Ai No Kusabi Fan Fiction ❯ The Lost Cadre ❯ Chapter 14 ( Chapter 14 )

Author's Notes: Ai no Kusabi and its characters do not belong to me and I make no claim on them. But…. Everybody else IS my own creation that I have plopped down into the Ai no Kusabi world. The things that they do and their interaction with the other characters of Ai no Kusabi are purely my fabrication.

 

Thanks goes to my invaluable betas on this slightly AU endeavour. You guys know who you are. *kisses*

 

The Lost Cadre 14

 

Mingan shifted restlessly. On one side of him, Sevilen pressed close, his pet's fingers dug lightly into his hip. On the other side, Akando stifled a yawn and grumbled about how his pet's place was at his side not next to Mingan's pet. Jolen folded his arms across his chest and scowled, his temper already pricked by an earlier scuffle with Akando in the hall. Raoul stood next to Akando and looked rather pale. Zesiro had wrapped his tail around Raoul's arm in what looked to be a comforting gesture. Of all the people gathered in the room, only Zesiro seemed utterly at ease.

 

The tension in the room went up several notches when the form of Jupiter appeared in the little alcove in Mingan's office.

 

“Report, Mingan and Akando Zenos. There was a power surge to my system earlier. I have traced the source of that surge to this residence, specifically from Akando. I have run diagnostics and your components are currently functioning within normal parameters. Akando, you will provide me with a detailed report on what you did to produce such a surge and takes steps to ensure that does not happen again. Mingan, I requested samples of your pet's genetic material, and yet there are no records of this submission. This is unacceptable. You will provide those samples by the end of the day. I am awaiting the report on the interrogation of the shooter at the concert by Jolen Helki, and the reasoning behind allowing that interrogation to be conducted by the man identified as Ambassador Shal-hazal Warrior Jor Zesiro from Awh'an will be included. Failure by either of you on any of these orders will not be tolerated.”

 

Jupiter turned away from the Cadre members and stared at Jolen for several seconds in silence. When Jolen didn't fidget under the intense scrutiny, Jupiter spoke.

 

“The dancer Jolen Helki is still on Amoi when my records indicate that he should have departed on a star-ship six point two-five hours ago. Given that he was shot while a guest on Amoi, I am willing to extend his pass until his wound has healed.”

 

“My records indicate that there is a ninety-three point five seven nine percent possibility that Zesiro is engaged in sexual activities with Raoul Am when sexual activities among my Blondies are expressly forbidden. If this information was not made clear to Ambassador Zesiro when he first arrived or when he made sexual advances, there will be repercussions for those involved.” Jupiter looked directly at Raoul, and that had him shifting nervously under the cold, impersonal gaze.

 

“Your records are wrong. There's a one hundred percent chance that I'm engaged in sexual activities with Raoul. Hell, I'm fucking him about as often as he's fucking me, which is pretty much every damn day. Not allowing a gorgeous creature like Raoul to fuck when he's got a sex drive in high gear and a body made to do all kinds of perverted things to is just cruel.”

 

“Zesiro!” Raoul hissed even as he turned a ghastly shade of white.

 

“What? It's not like everybody wasn't assuming it. It's a stupid rule. Besides, Mingan is screwing my Vi'deshron every chance he gets. It looks like his brother is trying for the same thing with Jolen. If they can do it and they're Blondies, why can't you?”

 

Akando turned and shot Zesiro a superior smirk. “We are Cadre. We can do as we please. Jolen is my pet, and if I want to use him every hour on the hour, it's my prerogative and not something I'd expect someone like you to understand.” The dismissal was clear in Akando's voice.

 

Jolen muttered several choice swear words in multiple languages, incensed that Akando was calling him a Pet when he was no such thing. He thought he'd zapped that idea right out of the Blondie's head earlier, but Akando was obviously fixed on the idea and simply wouldn't let it go. Jolen wasn't sure how much more clear he could make himself that he wasn't Akando's Pet.

 

“Someone like me? What the hell is that supposed to mean? In case you didn't know, it was me that got the message to you on behalf of my Vi'deshron, asshole. You wouldn't even be here if Sevilen didn't want it, which I'm still not sure the whys of when you're such a freaking dick. You're lucky I'm such an easy going guy or I'd wipe the floor with your stuck-up ass just for shits and giggles,” Zesiro snapped as his tail unwound from Raoul's arm and began swishing from side to side.

 

“You were responsible for the message? I don't believe you. How? And who or what is this Vi'de-whatever you keep mentioning?”

 

Sevilen raised his hand and stepped slightly away from Mingan. “I'm his Vi'deshron.”

 

“Pets don't speak unless spoken to first,” Akando said with a dismissive wave of his hand. “And you're nothing but an amusing pet for Mingan to play with and discard when he gets bored of you.”

 

“Sevilen is mine and he stays right here with me,” Mingan said in a firm voice as he pulled his pet snug against his chest.

 

“Don't speak about Sevilen that way,” Zesiro and Jolen said at the same time, taking aggressive steps toward Akando.

 

“I am Cadre. I will speak to anyone I wish in any way I wish. You are the one who should watch your tongue or I may end up ripping it from your mouth. And Pet, you are heading for a paddling if you keep up with this defiant attitude of yours. It was amusing at first, but it's wearing on my patience.”

 

Akando never saw Zesiro move, or the punch that connected with his ribs. Everyone in the room heard the sharp crack as bones broke. Akando grunted in pain and clutched his side, his eyes wide in surprise at the unexpected attack and injury. Jolen stood next to Zesiro, blue energy dripped from his fingers and malicious satisfaction glittered in his eyes. Raoul cursed softly under his breath while Mingan was held back by Sevilen who planted himself firmly in front of his Blondie. Zesiro bared his fangs at Akando and started forward again, his claws fully extended. Jupiter was silent as she watched the scene play out in front of her.

 

“Stop!” Sevilen shouted.

 

Zesiro froze, tension apparent in every line of his body. Jolen sent another nasty glare at Akando, but let the electricity he was gathering fade away until only the faintest sparks jumped around his finger tips.

 

“Why did you stop at the orders of a pet?”

 

All eyes turned back to Jupiter.

 

“Akando started it,” Zesiro muttered as he made a conscious effort to relax his muscles.

 

“Why did you stop at the orders of a pet?”

 

“Sevilen is my Vi'deshron. I do whatever my Vi'deshron tells me to,” Zesiro said with a shrug.

 

Jupiter was silent for several seconds. Raoul gripped Zesiro arm and pulled him a little farther away from Akando.

 

“Do you have any idea what you've just done? You're going to be lucky if you're not executed,” Raoul whispered.

 

“For a few busted ribs? I don't think so. Besides, I'm an ambassador, and you can't just execute one of us without some serious ass repercussions.”

 

“Mingan's pet cannot be a Vi'deshron. My records indicate all Vi'deshron are female. You are the one who provided this information to Raoul. Did Raoul enter the information incorrectly?”

 

“No, he got it right. Sevilen is the first male Vi'deshron I know about.”

 

“Then your initial information is faulty. It requires correction.”

 

“No, it's not. I can recite back to you every single Vi'deshron in recorded Awh'anise history. I can identify all twelve current Vi'deshron by sight. I'm not wrong. Sevilen is a special Vi'deshron.”

 

“He's Mingan's pet, there's nothing more special about him than that,” Akando said with a grimace. “You're going to be punished for striking me, and I'm going to take great delight in it.”

 

“Love to see you try. Hell, I'll probably get off on it,” Zesiro smirked.

 

“Akando is correct. Punishment is in order for attacking the Cadre. The wounding was minor and is nearly healed. A death sentence is not warranted in this situation. Since you claim you find physical punishment arousing, the solution is obvious. My records indicate you will be unwilling to leave your Vi'deshron unless ordered to do so by the Vi'deshron her or, in this case, himself. If my understanding is correct, you will suffer emotional distress at being forcibly separated. You will leave Amoi within the hour and not return.”

 

“No.”

 

“Guards will escort you if you do not leave voluntarily. You cannot refuse. My word is absolute.”

 

“I can and I am. Unless you want to set yourself up for one hell of an interplanetary war, I'd suggest you re-think your order. Check your records. A Shal-hazal will stay with their Vi'deshron if they believe they're in danger and refuse to leave. Sevilen is in danger because somebody obviously wants Mingan dead, and Sevilen refuses to leave Mingan until that threat is taken care of. So, I stay until he tells me otherwise. Not you. Not anybody else. My job is to protect him, and that's what I'll do.”

 

“Your threat of an interplanetary war is meaningless. My records indicate Awh'an is several galaxies away. Mobilizing troops for an effective invasion would not be time or cost effective in a dispute over one pet regardless of whether or not he is what you claim.”

 

“Really? You have no idea how highly Vi'deshron are regarded on my world. One Vi'deshron is worth a thousand Shal-hazal, and Shal-hazal aren't plentiful. We will die for them without a second thought. I don't bluff or make idle threats. Back in two shakes of my tail,” Zesiro said before his eyes fluttered closed and his head dropped forward.

 

Jupiter watched the slightly swaying form of Zesiro. Mingan frowned, and Akando started forward only to be stopped by the sharp crackle of electricity. Jolen stood beside Zesiro, his hair beginning to rise from the charge he was building up. Tension filled the air as the occupants of the room waited for whatever Zesiro was doing. The room was absolutely quiet and Raoul's “oh no” was clearly heard. Jupiter swung her face in his direction just as Zesiro twitched and snapped his head up. Everyone in the room, with the exception of Zesiro, gasped in surprise.

 

Two Awh'anise women and a man stood slightly behind Zesiro. All three were wearing military gear and had an intense look on their faces. Zesiro crossed his arms over his chest and grinned.

 

“Blatant misuse of my rank but what the hell, you only live once and this is an important point to make. These fine warriors are ready to do whatever I command, including offing the Cadre members here, which will probably be damned inconvenient for you if I'm guessing right. I've got my brothers Zivon and Lashi rounding up more warriors in case you're still going to be a bitch and insist on making me leave when I don't want to. Of course, I also told one of the Wills of my House that a Vi'deshron, a male Vi'deshron, was in danger and we'd probably need to scramble more people to go to his rescue. I told her that if she didn't hear from me in ten minutes, assume it'd gone to shit and the invasion would be on to liberate Sevilen here. We'd over run your planet in less time than you'd believe.” Zesiro smirked at the stunned expressions on the faces looking at him and the Awh'anise warriors. “By the way, Jolen, your mom says hi, and she wants you to send pictures of Sevilen right away.”

 

Jolen made a strangled sound in his throat. “You stopped by to talk to my mom? Why?”

 

“Having Shal-hazal Litch Hunter Nal'ger Sunki on our side seemed like a good idea at the time since you're sorta involved in the whole thing. We are talking her grandchild and her son here, never mind the fact that Sevilen's also a Vi'deshron.”

 

“Are you out of your freaking mind? You talked to my mom about this? How many people did you bring with you? I hope like hell those are regular warriors and not Shal-hazal.”

 

Zesiro coloured lightly. “Uhhh, yeah. Your mom kinda pointed that out to me before I hit Awh'an. There's only one Spirit here and she has a Vi'deshron already. The others are regular warriors. We're good.”

 

“You're obviously deluded if you think you and a mere three people, two of whom are women, could possibly kill Mingan and myself. If this was your big invasion plan, you've failed miserably. You've also threatened two of the Cadre. For that, you will die, as will the people you somehow brought here,” Akando said.

 

Zesiro started to laugh, and flicked his fingers at the other Awh'anise. One of the women dropped her head forward, and between one breath and the next, vanished. Gasps sounded throughout the room. Mingan swore when the woman reappeared seconds later with six more Awh'anise at her side. The six newcomers fanned out, their stances ranged from casual to mildly aggressive. Zesiro smirked at Akando and flicked his fingers again. One of the new men started to collapse to the floor before he simply vanished. Within seconds, he was back with a dozen Awh'anise to add to the numbers starting to crowd the room.

 

“I think you can see where this is going,” Zesiro said as he crossed his arms over his chest. “The Shal-hazal Spirits will keep bringing in more Warriors, and more Spirits will be assigned to this invasion. A Shal-hazal Spirit can typically bring a dozen people at a time. Do the math. One hundred Spirits can have twelve hundred Warriors here in less time than it takes you to issue the order for defence. In an hour, using only one hundred Spirits, I could have thirty-six thousand, highly trained, military personnel here. In a day, I could have almost nine hundred thousand Awh'anise soldiers here ready to take Sevilen someplace safe. That is how important he is to my people.”

 

“I believed the information Raoul entered into my database was an exaggeration of your abilities as I have no records of such a thing being possible. I see now that it was not. I require more data on your species, the Shal-hazal in particular. In exchange for this information, I will not require you to leave Amoi, and will not stop you from having sexual intercourse with Raoul. You will be limited to sex with him only, and are not to engage in sexual acts with other Blondies. You will send these Awh'anise back to Awh'an and cease further hostilities. In return, you will be given unlimited access to your Vi'deshron. Do we have an agreement?”

 

Zesiro blinked in surprise, and Akando squawked a protest. Mingan clutched Sevilen a little tighter, forcing a grunt of protest from him. Jupiter waited for Zesiro to make his decision. With a nod and a curt `deal', he gestured, and the warriors vanished. Her business done with Zesiro, Jupiter turned her attention to Mingan.

 

“Mingan, I still expect samples from your pet. I am even more interested in those after seeing the abilities of a Shal-hazal. Jolen Helki, considering the small display of electricity you have shown during the confrontation between Zesiro and Akando, I assume you are responsible for the power surge earlier?”

 

“Yes. That ignorant ass you call Akando wouldn't take no for an answer. I warned him to leave me alone. He got what he deserved. I'm not his, or anyone's pet. I'm a free man.”

 

“Correct. While my Cadre is given greater liberties than most, claiming a free individual is not allowed, even for them. You may go or stay at your discretion. Akando will not stop you. You do have a genetic connection to Mingan's pet and, by extension, to the Shal-hazal.”

 

Akando started to shout a protest but was abruptly cut off, a look of intense discomfort on his face. Jolen noticed and snickered before he turned back to Jupiter.

 

“His name is Sevilen, and it would be nice if you used his name. Yes, I have a connection to him and the Shal-hazal.”

 

“Duly noted. Explain the power surge, your connection to the pet, Sevilen and your relationship to the Shal-hazal. I wish to understand this situation fully. I do not like unknown quantities.”

 

“If I explain briefly, you'll make sure that when I choose to leave, Akando won't try to stop me?”

 

“Correct. Akando will not be permitted to stop you from leaving whenever you choose to do so.”

 

Jolen smirked at the silently furious Blondie. “The electricity is an ability I inherited from my father's side of the family. I can produce enough juice to kill the average full-grown man, and I can do it more than once. I'm Sevilen's uncle. His father was my twin, Jenlen. My mother is a highly respected and decorated Shal-hazal Warrior. She was the Will of a House before she retired and the trainer for all Litch Hunters. She's still feared and talked about by Shal-hazal, and sometimes, she's consulted on difficult cases.”

 

“I wish to speak with her about the Shal-hazal. If she is what you say, her information will be more complete than Zesiro's. Arrange it.”

 

“I can send a message to her explaining what you want. She might talk with you, it depends on her mood. Nobody can make my mother do what she doesn't want to; she's like a law unto herself.”

 

Jupiter nodded even as she accessed her data banks for information on Jolen's mother. The Shal-hazal were a fascinating puzzle. To unlock their unique abilities would lead to improvements in her breeding and cloning programs. Jupiter realized how valuable an army of her creations would be with the ability to do what Zesiro had shown her, providing breeding for such a thing was possible.

 

“I am satisfied with this information for now. I may require clarification at a later date, and reserve the right to continue questioning you about any and all topics I feel relevant. Mingan or Akando will establish contact when I wish to speak with you again. I will allow Mingan and Akando to remain together until such time as I deem it a risk. Mingan, you will update Akando on the recent attempts on your life and formulate a plan to stop the attempts at the source. Appropriate whatever resources necessary for the task. Mingan, Akando, you will not be late in submitting your next report. There will be penalties otherwise.”

 

Jupiter blinked out and the quiet of the room was deafening. Raoul released a silent breath of relief, the nerves in his belly finally stopped their jittery dance. He'd been almost positive something painful and likely mind altering was going to be done to him when he'd been ordered to Mingan's house and told that Jupiter wished to speak to him. While he was glad that no punishment was coming his way from breaking the rules and having sex, he wasn't so happy about being basically ordered to provide sexual services to Zesiro for as long as the Awh'anise wanted. That smacked of Petdom and stung Raoul's pride as a Blondie.

 

“As fun as this has been, I have a date with Raoul and I'd like to get to it. Jolen, I'd suggest you get those photos to your mom soon. She may have said something about paying a visit herself if she didn't see something in the next twenty-four hours.”

 

Jolen's eyes went wide and a small groan slipped past his lips. He sent a nasty look at Akando, clearly blaming all his current problems on the man before ignoring him and turned towards Mingan.

 

“Is it safe to assume that my things were brought from the hotel room, or that somebody could deliver them here? Aside from a change of clothes, there's a camera that I need. Trust me; you don't want my mother to come here to see why she doesn't have pictures of Sevilen within the next few hours.”

 

“What could one female possibly do?” Akando snorted softly. “I'm not afraid of anything.”

 

“Then you're even dumber than I thought,” Jolen muttered.

 

Akando opened his mouth to protest only to be cut off by Zesiro as he pulled Raoul towards the door.

 

“You say that now. Check into the battle at Partigiai. That was Jolen's mom, all by herself, I might add. Squadron of trained soldiers reduced to gibbering husks in the span of twenty minutes without a mark on her, and raring to go for more if the stories can be believed. As awe inspiring as that is, she scares the crap outta me and I don't scare easy,” Zesiro said with a little shiver.

 

Akando harrumphed and muttered about stories blown out of proportion. Raoul's eyebrow rose slightly. He clearly didn't believe Zesiro. Jolen nodded his head in confirmation, and Sevilen stared with wide eyes at his uncle. Mingan wondered if the story was true, and how much of a problem that might cause him if Sevilen's new grandmother decided she wanted to take Sevilen away. His jaw clenched against the idea.

 

Zesiro waved to Sevilen as he headed towards the door, said he'd see him later, and if he needed anything, to shout for him and he'd be there. Raoul jerked his arm from Zesiro's grasp, and tugged his clothes into place with a scowl. Zesiro leaned in to whisper something into the Blondie's ear that brought a lecherous grin to Raoul's face. Zesiro laughed as Raoul gave him a not so subtle push out the door, whatever concerns he might have entertained about his almost Petdom had vanished.

 

“My show costume is a little more revealing than what I think is strictly polite. Can I get a robe or something until my things arrive from the hotel?” Jolen asked Mingan pointedly ignoring Akando.

 

“I like what you're wearing. You're not to change. I forbid it,” Akando said.

 

“I'm not running around somebody's house in a thong just so you can get your jollies. Jupiter told you I wasn't your pet. Try to get that through your thick skull. I'd hate to do it, but I will go to Jupiter and rat you out if you don't leave me the fuck alone.”

 

Akando scowled before he turned on his heel and stomped from the room. Jolen, Sevilen and Mingan clearly heard him mutter something about needing a drink to deal with wilful pets that didn't act like pets should. Jolen grinned broadly.

 

“I realize it was a little rude of me to assume I could just stay here, but I really would like to get to know Sevilen better. I can stay at the hotel if you'd prefer.”

 

“Of course you can stay. You're family. Right, Mingan?” Sevilen asked as he looked up at his Blondie with the most pleading eyes he could muster.

 

“Ah… Sure. Sevilen would like you to stay. It'll probably be amusing as hell to watch you make Akando dance, too. He's never had anybody tell him no before.” Mingan grinned at the thought of the irritation Akando would go through with the object of his lust so close and yet so unwilling.

 

“Great. I can have a separate room from that oaf, right? Preferably one with a sturdy lock.”

 

“Absolutely,” Mingan grinned because he knew full well what Akando would do when faced with a barred door from what he considered to be his property, regardless of what Jupiter told him about Jolen's status.

 

There was no way a lock, sturdy or not, would deter Akando, but Mingan figured that Jolen didn't need to know that. When Sevilen started to give Jolen that information, Mingan leaned down and kissed his little pet breathless. When he broke the kiss, Mingan set his pet away from him and gave him a playful pat on his bottom. He told Sevilen that he would get Jolen settled in a room.

 

“Why don't you see about getting some snacks together and bring them into the living room? I'm sure there must be some recorded performances by your father that Jolen could find for all of us to enjoy.”

 

Happiness lit Sevilen's face, and he impulsively hugged Mingan around the waist before he headed out of the room at a trot for the kitchen. Jolen watched the big Blondie for several seconds before saying anything.

 

“You care for him very much.”

 

It wasn't a question but a statement, and going by his tone of voice, Mingan didn't think he'd be able to brush Jolen off. He also figured that it would work in his favour to have Jolen know that Sevilen was much more than just a pet to him. Mingan was willing to accept any and all help he could get to convince his little pet to stay with him.

 

“I do. I didn't intend to develop feelings for him, but the heart has a funny way of moving in unexpected directions.”

 

“Then set him free. Don't keep him chained to you with his pet status.”

 

“I can't. I don't want to lose him by letting him go.”

 

“I see. Have you thought that you may lose him by holding him so tight?” Jolen asked with a serious expression on his face.

 

Mingan's insides clenched. He had thought of that. He'd simply refused to dwell on the possibility. He just needed a little more time. Time to show Sevilen how important he was to Mingan. How much he was loved. Mingan's jaw tightened with resolve. Sevilen would learn what he meant to the big Blondie. Of that, Mingan was sure.

 

“If you'll follow me, I'll show you where you can stay.”

 

Jolen followed Mingan from the office, wheels turning in his head. He'd been surprised to see the open affection and delight in Mingan's face when Sevilen had hugged him. He'd also been surprised when Mingan allowed him to stay in his home when Jolen could plainly see that he would've preferred to have him stay at the hotel. Sevilen hadn't seen the look Mingan gave him during the hug, and Jolen was willing to bet his nephew didn't have the vaguest clue the amount of influence he had over the big Blondie. A smile quirked up the corners of Jolen's mouth. It should prove very interesting to watch things develop between Sevilen and Mingan. It was likely even worth the frustration of having to deal with the insufferable ass Akando.

 

*********

 

Mingan called the hotel for Jolen's things as soon as Sevilen was settled watching videos of Jenlen's performances from decades ago. Despite Sevilen having asked Jolen to stay, the dancer had pleaded the need to remove his costume and the stage make-up he still wore first. He promised Sevilen that as soon as he was clean, he'd return to watch the videos.

 

Jolen quickly ran a brush through his hair, grimacing when it snagged in the tangles. With the worst of the knots cleared, he twisted his hair up in a sloppy bun on his head to keep it out of the way. Jolen heaved a sigh of relief as he removed the heavy make-up on his face and body with the special cleanser from his case. While the make-up was comfortable enough to wear for several hours, it wasn't intended to be left on as long as Jolen had worn it. The make-up always felt as if thin layer of mud had dried on his skin, and left him feeling vaguely dirty and more than eager to get into a shower to wash up.

 

Jolen took out another container from his case and soaked the edge of a small towel with the thick liquid. He dabbed along the inside edge of his ears and waited, a sigh of relief escaped when small flaps appeared where the liquid came into contact with skin and the prosthetics. A few gentle tugs had the pointed tops of his ears sliding free from his actual ears. Jolen rubbed more of the thick substance onto the skin of his ears as well as along the edges of the ear points he'd just removed.

 

Stepping under the warm spray of the shower, Jolen groaned softly and massaged the tops of his ears, relieved to have them free from the tight fit of the prosthetics he'd worn for the show. Jolen scrubbed his body, sighing in pleasure as the last traces of the make-up sloughed off and slid down the drain. He made a face at the tangles in his hair when he let it down and wet it.

 

After several minutes of combing and muttered curses over the knots in his hair, Jolen decided that it was as good as it was going to get. He rinsed, turned the water off and stepped from the shower. He dried himself off and squeezed out as much of the water from his hair as he could before leaving the bathroom attached to his room.

 

“I was wondering if I was going to have to come get you out of the shower,” Akando drawled from his reclined position on the bed.

 

Jolen froze part way into the room before a scowl appeared on his face. He was sure he'd locked the door before heading into the bathroom. His eyes narrowed as he wondered how annoying Akando was going to be before he managed to kick the arrogant oaf from his room.

 

“I like this look even better than your previous outfit, Pet. You're wonderful naked,” Akando said with a grin as he pushed himself off the bed and walked towards Jolen. A frown grew as he got closer. “What have you done to yourself? What is that on your skin?”

 

Jolen crossed his arms and refused to back down from the approaching Blondie. Apparently no matter what Jupiter said, Akando was bound and determined to view him as a Pet. Jolen tilted his chin up and gave Akando his best haughty look.

 

“Nothing I do is any of your damn business. Get out of my room and stay out. Jupiter told you I'm a free man, not your Pet. Are you stupid or wilfully disobeying her? Because if you're not doing what she said, I might just have to tell her about that. After I fry your ass again, of course.”

 

Annoyance passed through Akando's eyes as he stood before the dancer that so intrigued him. Given what Jolen had done before, Akando didn't doubt that Jolen would make good on his threat. Akando made a frustrated noise in his throat. He couldn't understand what Jolen's problem was. Especially since he was far past his prime, Jolen should've been honoured to have been chosen to be a Cadre member's Pet. Instead, the foolish man was acting like the worst possible insult had been delivered him. Akando decided a change in tactics was required to get Jolen in his bed without bringing the wrath of Jupiter down on his head for disobeying her direct order.

 

“I remember Jupiter stating you were a free man. I misspoke. I can't seem to help myself around you. I've never seen anyone as captivating. I've also never seen anyone move as you did on stage, it was the most beautiful performance I've ever seen. I want to keep you all to myself, and declaring you as my Pet is the best way I know to do that.”

 

Jolen took an involuntary half-step back at the abrupt about-face from Akando. He didn't trust the Blondie any farther than he could spit. Possibly even less. The man was planning something. Jolen simply wasn't sure what.

 

“What happened to your legs and ears? They didn't look like that earlier. I'd have noticed something so unique.”

 

“Make-up and prosthetics. I needed a certain look for the performance,” Jolen answered warily. “I told you to leave.”

 

Akando ignored Jolen's words, fascinated with the softly scalloped edges of the dancer's ears, and the delicate pattern of blue-green scales that travelled down the outside of Jolen's legs from his hips to his knees. Akando's fingers itched to trace the sharp V of scales from Jolen's hip bones to a point directly over his cock. Akando barely managed to stop himself from spinning Jolen around to see if the pattern repeated itself over his ass. He was hoping like mad it did.

 

“You are spectacular,” Akando said in a hushed tone.

 

Jolen opened his mouth to tell Akando to leave again when the Blondie reached out and stroked a finger gently over the scalloped edge of his ear. Jolen sucked in a quick breath and snapped his mouth shut on the shivery little moan that almost escaped. He found himself using some of his enhanced speed to move away before the man touched him any further. He muttered curses under his breath at the highly sensitive nature of his ears, and directed at least half of those curses at Akando for zeroing in on the one part of his body guaranteed to take him from uninterested to aroused between one breath and the next.

 

“Keep your fucking hands to yourself,” Jolen said in a low voice.

 

Akando blinked in surprise at the speed Jolen used to move away. Annoyance started to surge through him until he noticed the deepening of blue across Jolen's cheeks and the stellar erection the dancer now had. A satisfied smile quirked up Akando's mouth. His little Pet wasn't as unaffected as he wanted Akando to believe. For all the ready violence Jolen seemed capable of, it appeared he was easily wooed by gentleness. Akando grunted to himself, pleased that he'd found a way to bring Jolen around that would be pleasurable for them both.

 

“I'll leave you to dress, although I think you're stunning just the way you are right now. I'll see you in the living room shortly… Jolen,” Akando said with a smile before he turned and left the room.

 

Jolen stared at Akando's retreating back and wondered what the hell the big Blondie had planned. The abrupt change in his attitude puzzled Jolen. He doubted very much that Akando had given upon trying to get him into bed. Jolen pursed his lips as he dressed and thought. He snorted softly to himself when he stumbled on the idea that Akando might be thinking that where arrogance failed, normal manners might work.

 

Like that was going to happen.

 

As beautiful as Akando was to look at, his personality irritated the fuck out of Jolen, and the dancer didn't believe for one minute that Akando had a sudden epiphany as to how annoying his attitude was, and was now a changed man. People like Akando didn't suddenly turn around and become normal and socially acceptable between one breath and the next. Satisfied that he'd figured out what Akando was up to, Jolen smiled to himself. Akando was not going to get the reaction he thought he was with his newfound niceness.

 

Jolen tightened the ties of his pants and shrugged into the matching vest, his smile widened into a full blown grin. Initially, he'd had some concerns about wearing the traditional Awh'anise clothes since easy access was their prime function and Akando was the type to try to take advantage of that. But now that Jolen thought he'd figured out Akando's game plan, the dancer was all for having a little fun at the Blondie's expense. He'd seen the curious look Akando had given the scales on his body, and simply knew the big Blondie had been itching to touch them.

 

The wrap pants rode low on his hips which gave a teasing glimpse of the blue-green scaled design that angled down in the front and back of his body. When he sat down, the open sides of the pants parted, revealing his legs up to the hip and showed off more of the delicate scaled pattern on the outside of his thighs. The open vest showcased his lean, muscled body.

 

A quiet giggle escaped Jolen as he quickly combed through his hair and braided it, looping it back along the length until it hung in several coils to his mid back. The space between the bottom of the vest and the top of his pants gave a teasing glimpse of the scaled pattern that ran up his spine to disappear into the hair line at the base of his skull. He was going to drive Akando crazy with the need to touch what he couldn't have.

 

Jolen laughed and left his room, a bounce in his step at the mischief he was about to cause.