. Glancing once at Max, Kasan
carefully lay face down on the furs and waited. He thought if he wasnt looking at
Max then his consort might be more comfortable.

Kasan heard Max make his way over and kneel down next to his legs. Uh oil
where?

Kasan smiled to himself, turning his head away so Max couldn't see. The little one
was so sweet. Everywhere but my hair and fur.

Max swallowed and Kasan could smell the earthy-flower scent of the oil as Max
poured a bit out. O-okay. H-here goes.

Maxs fingers slid tentatively over the balls of Kasans feet and paused as though
the touch might be wrong. Kasan mmmmd against the fur. Feels nice, little one.

Maxs fingers grew a little more confident, the oil spreading across the sole of one
foot, over the top, in between his toes, and then the smoothing over the other foot
just as gently. After they were coated, Maxs thumbs pressed in along the length of
his foot in a wave that made his toes curl.

Kasan hadnt even realized he was tense, but his feet were relaxing against the furs
as the little ones hands went from one to the other and spread the oil and his touch
along Kasans skin in a sensual glide. More oil drizzled up Kasans calves and Maxs
fingers went to work there as well, the fingers and thumb digging in, pressing out
the knots in this muscle and leaving something soothing and hot behind.

When Max got above the knees, he hesitated. Kasan opened his mouth to ask if it
was too much and then Maxs hands were moving up Kasans thighs. Softly stroking
the oil along the outside of his legs, running just the tips of his fingers over the
backs of them and then a stuttering dab at the inner edge of his thighs.

Kasans tail twitched and brushed up against Maxs naked body, stroking it back.
This was more than a massage. He heard Maxs breathing hitch. The scent of his
arousal was just strong enough to catch over the scent of the oil.

Kasan had been prepared for the touching. They both had almost no one left the
baths without sex, not when couples usually did this with their tongues instead of
the oils. But Kasan hadnt expected this. The feel of Maxs hands, caressing him with
oiled hands while Kasan tried not to move, wasit was new.

He was getting so hot, so quickly, he had to shift to keep his cock from hardening in
a painful position against the fur.

Max had never touched him like this before, not really. Not any time theyd had sex
had Maxs hands been so focused on Kasan, with Kasan able to melt underneath
them. Hed not really noticed; he was usually so hot to have Max that he didnt even
care.


But Maxs hands were working their way up this thighs now. He could feel each
finger gliding over every subtle bulge of his muscles, working their way closer to
where his balls lay against the floor. Nervous fingertips grazed the back of his balls
with small, fine strokes that shouldnt have been strong enough to make his body
react like this, but their very lack of assurance made him quiver.

Max wasnt a confident lover. Kasan knew that; he found it both endearing and
erotic. Especially now. Gishos fingers made a slight foray to the front of Kasans sac
as Kasan tried desperately not to move and simply let him explore. There was one
small stroke of erotic intent, along Kasans seam, with fingers that shook. Soft and
stuttering, they rubbed back and forth uncertainly. Kasan carefully spread his legs
and felt Max move in closer.

He knelt between Kasans legs and the outside of his thighs brushed against the oil
and smeared it over them both. Kasan could barely keep himself still; he shifted his
tail, wrapped it around Maxs back. Max ran one hand over it and Kasan buried his
face in the fur and groaned.

Max could arouse him like no one hed ever met.

Max stopped where Kasans thighs met his ass and Kasan groaned again when Max
hesitated and then skipped it entirely. With a small stumble, Max climbed up until he
straddled Kasans back.

Kasan? Hand?

Kasan was far too focused on the little ones ass perched just above his own to
understand what hed asked for a moment. His hand? The little one was going to
ignore the rest of him and oil his hand now?

His consort was going to kill him slowly. Kasan moved his arms to lay them on the
fur. With a nervous sigh, Max moved from the base of Kasans hand to the tip,
circling his thumbs over Kasans palms in small outwards circles, then moving to his
wrist and forearms and pushing along the length of his muscles. Up to his shoulders
and neck, where Max spent a very long time pressing in with his hands. And every
time he moved, he rubbed himself against Kasans back while he tried to dig in deep.

Kasan could feel Maxs thighs clamped around his back, knees not quite on the
ground as the little one tried to press against Kasans muscles. There was no need
for it; the oil simply needed to be rubbed into the skin lightly. But the feel of Max on
his back, the inside of his thighs clenching over Kasan, was too enjoyable for him to
say anything.

Max finished with Kasans neck and started sliding down his back. Kasan could feel
the press of his balls against his back if he concentrated, as well as the compact
length of his cock. Then Max reached to push down on Kasans upper back and
leaned forward enough that his erection was cradled in the indentation of Kasans
spine. Kasan smiled into the furs as Maxs body started to rock in time with his
hands. His hips worked his cock against the valley. Kasan tightened the muscles of
his back to give the little one something better to thrust against.

The rocking thrust stopped. Kasan? Not good?

Why would he think that? Very good, Max. Youre wonderful at this.

Tight, Max muttered, and Kasan realized he was taking the tightened muscles
entirely the wrong way. He deliberately loosened his muscles with a chuckle.

When Max began working on his lower back, oil slippery and palms pressing out in
rhythmic waves, Kasan felt his cock sliding along his ass. The feeling was
comforting. Arousing. And very new. This wasnt a type of play he usually
participated in, and definitely not one he would have found enjoyable, before now.
But with Max

He wouldnt mind the little one thrusting between the cheeks of his ass to come.
Feeling Max pant against his back while he thrust, and hearing that lovely high-
pitched cry as he came? That would be sexy as hell. But penetrationKasan had no
real desire to experience that.

Wasnt sure if the little thing could have done it or even wanted it although they
could try it sometime if Max really wanted to. Kasan didnt think hed enjoy it half as
much as taking Max, but hed be willing. Kasan preferred to be on top, though. Even
toys that penetrated didnt excite him all that much.

But with Max, anything might be possible. Max was simplydifferent.

And he was touching his ass, now, and Kasans whole body burned hot. Max spread
his hands open against the small of Kasans back, running them sensuously over the
base of his tail and underneath. Kasans back arched against it, purring. Small hands
kneaded his ass, sliding oil over them and slipping between his cheeks with an
embarrassed shaking. Kasan hadnt been this turned on in his life.

He moaned into the bed and Max finally stopped. There was an awkward scramble
as Max slipped off of Kasans body. Kasan turned his head and watched while Max
stood up and shifted from foot to foot. The front of Max's body was smeared and
glistening with oil, his cock so erect it was weeping at the tip. He looked ready for
sex.

A-All done. Need turn around.

Kasan didnt want to wait for Max to get his front. He wanted to touch Max now.

Its all right. I can do this. Max frowned but Kasan slipped the oil from Maxs
unresisting fingers and then poured it on quickly, slathering it over his chest and
abdomen to ensure that the water wouldnt leave him uncomfortably dry and itchy.

Maxs breathing grew heavy as Kasan slicked the oil over his cock, and down his
balls. The front of his thighs. Kasan would swear the little one almost swallowed his
tongue. It was immensely gratifying. Being touched, being watched, being wanted
this much he hadnt realized how it would affect him.

He wanted to make Max come so hard the little one saw stars. Maxs turn.

Maxs eyes popped and he swallowed. Im fine. N- No need- he stared at Kasans
cock and his voice whittled away.

Lie down, Max. Kasan kept his voice low, staring down into Maxs eyes, not
moving.

Max stared at him, chewing rapidly at his bottom lip. He looked down at Kasans
cock, and with a needy groan he finally lay down in the same spot in the furs that
Kasan had.

The sable color contrasted with his pale skin, making it shine. While Kasan drank in
the sight, Maxs toes curled around the fur near his feet like they were trying to
burrow their way in. He put his arms up by his head, folding them under his face
and hiding it, but Kasan could see red creeping down the back of Maxs neck and
over the tops of his shoulders to highlight his shoulder blades.

Golden hair dusted his legs and arms. It shone under the lights like small filaments
of dark honey. Beautiful, beautiful Max, Kasan murmured.

No, Im not.

Beautiful, sexy Max. Kasan followed Maxs lead and started with his toes first. He
gently lifted one foot, bending Maxs leg at the knee and examining it. It was so
damned dainty. A nice arch to it, a little long for Maxs size, and the toes were long
as well, with a soft curve. He licked the bottom of it, from the heel to the ball of his
foot, and Max jumped, his body shivering.

Hey! That tickles! Max squirmed wildly. Why n-no oil?

Mmm, licking is better. How cute; Max was ticklish. He licked him again, drawing
just the tip of his tongue over Maxs foot and smiling as the man writhed. Kasan
licked his foot one more time it still smelled of the baths minerals - and then
sucked on one toe after another. Max convulsed, laughing, and Kasan gave up for a
moment making it a sensual experience. He licked more carefully using the entire
pad of his tongue. Both feet done, he started working his way over Maxs legs. He
nipped his way up, tasting every part of his calf, from the fleshy back that deserved
a small bite just to see Max react, to the strong line of bone in the front that he
licked up in one stroke.

Maxs hips finally reacted when Kasan kissed the backs of his knees And Kasan
purred under his breath when he started on his thighs. Kasan barely put his palms
on the inside of Maxs legs and the man opened them like he was hoping for
something more.

Kasan didnt quite oblige him. He bathed every inch of the back of his thigh with his
tongue, tasting the small glisten of oil. The mans legs were so slim, strong without
the bulkiness he disliked, and he savored the taste of his consort underneath his lips.

And worked his way higher. As he licked delicately at the soft inside of Maxs thigh,
he nudged them open further until he could see the taut smoothness of his balls
drawn up against his body, his buttocks tightening, even though the little ones legs
were soft and relaxed enough to allow Kasan to spread them even wider without
effort.

Kasan nuzzled up higher and pressed the fur down with his hand so he could get
better access to Maxs sac. One lick down the dividing line in the middle of Maxs
body, running his tongue down the back of it and back up towards Maxs ass. Max
shivered violently, his hips slamming once against the floor. Kasans cock reacted
with a needy bob of its own.

He needed to touch that pretty, succulent little ass. Damn but he loved tonguing
Maxs ass. His little Gisho reacted so beautifully, losing himself so fully that Kasan
couldnt wait. He straddled Maxs legs and leaned over to lick the curve of his ass.
Kasan was certain his cock was leaking the slightest bit he could catch the slightly
bitter tang of it in the air. And even away from the direct heat of the baths, Maxs
body was salty with sweat now.

Kasan wanted to bite at the curving swells of his bottom, but settled for licking the
salty moisture off his skin. With a satisfied hum, he tickled the bottom curve of his
ass with the tip of his tongue. He caressed the soft flesh, gliding over the muscle as
it tightened to thrust Maxs cock against the furs. When hed laved every inch, he
cupped Maxs cheeks and pressed them apart to expose him.

Max didnt make a sound other than a small moan. His head was still buried, almost
like he was hiding from what his body was experiencing. A little shy, perhaps?

Kasan dragged his tongue from the bottom and along the entire crevice that hed
exposed, but he didnt like the angle. He wanted Max to feel morevulnerable. To
know that Kasan would keep him safe, no matter what. And he wanted better access,
where he could hold onto Maxs adorable, rosy cock.

Kasan shifted back and slid his hands under Maxs hips, dragging them up until he
had Max on his knees. Max looked back at him, his face finally leaving the safety of
his pillowed arms, and wiggled. Kasan didnt let go of his hips.

Kasan, what are youdoing? Maxs voice trailed off as Kasan smiled. The little one
managed to get to his elbows, but Kasan laid a hand over the small of his back.

Relax, Max. You can still stay there. Besidesit puts your bottom right here for
me.

Max flushed wildly as Kasan palmed both cheeks of his ass, his thumbs rubbing the
soft inner flesh. His back arched where Kasan held it down.

Can you spread your legs for me, Max?

Max looked back and bit his lip, but his legs finally moved. Kasan had to restrain
himself from helping them along. It meant a lot that Max was participating. Kasan
wouldnt take that from him. But seeing him on the deep fur, back arched, legs
spread, his precious little ass wide open and his balls pulled in tight while his rigid
cock swung beneath, Kasan was so hard and so ready that he had to bite his tongue
to remind himself that this one was for Max. He was going to make him come first,
and then they could be together.

With that in mind, he reached down and took Maxs cock in his hand while slipping
in to tease the small portal with his tongue. Kasan licked it, wiggling his tongue
against the opening, making circles over it while he dragged his hand over the
length of Maxs cock. With every movement of Kasans tongue, Max jerked, thrusting
against his hand and mouth. The only sound was Maxs high pitched whimpering
moans. When Kasan moved his hand from Maxs back it didnt even matter; his
consort was arching into his mouth, now. He obviously liked the position.

Kasan used his free hand to squeeze the cheek of Maxs bottom, licking at him with
small, thrusting strokes that had Max thrusting his hips back at Kasan to meet them.
Kasan could feel him getting closer, his consorts body tensing. The muscles that had
been so relaxed with his massage were rock hard as his body gyrated against
Kasans mouth. Kasan buried his face, closing his eyes and feeling the soft skin of
Max against his lips and cheeks. He could smell Max, musky and salty, and the
promise of bitter seed already hitting the air. Max was so close, Kasan knew just a
few more strokes of his tongue would do it.

Max twisted slightly and froze for a moment. Kasan didnt remove his mouth from
his prize to return the look. Just a few more seconds.

Max squirmed wildly. K-Kasan!

Kasan slide his hand higher, clamping down on Maxs hip. A few more seconds and
the little one would come. He just had to be patient. Kasan chuckled, the sound lost
against Maxs skin, and then he stabbed in with his tongue, gripping Maxs cock tight,
and felt the response of Maxs muscles against his mouth: the instant convulsive
tightening of his small muscles, the heat from his release as it coated Kasans hand.

But Max was squirming again the moment his release ended. That was unusual.
Kasan kissed him gently on one cheek, patting the other. Shh, Max. Whats wrong?

Aoshs voice echoed from the open doorway. Are you done with your consort now,
or do I need to come back later?











Fiction~~The Last Pure Human~~Ch. 26

The Last Pure Human
Chapter 26 - Screwing Up




Face still embedded between the cheeks of Maxs ass, Kasan growled under his
breath. He gave Max one last comforting lick, then shifted to block Aoshs view.
Aosh

Max scrambled to his knees and flipped to face them both. His body shook with fine
tremors, fluid leaking from his cock with one final, dribbling spurt. Kasan reached
out to catch the last bit of seed but Max clamped his hands down over himself.

Oh my GOD. Ducking behind Kasans body, Maxs skin took on an alarmingly red
hue.

What a lovely color. Aosh hummed appreciatively. Is that how a human looks
when hes sated?

Aosh! Kasan spun around, still crouching low and blocking Aoshs view. Unless
this is an emergency, leave. Now. He heard Maxs soft litany of Oh my God oh my
GOD oh my dear freaking GOD and turned back at once. The little one needed his
attention; Aosh could go dunk his damn head until he soaked up more brains than
he seemed to have.

Emergency? No, no emergency. But I couldnt possibly leave. Very dirty business,
hunting for a rogue shokan. I need a bath terribly.

Max was still flushed and red, eyes scrunched shut. He hunched down, hiding his
cock, and buried his face in his hands. The little one was so shaken it made Kasans
chest ache.

Aosh cleared his throat. Besides-

Kasan flicked out his claws and yelled over his shoulder. I said leave, Aosh! Max
shivered and Kasan leaned over him, purring gently against his skin. He stroked
down his back with a careful, calm hand. The poor little thing seemed completely
shocked. Poor thing. Max definitely wasnt ready yet to deal with a lot of other
Kyashin, if a surprise like this was enough to upset him to such an extent.

I cant leave, Kasan. I havent had my bath yet. Kasan turned in time to see Aosh
smiling wickedly. His baby brother craned his neck as though trying to peer around
Kasans body. And the scenery is so pretty today.

I told you to get out! Kasan threw himself at Aosh. His brother dodged sideways
but it wasnt enough to get out of Kasans way. Kasan caught him in gut with his
shoulder, tackling him to the ground. They both hit the furs with a bone-cracking
thud. A pained, wheezing grunt blasted from Aoshs lungs as Kasan landed on him.

You never learn when to quit! Kasan rolled off and slammed his fist into Aoshs
face.

His brother bucked up, growling back as his eye immediately started to swell, and
elbowed Kasan in throat. You never know how to take a joke!

Choking, Kasan hit him again in response, catching his jaw and knocking Aoshs
head back onto the furs. He had his fist ready for another knuckle bruising smash,
Aosh reaching out with his hard hands for Kasans ears, when Max whimpered. They
both froze.


Kasan snapped out with his fist.

Son of a-

Kasan ignored his idiot of a brother, hopping off to get back to Max. The little one
watched them both with huge eyes. Hed scooted away a few feet, up against the
wall, curling his body over his knees defensively.

He was obviously terrified, and Kasans gut twinged. Damn it. Precious, shhh. Did
we frighten you? You dont have to be frightened. Its over. He left Aosh on the floor.

Hes frightened? From what? Nothing happened.

Get the hell out, Aosh. Kasan focused on Max, ignoring the sounds of Aosh
groaning and stumbling to his feet.

Youre overreacting, Kasan. A bit of kissing and your consort will be happy to-

Kasan slid to the side to block Aoshs view of his consort again and ran a hand over
the little ones hair. Leave. Max and I want privacy.

Kasan could hear Aoshs braids flip against each other as he turned away from them.
All you had to do was ask.

Get the hell out!

Aosh hmphed once, irritated. Im going, curmudgeon. But I think youd better fill
up your consort soon. Those cries of his are going to have people thinking you arent
satisfying him nearly enough. And Im sure there will be more than just my humble
self wanting to bathe after their shift on the hunt.

Kasan growled again. Aosh and his damn perverse sense of humor - the quiet,
sensual comfort that the baths had brought about was ruined now. Max would have
to be reassured again, relaxed again. And if the latest shift was done, Aosh was right.
Thered be more people here soon. Max and he would have to be quick if they
wanted to find completion.

Joining would have to wait for another day.

Kasan cursed under his breath, feeling Maxs hair under his fingers as he pet his
head. It was probably for the best. Max was still rather desperately trying to find his
way; how could he decide on his future when he barely understood his present?

But stillKasan knew what he wanted. He had no rational reason for it, but that
didnt stop his absolute certainty that Max was exactly who he wanted to spend the
rest of his life with. And having to wait to begin the next stage of his life made him
twitchy with the need to embrace Max. He desperately wanted to tell him what they
could have.

Seeing Max slowly relax against the wall as Kasan purred softly and ran his hands
over his head and shoulders, he thought that at the very least, he could give him
another taste and remind Max of what they could give each other. Without the heat
driving them both. Kasans cock was still hard, Max was still as nude and alluring as
ever, and they had privacy again. Kasan could show Max how he felt. Eventually, the
little one would be ready to understand what that meant.

Kasan leaned down and paused as Max peered up at Kasan through his fingers. The
little one flushed, hunching against the wall.

I hate that stupid bastard. Max stared at Kasans mouth for a long moment and
groaned. I will never be able to look the pervert in the face again. Crap.

Kasans ears flicked back. Stay calm, Max. Im here.

Max shook his head, flushing. Doesnt matter, does it? Aosh saw us. Oh God Aosh
SAW us. Maxs hands started to wave in between them, jerking. Aosh just walked
in like he owned the damn place. And he saw me when I- When you had your
tongue- And I was- And I SAW him right before I c-came. I came when Aosh was
WATCHING US! Do you know what that means? I justI just put on a freaking sex
show for Aosh! A little head petting is not going to make that go away, okay?
Justgod. I need to get out of here and go hide in your room for a year, okay? Two
years. Maybe a whole decade. You can bring me food and Ill live under the freaking
bed. Crap. Max chewed at his bottom lip, cheeks still so bright they glowed.

Kasan continued to run his hands over Maxs head and shoulders, making soothing
grumbles in his throat. It didnt change the color of Maxs skin. Actually, it seemed to
earn him more grumbles than anything else.

Not now, Kasan! There is no way Im going to-

Kasan stroked over his ear and kissed the top of his head. Max was so upset

No, Kasan! Kasan leaned down and nibbled on Maxs earlobe. I am notuh
Max moaned and leaned against him, tilting back his head so Kasan could lick down
the line of his throat. As soon as Kasan pulled away, though, the little one was
scowling at him again. Didnt he like that? Hed seemed to.

D-Dammit, Kasan! I told you not to do that! I cant think when you start kissing
me, so just stop! I need my brain!

What was Kasan doing wrong? Max, whats wrong, precious?

Max shoved out with his hands, pushing Kasan back an inch or two, and got to his
feet. With a frustrated yell, he started to wave his arms and stomped around the
alcove, his gestures growing larger and wilder as he paced. What wrong?! Are you
freaking kidding? This whole freaking sex planet is whats wrong! I think its getting
better for one damned second and then Im in voyeurism 101! Why cant anything
be normal here? And dammit, Aosh is such an asshole! Why didnt you beat him up
like last time?!

Kasan frowned, looking at the empty door and back at Max. Aosh? That was what
had upset him so greatly, yes? Kasan stood up and reached out to stroke down
Maxs arm as his consort stomped by. Max stepped back, scowling.

Max? Aosh isnt coming back, precious. Youre safe now. Shhhh, calm down. He
reached out again and Max stepped into his space, yelling up at him.

Safe? Thats not the point! He saw us! I saw him seeing us! And I still came
andand my body doesnt even care! I still want you inside me, like some kind of
pavlovian sex slave! What the hell have you done to me, Kasan? I still want sex
and I shouldnt even be hard andand look at me! Max gestured down to his groin,
where his cock was already beginning to firm again.

Kasan relaxed, a hard knot in his gut dissolving at the stiffening sign of Maxs
arousal. The little one couldnt be frightened and aroused at the same time. It
suddenly made so much more sense: Max was upset at the interruption. Or at Aoshs
ill-thought-out teasing that was going to earn him a more thorough pummeling once
Kasan had a free moment. If Kasan were furious at Aosh, wouldnt it make sense
that Max was as well?

Max, let it go. We can still-

You guys are turning me into some freaking exhibitionist nympho now! It was so
freaking nice and fun and no one was here and your body is so damned sexy its not
even fair and we were going to- And now now its all fucking ruined! You need to
kick Aoshs ass, Kasan!

Max poked his finger into Kasans chest with a hard shove. The relief had a chuckle
bubble out from Kasans chest. A grumpy Max was so damn cute to see, telling him
off like this. Obviously, Kasan had better keep Max satisfied, and keep Aosh away, or
he was never going to hear the end of it. Im very sorry, Max. Youre so right, its
very upsetting to be interrupted like this. Wed better get right back to it, hmmmm?

Wait, what do you think youre doing, Kasan? Max fell back onto the furs as Kasan
gave him a gentle shove and knelt down in front of him. Dont even think about- Oh
God.

Kasan wrapped his lips around Maxs cock and hummed. Max stopped talking.
Purring softly, Kasan took it in, feeling his way with his lips, until his nose touched
the curling fur that framed the evidence of Maxs manhood. Max whimpered
beautifully. His hands clenched in a spasm over Kasans ears. With another deep
moan, Max thrust his hips up once hard, banging against Kasans lips.

Kasan lingered over the erection, licking at it inside his mouth. He twirled his tongue
over the blunt head, licked up the bottom curves. A little suction and he could taste
the sweet bitterness leaking from the end. Max mewled softly and Kasan licked his
way free. Stroking Maxs hip, he took a moment to simply watch him. Maxs eyes
were dilated and dazed already as they tried to focus on Kasan. His hips thrust up
again and his brow furrowed as though confused about why there was no longer a
set of lips around his adorable little cock.

Kasan chuckled again, licking at the rounded head and earning another whimper.
So eager. Don't worry, Ill-

Bye, you two! Dont miss the Lastmeal! Aoshs voice echoed from the main bath
room just before they could both hear the great door thump shut behind him.

Max froze. His eyes cleared. His erection flagged. And he pushed Kasan away from
him with a frantic squawk.

Kasan muttered angrily under his breath as he sat back. Aosh, I am going to kill
you.

Max sat on the fur, pulling his knees up to his chest while he stared at Kasan. I
cant believe I almost let you do that again. And when we just Dammit, youre like
some, some super seducing sex-cat, Kasan! How can you always do this to me?

I know, Aosh is an ass, little one. Ignore him, precious. We cant let him
completely ruin the mood.

Nice try, you bigseducer of humans. Im not letting someone else look at my ass,
got it? Kasan rubbed his hand over Maxs head and grimaced as his consort glared
at him. Max did not look amused.

Kasan didnt feel too amused himself. It had been so lovely, and now Maxs mood
was as tense and upset as it had ever been. The relaxed smiles and laughter, the
near-flirting play, were wiped clean away. But he didnt want to let it go. Not yet,
when theyd had it for such a short time. He stroked his finger down Maxs arm,
barely touching the smooth skin, tracing the line of his bicep down to the soft skin
on the inside of his elbow.

Kasan! Stop touching me! I cant think when you Kasan moved his hand off
Maxs arm and moved to his thigh. Gisho always mellowed so much more when he
knew touches were moving towards his groin, the little sensualist. Surely it would
help relax him and get his mind off of Aoshs stupidity? Ah, God thats No. No,
stop it! You are not doing this to me again! Sex in public is not okay, Kasan, got it?
Not OK. No sex!

Kasan paused. No sex? That couldnt be right. Max was upset because their sex was
interrupted in the first place. Max?

You heard me! No sex! Not in the baths, not against walls in public rooms, only in
private, totally locked rooms withwith no mirrors! Max bit his lip, staring up at
Kasans nipples, and his cock swelled. He swallowed once and glanced away. Okay,
maybe a few mirrors, but locks! Got it? I need freaking locks!

But Max, Kasans hand stilled, palming the outside of Maxs thigh. Maxs upset
wasnt fading like it normally would. He hadnt been this upset for this long before,
had he? Kasan could usually coax him out of it. Failing at that settled badly in
Kasans gut. Precious, we have to have sex later tonight. Wouldnt it be nicer to do
it now, when we can enjoy each other slowly? He leaned down and kissed the dewy
skin next to his fingertips. Max stared, gulping. We can take it so wonderfully slow.
He kissed a little higher up Maxs thigh, staring at the underside of the little ones
fully erect member. And I can take you slow. Wouldnt you like that? He nuzzled in
between Maxs legs, licking lightly at the root of him.

Maxs breath came in heavy, broken pants. His legs made no resistance when Kasan
opened his thighs. Oh God youre good at this, Max whispered. He licked his lips.
His voice was a tentative squeak. No sex?

Kasan could barely hear him, his nose nudging the little ones balls as he licked
underneath them. Max whimpered and arched against him. Aosh wont bother us
anymore tonight, love. And he isnt allowed in our room for the next fifty years.

No like Aosh, Max panted. His hands crept down to cling to Kasans hair.

Kasan chuckled, lapping at his balls. I dont like him either, right now.

Kasan considered stopping. He could take Max now, grab their loincloths, and leave
the baths. But Max was so.sweet. Dazed with lust, telling him no while he hung on
to his hair and slathered himself against Kasans face with urgent little thrusts, his
entire body flushed and luscious and open to him. Losing that fear and anger again.

It made Kasans heart ache in his chest at how badly he wanted him. Every wrong
thing, every upset that made Max babble, cemented how much he desired Max. Not
for his body, butfor everything. Kasan so desperately wanted to stay with him,
even once the heat ended. To listen to him rant and rail and then fall into bed before
the anger even left his eyes. To see him panic over the least little thing and have
him look at Kasan with that grateful trust that was just beginning to show in his eyes.

Kasan took his lips from Max and stared at him. He smiled, nuzzling his thigh as
Max grunted anxiously and pulled at his hair again, and then gave him what he
wanted.

Maxs eyes glazed over the moment Kasans fingers touched his cock. Kasan moved
up higher, so he could look into his eyes, kiss up his neck. Maxs hands held onto
Kasans biceps and he moaned against Kasans mouth. Savoring the feel of Maxs
skin, Kasan slid his hand down Maxs back. He cupped one cheek of his bottom and
lifted his hips off the ground, grinding their bodies together. Max melted against him,
head lolling back after a minute of their tongues caressing against each other.

The door slammed closed again. Voices carried through the baths, giggling and a
deep masculine murmur. Maxs tongue stopped moving within Kasans mouth. The
little one sucked it back in and pulled his head away. Max stared at him in surprise,
his eyes blinking rapidly. He seemed to pause to take stock: Kasans hand over his
ass, his rigid member between their bodies, his hips thrusting as though Kasan were
already inside of him.

Someone giggled.

N-No! Max stared at the open doorway, horrified, and pushed hard. Kasan let him
go.

Kasan couldnt keep from reaching for him almost immediately. He didnt want to
lose their connection so soon. Not again! Shhh. No one will intrude, little one. We
just need a little longer

Max glared at him, gesturing to the sounds with one hand hed already freed. His
voice was hoarse as he started and steadily grew in volume. N-No! Dammit, when
will you stop being so freaking good at this, you jerk? People can just walk in and
SEE US! Doesnt that bother you? Max wriggled underneath him, his bottom
clenching within Kasans hand. Kasan, let go of my ass!

Kasan squeezed his bottom once, kissing him gently, trying to help him calm. He
didnt have to be so upset. They had no Aosh to intrude, no fighting, no one else
would glance into the room uninvited, and they were naked and aroused. Why
wouldnt Max stop being so upset? Wouldnt you like to continue, love? It would be
very, very good. Kasan tried to kiss him again and Max poked him in the nose.

Stop! Jeez, cut it out! God, Kasan, you dont freaking care about any of this at all,
do you? We could justjust have a huge gay orgy in front of the world and thats
probably just fine with all you cats, isnt it?

Max, shhh. Im only asking-

I am not getting plowed where everyone can see me, Kasan! Not here! Max no
want! No want bath here! No want sex here! No want Kasan here!

Kasan hands dropped. The only sound was Maxs heavy breathing and the muted
whispers of the people in the baths who had stopped talking at the sound of Maxs
yelling. After a moment of painful tension, Kasan stepped away. Max barely seemed
to notice.

Im not a sex display, Kasan! And you SAID no one would come in, but they did
and Ive never been so freaking embarrassed in my whole damned life and its with
that freaking jerk wholl probably tell everyone that your tonguethat we
Dammit! Max yanked at his hair and turned away from Kasan.

Kasan forced his numbed lips to move. Max, I cant understand your words. You
dont like sex now?

Not like Not like sex now? Not like sex now?! Max gave a frustrated growl. No, I
not like sex now! No SEX, no no NO sex, no Kasan, no NOW. Max not like! Max was
breathing hard, his eyes wild, and the fierceness of the words had Kasans body
flinch.

The rooms beyond them had gone totally silent now.

Kasan looked into his eyes and saw he meant what he said. Max wasnt babbling;
he was terribly upset, but very clear. Whatever was going on in his head, he
absolutely meant what he said. There was no room for seducing him out of his
temper, not now.

Something inside Kasan shriveled. Hed thought he enjoyed seeing Max angry at
him, yelling up at him with that frustrated irritation on his face, but this Kasan
didnt enjoy this. Not when Max said things like that. Not when Max meant things
like that.

Kasan took a deep breath. Its all right, Max. He tried to keep his voice soft.
Understanding. No sex now. Kasan swallowed and took another step away. He
tried to smile and wasnt sure if he had or not; his face felt numb.

He was never, ever going to make fun of his brothers again when they moped
around because their consorts were truly angry with them. It fucking hurt. Hed been
thinking of joining, and Max was so angry he didnt even want Kasan right now.

With a mumbled excuse, Kasan trotted out to the baths to escape the anger on
Maxs face, ignored the subdued looks from the few people whod entered, and
brought back their loincloths. Max took his from Kasan with a frown.

Dont worry, little one. Youre safe. I wont bother you right now, yes? It cut his
stomach like knives to see the look of relief on Maxs face. Ill take you back to our
room.

Max didnt move as Kasan started to wrap his own loincloth. Kasan

Yes?

Max bit at his lip, frowning. He reached out a hand to touch Kasan and paused half-
way. I not mean-

Max actually looked worried. As though Kasan might yell at him. Kasan felt
nauseous. Dont worry, little one. Its all right. When the heat doesnt call, you
dont have to do anything you dont wish.

Max frowned, biting at his lip. I not

Kasan smiled again with stiff cheeks. Its all right. Im sorry Ioverstepped, little
one. Im not angry, understand?

He turned away and put the oil on the shelves. He heard Max wrapping up his own
loincloth behind him. When Kasan felt the little one put an arm over his forearm, he
took it and gently put it off. It didnt feel voluntary, more like Max did it because it
was expected. And that hurt a bit too much at the moment.

Ill take you back now.

Max followed silently behind him as Kasan walked ahead. He didnt look at the
guards at the entrance to the baths. Every corner Kasan paused, gesturing to Max
which way they would go. If Kasan touched him, he might not be able to let go. And
there was no way Max wanted that. So Kasan simply couldnt

Max walked next to him, looking up, his mouth opening and then closing just before
he looked away. Kasan, I not-

Kasan turned to face him and he saw Max jump, startled. Orfrightened. Was he
frightened? Kasans stomach writhed again. If the little one was frightened now,
when Aosh wasnt around, it could mean that the earlier fear in the baths had
nothing at all to do with Aosh.

Kasan could have been the one to scare him all along. He stopped walking. Max?
Max looked up, and Kasan could only glance at his set, unhappy face before he
looked away. Are youafraid of me?

What? No! No, I notafraid. Maxs face went blank as his words ended, the
intonation ringing oddly. False. Kasan felt his claws come out, gouging into his palms.

Kasan would never, ever hurt Max. Maxs expression didn't change. He barely
seemed to hear him. Kasan crouched and held his shoulders until Max looked at him.
I fought with Aosh, yes, but I will never hurt you, Max. You will always be safe with
me. Do you understand?

Maxs voice was soft and strange. I know.

The ice that had crept over Kasans skin faded away. That sounded more like Max,
more like truth. Thank God. They stared at each other and then Kasan let him go
and they kept walking silently until they reached his room.

Waran and Quim looked quite happy to see them both. Kasan had to clamp his
hands into fists to keep from reaching out for Max one more time. If Max was this
angry at him, he wouldnt want Kasan near.

Kasan knew many a time when Jolan or Nolluz had to spend a night in one of their
brothers rooms because their consort was furious with them. Kasan wasnt going to
impose on Max and stay when the little one couldn't even ask for that small boon.
Hed get Zonta to stay with him instead.

Max turned before he went into the room. Kasan, I-

Stay out of the garden, Max. Zonta will be with you soon. He can take you to
Lastmeal later.

Max had his mouth open as Kasan closed the door on him.

Waran stared at Kasan. I thought you were staying with him for Lastmeal.

No. Ihave things to do. Im going to get Zonta on the box and have him come
down. Hell enjoy that.

Weve got it, Waran said, smiling, and waved him away. Whatever irritation there
had been from before had faded while theyd been gone, obviously. You go and do
what you need to; we can call Zonta.

Hed need to be able to come right away. I dont want Max alone in the room. He
might try to go out in the garden and its still not completely safe

Quim can keep watch while I stay in the room until Zonta comes. Would that
suffice? Its been quiet, now that everyone is hunting for the rogue shokan.

That should befine. Max had done fine with Waran before, hadnt he? Even
though Waran had left him alone in the room, he looked like he was trying to make
up for his lapse now. Hed always been conscientious that way.

Quim smiled at Kasan, all teeth. If theres any worries, or he gets upset for any
reason, well call for you.

Kasan shook his head. No. Zonta should be able to handle it. Unless he thinks Max
needs me Kasan cleared his throat and sighed. Thank you, Waran, Quim. I
appreciate this.

Hey, no one knows better than I do about the difficulties one can have with a
consort. Warans smile radiated mockery at his own expense and Kasan felt a bit
self-pitying to be as upset as he was.

Shoru was an ass; Waran didnt even want a relationship with him. At least Kasan
and Max had a chance. He could hold on to a chance. It was just going to take
longer than hed first thought, and he had to get back in Maxs good graces again. It
would take some time. He had to give Max time.

Like he should have done in the first place after Aosh interrupted them. Dammit.

Thank you, he said again, touching their lips. Waran smiled, and Kasan turned
from him and walked down the hall, uncertain where he should go. A few corners
and he still wasnt sure. He needed to check on the progress for finding Maxs people,
and see when they would need him for the shokan hunt, make sure there werent
any issues due to the frenzy, and

Kasan punched the wall and laid his head against it, crushing his ears against the
cool stone. God. Max. He swallowed, working to keep his claws from emerging
completely. Hed led their yearly battle for over three years now, had to make split
second decisions on a daily basis, but right now, he had no idea what to do.

Kasan? What are you doing up here? I thought youd be balls deep in your consort
by now.

Kasan whipped around to see Aosh standing there with a confused twist to his ears.

Aosh!

Kasans hand whipped out and slammed into Aoshs gut. His brothers air left in a
painful whoosh. He hit the floor a moment later when Kasans next punch lifted him
off his feet.

Aosh sat up and stared at his brother. His ears flattened as he rubbed his jaw.
What the hell, Kasan?

You upset him! He was so angry he wouldnt even consider, not even for a
moment Dammit, Aosh, just stay the hell away from me right now. I dont even
want to look at you. Kasan left him on the floor, wishing that knocking Aosh on his
ass had rid him of the gnawing pain that was eating away at his chest.

Aosh sat on the floor after he left, blinking in the empty hallway. Max was that
bothered by it? he murmured. His ears lowered, slowly, and he sighed. Getting up
slowly, he rubbed his stomach, wincing. Damn. He looked back towards Kasans
room. I hope Zonta knows a good way to apologize to humans

~*~*~*~*~*~


Max stared at the closed door and stepped back, the blankness of it making the riot
going on in his head even worse. He was still so embarrassed by Aosh seeing
themGod. Kasans tongue pressing into his ass, his dick on fire, his stomach almost
tight enough to burst, and for some reason hed opened his eyes, looked to the side,
and Aosh was there, leaning against the wall, and watching.

And even that wasnt enough to stop Maxs lusting after Kasan, like some little
human slut machine. Kasan could just do whatever he wanted and Max couldnt even
stop him. No, Max didnt even want to stop him, not even when they were going to
be a show for even more big-ass cats. Max had been so frustrated and furious that
he couldn't get his body to do what he wanted even one freaking time and it had all
just exploded. He didnt even remember exactly what hed said, only that hed been
so horrified by being seen and what it might mean and Kasan not even giving him a
freaking hug to help him through it and

Hed upset Kasan. The big cat had drawn back from him entirely. Hed barely looked
at him on the way back, wouldnt even touch him. No teasing brushes of his tail
against Maxs legs, or his fingers running over Maxs hair or his ears. Not even one
bit scooping-up hug. Kasan had just walked ahead without saying a word, his ears
down and his face so reserved it was frightening.

What had Max done? He hadnt meant to screw anything up. Aosh was the one who
did shit like that! Max liked the damn baths! So he couldn't have said something that
had ruined everythinghad he? What had he said?

And Kasan thought Max was afraid of him! It kinda floored him that he wasnt. The
question had thrown him completely off, because he should be afraid of this huge cat
who wanted sex all the time, who wouldnt leave Max alone any time of day, and
who continually put him through the most embarrassing events of his life.

How could Kasan think he scared Max anymore?

Shit, did the stupid cat not notice how much Max wanted Kasan, every time the big
jerk touched him? Max even trusted Kasan to watch out for him, to make him feel
happier, and safe, and toto damn well keep touching him and holding him and
freaking caring about him even when Max panicked over something and said
something stupid!

He hadnt thought Kasan would ignore the fact that Max really needed some help
coping with Aosh watching them both.

He hadnt expected him to dump him off like Kasan couldnt even look at him
anymore.

Max swallowed and turned from the door, staring at the bed. Was Kasan going to
come back at all tonight before they had to have sex? Or was he done with him?
Max thought of his parents drifting away when he didnt choose the career theyd
planned for him, his dates drifting away when they, like everyone else, didnt think
he was macho enough.

Kasan couldnt do the same thing. He wouldnt give him away, or toss him away. He
wouldnt. KasanKasan really seemed to care about him, even if he was a big sex-
obsessed maniac cat that wanted to touch him all the time and cuddle and talk to
him and just be one of the nicest freaking people Max had ever damn well met.

Max found it hard to breathe. Dammit, he didnt want Kasan to go away. He didnt
know how to tell him, though. He was terrified even bringing it up. And he felt bad
that whatever hed said had fucked everything all up anddammit!

He shook his head and went to sit down on the bed, lying back on the pillows while
he stared morosely at the ceiling. Kasan would come back tonight, right? They had
to have sex, so that meant he had to come back. Max would just calmly and
rationally ask him what the hell he thought he was doing, tricking Max into trusting
him with his stupid ear touching and hugging and sex and then just walking away as
though it meant nothing and Max really was useless and worthless and

Why the hell did you leave?

Grabbing onto one of the pillows next to him, he crushed it in his hands. Fuck. He
wished Kasan were still here so he could tell him that he hadnt meant it the way it
had come out, if hed said anything that made him that mad. Telling him no sex
hadnt made him mad before! Why had it now?

God, Max was so stupid. He was a damned linguist he should be able to say what
he wanted to say when he wanted to say it, dammit!

A soft scratching finally penetrated and Max dropped the pillow, startled. Dragging
his feet, he went over, opened door for Androcles, and let himself be, yet again,
sniffed all over. At least he wasnt licked this time. The oil must not taste too good.

Androcles pawed at him, nearly knocking him over, and he went back to the bed.
He didnt feel like playing right now. Androcles grumped at him with a huge, bass
HUFF before it went to the other side of the bed and lay down, staring up at Max and
tilting his head as he did it.

What was Max going to do? Kasan justhad to listen to him. It made him nervous
to think about that. Why the heck wouldnt Kasan listen to him? Well, hed just have
to start listening again. Max would find some way to make him listen. And make sure
Kasan touched him again. And smiled, like theyd just fucking been doing in the
baths. That had been so great

He had to listen.

Max was sitting there, biting his lip and wondering if maybe the guards could help
him find Kasan tonight so he could talk to him earlier, when they entered the room.
They didnt knock, barely even glanced at him before checking out the entire room.
Waran smiled, and the other looked out the door before closing it behind him and
stepping in as well.

All alone, human? Something about the way Waran spoke made Max stand up.
Defensive. What a shame











Fiction~~The Last Pure Human~~Ch. 27


The Last Pure Human
Chapter 27 - To the Rescue?




Max took a step back and licked his lips nervously. The two cats smiled at him, but
their ears made the grins into something not so nice. He didnt want to think
predatory, but it popped into his mind anyway. Their eyes had nothing but rage
behind the thin pupils, like tigers in a zoo that were no longer behind bars.

They were really freaking creeping him out.

What- what want?

Warans smile spread across his face until his fangs gleamed in the light. You,
human. We want you.

Me? Max backed up another step. They watched him like hed crawled out from a
rock and pissed in their breakfast; there was no way they meant this sexually. And
any other way Kasan wouldnt -

Keeping track of both of them as he retreated another step he held onto the
thought. Kasan wouldnt. No matter how mad Kasan was at him, or how badly Max
had screwed up, Kasan wouldnt toss him away. Or- or at least he would have told
him. And all Kasan had said was stay in the room. That was it.

He would have said something. Wouldnt he?

What the hell were they here for? Go- go away. Max pointed at the door, but even
he could see how badly his hand shook.

Waran sneered at him. What, exactly, do you think youre going to do to make us
leave? Kasans not here anymore, human, and youre pathetic. He and the other
guard held their spears low and to the side, ready to jab out with them. And they
were coming closer. Shit!

Androcles stood up from behind the bed, growling, and both guards froze.

What the hell-

Max was so grateful to hear that terrifying growl that his knees almost gave out.
Androcles jumped over the bed and down beside Max, his growling so loud that Max
could feel it vibrating his breastbone.

Burying his hand in Androcles scruff, nearly shoulder level now, he tried again. Go
away. No you here.

They stopped, crouching lower. Their ears flickered. The other guard spoke first.
Why isnt it attacking him?

Waran growled back. Who cares. We knew the human was unnatural, didnt we? As
long as we can still get him and the shokan doesnt poison him, it doesnt matter.
We just need to get him away from it. Dont panic, Quim, its just one last obstacle.

The two men separated, crouching lower as they adjusted their overhand grips on
the spears. Max fell back onto the bed with a grunt as the dog shoved him with its
head. Androcles lowered himself nearly flat, his tail twitching. His body tensed, the
growl changing to something lower. Scarier.

Is it guarding him? Quim whispered.

Its in the way. Try to lure it to the side; Ill get the human.

Its a fucking shokan!

Waran growled again. So go for the side, then. You know they cant turn as quickly
as they can charge you from the front. The cats spread farther apart; Androcles
whipped his head from side to side, trying to keep track of them.

They looked like they were going to kill him! Max stumbled off the bed, falling
against Androcles. He had to help. No! Leave Androcles alone! He tried to get on
front of Androcles but the dog blocked him, crouching in front of him every time Max
moved.

Waran stabbed out with his spear and pulled back. Androcles snarled, snapping at it.
Waran repeated the motion, then again, while the other guard stood crouched and
watching. Androcles was growing more irate, growling and snapping, the spear close
to drawing blood every time. Max didnt know what the hell to do.

He had no weapons, and they werent listening to him! Could he get out and get
help? Max looked to the door, trying to figure out if he could make it past the other
guard when Quim darted in and grabbed for him. Max kicked out at him and the cat
caught him by the heel. Knocked off his feet by a strong yank, Max pounded at the
hand with his other foot, yelling.

Androcles whipped around and slashed at Quim. The bastard lost his grip as he
flung himself back, spear up. Both guards stood still, spears pointing at them,
panting heavily. Growling and snarling, Androcles crouched over Max, covering him
with his body. Watching carefully. Max tried to crawl out from underneath and one
large hind paw planted itself on his ass, pinning him until he stopped struggling.

The stupid dog wouldnt let him help!

And now Waran and Quim were talking again. He couldnt catch everything they
were saying, but he was sure it was something that would hurt Androcles. Dammit!
Waran sidled around, trying to work his way behind them. When Max couldnt see
him anymore he gave up and started yelling. Kasan! Kasan! Help!

Waran laughed, a nasty snickering. Kasan help, he mimicked in a high, whiny
voice, and laughed again. Androcles snarled at him, shifting over Max as he
struggled to see both men at the same time. With one last growl, Androcles head
darted down. He clamped his teeth over the back of Maxs loincloth and lifted him up
into the air. Quim and Waran cursed as the dog charged towards the door, dragging
Max with him.

Max squealed before he could stop himself, scrabbling to reach up and hold onto
Androcles muzzle and take the pressure off the hideous wedgie crushing his balls.
He swung in an arc with each leap from Androcles, once, twice, and then almost
slammed up against the closed door. Growling, with Max still in his mouth, the dog
pawed at the door with his claws frantically, missing the trigger. A spear just missed
them both as Androcles rolled to the side dragging Max along the floor. Maxs head
smacked the ground and his vision went white for a second.

Quim pulled his spear back from the door, turning to them.

Be careful! You nearly got the human!

Androcles looked around wildly, Max slapping against his body as the head moved.
The sharp motion was like an uppercut to his brain. Androcles! Stop!

Max felt the jolt as he leapt. Androcles skittered across the floor, slipping once and
barely avoiding a spear in his side from Waran this time. They made it to the log
that Androcles always used and Androcles started to climb, dragging Max up with
him, scraping him against the wood. Max swung wildly, unable to get a grip and help,
and saw both cats coming up behind them, spears raised.

Androcles! Theyre coming! Get out of the way!

Androcles yanked him up one last time, with a groaning fully-body twist, half-
tossing Max above the dog onto a higher portion of the log. The moment Max
grasped the bark, Androcles leapt down to meet the two men. Max scrabbled
desperately, trying to hold on, or move up, but his head was swimming. He had to
close his eyes and hang on with a deathgrip, and he wasnt strong enough. There
was nowhere for him to put his hands, and the log was so huge. Hugging it wasnt
going to keep him on long. He could feel his legs begin to shake against the stupid
log after a few moments, listening to the snarling and snapping of Androcles
underneath.

Nauseated, fighting to keep himself attached so at least Androcles didnt have to
worry about him too, Max could feel when his arms started to go. They began
cramping and he felt himself slide an inch. He hugged the big pole tightly and it did
no good. He wasnt going to be able to-

Max lost his grip entirely, twisting off the log so that he fell to the floor with a
sickening thud. Dazed, he looked up in time to see the fight, Androcles whirling back
and forth between the two guards, and Quim standing right in front of Max. Max
stood, but his balls pulled up as Quim whipped around to look down at him. The big
cats eyes widened and then it was a blur.

Androcles charged, Quim and Waran yelled out, and they all move so fast Max could
barely follow it all. The spears were shining streaks, the cats and Androcles
intermingling flashes of fur and flash and ears. He could tell Androcles was trying to
get over to him, his body a blur of motion that never quite made it through Quims
block.

Max had to help him. He shifted, taking the first step to the door and help. Waran
went for Androcles, drew his attention, and Quim suddenly snapped out an arm to
grab him. Max cried out. He could just barely see it coming, the blur of motion that
he knew he couldnt dodge. He wasnt going to be fast enough!

Androcles flung himself Maxs direction, dodging Warans last stab as he shoved up
against Max and pushed him out of Quims way. Max hit the floor and heard
Androcles scream at the same moment.

Quims spear was still quivering, buried in Androcles side, and Androcles gave
another snarling scream as it was yanked out. Blood spattered over the floor;
Androcles body hit the ground. Screaming, Max scrambled back to his feet and both
cats slashed down again.

No! You freaking bastards! He threw himself at Quim as the spear pulled back for
another jab. Waran caught him around the waist before he got there, yanking him
off his feet. He could feel the bare flesh of Warans chest, sweaty and hot, slam
against his back as the cat anchored him there. Androcles snarled weakly, trying to
get to him, and couldnt seem to get his back legs to work. Waran stepped away,
into the middle of the room. Androcles! Oh god, there was so much blood!

The dog dragged himself forward in an abortive, clumsy leap of his front paws, still
snarling. Quim cursed, caught off guard, and lashed out sideways, catching
Androcles against the side of his skull with the butt of his spear. All growling ceased,
Androcles head collapsing against the floor. He stopped moving.

No! You killed him! You killed him, you rotten, freaking, sons of bitches! You
bastards, you fucking bastards! Let me go! Waran started towards the bed with
Max. Quim kicked out once at Androcles head and turned to follow.

Max struggled wildly, cursing, crying so hard he could hardly see. He was still
struggling, trying to bite the arm that was taking out something tucked into Warans
loincloth, when the door opened.

They all froze as large, red-headed cat walked into the room with a confused smirk.
Hey, whats all the noise-

Aosh! Max kicked out at Waran,

Frowning, Kasans brother looked around, and then his eyes widened as he saw
Androcles, lying prone and still behind them. Holy hell, it got in! Shit, Waran

Ears flat against his head, Aosh came towards Max, looking for wounds. Is
everyone all right? Did any of you get clawed?

Were all fine- Waran started to say.

They killed him! Max shouted, still struggling to pry himself out of Warans hold.
Aoshs body relaxed.

Yes, I see that, little one. How the hell did it get into the room, though?

Max gaped at him. Androcles was bleeding out on the floor and Aosh was freaking
happy? Help him! Androcles hurt!

Aosh looked from the dog to Max and the other men, tensing up again. Whos
hurt?

Androcles! They hurt him!

Androcles? Aosh looked at Quim and Waran and back at Max. Max, Im sorry, I
dont know who that is.

Help!

Aosh made soothing gestures with his hands, frowning again. Max, calm down. Its
all right, well fix everything, but you need to calm down. Waranhere, let him down.
Hes only getting more upset. Aosh smiled ruefully. Trust me, Ive been able to see
him doing that a lot lately.

Waran fixed his grip over Max, shifting to put Max on the opposite side from Aosh.
We cant let him down. He keeps trying to get to the shokan and it isnt completely
neutralized yet. Besides, we need to take him to be checked by the doctor. He fell
during the fight.

Aosh paused, staring at the shokan who had started to shudder, growling and
whimpering in turns. He looked back at Waran and Quim, eyes narrowing. Give Max
to me, then. Ill take him out and get help while you take care of it. I have
something to talk to him about, anyway.

Waran exchanged a glance with Quim and smiled. Id better get him checked, first.
Quim can take care the shokan. Max cursed at them all, biting and clawing at
Warans arm, trying to get him to drop him.

Shit but he really is a little firebrand when hes angry, isnt he? Come on, little one,
you need to calm down. Max? Aosh sighed, shaking his head. Here, Ill keep him
from the shokan, but you really do need to let him down. Kasan doesnt like Max to
get too upset. He knows me. Ill take him.

Hes my responsibility, Waran said, tightening his grip. Max cried out as it bruised
his ribs.

Aosh frowned and his ears lowered. Waran, youre hurting him. Put him down.
Aosh walked forward, watching both men carefully.

Quim stepped to the side as Waran shook his head, still smiling. Hes fine, just
high-strung.

Aoshs ears flattened completely. He wants down, Waran. Let him go. Hes not-

Max managed to sink his teeth into Warans arm and the guard cursed and cuffed
him alongside the head. It made his head ring. He could just barely hear a growl
welled up in Aoshs throat. Drop him right now, Waran.

Quim stepped between them, holding up his spear, and Waran spoke as he wrapped
a hand around Maxs mouth. Just walk away, Aosh.

Aosh snarled. What the hell are you doing, Waran? The Elders will stomp you to
little pieces if you hurt Kasans consort! Let him go! Quim raised the spear up and
Waran looked between them both, suddenly earnest.

Aosh, just walk away. We dont want to have to hurt family.

Have you gone insane? Max is family! Let him go- Aosh watched the spear in
Quims hand carefully, shifting his weight.

Max could feel the growl in Warans chest, and he coughed as the arm around him
tightened painfully again. He tried to scratch at him. This this abomination is not
family! Its a human! Max wheezed as his breath was squeezed out before Waran
relaxed his grip.

What? Max is Kasans consort!

It should never have happened! Kasan should never have happened! Waran
snarled again.

Aosh stood very still, ears flat, his face twisted in disgust. Youre a purist, he
whispered.

Im a true Kyashin!

So is Kasan!

Quim growled and brought the attention back to him, closer to Aosh, spear still
raised. Your brother is a disgrace. Out of the way, Aosh. This is too important to let
family stand in the way.

Family is whats important! Let him go right now, Waran.

No. Step aside, Aosh. You dont have to do this.

Im not letting you take Max.

So be it.

Quim started forward and Max kicked out with his legs. One foot caught the spear
and turned it away just enough for Aosh to duck under and slam into Quim. They
went down, cursing and punching. Max bit down on Warans arm again. Waran
cuffed his head but he held on, digging in until Waran loosened his grip to really hit
at him. The second the cats arm loosened, Max let go and fell to the floor.

Aosh rolled off of Quim, kicked Waran in the knee and knocked him over, and
yanked Max over. He nearly dislocated Maxs arm pulling him out of the way as Quim
made a grab for him.

Too dangerous, little one! Hold on! Max found himself upended over Aoshs
shoulders, yelling as Aosh tried to dodge between the two men. Aosh tripped over
one of the spears, almost eviscerated himself on Quims blade. He earned himself a
shallow cut and a loss of balance.

Catching himself on his hands and knees, Aosh cursed. Max wheezed against his
back, the breath knocked out of him. It was only second, but by the time Aosh got to
his feet, the men were too close for him to run from. Growling continuously, Aosh
backed towards the door, and a spear stabbed forward. Aosh tried to dodge, but
looking down his back, Max saw the tip of the blade plunge out the back of Aoshs
thigh and Max almost vomited.

Aosh collapsed as it was yanked back, but he tossed Max off of him. The world was
a whirl of colors as Max rolled, flopping onto the floor.

Run for Kasan, Max! dont let them- Aosh screamed as Quim stepped on his
wounded leg. Aosh shifted to the side desperately and the spear aimed at his chest
bit into his side.

Aosh! Max almost went back, realized he couldn't do a damned thing for him, and
sprinted for the door. Waran caught him in three steps in the same hold as before,
his arms pinned to his side.

They turned to see Quim pull out the spear and bring it up to Aoshs neck.

Quim, what are you doing?! Warans voice expressed the same shock Max felt.

What does it look like?

Hes family! You cant kill him.

Quim didnt move the spear. He tried to stop us.

He failed. Theres no need to kill him. Theyll already know who we are.

Quim stared at him and then nodded, slowly. Max heaved a huge sigh of relief only
to scream along with Aosh when Quim stabbed down suddenly. He ripped through
the muscle in Aoshs other thigh, blood splattering the floor and Quim both.

Quim!

Hes not dead. But hes not a problem now, either. The man wiped his blade on a
clean spot of Aoshs loincloth. Aosh spit at him, snarling.

Waran swallowed loudly. Youyou shouldnt have tried to stop us, Aosh. I told you
to walk away.

Betrayer of family. Aosh snarled at him again.

Warans body stiffened behind Max. Not me. Youll seesomeday. Im not the one
whos betrayed the family. He turned from another curse of Aosh and lifted Max.

Max struggled vainly as he felt the fabric of his loincloth come undone. Kicking out,
he cried out as he was battered alongside his head again. He shook himself, still
trying to struggle, staring at Aosh and the dark pool of blood growing around his
body. Waran pulled the loincloth free and bound it around Max, tying his wrists
behind his back and fixing them to his ankles. There was a small ripping sound, and
then Waran gagged him so quickly Max couldnt make a sound. He was squirming,
still looking at Aosh, and Androcles coming to awareness behind him he wasnt
dead! - and then they put him in a heavy cloth sack. He couldnt move as he was
tossed over a shoulder to slam painfully against the mans back.

He couldnt breath! His body was contorted, tied so he couldnt free his face, and
for a moment, it pressed up against the fabric so tightly he thought he would
suffocate. Even finally freeing his mouth didnt help, his breath coming in harsh,
whining gasps through his nose. Aosh. And Androcles. They were both bleeding to
death and Max

Max was going to hyperventilate again.

~*~*~*~*~*~


Dammit. Aoshs arms spasmed as he tried to drag himself across the floor. He
could hear soft, relentless scrabbling behind him as the shokan dragged itself behind
him. The big animals always were persistent. If he couldnt make it to the doorway,
and out to the summoning box, the thing would have him. It might have him even
then.

And then Max would die along with him, and Kasan would die soon after that.

He wasnt going to let that happen, not by those kin-killers. Aosh pulled with one
arm, one leg useless and the other making his whole body spasm if he tried to use it.
The shokan was closer. It was a nightmare in slow motion, Aosh managing a
fingers width of movement, the shokan closing, whining behind him. He could hear
the thing's claws digging into the floor for a better grip, moving just barely faster
than Aosh, even though the animal had been unconscious only minutes before.

Aosh suspected hed already be dead by now if the thing wasnt severely injured.
The first nanites tested on animals had been more aimed at healing than the heat,
Zonta always said. The damned shokan was likely improving faster than Aosh. Aosh
could be torn apart before he even got out the door.

He was shocked that it hadnt killed Max couldnt think of how the animal and Max
and the guards had all come together.

Couldnt think of why Waran would do this. He was their cousin! Hed grown up
with Kasan; how could he do this? And for Quim to attack him, and Waran to do
nothing at all.

He was dead to Aosh. Didnt matter what the Elders decided; Waran was dead to
him. And now the bastard had Max, but they might not be able to retrieve the little
one in time unless Aosh got help. Kasan could still smell the trail, if he got to it fast
enough, but it had to be quick. Aosh had to keep moving.

Drag, push, spasm, bleed, push.

The scrape and heavy breath of the shokan was so close Aosh didnt know if hed be
able to open the door in time to escape. He had to try and reach up high enough to
touch the right panel on the door, before he was sliced open by claws.

He thought of Kasan, and the look on his little consorts face as he fought to get to
Aosh, as small as he was, and he growled deep in his chest, gritting his teeth against
the pain. He envisioned his hands with claws, digging his nails into the floor like hed
like to do to Warans eyes. Pulling them out as he dragged himself forward.

His head bumped lightly against the door as he managed the last bit, and he tried
to pull himself up. His legs wouldnt work. The pain made him scream, but even
screaming and straining, they collapsed before he could reach up high enough. He
was going again, trying not to use his legs, when he felt the animal behind him.

Hot air swept over his legs and he scrabbled for the door panel, wondering why the
thing was dragging itself over him further. Going for his throat? Fur slid along his
body, heavy paws, bumping painfully against him as the shokan dragged itself closer
to his head. Aosh reached desperately one last time for the door panel, failing, and
began to fall back when a large, blunt head stopped him. It inserted itself in
between his arm and his body, keeping him upright, and with a growling whine,
pushed him back up. He swallowed.

The shock of not being maimed was like hed taken a step onto a lake and stood on
the water.

Wheezing from the pain, Aosh whimpered as his body was lifted until his hand could
just touch the panel. He pressed and the door opened, both of them spilling out to
the hallway.

He lay on his back, staring at the shokan. Dark amber eyes stared back, looked
down the hallway with a snarl, and then back at him. And as he watched, unable to
move, it came back and began to push at his body again, moving him upright.

He looked up at the summoning box and cursed it had been smashed. He couldnt
use it. Hed have to make it all the way down the hallway. The shokan already
seemed heading that way. Dragging itself along, keeping its head underneath
Aoshs torso as Aosh wrapped one arm around his neck. They moved like a drunken,
two headed snake, weaving down the hall on their bellies, the shokan moving under
him to help him along.

He didnt know what to think. It was a miracle. A fluke. He didnt care. The
animal was going to help him get to Kasan, get help for Max, and that was all he
cared about. He could figure out what they were going to do about it once he was
there.

It took too long to make it down the hall. Aosh slipped on the floor as he tried to
move. Even holding onto the animal, it was agonizing pulling himself along. The
floor was slick by the time his bare feet dragged over it; he was losing too much
blood, too quickly, and if he didnt get to help soon, he wouldnt even be able to tell
them what had happened to Max.

Kasan wouldnt be able to find him, and then his body would start to die as the
kouloc took over when he couldnt connect with his consort, and then a week of
agonizing pain until he passed.

Aosh grit his teeth and held on, trying to move his legs and failing. The shokan
whimpered and growled each time it moved, dragging itself on its front paws as well,
but twice as fast as Aosh could have managed. It would have taken him too long to
make it down the hallway just to the corner, and as it was, they were now past the
corner and into a main hall.

I need aid!

The shokan jumped and Aosh nearly lost his grip. He found himself staring into
amber eyes that looked like paintings of gods nemesis from old temple scriptures.
The shokan growled, snorted at him once, and then started moving again.

Well pardon me, but if we dont get help soon, were both dead, so Im yelling
again. Aosh hoped it didnt bite him. I need aid! Kasans consort is in danger! I
need aid!

He listened for a reply that never came. Was it that close to last meal? He would
have sworn there was another hour, at least. Where was everyone?

The shokan growled again and Aosh looked at him, the muzzle with teeth bared the
first thing he saw. Son of a bitch. Theyre all out looking for you.

The animal ignored him and continued squirming on his belly down the hall; Aosh
did the same. He was not going to die from that family betraying bastard Waran.

His mind was fading in and out before he finally heard the voices. The animal
bumped up against him where he lay on the floor, his grip having given out.

I need aid! His voice wasnt strong, but it did the trick. He heard Kasans grumpy
reply, muted, and then footsteps coming closer. The shokan pushed its head under
his arm and he gripped the fur to pull himself a little more upright. They moved
toward the voices, and Aosh was staring blearily ahead when a small group cleared
the corner. Kasan was first, and he stopped dead, his ears flat and his claws out
before Zonta and their father followed behind. Leero stepped out last, clearly
swallowing a curse as he nearly bumped into everyone.

Zonta took a step towards him before father pulled him back.

Go get the antidote, the Lord King whispered frantically. We might have time yet,
if we get it quickly. The poison might not have-

Im not poisoned, Aosh said. It came out like a whisper.

Everyone stared at him, not wanting to move with such a large animals teeth and
claws so near Aoshs head.

Not a bad shokan, all things considered, Aosh said. He thought his words might be
slurring, so he tried to pat the shokans head with his other hand to show what he
meant. The animal lifted one lip to bare a fang at him but otherwise left him alone.

What the hell is going on, Kasan whispered.

Waran took Max.

Kasans face was so still Aosh didnt know if hed heard him. He started moving
slowly towards them both.

Away from the shokan?

Aosh finally let go of the fur and slid down to lie on the floor. No. I think the
shokan actually attacked them because they were trying to take Max. It dragged me
here to get help hell, it helped me open the damned door. Quim is the one who
attacked me. And Waran watched him do it. They put Max into a sack and carried
him off. Gotta find them. I think theyre with Uncle.

Kasan got close enough to grab Aosh, while the shokan watched but didnt move,
and he pulled Aosh away so quickly that Aosh screamed. His legs were on fire. Aosh
could see Kasans face as he looked at Aosh's legs, and then Zontas face was above
him, worried and pale, and he reached up to pat his cheek.

You fret too much. Ill be fine. Always am. Kasan would look after Zonta. He
always did baby him more, anyway.

Don't be an idiot. Youre hurt!

Kyoru put pressure on one of his legs as Zonta verbally smacked him.

Kasan worked on the other leg while Aosh thought Leero ran down the hall to get
help. Kasan didnt take his eyes off the shokan, but it had stopped moving,
watching them, Aosh thought. It felt like the animals eyes were on him, in any case.

What the hell are we going to do with a wounded shokan who might have just
saved your life? Kasan muttered.

Give him a nice steak, Aosh said weakly, and then father pushed down even
harder and Aosh finally let himself lose consciousness.












Fiction~~The Last Pure Human~~Ch. 28


The Last Pure Human
Chapter 28 - Meeting the Family Pet




As soon as Uncle Frodi arrived to help stabilize Aosh, Kasan bolted back to his room.
Leero was raising the alarm, calling from box to box to ensure all the guards in the
citadel and surrounding town were aware of what had happened, on the lookout for
Waran and Max. The Elders and family would be called in. Anyone else who was free
would be gathered to help search, but it could take hours; they were already out
looking for the shokan. Kasan knew he didnt have any time to waste.

He needed to track down Max now, while he still could. His claws flickering wildly in
and out, Kasan reined himself back as he sped down the hall, avoiding the drying
ochre streaks along the floor. Hed never find Max if he didnt slow down. His entire
body tense with the effort, Kasan made himself pause every few feet, searching for
Maxs scent as he drew closer to his own chambers. Nothing stood out. If Max had
been taken down the corridor, the trail was muffled by the thick scent of blood.

In the back of his thoughts he was aware the fluids smeared across the floor
belonged to Aosh and the shokan, but knowing his consort was in danger, seeing the
dark trail over the stone, his mind screamed at him that it could be Maxs blood. His
little one could be this injured, bleeding as Waran took him away. His ears flattened
against his head and he snarled. Tail lashing back and forth violently, he tried to find
the clue that would lead him to Max.

He arrived at his room without finding a trace. The blood was too strong an odor,
Maxs bright tang too muted, and Quim and Waran had been over the hallways too
often in the past hours. He couldnt tell which trail branching out from the hallway
was the right one! His lips peeled back in another growling snarl when he saw his
door. It was still open, the summoning box outside his room ripped off the wall
entirely. Stalking inside, he found the bloody handprint streaking down the wall
where Aosh had opened the door. Red droplets sprayed in a macabre pattern over
the floor. The stink of spilled blood and fear was even stronger here, but Maxs scent
was finally strong enough to overcome it and Kasan breathed it in.

Even so small a connection with his little one soothed him enough to control his
claws, just enough to think. He almost wished he couldnt. Thought only made his
heart bleed in his chest. Theyd taken his Max.

The little one must have been terrified. Attacked, kidnappedand Kasan had left
him here so they could do it. So unable to cope with Maxs anger and unhappiness
that hed abandoned his own consort. Kasan paced the room, the fur on his tail
bristling. If anything happened to Max, he would kill them. He didnt care if the
kouloc took him, he would find Waran and Quim before he took his last breath and
eviscerate them.

He had to find Max. Kasan scanned the floor, hoping one of the bastards had been
careless enough to leave something behind, anything that would give him a clue to
where they went, but there was nothing other than drying blood and the foreign
smell of Quim and Waran.

Cursing continually under his breath, Kasan made his way out, scenting the air
again, hoping something would pop out at him that hed missed. This might be the
only chance he had! There were so many ways out of the Citadel it could take more
time than he had to investigate them all. Max might not have that long either. Who
knew what Waran was planning for him, if he was going to Shovak as Aosh had
thought. And there was the heat, as well.

Kasan desperately hoped that the little one couldnt catch the kouloc, as hed first
thought, but if he were wrong? If the kouloc had infected the Kyashin and human
genes for enough generations that it could infect pure humans, then Max might be
infected now, too. Kasan had to find him soon.

Prowling back and forth across the hallway, he had to push himself to the edge
simply to catch the barest hint of Max. Quim and Waran were clearer, now, after
such a strong essence of them in his room. Waran had eaten something with chera
root in it. Kasan could detect a hint of it only in the most recent scent trail. It should
be easier to follow, now that he knew what to look for.

Picking his way carefully, Kasan started to hope hed made it in time. Scent never
lasted long in the citadel, a defense mechanism built into the walls to keep ones
enemies from tracking the family, if needed. But it wasnt dispersed instantly. If he
only had a few more minutes, he thought he could find them. Tension grew in
Kasans head with every few feet he gained. Where the hell were they taking Max?
This wasnt leading to the usual exits.

Fangs grinding against his teeth, Kasan continued to follow their scent for a few
more turns of the hallway, and then he hit a well-trafficked area. With more bodies
to work with, the citadel had already begun to do its job, swirling the signs of Waran
and Quim into an incomprehensible mixture of odors.

Swearing wildly, Kasan searched out the nearest hallways that might have fewer
scents available to hide Waran from him. The first yielded nothing he could follow.
Neither did the second, or the third. He hadnt found the exact path again by the
time he searched half a dozen corridors. Kasan stood in the middle of a crossing,
feeling the time slipping out of his hands like water, unsure which way to go.

Hed lost them!

Kasan continued searching, his claws fully emerged now as he imagined what was
happening to Max while Kasan failed him. Enlisting the nearest guards helped not at
all; no one had seen anything and no one could smell as well as Kasan could. Max
was getting farther away every second, probably frightened out of his mind.

Why had Waran done it? It made no sense! And when Max had been so terrified
already, for him to have this happen on top of everything? Dammit, couldnt the
universe give his consort some peace? The little one deserved some happiness. Hed
been through so much already. And Kasanhe couldnt lose Max like this. Not like
this.

Growling, the pain in his chest growing stronger with every step, Kasan hunted for
Max up and down the hallways with a growing number of guardsmen and concerned
cousins. Guardsman Niku arrived to help, saying something to Kasan about taking a
moment to rest, but Kasan pushed him aside and continued searching. His cousin
Emal stepped in front of him with the same request, his voice strangely muted as
Kasan pushed it to the background. He had to find Max! He didnt need the
interruptions. He needed to get to Max. Another cousin and one of his uncles moved
into his space, blathering at him until he realized they were saying that his father
was asking for him.

When his first panicked thoughts must have shown in his ears, they reassured him
quickly. Aosh was fine. His father simply needed to talk to him. Kasan looked around
blankly, seeing dozens of his comrades and family working in teams, searching
rooms and up and down the halls. Exactly as hed been doing.

There was nothing that he could help with now that everyone else couldnt do just
as well, not when the trail was this cold. Even still, Kasan couldnt help the agony
that seeped in as he went back to Aosh. If he could move, keep searching for Max,
then he was doing something for his consort. There was still hope. Without that, he
didnt know how he was going to go on.

His father was waiting by Aoshs side with Leero behind him when Kasan walked up.
They were still in the hall, a number of people and supplies piled behind them now,
although a few blankets had been slipped under Aosh to keep him off the cool floor.
Uncle Frodi was tying off the last of the stitches had it really been that short a time?
and his assistant gave Kasan a weary smile.

Taking up a large portion of the wide hall was the shokan. At least half a dozen
guards had their spears pointed at the beast where it lay on the ground, panting
heavily. The pool of blood around it had grown.

Kasan waited to speak until his father acknowledged him. What did you need? He
was too upset to be polite. The trail is already cold. I need to get back out and keep
searching. We need-

Kyoru nodded even as he interrupted. How much time do you have until your heat
calls?

Kasan tried to slow his racing thoughts and pay attention. At least a few hours, but
not past the end of late fifth, likely.

The Lord King nodded, his face cold and remote. Kasan remembered the expression
from the years right after his mother had passed. Some of the guards have already
reported in to Leero. Waran hasnt been seen near any of the escape passages, and
the guards are checking the Havens whose passages are unguarded. They can
guarantee neither he nor Quim came through the northeast entrance, but the south
entrance has had enough traffic the guards werent sure. Theyre searching the town
now and working their way through other areas of the Citadel.

Thats all well and good, but I need to get back out and search! There was no need
to ask me back here before we have any information. Kasans tail lashed at his own
legs so hard it stung.

The guards Leero spoke to on the box said you were becoming agitated, Kasan.

Of course Im agitated!

Well take the little one back, Kyoru said, reaching out for Kasans shoulder and
holding it with a firm hand. But you must stay calm.

I am calm, Kasan bit out, shrugging free.

Zonta spoke quietly from the ground, holding onto Aoshs limp hand. You know if
you get upset it will make it easier for the kouloc to multiply. Your heat will spike
sooner. Please, Kasan.

Kasan let out a long slow breath. Hed forgotten that, but how was he supposed to
stay calm when Max was in danger? Everything Kasan could do felt so useless. He
couldnt find him! And Max was so damn fragile; Waran could hurt him without even
trying. And the last memory Max would have was Kasan forcing him into a situation
he hated.

Closing his eyes, Kasan tried to push aside the pain and regret and think. Waran
the man wasnt stupid. For whatever reason hed done it, he had to have planned it
carefully. Aoshs warning might have let everyone know the situation earlier than
Waran would have expected, but what would he need? Some place not too far away,
not too populated, where he and his consort could go

Wait, wheres Shoru? He had to be out of his mind not to have thought of that
first!

Leeros leash, twined up and connected back into the collar, shivered as his chest
vibrated with a deep growl. He was supposed to be convalescing with a relative,
only theres no such person, no such address. Your father thought of that almost
immediately; we had guards there reporting back before anyone else. They both had
to be in on this, to arrange it so neatly. Leeros face twisted. I should have figured
it out, he snarled, then shivered as Kyoru ran a hand over his head, rubbing one
ear.

You are not God. Dont expect more of yourself than is possible. Waran fooled
everyone from the Elders to the youngest guard. Kyoru pinched Leeros ear lightly
before he let go, ignoring the mans disgruntled wince.

Kasan didnt say it, but he couldnt stop feeling that Leero was right. They should
have known. There had to have been something theyd missed.

His father rubbed Kasans shoulder again. Stay here for the moment, Kasan. Get
your breath back. Were doing everything we can to find your consort. You can join
back in when you can keep your emotions under better control.

Kasan wanted to snap back that he was as calm as he was going to damn well get
when a pained growl echoed eerily in the hallway and everyone turned their
attention to the shokan. Up close, the beast was huge. Kasan had been right when
hed guessed the size, he thought, shivering as he watched its odd, amber eyes. It
wasnt quite grown yet, but still enormous. Perfectly large enough to kill any one of
them if it were healthy, and they were unlucky. They knew it had killed already.

And it was beyond capable of killing an injured Aosh or Max.

So why hadnt it?

Kasan watched carefully, taking another deep breath, trying to distract himself. His
father was right. The best chance to find Max needed time. If Kasan spiked too early,
that was the end. But he couldnt think how to regain control when everything in him
screamed for Max and the wet spray of Waran and Quims blood

What about the shokan? What are we going to do with it? He could do something
about that, at least.

The Elders have been called. The circumstances are strange enough that we should
all be involved.

Kasan nodded, keeping an eye on it. His attention split when his uncle finished with
Aosh, directing the assistant to pull free the IV. Working rapidly, Uncle Frodi
gathered a few round metal hoops and quickly pierced them through Aoshs skin
near the wound in his side and into the meat of his thighs. Kasan swallowed as Frodi
started to pierce Aoshs left ear as well with small studs in a variety of metals.

He knew the nanites would repair Aosh faster with the extra metal to use as
resources, but the damage must be worse than hed thought if uncle was adding that
many piercings. The hoops alone would take a week before they were eaten away
and Kasan had only seen injuries severe enough to require the additional studs a few
times in his life.

Without the IV, Aoshs nanites cleared the drugs just as the last two studs were
puncturing his ear. It flicked back and forth as though waving off a fly. He moaned
softly, opening his eyes to stare blankly into the air. Taking another deep breath,
Kasan knelt next to Aoshs head and pushed back a few of his braids from his face.
Bleary, Aosh managed a grimace.

Aosh, can you hear me? Frodi asked. Aosh nodded slowly. Good. You scared us
there for a while. You should be feeling some pulling where the stitches are, but
nothing loose or sliding.

Aosh blinked. Pain

I know. I would have liked to keep the IV in longer but your nanites were already
starting to eat away the needle. Do you need me to put you under again?

Aoshs bruised eyes were clearing rapidly. Painll pass. m good.

Frodi smiled in encouragement and started packing up his supplies. Kasans ears
lowered as he waited for Aosh to notice him. Everything had gone wrong today. Hed
been so infuriated with Aosh he would have sworn he didnt want to even think of
him for a year. He shuddered to think that such bile might have been made up his
last words.

Im glad to see you awake, Kasan said, his voice hoarse. Aoshs ears quirked, then
flicked again, unused to the studs. We werent sure Quim hadnt killed you, at first.

Aoshs eyes brightened. Tha squickling isnt going to take me out.

Zonta, his face tight and pale, squeezed Aoshs hand on the other side. Of course
not. Thats reserved for the mate of one of your ex-lovers.

Aosh laughed and instantly moaned in pain. He smiled instead. I amunforgettable.
Can see where a mate would be jealous, he murmured.

Kasan ran his hand over Aoshs hair again. He glanced at the still bleeding pile of fur
laboring to breathe next to them both, taking up half the hallway. Aosh, we need to
know more about what happened. Did Waran or Quim say anything? Give you any
idea where they were they might take Max?

Aoshs ears flattened. Just that Warans a purist, like Shovak. They didnt say
where He frowned, his ears fluttering in distress. nothing about where they
were going. The bag with Maxit was beige, rough weave, like a bakers grain sack.
Might help, if they give Max to someone else.

Kasan nodded, hearing Leero trotting off to pass the information through the
nearest summoning box. Thank you, he whispered. The shokan whimpered again.
Now we just need to figure out what to do about the animal.

Dont kill him. Aosh looked over at it and his lips twisted into a smile. I owe him a
favor.

Kasans ears flattened. It shouldnt be left alive once it had killed a man, but it felt
wrong to punish the shokan for helping Aosh. Maybe it wasnt actually trying to aid
you-

Dont delude yourself. You saw what he was doing.

Kasan stared straight into the shokans eyes, trying to figure out what went on
inside its head. It could have killed Max, he said, voice soft.

Aosh shook his head, staring the same direction. I would bet my own dick that he
tried to protect Max.

Zonta patted Aoshs hand nervously, biting his lip as he looked from the shokan to
Aosh. You cant be sure-

I can. You didnt see how determined he was to get both of us to Kasan. Maybe
hes smart enough to realize he needed me to get out of the room, but there was no
reason for him to do anything after that. The shokan could have left me there,
bleeding out, and tried to escape on his own, but he didnt. He has no reason to help
me, but I think he did want to help Max. The fact that Max didnt have a scratch on
him says something, Kasan.

Kasan couldnt look away from the shokan. It was growling under its breath, but it
hadnt lashed out at anyone, even with the blood around it congealing against its fur.
It had fixated on Kasan. He could feel its eyes like glaring knives.

Its too dangerous to have around.

Aosh cleared his throat and waited to speak until Kasans attention was back on him.
Max likes him.

What? Kasans resolve took a hit.

Unless Im completely misreading what happened, Max had a name for him, like a
friend. Ando-kees, I think. Aosh smiled a little at Kasans flattened ears. He likes
the shokan. The little one even tried to get me to help when the shokan was
injured.

Kasan hmphed, watching the shokan again. If the beast had helped Max, that was
all well and good, but it didnt mean it wasnt dangerous. Just the briefest moment of
irritation, a quick slice with its claws, and Max would be gone. It seemed too great a
chance to take.

Except Max had already lost so much. What if Kasan found him and brought him
back only to have his consort lose what might be, as bizarre as it seemed, a
companion? Growling under his breath, Kasan twitched his tail back and forth,
wavering. He was getting angry again, and he needed to damn well stop. This wasnt
helping retrieve Max, and that was what he needed to focus on. He didnt have time
to worry about what decision the Elders would make about the shokan when they
arrived, or what effect it would have on Maxs happiness. He just had to find Max.

Leero cleared his throat. Kasan, I think youre forgetting something important. He
gestured to the shokan. Shokan never forget.

The old saying meant nothing to Kasan for a moment, and then his eyes widened.
Shokan never forget hed heard that since he was small. It was a warning. If you
harmed one, you had better make sure the animal was dead and its family unable to
track the beast back to you, because it would hunt you down until either you were
paid back in kind, or it was too injured to continue.

The animals nanites would heal it faster than Aoshs would, if it was given some
help. And if it could heal quickly enoughit would hunt down Waran for them. Its
sense of smell was ten times better than his own, and most hunters would swear
that shokan had other ways to sense their prey that Kyashin didnt experience. Even
with the citadels defenses interfering with the scent, the shokan might be able to
find Max.

What about the Kyashin it killed? Zonta asked softly. Will it be safe to let it get
near Max if it is hunting down Waran?

The blood was all in Kasans garden. Aoshs ears swiveled back and forth between
Zonta and Kasan. And considering we never found anyone reported missing, and no
one was supposed to be in the garden, Id say there was a good chance that the
shokan was protecting Max that time, too. Someone could have slipped over the wall
to try and get in through the garden.

A good point to take into consideration. Kasan turned at the new voice. His Aunts
Nerin and Asha were coming down the hall, with most of the elders in the citadel and
the rest of his brothers and their consorts. Kasan relinquished his place near Aosh so
that the others could kneel next to him. The elders checked on him briefly,
murmuring and patting his head and shoulders, and then turned all their attention to
the shokan. Kasan watched his brothers for a moment as they hovered, blocking
Aosh from view, and then turned to see what the Elders would decide.

As long as the animal lived long enough to help find Max, he wouldnt argue the
decision. Yet.

Aunt Asha took a step away from the rest, standing near the guards still between
them and the animal. Very interesting, she said.

There arecircumstances, Kyoru said. It-

She waved the Lord Kings explanation away impatiently. No need. Your voices
echo down the corridors quite well. Oh She blinked as the shokans eyes centered
on her. Tried to save my nephews consort, did you, beast?

The shokan didnt make a sound, but its eyes were just as sharp as Ashas. It took
Kasan a moment to figure out why they looked so similar. There was no hunger in
the shokans gaze. Rage that reminded him of Aunt Ashas constant irritation with
the world, if shokan could feel such a thing, but no hunger.

Ashas ears twitched sideways. The question is, was it a fluke, or are you as unique
as Kasans human consort?

Before any of them could move, Asha nodded to herself and walked past the guards
and up to the shokan.

Asha! Nerin tried to get to her, but Kyoru held her back with a quick clamp of his
hand around her arm.

Oh stop fussing. I can recognize a desire to kill by now, and this animal doesnt
have it. At leastnot towards us. She crouched down held out her hand. While they
all froze for fear of provoking it further, the shokan leaned forward and sniffed her
gingerly. Aunt Asha and it stared at each other for a moment, and then she nodded.
He wont attack us.

Get away from him. Her sisters voice was hoarse, and Asha got to her feet with a
huff and returned to the rest of the group. Nerin hugged her close and then yanked
her ear. I dont care if you are an Elder, dont do that without warning us!

The other elders nodded, one of Kasans mother-uncles opening his mouth to start
in on her. Asha huffed again, turning her back on them all to stare at the shokan.
Her back tightened. I watched a shokan die, once. On Tiensa.

No one said anything.

I dont know how they caught it. Used to put it in the ring to use in their blood
sports. Our cells overlooked the pit. A good warning to what happened to slaves that
dont behave. She crossed her arms over her chest and shook off her sisters hand
when it rubbed down her head. Nerin wrapped her arm around Ashas shoulders
instead. Asha grabbed her hand and held on tight while she continued looking at the
shokan Ando-kees. It was more than an animal. It thought about its own actions.
Even when they starved it, it wouldnt entertain them. Never even touched the
slaves and whores to be disposed of for entertainment. It only attacked the
gladiators who came at it first. And the jailers. Finally died when it hit puberty and
there was nothing to mate it to.

She glanced at back at them. Shokan think. Just look at its eyes. It thinks.

Kyoru spoke first, his voice low and surprised. You never told me that.

It hasnt mattered.

If it affects our knowledge of the animal-

Would it change how we treat them? Theyll still gut you faster than you can blink
if you encroach on their territory. Well still tranquilize them and move them out of
our territory so that doesnt happen. But we dont hurt them, and they tend to leave
us alone if we dont. Im only saying it now because it can affect how we treat this
animal. She stared at its eyes again and nodded. Frodi, we need you to heal the
shokan.

The other elders all started talking at once and Kasan held his tongue. He wanted
the shokan to live, right now, to go find Waran and Max. After thathe wasnt sure.
The elders had to decide to let it live for now.

Yes, yes, its big and frightening, Asha said testily as the others raised their
objections. So is Tisu, and we dont kill him off.

Tisu grunted when everyone looked at him, and all eyes went back to the shokan
when it grunted in nearly the same low bass. A few more grumblings and they finally
agreed that they would take care of it for now, and decide more later when they had
time to examine the animals behavior.

Uncle Frodi swallowed heavily, holding his bag as Asha waved him toward Ando-
kees. Asha, I dont know

I do. Heal it.

Uncle Frodi took another step, up past the guards, and very, very carefully knelt
down next to the shokan and started to examine it. The orange eyes lifted to meet
Kasans again. Kasan didnt know if he trusted the thing, much less liked it as Aosh
implied Max might, but it could be Maxs only chance.

Kasan stepped past the crowd and knelt down by the beasts head, swallowing back
an instinctive desire to recoil as it turned its head in his direction. They stared into
each others eyes and he swallowed again.

Tell me what to do to help.












Fiction~~The Last Pure Human~~Ch. 29


The Last Pure Human
Chapter 29 - Funny Meeting You Here
Ch 24 | Ch 25 | Ch 26 | Ch 27 | Ch 28 | Ch 29 | Ch 30 | Ch 31 | Ch 32



Max had nearly passed out so many times hed stopped thinking about anything but
tucking his head against his shoulder and breathing. He couldnt vomit, couldnt
hyperventilate. He had no breath to spare to moan in pain as he was bounced
against a shoulder blade yet again and it pulled sharply at his bound arms and legs.

No thinking about Kasan and Androcles and Aosh.

Tears pricked his eyes and he blinked them frantically away. No crying! Crying
meant stuffy noses and stuffy noses meant no more breathing. Max bit it back down.
He couldnt tell how much time was passing as he struggled to get oxygen in through
the far too small nostrils, mouthing his gag as he tried to breathe through it, too. He
just wanted out. He wanted out and he wanted Kasan.

He didnt want to be a sack toy anymore. Inhaling again, Max tried to focus back on
his breathing when the sounds around him changed. Hed heard doors open and
close already, but now there were more of them. The stops were closer together.
The murmurs between the two cats had gotten louder, or there were more cats
around, and the sound added to the fear that he had to shove down into his already
nauseated stomach.

The urge to vomit surged as one very loud door opened, squealing, and Maxs sack
was swung wildly. He tumbled inside the bag. His face hit the fabric and he rolled
frantically to keep his nose free of the cloth. The small breath he managed to get
choked in his lungs as the bag dropped and landed hard enough to jar his entire
body.

Max only had a moment to be thankful hed landed on his shoulders instead of his
head when someone upended the sack and sent him rolling out of it. Everything
spun. Rough stone scraped his bare skin. He ended up on his side, sucking in air
desperately, eyes trying to take in everything all at once. He was in a small room,
three of the cats in between him and a large open doorway, with a door that opened
out on actual hinges.

Thats it? Smaller than I imagined.

Max stared up at the cat who spoke, blond with cold green eyes, and tried to
remember him. Did he know him? What did they want? He looked around and saw
nothing in the room with him that could give him a clue. The walls and floor were a
dark brown stone, grainy with mustard and black speckles. Above them, the ceiling
was stories high, dark stone going all the way up. He felt like he was in the bottom
of a giant well. There was no furniture, nothing on the walls.

He couldnt tell where the light was coming from until he saw small sconces up
higher than he could reach, even if he were standing. The cats stared at him as he
looked around, while he tried to pretend that they werent. Max wriggled his hands
and feet, and there was no give in the cloth theyd tied him with. What were they
going to do to him?

Was there any trouble?

Waran didnt answer. He glared at Max as though Max had done something wrong.

Prince Aosh came in before we secured the human. Quim shrugged. I doubt he
survived long enough to tell anyone.

The blond barely scowled at Quim, but it was enough to scare Max into utter
stillness. Thats not good. Youll have to explain yourselves to the elders later.
Shovak and the others will want to hear.

Max shivered. He heard Aosh. An ache somewhere low in his stomach lay over his
own nausea like an oil slick. Kasan knew Aosh; what would he think when he came
back into his room and found him there? And all the blood.

Max wanted to look at the ceiling and wish them all away like a bad dream but he
was too frightened to take his eyes off of them. Lying on the cool stone, in pain, with
the cats looming, Max was cast back to the first morning hed woken up.

This was exactly like his worst nightmare, just without the sex. They could do
anything they wanted to him and they barely glanced at his face, like he was less
than human. God, Max wanted Kasan so badly! What was he going to do without
Kasan? The last time a cat had been a bastard, Kasan had been right there, helping
him, and now Max had to do it on his own and he was cold and scared as shit and he
didnt know what to do!

It looks like its panicking. Do you know if it can tolerate that? I dont want it to die
before we get the samples we need. The blond looked to Waran.

Idont know. I think it might have a weak constitution. Prince Zonta was
concerned about its fragility when it was trying to escape during the greeting. And
Aosh was worried over too much stimulation, as well.

Ill leave you to undo the bindings then. That should keep it from injuring itself. We
can use the argenta on it next time.

They figured out the dosage? I thought they were still having trouble. Quim knelt
down and yanked at his bindings. Max fought, biting down on the gag as the other
two started to walk towards the open doorway, talking casually while he struggled.

A minor problem. Shovaks been testing it on the little mongrel the last few weeks.
Its nanites dont clear the drug out before we get it into the lab and strapped down.
Long enough by far. We can set up a drip for the human after that point if needed.

Max hit the ground with another painful thud as Quim yanked the last strip off his
wrists. He whimpered. The pain as blood rushed into his arms and legs was
excruciating. He couldnt control them at all, even to pull off the gag and get a little
more air.

Quim headed out after the others and the blond glanced back at Max once. This
creatures contribution to the cause will be substantial. Maybe it will be enough to
eliminate the stain of Shovaks failure. The elders will approve.

Waran glanced at Max as well. Will we actually be able to take out the human
strain?

Now that well be able to determine what it is, of course we will. Do you doubt our
dedication?

Of course not, Waran muttered. The door closed behind them and their voices
grew muffled, but not completely.

Max could still hear the blond one talking. We can finally prove that the throwbacks
are caused by impurities, not purer strains. Quim, inform the science team that we
have their specimen; theyll want to get started right away. Waran and I will need to
speak to the Elders.

The door closed behind them and left Max in the dim, empty room. He whimpered
again. His limbs were boneless, clumsy streaks of pain attached to his body. Groping
at his face with hands that were so clumsy he actually punched himself in the nose,
Max finally pulled the gag away from his mouth and gulped down air. It tasted
antiseptic, with hints of alien muskiness and plants. The sound of running water
filled the room now that he wasnt so focused on trying to breathe or watching the
cats to make sure they werent going to hurt him.

Max forced his arms to move again, muscles screaming as he pushed off from the
floor. He sat up, although it felt more like he was trying to balance on his ass. The
roomno, it was a cell, wasnt it? The stone walls werent as polished as the walls of
Kasans room. Guess they didnt need to waste the effort for a prisoner. And the
floor was made of one solid piece, no blocks. The door, now that it was closed, was
huge and heavy looking, some kind of dark, studded metal that looked like it was
just waiting to open up into the next demon dimension.

Good way to keep prisoners in, he thought. Just scare the ever-loving crap out of
them so they dont even want to go near the damn door. Swallowing the painful
lump in his throat, mouth barely able to work up the saliva, he just stared at the
door for another minute. There was a small opening at the bottom, a wide, slim
rectangle. Max wondered if it was for food.

And what the hell was making that water sound?

Max turned and looked to the back. The stone didnt change there wasnt even a
pile of freaking hay to sit on and make things easier. But following the line of the
back wall, a small canal was bricked into the floor, just a few inches separating it
from the wall. Water flowed out from one side of the cell and left through another
hole on the other side. It had to be one of the cat bathroomthingies.

Seeing it made him think of Kasan all over again, showing Max the cats toilet in
their bedroom. Or that stupid blond cat Leero showing him the other toilet just
before everything went to hell. And the water in the baths just before theyd

Max trembled, rubbing his arms. What was he going to do? There was no guessing,
this time, wondering if the aliens were bad or good. He knew these bastards would
hurt him. His body was already bruised, his wrists and ankles raw and red still. And
Androcles.

Max bit his lip hard. Knowing he could finally breathe now made it worse; he
couldnt stop the few stupid tears that started to fall. Wiping them off his face
roughly, Max glared back at the door. Androcles was just trying to protect him and
theyd cut him down like he was nothing. So freaking fast, with those huge, broad
bladed spears slicing in. Stabbing into Aosh. Max had never seen something that
violent. Fist fights, sure, but hed never- Hed never heard someone scream like that.

And these sadists didnt even care.

Taking a few deep breaths, he tried to keep his breathing from getting too fast and
shallow. He couldnt lose it right now! He had to keep it together and stay awake and
pay attention and then he could help when Kasan came. As long as the big cat could
figure out where Max was.

Max looked up, focusing on letting his breath go in and out rather than what had
happened in Kasans room, and he stared at the faint lights from high up in the wall.
The smell of antiseptic was blown away in small airy drizzles of damp earth and
green, growing things. He thought the breezes were coming from one of the small
openings in the stone high up near the ceiling; he could just make them out.

He wished there was a window. At least with windows he might be able to tell where
he was, not that he would know what Kasans house would look like, because the
stupid cat had only let him outside a few times and how the hell was he supposed to
find his way back to Kasan if he didnt even know what the stupid cats house looked
like? He couldn't even see a way to get out of here in the first place.

Max ducked his head and clamped his hands down over his face, working on his
breathing again. No hyperventilating! He was not going to pass out simply because
hed hyperventilated, dammit! He sat on the floor, breathing frantically into his
hands. Sweat trailed down his neck and his back, then finally sneaked across his ass
to the floor before Max felt like he could actually breathe without putting himself in
danger like a moron.

He wished it made him feel any better. This was freaking scary. What if he died?
The big ass cats didnt seem to care one way or the other, so what if they killed him?
What if he died and Kasan was still mad at him?

He couldnt stand that. He didnt want to die. He was so frightened of it that his skin
felt icy, even when he tried to rub his hands together for warmth. But to die without
KasanMax couldnt even imagine it. It didnt matter how long hed known the big
cat; he wanted him here, right now. If he could just figure out how to stay alive for
long enough, Kasan would find him. He paused as he realized he didnt doubt, even
for a second, that Kasan would try, no matter how pissed he was. Even if Max had
no idea what hed said. Even if Max smacked him in the head and said he wanted to
sleep in a different room and only see Kasan for sex. Kasan wouldnt walk away
because Max had disappointed him, or screwed up and made him mad. Max wasnt
sure what the big cat would do, but he wouldnt just leave Max here.

How would he find him, though? I dont even know where the heck am I!

Nothing answered him. What if Kasan couldnt find him? What if Max had to get
out or no one wouldnt find him at all? What if the last thing Kasan remembered
about him was that hed told him he didnt want him and didnt like him at all.

His entire belly ached. God, I have to get out of here.

Hey, human, can you hear me?

Holy crap! Max tried to jump to his feet and failed. He yelped, slamming back
down onto his ass with a painful bounce on his tailbone. He looked around his cell
frantically.

Guess thats a yes. Wasn't sure, with those puny little ears of yours. Jumpy little
shit, arent you?

The sound was easier to trace, this time. It was from the water. Swallowing, Max
crawled over and leaned down over the water, looking into the barred opening where
the stream emerged from the wall. The space was bigger than Max was wide and as
he tried to peer into the shadows there, he saw an irritated set of golden brown eyes
staring back at him.

Wh-who are you?

Shoru.

Max looked blank and the cat grunted. One of the guards at the citadel. One of the
few who wasnt an asshole. Whats your name, anyway?

Max worked that through his head. A guard? He pulled back from the water,
clenching his fists. M-Max. You g-guard me now? Why would a guard even be
talking to him and asking about his name? A name implied Max was a person, which
was more than the other bastard cats had thought.

Could Max get him to help? Maybe if he told him about being kidnapped and Kasan?
Oror was he wanting Max to be n-nice to him? He shuddered, unable to think that
through.

A loud, derisive snort blasted from the darkness. Guard you? Hell no. Im stuck
here as much as you are, human.

Oh thank god. Max knew that meant hed be no help, but it was better to have no
help than to have to think about what you might have to do to get that help and it
was something that you didnt want to do with anyone but Kasan.

Max peered through the bars again. Why here?

He thought he saw teeth gleaming as Shoru spoke. Keeping Waran alive, the little
bitch. So he can play god with Shovak and the other nutcases. Dumb, fanatic
fuckers.

Uh. Max had no idea what that meant. His arms were beginning to tremble as he
tried to prop himself up against the wall to talk and he moved back to lie on the
stone near the water, just listening to Shorus voice. Not understand. Nutcases
anddum fanatic fuckers?

Of course you dont understand. How could I forget. My luck always gives me
goddamned flowers and what I really needed was a linguistically challenged moron
to help me get the hell out of here. Fuck. There was a pause. Although you could
do some good, if you can escape. No ones gonna believe a freaking word I say
about Waran, not like they ever do, but theyd believe you. You got that stupid cute
thing going for you. You could bring back help.

I- Max couldnt understand the huge jumble of words, although help, he knew.
Need help.

Yeah, we fucking do.

Max started shivering and he shifted, turning around to put his back on the ground.
He tried not to notice the grime on the floor that was now covering his front in dark
smudges, blending in with a few bruises he could see. It was disgusting, and it
could be anything from plain dust to alien rat poop god, he didnt want to think of
that, he realized, his stomach churning again. He felt a bit queasy.

Here, human. Stand where I can see you for a second.

Stand?

Yes, stand. Over the piss-water where I can see you.

Why?

Because I want to jerk off to your scrawny ass, Shoru bit out. Dumbass question.
Why the fuck do you think? So I can try to figure out if we can get out of here.

Max scowled, slowly stood and shifted over, bracing himself over the water. He
covered his dick with his hands, just able to see the cats eyes staring up at him.

Thought I must have misremembered, but youre skinnier than the kid, even, the
man muttered. Good. Look, theyll be coming back soon, human, and I can
guarantee theyve got some nasty plans for you. Just lookin at what theyve done
to that poor kid while Ive been here makes me wanna puke.

As if on cue, a terrified whimper echoed in Shorus chamber down along the water.
Max backed away. What the hell was that? What was the big cat doing to someone
in there? Maybe hed been about to lure Max in closer to the bars and-

Oh stop cowering. Hes in the cell on the other side. Throwback kid; they keep
taking him away andyou dont wanna know. Gimme a sec. Max heard the man
move, his voice low as he moved away from the hole on Maxs side. Hey, shhh. Its
okay, kid. Just a dream. No ones gonna hurt you right now. Go back to sleep, eh?
Dream of kicking their asses. Itll warm you up. Go on, go back to sleep. There was
a high-pitched murmur and Shoru grumbled. No, I cant stay nearby. We might
have a way out of here; I have to see what I can do. Another murmur. Of course
Im not gonna leave you here. Who else am I gonna get to help me kick Warans ass
once Im outta here? Now go to sleep. You need to rest while you can, kid. Shoru
was silent a moment and then Max heard him coming back. He glared out through
the bars when Max stared at him.

What?

What happen to him?

None of your damn business. You really wanna know, you can ask your precious
Kasan when you get the hell out of here and all this shit is behind us.

I-

-dont understand. Yeah, I get that. How about I speak in stupid? You need leave.
Get help. Hows that, dumbed down enough for you?

Max didnt like this cat. His voice was angry, his eyes were so angry Max expected
them to shoot deadly sporks at him. At least when he spoke in that exaggerated
fashion, Max got it. But unless Shoru had some ideas, Max didnt know how to get
out.

You know way to leave?

Shoru snorted derisively. Of course I do. You think Id waste my time with you
unless I did? The damn purists dont keep this up for shit. Bunch of useless
complainers, you ask me.

S-sorry. What?

Shoru sighed. This isnt one of the Havens that the family keeps up. I doubt they
even know about it. Its old as shit, falling apart at the seams, and these assholes do
fuck-all to fix it unless they have to. Or unless they inspect it, which they dont tend
to. Look across the way.

Across the way?

Turn around, moron. Look at the bars on the far side. I can see em from here.

Max looked down at the water, watching where it disappeared under the wall, and
he finally noticed what Shoru was saying. It looked like part of the stone had
crumbled from the other side, weakening the structure, and two of the bars were
missing.

It looked big enough for him to fit through, barely, but would he be able to get out
of the cell on the other side? I see. How leave room?

How leaveoh. That other cells lock is busted all to shit. First cell they put me in,
and they almost didnt notice. I should be so lucky. Dont worry. You can open it.

Max swallowed, thinking about trying to escape, and exactly what that would mean.
And how angry the other cats might be if they caught him. Guards?

Theres none directly outside, that much I can tell you. But beyond that, I havent
seen. Youll have to figure it out.

Butwhat do? Not know where go, what do! He wanted to escape, but what good
was it going to do if he didnt even know what to do after that!

So what? Youre our best chance. Hell, youre Kasans best chance. No way hes
finding a forgotten Haven.

Kasan?

Yeah, Kasan. Your mate? The first time he needs sex and you aint there, thats it
for him, human. Done and over.

Max worried his lip. He couldnt quite figure it out.

Shoru cursed. No Max means no sex means no Kasan, got it? Kasan die.

Max started to tremble. He hadnt thought of that. Sometimes Kasan and he had
sex once a day, sometimes twice a day, but if Max wasnt there and they needed sex?
Would Kasan really die? Aosh was gone, Androcles was gone, but Kasanno, he
couldnt die. That stupid sex-enforcing STD, it couldnt really be that bad, could it?
No sex, Kasandie?

Yeah. Like every other person in the whole godforsaken planet.

Max swallowed and looked at the broken bars again, fear wrapping itself around his
throat and strangling him. Kasan could die because he couldnt find Max? Which
meant that Max couldnt just sit and wait for him to come and rescue him. He had go
find him. He couldnt let him die. If Kasan died, and Max never saw him again? Maxs
throat constricted; he could barely breathe.

Hey, calm the fuck down. You can get us out and it wont matter, right? Max
swallowed, thinking of Kasan, and took a step toward the drain. Not right this
second, you moron! You have to wait a minute. Wait until no one hears. These
doors have been loud as hell so far. If you just open it up right away, theyll hear
and come running.

Wh-what do?

Shoru was quiet for a long minute before he growled out, Wait until I have sex.

Max took a couple quick steps away from Shorus drain. He couldnt have heard
that right. What?

Sex. You know the word, right?

Yes! Know word, but whatdont understand. He had to save Kasan, but there
was no way He wasnt going to have sex just because big cats kept telling him that
people were going to die otherwise! Kasan was the only one, dammit!

Max saw a crooked, self-mocking grin through the hole in the wall. I gotta have sex
to live, too, keerac, even if my mate is a self-righteous bigoted bastard who would
have rather died than fucked me, if he knew I was a bit more throwback than normal.
He should be coming soon; the next heat spike is close.

Max still didnt catch it, except for the sex and mate, and he suddenly realized they
were talking about Shoru having sex with someone else.

Oh thank god.

Stupid. He should have known that. All the cats had to have sex, right? Which
meantthis guys husband had to be one of the bad guys, to have him locked up like
this. It made Max cringe.

Look, dont sneak out until he comes in the cell. This time, Ill fight him. Make a lot
of noise to cover you, right? Hell enjoy it, the fucker. The grin was more savage
now. I gotta tell you, since I have to fuck him anyway, Im gonna enjoy fucking him
over while he thinks hes fucking me over.

Max swallowed. He didnt think hed feel the same way, butit was a good plan,
wasnt it? If they had to have sex, at least he could get away, maybe, and get help?

What a terrible thing to have to do, though. After I open door, where go?

Shoru was quiet, the sound of the water and a soft, childish snore from the far room
keeping it from being completely silent. I dont know, Shoru said slowly. I was
unconscious asleep when they brought me in. I dont know where the tunnel
back is. Try going down to find it. But if you cant find the tunnel, go up. Were
underground. There should be access to the surface. This is under the forest, from
what theyve let slip. You should be able to see the citadel. Justif you go to the
forest, be careful. Shorus voice wasnt very confident.

Go down for a tunnel, or up to a forest, whatever the hell that was. Careful?
What be careful of?

The forest. Lots of shokan in the woods this time of year. Springtime, theyre real
protective of their babies. More aggressive. His voice fell to a mutter. Course,
youre kinda puny, and theyve never seen one of you before, so if you see one,
dont run, dont meet their eyes, just back away slowly and maybe theyll leave you
alone. If that doesnt workrun like hell and find someplace too small for them to
follow.

Shokan? Wild Androcles? Max thought of how big Androcles was getting and
imagined meeting one in the wild. Crap! He was finding the tunnel!

Okay. I-

They both heard a door squeal at the same time and Shoru leapt away from the
hole. Max could imagine him, standing in the middle of the room, crouching, claws
out. Footsteps came closer, and then Shorus door squealed open and slammed shut.

What, youre going to fight me? Warans voice echo from the other room.

This was Shorus husband? Shit!

Hey, I aint got anything better to do, so why not make your life shit, eh? Shoru
sounded almost eager.

Youre only going to make it harder on yourself, Shoru. Waran didnt seem sad
about it. Hell, Ill make sure its harder on you.

Same here, bastard. Why dont you try and see if you can take me without your
damn gun, coward.

I dont need a gun to deal with a throwback. Max heard clothing being shucked.
Im going to enjoy the hell out of this.

Fuck you, too, honey.

Spitting and snarls erupted, like two REALLY big cats in a sack yowling in bass
stereo. It made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. Max shuddered, scared
for Shoru suddenly. He tried not to hyperventilate, and then realized this was it. He
didnt know how long Shoru would last. Max needed to get out now, if he wanted to
help Kasan and Shoru and anyone else at all.

Sprinting to the water, Max grimaced as he stepped into it and crouched down. It
didnt smell foul, like he would have imagined. Looked like a regular stream, actually,
but the thought of what it was had his stomach roiling. He clamped his lips shut and
sucked them into his mouth. He didnt want ANY of this water touching his mouth.
If he could have sealed himself in plastic, he would have. Shuddering again amidst
the battle still raging, he grabbed the bars with both hands and inched his way
through the hole, feet first.

It only took seconds. The space had been wider than hed thought, rubbing against
his skin but not even hard enough to take off skin. The other side was exactly the
same as his own cell had been, except he was miserable and cold and ever more
frightened than hed. He could still hear Shoru and his mate fighting in the next cell,
and no one had stopped to see where he was or what he was doing. With a shiver,
his dick shriveled up to next to nothing from cold and fear, he crept across the floor.

Max looked at the door for a long moment. It looked exactly like the one in his cell,
too. Dark, corroded, the bolts large and angry: a mouth into hell. He had to steel
himself to even touch it, and with a jerky shove, he finally pushed. It didnt move.


His heart kicked in and he shoved against it with a rush of adrenaline, pushing
against the floor with all his strength. It slowly creaked open, light rushing in from
the hallway. Oh thank god!

Max clamped his hands over his mouth, freezing, looking frantically for anyone who
might have heard. Shoru and his mate were still at it, Shoru making as much a
racket as possible. It sounded almost like they were already done fighting and
enjoying really violent sex.

Max shuddered as he realized it was entirely possible. Even thinking about having
sex with anyone but Kasan, who always made it good just by being Kasan, was
abhorrent right now. He had to get out of here and bring back help.

Max looked around frantically. There were only four more cells, three on the
opposite wall, and one on the other side of Shorus. One door was at the end of the
hallway, without the small opening at the bottom that all the cells had.

He tiptoed past Shorus cell, pausing every time there was the smallest slow down
in the noise, and then he froze as he heard a small gasp. Looking to the right, he
saw light glint off a pair of lambent eyes, shining through the hole at the base of the
door. It was the cell where Shoru had said there was another cat, hadnt he? Max
held his finger up to his lips and the eyes blinked back at him before disappearing
back into their cell.

Max wasnt sure if that was a good thing or not.

He swallowed heavily as he approached the door that hopefully led out. It was huge
of course it was huge, stupid giants and he had no idea what was behind it. Hed
just have to move really, really fast, and try not to think about how fast they could
move.

He knew that he could get under their legs, at least. They didnt seem to expect
that when they ran at him. He drew in another breath and started to pull at the door,
only realizing just in time that the speed with which it was opening had nothing to do
with some newly discovered super human strength and everything to do with the
person who was pushing the door open from the other side.

He slammed back against the wall and flinched as the door stopped an inch from his
face. It would have crushed him if not for the small stone doorstop embedded in the
floor by his feet. His blood was so loud he couldn't hear anyone at first, and he
stared, wide-eyed, as the door nearly kissing his nose began to close. Water dripped
down his body, a small puddle forming under his feet. Two large cats walked through
without even glancing his way. He froze for a long moment before he realized they
were heading to his cell, and then he realized the door was half shut already. They
would see him the moment they looked back if Max didnt slip out now!

He dashed for the closing door, shimmying out just before it crashed against the
doorframe, breathing in desperate pants. He was at the very end of another hallway,
but there wasnt a guard outside. He couldnt see anyone at all, just the empty
hallway with a low ceiling, as dark and dim as his cell.

Max was going to have to run, right now. Wet and cold, he sprinted down the
hallway and paused as it ended, a tunnel leading off to either side. A quick peek
around each corner confirmed that both directions were as devoid of people as this
one. He randomly picked the left tunnel and jogged down it as quickly as he could.
There were more openings now, doors and hallways, but none of them seemed to
lead down to a tunnel or up to the forest. He didnt hear anyone, didnt see anyone
either, but he took a few quick turns, in case the men checking his cell were already
out looking for him.

Could these stupid cats not live in a damned maze, just once?

The air over his naked body and the constant worry that someone was about to
walk out and see him had his nerves on the ragged edge. He had to get out of here!
If he didnt get out, then theyd catch him and Kasan would die and no one would
ever know what had happened to Androcles and theyd do things to Maxs body
and.

He just had to get back to Kasan.

Max came to the end of a hallway again and turned left at random, feeling panic
well up when it led to another series of blank tunnels and turns without anything but
incomprehensible plaques on the walls to help figure out where he was going. He
was going to die. Kasan was going to die. Shoru would die. The other cat in the cell
would die. And all because Max was a stupid idiot who couldnt even read a sign!

His breathing sped up and he stomped it back down. Shut up, shut up, shut up!
His mind could just shut up! When he got out and found Kasan and had sex, then
Kasan would come back and kick these bastards' asses. And help Shoru and the
other one. That was all that was going to happen. Max wasnt going to get caught
and no one else was going to die.

No dying, and lots of sex. Max and Kasan would go have celebratory sex and hed
grab Kasan by the ears and kiss the shit out of him because the stupid big cat
deserved it for all the crap he put Max through and Max didnt want to see that
horrible sad look on his face, or go this long without feeling his hand over Maxs
head or down his back or even touching his ass.

He never wanted to be this frightened for someone ever again, not even himself.
And Max had to hurry. He wasnt sure how much longer he had less than a day?
before Kasan would want sex again. And if Max wasnt there

Max started running faster, trying to catch himself before any corners. He looked
up at the plaques that gave directions, but he couldn't stop long enough to try and
remember them. Now he could hear angry voices coming and going, however,
echoing around him as he second guessed himself and turned back so often that he
was starting to lose track of where he was going. He could be going in circles for all
he knew. In fact, he was pretty sure that the letters that looked like a cat humping a
log were the same one as the sign three turns ago.

Kasan, dont give up. God, Max was going to screw it up. He always screwed
things up. He knew it, his parents had known it, and even Shoru knew it. He couldnt
do this!

He threw himself against a doorway as he thought he heard footsteps coming closer
but it turned out to be another echo and he ran even faster to get away from it.
Dammit, he was such a freaking wimp! Shoru had taken it up the ass during a
catfight just so Max could get out, and now he was going to give up? And Kasan was
going to be looking for him, but what if he came and Waran found him first? What if
he was as nice to Waran as hed been before and Waran hurt Kasan?

Kasan needed him. Breathing into his palms to stop the hyperventilating that was
coming as sure as rain, he tried to keep it controlled. He had to do this! No panicking!
Dammit, he wasnt going to panic. He wasnt!

Leaning against the wall, he pushed through the fear and was rather amazed when
he stopped it in time. His breathing slowed and the tingling buzz in his hands and
feet dissipated. Okay, okay, he could do this. Justslow down a little, be careful, find
a way out. He knew they were looking for him now, big basketball-player-sized cats
that could come storming down the hallway to find him at any time, but he could
still-

Five basketball-player-sized cats stomped into the hallway from a side corridor and
stopped dead, staring at him.

Oh shit! Max flung panic to the winds and turned around, running so fast he was
almost falling over. He heard the cats exclaim once before they were on his heels.
They were going to catch him in just a few seconds. He couldnt outrun things with
legs the size of ostriches!

Peeling off down a side corridor hed missed before, one darker than the others, he
tripped and slammed onto his belly when he hit a set of stairs, just missing crushing
his dick. They went up shit, up, not down! but the cats were coming behind him
and he leapt up the steps so fast his muscles were burning through his skin. The
stairway turned and he kept going.

Coming out of the turn, he fell over a chunk of rubble. With a painful stumble, Max
nearly went headfirst into a section of masonry. No!

The entire tunnel had fallen in the middle of the stairs, huge piles of stone blocking
his path from floor to ceiling. He turned; the cats were so close he could almost
smell them. Max scrambled up, over a block of stone the size of Androcles, looking
frantically for a way through. One of the cats leapt at him and he fell forward over
the rubble with a yelp. The hand missed his foot by an inch. He ducked into a
shadow between two small boulders of collapsed ceiling and fell into a depression.

Scrabbling into it on his back, he looked up, saw another cats shadow loom over
the previous mound of rubble, and realized he was seeing a pale glow out of the
corner of his eye. There shouldnt be any there. He would have missed it if it werent
for the cats shadow.

There was an opening between the boulders. Max threw himself towards the gap at
the base of the pile where he was hiding, squirming into it like a baby seeking the
light. He felt fingers slip off his heel and he yelped again, pushing forward. It was
tight, like a fist squeezing his body through a tube, but he squirmed madly, seeing
the cats tossing blocks of masonry about like cheesy styrofoam at least in his
imagination.

It opened out a little after he pushed through, rough and claustrophobic, but it
looked like two large rocks had sheared off in sheets when they collapsed and fell
against each other like a tent. They created a small crawlspace underneath that he
was moving through as quickly as he could.

Could the cats get through this? Would they know where it came out? He crawled
faster, bashing his head a couple of times and cutting his shoulder on a jagged rock
pushing out into the little crawlspace. His knees burned where they scraped over
the stone. He was panting and wheezing when he finally found an opening, as tight
as the space that hed entered through. He writhed through it, taking off skin as he
struggled with the irregular opening. With one last shout, he flopped onto the steps
above him, floundering like a baby seal.

Max stumbled to his feet, slipping and slamming into the wall before he righted
himself. There was no one around, and dust was thick in the air where hed just
kicked it up with his feet. It coated his skin, damp from sweat and sour with fear and
maybe a little pee; hed been that scared. The staircase continued up, but he heard
nothing. No one sounded as though they were coming down for him.

Maybe they were waiting for him up ahead like some creepy cat venus flytrap. Max
shuddered and made himself move. He could do this. The stairs were too big, and
there were too many, and how the heck was he going to find anything once he got
out of this building, he didnt know, but he could do it. If the outside of Kasans
home was the same as the inside, Max could find it, but otherwise

No, it would work. The outside of Kasans house would look just like the inside, all
golden and big and stone-like. Max had this.

Dammit, he whispered, and shivered as it echoed far too loudly.

Sweating heavily now the air seemed warmer Max stopped as he came to a door
at the top of the stairs. It was large enough for three cats to enter at once and
looked like it hadnt been opened in a long, long time. Dust was settled in front of it
like a carpet, just like the rest of the staircase. Looking back, Max could see his
footprints were the only ones in the grimy mess.

Sowhere did the door go? Could he get out, or would it take him to more cats?
Or what if there were no cats but just guard blobs like in Kasans garden? Or wild
Androcles? Or bugs that might inject him with poisons and suck his innards out
through a straw and-

Max cupped his hands over his face again, breathing carefully. He wasnt going to
panic and screw this up. He washe was going to save Kasan. Thats what this was
about. Not himself. He was going to save Kasan, because if he didnt do this, then
Kasan would die and Max couldnt live with himself if Kasan died. Something was
wrong with the world if Kasan wasnt in it anymore.

Max stared up at the door and reached out to open it up. He tensed, his muscles
tight. He didnt want to have to run again, but if he didnt open the door, hed never
get to Kasan. He took a deep, unsteady breath, and pulled.












Fiction~~The Last Pure Human~~Ch. 30


The Last Pure Human
Chapter 30 - Naked into the Wilderness




The tall door opened with a newly-oiled smoothness. Shadowed sunlight seeped in
and spread out as the gap between the door and its frame widened, but Max stopped
pulling, listening hard.

Maybe someone actually had oiled the stupid door and this was some kind of trap
where theyd be waiting outside to snag him and take him back to the cell like a
rebellious lab mouse. There was no way he was standing out in the open like an idiot
just to find out. Hed keep it cracked like this and hide behind it until he knew for
sure.

The door continued its silent glide, opening toward him at a faster pace than before.
It didnt seem to care that he wasnt freaking touching it anymore. Crap!

He took a quick step back, slamming his palms against the thick slab to no effect.
Stop, you damn door! Max stumbled back again and flattened against the wall. The
door rushed at him, blocking his vision and so huge he knew it was going to crush
him before he could leap to the side. Max closed his eyes, apologized to Kasan, and
braced himself to become the first human pancake in Kyashin history. A small rush
of air poked his nose, but no door. A low, grinding thud clamored at his feet.

And he was still there. Cracking open one lid, all he could see was the door. It had
stopped? How?

Max tried to hold his breath, quiet now that it might already be too late. This could
be exactly like inside the prison, when someone had come in. But this time theyd
know to look for him. Hed have to sneak out and run fast. Max listened for footsteps
or talking, but the muted clamor from outside was masking anything quiet. A
pungent earthiness swept in on the humid air. Twittering and a loud howl that
sounded very far away trickled in with the smell.

But no shadow moved past the small ribbon of light between the door and the wall.
Nothing was coming in. Were they waiting? He squirmed sideways a millimeter and
stopped, still listening. Anything? Had anything heard him?

Max squirmed another toes length, and then another, inching toward the gap that
led to freedom at the edge of the door. He finally noticed a small upraised stone in
the floor that had caught the door and saved him from a painful, squashed death.

Thank god for cat-invented doorstops.

He had to gather a little more courage once he got to the doors edge. If anything
was waiting for him, this would be it. One big swallow and Max peeked into the
corridor. No one. Max melted against the wall, blowing out his breath and laughing
shakily. Safe. No cats, no monsters. Just the forest.

Something screeched, high-pitched and furious, and he clutched at the slab, staring
out at the empty doorway and finding it not as comforting as it had been a few
seconds before. The bright punch of the forest seemed to scramble his brain, too-
bright colors dazzling his eyes.

Holy crap, he whispered.

He was on an alien planet.

Not that he didnt know that, buthed been inside before. A building, a walled
garden, hallways and kitchens and hordes of tall barbarian cats. That had been
frightening. This was justthere.

Somehow, the fact that not one bit of it had ever interacted with Max, and probably
didnt care about his existence one way or another, was scarier than anything hed
run across yet.

Everything about it screamed alien jungle just as loudly as the raucous calls he
could hear. The sky was that too-bright blue hed seen above the walled gardens, so
brilliant it looked painted on. Some of the plants were familiar colors. Ferns and a
few bushes, and the trees had plenty of green leaves and brown trunks, even if they
were large enough to make a rainforest feel the need to compensate. But a few trees
had it reversed, with green trunks and leaves a dark and rather evilly glistening
brown. The floor of the forest was oddly free from the normal detritus that he
associated with woods. Very few leaves and twigs and more rock-strewn dirt in
winding paths between emerging roots.

And there was a bright pink tree, right in the middle of it all, heavy fruit hanging
from the branches. The tree and its fruit were both as pink as the stupid blobs in
Kasans garden, and even thinking about them made Max scan the forest, frantically
keeping his body covered by the door.

Shoru had said the forest had wild Androcles. Would they have wild pink blobs, too?
Or blob herds? Oh God, he whimpered. But he had to go out. No cats had found
him yet, but that didnt mean they werent on their way. And Kasan would need him
soon. Max had to get his head out of his ass and get moving.

With a tremulous breath, Max stepped out fully from behind the gargantuan door. A
gust of wind that smelled like orchids ruffled his hair, but not the hair on his head.
Max covered his dick with his hand automatically, feeling exposed and stupid about it
because really, who the hell was going to see? Just because he felt absolutely
vulnerable with everything hanging out, it didnt mean that anything bad had
designs on his dick.

Unless Kasans planet had bugs just as big as everything else?

Max shuddered, images of every Animals that Kill episode hed ever seen running
through his head. Hadnt there been one about some Amazonian flies that laid eggs
in peoples bodies? He shuddered again. God, he didnt think he could take that.

Although at least if the bugs matched Kasan, theyd be easy to see, the freaking
ginormous bastards. Max stayed just inside the door frame, keeping his feet off the
packed earth outside. He wasnt afraid, he reminded himself, he was just making
sure there wasnt something about to jump out at him, like huge catmen or wild
dogs or beetles the size of footballs.

Max thought he heard the faintest scritch scratch to the right and froze. It grew
louder, so faint that every time the wind blew, the sound of the leaves covered it up.
Max tensed, adrenaline flooding his system. He backed away from the doorway, eyes
glued to the right side of the door. What the hell was he going to do? He didnt have
a weapon, hell, he didnt even have any clothes! Maybejust close the door and wait
the thing out, whatever it was?

Max reached for the door to do just that. an ant the size of his pinky nail crawled
into view. It pulled a leaf along behind it, scritch scratch.

Oh justfuck!

And now he was a stupid idiot. The ant ignored his outburst entirely and pulled the
leaf in front of the doorway resolutely, pausing to change its grip a few times before
it disappeared around the other side.

Okay, so yeah, the stupid thing was big, but not too big, right? Earth had bugs that
big. Max could do this. Just step out into the jungle and look around until he saw
Kasans home. Then he could find Kasan andand tell him about Waran.

And tell him about Aosh and Androcles.

Clenching his fists, Max chewed on his lip painfully until he could keep from crying.
Androcles had just been trying to save him and those fucking bastards had cut him
down like he was nothing. And Aosh. Max couldnt believe hed fought Waran and the
other cat like that, just for Max. The big cat had been such an asshole, and then to
do that for him? Unless someone had found them right away, there was no way they
could have survived. Maybe not even if they were found right away.

There had been so much blood.

Max gagged once before clamping down on his stomach muscles. Max had to tell
Kasan. Kasan should know what they'd done. And Max had to say thank you, even if
Aosh couldn't hear him say it any more.

Max chewed on his lip some more, holding it inside. Get to Kasan first, get sexed up,
and then he could freak out and fall apart. Kasan first.

Maxs entire body quivered wildly as he took the first step out the door and onto the
warm dirt. He looked around, turning his head to try and see every angle at once,
twisting so fast it made him dizzy. If anything was there, it wasnt jumping out at
him, and he couldnt see it, either.

He checked the forest around him again, slower this time, looking higher. No
animals, although he could hear they were around, and there sure as hell wasnt any
yellow, stone skyscraper anywhere. The trees were so tall, their foliage so thick, that
he couldnt see past the first few, except to see beyond them to more trees just like
them.

Max wanted to wrap his arms around his stomach and just quietly panic until
someone found him. Except there was no guarantee that whoever found him would
be a good guy. Or that they knew Kasan, even. Or that theyd come in time.

Max was feelingantsy. His cock was thinking of erections, a bit stiffer than it
should be for a body part that had no protective gear on in a forest full of pointy
things. Stupid anal loving nympho, he muttered.

Staring up at the trees, starting whenever something exceptionally loud screeched
near him, Max wondered where he going to go to get help if he couldnt figure out
where to go. Hell, how would he even know if any cats he saw were good guys or
bad guys? Hed only met a handful of them! What was he supposed to do if he saw
one? Run away, or try to get them to help? Or find another town and hope they
could understand what he said and help him find Kasan and

And

Max started hyperventilating again and smacked himself in the face to stop it.
Kasan needs you. Straighten up, Max!

He could get to Kasan, right? Yeah. He could. Totally. Humans could do anything. As
long as Max could freaking find him. And soon.

His ass was starting to feel empty.

Max just needed something that might give him a clue. It wasnt dark yet, but he
could see the shadows were longer. Late afternoon, if not evening. Max wasnt quite
sure how long the sun lasted here; hed never been outside long enough to tell. But
if he didnt think of something soon, it would be too dark to find anything but a tree
when his face ran into it.

Maybe if he climbed up one of the trees for a better vantage point?

Max stumbled across the dirt. Wincing as his bare feet trod over sharp rocks and
something slimy that he didnt want to even think about he made it to the nearest
tree without scratching his dick to pieces on any of the lower hanging branches. The
trunk was enormous, but it had branches sprouting at every angle, the lowest no
higher than his knee. Heavy limbs jutted out from the trunk as far as he could, high
above him, lost in the heavy green leaves.

Climbing it was scarier than Max would have thought. He refused to reach up over
his head at first, putting his feet on the branches that he could see. Touching
anywhere he couldnt seem first seemed like a good way to get bitten by some
hidden alien bug. They could be sitting on top of a branch like some evil chameleon,
waiting to gnaw on some clumsy, human hand.

At least everything seemed to run away from him. Max saw blurs streak through the
air above him, making branches shake violently in the nearby trees when they
landed. He could do this. He could really do this. Max made it up high enough that
he could no longer make out the ground, had a moment of pride at his skill, and
then slipped.

He scrabbled frantically, grabbed one branch as his feet slipped off a coating of
slimy moss, and his body slammed against the trunk. Max screamed loudly enough
that if there were any catmen looking for him, theyd know right where he was.

The echo had just faded when his feet found the trunk again and he clung against
the tree, panting in fright. Everything was silent, all the sounds that had echoed
through the forest falling quiet. And in the silence, the naked expanse of his skin
that had kissed the tree began to complain loudly. Max bit his lip and peeled himself
away from the tree an inch to look down his stomach.

Small scratches beaded sluggishly with blood along his chest and abs. But worse,
the bark had scraped the side of his cock raw. Max whimpered, wanting to scream
again when a breeze shifted the limb he was on and he hugged the tree tight. It
smushed his dicks raw spot against the bark again. He had to breathe through the
pain. Looking up, the pungent smell of the bark strong in his nostrils, Max had to
force himself to lift up a foot to the next branch and start climbing again.

Berating his own stupidity helped.

Dummy. Those damn cats could have heard you. Real men dont scream. Or
whimper. Tarzan never screamed when he scraped up his dick, did he? No, he didnt.
Stoic and calm and swinging from the trees and that was it. A few large streaks
shook the branches above him, diving to another tree, and he froze until their
hooting died away. His voice was shaky as he climbed and talked to himself at the
same time. His arches curled over the crumbling edges of the bark every time he
stepped on a new branch.

B-be like Tarzan. Thats the goal. Stoic and calm, like Tarzan. His ass got poked
by a molesting twig and he cursed. He tried to shimmy and dislodge it but the stupid
thing embedded itself in the fleshy part and wouldnt let go. Shaking, he let go with
one hand and reached back to break it off. Max looked at the twig once he freed
himself was that a thorn on the end? and tried to ignore the unpleasant
throbbing in his dick.

He never thought hed actually miss his ass-rope clothing.

And come to think of it, Tarzan hadnt been naked, had he? Bet Tarzan wouldnt be
so brave without his loincloth. Lucky bastard. Max kept climbing another few
branches and had to stop to take a rest. Maybe he was high enough now?

He held on tight, clinging to the nearest branches with a white-knuckled grip, and
looked through the leaves. Trees surrounded him on all sides, but it was thinner up
here. The branches were slighter, less foliated.

And it was scary-ass high, he thought, looking down for only a second before he
stuck to gazing around his own height.

Dammit, he still couldnt see-

No, wait, there was something there.

Max looked above his head, found a slightly thicker branch that didnt look too
precarious, and pulled himself up. If he could get away from the trunk along the
branch, just a little bit, he thought he might be able to see something. Straddling it
gingerly and leaning forward to hold on for dear life, he inched his way out. The air
underneath his branch felt deeper than the ocean.

And his body was complaining about new scrapes that were nearly impossible to
ignore. Another warning to put in the human exploration handbook: treebark and
bare testicals dont mix.

Whimpering, Max squinted as he tried to make out the strange shape in the
distance and ignore how much his body wanted to lie down and whine. That thing, it
was definitely something that didnt seem natural. Too many straight lines. It looked
almost like the golden glow when the sun was going down, intensified into one
blockish space in the sky. Except the sun was low in the sky on the other side.

That has to be it. Didnt it? Please be Kasans home. Max picked out a few trees
along the straight path to the golden block that he thought he could remember:
another disgustingly pink one with a strange trunk, two of the brown leafed giants
that had grown together in a twisting pattern, and then another pink one that had
bright green leaves decorating it in stripes all the way down.

Then he shakily made his way back to the trunk and headed to the ground as fast
as dick safety and not-looking-down-ever-again would allow. Max started running
the second he hit the ground. He was doing it. He knew where to go that had to be
Kasans home and nothing had bothered him and the catmen hadnt caught him
yet. All he had to do was make it through the forest, go find Kasan, and have really
quick, heavy, hot sex.

Maxs dick twitched, he tripped, and then he yelped as he stepped on a freaking
enormous thorn.
He hopped on one foot to pull it out and kept running in between the tree trunks. It
was almost like a path, very little growth and only a small vine that crept along the
ground next to him.

Ow, crap! Another thorn embedded itself in the same foot and he cursed again.
Trying to stand on one foot to pull it out, he stepped on another sticker with his good
foot and fell over onto his ass trying to avoid stomping the king of thorns into the
soles of his feet. He pulled one long spike out of his foot, nearly as half as long as his
finger, and then dethorned his other foot as well.

Max made it another three steps before it happened again. And then again. He was
looking so freaking closely at the ground, he would swear there were no thorns, but
every single time, his feet were finding them among the vines leaves. And they
freaking hurt! After a few more minutes, he had to bite his lip as he tried to walk,
doggedly taking another step, switching between watching the ground and watching
the pink tree he could just see in the distance that told him he was still going the
right way.

Dont be a wuss, Max. Kasan needs you. You stop to pull out every stupid thorn,
youre never going to get there and itll be too late, so deal with it!

Max shuddered, not even wanting to think about what too late would mean. He
had to stop for another thorn. He didnt want to, but they were so large, he couldnt
leave them in or he might not be able to walk at all. He was sostupid! He was
screwing this all up, and he couldnt. Kasan couldnt afford for Max to be a screw up
this time.

Kasan was counting on him to get back in time to take it in the ass.

That is so dumb. Who goes to rescue someone and does that? His ass felt so
completely empty though. Like it needed Kasan just to fill up the hollow place inside
his body. He bit his lip. Yeah, bet that ones never been on the jacket cover of any
action movies. Hero comes just in time to bend over for his boyfriend and save the
day. His muttering startled a few insects near him and they flittered away in a
swarm of iridescent yellow.

An enormous swarm of iridescent yellow. Crap, these were the kind of bugs hed
been worried about. They were like fat dragonflies, but almost as long as his forearm.
For the next few minutes, he walked with a bad case of the heebie jeebies, whipping
around every time he thought he felt something brush against his back or arms. It
made him step on thorns even more frequently; his feet were giant hot knots of pain
now. Theyd been stinging ever since the first poke, but they were starting to feel
swollen, and scarily numb in a couple places.

What did that? Poison? Venom? Was somethingoh god, was something getting into
him? Max sat down on a giant coiled root and examined at his feet more closely. It
was hard to tell in the shade, but he thought that a few of the punctures were
already turning red. Max poked at his feet. Definitely puffy. But nothing seemed to
be moving under his skin or something terrifyingly awful like that.

Max glared at the trickle of vine along the path next to him. This was so typical. He
wasnt even being stopped by the big-ass cats, but by a damn plant! How lame was
that? Max bit his lip and looked ahead. The shadows under the trees were gray and
dim creepy almost but he could see the bright pink tree that hed picked to help
lead the way. If he could make it there, maybe he could rest his feet for just a
minute.

I am not going to screw this up. Glancing at his feet, he stopped to look at the
ground more closely. No feet-harpooning vines grew around the roots. He thought a
moment and checked the ground next to the trees on either side. No vines. Actually,
the vines didnt grow near the trees at all. They were all on the open ground where
the walking was easiest. If Max tried hiking over the roots of the trees, maybe he
could avoid them.

As long as I dont have to keep taking the stickers out, thats gotta be faster.

Maxs feet were clumsy with pain, making him trip constantly over pebbly shallows,
roots emerging from the ground, and uneven humps and furrows. The rougher
surface felt like someone was scraping the soles of his feet with a cheese grater
every time he touched the ground. But he made it a few feet without stepping on a
thorn, and then a few more, and after a dozen more he began to think that hed
finally figured it out.

Not in time to keep his feet from resembling a pincushion, but if Max could keep
going, he could get to Kasan. Say he was sorry forfor whatever it was that had
happened. Seeing Kasans withdrawn expression had felt so freaking awful. It was
hard to remember what it was like, not feeling the warmth of that broad palm over
his head when Kasan messed with his hair. Or what it had been like to go to sleep
without all Kasans warmth right next to him.

It was so hard to remember what it had been like, before Kasan. But what he did
remember felt so damned alone.

Im coming Kasan. Just wait a little longer. Max stumbled against a tree as his
body he wasnt sure what to call it. The slight emptiness inside doubled. Tripled. He
felt utterly, painfully hollow. What did thatdid that mean that Kasan needed sex
now? Waswas Max already going to be too late?

No. No. Aosh and Androcles andno. Not Kasan. No fucking way!

Max pushed away from the tree and started to run, whimpering between breaths at
the hot pain stabbing up his legs but still running. He couldnt be too late! He had to
make it back to Kasan. Kasan wouldnt know where he was, or what had happened,
and he thought Max didnt care about him. He thought

Shit. There was no way Max was going to let him die because they couldn't have
sex! That was stupid way to die. It shouldnt be real, to die from lack of sex. Just
stupid, stupid, stupid. And he wasnt going to let it happen to Kasan, or himself, or
either of them.

Passing the bright pink trunk, Max hunted for the next road mark. And he could see
it, up ahead. Two sinister freaking trees curling together right in the middle of a
huge patch of the vines. He ran towards it as fast as he could, starting to feel the
strain in his legs, then stopped dead as something slithered out from behind another
tree in front of him.

Three glistening, putrescently pink blobs, nearly twice the size of the one in Kasans
garden. Max flung himself to the side against a bright pink sapling, scraping his ass
on the bark. A citrus scent wafted around him from the tree at his back, a strangely
familiar smell that his mind noted even while he was frantically trying to figure out
what the hell he could do. If he was really still, maybe they couldnt see him. They
didnt have eyes, right? Maybe?

Max didnt know what the hell they had to see with, but he was sure theyd spotted
him when they stopped quivering for a moment, and then the outrageous, ridiculous
spikes emerged and they glided right at him.

Shit! Max spun around, sprinting back the way hed come, and tripped over a root.
He would have yelled but he was so frantic to get back up and see how close they
were that he didnt make a sound until he made it to his feet. Max looked behind him
and theyd already covered half the distance, leaves crunching underneath with a
rustling woosh.

Max turned and ran. Shiiiiiiiiiiit!

Watching his feet, leaping over the roots and rocks and trying to keep ahead of
them, he tripped again and nearly went headlong into a tree trunk. Max shoved
away, dizzy with the agony lancing his feet, and glanced back. They were even
closer. The thorns on the path didnt seem to bother them at all. The freaking things
were going to catch him!

Could lose them in the forest, away from the flat ground? Big and blobby and fat,
they couldn't move as fast where the trees were thicker, could they? Max turned,
leapt off the root into the heavier shadows of the forest, and fell right into a bush.
Swatting the leaves and twigs from his face, he scrambled through them, turned to
look back again, and stumbled out right into a patch of the damned vines. Three
thorns went into his feet as he fumbled through them and he collapsed against
another tree.

Get out get out get out! He tried to pull the first thorn free, sobbing as the it came
clear, but the blobs were almost on him. One was oozing through the bush, some of
the branches sliding through the damned thing and back out like it was made of jello.
The other two were coming around on either side of it, slipping over the ground.
They made no noise other than the rush of their bodies over roots and pebbles.

Scrabbling backwards on his ass, trying to yank out thorns at the same time, Max
looked around frantically for a weapon, a branch low enough for him to climb,
anything! He ended up backed against a hollow in between ponderously huge roots,
throwing handfuls of pebbles at them and shouting obscenities. They flowed over
the ground until they had him penned in. All three slid down into the hollow.

He could see his own reflection off the glistening flesh of the one in the middle, in
between the spikes. The sound of its body was a smooth boulder rolling down to
crush him. Maxs voice stuck in his throat, a low pathetic whimper barely making it
out. Kasan

Something huge and brown lunged out of the tree above him and Max screamed.
His eyes couldnt track what happened next, blurs and streaks of motion whipping
around the ground in front of him. Maxs body jerked when the ground shook from
another enormous creature landing next to him and suddenly he was in the air,
pressure around his middle and hot breath over his skin. He screamed again.

The forest swayed dizzily underneath. Max got an impression of pink blobs torn
apart by a swarm of enormous caramel and cream animals the size of small
elephants before the thing holding him took off through the trees. Max dry heaved
every few leaps. He pounded at the muzzle in between heaving, kicking wildly and
squirming inside the things mouth.

You stupid, freaking, alienmonster! He twisted and scratched at its nose, a black
leathery thing the size of Maxs head. The animal made an odd snuffling snort. It
leapt down through the trees, gaining the ground and spitting Max out just before it
let out an enormous sneeze. Its teeth clicked together audibly.

Max landed with a thud, rolling ass over heels in a pile of soft dirt. He tried to stand
before remembering the thorns still in his feet and cried out. The animal sneezed
again and he huddled against the ground, then slowly turned his head an stared up
atAndrocles-zilla.

Holy crap. For a bright moment he thought it was Androcles after more growth,
before he remembered the cats spear gutting him. Androcles was gone, just like
Aosh, or so damaged theyd need months to recover. The stupid wild Androcles
wasnt even the same color, a completely different pattern over its fur. And it had to
be nearly five times as big, too.

A shaky hand began to slide one of the remaining thorns from his foot. He needed
to be able to run, and even if his feet hurt so badly he didnt want to so much as
walk, hed better freaking fly out of this place and away from the huge muzzle that
was sneezing again over his head. His heart beat painfully fast. The intensely musky
smell and huge teeth scared the crap out of him. It could probably leap thirty feet at
once, with its size. How the hell was he supposed to escape a wild Androcles the size
of aa triceratops?

Max yanked out the first thorn successfully, biting his lip as hard as he could to hold
back a whimper of pain, and then pried free the other just as the animal looked
down. Max yipped as the thorn came out too fast and then stared up into huge,
orange and black eyes and tried to see it as something he could escape instead of
something that was soon going to have him for dinner. It wouldnt even have to
chew.

N-n-nice doggy. Max scooted away on his ass, hoping some kind of weapon would
be visible out of the corner of his eyes, which was all he felt he could use. He didnt
want to look away from the thing looming above him like a furred mountain. Why
dont you go and eat some more pink blobs, huh? They t-t-taste m-much better
than m-m-me. Max scooted back a few more inches and the orange and black eyes
narrowed. Elephant-dog took a step forward and lowered its muzzle.

Max held up his arms defensively in front of his face, swinging out. No!

The enormous nose snuffled over his arms, ignoring the smacks against it. Its
mouth stayed closed; no teeth. Max opened his eyes only when he realized that hed
closed them. The furred face was right in front of him, a huge frightening muzzled
face that was nearly as broad as Maxs arms were wide. The things breath stank of
something meaty and moved the hair on his head with every exhalation. Trembling,
Max slithered back with shaking legs that could barely push him along in the dirt,
sure the mouth would open and bite down over his head. The animals eyes
narrowed and there was more sniffing as its head followed him. The noise of
breathing was loud and heavy in Maxs ears.

Unable to stop shaking, Max leaned back again, turning his head to the side when it
followed and its nose made a wet path over his chest and down his legs as it
checked him over. Oh god, please let me smell boring and like something
completely unappetizing and disgusting. He yelped and scrambled away as it moved
back up his legs and paused for a second at his crotch.

Max backed into something warm and solid. Stumbling to his feet, he tumbled
around and stood face to face with another enormous Androcles clone on steroids
The breath stunk even worse. Maxs feet and the empty need in his ass were dull
aches in the back of his mind while knee-shaking terror swamped him. Panting in
high-pitched wheezes, Max shifted to the side, unable to take his eyes away from
the dark amber eyes. He stopped when he hit something warm and furred with his
shoulder.

God, no. No. No, please dont be another one. I just want to go home. I want
Kasan! Max finally turned his head and stared directly into another giants gaze, this
one flatter and freaking scary. Spinning around at a sudden crash to his left, he
wanted to cry as two more jumped from the trees. He was totally surrounded, and
there was the sound of more leaping to the ground around him until he was in the
middle of a freaking herd of vicious wild giant mutant alien dogs.

His throat tightened up too much to keep his voice. I just need to get to Kasan, he
whispered miserably. Why werent they killing him yet? They didntgod , they didnt
play with their food like a cat, did they? His head swiveled from side to side, not
wanting to see the one that crushed him between its teeth but unable to look away.
None of them encroached on his small bubble of space. The ones directly around him
looked at each other silently, not even a growl to break the tension, and then every
head turned to stare at him in unison. He shivered.

Max swayed on his feet as the hollow feeling inside intensified again. God, Kasan.
They were going to kill him and Kasan would never even know what happened and
hed die and How ab-bout if I j-just move p-past you all and you p-pretend Im
not even here?

Nothing jumped him as he spoke, although a few looked away to stare at each other
again. Maybemaybe they really might let him go? Did they just hate the pink blobs
and now theyd justlet him go?

Max took a step towards a small gap between two of the dogs and nothing
happened. Another step, so he was standing directly between the teethy muzzles of
two of the huge animals. But when he turned to sidle through, holding his breath
and clamping his teeth together to keep them from chattering, one dog shifted and
nudged him back to the center of them all with his head. Max tripped backward and
fell over onto his ass. One of the dogs opened his mouth, pantinglaughing just like
Androcles.

Its not freaking funny! Maxs entire body felt bruised and scraped and aching and
he was scared shitless and the stupid monsters were just laughing at him! Shut
up! He rubbed at his face furiously. And Im not freaking crying, either!

The dog that had knocked him back his fur so dark brown it looked like burnt
chocolate padded over and crouched down. The mouth opened as Max stared,
frozen. The tongue came out and

Stop! Max turned away to keep his mouth free of a tongue the size of a life jacket
and yelled as he was picked up again in a giant mouth. He tensed, expecting to feel
it crushing him the next second. It maneuvered him around in its mouth, holding
him around the middle, and the tongue slithered against his side. But as terrifying as
it was to have all the teeth up next to him, it wasnt biting down. But it might. Any
moment now and it was going to clamp down over his bones and slurp him up
andjump into a tree?

Maxs stomach lurched as it climbed up the trunk with him in its mouth. Huh? Let
me go!

It completely ignored him and started moving along the heavier trunks of the trees
around them, leaping from one to another. Max could hear the others following,
flowing around them on other trees. The spots where the teeth were touching his
stomach were digging in a little but he barely noticed. He was too busy trying to
control the urge to heave as his head swung every time the dog moved. Maxs view
shifted from the ground to the trees to the other dogs over and over and he knew he
was going to barf over all of them if it didnt stop soon.

Max closed his eyes. Dont be sick. Dont be sick. Dont be sick. As nauseated and
terrified as he felt, he couldnt get rid of the feeling in his ass. He needed Kasan so
freaking much.

By the time the dogs actually came back down to earth, Max was limp. He felt
wrung out, aching, and ready to hurl, although hed managed to keep down his lunch.
And he wasnt dead, not yet. He could still get away and get to Kasan, if he knew
where Kasan was, or where he was, or where any freaking thing in the damn forest
was.

Maxs breath wooshed out of him as he was suddenly dropped on his ass. Dammit,
will you stop that! There were a few seconds to flinch in case they were about to
stomp him, and then a few more when that didnt happen, and then he had a
moment to look where he was. A sandy hollow, similar to where hed been trapped
by the blobs, with roots forming a wall around three sides that was so huge it was
almost as tall as Max. What the hell were they doing with him?

Max looked up at the number of dogs ringing the shallow pit, lounging above him on
the sides of the heavy roots. There was a sudden chorus of whines behind him
whimpering, high pitched, and growing louder.

Max whipped around, grinding his ass into the dirt as he did so. What hed thought
was a shadow in the base of the tree roots was actually a large den. A small herd of
dogs, smaller than Androcles when Max had first seen him, came charging out. He
stared at them, only enough time to think hed been brought to feed them, and then
they were on him. Knocking him over andlicking.

Aaaagh! Stop it! Enoughha, no, stop that tickles! Aaaaah, stop! There had to be
at least twenty of them, little fuzzballs clambering all over him. Max couldnt get up
without hurting some of them and he was sure the adults would kill him for that
so he finally gave up and let them assault him with their tongues.

By the time they calmed down and were squirming happily near his body, rolling
over as he tried to pet them to keep them from attacking him with their slobber
again, Max was feeling safer, but he wished he knew what the hell was going on.
Just once, just freaking once, cant something make sense?

He stood up slowly and the puppies scattered, running around his legs with happy
little yips. One of them went tumbling head over heels towards the sloping entrance
to the sandy den, where a few elephant-dogs stood guard. One enormous bastard
that would have given T-rex a run for his money very calmly pushed the puppy back
towards the rest of them with its paw, licking it once before the little one scrambled
back to the others to play. Once that started, however, the puppies went tumbling
around in a giant ball of small teeth and ears and pudgy bellies.

The dogs lounging at the top of the roots and the ones that blocked the entrance
were all watching the area outside of the hollow or watching the puppies. Maybe
they wouldnt notice if Max tried to leave? If he wasnt food and he wasntwell, he
didnt know what he was or what he wasnt, but if they werent going to eat him,
theyd let him leave.

They had to let him leave. Kasan needed to have sex, and he needed Max.

Max walked slowly toward the one side not blocked by the coiled bulk of the roots.
He couldnt help talking as soon as he got near the three dogs lying in front of him.
So, II appreciate the rescue and all, and, uh, you have a lovely home, but I need
to get back now. I need Kasan, and he needs sex, so Ill have to be leaving now,
understand?

He smiled and tried to ease by one of them, a female, he thought, if only because
the other one was really obviously not a female. Rather obscenely obviously not a
female. A non-male felt a bit safer to him, even if she was a little bigger.

Max walked up close to her, his feet stinging fiercely with each step. She turned her
head to watch him but didnt move. That was good. That had to be a good thing. If
you could just excuse me. With a close-lipped smile, he took a step to the side of
her to walk by. The female snorted and batted him gently back into the clearing just
like she had the puppies.

Grunting under his breath, Max tried to smile again. No, thats not where I need to
be. I have to get to Kasan. He tried again and got batted back into the clearing
another time. And a third time. Each time she was gentle; her claws never came out.
But he had to get by! He glared at her. I am not going back in here I need to
leave!

Max moved to the side and tried to get past the male and got the same treatment,
although this time the paw smacked him a little harder.

I need to go! He stood glaring at them and realized that they werent going to let
him out this way. Dammit!

Max turned and headed across the clearing, dodging puppies this time they
ignored him anyway, too wrapped up in wrestling to care and tried to see if he
could find some way over the roots. They werent as tall as his head, he just needed
to scramble up over one, in between some of the dogs around him.

He made it to the top and then yelled as a mouth clamped around him and another
dog jumped down and dropped Max back into the dirt on his stomach. Max rolled
over and he stared up at the thing, this one looking, well, he would have said
amused, if it was a person.

He would freaking swear it rolled its eyes at him.

Max scooted back and stood up. The dog wasnt even looking at him. The puppies
had quieted while he was climbing out, and he glanced around as the lack of noise
finally made an impression. More of the dogs had moved into the hollow and many
of the babies were resting on the adults paws while they were being groomed.

The one whod pulled him off the side settled down and Max startled, whipping back.
It knocked Max over, holding him down on the ground with his forepaws, ignoring
his yelling. And then it started licking him all over as well.

What the- Hey, cut that out! Thats not- Im not a dog! Stop cleaning me, and
dont lick there! I do not need to be licked there at all! There is a sacred, non-licking
place for dogs! Will you stop-

It flipped him face down and kept on licking.

Stop it!

He could just barely make out more dogs slowly cleaning the other puppies and it
suddenly struck him exactly what his situation was.

You think Im a puppy? Are you freaking insane? Do I look like a damn puppy? It
continued to clean him, grunting as it reached the end of his legs and began laving
the wounds with a tongue bigger than both his feet put together. I am not a
puppy!

Max squirmed wildly and the dog pressed down on him to keep him still. I am a
person! I need to leave, not stay in this stupid. Max felt like a useless idiot, face
down, naked, and getting a tongue bath from Dinosaur Dog. Look, Im glad youre
not eating me, okay? But you dont want me here. Seriously. Im boring as hell and
Im much, much uglier than real puppies and cats and dogs dont get along anyway
and Im an honorary cat now, understand?

The bath continued to slime him all over his body. Come on, weve gotta have
something else you can look at me as, right? A friend who can go off and visit Kasan
on his own? You could do that, right? Tarzan was like that he talked to the
animals and they didnt eat him or hold him hostage.

The dog licked over Maxs back and the slurping sound of it completely grossed him
out. His body twitched inside, feeling as open as when Kasan had just climaxed
inside of him, but without the deeply satisfying feeling of fullness that went with it.

Dammit! Let me go! How am I supposed to rescue Kasan if I cant get out of
here? The dogs only answer was a grunt and a bit more pressure from his paws as
he continued to hold Max down and clean him.











Fiction~~The Last Pure Human~~Ch. 31


The Last Pure Human
Chapter 31 - Good Max Hunting
Ch 24 | Ch 25 | Ch 26 | Ch 27 | Ch 28 | Ch 29 | Ch 30 | Ch 31 | Ch 32



Claws digging into his palms, Kasan watched the shokan panting on the ground. It
was hard not to yell at the thing to get up and find Max, but he knew it was trying. It
looked up at him with pained eyes and he swallowed. No, not it. He. If the shokan
was helping them save Max, he at least deserved some acknowledgement beyond
thing.

And Ando-kees was trying; they could all see that. As soon as his wounds had
stopped bleeding, Ando-kees had attempted to rise. His back legs had collapsed
instantly, ripping open the stitches on one side. After sewing him back up again,
Uncle Frodi finally added a few piercings, warily, watching Ando-kees for any sign
that he was about to take a swipe with his claws.

Kasan glanced at the scabbed wound on Ando-kees side, searching for the metal
hoops that were already gone. Hed always known that shokan nanites were different,
but hed never seen them in action before. Zonta used to blather on about it all the
time, the Saviors using what they had on hand to try and combat the kouloc:
medical nanites of their own invention, barely more than a prototype themselves,
better at healing than destroying the disease. Aosh usually tuned that all out until
Zonta starting discussing the technology. A number of species that had caught the
kouloc in the end had been used to try and perfect the nanites, but the shokan were
the first one it worked on. Maybe only one in four couples made it through the heat,
but it was better than none at all.

And the tradeoff in rapid healing wasamazing. Kasan never actually witnessed a
piece of metal dismantled by nanites so fast that is was visible to the naked eye.

And hed never been more grateful to see anything in his entire life. When Ando-
kees first collapsed, Kasan had nearly dropped to his knees with him. The big animal
was their best chance at finding Max. But now, Kasan could already see Ando-kees
gearing himself for another try. The stitches had absorbed along with the metal
hoops, and if the healing was just far enough along.

Ando-kees shook as he tried to regain his feet and Kasan held his breath along with
the rest of the waiting men. There was an uncomfortable grunt, and the shokan
wobbled, but he didnt go down. He took a step and kept his feet. Kasan met Leeros
eyes and saw the same triumphant rage there that he felt in his own gut: now they
could go get Max, and destroy Waran. They had brought in extra weapons, just in
case, and most now had a spear in one hand and a long knife or shield in the other.

Kasan glanced quickly at the others around them, making sure no one was there
who shouldnt be. No guards with female consorts or mates they couldnt afford to
lose anyone who had a chance at having children. Roto was watching Aosh. Tisu was
guiding other groups through the city to keep searching. Nolluz was talking with
their allies about some problem on Tiensa involving Maxs family. And Jolan and Ko
were directing everything from inside the citadel.

Theyd wanted to come, but father had claimed first right in hunting down Shovak
now that his people had attacked the family again. Leero stood next to him on the
other side of Ando-kees, red collar twisted up on itself and hanging down his bare
chest.

Zonta hovered behind them, clutching his spear awkwardly. Theyd all tried to get
him to stay back, too, but Zonta had simply stared at them as they talked, and then
stated that he was coming and hed accept whatever punishment they deemed
necessary afterward. Kasan was farily certain that even if they locked him in with
Aosh, hed find a way out. Better to have him with them, then, rather than
unprepared and on his own.

Kasan heard a sharp intake of breath and stared at Andro-kees again. Hed taken
another step. The couple dozen cousins surrounding them held their breath. One
more step, then another, then three steps without falling. Someone let out a quickly
shushed cheer. Andro-kees managed a fourth with a heavy limp, back legs still not
working properly, but he was stable. He could move. He could find Max.

Everybody in the corridor quivered, trying to gauge where the shokan was going. It
stumbled once and they scattered. The thing might not have attacked anyone yet,
but no one was comfortable around it. One irritated moment and a swipe of claws
could gut them. Even the Elders, although they had approved, were cautious.

Every man in the passageway had a vial of antidote to the shokans poison. It was
probably the citys entire supply.

Ando-kees slowly turned, falling once to lean against the wall, and trundled back the
way hed first come from Kasans room. Kasan followed as closely as he could
manage, backing off a couple feet when the shokan paused to glare at him before it
started moving again. There was silence behind him for a few moments and then
everyone else gathered their courage and followed.

He glanced back. Mens faces just as grim as his own filled the corridor. He hoped
they wouldnt all be needed.

He hoped they could all be trusted more than Waran.

Keeping pace with Ando-kees, Kasan stumbled himself, pain flaring through his
veins. He shook his head as Leero opened his mouth to comment. Kasan wasnt
down yet, justdamaged. Even thinking about how close he was to the heats edge
brought Max to mind and he tried to banish the image. He couldnt think of what
might be happening to Max or he couldnt function. How easily anyone could restrain
the little one, or hurt him, made Kasan froth at the mouth.

Kasan growled low, his hand shaking around the heavy spear. If those fucking
bastards damaged one fingertip of Maxs, theyd find out that Kasan was tougher
than all of them put together. He wouldnt leave them with so much as a strip of skin
still attached.

Keeping his eye on Ando-kees, Kasan tried to avoid looking down. The dried blood
trail from Aosh and Ando-kees had been cleaned, but Kasan knew exactly where it
had flowed over the floor. He didnt want the reminder.

The shokan stopped at a corner, looking between the hallway ahead of them and
the passage on either side. Kasan froze. Ando-kees lifted his head, scenting the air.
Kasan couldnt catch even a hint of Maxs scent anymore, but seeing the beast
looking brought the sweet smell to mind. It made his chest ache, remembering the
strong smell of fear that had laid over it.

The shokan shook out his broad head, fur fluffing around his ears. They flattened
against his skull and the eyes narrowed dangerously. Kasan backed off as it growled.
With a snarl, Ando-kees turned to the left and stumbled down another corridor,
growling as he went, picking up speed.

This wasnt the way to Kasans room; it wasnt where the blood trail had gone.
Ando-kees had them. Hed found Maxs trail!

While everyone came after them, Kyoru sent off a runner to the nearest box to keep
the Elders updated on their progress. There were a few hand-held boxes, but no one
in Kasans group had them. Theyd be more useful to the search parties in the city,
where permanent boxes were rare and communication would be more difficult.

Leero made his way up to Kasan so that they trotted side by side, scanning the side
corridors as they passed, just in case. The shokan paused at another intersection of
corridors and picked another direction, then another, then they were on a long
stretch headed into the residential quarters. Where the hell had Waran gone? Was
this why they couldnt find him: he was hiding somewhere inside the citadel?

Max will be all right, Leero said.

Kasan nodded, gripping the spear tighter and ignoring the pain enveloping his body
to keep up with Ando-kees.

Well find him, Kasan. I let you down before-

Kasan glanced at him while they moved. Dont be ridiculous. When have you let me
down?

Leeros ears were flat against his head, the too-bright green of his mid-heat eyes
highlighted by the deep red of the collar around his throat. A flush covered him from
his face down to the mounds of his chest. You would have died in that cell, if Max
hadnt been brought to you.

Thats Shovaks fault, not yours.

And nowyoure newly mated. Im the one whos responsible for the guards when
youre otherwise occupied, Kasan. Im the one who should have seen what Waran
was, but I- I can never apologize enough for what my own negligence has brought to
you and your consort. Leeros voice was a whisper at the end. He stared after the
shokan like it offered salvation. Kasan whipped out a hand and slapped the back of
his hand against Leeros chest with a meaty thump.

Shut the hell up, Leero. Leero stared at Kasan, his face looking almost as feverish
as Kasan felt. It is not your damn fault for anything but letting Max go when he
pissed on you. Shovak is at fault. Waran is at fault. Im at fault. But not you.

Leero blinked at him with too blank eyes.

Leero? Kasan had to turn away for a moment to follow the shokan as it turned
another corner, and Leero looked a little less dazed when he looked back at his face.
Leerohow long have you been in heat? Youre not close, are you? Dont you
fucking dare come along on this if youre too close and-

Leero shook his head. No, its only been a few days. Ive got over a week, yet. He
rubbed absently at the spot Kasan had slapped. And I know what Im culpable for,
Kasan. Im responsible for my own actions. He turned his eyes to Kasan, not even
looking where his feet stepped. I just wanted you to know that no matter what
happens, Ill make sure Max is all right. Ill watch out for him, if he if he can
survive without his mate.

Kasan looked back behind the others behind them, wincing. He had to believe Max
couldnt contract the kouloc or he might go insane. Thank you, he said, voice
hoarse. He cleared his throat. Id rather you take care of father, first. He shouldnt
be coming. Shovak might have something planned.

Leero stared back at the Lord King as well; he got a questioning eyebrow quirked in
his direction from the larger man jogging behind them, and then they both faced
forward. Id never be able to stop him; hes too stubborn. But Ill stay close.

Kasan was moving too quickly to thank him again. He wished he could take the
undeserved guilt out of Leeros eyes, but he settled for nodding and following Ando-
kees further into the residential area. If they were lucky, maybe Maxs
disappearance had been discovered early enough that Waran hadnt been able to
leave the area. If he and Quim had been thinking of stashing Max away until things
died down, they wouldnt expect to be found, not with the citadels defenses in place.

They wouldnt think to be careful about a shokan sniffing them out.

Kasans lips compressed to the point of pain and he doggedly followed Ando-kees
around another curving corner.

What the hell! Someone had come out of their apartment and let out a shocked
scream at the sight of Ando-kees. Kasan knew that the Elders had sent word out,
but coming face to face with a shokan was shocking no matter how well prepared
you were.

One of the guards stopped to urge the man back into his rooms until everything had
been taken care of, or go offer his services to some of the other search parties
already in the city and other areas of the citadel. A few more women and men poked
their heads out all the rooms were residential in this area and Kasan let the
others field the questions. He was following the shokan, feeling a growing urgency to
find Max and ensure that he was all right and unharmed. His belly burned acidly.

They made a few more turns and Kasan suspected he knew where they might be
headed. Someplace few people would look, that would be out of the way. He growled
under his breath as the corridor they were on curved around to the right and Kasan
saw the doors to one of the family storage rooms come into sight. Ando-kees headed
straight for it.

Weve fucking got him, Kasan, Leero snarled.

Kasan couldnt even nod; he was vibrating with the need to get to Max. They were
almost there. There was only one exit from the storage room. Max was in there. But
if Waran were cornered, he might be more vicious. He might try to hold Max
hostagehe might be capable of anything if he didnt even care if Aosh were killed.

Ando-kees stopped at the door, looking back at Kasan. He didnt paw it, but his
impatience was clear.

At least hed make a good distraction. Im going straight for Max. Kasan didnt
need to say it; everyone had already figured out what their role would be, whether
their trail led to a room or a hunt through the city. But somehow getting the words
out, and hearing them, helped center himself.

He would get Max out unharmed.

Leero nodded. And Ill guard your back.

The men piled up behind them and Kyoru stepped up next to Leero and put a hand
on his shoulder. Well guard your back. Leero jumped at the touch of his hand,
looking back up behind him. That wasnt what theyd agreed on. They arent getting
a chance to harm another of my sons.

Leero took a shaky breath his eyes were glowing green now with the dimmer light
outside the storage room and nodded. We.

Kasan tightened his hand over his weapons, and kept his voice low as he turned
behind him. Keep a look out for the guard inside. He might not be involved, but
dont take any chances. The others close enough to hear nodded he saw Niku
and Davin near the front - and Kasan heard the order passed back to the others.

As soon as they triggered the door, the heavy slab slid open. Andro-kees leapt
inside. No one yelled out in surprise, and Ando-kees didnt act as though he saw
another soul, so Kasan took a chance. Rather than scan first with Leero from the
other side of the doorway, he simply went in low and silent, slipping to the side. He
saw Leero and his father shift to the other side and knew the men would be coming
in behind him. Ando-kees was already bounding down one of the aisles and Kasan
tried to scan everywhere around him while he kept up.

The broad desk in the corner was empty, and the brief glimpse of the aisles he had
before he was running down one of them were empty as well. There was no sound
other than his breathing, the shush of his loincloth against his legs, and the faint
brush of bare feet against the stone floor behind him, his men spreading out to
check the other aisles.

Max was silent. Kasans claws emerged, digging into the haft of his spear as he
imagined what it would take to keep Max that quiet.

Ando-kees turned a corner among the high shelves and Kasan followed, staying low,
counting on Warans shock at seeing Ando-kees to give him warning when theyd
found him.

There was still no sound. Kasan couldnt smell them. And with no sound and no
scent, Kasans hackles were rising. What was wrong? Why couldnt he smell Max?
Even with the citadel trying to rid itself of the scent, there should be something with
Max still in the room.

Ando-kees couldnt have lost the trail, could he?

Another corner and Kasan realized theyd reached the end of the room. Expecting
Ando-kees to turn left or right, he wasnt prepared when the beast stopped dead. He
had to throw himself backward not to run into it. He heard Leero and his father do
the same behind him.

Ando-kees didnt move, staring at the wall, blocking Kasans view. For a horrified
moment, Kasan couldnt breathe, sure that the animal must have discovered Max.
Max in some condition that he wasnt making a single sound, not even the soft sigh
of his breathing, and thats why-

He shoved Ando-kees out of the way, slamming his shoulders against its side and
ignoring the growl. His lungs started working again as he realized there was no small,
broken body on the floor. Kasan shuddered as he struggled, gasping, unable to
move as his heart tried to restart.

Nothing but the wall. Thank God.

Butnothing but the wall. Where was Max?!

Ando-kees gave another growl and bumped Kasan out of the way so hard he
stumbled and nearly fell onto his ass. The shokan sniffed along the edge of the wall
and finally started a frantic digging at the floor with his nails.

Pain flared in Kasans veins, coursing through his body, and Kasan bent over at the
waist, panting his way through it. Leero and his father were at his side by the time
the heat spike finished. Ando-kees was still digging at the wall. A few of the other
men had made their way through the aisles and were making negative signals for
finding anyone.

What is it doing? Leero whispered. It acts like theyve gone through the wall.

Ando-kees paused, looked over at them with a rather scornful expression, and went
back to digging. Kasan stood behind him, staring at the wall, a suspicion growing in
his mind that he didnt even want to contemplate.

The citadel was riddled with secret tunnels to various Havens, but there hadnt been
a complete list of the havens for centuries. Every once in a while they stumbled over
one, and the booksters worked on the mechanism for opening the doors. But that
took weeks, sometimes even months, to do. If Waran had escaped into an unknown
haven, he and Quim could already be out of the city with Max.

Kasan didnt have weeks to figure out how to get through this damned thing. And
the thought of what the purists might do to Max in the meantime.

Shit! Kasan slammed his hand against the wall, pressing his head against it until
his ears crumpled. Ando-kees continued scraping his claws against the stone,
favoring one of his legs. The sound grated against Kasans ears. The men were
collecting behind them, emerging from aisles up and down the room, still finding
nothing. The shokans dedicated clawing made Kasan sure that there wouldnt be
anything, or anyone, for them to find.

He clenched his eyes shut as Ando-kees let out a small, mournful howl. The
rhythmic scraping of his claws didnt let up for a moment. Turning his head, feeling
his eyes tear at being so fucking close but stopped by his own damned home, he
snapped at it. Stop it, you stupid beast! You cant-

Kasan caught a whiff of Warans scent against the wall and his nose twitched.

He hadnt detected it until he was up close to the stone, but it was definitely there.
Bastard must have triggered the secret door himself; the citadel always did take
longer to get the scent off the walls.

Kasan inhaled again, eyes widening.

It took longer to get the scent off the walls.

Hes touched this section of the wall, Kasan murmured. His head snapped back
and he turned, grabbing Leero. Here, put your hand right here. Dont move it!

Leero laid his hand over the spot while Kasan pressed his face close to the wall and
started to sniff in great bursts of air. He shouldered Ando-kees to the side again. It
made a growling harrumph and then sat on its haunches and watched with flat eyes.

Kasan, what are you doing?

I can tell what hes touched. Theres still enough scent left!

Leero leaned forward to sniff next to his own hand and shook his head. Glad we
have your nose with us, he murmured.

So am I. Another block of stone was bright with scent Here! I need someone to
mark this spot, too! His father stepped up and pressed a hand against stone. Kasan
looked up to find him grinning fiercely.

Kasan grinned back, just as feral; all he could think about was sinking his teeth into
Waran and getting back Max.

He had more of the family mark two other spots as he found them, finally stopping
after he went over their section of the wall twice more. Ando-kees watched them all
carefully, not growling at anyone who touched the wall, but narrowing its eyes at
everyone else to keep their distance. Rui hunted down some sticky strip to mark off
the four blocks of stone. One of Kasans cousins went to the box outside the door to
keep the Elders and Jolan updated again and arrange for more help. If they had to
leave the citadel and enter a Haven, who knew how many people they might have to
be dealing with?

Before theyd finished with the sticky, Zonta moved up to the blocks of stone,
staring at it. Mumbling under his breath, he almost bumped into Leero without
noticing until Leero got out of his way. Ando-kees tilted his head oddly to watch,
nostrils flaring, and Kasan was glad Zonta barely even saw the animal. It might
break his concentration. Baby brother hadnt yet deciphered the patterns to open
any of the lost escape tunnels hed been too young when the last one was found
but Kasan knew hed researched it.

Most littles dreamed of finding one of the lost Havens and making it their secret
hideaway. Zonta and Aosh had been worse than most, when theyd been small.
Between the two of them, theyd probably researched more about this than all the
archivists put together. With Aosh unconscious and injured, Zonta was the best hope
they had.

Can you get it open?

Auburn hair curling in frazzled strands near his forehead, Zonta nodded curtly. His
eyes hadnt lost the strained look theyd developed since hed seen Aosh bleeding all
over the floor.

What do you need me to-

I need you to be quiet. Zonta answered before Kasan even finished the question.
He sighed and rubbed his hands back over his ears once, closing his eyes. Please.

Ando-kees turned his head to stare at Kasan and bared a fang at him before
watching Zonta again. After a deep breath, Zonta stepped up to the wall and tapped
at the blocks, one after the other, changing the order each time and pausing after
each try. His ears flattened against his head the more attempts he made that failed.
Kasans tail started lashing and he accidentally hit Zontas leg.

Zonta tensed even more. Im going as fast as I can, Kasan.

I know. It was just that Max was in trouble and he wanted to be after him now.

His father pulled him away. Son, stay calm, remember? Kyoru said softly.

Kasan breathed deeply, doing his best to ignore the pain in his limbs and his gut,
and worse, the thoughts of Max and everything that could happen while they were
trapped behind this damned stone wall.

Another minute passed, Zonta steadily working his way over the blocks as they all
let him be. When another minute went by with no change, Kasan gnawed at his lip
to keep from saying something, but he couldnt help it in the end. Zonta, how long-


Most of the tunnel triggers in our citadel use a block only once, which means with
four blocks, theres only 24 combinations. Since you were able to identify the
triggers, it wont take long to check.

Kasan caught the edge to his voice and swallowed. What about if we might have to
touch a spot more than once?

Then its over 200 combinations. Which means I dont have time to talk to you
about it and lose my place, so please, Kasan, be quiet.

Kasan waited impatiently but held his tongue, even when another wave of pain
would have dropped him to his knees if not for Leero and his fathers support.

When he heard the sliding grind that was the wall pulling back, at first Kasan
thought it was his imagination. But Ando-kees flattened against the ground and
Kasan crouched automatically in response. Zonta stumbled back, startled even if this
had been what hed been trying to achieve.

Kasan slid to the side. Ando-kees hadnt leaped through the doorway and Kasan
was worried as to why. There was always the slight chance that someone was
coming out, or lying in wait just inside the tunnel opening.

He didnt have a chance to see anything other than the open corridor stretching on
ahead of them, however, because Ando-kees suddenly leapt through the opening.
He stumbled, his hind leg nearly collapsing, then righted himself and limped quickly
down the passageway.

Dammit, wait, beast! The animal ignored him and Kasan swore under his breath.
Zonta, stay here and wait for the others. You can come in with one of their teams,
but I need you to tell them where weve gone. We have to keep up with the shokan.

But-

Well box you if we can. Kasan heard his father murmur. Were not keeping you
out. Just come with the next group of guards. Stay safe.

Zontas protests faded behind Kasan as he trotted forward to catch up with Ando-
kees. That was the best they could do for his brother, keep him out of the main fight
and leave him part of the clean up. Hopefully.

If they were lucky, theyd be able to find a working box in the haven. Hand-boxes
didnt work inside them, not well enough to reach anyone in the citadel. But there
were always a few on the walls. It was whether they worked or not that was the
issue.

The tunnel sloped down, lights dimmer than those in the citadel. The floor wasnt as
uniformly smooth, either. This had to be one of the earliest havens; all but the first
few matched the citadel for color and polish. Kasan tried to see ahead past Ando-
kees, but the tunnel had a slight curve that wove back and forth. There were no
doors or side tunnels.

Ando-kees moved quickly, but his first few bounds had slowed to a rapid, limping
walk with pauses to sniff the air. Crude placards decorated the walls every few feet
and Kasan read them quickly as they went past. Encouragement, advice about how
to close the tunnel doors behind them if raiders were in pursuit, details about
supplies and where to find them in the Haven. But no information that was useful.
No actual map probably didnt have that until theyd made it into the Haven itself.

And it wasnt as though they knew where Waran was holding Max. Theyd need the
shokans nose for that.

Ando-kees slowed and Kasan stumbled, pain putting a bob in his step. His father
and Leero were right behind and caught him between them, helping him through it.
You should go back and stay with Jolan, father, Kasan gasped out, trying to move
he couldnt lose Ando-kees and the shokan wasnt stopping. With a wobble, Kasan
managed a few steps, gritting his teeth until the pain ebbed to a dull burn.

Worry about yourself and your consort, Kasan, not me. Im doing what I need to
do. Kyoru let go so Kasan could continue under his own power.

Kasan didnt try to argue again. He knew his father well enough to recognize the
body language. Ears flat, teeth bared he wasnt going to change his mind.

They continued in silence, long minutes of breathing and sweat and dust scented air.
Kasan kept his eyes forward, banishing thoughts of Max in order to keep putting one
foot in front of the other. His little one was down here somewhere. Theyd find him.
They had to.

Kasan had panted his way through two more nasty heat spikes by the time the
tunnel finally led to the Haven. He only realized how lucky they were when they
passed the massive door designed to seal it off from the citadel in case of slavers or
invaders. If the purists had bothered to close this door rather than rely on the Haven
remaining a secret, Kasan never would have made it through.

Swallowing, Kasan slowed to match Ando-kees pace. The scents of the place
changed, now. People, food, a small hint of blood and urine. Ando-kees walked
carefully, but he didnt pause as he followed his nose through the doorway and to
the left. Kasan glanced right into the empty hallway and went after the shokan. A
placard with a map was up on the wall opposite the entrance and Kasan tried to hiss
at Ando-kees to stop so he could look at it, but the beast ignored him.

Cursing, Kasan paused long enough to get an impression. He cursed again almost
immediately. This wasnt one of the small emergency havens. This was one meant to
house a good portion of the population. It was huge. He scanned for areas that they
might need to know: dormitories, cells, kitchens and, most important, exits and
entrances. He stumbled after Ando-kees, hearing the same annoyed cursing from
the men behind him as they tried to pick up details from the map. He thought he
heard someone pulling out a hand-comp to sketch it out.

The corridor they were in now was as dimly lit as the tunnel leading to the citadel,
but there were numerous doors and hallways leading off from it. Everyone was tense
and growing tenser, keeping watch for anyone who might catch them unaware. The
longer they remained undetected, the better it would be for Max. Kasan didnt want
Waran or anyone else to think they could use him as a hostage.

Following Ando-kees straight down the corridor as they crossed another side
passage, Kasan turned to whisper to his father. I- There was a shout from the right.

Everyone but the beast stopped. Three purists stood flat-footed in the middle of the
side hallway, shocked. Two of them charged and the third turned to run.

Shit! Kasan and Leero looked at each other and gave a quick nod. Kasan ran after
Ando-kees with half the men, and Leero took the others to the side with Kyoru. They
had to keep anyone from knowing they were there until they found Max!

Kasan heard them meet each other, a short scream, grunts and scuffling, and he
caught the iron tang of blood before he and the others were too far to sense any
more. But Leero and Kyoru didnt come up behind them immediately. Kasans
shoulders tightened and he focused on Ando-kees to keep himself sane.

If they didnt catch that one whod fled, and if he somehow got word to Waran that
they were here

They had to find Max now.

Kasan Davin stepped up to him with his consort, Mick. They kept him from
stumbling against a wall that he hadnt even realized he was close to. Both their
eyes were worried. You can rest here. Well find the little one. You dont have to-

I need to find Max. Kasan pulled himself free, barely, and stumbled again behind
Ando-kees. Cant you go any faster? he muttered at the thing. It looked back at
him and stumbled itself, barely picking up speed, but it was something.

He could hear Niku murmuring to Davin and Mick behind him but he ignored it. Max
was the only thing that mattered. As long as he stayed upright and moving,
following Ando-kees, hed find Max. Eyes on the shokans feet, part of him noted the
small details around them through a haze of pain.

The walls were still rough and gouged, done speedily, early work when slavers were
still a huge threat. The lights remained dim. The dust at the sides of the corridors
disappeared with a wide clear space in the middle of the hallway. He knew some of
his men would be making small streaks in the dust up close to the edges of the
hallway, to mark the way for Father and the others when they came. But the lack of
dust in the middle matched what Kasan was scenting in the air. This hall was well
traveled.

This wasnt simply a large Haven; it was a large Haven with a large number of
people. Kasan couldnt even imagine how many people would willingly engage in
betraying the family; he hoped most of them were outsiders. Not that it made them
any less of a problem, but better that than they end up fighting members of their
own families. And no matter what, they might have a real fight on their hands. More
people meant it could take longer to get to Max. It meant more time for them to hurt
Max.

Better for them all if this place was empty as a tomb.

Another spike of heat sliced through him and Kasan felt his spear slipping in his
hand as he convulsed. He clutched at it, keeping his feet by sheer luck. He tightened
his other hand and realized that hed dropped his knife. Niku picked it up and placed
it back into his hand with another murmur about stopping.

No. He had to focus, no matter that his body felt battered from the inside out.

One single mistake could make the difference between finding Max, and finding
Maxs body.

Kasan dug his claws into his spear and knife, keeping them clamped in his hands,
and controlled his growling, turning another corner.

They came to another branching of tunnels and Ando-kees hesitated, head raised in
the air, before taking the left fork. Kasan would never stop thanking his aunt for
making them heal the beast, as long as he continued to lead them to Max. With the
length of the tunnel leading to the Haven, he was sure they were already directly
underneath the forest. Trying to go out of the citadel and finding the Haven from
above would have been impossible at this time of year. The shokan had their litters
early in the season and they were wildly protective and hyper-aggressive over the
pups.

And the tosa made it worse. They were usually harmless, clearing the detritus off
the forest floor, but if they ever ran across a shokan pup they would kill it if they
could. The shokan tended to patrol the surrounding forest to ensure there werent
any of the pink leaf-eaters too near their den.

Trying to get a group of Kyashin through the forest in these conditions, dodging
maddened shokan and hunting for a Haven that had been lost for hundreds of years
impossible. Max would be lost without Ando-kees.

Kasan tensed as they turned a corner and the shokan crouched down. He could hear
voices approaching from the side: another passageway. The others behind him
paused, noticing the shokan, but he didnt think they could hear the voices yet.

He passed the word in a hissing whisper and they all crept up to the hallway,
including Ando-kees. The large beast was hot next to Kasan, panting next to his face,
and it stared forward before looking back at Kasan with its intense amber eyes.

They took Max straight? he whispered. The thing stared forward again, bunching
its muscles as though it were going to leap despite the group coming. Kasan made a
quick decision and whispered to the men behind him. You five with me. The
shokan looks like hes going to cross the corridor. If he does, follow. Im sure well
be seen. If were lucky, theyll come after us and the rest of you can surprise them
here. If they run for helpyou need to go after them yourselves. But I have to stay
with Ando-kees and find my consort.

They nodded, and sure enough, a few seconds after he finished, Ando-kees shot
across the hallway, Kasan and the guards hed chosen right behind him. There was a
startled break in the purists low conversation. His ears could pick up soft, rapid
footsteps following.

And then shouts as the purists were jumped when they rounded the corner, thinking
they would be able to follow Kasan and get the jump on him. He tried to ignore the
fighting behind him; Niku was with them. The old guard knew how to keep his head;
hed make sure they made it through. He hoped the sounds were soft enough that
no one else would know what was coming, though.

With a jerk, he turned right as the shokan suddenly veered into a long, narrow side
tunnel. This place smelled even more used. Lived in, and there were enough scents
around, filling the air, that Kasan had trouble distinguishing any one individual. But
they were closer. The scent was strong enough that he knew the guards behind him
to could smell it, too. Kasan could hear his men breathing, but no one said a word as
they crept down hallway after hallway.

One last hallway and suddenly the shokan lowered his body to the ground, creeping
forward now in a sinuous glide, the limp gone. Either he was ignoring the pain, or he
had actually healed up already. The beast started towards an open doorway on the
left hand side. Kasan could hear the murmur of voices again. He gestured back at
the others to let them know.

And then he caught Maxs scent. Just a hint, but it was the first time since theyd
left the citadel and the small hint of fear and sweat with it made Kasan see red. If
theyd hurt him

If theyd caused the smallest, most insignificant bruise

The shokan slowed. They spread out, staying out of sight from the doorway,
readying themselves as they drew closer. Voices echoed up the corridor either it
was a very large room, or they were down another hallway - and Kasan focused on
them as they crept forward.

...heat-blinded moron! You didnt even check its cage!

Its not my damn job to maintain the cells!

That was Waran! Kasan almost leapt in ahead of the shokan and caught himself
only because he stumbled against it. Ando-kees glared at him and then carefully
oozed around the corner. Kasan followed and saw an open doorway at the end of a
short hallway. There was movement inside, more than the people currently arguing,
but no one cried out. None of them had glanced down the hall yet. Ando-kees eased
forward ahead of Kasan. The men and Kasan inched behind him.

Dont look this way, Kasan thought. Just keep arguing.

You will go find the Elders, Waran, and explain to them exactly how you managed
to lose the human!

No I damn well wont! Youre the one whos in charge of the cells!

A competent Kyashin would have double checked all the cells before he took care
of his heat, not try to make excuses after the fact!

Are you calling me incompetent? You-

There was a snarl and Kasan saw a streak as one body jumped on another. The
other men in the room tried to intervene, focusing on the fight, and Ando-kees and
Kasans men sprinted forward.

Ando-kees leapt through the door with a screaming snarl. Kasan snarled just as
loudly as he sprang after him. Everything was a focused blur. Ando-kees streaked
past the fight, into a darker area with broken light globes. Kasan heard a scream and
a small laser pistol discharged into the ceiling. Another man on the side was
bringing up a laser pistol to bear as Davin and Mick charged him. Waran was turning
from his fight with a blond cat to face them. Two of the others with Kasan leapt at
the blond, and Kasan went for Waran.

Waran was trying to bring a gun of his own to bear just as Kasan slammed into him
and brought them both to the floor. The pistol clattered to the ground.

He could hear his men fighting, snarls and grunts echoing in the room, along with a
shrill scream as Ando-kees roared, but most of his focus was Waran. Shocked,
familiar eyes looked up at him, eyes that Kasan had trusted. They both snarled and
went for the throat. Kasan took a punch to the side of his face, avoided one in the
throat, and smashed Warans head against the ground. He let himself take the
battering from Warans fists, welcoming the pain as he clawed at the mans skin until
the smell of his blood was thick in the air.

They rolled over once, Waran getting the advantage for a wild moment and then
Kasan managed to slam his elbow in an arc against Warans head hard enough to
stun him for a moment, getting a knee between his legs and snarling as felt it
connect. Waran slumped back, dazed and gagging.

Kasan slammed his hand against Warans throat, claws out and embedded in the
skin. Just a little more pressure and he could rip out the bastards throat and bathe
in his blood and Waran would never, ever hurt Max again.

He almost did it. He wanted Waran to suffer. Pain slammed into him again, the heat
searing his body. Kasan yanked his claws free just before his hands convulsed into
fists as his muscles locked. He recovered before Waran realized what was happening.
The room was quiet except for murmurs and a pained groan from the back.

Shuddering, Kasan pushed himself off and grabbed the spear Davin handed him. He
hadnt even realized hed tossed it away, so focused on getting his claws into Waran.
Kasan clenched the weapon tightly. He couldnt kill him. Max wasnt in the room, so
they still needed to find him and Waran knew where he was. Breathing in gasping
pants, Kasan swiveled his ears.

He could hear one of the guards giving a wounded man the antidote for shokan
poison Ando-kees hadnt held back - but he didnt know if it would really matter.
With the size of his claws, Kasan couldnt imagine the wound would be minor. But no
one knew if the purist had a mate or consort who was innocent in this; they couldnt
let the man die. Not until they knew.

But there was no fighting, nothing that needed his attention but Waran.

Wheres Max? Kasan snarled.

Waran looked up at him, one eye swelling shut, blood running from both nostrils
and out the corner of his mouth. It ran in rivulets down his body from clawed gouges
in his torso and arms. His ears were going crazy atop his head.

Kasan pushed the spear up to the mans throat, pressing in against the soft flesh
underneath his jaw. Waran and Shoru were in on this together; Shoru could give
answers just as easily as Waran, when they found him. Kasan had no compunction
about wounding him fatally. None at all.

Where is my consort? Where is Max?

Waran swallowed and looked to the side at the doors lining the room. For the first
time, Kasan noticed the locks on the outside of the doors. They were cells! Maybe
Max was silent because he couldnt hear them!

Max? Max, are you there? Its Kasan. Youre safe now!

A disembodied voice spoke as Waran clamped his lips shut. He aint with you?

Kasans eyes snapped to the wall next to him, frowning at the familiar sound coming
from the other side of the door. Shoru?

And the prince wins a prize. Goody for you, dumbass. Now let me outta this
shithole.

Let you out Keeping the spear tight to Warans throat, Kasan looked up at the
door and realized it was bolted from the outside. Youre a prisoner here?

No shit. Kasan was so surprised he couldnt speak. Shoru snarled through the
door. What, you think Im actually with this asshole? Like Id do something that
stupid. There was a litany of incomprehensible grumbling curses that gave Kasan
time to wrap his mind around Shoru being held prisoner. And before you go there,
cause I know you will, Ive never been with Waran and whatever jack-assed, dick-
brained plan he has to mess with you and yours. Fuck. Who gives a shit if youre a
throwback or not, doesnt make you any more an asshole than every other bastard
Ive met. Or any less, obviously.

Kasan opened his mouth and nothing came out. He still thought Shoru was an ass.
But if he hadnt kidnapped Max.

So let me outta this damn cell already! There was a snarl and a thump against the
door.

Kasan focused more completely on Waran, noting the nasty little spark in his eyes
as he glared at Kasan, even with the spear pressing in hard enough that a drop of
blood was beading up. Kasan pivoted the spear, whipping it around in his hands to
hit Waran in the head not quite hard enough to kill him. The man collapsed against
the wall. Kasan nodded to Mick and they opened the door to Shorus cage. He
stepped back, holding the spear, as Shoru came out. Kasan couldnt quite stand to
think that Shoru had actually been innocent in all of this, not completely. Not yet.

Shoru came into the light of the room and Mick sucked in his breath. Someone had
beaten the ever-loving shit out of the man. One of his ears was torn, his face was a
wreck, and his chest looked more spotted with bruising than patterned fur. He
walked with a careful limp, and watching him, Kasan didnt think that was from a
fight. Shoru looked down at Waran and kicked the unconscious man in the side
before spitting on him.

See how much they believe your shit now, asshole.

Kasan swallowed, shaking his head. Shoru wasntShoru wasnt part of this. And
Waran had betrayed them allit was too much to deal with at the moment. He
needed Max.

Wheres Max? Kasan couldnt keep his voice steady. Shoru looked up from Waran
with another less-than-casual kick in the side.

He went to find you.

Kasans stomach dropped to his toes. What?

He escaped. Shoru spit on Waran again and kicked him viciously in the ribs. Kasan
heard one of them crack. Skinny little rail, aint he?

Buthe never found us. What had happened to Max?

Shoru paused and snorted. Yeah, somehow I figured that one out.

Kasan grabbed Shoru by the shoulder and ignored the mans wince as he spun him
around. Where did he go?!

The hell should I know? Shoru jerked back, ears flattened. Its not like I got out
and held his hand for it! Just figured hed have a better chance outta the cells so I
told him how to escape and he made a run for it. He was supposed to try for the
citadel. If he didnt make it, its not my fucking fault!

Kasan stared at him a long moment, while Shorus scowl got deeper and his ears
went flatter. Hedtried to help Max. Kasan still disliked the man, buthed helped
Max escape from the purists.

Thank you, whispered Kasan. He reached out a finger and touched Shorus lips
and Shoru stumbled back, his eyes popping wide.

Hey, none of that shit! I mean it! he sputtered angrily. You dont like me, and I
sure as hell dont like you any more than I used to, so back the hell off.

Kasan nodded and stepped back, swallowing as he realized that if Max wasnt here,
he could be anywhere in the haven now. Or out of it. Theyd been so close, dammit!
They-

Shoru kicked Waran one last time, ignoring Kasan now, and walked over to the cell
next to his. He turned the lock.

What are you doing? Could Kasan have been wrong? Who-?

Nobody you know. Dont worry, go get your damn consort. Anyone can see that
your dicks about to fall off, its so swollen for that ass.

Kasan growled under his breath. The door opened slowly and a small body hurtled
out of the cell door at Shoru. Kasan almost shouted, stepping forward with his spear
up only to find himself staring at a young throwback male who had wrapped himself
around Shorus waist, whimpering. The little one had a thin, black tail that curled
defensively around the youths thigh.

Well fuck. Hey, kid, none of that shit now. Youre outta the cage, just like I said,
right? These guys wont do shit to you like the last ones. Theyre assholes, but no
worse than any other asshole.

The boy seemed to be trying to burrow itself into Shorus skin.

Fuck. Shoru sighed heavily and glared at Kasan as he put one hand over the
smaller head nuzzling his waist. Look, see, one of them is just like you, and they
dont beat him up or anything.

Kasan blinked as a small, dark head turned to look at him. He winced as he looked
into those eyes: total and utter distrust. The little ones back was covered with
bruises and striped with scars. Kasan swallowed.

Whatwhat happened to him? Kasan whispered.

What do you think? Same thing that was gonna happen to your consort. These
purist psychos take samples from his body to do their shit genetic testing, and then
they beat on him when they get in a bad mood. Fuck, what do they do to him
what a fucking stupid question. He turned down to the kid. See? Hes so stupid he
doesnt even know people are that shitty. You got no worries with him. Why dont
you let go and hang out with one of these bastards, eh? Theyll take care of you.

The young Kyashin shook his head and buried his face against Shoru again.

Oh for the love of- Fine, hold on like a fuckin chicken-shit lirling for all I care. See
if it makes a difference. Shoru crossed his arms and stood there, glaring Kasan as
though daring him to laugh at him. Kasan had no problem swallowing a smile. The
sight of what theyd done to a little wiped any mirth from the situation.

And theyd been planning that for Max? He shuddered, the pain in his body
indistinguishable from the hollow ache in his chest.

Kasan looked down at Warans unconscious body and barely contained himself
enough not to kick him as well. Dammit, Max was all alone now, among these insane
monsters. He had to find him.

Do you know which way Max went? he asked hoarsely.

Shoru shrugged. Made it out the main door here, Im pretty sure. Thats the only
way out. I told him to try for the underground tunnel back, but if he didnt find that,
then Id guess hes still in the base, or he got out into the forest.

Thethe forest? But- No. Not out with the shokan ripping apart anything that
came near their territory. Max would have no chance. He was so helpless, and hed
been counting on Kasan to take care of him and-

Kasans tail began to puff out against his will. A low, whimpering growl started in his
throat.

The shokan came out from the shadows at the end of the room where it had been
watching and Shoru seemed to see it for the fist time. Holy shit! He shoved the kid
off him and back into the cell before turning to face the beast. Claws came out of
his fingertips.

Kasan blinked. He felt numb, disconnected as he stared at the claws. Youre a
throwback, he murmured.

Max was out in the forest.

Do you see a fucking tail? Shoru snapped, eyes on Ando-kees. Just got the claws,
and what the fuck is wrong with youwhy the hell is that thing not ripping you
apart? His ears quivered up and then back against his head as he tried to figure it
out. He wouldnt let the youngster out of the cell.

He likes Max, Kasan said quietly. His chest burned as though someone had ripped
out his heart. Max.

Shoru looked at him. The shokan likes your consort, and thats why hes not killing
you? You realize that sounds insane?

Still true.

Ando-kees walked up and sat next to Kasan, staring at Shoru. The boy peeked out
from behind him and Shoru shoved him back into the cell again, arms held up
defensively. With a soft whuff, Ando-kees made a small head bob and backed away
a few steps. When it didnt make another move, Shoru finally started to relax. The
small throwback peered from underneath one of Shorus elbows, still not saying a
word, and wrapped his arms around Shorus waist again.

Shoru sighed and rolled his eyes. Kasan noted his jaw tightening as he looked down
and patted one of the emaciated arms holding onto him.

Here, wed better get you back to the citadel and get you some damn food, kid, or
youll never grow. You dont want to be as short as Kasan, now, do you? The little
one looked at Kasan and slowly shook his head. Okay, then cmon.

Kasan looked at Ando-kees and found the amber eye trained on his own face. You
can still find Max, cant you, beast? he whispered. He had to believe that. Kasan
shoved the terror for his consort down into his stomach and stared at Ando-kees. He
heard Shoru moving toward the doorway behind him. We dont have the rest of the
base secure, Kasan pointed out hoarsely.

I can find my way back just fine. Trust me, theyre not going to get the drop on me
again. Shoru kicked Waran one more time and the unconscious man groaned. You
guys can set him up in the cells, right? We still got at least a couple years before the
heat ends.

Kasan swallowed, nodding. He didnt turn to watch them go. Staring at Ando-kees,
Kasan groaned as another spike hit him hard enough to have him stumble against
the wall. The adrenaline had helped him fight off the pain for a few minutes, but this
spike was hitting him like a falling tree. He sank to his knees.

Kasan? Davin came over and he waved them off.

He managed to grit out, Heat spike. Dont worry.

But to be that bad, you need to-

Need to get to my consort.

Davin nodded slowly. The guards spoke amongst themselves as Kasan pushed
himself up off the wall. They had all the men in cells by the time he managed it. The
one left bleeding by Ando-kees had a bandage already around his abdomen. It would
be up to his nanites to see if he healed well enough to survive.

We can come back for these ones later, Mick said. We want you to knowWell
help go into the forest to find Max, if he made his way there. We wont abandon
him.

Kasan nodded, shaky and grateful beyond words. Ando-kees seemed to take their
words as a sign and finally headed out. Kasan supposed he should be thankful it
hadnt left while he was trying to pick himself up off the floor. At the end of the
hallway, Ando-kees paused and turned left, the opposite direction that theyd come
from. Kasan caught a wisp of Maxs terrified scent and pushed himself forward. He
had to believe Max was all right. There was no other possibility.

I cant believe they would do such a thing to a child, Davin murmured behind him
to another guard.

Kasan didnt respond, but the same horror was in his mind, too. Mistreating littles,
betraying the family hed always thought the purist group was misguided and
bigoted, but hed never thought they were insane until the last few days.

He stumbled and instead of a Kyashin arm steadying him, Kasan fell against Ando-
kees. He automatically reached out to grab hold and touched the fur on its back. It
was surprisingly soft for being so bristly. The animal looked at him, made some
strange kind of sound almost like a small yip and waited to move again until
Kasan had recovered himself.

Kasan sucked in his breath as he looked down the nearest wall, a corner before
another corridor intersected their own. A small set of footprints marred the dust by
the wall, side by side. He reached down to touch them. Max had been here; he must
have been looking around the corner before he moved.

Just keep being careful, little one. Well find you. He rubbed his fingers over the
spot and stood up with a lurch as he heard voices. Ando-kees whipped his head
around to stare at him. The voices were coming from around the corner, and even
Kasan could see from the small scuff in the dust that Max had gone in that direction.
And there were more voices than the seven of them could fight.

Theyd have to hide.

They started to creep back down the hallway, listening as the words grew clearer.

Dont know why theyre taking so long to bring the little mutant.

They sent Zoru.

Oh fuck, youre shitting me! Why would they even do that?

Hes Elder Seans son.

So what? The other Elders know what hes like! I know the throwbacks are
abominations, but theres no reason to beat on that kid as often as he does. Gonna
kill him one of these days. And they think hed be safe to take the human to the lab?
Fuck. You should of told me; wed better hurry and make sure the damn things
okay.

Kasan stumbled back down the hall, the others half-dragging him as they dashed
down a side corridor and around another curve, holding their breath until the men
had passed. Kasan cursed under his breath as he and the others came back out and
followed Maxs trail again. Any minute now, theyd reach the cells, find them empty
of the prisoners they were supposed to have, and word would be out. And Waran
might be freefuck!

But they had to find Max. They couldn't stop to fight more people than they could
win out against and chance leaving Max to these bastards. And if Max was up in the
forest already no, hed be fine. He was small, and quick theyd all seen that in
the Greeting room. Max just had to hide until Kasan found him.

And more men would be coming soon from the family, might already be here
helping clear out this nest of insanity. They were so close.

Another corner, and then another, and then Andro-kees paused, his head swiveling
back and forth as he searched the floor. Kasan looked down and caught another of
Maxs footprints, the small imprint of a toe. And then another overlaid on itfrom
the same foot had he come this way more than once? Kasan looked up at the
placards on the walls, seeing directions back to the citadel and for the nearest exit
up into the forest. He wished he or Zonta had taught Max to read. At least he might
have been able to find the passage back.

As soon as they found Max, Kasan was making sure the little one wouldnt be in
danger from his own ignorance ever again.

They turned, following Ando-kees, and this time there was no warning. A group of
men came around the corner and they ran into them so fast that one of them
literally bumped into Ando-kees and his surprised yell was cut off as Ando-kees
batted him against the wall. They were fighting in the thick of things in seconds,
battling a group of men the same size as their own. Kasan caught a glancing cut off
his forearm when he was too slow to block it, and was almost gutted before Ando-
kees knocked another attacker off his feet. The others took care of the rest, but not
without a few more cuts and bruises.

Kasan swayed on his feet, pain ripping through him again as the adrenaline pumped
through his veins, and Mick came towards him, concerned. Kasan waved him away
again. The five guards looked at him and pulled back to talk on the other side of the
intersection. He wasnt sure they wouldnt try to force him to go back he knew hed
nearly got himself killed, hed been so clumsy during the fighting. But he wasnt
damn well leaving without Max!

He leaned against Ando-kees. Im not going back, he murmured. He opened his
mouth to say more and choked as men burst out from the side hallway separating
them. They didnt seem to see Kasan, leaping around the corner and over the other
fallen purists to attack the other guards. Shit! They must have heard them fighting!

Ando-kees jumped into the fray, managing to get one purist from the back before
they realized he was there, but then he had to leap back to avoid being gutted by a
spear.

Kasan tried to join them, but another stab of pain hit him so hard he dropped to his
knees before he could take a step. He planted his palms on the floor, trying to move,
and almost died yet again as a purist got by Andro-kees and stabbed down. Kasan
managed to roll in time to get his spear up and the man impaled himself.

Kasan shuddered as he pulled the spear free. Ando-kees backed up and let him lean
on him. They faced the few men who werent after the other five guards, bodies
lying limply on the ground around them.

Davin shouted, not visible through the mass of bodies. Kasan, just go!

Not a chance in hell, Kasan shouted back. God, there were too many of them.

Mick yelled back. Go! You cant fight them! GO!

Kasan looked at the mass of bodies. If he and the others had been on the same side,
they could have backed into a defensible space and held it until help came, but
divided, he didnt see how they could succeed. Pull back, then! He yelled, pulling
back himself. They were on Maxs trail still. He and the shokan might be able to
make it. He couldnt leave Max out there alone, but to leave them like this.

Of course!

Kasan glared at the spot he knew that tone of voice. They werent going to pull
back. Theyd keep at the purists to try and force them to stay and not to follow
Kasan. And nothing Kasan was going to say could stop them. Damn those stupid,
self-sacrificing idiots.

Kasan closed his eyes, feeling the sting in them that he blinked away. But he had to
rescue Max. He was his consorts only chance.

Youd better not get your sorry asses killed or Ill come back and kick them down
this whole hallway! Kasan yelled back.

He heard a chorus of agreements, telling him the same thing, and then he and
Ando-kees backed down the hallway as fast as they could. Only a few purists
followed them probably didnt want to face a shokan and couldn't understand why
Kasan was right next to it, unharmed.

Andro-kees and Kasan backed around a corner and took two of the purists as they
tried to follow. Both fell with a scream, bleeding. Another fell at the next corner.
Ando-kees claws and Kasans spear blade were red. He wiped the blade clean on his
loincloth as he continued to back down the hallway, but minutes later, there was still
no one following down the hallway. Whatever courage their pursuers had had left
them after losing men to a shokanor they left to get reinforcements first. Cursing,
Kasan stumbled on with Ando-kees, picking up the pace. He couldnt keep thoughts
of just how many people he loved were in danger right now; hed go insane.

He concentrated on moving as fast as he could, instead, following Andro-kees. After
a number of turns, they tracked Maxs trail until they hit a staircase heading up to an
exit into the forest. They followed it up just a few steps before it ended in an old
cave in. Kasan swallowed the lump in his throat, looking at the rubble. Peering into
the small area, Kasan could see a few smears along old dust where Max had crawled
in. And gouges where other Kyashin had tried to drag him out.

Had they succeeded?

Max? Are you there? Its safe now. You can come out.

Kasan didnt really expect an answer. He couldnt even hear breathing, so there
was no reason why he should be disappointed that Max hadnt answered, but it still
hurt. Andro-kees prowled at the base of the rubble, grumbling and growling, and
Kasan despaired over what to do next. Did someone else have Max, or had he made
it out? Standing there, swaying on his feet, Kasan tried to use his numbed mind to
actually think, and he felt a thread of air snaking down through the jumble of rocks.
It smelled strongly of flowers and dark earth.

Someone had left the door open to the forest. It had to be Max. No one else would
be that ignorant. Hed made it into the forest.

Kasans skin felt like ice over the heat inside his veins. Max was out there, alone.
Not being tortured, but the other shokan.

We have to find another way up. Andro-kees looked at him and they both climbed
down the stairs. Kasan looked at the small signs in the hallway and found another
exit, only a few hallways down. They made it all the way up to the doorway outside
without seeing another soul. There was no guard who would even find the doorway,
from the forest side? and Kasan stared out into the woods.

The air was thick with the smell of the forest, so thick that Kasan could barely smell
the shokan next to him. They wouldnt be able to track Max until they found the
other exit, but he thought he knew where it would be. Hed tried to keep track of the
turns underground so he could pinpoint it above.

Kasan took a deep breath and looked over at Andro-kees. It was just the two of
them. All right, shokan. Lets go get Max.











Fiction~~The Last Pure Human~~Ch. 32


The Last Pure Human
Chapter 32 - Lust and Love




Maxs skin was so soft. Kasan could feel it under the pads of his fingers, along his
stomach, and cushioning his groin as he thrust against him.

So good, Kasan murmured. Hearing it aloud erased the fantasy and brought him
back to the searing agony pulsing through his limbs with every step. He groaned.
The forest swam in front of his eyes. He felt nothing but the pain wracking his body
from the tips of his ears to the scruffy, twig-tangled tip of his tail.

He wanted Max back.

Something scratched his shoulder and he swiped at it violently, snarling. His hand
jerked to a halt as it passed and he stared, blinking frantically until he could see for
a few crucial seconds. Deep brown bark came into focus, the torn remnants of his
loincloth tangled between his hand and the thorny branch that had assaulted him.

Hed done that, taken off his loincloth and ripped it. He- He had to mark the way,
that was it. It had beenhow many minutes since the last time? It couldnt be long.
He was sure it hadnt been long. Leaning against the tree, he ripped another strip
from his loincloth with trembling hands. He struggled to recall the words for what he
was doing and failed, but his fingers remembered how to tie the specific knot he
needed from countless training exercises.

Straight, he mumbled. Thats right. This would tell anyone who followed to go
straight ahead. The first knot had been tied outside the door leaving the Haven, with
a different knot telling a rescue party which way to turn. Theyd be coming, as soon
as they had the Haven secure. So they could help him get Max home, where Kasan
could press the little one against the mirror and watch every expression on his face
as he entered him from behind. That shocked o of Maxs mouth was he took Kasan
in completely was so fucking erotic.

Kasan shook his head, his hair tangling around his face until he swiped it out of the
way. The irritation was enough to keep thoughts of Maxs body at bay for a few
moments.

He didnt need to think about what to do with Max when he found him. He had to
focus on finding Max.

They hadnt lost the trail yet; there was still hope. Andro-kees had found where the
little one had left the Haven, the stink of fear so strong it coated the air. Max had
figured out how to get his bearings and headed straight for the citadel. The little one
had never even seen the outside of the citadel, and hed figured out where to go.

Smart, beautiful Max. Kasan stumbled, scratched his side against another tree,
and pushed away to continue walking. He had to find Max.

Keep him safe.

Kasan shuddered, stumbling again as a scene replayed itself in his head. Max had
veered off the trail, charging through bushes and up against a tree where three tosa
had followed, moving oddly fast. Their remains painted the bark with garish smears.
Shokan tracks covered the ground, half concealed by pink sludge, all that was left of
the tosa.

That many shokan at once, Max helpless and trapped, with nowhere to run? Max
would have been torn to pieces. And Kasan hadnt been there to protect him.

Kasan had dropped to his hands and knees, calling Maxs name as though it would
help, digging through the gore in the desperate hope that there was somewhere
concealed where Max had hid, a hole hed crawled into, anything!

Kasan swayed even now, nearly vomiting as he remembered the feel of pushing
aside inches-deep slime and entrails, digging into the slick earth with his claws.

Andro-kees whuffed at him and he steadied, the forest around them replacing the
memory. He hadnt found Maxs body there. He had to remember that.

Andro-kees had figured it out. Hed latched onto Kasans arm and dragged him
away, ignoring Kasans curses and clawing. Kasan had been about to bite the beast
when theyd emerged into another clearing and Kasan could smell Max again. Alive.
Still terrified. And surrounded by shokan, which made no sense whatsoever but he
didnt care. He didnt care if they dressed Max up in lace and made him their new
king, as long as they didnt hurt him.

His legs had given out when he hadnt seen a drop of blood. Max had still been alive
when hed been in the clearing. That was all that mattered. Kasan hadnt even been
able to protest as Andro-kees cleaned the tosa remains from his skin with long, slimy
strokes of its tongue. His little one was still alive.

But that had beenhours ago? Kasan was in no shape to track Max anymore. The
shokan were keeping to the trees. Andro-kees was the only one able to leap from
branch to branch to track them, coming down and climbing back up much more
rapidly than Kasan could have, even when his limbs worked as they should. Kasan
had to trust that the animal still had the trail.

And that Max was still alive.

The shokan would probably tear Kasan apart when they got there, but maybe he
could buy Andro-kees enough time to get the little one out. Andro-kees would save
him. Take him back to the others. Kasans vision faded to black as a wave of pain hit
and he walked blindly into Andro-kees, breathing through it until he could see again.
He knew the shokan wouldnt leave, even through the agony he could remember
that. Hed fallen, writhing with the pain, more times than he could count, and it had
stayed. Coming to his senses, hed always find Andro-kees standing next to him until
he recovered enough to move again.

Take im back t mfamily, Ando-kees. Kasan frowned, tried to speak again
without slurring his words. He gave up and tore another strip from the loincloth for a
knot. No matter what, the others could find Max. If Kasan failed, if Andro-kees failed,
his family wouldnt fail. Theyd find the little one and keep him safe. The kouloc
hadnt mutated enough to infect a pure human, Kasan was sure of it.

Kasan looked down and lurched to the side, stumbling against Androcles again as he
nearly stepped into the morelenta. Damn vine. Had Max stepped on any thorns?
Kasan remembered worrying over it, but his thoughts were too hazy to recall if it
had actually happened or not. Kasan hated to think of those sharp points puncturing
the vulnerable soles of Maxs feet.

The poisoned thorns killed most animals outright. Kyashin and shokan were spared,
though. Max would be too. If his poor, delicate feet had been hurt, his nanites would
eliminate the morelentas toxin and the virus that went with it. It took days, though.
Days and days. Hed be in pain the whole time. Needed someone to kiss it all better.
Kasan could lick over the soles of his feet until Max melted. Max would squirm like
he always did, cheeks turning that sexy pink color. And hed make those sounds,
needy whines and desperate whimpering little grunts as he started grabbing at
Kasans skin with his hands. Kasan could spread his legs so he couldn't get away and
sink into his-

Kasan moaned, pushing aside the image only to have it replaced with another.
Pulling Max onto his lap and impaling him. Bending Max over the nearest log, so high
his feet couldnt even touch the ground, and holding his cheeks apart as Kasan
watched his cock open up the most perfect ass in the world. Maxs lips around his
cock, sucking hard. Maxs stomach, Maxs chest, Maxs cock, Maxs ass.

Maxtelling him to stop touching him.

Kasan lost his footing, almost falling into the small path between the roots where
the vines lay in wait, and he panted against the pain in his head and the heat in his
veins.

The shokan stood up in the trees above when had he jumped up there? - staring
down at him, eyes round and serious.

Know wha thiss like, don you? Kasan muttered. Shokan had the heat, too. But
they couldnt have Max. Max was his. Mine. Find your own.

Max was his and no one elses. His consort. Made the best noises, especially when
Kasan slid in slow, but he wanted to go fast, now. Hold Max tight, but no claws. He
knew that. He had to keep his claws sheathed. But Maxs skin was so soft, Kasan
wanted to taste it, one little bite while he sheathed himself. Revel in the smell of him.
Get rid of Warans scent, and the forests, and the shokans. Fine a good place, safe.
Needed Maxs body. Needed that hot, tight grip around Kasans cock again and again
and-


Kasan fell over a root and slammed against a tree trunk. He snarled, clawing wildly.
Still growling, he keeled over, his feet blocks of molten lead. Lying on the ground, he
moaned quietly, lungs heaving. Everything was so hot, fire in his veins. It interfered
with his vision, raced through his blood and poured into his cock. He wanted Max so
much. He needed to find him now!

Save him.

Flip him over and spread that precious ass and sink in so deep that Max would
never forget the feel of it.

Wouldnt reject him ever again.

No! A flock of birds gave a combined startled shriek and leapt from the tree
overhead and Kasan grabbed at his head, yanking at his ears until the pain took
away enough of the heat to clear his thoughts for a few seconds. No, you fucking
bastard, be gentle! He couldnt do this! Kasan couldnt go feral now. Not now! Max
was so little; Kasan could kill him if he lost himself in the heat!

Kasan had a glimpse of Max, ravaged until he was broken and still. Kasan went so
cold it even made the feel of his blood fade for an icy second before the heat rushed
back in. He couldnt let that happen. If he couldnt keep himself in check, hed just
walk off into the forest and get himself away from his consort. Max would be safe.
Andro-kees would find Max and bring him home.

Kasan stumbled again and grunted as something warm suddenly held him up.
Blinking blearily, he stared at the shokan as it propped itself underneath his arm,
keeping him from face-planting onto the forest floor.

Find him. Not sure I can, but you find him, beast.

The shokan made an odd growling yip and bumped him until Kasan started
stumbling forward again.

~*~*~*~*~*~



Max was about ready to cry his eyes out. He didnt think it would have any more
effect than anything else hed tried, but at this point, he was running out of options.
And running out of time to get to Kasan. Max could feel it.

He rubbed his hand over his face, shoulders bowed, and felt a tongue lick gently at
the wounds on his feet. It continued until he looked up and met the dogs eyes. They
were a little larger than Androcles when Max first found him: Great Dane size, still.
They were also lined with an outline of black fur so precise that it made Max think of
Egyptian pharaohs and their kohl rimmed eyes.

And they frustrated the hell out of him. He scowled and pulled his feet away. Stupid
dogs had finally grown annoyed with all his attempts to leave and assigned him a
shadow: the one still trying to lick his feet. Cleopatra, hed been calling her.

Judas would have been more appropriate. Every time he found a way to escape, she
gave warning and one of the huge ones would stop him. The only time she hadnt
been involved was when hed completely lost it and raged at the guarding dogs,
screaming and throwing stones.

One of them had forcibly held him down while he struggled madly, still yelling. They
hadnt let him up until hed raged himself into exhaustion, and not for a while on top
of that, like they were proving a point.

Max felt another lick and pulled his feet even further away. He would swear
Cleopatra looked hurt. He glared. You want to lick my feet? Then get me the hell
out of here! He realized he was yelling when several of the bigger dogs turned to
look at him. Max pulled his knees in close to his chest and thumped his forehead
against them. Dammit, he couldnt get free! And every moment he was stuck there,
Kasan was dying.

He could feel that Kasan needed him. Maxs ass felt empty. His entire body felt
super-heated. A gaping pit had opened itself in his stomach and the only thing that
was going to make it go away was if Max found Kasan and they had hot, sweaty sex
for the next few hours, and thenthen hed feel all right.

Then he could stop thinking of Kasan walking him down the hall, refusing to touch
him. So pissed that hed closed the door in Maxs face rather than stay with him.
They hadnt even kissed. And now he might not ever see Kasan again and -

Max took a shuddering breath, looking at Cleopatra still sitting by his feet. Please.
His voice was hoarse from yelling. Let me out. I need to find Kasan.

She stepped in close, rubbed against his legs like a cat, and yipped softly.

Thats not helping, he growled. She stood quietly, glanced behind him and back
again. Max turned. There was a gap between the largest dog and the huge side roots
of the tree. And the dog was facing to the side now, away from the small opening. If
Max was fast enough, maybe he could-?

If she didnt stop him again, that is. I suppose youre telling me that you wont say
anything this time? As if she could understand him.

She yipped at him softly and rubbed her head against his arm. Was that a yes? He
stared at her, assessing. When she tilted her head but didnt do anything else, he
carefully made it to a wobbling stand. None of the guards were paying attention, and
Cleopatra simply sat there.

Watching her carefully, he took a step towards the space, wincing as the sole of his
foot met the ground. It still hurt to walk. Another step, and then another, and she
trotted after him. But still no warning. Max was sure she could see where he was
heading; that was enough to set her off. She usually didnt even wait for him to get
close before she shut him down. So maybe? Trying not to attract attention, he
crept in a pained limp across the clearing.

He was one step from the guard when Cleopatra ratted him out with a loud bark. A
giant paw casually bopped him back into prison.

I need to get to Kasan! Cleopatra yipped at him. Shut up, you stupid traitor! A
few of the larger ones turned to face him and he swung on them. I am not a
godamned puppy! Cant you understand that! Im a human being and I need to go
and get fucked by my husband or hes going to fucking die, so get the hell out of my
way!

He ran at the one whod batted him back inside, ramming into it. It looked down at
him as he elbowed it viciously. The huge animal snorted and nudged him back
among the puppies, ignoring the punches it got in the process. Just like the last time
hes attacked one.

Max slumped to the ground on his knees and stared up into the air, screaming once.
God fucking dammit! Let me go to Kasan!

They all watched him, a ring of blank alien faces and orange eyes. Cleopatra came
close and licked his shoulder. He shoved her away. She put her paws on his shoulder
and knocked him to the side. He wasnt expecting it and went right over. Max
growled, rolling to get to his knees, and she flopped on top of his back, knocking him
sprawling onto his stomach. She was just large enough to make bucking her off a
challenge.

Get off!

Face down on the ground, his eyes stinging as he tried to keep from crying like the
useless bastard he was, he froze as she tensed on top of him, growling. He thought
he was going to be bitten until he heard the same sound from the others, as well.
Deep, bass rumbles that vibrated against his skin. The puppies scrambled back
against hollow at the base of the tree roots, hiding. All the dogs faced to the side,
the growling rising in tenor until the hairs on the back of Maxs neck were standing
up. A few dogs shifted position to block his view entirely. Max tried to get up but
Cleopatra growled loudly again and he stayed still. He couldnt get away if she
savaged him first.

But what the hell would threaten these things?

And would it give him a chance to get away?

Max twisted his head from where he was pinned but still couldnt move enough to
see what was going on. The growling changed tempo again and slowed to a barely
audible ripple in the air, just enough to have his skin crawling.

The puppies stayed huddled back in the hollow and a couple of dogs leapt from
higher ground to stand right in front of them. Cleopatra got off of him. Max
swallowed what was going on?

And did he care? All the attention was on that one side. This was his chance! Max
leapt up to run out in the opposite direction and tripped to a halt as all the dogs
turned to stare at him.

Cleopatra walked to him and chuffed irritably before putting herself between him
and the others. Nothing moved at first, none of them made a sound, and then Max
could see a smaller shape cautiously weaving between the dogs, heading his
direction. He squinted, unable to make it out at first. There was a pattern on it that
was blending into the dogs it had to navigate through; he couldnt quite figure out
what it was until it walked out from behind the last dogs blocking his way.

Bigger than Cleopatra. Furry. Limping. But so, so familiar.

Androcles? It couldnt be. Androcles had been so badly hurt that he had to be
dead. He couldnt be walking into the jungle just hours later as though hed hardly
been touched!

But Androcles continued limping forward, dark smears over his coat that Max
thought might be blood. Androcles? Max whispered. He stepped towards him and
Cleopatra blocked him with a small warning growl.

Androcles paused and growled back. They stared at each other silently and then
Androcles hung his head like hed been told bad dog.

Cleopatra abandoned her position in front of Max and padded over. Max blinked as
she twisted against Androcles, who looked nearly as surprised as Max felt. She made
her way around Androcles body, brushing up against his sides, sniffing him over,
and finally making her way to his head again where she nipped gently under the
neck. Androcles shivered, then slowly ducked his head and rubbed it over her own
with closed eyes, sighing. Max wasnt sure what the hell was going on, but it seemed
to be calming the other dogs, too. They were going back to their original positions,
hardly looking at Androcles and Cleopatra and more importantly, Max any more.

Can we leave, then? Max blurted. Could he go and get Kasan now? And Aosh if
Androcles was okay, maybe theyd found Aosh in time, too! Max could thank him,
but more importantly, he could find Kasan!

Androcles would be able to get him back home; he just knew it. Androcles had
found Max way out here in the middle of the damned jungle, hadnt he? He had to
know the way back to Kasan!

As long as the damn dogs would finally freaking let him go!

Carefully, Max took a few steps closer to Androcles. Androcles met him halfway;
Max felt tears coming to his eyes as he saw the dried, bloody smear still in evidence
where Androcles had been stabbed. He closed his eyes to keep them at bay and
grabbed the dog around the neck didnt even have to lean over anymore to do that
and held on.

God, I thought you were dead! Max gulped, trying to keep it together. If he
freaking started crying now, he didnt think hed stop, and he still had to get to
Kasan!

Androcles yipped when Max let go, then licked him in the face.

I know. I love you too, you big dumb dogasaur. Max swallowed and looked into
Androcles eyes. Ive gotta get back to Kasan, okay? Find Kasan. Can you find him,
boy? I need Kasan. Ka-san.

Androcles licked him once more and turned back the way hed come. His back legs
didnt look right, moving with a halting gait that wasnt quite right. Max followed,
putting his hand on Androcles side, watching the other dogs nervously. The other
animals stepped casually to the side to let them through. Maxs heart was in his
throat as they moved between two of the largest ones. He looked down, trying to
collect himself and still keep moving. His foot stepped right next to one of their paws,
claw tipped and enormous, a few spots on the fur separating as it flexed its toes and
dug them into the dirt.

Max swallowed nervously, then squeaked in surprise as the paw came up and
batted him in the ass, sending him stumbling forward.

He glared at it and realized it was the one hed attacked the most when hed been
trying to escape. It opened its mouth and did that panting laugh that Androcles had
done in the past. Asshole, he growled.

Androcles looked back at him but continued through until they were finally, finally
outside of the dogs den. They made it a few more steps without interference, and a
few more, until they slowly walked around an enormous tree trunk that Max knew
would hide them from view. He bit his lip but couldnt contain himself.

Were out!

Androcles yipped at him. There was another yip right behind them and Max jumped,
whirling around. Cleopatra stood a few inches behind them.

You are not taking me back!

She tilted her head, walked up close, licked him once, and then ignored him to rub
over Androcles again. With a flip of her tail, she snorted and walked ahead of them
both.

Wait, what you are not coming with us!

Androcles bumped him with his shoulder to move him forward and Max stumbled,
cursing. His whole body ached, but he wasnt having that stupid traitor come with
them!

She kept me from leaving. Androcles! There is no way shes coming! Cleopatra
continued walking, looking back once and shaking her head. Androcles bumped him
again.

Dammit! Max wanted to protest some more. There was no way he wanted that
other dog coming too, but he needed to get to Kasan right away. He didnt have time
to protest if Androcles was going to lose his mind over somefemale dog.

Ah shit. No. No, Androcles! Bad dog! You will not let her come just because shes a
girl and youre a boy, got it? Androcles was limping rather quickly now and Max
limped after him, bitching the entire time. The dogs back legs fumbled awkwardly,
and Max bit his lip, shutting up.

Cleopatra slowed until she was on the other side of Androcles. They waited until
Max caught up, holding onto Androcles fur, and all three of them moved along the
roots of the trees into the forest.

The longer they walked, the more the anger that had kept him from panicking faded.
Fear took its place. Something was really, really wrong. Max was so empty he felt
like he could float away. He burned all over. It made the pain in his feet almost
unnoticeable. His head was spacey and hollow, more like a balloon then a part of
himself.

And he had to trust that Androcles knew where he was going, because Max had no
clue. But Androcles had to be heading the right way, didnt he? Why else would he
come to find Max? Where else would he take him but Kasan?

He lost track of time as they walked. The burning in his limbs grew along with the
pain in Maxs feet. Cleopatra moved to his other side and Max leaned against her. He
really didnt feel well. He was scared for Kasan, and he felt so completely out of it,
and he needed Kasan. He wanted him so badly. He wanted Kasan to grab him and
pull him up on his lap like hed done in front of the mirrors andand fuck him.

Max remembered the orgasm that one had given him and groaned, sweating.

Androcles barked, snapping Max out of a daze. Max swayed on his feet as Androcles
walked away from him, slipping by two trees, rubbing his face over the bark. He
barking harshly at Max as he paused. With Cleopatras help, Max made it through,
maneuvering between the two large trunks and into a small, shadowed thicket,
coated with a soft brown moss that felt cool and soothing against Maxs feet. He took
a few steps, trying to find Androcles in the few seconds before his eyes adjusted to
the shadows, and just saw the body on the ground in time to dodge it. But not
without falling onto his ass with an inglorious thud.

Shit! Max scrambled up, ready to bolt when he heard it moan. K-Kasan?

Kasan lay on the ground, nude and covered with sweat. He had an erection the size
the Eiffel Tower, glistening, dripping fluids onto his stomach.

Kasan!

Kasan didnt respond. His eyes were closed. His face twisted into a pained grimace.

Kasan! Max dropped to his knees. He reached out to touch him and stopped short
of his skin. What if he hurt him? Kasan, please, Im here now. Still nothing. Wake
up, Kasan!

Kasan groaned quietly, turning his head toward Maxs voice. He let out a cry, his
body writhing. His erection bobbed as he arched up and then slammed back into the
moss, almost like hed had a seizure.

Max stared at him, terrified. Why was he out here like this? There should be
someone with him if Kasan was sick! Because Max didnt know what to do and
someone else had to know. Why wouldnt he wake up? He had to be all right now!
Max had made it! He had to!

Kasan, you cant die. Im here! Im here now, we canwe can have sex, right? Im
here. Not even a groan this time. Kasan twisted his head, but nothing else. Kasan,
please, Im here now

Androcles and Cleopatra padded carefully out of the thicket but Max barely
registered it. Kasan? Please, you cant die now. Im here now. We can have sex.
He reached out to touch his shoulder. Screw if it hurt him, as long as it made him
wake up so he could tell Max what he needed!

As soon as Maxs hand touched skin, Kasans eyes snapped opened, his breathing
ragged and harsh. Oh thank God! He wasn't dead! Max made it on time!

Unfocused eyes swung his direction, the brown so vivid it almost glowed gold.
Kasan bared his fangs, growling deep in his throat.

K-Kasan?

One enormous arm swung out and caught him around the waist. Max eeped in fright
as he was flipped in the air and shoved onto his back, moss cushioning the blow. He
stared up at Kasan, shocked.

Kasan, whats going on? What are you- Kasan didnt speak, crouched over him,
blindly staring down. Max swallowed nervously as Kasan lowered his head to Maxs
neck and inhaled.

At the first feel of Kasans breath against his skin, Max couldnt help himself. He
arched back, giving Kasan access to his throat, and arousal rammed into him the
second Kasans lips met his skin, sucking hard enough to bruise. God, Kasan

Kasan moaned, mouthing Maxs throat frantically, sucking and licking up to Maxs
face before latching onto his lips. Max could feel the weight of Kasans erection
against his thigh, slippery and even hotter than the tongue that rampaged through
his mouth. Max gasped for air as Kasan pulled back.

Holy crap, Kasan. I dont-

Arms wrapped around him. Kasan shifted him down until Maxs face was against
Kasans chest. It smelled of forest and sweat, salty with a bitter tang. Then without
another word Kasan grabbed Maxs thighs, pushed them up, splayed wide, and
started to enter him. Max sucked in his breath at the sudden intrusion, shocked.

His ass opened up like it was made of butter.

He barely had time to draw another breath before Kasan thrust in all at once, still
moaning harshly. The empty place inside Max disappeared in an instant, a relief so
immediate and all consuming it was actually painful. Max choked for breath,
whimpering with need and want and please, god, more as Kasan pulled out. Kasan
thrust in again immediately, one smooth invasion that shoved sensation through
Maxs prostate.

Kasaaan! Max wailed as Kasan did it again, no pause to let Max adjust, just a hard,
steady pounding that would have pushed him along the ground if Kasan hadnt been
holding his legs so tightly. His entire body rocked as Kasan thrust in. Kasan bent so
his face buried itself in Maxs hair. Max choked as Kasans cock went in deep. Too
much sensation! The moss against his back, the heat slamming against his prostate
mercilessly, the musky smell from Kasans body and Kasan, growling above his head
in time with his thrusts.

Max cried out as he was entered again, the blunt head pushing into his body until
Kasans hips slammed against his ass. God, so big. What he needed, no more
emptiness and cold and fear. Just Kasan curled around his body, his hips pinioning
harder and harder. And Max still wanted more he needed more! His own cock was
begging for release, hard as a rock where it rubbed against Kasans stomach. His
hands clutched at the moss too cold! and back at Kasans arms, slipping until he
ended up clutching at his own thighs, clawing at them to pull them wider and take
Kasan in even deeper.

Oh God Oh GOD!

Kasan screamed like some kind of wounded panther as he came. Max screamed
along with him, the orgasm wrenched out of him, shooting so hard some of his own
semen landed on his cheek.

Panting, Max stared up through the v of his own legs into Kasans face. Kasan
reached down and ran his fingers over Maxs cheek, licking them clean. Maxs belly
tightened instantly.

He couldnt believe theyd just-

Kasan hadnt even waited to let Max hug him before theyd-

It was less than five minutes! Holy crap. Max squirmed, trying to shift, still bent
nearly in half and feeling extremely vulnerable with his legs in the air and his
backside still opened and full of Kasan.

Kasan tightened his grip. His eyes narrowed.

Kasan, I n-need to move, Max said, squirming again. Kasan growled, a
threatening rumble in his chest and throat. Max could see the skin around his
adams apple vibrating with it.

Max went very still, staring into his face. Kasan? His eyes were still blank. They
didnt glow as brightly but they were strangely fierce, and a little scary.

And something about them was making Maxs cock start to sit up and take notice
and he had no clue why!

Kasan slowly pulled out. Max could feel himself clamping down as Kasan retreated,
twitching. He frowned. Why wasnt Kasan staying inside of Max? He always stayed.
Max hadkind of gotten used to cuddling afterward, still full, connected to Kasan. It
felt wrong to be so empty so soon after sex.

The sex had been so short theyd hardly had any time to be connected!

Max stared up at Kasan who had propped himself up on his hands and knees on top
of Max, still unspeaking. This wasnt fair! Max had finally saved Kasan and theyd
had sex, but it was all wrong! He was feeling empty all over again, just like he had
before. It wasnt supposed to be like this.

It was supposed to make things better, not leave him wanting.

Woah! Max clutched at Kasan as he was picked up, feet dangling and held against
Kasans chest. He swallowed nervously, aroused again by Kasans body against his
own. Kasan, what are you doing?

Kasan clutched him tighter, scooping up his legs, and took a few steps toward the
edge of the thicket. Max couldnt see where they were going, but Kasans lack of
response was making him very worried. Why wasnt he better yet? This wasnt like
him!

Max gasped as Kasan nuzzled his neck, nipping gently at it once. Then the world
spun and Max was face down over a fallen tree. Moss coated the trunk even more
thickly than on the ground, but it was still shockingly cold against his stomach after
the heat of Kasan.

Not funny, Kasan! Max pushed with his hands to push himself off the stupid thing
but Kasans hand on his back stopped him. Kasan, this is cold! Max kicked
helplessly for a second, unable to touch the ground. His pulse kicked up with a
vengeance when Kasan growled again and pressed against him from behind. Oh,
he said softly.

He wasnt going to be left feeling so empty.

Max swallowed, looking over his shoulder, and held very still as Kasan stopped
holding him down. Broad hands palmed the cheeks of his ass and separated them.
Max moaned, spreading his legs, and moaned again as Kasan entered him, going
slower this time. Max could feel his own muscles giving way, letting Kasan in, every
thick inch caressing him from the inside.

Max expected Kasan to start pounding into him again once he hit bottom, but it
never happened. Kasan kept his hands on Maxs backside, keeping him open and
exposed as he pulled back slowly until he even the head of his cock was out
completely. Max bit at his fists as Kasan pushed back in just as carefully, opening
him up all over again. So freaking slow! And somehow, having his bottom open like
it was, it was different. He felt more, right where Kasans cock pushed in, like the
nerves there couldnt deal with the open air and the heat of Kasan at the same time
without overloading.

Max looked back again, about to beg Kasan to go faster, and saw Kasans face. He
wasnt looking at Maxs face at all; he was watching himself sink into Maxs body
with such concentration that Max flushed hotly. His own dick hit full mast instantly
and he jerked, trying to thrust against the moss. Kasan tightened his grip over Maxs
ass, holding him steady, and continued the slow, torturous thrusting.

Kasan, please! Kasans cock slipped free again, the soft velvet tip resting against
Maxs entrance a moment before pushing its way back in. Max keened, trying to
move his hips back to get it in faster, or to push his own cock against the rock, but
Kasan wouldnt let go. Kasan! I need to move! Kasan growled. I dont care if
youre growling, I still need to move! Come on, Kasan! Please!

Kasan didnt move his hands, didnt let him move, but he bent over and clamped his
teeth at the nape of Maxs neck. How could he even bend that way?

Kasan, don t you d-dare bite meshit! Kasan thrust in once, hard, and Max saw
stars. Without letting go of Maxs ass or his neck, Kasan sped up, slamming in hard
now. Max wanted so desperately to move he could taste it, but Kasan kept him still.
Max could do nothing but take each thrust as it came, breathing out in screaming
gasps, his whole body tightening at the pleasure rampaging through him.

He came before Kasan, screaming again. The rocking of his body against Kasan as
his husband continued thrusting should have been awful. It was violent, his teeth
were bruising the skin at the back of Maxs neck, the sound of his hips slapping
against Maxs ass were loud and coarse. And some barbaric part of Max wanted that.

He wanted proof that Kasan was alive and okay and that he wanted Max just as
badly as Max wanted him. Max felt Kasan dig his teeth in, almost breaking the skin,
snarling as he finally came, quivering. Max had never felt so complete and safe and
desired in his whole damn life.

With Kasan embedded in his ass, Max leaned his face on his arms and cursed as he
felt tears come to his eyes again. He sniffed them back, then yelped as Kasan pulled
out of him immediately and turned him around. Max ended up back on the mossy
ground again with Kasan wiping at his eyes, looking worried.

Oh jeez, dont look. Max tried to turn his head away but Kasan grabbed his chin
and held him still, leaning down to lick gently at his lips once and pulling back, tilting
his head. Kasans ears flickered back and forth and he kissed Max again, gently. Still
kissing softly, Kasan spread Maxs legs and entered him again. He was still erect,
and Maxs body welcomed him in easily, slick and hot. This time, however, Kasan
leaned up and watched Max.

Max flushed as Kasan stared down at him. What? He was embarrassed as hell that
hed rather be filled up with Kasan right now than anything else, even after two
bouts in a row. What did that say about him?

Kasan made a kind of whining growl and kissed him again before moving his head
and watching Max. His hips didnt move.

What? What do you want?

Kasan moved out an inch and back in and stopped, still watching.

Are youyou want to know if I want to do it again? Youre asking now?

Kasan tilted his head the other direction and did the small withdrawal and thrust,
never moving his eyes from Max.

Max flushed even more as he realized he wasnt getting any unless he said
something. Kasan might not be all there, but every time they had sex, he seemed to
regain a little more of himself.

How many times was it going to take before he was all the way back?

Maxs cock rose and Kasan stared down at it, slowly smiling. Like you didnt know
you can get me hot, Max muttered, squirming a bit. Why did Kasan have to be so
freaking sweet, even when he was being a sex maniac? It was so- so him.

Kasan leaned down and began kissing Max again, harder this time, finally moving
his hips.

Max reached up and hugged him tightly as the heat began to thrum through his
body again. He spoke between kisses. Stupid cat. Dont you ever freaking do this
again, got it? No dying- His breath caught in his throat as the thrusting sped up
suddenly. Kasan moved his face over to Maxs ears, nibbling on them. - from lack of
sex.

Max didnt even want to think about how close it had been, Kasan lying there on the
ground, not even reacting until Max touched him. Max could have lost him! If
Androcles hadnt found him, Kasan would have died out here, all alone, in pain,
when all he was doing was trying to find Max-

Not allowed to get more than three feet from me, Max choked, clutching him
tighter, feeling everywhere Kasan touched like it might be the last time he ever did.
He couldnt lose him like that. Never fucking again. God I love you.

Max choked as he heard what he said, eyes widening. He didnt-

He couldnt-

Kasan thrust again and Max closed his eyes, just feeling. Touching his skin all over,
wanting to brand every hard plane of Kasans body with his fingers while he still
could. It didnt matter what stupid weird shit his head was thinking right now.

Max just wanted Kasan to fuck him until he couldnt even move. Then he could deal
with everything else.

Kasan grabbed his head and kissed him again, sucking at his tongue. Max reached
up to bury his hands in Kasans long, black hair, and kissed him back until
everything else went away.