Tides of Love 1

Saving Connor

Thrust by chance in the waterworld of Uli, Connor finds himself

falling for five gorgeous men. Rallion, Wren, Tallean, Chek and

Rodrik are as different as night and day, and yet they all arouse

deep feelings inside him, feelings he does not know how to deal

with.

Elven princes Wren and Tallean want to protect Connor, but they

do not realize how much the abyss between their social positions

affects him. It is up to half-fae Rallion to soothe Connor. But when

an investigation regarding his presence on Uli begins, the situation

is complicated by the appearance of Chek and Rodrik.

The two shape-shifters teach Connor and his men more about

their souls and bodies than they'd ever known before. But there is

a shadow watching from the darkness, hunting Connor. Can the

five men save their lover before it is too late? What will these tides

of love bring?

Genre: Alternative (M/M or F/F), Fantasy, Ménage a Trois/Quatre
Length: 62,670 words

SAVING CONNOR

Tides of Love 1

Scarlet Hyacinth

LOVEXTREME FOREVER

MANLOVE

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A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK
IMPRINT: LoveXtreme Forever ManLove

SAVING CONNOR
Copyright © 2011 by Scarlet Hyacinth
E-book ISBN: 1-61034-838-9

First E-book Publication: September 2011

Cover design by Jinger Heaston
All art and logo copyright © 2011 by Siren Publishing, Inc.

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PUBLISHER
Siren Publishing, Inc.
www.SirenPublishing.com

Letter to Readers

Dear Readers,

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Hyacinth from BookStrand.com or its official distributors, thank you.
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Regarding E-book Piracy

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DEDICATION

For all my amazing readers who keep me on my toes and looking

for new ideas. This story was a beautiful challenge for me, and I hope
you all enjoy it.

With special thanks to Siren-BookStrand.

SAVING CONNOR

Tides of Love 1

SCARLET HYACINTH

Chapter One

“Connor! Get your ass into my office this instant.”
Connor winced at the sound of his editor’s voice screeching

through the office. Around him, several coworkers snickered. Yeah,
fuck you, too. He’d have liked to say it out loud, but in his position, he
couldn’t risk it.

He’d been lucky to find a job here. With the recession, many

newspapers and magazines were cutting staff, and Connor’s skills
didn’t provide him with many other alternatives. He was good at what
he did and he loved journalism. For him, it was all about the
organization and the process. First, the investigation part, where he
got his shot of adrenaline—and most of the fun in his life, to be true.
Second, processing the data, putting together everything he’d found.
And third, writing the article and all the trials that came with it. True,
there were some disadvantages. Since he worked at a tabloid, his
newspaper career would always bear the taint of the tabloid's
reputation. But Connor couldn’t afford to be picky. Perhaps he didn’t
write anything particularly brainy, but at least he didn’t have to sell
his ass to pay rent, and he was still doing what he liked.

His editor hired him for his efficiency and ability to bring back

excellent articles. But lately, Connor had run into a stream of bad

Saving Connor

luck. All his leads seemed to take him to a dead end. Some that
showed great promise ended up too boring and not the editor’s cup of
tea. She wanted more extravagance, more blatant lies. Connor found
he had trouble with her new demands. He just hoped it didn’t get him
fired.

Sighing, he made his way to the woman’s office. “Yes,

Samantha?”

“Get in and close the door,” his editor said. She was a middle-

aged woman, her black hair already turning a bit gray, but her brown
eyes were as alert as ever, betraying her sharp wit. As Connor obeyed,
she gestured toward the chair in front of her desk.

Connor sat down and waited to see what Samantha wanted. At

first, she didn’t say anything, browsing through a file that looked
suspiciously like Connor’s employee records. He fought the urge to
fidget, knowing his nervousness wouldn’t win him any points.

At last, Samantha snapped the file closed. “You’re going on

vacation,” she said.

“Vacation?” Connor repeated. He looked around the office, half

certain he was on candid camera. He hadn’t taken some real time off
in ten years, but Samantha wouldn’t just offer something like this to
him. There must be a catch. Fuck, would she lay him off? “Where
to?” he asked, somehow managing to keep the tremor out of his voice.
His mind whirled, trying to find alternate solutions for his
predicament. He didn’t have any money set aside, and he still needed
to pay off student loans. Unlike other children who’d inherited trust
funds, Connor received from his recently deceased parents a million
different debts. He’d covered the most urgent ones by selling the
house, but if Samantha fired him, he’d be in a world of trouble.

But Samantha did no such thing. Instead, she pushed the file she’d

been reading to Connor. Connor took it and opened it. In large, bold
letters, the title on the first page said, “La Zona del Silencio. A
gateway between dimensions?”

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Connor’s first reaction was relief. Samantha intended to send him

on an investigation expedition, to this “gateway between dimensions”
place. Then, the reporter took over, and he quickly scanned the short
description of the assignment.

La Zona del Silencio—or The Silent Zone—was an area of land

located in a barren desert region of Mexico. It exhibited the same
magnetic anomalies that made The Bermuda Triangle so famous.
Electric equipment of all types ceased to function there. Several
mutant species of animals made the place their home. As if that
weren’t enough, researchers also found ancient ruins in the Zone, and
their origins still puzzled the scientific community.

Connor was a born skeptic. He didn’t believe in flying saucers,

ghosts, or the abominable snow man. In his opinion, all of the oddities
of nature could be explained by science—if not now, perhaps in a few
decades. But while he hated the knowledge that he’d have to come up
with a mysterious, paranormal approach to the assignment, just the
little description intrigued him. He wanted to do this. He wanted to go
to The Silent Zone.

“Your meals, accommodation, and transportation have been

arranged for,” Samantha said. “If you have other expenses needed for
the success of the assignment, bring evidence of pay, and we’ll deal
with it. Of course, personal purchases do not count.”

Connor nodded. He knew the drill. “When do I leave?” he said,

unable to keep the enthusiasm out of his voice.

This time, Samantha smiled. “Tomorrow morning. Go home and

pack. Oh, and I expect you to bring back a great story, Connor.”

Connor grinned. “I will.”

* * * *

“So you have to go to some weird desert place in Mexico and

you’re excited?”

Saving Connor

Connor chuckled at Owen as he folded his shirt. His friend and

college roommate wasn’t the adventurous type. He much preferred to
go clubbing, although he did support Connor’s passion for
investigative journalism. “When you put it that way, I know it sounds
odd. But yeah, I’m excited. In fact, I can’t wait.”

“I suppose it would do you some good,” Owen said, handing

Conner a pair of jeans. “You can find some hot Latino stud and call
him papí.”

It certainly wouldn’t hurt, since Connor’s love life had dwindled

to nonexistent. “Maybe.” He sobered and gave Owen a serious look.
“You take care of yourself, you hear? No more hooking up with
strange men.”

Owen gave him a mock military salute. “Yes, sir.” When Connor

frowned, Owen rolled his eyes at him. “I got it, Connie. I learned my
lesson.”

Connor seriously doubted that. Owen had the worst luck with

men. If Connor didn’t have the time to go pick up someone, Owen
ended up meeting only the wackos and violent freaks. It didn’t help
that Owen’s job as a DJ put him in the reach of far too many partiers.
Several times, Connor had been forced to enlist police assistance.
Connor lost count of the number of restraining orders Owen had filed
to keep unwanted admirers away.

Not that it was Owen’s fault. His sweet nature just led him to trust

and fall for the wrong men, and the consequences always hurt him.
Unfortunately, Owen’s theatre degree had proven to be useless in his
quest for employment, and he had to take what he could get. At least
the DJ job helped pay the bills.

Too bad Connor and Owen couldn’t hook up. They’d tried once,

in college, but it ended in abysmal failure. They were not each other’s
type. While their similarities helped them be best friends, these same
traits made them incompatible as lovers.

“You take care, too,” Owen continued. “With your pretty-boy

looks, who knows what kind of attention you’ll attract?”

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“Look who’s talking.” Connor stuck out his tongue. “Besides, I’ve

gone on trips like this before. I’m going to be just fine.” He scanned
his luggage one last time, checking to see if he had everything. Some
of his equipment wouldn’t work in the area. He’d decided against
taking along his laptop, an older model he’d bought secondhand
simply because he couldn’t afford anything better. The damn thing
kept giving him blue screens and shutting down at the worst possible
moments. It probably wouldn’t be in danger of being stolen, but the
trip would just fuck it up more.

Just as he readied himself to zip up the bag, a small object hit him

in the head and fell on the ground. Connor turned and looked down,
only to realize it was a condom pack. “Don’t forget protection,” Owen
said, grinning like a fool.

Connor arched a brow at his friend, but picked up the condoms

and placed them in the pack, regardless. “There you go, Mom.
Happy?”

“Not really,” Owen answered with a sigh. “I’ll miss you.”
“I’ll be back before you know it. I’m only due to stay three days.”

Connor walked to his friend and wrapped Owen in a hug. They were
almost the same height, Owen just a little shorter. Often, they’d been
mistaken for brothers, because of their shared build—more on the
slimmer, willowy side—and their blue eyes. All throughout their
university studies, Connor had been “the brunet one” and Owen “the
blond one.” It had bothered Connor at first, but now, he didn’t mind
so much. If anything, he knew he’d lucked out to have such a great
friend.

“Well, at least I have the night off today,” Owen said. “It would

have sucked if I had to go to work now.”

Connor broke away from his friend and smiled. Thank God for

small mercies. Their jobs really cut into the time they managed to
spend together. “Come on. Movie and junk food?”

Owen beamed at him. “You know it! I’m choosing it, though. You

have horrible taste.”

Saving Connor

Owen ran out of the room, laughing, and Connor followed. At

least for the evening, he wouldn’t think of the trip to Mexico. It could
wait until tomorrow.

* * * *

The Zone of Silence was nothing and just like he’d expected. For

one, Connor found a fair amount of tourists visiting. He considered
asking them a few questions, but soon realized it would be useless.
The information they could provide came from the same leaflets he
owned.

Connor decided to keep his investigation away from tourist

groups, and started with the townspeople. He was staying in the town
of Ceballos, some thirty miles from the entrance to the area. The little
town, with about three thousand inhabitants, represented the only
significant settlement next to The Zone of Silence.

He spent a few good hours from his first day just making nice,

talking to people and asking their opinion about it. His Spanish was a
bit rusty, but on the whole, he made good progress. Some people
seemed quite pragmatic about the whole thing, taking it as just a
normal aspect in their daily lives. Others gave it a more paranormal
twist, whispering tales of flashing lights and rumbling noises. Connor
took notes of everything they said then decided to actually visit the
place.

Alas, by the time he reached The Zone, the sun blazed hot over

the desert—or rather, hotter. Connor forced himself to get out of his
truck and not head back to Ceballos. Had he been excited about this?
Jesus, he must be losing his mind.

Still, after a while, he began to get used to the new environment

and even enjoy it. The desert always held a strange, savage beauty,
and more so here, in this odd place away from the world. He studied
the agaves and yucca trees and found himself fascinated with the
famous purple cacti, snapping the occasional photo when he noticed

Scarlet Hyacinth

something of interest. Indeed, the area seemed to have some magnetic
properties, because when Connor went to check the time, he saw his
watch had stopped. It didn’t concern him too much. The damn thing
was as temperamental as the laptop anyway. He hoped his camera
wouldn’t start acting up, too. That would be more problematic.

But Connor had not come here to study the fauna and flora, and

while the magnetic effect looked interesting, he needed something
more, something shocking and new. A local had given him the
general directions to the ruins and marked their location on his map. It
still seemed early, so Connor decided to check it out. A peculiar hum
of energy trickled over his skin, and Connor could almost taste a
weird sense of power in his mouth.

He climbed in his truck and started the motor. For a while, he

drove in what he guessed would be the right direction, but soon, he
realized he was getting nowhere, fast. Unfortunately, compasses
didn’t work here. Perhaps it would be better to head back and hire a
guide for the next day. Samantha might get pissed over the expense,
but it would be preferable to wandering around alone in the desert.

He was just about to turn when all of a sudden, the car stopped.

Connor blinked, taken by surprise. Sure enough, he knew cars acted
up in The Zone, but it was still fucked-up. He’d already gone quite
deep inside the desert. He wouldn’t be eaten by any beasts, or at least
he didn’t think so, but getting caught at nightfall in the wild wasn’t
his idea of fun.

In the distance, Connor spotted something that looked like a

storm. He narrowed his eyes to see better. The clouds looked
menacing, and thunder already echoed to his position. Outside,
Connor noticed the wind picking up and the sunny day becoming
dark. Just great.

He tried to start the truck again. The engine spluttered but refused

to work. The storm continued to approach, and Connor’s mind
worked furiously in an attempt to figure out what to do. He couldn’t
exactly walk out of here, but the deserts were dangerous during

Saving Connor

storms. These sands would soon turn into muddy swamps—not to
mention the electrical discharges and heavy rain.

Connor forced himself to calm down. His cell phone wouldn’t

work here, so he couldn’t call anyone to help him. He’d just wait the
storm out, and then make his way out of The Zone and into an area
with some communication. Perhaps he’d manage to make his truck
work.

As he mused over this, Connor spotted something he hadn’t seen

before, a shining light that sent surreal beams over the desert. Could it
be that the stories were true? Connor could not miss this chance.

It would be risky to leave the car now, but whatever happened,

happened. Adrenaline pumped heavily through his veins as he opened
the truck door and stepped out. The light came from a good distance
away, closer to the storm than he’d have liked.

He moved as quickly as possible, making his way toward the

beam. As he advanced, his vision blurred, and he stumbled and fell
into the sand. The grainy threads felt harsh and warm against his
palms, but at the same time, they sent weird shocks of energy through
him.

Connor got up and blinked to clear his sight. To his shock, he

noticed the ruins he’d heard so much about straight in front of him.
What the fuck? They hadn’t been there before.

A little voice in his head told him to run like hell. This wasn’t

normal, and as much as he loved investigation, he didn’t want to die
for it. But even though acknowledging this, he found himself walking
forward toward the ruins. He’d been told it could be an ancient
astronomical observatory, but now more than ever, he wanted to see
for himself.

To his shock, he realized the ruins seemed to emanate the energy

causing the storm. The rays coming from the supposed observatory
shot up into the sky, clashing against the clouds, making them grow
even darker. As if of their own accord, his hands moved toward the

Scarlet Hyacinth

camera still hanging from his neck. He began to snap pictures like
crazy, hoping he had enough film left.

It was crazy, and he knew it. He could almost see the energy

sizzling through the air now. In fact, he swore that just ahead from
him, the sand turned to clear glass. For Connor, this turned from just a
tabloid newspaper article to a historical opportunity, the chance to
decipher a famous geographical mystery. He could even win a
Pulitzer if he played his cards right.

All such thoughts vanished when the crackling energy began to

advance toward him. Connor’s hair stood on end, and his reason
returned. He understood that winning a Pulitzer post-mortem
wouldn’t help him one bit. In fact, if he died here, he wouldn’t even
be able to write the article in the first place. With that thought, he
turned around and ran.

To his shock, he could no longer see his truck. He must have

walked farther than he’d imagined. Panic coursed through him. He
could feel a wave of heat intensifying, scorching the very air behind
him. He stumbled over the sand dunes, desperate to get away. Where
to? Where to? Where had he left the car? No, this couldn’t be
happening. Oh, God, he was going to die.

Just as he thought this, the sand evaporated and Connor’s reality

began to shift around him. The world turned into a whirlpool of liquid
energy. Connor lost track of everything and anything, terror clouding
his mind. Immaculate white filled his vision, but not the white of
daylight—rather, the absence of all color, scary, lifeless, void of
everything.

It could have been a moment or a decade later when color

returned to his world. Connor collapsed against something that felt
surprisingly solid. His nostrils filled with the scent of fresh grass and
a soft breeze caressed his naked flesh.

Wait…Grass? Naked flesh? Connor’s eyes shot open, and he

gaped as he took in the sight around him. The desert and the ruins
were gone, replaced by greenery. Birds chirped happily in the trees,

Saving Connor

and flowers bloomed all around him—very odd-looking flowers.
There was no sign of The Silent Zone, its agaves and purple cacti. A
bright blue sky shone above him, the sun sending cheerful rays over
the land.

At first, Connor just stared. This was a dream. He must have

fallen and hit his head or something. This could only be a
hallucination. Trees didn’t just sprout up in the desert. In fact, neither
did whirlpools of light. Yes, it had to be a weird mirage. The heat and
panic must have gotten to him.

He waited for a few minutes, closed his eyes and opened them

again, hoping it would all go away. It didn’t. In the end, he resigned
himself to the fact that this wouldn’t be so easily dealt with. He began
to feel cold, and sitting naked on the ground wasn’t his idea of
hygienic.

Beyond the trees, he spotted something that looked like a dirt

road. Road meant civilization. Perhaps he could find someone to help
him out, maybe tell him how to get out of this odd nightmare. Dreams
were often like this, right? Right.

He got up and began to make his way toward the road. The grass

felt cool and ticklish against his feet, completely at odds with the
desert sand. He forced himself to accept it and focus on practical
matters. Psychological meltdowns couldn’t be good, not even in
dreams.

He was a few feet away from the road when he heard something

that sounded like thunder. For a few moments, he almost thought he’d
been sent back to the desert, before he figured out no clouds covered
the sky. He spotted a cloud of dust in the distance and when he
squinted his eyes, he realized what he heard wasn’t thunder, but a
group of approaching horsemen.

Even if he’d wanted to find someone to help him out, Connor

didn’t feel very excited at the thought of meeting a group of strange
people in the wild. For all he knew, they could be bandits. He was
naked, alone, and confused. Perhaps it would be best if he just stayed

Scarlet Hyacinth

behind the trees. He’d learned his lesson from the whirlpool in the
desert episode. No more rushing into dangerous situations without
thinking about it first.

Connor found a hiding spot, going as far as he could without

risking being heard. As the horsemen approached, he became more
and more convinced he didn’t want to be seen by these people.

Much to his dismay, the group slowed down when they reached

his general location. From his position, he couldn’t see them very
well, the thick shrubbery serving both as an advantage and as a
disadvantage. Still, he felt fairly certain that the fact they’d stopped
couldn’t be good for him.

He tried to figure out some sort of way to escape, but it seemed

someone in the heavens enjoyed playing tricks on him. Before he
could find a solution to his predicament, he found himself surrounded
by a group of black-clad men.

They didn’t look very friendly, and neither did the sharp blades

they pointed at him. The helmets they wore covered their faces,
unsettling Connor even further. One of them said something Connor
couldn’t understand. He had studied all sorts of languages—it was his
guilty pleasure—but neither French, nor Farsi, or any other Latin,
Slavic, or Asian idiom sounded like this.

Now more than ever, Connor felt aware of his own nakedness. He

tried to crawl into the bush and shield his privates from view.
“Uh…Hi,” he offered lamely. “Do you by any chance know how I
can get to the nearest town?”

The men didn’t give any indication they’d understood him, at

least, not until one of them dismounted and took his helmet off,
revealing a handsome, strong face. He wore his black hair tied into an
intricate braid, and the leather outfit he wore hugged his muscular
body to perfection. He made his way to Connor, his eyes dark,
assessing Connor with far too much interest. “What’s your name?
How did you get here?” he asked.

Saving Connor

English! Oh, my God, English. It held a significant trace of

accent, but who cared? He could not waste this chance. He’d explain
where he’d come from and this guy would perhaps be able to direct
him back. He supposed the storm could have taken him a few miles
away from The Zone. He wouldn’t be the first to suffer from such a
phenomenon. And he really dreamed all this, maybe the phenomenon
would dissipate now. He couldn’t be sure, but at any rate, he found
encouragement in the familiar words.

“Connor. Connor Spade. I have no idea how I got here. One

moment, I was in the desert. A storm raged around me. The next thing
I know, I woke up in this place.”

The man hummed thoughtfully. “A desert? Where exactly?”
“Yes, the Chihuahua desert, near Ceballos. I’m staying there. Do

you know how I could get back?”

The stranger ignored his question. “Did you see anyone during

this storm?”

Connor found the question odd, but he replied honestly, “No. It

was just me. Why?”

No answer came. Instead, the man turned toward the horsemen

and said something in the language from before. From his tone,
Connor started to figure out the stranger must be a leader of sorts. A
couple more men dismounted and approached Connor.

The previous optimism dissipated into thin air. “W–What?” he

stammered. “What are you doing?”

The leader looked at him once again and grinned. “Welcome to

Almareya,” he said. “I think you’ll very much enjoy your stay. Or at
least, we will.”

It was the last thing Connor registered before everything went

black.

Scarlet Hyacinth

Chapter Two

Rallion cursed as the human fell under the blow from his

subordinate. “For fuck’s sake!” he shouted at the other man. “Humans
aren’t like us. When are you going to remember that?”

The soldier grumbled under his breath, a half-hearted apology that

made Rallion even more furious. He knelt next to the gorgeous and
now unconscious human. How had Connor Spade truly landed here?

Rallion knew better than to trust such men. A human like Connor

had impregnated their mother then left when they became useless for
him, a human with too much greed and not enough brains. More and
more trickled into Uli by accident, lured by mystery and desire to
enrich themselves. Rallion refused to let them break what little
sanctuary they still held onto here.

Still, Connor had looked so confused and lost. The dimensional

gateway must have shaken him quite a lot. Rallion wanted to pound
the soldier who’d struck Connor into the ground but refrained from
doing so. Things in Almareya were already difficult enough. He
needed the cooperation of all his men if he intended to keep these
lands safe.

Gritting his teeth, Rallion lifted Connor in his arms. The other

man’s warmth and scent enveloped him and he was shocked when he
found his cock hardening. Fuck. He couldn’t do this, not here, not
now, especially not with a human. Connor would be in no condition
to receive any sexual attentions. Besides, Rallion refused to follow
through on the attraction. But that didn’t mean he wanted Connor
hurt. He just needed to wait things out. It was only a matter of time

Saving Connor

until The Imperium found out about Connor. They’d decide whether
or not Connor should be punished for stumbling onto Uli.

He mounted his horse again, bringing Connor up with him. To

protect the other man from the slight chill, and to be true, from prying
eyes, he wrapped Connor in his jacket. “I’m going back to the city,”
he said. “Finish the patrol and meet me back at the harbor. And if you
find another human, for crying out loud, don’t attack him.”

The men nodded, this time showing no disobedience. Even if they

disliked Rallion, they all understood the notion of rank. They would
not cross him again.

Without waiting for further reply, Rallion directed his horse back

toward the city. The Peaks of Almareya didn’t cover a lot of distance,
essentially on an island in the middle of the unending ocean. Connor
landed quite close to their city, so Rallion reached it quickly. Once he
entered the town, he headed for the home he shared with his sister, the
brothel The Red Star.

Ralleana met him at the door the moment he stepped into The Red

Star, carrying Connor. “Well, well, little brother. It seems you brought
me a gift.”

Rallion snorted. “Hardly. I need you to look him over. We found

him on patrol and he received an unpleasant injury.”

He didn’t think the knockout would lead to something more

dangerous, but he preferred to make sure. Ralleana was better than
him at healing, and as much as he wanted to look over the human, he
couldn’t stay.

What? Where had the thought come from? He didn’t want the

human. It was just chemistry, nothing else.

Ralleana arched a brow at him. “Bring him in,” she said without

further comment.

Rallion appreciated his sister’s tact. He didn’t think he could have

explained the strange feelings coursing through him, not even to her.
Wordlessly, he followed behind Ralleana to the upper level of the
brothel.

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The employees were starting to prepare for the night to come. As

Rallion passed them, they nodded and smiled at him—or perhaps
pretended to. He’d never been able to disguise his disgruntlement
with their profession, or his sister’s.

At last, they reached their destination, a guest room kept for

urgent matters. Rallion deposited Connor on the bed and stole another
peek at the handsome face of the human. A fist seemed to squeeze
around his heart. He should have kicked the soldier’s ass for hurting
Connor. Fuck. He needed to get out of here, fast, before he did
anything stupid.

“I’m going to the harbor,” he told his sister. “Take care, okay?”
She nodded, and Rallion made his escape, not daring to look back

for a single moment. He didn’t have any idea as to why he felt like
this, but he couldn’t afford to lose his focus. Humans were humans,
and no matter what happened, Rallion would never truly let go of the
past.

* * * *

The first thought that registered through Connor’s mind was

“Ow!” A massive headache pounded at the back of his skull, and he
couldn’t even concentrate enough to acknowledge anything else. He
cracked his eyes open, intending to find an Advil or something.

But as he looked around, he found himself in completely

unfamiliar surroundings. He’d expected to be home, maybe sick or
hungover. But the room he saw now looked nothing like his simple
bedroom in the apartment he shared with Owen. The opulent décor
made his head spin with the knowledge of what it must all cost. An
antique armoire stood to his right, opposite to a beautiful, engraved
bar. Further back, he spotted a large bookcase filled with black and
red tomes. In front of it, a settee and a coffee table rested. The walls
also bore tasteful adornments and expensive-looking paintings.
Heavy, lavish curtains shielded the windows, and the occasional ray

Saving Connor

of sun slipped through the golden embroidery. More importantly, he
lay in a huge bed covered in silken sheets—and he was naked.

At first, Connor couldn’t figure out what happened and how he’d

ended up here. Then, it all came back to him—the investigation, the
desert, the whirlpool of energy, then the odd forest and strange men.
Fuck. Clearly, his first assessment of the group had been correct.
They must have kidnapped him or something.

Connor struggled to calm down. He couldn’t see anyone, so he

needed to take advantage of the moment to make his escape. Who was
he kidding? Even if there weren’t any people in the room, the stranger
who’d knocked him out must have guards.

As if in perfect echo of his thoughts, the door opened. Instantly,

Connor pulled the sheets to cover himself better, disregarding the part
of his mind that told him his goods must have been free to see while
he’d been out cold.

To his surprise, his visitor turned out to be a beautiful woman. Her

flawless, sharp features made him think of a geisha, and the dark hair
that cascaded over his back seemed to be as silken as his sheets. But
her black eyes reminded him of someone else—of his kidnapper, to
be more exact.

“Hello there,” she said in the same accented voice. “How are you

feeling?”

“I’m fine, thank you,” Connor replied automatically, even if his

head still hurt like a bitch.

The woman didn’t look convinced. She approached him and

gingerly sat on the bed, the motions so well orchestrated Connor
didn’t even hear her move. She placed a hand over his forehead and
murmured something under her breath. At once, the pain began to
dwindle.

Shocked, Connor started to pull away, but the woman held him in

a tight grip, preventing him from moving. “Stop fretting,” she said.

Scarlet Hyacinth

In the end, Connor obeyed her and remained still until she

finished. At last, her hand left his forehead and she abandoned the
bed, giving him space. “Better?” she asked.

Connor nodded. “Thanks,” he croaked out.
The woman just gave him a sharp look. “Just don’t lie to me

again. I don’t like it.” After a brief pause, she added, “I’m sure you’re
wondering where you are and how you got here.”

“Yes,” Connor answered. Would someone at last clarify the haze

of confusion in his mind? God, he hoped so. “Please tell me
everything.”

“To begin with the beginning…I am Ralleana, and the man you

met a few hours back is my brother, Rallion. You are now in
Almareya.”

“I’m Connor,” Connor said automatically before the rest of her

words registered. “Wait…Back up. Almareya? I’ve never heard of
this place. I don’t understand.”

“I know who you are, and I’m not surprised you're confused.”

Ralleana sighed. “Of course you wouldn’t know. Connor, you are no
longer on your Earth, but in mine—Uli.”

For a few moments, Connor stared at her. “I'm dreaming, right? If

not, I’ve completely lost my mind. Or maybe I’m dead.”

Ralleana shook her head. “No, you’re not any of those things.”

She opened the wardrobe and retrieved a set of clothing and some
boots. “Put these on. I need to show you something.”

Connor obeyed. He pulled on the blouse and strangely old-

fashioned breeches, then the boots. After he finished, Ralleana
gestured for him to follow her. She led him onto a wide balcony, and
Connor froze as his eyes took in the sight in front of him.

The building they were in, as well as the neighboring ones, had

been built on a mountainous plateau. The city stretched wide over the
area, surrounded by thick walls. Further down, Connor spotted a road
and a forest, possibly the one where he’d ended up when coming here.
The forest ended abruptly, melting into deep, blue waters. The ocean

Saving Connor

sparkled in the sun, the expanse stretching as far as the eye could see.
It could have been an island in the middle of nowhere, but there were
floating vehicles—some sort of cross between carriages and cars—
approaching, the traffic so intense it rivaled the one in a metropolis.
Small dots littered the water, and Connor noticed they were people,
some of which rode odd, sea horse-looking creatures.

“What is this place?” he asked breathlessly.
“Uli is a world much older than yours, and largely covered in

water,” Ralleana explained.” Once it looked pretty much like Earth,
but the polar icecaps melted. Gradually, huge portions of land were
swallowed by the rising waters. Our ancestors tried to control the
problem, but it didn’t work. As the people were forced back, they
faced starvation and overcrowding. In the end, the places that didn’t
submerge succumbed to disease, war, and famine. Almareya survived
as you see it just because it is largely self-sufficient and built on high
ground.”

Connor took in the sight of the never ending ocean with a mix of

awe and dread. He could easily imagine the picture Ralleana painted.
The weather was already worsening on his planet. Would it one day
turn out like this? “Where does everyone else live?” he asked, trying
to distract himself from the thought.

“Some have gone to other worlds, like your Earth,” Ralleana

replied. “But most have built underwater cities or aerial cities. Then,
there are the plague lands—what little is left of planet’s soil. Most of
it is tainted with disease and pollution, and the inhabitants that were
forced to stay there are twisted forms of life.” She sighed. “Almareya
is, in that regard, an illusion, a luxury, and a dream.”

“How so?” Connor inquired.
“I suppose we are what you would call a resort. The influential

people of Uli come here—or to other places like Almareya—to take
their minds off their day-to-day troubles. As you can see, we have
quite a good number of customers and regular visitors.”

Scarlet Hyacinth

She must have noticed he felt overwhelmed, because she gestured

him back inside. “Would you like a drink?” she asked.

Connor shook his head. There was more he needed to know.

“How did I get here? This isn’t where I belong.”

“During energetic storms, the veil between worlds thins. We

generally use it to transport ourselves between dimensions, although
you need a special license to do it. Interfering in the lives of other-
worlders is forbidden. Unfortunately, you were in the wrong place at
the wrong time, and you fell through the warp. Consider yourself
lucky. Others who’ve been in your situation landed in the middle of
the ocean. Let’s just say we have very big sea monsters here.”

Connor felt a bit ill. “How do I go back?”
“You can’t,” Ralleana replied bluntly, “at least not now. Like I

said, using the energetic transports requires a special license, and you
don’t have one.”

“But it was an accident,” Connor protested. “Ralleana…Please,

help me.”

“So, it really was an accident.” When Connor nodded, she

continued. “Look, Connor. I feel for you, I do. But I can’t buy you
your ticket home. I’m well off, but I can’t afford such luxuries.”

“So what am I supposed to do?”
“You work,” Ralleana answered. “I’m the owner of this

establishment, and I have a rich clientele. If you’re good enough, you
can raise enough money to leave. I’ll only retain a small portion of it
for the rest of your expenses.”

Connor had a very bad feeling now. “What exactly do you do?”
“The Red Star provides private and discreet company for

gentlemen and ladies who require certain services,” Ralleana said.

Not even a gunshot would have struck Connor so harshly. A

brothel. He was in a brothel. Sure, he’d suspected it. A resort like this
was bound to offer sexual pleasures. But Connor had tried to avoid
selling himself all his life. He’d done everything in his power and

Saving Connor

slaved with so many jobs he’d lost count, just to keep his dignity. This
couldn’t be happening.

Ralleana frowned at him. “Connor, I will be honest. I like you, but

I’m afraid that if you don’t work here, you can’t stay. I admit I’d
make nice profit should you decide to accept my offer. Earthlings are
exotic and in high demand. But I won’t push your hand. If you want
to leave, the door is open. I’ll even give you some coin to buy
yourself a trip off Almareya.”

Connor looked in the direction of the balcony, remembering the

floating cars and the sea horses. Adventurous he might be, but he
didn’t dare leaving. He didn’t know anyone on this strange world. He
didn’t even know the language. At least this woman—as manipulative
as she might be—provided him with a measure of safety.

Connor swallowed around the knot in his throat. “Couldn’t I

just…I don’t know…cook? Clean? Something like that?”

Ralleana arched a brow at him. “Not here, at least, since we have

professionals dealing with everything. As for the private
residences…Well, the maids and cleaning staff are often required to
serve their masters sexually anyway. The advantage here is that you’d
be able to save some money and have a chance to go home.”

Connor knew she was merely arguing for her own interests, but

her words made sense, regardless. Besides, who else could he ask? If
he couldn’t trust Ralleana, who could he choose over her?

“I suppose I can give it a try,” he murmured, hating himself for

even saying the words.

Ralleana’s slim arms engulfed him in a strong hold. “Don’t worry,

Connor,” she said. “We’ll start slow, all right? It’s not so terrible,
you’ll see. In time, you’ll learn everything.”

Connor didn’t like the sound of that, but he resigned himself to

reality. Dorothy wasn’t in Kansas anymore, and this world didn’t
have a Wonderful Wizard to help either.

* * * *

Scarlet Hyacinth

The brothel—or the respectable house of assignation, as Ralleana

called it—indeed benefited from the attention of many wealthy
patrons. There were many other employees who worked here, both
male and female, some older, some younger, and of different colors
and races. Some even had purple skin and gills, others feathers and a
complexion so white it was scary. While Ralleana seemed almost
completely human, Connor soon understood her looks were quite
unusual.

“My father was human,” she explained eventually as they watched

over the activity of the place. Ralleana had suggested for him to have
a look around without being seen, to get him accustomed to the feel of
it. “That’s why Rallion and I look like this and speak your language.
It’s also the reason why I raised enough money to have my own
establishment.”

“What about your brother? Does he work here, too?”
Ralleana shook her head. “He guards the boundaries of the land.

It’s not always safe to live in such a coveted place.”

Connor didn’t get to ask anything else, as Ralleana changed the

subject. “I need to go, now. I’ll announce your presence tonight.
Don’t worry, you won’t be expected to do anything on your first day
here, but be ready to make a good first impression.”

Ralleana sent him off to his room. Servants appeared from

somewhere, bringing dishes laden with food. It looked odd and
foreign, but it smelled heavenly, so Connor dug in. He felt like he
hadn’t eaten in ages.

After having settled his stomach, he was led to the baths. More

people appeared and began to poke and prod at his body. They
washed him in scented foams, combed his hair, and even attempted to
shave off his pubes. Connor had little body hair, and he didn’t
particularly like the thought of giving it up. Upon their insistence, he
pushed them away and did the most embarrassing tasks himself.

Saving Connor

The bath was followed by a change of clothes. The new outfit

showed off more than it covered. It didn’t actually reveal skin, but it
molded against his body to such an extent that he could have very
well gone naked. He crossed the line at makeup, but he couldn’t get
them off his back until they applied a weird powder on his face and
lined his eyes with black.

At last, the servants left and allowed him a few moments of

privacy. Connor stared at his own reflection in the mirror, not even
recognizing himself. He’d never been a slob, but the servants had still
changed his appearance radically. There were subtle differences, the
makeup not looking as outlandish as he’d expected, but emphasizing
the color of his eyes, his lips, and cheekbones. Still, he’d have
preferred to look like the normal Connor. The change made him
uncomfortable, like he wasn’t himself.

A while later, Ralleana arrived again. “Ah, I see you’re ready.

Come. Everyone’s very excited to meet you.”

Dread pooled in Connor’s stomach, and he began to question his

decision. “Ralleana, I don’t know about this. I don’t think I can do it.”

Ralleana scowled. “You can’t back down now. I’ve already

announced you.”

“No,” Connor protested. “I’m sorry about the inconvenience, but I

really can’t be a prostitute. I’m not that sort of person.”

Ralleana’s expression darkened even more, and her palm collided

with Connor’s cheek. “I do believe you’ve insulted me,” she said.
“You don’t have a choice anymore, Connor. I won’t let you tread on
my reputation.”

Connor’s cheek burned where she’d struck him, but she passed

her hand over it and the pain vanished. She grabbed his hand and
pulled him out of the room. She was stronger than she seemed, and
Connor couldn’t fight her at all. Before he knew it, she’d dragged him
off to the lower level.

Hundreds of eyes fell on him as soon as he entered the main room.

Men and women clad in expensive clothing watched him with

Scarlet Hyacinth

interest. Ralleana led him to a sort of dais, and Connor followed
numbly. There was no going back now. Christ. He should have left
when he had the chance.

Ralleana started to speak in that weird tongue, and Connor could

just distinguish his name being spoken a couple of times. The looks of
interest turned even more intense, to a certain extent, invasive.
Connor scanned the crowd, the sea of faces blurring in front of him.
And then, his eyes fell on him.

Eyes the color of the desert sand met his own, sparkling with an

eerie light. White hair well framed a perfect face in waves of snow,
beautifully contrasting with the ebony of the man’s skin. Pointy ears
peaked from under the immaculate locks, and a wavy coronet shone
over his forehead.

Just looking into those gorgeous, bronze eyes, Connor completely

forgot about everything but the strange man. God, he desperately
wanted to check if those full lips tasted as delicious as they looked.
He imagined himself pushing away the fancy clothing and revealing
the man’s naked body. He’d kneel, take the other man’s cock in his
mouth and…

Connor shook himself, astonished at his own thoughts. God, what

in the world was wrong with him? He didn’t need to lust over some
guy he didn’t even know. He had too much on his plate to even
consider such things. Sighing to himself, Connor closed his eyes and
waited to see what would happen.

Saving Connor

Chapter Three

Wren watched Ralleana’s new employee, a deep yearning stirring

within him. He hadn’t come here to take a lover to his bed. He’d
never even expected Ralleana would introduce this human tonight.

Connor Spade was sin incarnate. Glossy black locks caressed

flawless, pale skin, and his wide blue eyes analyzed the crowd in
panic. Wren found himself feeling the strange urge to take the man in
his arms and shield Connor’s slim body with his own.

He knew Ralleana well. The woman was clever and resourceful,

and most likely took advantage of Connor’s fear and confusion to
push him into this. But Wren saw the fear in Connor and knew he
couldn’t allow the man to lose himself to the lusts of all the people
here. Never mind that his own body ached with desire. His cock
throbbed at the mere idea of touching Connor. And after all, why not?
He could get two birds with one stone—protect Connor, and indulge
himself in a sensual exploration with the man.

A few minutes passed while Ralleana detailed Connor’s virtues

and exotic nature. At last, the auction began. Wren found it more than
a little disgusting, more so since Ralleana prided herself on keeping a
respectable establishment. Truth be told, she rarely held auctions.
They were an antiquated tradition, used on special occasions. It didn’t
surprise Wren that she chose to go ahead with one now. Many of
those present would want Connor in their bed.

The price for Connor’s first night started at an obscenely high sum

and grew even larger. Wren didn’t mind. He could afford whatever
price they set, even if he did so only from his own funds. He

Scarlet Hyacinth

countered offers without even thinking about it, his mind focused on
the increasingly pale Connor.

Finally, no one else spoke, the price dissuading the other

interested parties. Wren could almost feel Connor in his arms now,
when a harsh voice spoke up. “Ten thousand ulides.”

Wren knew that voice. Fuck. He hadn’t seen the bastard when

he’d landed in the harbor. Ten thousand was a lot of money, but
Tallean would most likely spend it just to spite Wren.

“Eleven thousand,” Wren offered.
“Twelve,” Tallean countered.
Wren suppressed the urge to look behind him, toward the source

of the voice. “Thirteen,” he said between gritted teeth.

Connor’s apprehension had melted into a peculiar expression of

awe and dismay. Wren didn’t think the human understood them, but
the tension between him and Tallean went beyond any words they
could possibly speak.

“Fourteen,” Tallean said again.
“Fifteen.”
“Twenty.”
“Twenty-five,” a new voice said. Wren stole a look in the

direction of the sound, frowning when he realized its source. It was
Governor Malius of Almareya, a well-known customer of The Red
Star. It was quite common knowledge that Malius enjoyed playing
with humans. Some rumors even claimed of Malius’s interest in pain
games.

Renewed resolve coursed through Wren. He wanted the human

for himself, yes, but at the same time, he wouldn’t let Connor fall into
Malius’s clutches. “Thirty.”

Unsurprisingly, both Malius and Tallean countered his offer. The

sum increased more and more, none of them willing to give up.
“Fifty, paid on the spot,” Wren said at last.

Saving Connor

This was ridiculous. Fifty thousand ulides could feed and clothe a

small village. Of course, Connor would be worth it, but that was
beside the point.

Tallean had the audacity to make his way to Wren’s side. “Very

eager to play with the human, are you?” he murmured in Wren’s ear.

Wren grimaced and turned to look at his nemesis. “What are you

doing here?” he snarled.

Tallean brushed a lock of golden hair out of his face and smirked.

Wren hated the fact that he noticed the way those full lips curved just
so, the mischief shining in Tallean’s green eyes, the play of muscles
under Tallean’s shirt as he shifted on his feet. He was gorgeous and
he knew it, the arrogant son of a bitch. He also fucked like a demon,
as Wren knew all too well from experience. As innocent as he might
have looked, there was nothing pure and calm about him. But even if
they’d shared a couple of steamy nights, Wren still loathed him.

“And hello to you, too, Prince Wren,” Tallean said. “It’s been

quite a while since we’ve last seen each other.”

The purring tone in Tallean’s voice reminded Wren of exactly

when they’d met last. It had been a few months back, during the feast
of years. They’d ended up celebrating together. Even now, Wren
could still feel the ghost of Tallean’s cock inside him.

He gritted his teeth, hating the knowing look on Tallean’s face.

“Quite right,” he replied bitingly. “But not long enough.”

If there were two people completely the opposite of one another

on Uli, they’d be Tallean and Wren. For all his life, Wren had been
groomed to become the next prince of the dark elves. Tallean was in a
similar position, but even if they shared a rank, Tallean’s approach to
princely responsibilities turned out to be quite different. More often
than not, the sky elf king—Tallean’s father—found himself forced to
send troops after his errant heir. Not that he was disobedient or
disrespectful. In fact, Tallean manage to juggle his tasks with such
ability not even the king could question him. Wren envied him for it.

Scarlet Hyacinth

Still, they were so very different, and their countries held an

uneasy truce at best. They always clashed whenever they met. Their
anger and frustration eventually released through sex. Opposite
personalities they might be, but they clicked in bed.

This time, though, Wren would not allow Tallean to win the

battle. He wanted the human for himself. Something about Connor
called out to him. Even now, Wren could feel Connor’s eyes on them,
the still-palpable fear. Tonight, no matter what, Wren would cast that
fear away.

As they spoke, Wren registered Malius offer another counterbid.
“Don’t be so hostile,” Tallean whispered to him. “I believe this

night has a lot of potential.” He grinned at Wren and louder, he said,
“Fifty five.”

“Fifty-six,” Wren added, glaring at the damn sky elf. “Why are

you doing this?”

Not to be deterred, Tallean continued the bid. “Fifty-seven.”

Smirking, he replied to Wren’s question. “I like the human, of course.
Come on, Wren. We can have some fun. You, me, and young Connor.
What do you say?”

The suggestion rose visions filled with sinful pleasures in Wren’s

mind. Fuck. He wanted to say yes, but he hesitated. Connor had been
thrust in a world not his own, essentially forced to work for Ralleana.
As much as Wren wanted him, he couldn’t bring himself to push the
boundaries so much. He’d briefly seen an echoing want in Connor,
but how could he take advantage of the human like this?

“How about we ask the young man to choose?” Tallean suggested.
“I doubt that he’s ready for such a thing,” Wren grumbled.
Tallean looked thoughtful. “Probably. But wouldn’t you rather we

take care of him together? Maybe we can help.”

Wren was surprised to hear Tallean felt the same about the

situation as he. Perhaps they weren’t so different after all.

Saving Connor

Wren looked back toward Malius, only to see Malius talking in a

low voice with a man by his side. Apparently, he didn’t have enough
liquidity on him to continue the bid. It was down to him and Tallean.

After a brief moment of hesitation, he nodded at the sky elf.

“Okay,” he replied. “Deal.”

“Fifty-seven thousand ulides,” Ralleana’s voice washed over

them. “Sold to Prince Tallean of the Sky Elf Kingdom.”

* * * *

Tallean looked away from Wren and toward the human he’d just

purchased for the night. His father would be pissed about it, but
Tallean couldn’t have felt more pleased if he wanted to.

It was done now. He’d won the bid. Even if Wren might have

wanted to change his mind, he wouldn’t be able to at this point.

Tallean smiled at the dark elf, but the other man already looked

disgruntled. “Don’t make me regret this,” Wren murmured.

Tallean felt a mix of hurt and amusement whenever Wren

expressed his doubts like this. He supposed it shouldn’t surprise him.
In a sense, it shocked him more that Wren chose to trust him with
Connor. They’d been rivals for as long as Tallean remembered—
rivals and reluctant lovers.

“I won’t,” he said. “Come on. We need to talk to Ralleana and the

human.”

Without waiting for a reply, Tallean made his way toward the

dais. His elf eyesight allowed him to take in every detail of Connor’s
face and body even from the distance, and yet, the closer he got, the
more breathtaking the human seemed.

As a rule, Tallean didn’t linger over romantic entanglements. He

preferred to find relief in quick, mutually satisfactory episodes, where
both participants knew what they were signing up for. His love life
was already complicated enough, with Wren getting under his skin
like this. But his relationship with Wren could hardly classify as

Scarlet Hyacinth

close, protective, or romantic. At most, they were fuck buddies.
Adding the human to the mix would just make things more difficult.
But Tallean couldn’t help but want to touch Connor’s skin, to see if it
was as soft as it looked. One night. What would it hurt?

Halfway to their destination, they were intercepted by the

governor. “Greetings, Your Highnesses,” he said, a smile gracing his
lips. “It’s nice to see you on Almareya again.”

“Thank you, my lord,” Tallean replied politely. He suppressed the

urge to push the man away. Something about Malius made Tallean
sick to his stomach. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but he
always felt he stared at a blank mask hiding far too many secrets. “I
always enjoy the island.”

Wren muttered something similarly noncommittal, and it seemed

to encourage Malius. “I was wondering…Would you be interested in
trading the human to me, Prince Tallean?” he asked. “I’ll make it
worth your while, of course. I don’t have the money with me right
now, but if you come to my home, I’ll pay you double the money you
spend on him.”

Tallean almost snorted. As if he needed money. He’d come here

to have fun, not to do business. Besides, he had no intention to push
the human in Malius’s arms, and he’d already made a deal with Wren.
“I’m sorry, my lord, but I’ve already made arrangements with Wren.
Perhaps another time.”

A flash of anger passed through Malius’s eyes before it was

quickly concealed. “I see,” the man said pleasantly. “Very well, then.
Do enjoy yourselves. I take my leave.”

They said their good-byes, and Tallean watched the governor

make his way out of the hall. “Thank the gods,” Wren said. “I loathe
that man.”

Tallean nodded. “Come on,” he told Wren. “Let’s get Connor.”
He and Wren reached Ralleana just as the woman left the dais,

followed by a still stricken-looking Connor. “Follow me,” she said.
“We’ll make arrangements to complete the transaction.”

Saving Connor

Tallean silently acknowledged her request. She led the way to a

side room and closed the door once they all entered. Once he felt sure
of a measure of privacy, Tallean began to speak. “Prince Wren and I
have a certain agreement,” he said. “We wish to share young
Connor.”

Ralleana looked startled and opened her mouth, obviously

intending to protest. Wren stopped her before she got the chance to do
so. “Is there a problem?” he asked, voice cold as ice. If Tallean didn’t
know any better, he’d have thought Wren might very well shut down
this whole place should he be denied. Dark elves were known for their
unpredictable natures for a reason.

“Of course not,” Ralleana replied. “But please take into account

Connor is very new at this.”

“We will,” Tallean answered. He didn’t need to give any further

explanation. Ralleana should have thought about the implications of
the auction before she chose to market Connor like a piece of meat.

Tallean retrieved his purse and deposited a more than generous

amount on the table. “Your fee,” he said.

Wren echoed his actions, the sound of the ulides almost obscene

as his own bag landed in front of the brothel keeper. “And something
extra.”

Tallean arched a brow at her. “Any other concerns?”
Ralleana almost seemed offended. Truly, considering the nature of

her job, she was far better than other options. That didn’t mean
Tallean could excuse her actions. What if Wren or he hadn’t been
here tonight? Connor might have landed with Malius, and that
could’ve been disastrous.

Ralleana must have realized she couldn’t change their minds.

“Very well,” she said tensely. “If you so desire, I will order for rooms
to be readied at once.”

“Please do,” Wren replied.
The woman nodded and rang a bell that had been resting on a

table. A servant appeared and Ralleana started to give instructions.

Scarlet Hyacinth

From then on, Tallean proceeded to ignore her and focused his
attention on the fidgeting Connor.

Wren pulled Connor aside and whispered in the human tongue,

“I’m Wren and this is Tallean. I’m sure you’re wondering what’s
going on and why we’re here.”

“We purchased your time for the night,” Tallean explained. When

Connor’s eyes widened, he added, “But don’t worry. We won’t hurt
you.”

At those words, Connor seemed to snap out of his daze. “Look…I

don’t know what you want from me. I don’t belong here. I just want
to go home. This is a very big mistake. I’m sorry, but I can’t give you
what you’re here for.”

Tallean couldn’t help a frown, not so much at Connor’s refusal,

but at his confirmation that he’d been pushed into this. Connor
winced, obviously taking it as anger. “Look,” Wren interceded, “I
know this must be very scary to you, but our world is harsh for
humans. If you allow us, we’d protect you.”

Connor looked doubtful. “But why would you want to do that?

You don’t even know me.” He paused. “Ralleana said I could earn my
way out of Uli by selling my body. Is that what you mean?”

Tallean took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down.

While Ralleana had been correct in some regards, she’d also used the
information for her own benefit.

Before he could reply to Connor’s question, Ralleana returned, her

expression blank. “Please follow me.”

Connor didn’t look like he intended to move anytime soon. He

shook his head and said, “I told them. I don’t want any part of this. I
know you mean well, but I can’t do this.”

Ralleana frowned. “Connor, we’ve been through this before. I

can’t help you in another way.”

“Ralleana,” Wren said, interrupting the conversation. “Take us to

the quarters. We’ll discuss things with Connor there.”

Saving Connor

The authority in Wren’s voice instantly made Ralleana back off,

but Connor just glared. Tallean hid a smile. There were very few
people who dared to stand up to Wren. Tallean was one of them. It
seemed like Connor could do it, too. The little spitfire clenched his
hands into fists and growled, “Don’t presume you can order me
around. I didn’t take your money. I don’t want it. I just want to go
home.”

Tallean sighed to himself. “You can’t,” he said. “To even apply

for a transport, you need a huge amount of money, someone to
guarantee for you, and a special permit.”

Even the percentage Connor would earn from the price he and

Wren paid for him wouldn’t suffice for the fee. Besides, the only way
a human could leave Uli would be if someone influential took a stand
and intervened on Connor’s behalf. Even then, an Imperium official
investigation always followed a human’s arrival, to see if the person
in question had been brought here on purpose or not. It was risky
business, and few would be willing to take the chance for a stranger.

Connor looked like he was going to cry. “So that’s it then? I have

to sell my body to buy your favor? Jesus…”

He looked away from them, quiet sniffles alerting Tallean to his

silent pain. Tallean instantly felt guilty for his brusqueness. He should
have acted with more tact. He wanted to reach out and apologize to
Connor, even if as a rule, royalty never said “sorry.” But the right
moment passed as Connor wiped his eyes, straightened his spine, and
met their eyes once more.

“Fine then. We’ll do things your way.”
No one said anything else. Ralleana led them out of the office and

into the hall. They climbed to the second level of the structure and
stopped in front of what Tallean knew to be one of the most luxurious
suites in the establishment. Ralleana opened the door and, as always,
said, “Here we are. My staff will be bringing refreshments in a
minute. If you require another room, it can, of course, be arranged.”

“This is fine,” Wren said. “Thank you.”

Scarlet Hyacinth

Ralleana nodded and offered them a weak, false smile. “You

honor me, Highness. Please, enjoy yourselves.”

With that, the woman took her leave, and Tallean, Wren, and

Connor remained alone in the lavish bedroom. No sooner had the
door closed than Connor began to take off his clothes. Tallean froze
as he watched each inch of creamy, delicious flesh being exposed. He
shook himself and made his way to Connor’s side, catching the other
man’s hands just as they were about to undo his breeches.

“What are you doing?” he asked.
“Isn’t it obvious? You bought me,” Connor said, his voice cold as

ice. “I’m giving you what was promised.”

Wren appeared behind Connor, sandwiching the human between

them. “Connor, we really don’t mean you any harm.”

Connor ignored the words meant to comfort him and rubbed

against the two men. As much as he wanted to, Tallean couldn’t
ignore the warmth of the body moving against him. Even in these
circumstances, Connor’s body responded to their proximity. Tallean
could feel the other man’s hard prick against his. He wanted to touch
the human, make him his, fuck him so hard they couldn’t walk
straight for a week. Wren groaned, Connor’s sinuous motions rubbing
the human’s ass against his dick. Delicious images flashed through
Tallean’s mind, the same wicked thoughts he’d come up with when
he’d suggested this in the first place.

He didn’t know how he mustered enough control to pull away.

Wren did the same, and Tallean only saw the strain on the other
man’s face because he knew Wren so well. The situation was far too
upsetting. Connor obviously didn’t want any of this. Taking him now
would be akin to rape. “Stop, Connor,” Wren said. “Just stop.”

Connor threw his hands up in exasperation. “What do you want

then? You paid for me—a very high price if I judge from the amount
of coin on that table. You said I could not leave if I didn’t gain your
favor. What else would you have me do?”

Saving Connor

Wren sighed and loosened his cravat. He threw his jacket lazily on

a chair in a tired motion that to a certain extent surprised Tallean. The
other elf must be under more stress than usual if he allowed himself to
lose his façade like this. “Just sit,” Wren told Connor.

His voice now sounded gentle, and the human seemed puzzled.

Nevertheless, he obeyed and gingerly sat on another chair. “On the
bed,” Wren instructed again. “Lie down.”

Connor tensed but didn’t protest. He abandoned the chair and

lounged on the huge mattress, confusion and strain flashing from his
beautiful blue eyes.

Wren gestured for Connor to turn over. Tallean would have been

confused, but he knew Wren too well to think Wren might force
himself on the reluctant human.

Instead, Wren sat next to Connor and began to massage the

human. Connor groaned, and Tallean knew exactly how the human
felt. Wren’s hands were magical. Many times, they’d smoothed out
the knots of tension in Tallean’s back. Of course, back then, the
massage always turned erotic. Wren seemed to intend to keep things
as innocent as possible.

Just like Tallean expected, Connor soon relaxed under Wren’s

ministrations. It was a beautiful thing to behold. Connor simply
melted against the mattress, and his sexy little moans of pleasure
made Tallean as hard as a rock.

He couldn’t contain his impulse and joined the two men on the

bed. It took everything in his power to keep himself in check and not
tear his, Wren’s, and Connor’s clothes off. As much as he wanted
them both, sex would just complicate things now.

“Tell you what,” he whispered in Connor’s ear. “We’ll wait. Get

some sleep tonight and we’ll talk to you in the morning.”

He shared a look with Wren, who nodded. As much as they lusted

after Connor, there was no pleasure in taking someone who loathed
every touch. Tallean didn’t regret the high price he’d paid. At least

Scarlet Hyacinth

Connor would be safe from Malius. But pushing Connor into sex now
would make them just as bad as the governor.

Wren got up from the bed and retrieved his clothing. Connor

turned to look at them, now seeming more relaxed. “But I—”

Tallean silenced Connor with a finger. “It’s okay. Just rest. We’ll

discuss everything when you wake.”

He backed away from the bed and, after stealing a look toward

Connor, left the room. Wren was right behind him. “We did the right
thing,” he told the other elf.

Wren nodded silently. He seemed lost in thought, perhaps

considering the implications of their actions. Truth be told, Tallean
had surprised himself with his gentleness. He’d taken whores to his
bed before. Why should Connor be any different?

But then, Tallean remembered the confused and torn look in

Connor’s eyes. He knew then that the human was, indeed, special.
Perhaps, he didn’t understand the reason yet, but he’d find out soon
enough.

* * * *

As promised, Wren and Tallean left Connor in peace that night.

Connor wouldn’t have thought he’d get any rest with everything that
happened to him, but Wren’s gentle touch had relaxed him, and he
slept better than ever. It was only in the morning that he realized he’d
actually slept in the room assigned to Wren and Tallean. He
immediately found his way to his own quarters, but that didn’t make
him feel much better.

Instead, throughout the day, his apprehension returned more and

more. He remembered the jingling of coins and he knew that tonight,
without fail, Wren and Tallean would cash in on the trade. Ralleana
didn’t come to see him again, and it made him even more anxious.

When evening came, the servants appeared once more,

announcing he needed to prepare for dinner. They didn’t give further

Saving Connor

explanation, choosing to focus over Connor’s clothing and hair
instead. Then, a servant gestured for him to follow. They headed to
the rooms Connor slept in. Once they reached their destination, the
man knocked at the door. A familiar voice bid them to enter.

As the door opened, Connor stepped inside the chamber, only to

see Wren and Tallean seated at a table holding various dishes. “Hello,
Connor,” Wren greeted him.

Tallean smiled and gestured him to sit. “How are you today?”
Connor gulped as the door closed behind him. He remembered the

night before and the hysterical spectacle he’d put on. He remembered
Wren and Tallean had essentially bought his ass and intended to fuck
him tonight. He was tongue-tied, too lost between anger, fear, and
confusion to even answer.

Tallean’s smile faded. “Come on, Connor,” he said. “Please sit.”
Connor reluctantly obeyed. He sat at the table, doing his best to

focus on the meals instead of on the people who’d invited him here.
Silence fell. It was awkward. The proverbial elephant in the room cut
out all possibility of conversation.

All of a sudden, Tallean began to speak. “Connor, I’m going to be

honest with you. I want you in my bed. But I want you to wish for
that, too.”

“Talk to us,” Wren added. “Do you even like males? We need to

know.”

Connor was surprised the two men even bothered to ask. Still,

something inside him made him nod. “I like men. I like you.” His face
heated even as he spoke. “No, I didn’t mean that,” he stammered. “I
mean…”

But Tallean shook his head and Connor’s words died out. “It’s

okay,” he said. “You don’t have to be ashamed of anything.”

“But I do!” Connor shot to his feet, all apprehension forgotten.

“How can I like anything here? This is not my world. You are not my
people. I just want to go home.”

Scarlet Hyacinth

Much to his shame, he found tears filling his eyes and flowing

down his cheeks. He tried to wipe them, to contain them. He hated
crying. It was weak and never helped. But his tears refused to dry, the
knowledge of his own situation too much to take.

And then, two pairs of arms wrapped him in a double embrace.

“Relax,” Wren said. “You’re not alone anymore. We’ll take care of
you.”

Wren took Connor in his arms and carried him to the bed. Connor

expected the man to take his clothes off, but instead, Wren just lay
down next to him, with Tallean on the other side. Their warmth made
him feel comforted and safe. His tears stopped as their hands gently
held him.

“You know, Connor, as elves, Wren and I have lived a long time,”

Tallean said. “And still this world is scary, even for us. So don’t feel
bad about that. It’s normal.”

Elves. Wren and Tallean were elves. Connor supposed it made

sense, given their pointy ears and beautiful looks. Still, he felt as if
he’d fallen in a dream where legends came to life and myths became
reality.

But it was okay to be frightened, Tallean had said. It didn’t matter,

as long as Tallean and Wren protected him. Could he trust them?
God, he wanted to. And he wanted them.

For the longest time, Wren and Tallean just held him. Gradually,

Connor relaxed. And then Wren and Tallean began to speak. They
told him about Uli, about their strange world and their elven lands.
They told him about odd beings and creatures he’d never heard of.
Connor laughed at the anecdotes and soon found himself responding
with tales of his own life, of Owen, of his parents and studies. He
didn’t detail the bad things, since he didn’t want to break the
comfortable mood. But he thought that one day, he might. Trust
appeared deep inside him, born out of a certainty he couldn’t quite
understand.

Saving Connor

As they continued to hold him, though, the platonic touches

awoke something inside Connor. But suddenly, Connor no longer
cared about the barriers between them. He yearned to take the
pleasure they offered. He ached to feel their touch, and not just in a
friendly way.

In truth, Connor didn’t know what he was getting into. He’d never

been sexually aggressive, and the situation shouldn’t have aroused
him like this. After all, these men admitted to buying him, as if he
weren’t a person with rights and emotions. And yet, their hands felt so
gentle on him. Their hearts and voices reached out to him. Was this
magic? If so, Connor would gladly fall under the spell.

Breaking away from the embrace, Connor took his shirt off.

“Touch me,” he whispered huskily. “Please.” He met the eyes of the
two men, uncertain as to where he even found the courage to do so.
“Please,” he repeated. “I need this.”

The needy sound of his own voice startled him so much he

snapped out of his lust-induced daze. What in the world was he
doing? He must be out of his mind. These two men weren’t even
human.

He pushed away from the two elves so violently they fell back and

almost went down on the floor. Both Wren and Tallean gave him
looks of surprise. Connor winced, remembering what they’d told him
the night before. He needed to earn their favor if he wanted to get out
of here. He shouldn’t be hitting, refusing, or pissing them off in any
way.

He recalled the gentle caresses Wren bestowed on him, the way

his hands smoothed across his muscles, and it occurred to him they
hadn’t even tried to fuck him before Connor stupidly brought it up.
God, he couldn’t think. It was all too much.

Strong arms engulfed him in a warm hug. “Connor, hush,” Tallean

whispered. “You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to.”

At first, Connor didn’t know how to react. But his body responded

to Tallean’s proximity and Connor understood there was no going

Scarlet Hyacinth

back. The panic and hysteria burst out of him, and he buried his face
into Tallean’s shirt, futilely trying to stifle his tears.

God, not again. He hated showing weakness, and here he was,

crying for a second time in front of the elves. But right here and now,
he couldn’t help it. He was entitled to a mental breakdown, damn it.
After all, not every day did a man find out alternative dimensions
existed and ended up a prostitute on one.

Then again, how would tears help? He needed to find a solution.

Wren and Tallean seemed more understanding than he’d expected. It
wasn’t all bad, in the end.

Breaking away from Tallean, Connor wiped his eyes. “Thanks. I

just…I’m not sure what I should do. I—”

His words died in his throat when he saw the twin expressions of

hurt on Tallean and Wren’s faces. Perhaps hurt didn’t exactly cut it,
but it was a disturbing emotion, something Connor didn’t know how
to explain.

“We pushed too hard,” Wren whispered. “Just know that we do

mean to help, no matter what. No one will harm you.”

Connor bit his lip and clenched his fists, more confused than ever.

“Why? Why would you help me? I’m just a stranger.”

Tallean cupped his cheek in a painfully gentle gesture. “The whys

and the hows don’t matter. Some things just are, and don’t need an
explanation. Besides, you’re not a stranger, not really.”

Connor looked from Tallean to Wren. The two elves were so very

different, and yet, so very beautiful together. Connor ached to reach
out to them, to see if, indeed, he could forget about all reason and
doubt in his desire. In a strange way, he felt like he’d known them
forever.

It was because of this that he realized they were hiding something

from him. He took a deep breath and gathered every remnant of
courage. “Just tell me the truth. Ralleana said she can’t keep me here.
Now you’re speaking as if someone is threatening me. Give it to me
straight. I can take it.”

Saving Connor

“I suppose you deserve to know.” Wren sighed. “The thing is,

Connor, off-world travel is regulated very harshly.”

Connor nodded. He’d already heard about that.
“It’s not just the price,” Wren continued. “We have laws against

humans coming here and agents to make sure those laws aren’t
breached.”

Connor gaped at them. “You mean I’m a criminal?” he squeaked.

“But it was an accident. I didn’t even know about Uli.”

“Well, then, you have nothing to worry about.” Tallean squeezed

his hand. “There are three circumstances dealt with. If the human ends
up by accident, he has to earn his trip off world by working. If he is
forcibly stolen from Earth, the person guilty would be punished and
the human sent back. But if the human comes here with bad
intentions…Well, the Imperium isn’t very lenient.”

“Imperium?” Connor repeated, still trying to understand the

information dump.

“Our world authority.” Wren paused, as if thoughtful. “It’s

something like your United Nations or NATO. But don’t worry,
Imperium agents are fair, and anyone with a brain can tell you just
stumbled here.”

Connor felt doubtful. He didn’t trust the justice system as a rule.

Why would the one on Uli be any different?

Wren must have understood his misgivings. “I mean it. They can

sniff out a lie—literally. They’re born and bred for the position.”

Connor blinked. Perhaps Uli was different. He almost burst into

laughter. It surely must be convenient to be able to smell lies. He
sobered and gave the two elves a weak smile. “Okay. Thanks. How do
you even know so much about Earth?”

Wren shrugged. “It’s standard for royal education. Tallean and I

went there to study.”

He said it with such nonchalance that for a few moments, it didn’t

even register. “Wait, what? Royal?”

Scarlet Hyacinth

Connor took in the lavish clothes and coronets and felt a little

sick. “You’re what…kings?”

“Princes,” Tallean corrected hesitantly. “Are you okay, Connor?

You look a bit green. It doesn’t change anything.”

Perhaps they didn’t think so. But whatever ease of mind Connor

might have been able to muster dissipated into thin air. Princes. Jesus
Christ. What did they even want with him, a random human
prostitute?

Tallean’s warm hands touched Connor’s cheek, and he

instinctively leaned into the caress. He met Tallean’s gorgeous green
eyes, and felt himself falling into their depths. Wren crawled closer to
them, and heat burst in Connor’s belly.

He remembered Owen’s advice, and decided that maybe, he did

need to get laid. Why not? Why shouldn’t he indulge himself, just this
once? They wanted him, Connor could tell. Okay, so it was a bit
weird. Connor had never even considered a threesome. The times
Owen’s boyfriends suggested it, he found the mere concept
disgusting. But this time, he couldn’t think of any better idea. He
would think about this horrible situation in the morning, when the
dream of being desired by elven princes would vanish. If they left
after that, Connor would find a way to deal with it.

Without allowing himself to hesitate further, Connor crushed his

lips to Tallean’s. At first, Tallean seemed surprised, but in mere
instants, he took over the kiss. His tongue prodded at Connor’s lips
and Connor gladly parted them, allowing the elf entrance. He
entwined his hands in Tallean’s golden hair, the silk of the soft locks
a tantalizing sensation in itself.

Tallean’s hands worked Connor’s breeches off. When the material

refused to yield, Tallean growled and ripped it off. Connor moaned
into the kiss when his erection was finally released from its confines.
His hard cock rubbed against Tallean, but he wanted more skin, more
of the delicious touches.

Saving Connor

Connor climbed into Tallean’s lap, still holding on to the kiss.

Tallean shifted their position on the bed, and the next thing Connor
felt was Wren’s hands mapping his back. His fingertips were soft,
strikingly so, but still very strong and male.

Tallean broke the kiss and Connor leaned against Wren, panting.

He turned his head and met Wren’s bronze gaze. His lips burned from
Tallean’s kiss, the blond elf’s taste still lingering in his mouth. The
only thing that could be better was to have Wren kiss him, too.

Wren must have guessed his thoughts as their lips came into

contact. Passion burned Connor’s every nerve when Wren’s tongue
invaded his mouth, massaging his own, exploring and plundering,
both soothing and arousing.

It would have been impossible to describe Wren’s kiss when

compared to Tallean. Tallean was like the sun, burning, scorching hot,
the releasing of primal instincts. Wren’s touches took no prisoners,
hypnotizing and dizzying, like a spell of freedom clouding over
Connor’s body and mind. The combination made Connor drunk with
pleasure, just from their kisses.

A shock of ecstasy coursed through him when Tallean tweaked

his nipples. Tallean’s nails lightly scratched over the tight nubs, and
the light burn went straight to Connor’s cock.

“So gorgeous,” Tallean murmured in a barely audible voice. “So

beautiful.”

The sound of Tallean’s voice licked over Connor’s skin like warm

water. He rubbed against the still-clothed elves, aching for more
touch, for more friction. It was strangely exciting to be naked with
them still dressed, but he needed more. His dick throbbed and his hole
ached to be filled.

Breathless, he forced himself to break away from Wren’s

addicting kiss. “Please, fuck me,” he said. “I need you.”

This time, he accepted his own wantonness without allowing his

reason to intrude on the moment. The wicked grin on Tallean’s face

Scarlet Hyacinth

promised sinful delights that would surely serve as his reward. “Your
wish is my command, beautiful,” Tallean replied.

Connor saw Tallean share a look with Wren, as if they were

silently communicating. He should have felt left out, but he didn’t. He
found he could read what they meant to convey through their postures
and body language. Wren’s warmth against his back spoke to him, as
did Tallean’s warm gaze.

Tallean began to take his clothes off. The coronet disappeared

first, carefully placed on the night table. Now loose, the blond hair
cascaded wildly, framing Tallean’s face in golden waves. Nimble
fingers worked the engraved buttons of the elegant shirt out of their
holes.

Connor trembled, aching to reach out and help Tallean, but Wren

pulled him away from the tempting sight of the disrobing man and
held him immobilized. One muscled arm around Connor’s waist kept
him from releasing himself. “Enjoy the sight, babe,” Wren whispered.

Wren’s other hand engulfed Connor’s cock in a tight, hot grip.

Connor let out a choked sound as the elf began jacking his cock. His
dick already leaked copious amounts of pre-cum as Wren rubbed his
thumb against the purplish head, playing with the slit. The elf used the
generous slickness to move his hand up and down Connor’s hard
dick.

At this point, Tallean essentially put on a show for him. Each inch

of skin revealed made the flame within him burn brighter. He could
feel this orgasm so close, just within his reach. When Tallean at last
took off the last of clothes, the first sight of the man’s cock made him
whimper in distressed arousal. Tallean was cut from divine cloth
everywhere, and his dick didn’t disappoint. If anything, its more-than-
generous size and girth intimidated Connor. His anus clenched at the
thought of taking Tallean inside him in both fear and anticipation.

Wren chuckled in his ear. “Seems our little human has a dirty

mind.”

Saving Connor

Tallean crawled over to them like a panther. His green gaze

pinned Connor with shocking intensity. “Tell me, Connor. What do
you want?”

How did Tallean expect him to think with Wren’s talented hands

on him? “I–I…already said. Please…”

“Tell us again,” Wren said. “In detail.”
The huskiness in Wren’s tone and the possessive order were

enough to push Connor into his orgasm. But much to his dismay,
Wren’s hand tightened around the base of his dick, preventing him
from coming. “Not yet, babe. Tell us.”

Connor arched against Wren, nearly weeping in frustrated desire.

“Fuck me,” he gasped out. “Hard. Inside me. Now. Please. Fill me.
Pound me.”

He sounded erratic and incoherent, but the elves got the message.

Thankfully, they must have decided they’d tortured them all enough.
Wren pushed Connor on all fours on the bed. “Don’t come,” he said
as he released Connor’s dick. “I want to be inside you first.”

Connor almost sobbed but obeyed, clenching his fists into the

sheets. A thought occurred to him—the need for protection. “C–
Condoms,” he stammered out. He’d never gone bareback with
anyone.

“We don’t have sexually transmitted diseases on Uli, babe,” Wren

said soothingly. “Our bodies have an immune system that keeps
human illnesses at bay. Relax.”

The answer reminded Connor of the outlandishness of the

situation. He tried to steer his mind away from the panic. It only
worked when Tallean spoke. “Connor, look at me,” the other man
said. When Connor looked up, he saw Tallean’s cock just inches from
his mouth. The elf’s eyes watched him lustily, and Connor didn’t even
wait for a second.

Ignoring the throbbing in his own cock, Connor lowered his

mouth over Tallean’s dick. He moaned as the first taste of Tallean’s
pre-cum hit his tongue. If Tallean’s kisses had been intense, this was

Scarlet Hyacinth

so much better. “Gods, beautiful…” Tallean said huskily. “That’s
good.”

Connor sucked the head, swirling his tongue around the slit and

avidly drinking in the pearly drops that appeared there. He licked
Tallean’s cock like a lollipop, taking his time to savor each inch of the
delicious hard meat. At last, he took the whole of the elf’s cock, doing
his best to fit it in his mouth.

Tallean didn’t move, obviously meaning to allow Connor to get

used his size. Connor was thankful for his lover’s consideration. He
appreciated every moment he took to get to know Tallean’s skin, to
explore and tease. The weight of Tallean’s cock on his tongue drove
him wild, and his own desire morphed into a need to pleasure the elf,
to blow Tallean’s mind.

He hummed lightly and was rewarded when a groan sounded from

Tallean. Connor could feel the sexual tension vibrating through
Tallean and reveled in it.

He lost his concentration when he felt Wren nudge his legs wider

apart. The elf separated Connor’s ass cheeks and this time, when
Connor moaned, it had very little to do with pleasuring Tallean and
more with the knowledge of the way he must look, exposed like this.
The first touch of Wren’s finger against his anus startled him, and he
unwillingly tensed. He wasn’t a virgin, but he hadn’t taken anyone up
his ass in a long time.

Wren tsked, rubbing the digit around the rim of Connor’s hole.

“Relax, babe. I promise you’ll love this.”

The combination of the touch and the gentleness of the voice

slowly coaxed the tension out of Connor. “That’s it, Connor,” Wren
said. “Let go for me. Look at Tallean. Doesn’t he taste good?”

Oh, God, did he ever. He tasted amazing. But of course, Connor

couldn’t say that with a mouth full of cock. Wren probably didn’t
expect an answer. In fact, he didn’t even wait for one. As soon as
Connor stopped tensing up, Wren changed his position. The gentle

Saving Connor

finger disappeared, and the next thing Connor knew, a warm, wet
tongue laved across his crease.

Connor’s eyes widened at the unfamiliar, forbidden sensation. He

wanted to tell Wren to stop, but Tallean’s hand gripped his hair,
drawing his attention to the blond elf. “It’s okay,” he said with a
strained smile. “He enjoys it. He’s very oral.”

The two men seemed to know each other well. They must have

been lovers before this day. Strangely, the thought didn’t bother
Connor. Instead, the image of Tallean and Wren popped in his mind,
their naked bodies entwined and moving against each other. His
arousal spiked, and he let go of his lingering doubts and allowed the
two elves to find pleasure in his body.

Wren’s tongue prodded at Connor’s hole, worming inside in sinful

motions like a tiny cock. Obviously understanding Connor’s
submission, Tallean began to move. He pulled out of Connor’s mouth
and thrust back in. Every cell in Connor’s body screamed for the
elves’ possession. His vision dimmed as sensations assaulted him, and
it was only by clinging to Wren’s request that he managed to keep
himself from coming.

Wren’s tongue left his body, and Connor’s entire being thrummed

in anticipation. Finally, the blunt head of Wren’s cock nudged at his
opening. At one point when he’d been distracted, Wren must have
taken his clothes off. He pushed inside with excruciating slowness, as
careful as Tallean to prevent hurting Connor.

It still hurt, oh, God, how it hurt. Wren’s penetration seemed to go

on for ages. Each second, he thought he couldn’t take any more, and
yet he did, Wren’s cock going deeper and deeper inside. When at last
Wren stopped, Connor felt impossibly full. Still, the pain was so very
good, his greedy hole stretching to accommodate Wren. Fuck, he was
such a slut, and he couldn’t care less. Even the thought that these men
were indeed paying for him couldn’t stop his pleasure.

At the same moment, Tallean pushed his cock deep into Connor’s

mouth, until his nose reached the base of the elf’s genitals. Distantly,

Scarlet Hyacinth

he registered Tallean didn’t have a lot of pubic hair—perhaps an elf
thing. Still, the smell of man, sweat, and sex enveloped him, and
Connor’s head spun with it. He’d never been great at deep-throating,
but for some reason, he found himself opening up for Tallean with
ease, as if he’d been born to give head to the elf.

All too soon, the two elves pulled away. Connor didn’t even

manage to muster a thought of protest, because they thrust inside him
again in unison. At first, they took it slow, the rhythm still gentle, but
carrying the lingering sexual tension.

When it became obvious Connor no longer had any problems or

misgivings with taking them, the two elves sped up. The thrusts
turned quicker, harder, almost violent. Wren’s each motion unerringly
hit Connor’s prostate, making stars burst in his vision. Connor closed
his eyes, unable to focus on anything else than the men possessing
him, too dizzy to even hold his balance.

Tallean managed to hold him up. It could have been elven magic,

or something entirely different. Truth be told, he knew very little
about elves, or if they even had magic. But he couldn’t be bothered to
care. He accepted it all, lost in the ecstasy, the passion, and the raw,
sexual power of his lovers.

Tallean’s thick cock stretched his mouth so much his jaw ached,

but Connor gladly took the abuse. Wren’s dick fucked his hole over
and over, his staccato rhythm matching Tallean’s, burning him from
the inside out. His hands squeezed Connor’s hips, the hold so strong
Connor knew he’d have bruises. Perversely, he loved the idea, just
like he loved everything the elves did to him.

His mind wandered in a haze of ecstasy and desire. The two cocks

fucking him, the two bodies moving with his, grunts, groans, flesh
slapping against flesh, it all created a hypnotizing spell that made him
lose track of time. He couldn’t even remember anything else other
than the names of his men. Tallean—hot, intense, and oh-so-bright,
carrying the taste of the sun and the wind—fucking his mouth, and
Wren—dark, so very wicked, yet still gentle, like the rays of the

Saving Connor

moon, sometimes cold, sometimes tender—taking his ass. Everything
in Connor responded to them. His nipples throbbed and his cock
begged for release. Pleasure sizzled over his spine, and his skin
burned where they touched him. Good, so good, so perfect, so right.

It all became too much for him to contain. His balls ached with

the imminence of his orgasm. He could no longer hold back. It was
physically impossible.

“Go ahead, babe,” Wren said. “Come. Come for us.”
His voice sounded rough with lust and it broke the final remnants

of Connor’s control. With a cry choked by the dick in his mouth,
Connor came, his seed splashing over his belly and the sheets under
him.

Moments later, thick ropes of salty cum filled his mouth as

Tallean found his peak as well. Liquid heat bathed his insides when
Wren climaxed. Connor almost sobbed, the combined orgasms of his
lovers somehow fueling his own pleasure. His mind short-circuited
and, for a few seconds, he lost consciousness altogether, his world
becoming sheer sensation and nirvana.

Connor managed to recover only when he felt his elves’ dicks

leave his body. He cracked his eyes open, feeling bereft. Tallean
smiled at him, brushing a sweaty curl out of his face. “Be right back,”
he said.

Indeed, mere seconds later, he returned, carrying a wet cloth.

Gently, he cleaned Connor up, then did the same with Wren. For a
few instants, the eyes of the two elves met. Wren pulled Tallean down
and crushed their lips together. It was the first time Connor had
actually seen them kiss. It was beautiful, and Connor’s heart ached for
them. Even beyond the carnal pleasure they’d given him, he thought
he could easily fall for these men.

When the two broke apart, they collapsed on the bed. Wren pulled

Connor down and into his embrace. Connor ended up cuddled
between the warm bodies of the two elves. Beyond Tallean’s blond
head, the coronet shone on the night stand. Connor closed his eyes

Scarlet Hyacinth

and forced the image from his mind. For now, he’d enjoy them while
this lasted. After that, he’d at least have a beautiful memory.

Saving Connor

Chapter Four

The night passed in a rush of desire and sexual fulfillment. Wren

lost count of the number of times he came. He and Tallean took turns
worshipping Connor’s gorgeous body, and even if Wren didn’t
actually fuck the other elf, a connection appeared between them,
through Connor.

It was amazing, and like all good things, it ended too soon. When

the first light of dawn slipped into the room, Wren knew the time had
come for Tallean and him to go.

In a strange development, the night they’d spent away from

Connor only cemented the need for the human. Seeing him again had
made Wren realize Connor was special. He made Wren feel things
he’d only ever experienced with Tallean and had denied for the better
part of his life.

Wren didn’t want to leave. He wanted to explore the connection

with the human. But for Connor’s sake, he had to. The Imperium
would soon find out about Connor. If Wren and Tallean went to them
now, they could take advantage of their positions and the opportunity
to make sure Connor received the best treatment. Whether or not their
relationship could evolve, Wren didn’t want Connor hurt.

Oh, he didn’t doubt the agents of the Imperium could detect every

lie, or that Connor’s arrival here only represented an accident. But
certain interests could, indeed, endanger Connor. Far too many people
on Uli disliked humans. The agents who could not be deceived could
be, however, bought. It might not be common knowledge, since
people preferred to believe the Imperium was beyond corruption. But

Scarlet Hyacinth

Wren and other people in his position—like Tallean, for example—
knew better.

Tallean sighed and got up. Wren followed his example.

Immediately, Connor became alarmed. “W–What?” he asked. “What
are you doing?”

“We’d love to stay, beautiful,” Tallean replied, “but we can’t. We

have to talk to the Imperium and make sure you’re safe.”

Connor stared at them. “But I thought you said those agent people

would come here. Why do you need to leave?”

“It’s best to be prepared,” Wren answered. It was actually best to

reach the upper echelons before the more radical elements of their
society could. But telling Connor that would just make him panic.

Wren cupped Connor’s cheek, marveling at the softness of the

skin. The human’s lips were still swollen from their kisses, and Wren
couldn’t resist the temptation to take them again. Their mouths met in
a kiss that held not just passion, but also reassurance. “It’ll be fine,”
he whispered when they broke apart. “I promise.”

Connor didn’t look convinced, but he still smiled. “Okay. If you

say so.”

Tallean and Wren dressed in silence while Connor watched

without comment. It hurt Wren physically to leave the man. Perhaps
one of them should stay behind, to at least watch over Connor until
the problem with the Imperium could be solved. It would be harder to
sway the authorities, but at least Connor wouldn’t be alone here.

As if guessing Wren’s thoughts, Connor said, “I suppose you’re

right. You should hurry up and go. I’ll be fine.”

Wren shared a look with Tallean. He didn’t believe one word, but

what could he do? Staying would just make things worse now.
Perhaps Connor needed a few days to process what had happened and
get used to his new life on Uli.

“Just promise me you’ll be careful. We’ll talk to Ralleana and

keep you from any further unpleasantness. But don’t go wandering
out of The Star. It’s dangerous out there for a human.”

Saving Connor

Connor nodded. “I got it. Go on.” He waved them off, the sadness

in his eyes belying the nonchalance of his demeanor. Heavy doubt
gripped Wren once again, but he steeled his resolve. It was for the
best.

“Just remember we’ll come back for you,” Tallean said.
Connor gave them an unreadable look but didn’t reply. Sighing to

himself, Wren finished dressing and, with a final gaze toward the
human, left the bedroom. Tallean followed behind him. It reminded
Wren of the night before, when they’d left Connor to rest. Only this
time, they might not see the human for quite a while.

“This is probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” the other elf

told Wren. “I just can’t bear to leave him.”

“I know, Tallean. I know.”
Together, they headed toward Ralleana’s office. They needed to

have a little chat with the woman before they left. No matter how
much they’d have to pay, they would make sure no one else touched
Connor in their absence.

* * * *

Morning dawned over the horizon as Rallion rode his horse into

the brothel courtyard. The Red Star was home, for both him and his
sister, but sometimes, it still depressed him. He dismounted and took
the stallion into the stables. There were a couple of horses still there,
so he surmised some clients must have stayed the night. Rallion
hoped none of them had been entertained by his sister. It made him
sick to think of all those strangers pawing and drooling over her, and
he still couldn’t do anything about it.

Lately, The Red Star had been losing customers. People always

wanted novelty, and while The Star offered excellent services, many
patrons drifted to other brothels in search of something more exciting.
Rallion earned enough as a guard to ensure their position here and
keep their business running, but that meant he couldn’t afford what

Scarlet Hyacinth

he’d always dreamed of, a home away from all this filth, a new life
for him and Ralleana. She’d suffered far too much, forced to sell her
body to raise him when they’d lost their mother.

Their half-human nature guaranteed that she always had generous

patrons. After a while, she’d managed to save enough to move to this
place and create The Star, with permission and support from the
governor of Almareya, also a dedicated customer of hers. She’d
refused to let Rallion work the same she did, even if certain clients
offered handsome sums of money for him when he’d been very
young. And still, even now when he’d become a soldier, Rallion
could not protect her enough.

Sighing, he removed the saddle and brushed down his horse. After

providing for his animal’s comfort, he left the stables and headed
inside. There was something—or rather—someone else on his mind
other than his sister.

He’d been far too harsh on Connor Spade. He’d known it then,

and he knew it now. For the past day, all he had thought about was the
human. Duty had kept him away from the town as he and his men
checked the borders of Almareya, but Rallion had wondered about the
human all throughout their expedition. He felt horrible about his ill
choices. But at least, he’d brought Connor to his sister, hoping she
would manage to help him with whatever injuries might have befallen
the human during the scuffle. After all, it wasn’t Connor’s fault for
the sins of other men.

As always, the doors of The Red Star were well guarded, but

otherwise, the structure seemed pretty empty. Most of the employees
must have gone to sleep at this hour, since The Star was always
busiest at nights. Even so, Rallion spotted the door of the office
cracked open. His sister might still be awake. She tended to do
paperwork at this time.

The moment he entered the office, Ralleana looked up from her

files. “Hello, little brother,” she said with a tired smile.

“Hi, Lea,” he greeted back. “What are you doing?”

Saving Connor

“Just going over some documents,” she answered, looking away

from him.

A foreboding feeling took hold of Rallion. His mind immediately

went to Connor. “What’s wrong? Where’s Connor, Ralleana?”

“Brother, I had no choice,” she said weakly. “We can’t protect

him from the Imperium and you know it.”

“Where. Is. Connor?” Rallion managed to ask again between

gritted teeth.

“Still sleeping,” she answered. “His customers just left.”
Rallion blinked at her, for a few moments certain he’d heard

wrong. Surely, his sister wouldn’t do such a thing. “Customers?” he
repeated.

He saw her swallow nervously. “Prince Tallean and Prince Wren.

He’s fine, Rallion. Seriously, they didn’t hurt him.”

Rallion fumed at his sister’s words. He’d brought the human here

because he’d thought Connor would be safe, at least for the time
being. He’d been convinced Ralleana would never allow Connor to
suffer in his absence. He realized how exotic humans were treated,
and Ralleana more than anyone should have known better.

“It seems I judged you wrong,” he said simply.
Taking a deep breath, he left the room before he would lose his

temper and do something stupid. Behind him, he heard Ralleana call
out his name, but he ignored her. In his mind’s eye, he could see
Connor’s wide blue eyes staring at him accusingly. He should have
helped Connor then. Instead he’d fled like a coward, and now Connor
had paid the price.

He supposed he should at least be thankful the men who’d

purchased Connor weren’t physically repulsive. If anything, they
were too handsome for their own good—and way out of Rallion’s
league. But no matter what Rallion might think of Wren and Tallean,
he couldn’t even be sure Connor liked males. It turned his stomach to
imagine the human being forced into having sex with two strange
elves in his first day on Uli. Fuck.

Scarlet Hyacinth

His feet carried him to the room where he himself had left

Connor. He knocked lightly, and a barely audible “yes” reached his
ears. Connor’s voice sounded weak and hoarse and Rallion almost
didn’t enter the bedroom for fear of what he would find.

Nevertheless, he pushed the door open and walked in. The

chamber was dark, but the occasional ray filtering through the
curtains allowed Rallion to see a Connor-shaped lump under the
covers.

“Who is it?” Connor asked in a muffled voice.
Rallion stepped closer to the bed and sat on the corner. He should

have never brought Connor to The Star. Yes, the Imperium would
find Connor, but the bureaucracy of the main administration gave
them a little time, time for Connor to get used to Uli and make an
informed decision. Perhaps they could figure out an alternate solution.

Deep blue eyes peeked at him from under the blankets, but the

darkness must have made it impossible for Connor to see. Rallion
wondered how the human would react upon seeing him. After all, it
was all his fault for this fiasco.

Hating his own nervousness, he replied, “It’s me, Rallion.”
Connor tensed and threw the covers off him and at him in

righteous indignation. Bruises marred his creamy skin and the scent of
sex emanated from the sheets, stronger now that Connor was close.

“You? What are you doing here? Have you come to gloat?”
Rallion did his best to keep a straight face. He hadn’t made a very

good first impression on the young human, so he could expect
anything at this point. For all he knew, Connor would refuse his
support altogether.

“I don’t have anything to gloat for,” he replied. “I’m sorry about

what happened in the forest. Some people don’t like humans much.”

“I got the impression they like humans too much,” Connor replied

snappishly.

Rallion suppressed a sigh. Connor might be right—insofar as sex

was concerned. But humans were rarely viewed as useful for anything

Saving Connor

else. It made growing up on Uli difficult for Rallion and his sister. But
saying so would just scare Connor, and the man already looked on the
edge.

In fact, his eyes were red and swollen as if he’d been crying.

Rallion’s heart hurt for him.

He reached out for the man, wiping an errant tear from the

human’s cheek. Connor jumped, obviously startled. “W–What are you
doing?”

“I don’t want to see you cry,” Rallion replied. “I didn’t think

Ralleana would push you into something like this. If I had, I’d never
have brought you here.”

Connor plopped back on the bed. “It doesn’t matter anymore. And

it wasn’t horrible or anything like that, so you don’t have to feel
guilty.”

He sounded standoffish now, but Rallion sensed the hidden pain

behind the words. “What happened, Connor? Princes they may be, but
they don’t have the right to hurt you.”

Connor let out a choked laugh. “That’s exactly the problem.

They’re princes. And what am I? A prostitute, just an idiot human
who didn’t have enough brains to run from the bright lights in the
desert.”

Rallion took a deep breath. Fucking elves. This was exactly why

Rallion always avoided them. One moment, they might seem so very
approachable, the next, they somehow managed to point out how
inferior anyone else was in comparison to them.

“Don’t say that, Connor.” Rallion gripped the human’s hand. “No

one on Uli is better than you, no matter what they might think or say.”

Connor trembled but didn’t let go of Rallion’s palm. “I just

thought… They said they were going to help. Then, they just left.”

Rallion understood completely. Poor Connor had been swept off

his feet by the gorgeous elves who promised him the world. But
promises were cheap, and Connor needed a friend now, not whenever

Scarlet Hyacinth

Wren and Tallean thought they might be able to make room in their
busy schedule.

“You have to understand, Connor, not everyone sees things as I

do. Prince Wren and Prince Tallean are noble men. But they also have
duties, and they can’t stay here with you.”

“So you think they’ll come back?” Connor asked.
The hopeful tone in Connor’s voice made a weird mix of emotions

swell inside Rallion. He wanted to be the object of Connor’s
affection. Jealousy and self-disgust burned through him. He should
have been here for Connor. If only he’d stayed, he could have avoided
this.

At this point, he didn’t know what to even reply. He didn’t want

to give the human false hope. Then again, it was quite likely Tallean
and Wren would indeed return. “I think so, yes,” he said. “Just get
some rest. I’ll make sure Ralleana doesn’t force anything else on
you.”

Connor offered him a weak smile. “Thanks.”
Rallion got up, taking his cue to leave. He’d have liked to be with

Connor more. The human’s mere presence was dangerously addictive.
But Connor needed to rest and eat, not get more confused by Rallion’s
attentions.

“I’ll send someone in with some breakfast,” he told the human.

“Take care, okay, Connor?”

He got up and crossed the room, intending to leave Connor in

peace. But just as he placed his hand on the door knob, he heard
Connor’s barely whispered voice. “Don’t go. Don’t leave.”

Rallion turned around, shocked. He noticed Connor wasn’t

looking at him, but in the general direction of the windows. “I don’t
want to be alone.”

The words squished whatever hope might have appeared in

Rallion’s heart. Connor clung to him merely because he was there. He
could be any other person, for all Connor cared.

Saving Connor

In the end, what did it matter? Rallion couldn’t offer more than

friendship anyway. In spite of being drawn to Connor, the man
remained a human. Eventually, Connor would leave—just like
Rallion’s father had. Until then, Rallion needed to guard his heart
well. He had a feeling he could very well lose it to the beautiful,
vulnerable Connor.

Scarlet Hyacinth

Chapter Five

A few months later

Tallean tapped his foot against the marble floor. They’d been

waiting for hours now, and still no result. The damn Imperium took
forever in deciding what to do regarding Connor. Today the result of
the process would at last be announced, but Tallean didn’t know what
to believe anymore.

As it turned out, even convincing his father and Wren’s to help in

this situation took far too long for Tallean’s comfort. When they at
last managed to do so, after over a week of insistence, they ran into
more resistant bureaucracy. Even with the intervention from both
elven kingdoms, the Imperium didn’t grant special audiences easily.

Tallean was beginning to doubt they ever would. In fact, if it took

so much effort for just an audience, how would the authority receive
their plea? In truth, they only wanted to choose a good agent for
Connor’s assessment. But that meant telling the Imperium how to do
their jobs and interfering in a matter strictly assigned to them. If this
became common knowledge, it could even cause a terrible scandal.

Wren’s temper seemed as foul as Tallean’s. He paced in the fancy

room of the Imperium’s HQ, grumbling under his breath. They both
worried a lot about Connor. Now more than ever they realized they
could have never managed to even get their request considered
without both of their fathers’ interventions, but it didn’t make the
situation any better. Tallean missed the human horribly. It seemed
strange, given that they’d spent so little time with Connor, but his soul

Saving Connor

called out to the human in a way Tallean never experienced. Was this
what humans called love at first sight?

He wished he could at least travel to Almareya, or even send a

message, but here at the Imperium, their movements were always
watched. If Wren hadn’t been here, Tallean would have lost his mind
already.

“Gods…” Wren said. “What in the world is taking them so long?”
“Maybe they find some sort of sick satisfaction in making us

wait,” Tallean answered. He wouldn’t put it beneath them.

True enough, the Imperium didn’t humiliate the two of them by

requesting that they wait at the door or anything similar. They
received luxurious accommodation and every comfort they might
have wanted. Honestly, Tallean would have preferred to skip all the
formalities, rather than to be stuck in a gilded cage for so long.

Before Wren could reply, a knock sounded at the door. “Come

in,” Tallean said.

The door opened and a soldier appeared. “If you could please

follow me, the Imperium needs to see you now.”

Tallean refrained from exclaiming “finally.” “Thank you,” he

answered. “Lead the way.”

The soldier did, and they were taken to the second council hall,

reserved for more private meetings. Tallean schooled his features into
a mask of neutrality as they entered the room.

There were several men and women waiting for them, from

different races all over Uli. Tallean recognized a sky elf elder chosen
specifically for the purpose of representing them in the Imperium and
suppressed a wince. The man never liked Tallean, or his tendency
toward eccentric pastimes. But Tallean expected seeing him here. He
only hoped the other elf’s presence wouldn’t sabotage them too much.

There were other people as well, a dark elf like Wren, a merman,

an ogre chieftain, and a witch. Tallean faced them all with no fear.
Thankfully, the Imperium representatives didn’t waste any time in

Scarlet Hyacinth

beginning their interrogation. After the general introductions, the ogre
said, “Please state your business with the Imperium.”

“We come on behalf of Connor Spade, a human who landed on

Almareya two months ago. We request his arrival to be investigated
by a special commission.”

“A special commission,” the witch repeated. “That is, someone

you would agree with.”

The sky elf frowned at them. “What exactly are you afraid of?

Why do you even care about this human so much?”

Tallean had expected these questions. He’d prepared diplomatic

replies to all of them. Still, the comment irritated him. The Imperium
officials weren’t stupid. They knew the situation and must realize
Tallean and Wren’s concerns, and interests.

Thankfully, the merman saved Tallean from having to provide an

answer. “I can imagine why you’re interested in a human,” he said.
“Let’s not be obtuse, my friend. We all know they make pleasant
companions.”

Tallean didn’t appreciate the tone but couldn’t exactly say Connor

meant more to him than just a fuck. “You have our thanks for
understanding,” he said.

“But why would our choice of agents be inappropriate?” the sky

elf insisted. “Why did you even come here?”

When faced with such a blunt question, Tallean found himself

stumped. Wren took over. “I will be honest. As much as I respect the
Imperium, the proceedings are sometimes too harsh for a human’s
fragile body and psyche. We merely want to make sure no harm
comes to Connor.”

“Understandable,” the witch said. Tallean didn’t like the

expression on the woman’s face. “Very well. We’ll provide you with
our best agents. You can meet them tonight.”

Tallean opened his mouth to argue and ask her what she meant,

but he didn’t get the chance. “You can go,” the ogre said. “You will
be notified once the agents in question have arrived.”

Saving Connor

Just like that, they were dismissed. Tallean and Wren had no

choice but to leave the room.

The entire meeting lasted maybe five minutes. Five measly

minutes after so much time waiting.

The soldier from before led them out of the Imperium

headquarters. Another took over as they headed toward the guest
living quarters assigned to them. Tallean didn’t know how he
managed to even keep his calm throughout the trip.

When they reached their destination, the guard took his leave.

Tallean and Wren entered Tallean’s room—the closest one.
Immediately, Tallean headed toward the provided bar.

“This is bullshit,” he snarled as be poured himself a drink. “They

can’t do this.”

“Apparently, they can,” Wren said. “I just hope we didn’t make

things worse by coming here.”

Tallean had considered the same thought several times before. In

spite of all the bureaucracy, though, he’d done his best to keep the
meeting under wraps. The more radical parties of their society
couldn’t know about Connor yet. Tallean particularly feared the
southern clans of eagles. He knew them well, as the sky elves shared
diplomatic relations with them. Damn bird men considered
themselves superior just because they had wings. Humans often ended
up as targets of their prejudice.

“It’s too late to question our decision,” he answered. “It would’ve

been worse if we’d waited. Who knows who they’d have sent then?”

“If they make a decision that in any way risks Connor, we’ll just

leave,” Wren murmured. “I won’t have him suffer any injustice.”

Tallean sighed, swirling his turquoise drink in his glass. What

irked him most was that they’d spent so much time away from
Connor and it could very well be for naught. What did the young
human think of them now? Perhaps that they’d abandoned him to a
life of misery and prostitution—and all because of the damn
Imperium. He wished he could have taken Connor someplace safer,

Scarlet Hyacinth

but he couldn’t even imagine what his father would’ve said if he’d
attempted such a thing. Why did things have to be so hard whenever
humans were concerned?

“The Imperium must be doing it on purpose,” he told Wren. “Just

to show that they can.”

“It’s entirely possible. I guess they don’t appreciate being

questioned, even by royalty.” Wren sat on the couch, looking
thoughtful. “We can only hope for the best.”

Following a sudden impulse, Tallean abandoned his drink and

joined the other elf on the settee. If Wren was surprised, he didn’t
show it. Instead, he leaned closer to Tallean. His heat felt comforting,
and his scent enveloped Tallean, the woodsy aroma he knew so well
tickling at his senses. Against his will, Tallean found himself growing
hard. His cock responded to Wren’s proximity, even now, when the
circumstances were hardly appropriate for romantic explorations.

If Tallean wanted to be honest, though, a part of his stress was

caused by the omnipresent sexual tension between him and Wren.
Somehow, they’d managed to avoid fucking ever since they’d been
with Connor, but the desire remained there. If anything, their shared
affection for the human made it even stronger.

Once, Tallean considered their bond purely sexual. Once, he’d

been able to close his heart to the other elf. Even if they were always
inexorably pulled together, the distance they set between them
avoided unnecessary entanglements. But now, that had changed. The
time they’d spent together in the past months made them closer than
ever. Tallean ached to touch Wren, to find comfort and release in
someone who understood.

He didn’t know which one of them reached for the other first. It

didn’t really matter. Tallean’s lips crashed against Wren’s and he lost
himself in the other elf’s taste. Gods, he’d missed this. He never
realized how much he missed it until they were together again. Being
without Wren seemed to dig a deep hole in his heart, something which
he’d denied in the past but accepted now.

Saving Connor

Eagerly, Tallean parted his lips and Wren’s tongue invaded his

mouth, dueling with Tallean’s for domination. They were both so
hardheaded, but somehow, they managed to find a balance. Their
tongues danced against each other, the kiss hot and desperate,
releasing some of the untapped sexual tension.

All the while, Tallean struggled with the bindings of Wren’s shirt,

his fingers trembling as his need to feel naked skin increased. When
the stubborn clothes refused to obey, he growled in frustration and
simply tore Wren’s shirt.

In reply, Wren bit his lip, the slight pain arousing Tallean even

further. The metallic taste of blood flavored their kiss, turning it into
more than a mere outlet for their passion. It became a clashing of
wills and all-encompassing desire. A fever of pure want gripped
Tallean, and he went into “fuck now” mode.

Wren seemed to agree, as he ripped off Tallean’s shirt. While

Wren’s hands greedily mapped the now-exposed torso, Tallean did
some exploring of his own. The feel of the other elf’s fingertips on his
skin awoke every nerve in Tallean’s body, making him ache for more.
Wren pushed him down on the couch, breaking the kiss for enough
time to give them the chance to breathe. “Gods, I missed you,” he
said, before lunging for another mind-melting kiss.

The space on the settee was limited and cramped, but Tallean

couldn’t care less. He pulled Wren closer, as close as he could get.
Every inch of air between them seemed like an abyss. It wasn’t
enough, not nearly enough.

Tallean humped Wren’s leg, his cock throbbing in his tight

breeches, begging for release. Wren slightly shifted his position,
which brought their two dicks in contact. Even through the material of
their clothes, the other elf’s hard prick felt obscenely good against
Tallean. He moaned-growled into the kiss and wildly clawed at
Wren’s shoulders. He loved it when Wren got aggressive with him. It
made their final coupling all the more delicious.

Scarlet Hyacinth

Wren tore his mouth away from Tallean’s, panting. His pupils

were dilated and his face flushed, a striking look for Wren, who
always kept such a calm and composed demeanor. Tallean wanted to
fuck him so bad it hurt.

Tallean ripped off Wren’s breeches, almost swallowing his tongue

when he realized the other man didn’t wear any underwear. With the
pants out of the way, Wren’s gorgeous dick came into view. Tallean
wrapped his fist around it, moving his hand up and down his lover’s
cock, marveling at the dark color so different to his own pale skin. His
mouth watered at the mere sight of the pearlescent fluid leaking from
the tip.

Nearly insane with lust, Tallean pushed Wren off and knelt on the

floor. Gulping, Wren spread his legs, allowing Tallean room to
maneuver. Tallean lowered his mouth over Wren’s hard cock, and in
one single motion, took it deep in his mouth.

It was always amazing to feel his lover’s dick in his mouth. It

gave him both a sense of power and completion he’d never managed
to reach with any other lover, except maybe Connor. The thought of
the human cooled his ardor, and guilt assaulted him, heavy and bitter.

Wren’s voice reached out to him, and Tallean realized the other

elf had sensed his troubled thoughts. “Tallean? What’s wrong?” he
asked in a concerned voice.

Tallean released Wren’s dick, and looked away from the sinful

sight of Wren’s nakedness. Even if his heart told him they shouldn’t
be doing this, even if it seemed far too much like cheating for his
comfort, he still wanted Wren.

“I just…It feels like we’re letting Connor down. He’s all alone,

and we’re having fun together, as if nothing were wrong.”

In answer, Wren pulled him up and met his eyes. “I know. I miss

him, too.”

Tallean wrapped his arms around Wren and closed his eyes,

remembering the one night they’d shared with the human. How had
they gotten so attached to the human so fast? After all, he knew Wren

Saving Connor

for centuries and had only spent half a day or so with Connor. Logic
said that, if thoughts of cheating were involved, it would be because
of sleeping with Connor, not the other way around.

But somehow, even with the little time they had together, Connor

managed to insinuate himself in Tallean’s heart. The image of his
trusting and hopeful blue eyes popped into Tallean’s mind. He could
never let go of Connor. That much he knew.

At the same time, though, he realized something else. It was

unfair to make his relationship with Wren suffer. Tallean had enough
affection for both his lovers.

Decision made, Tallean took a deep breath and opened his eyes.

He met Wren’s gorgeous eyes and whispered, “Come on. Come to the
bedroom.”

Wren didn’t question him for a moment. Abandoning the tattered

remains of Wren’s clothing, they retreated to the bedchamber. Wren
sat on the mattress while Tallean took off his own remaining
garments.

This time, they took it slow. When Tallean joined Wren on the

bed, he licked every inch of skin within his reach, starting from his
ankles and advancing toward his dick. Wren clenched his fists into the
sheets, his body tense with the strain of staying calm.

Tallean caressed his lover’s hip and offered him a smile. “I think I

left something unfinished,” he purred.

Once more, he took Wren’s dick in his mouth. Unlike before, he

didn’t rush it. He took his time in exploring each ridge and vein of the
delicious flesh. It was slow seduction, and beyond the passion still
burning brightly between them, it meant comfort through pleasure.

Wren’s hand entangled through his hair, gently directing Tallean

lower down.”Oh, gods…Yes, Tallean. Suck me.”

Tallean smiled at the choked quality of his lover’s voice. He took

Wren’s cock deeper in slow, languorous motions, all the while
massaging Wren’s testes. The feel of the wrinkled sac in his palm
drew him like a moth to the flame and he briefly abandoned Wren’s

Scarlet Hyacinth

dick in favor of exploring the sweet skin with his tongue. Like all
elves, Wren didn’t have much pubic hair, but the scent of his passion
still remained strong. Wren spread his legs wider, giving Tallean full
access to his genitals. Smiling to himself, Tallean licked over Wren’s
taint and down toward the other elf’s crack.

They hadn’t exactly brought along lubricant and, as much as he

wanted to take it slow, Tallean didn’t think he could muster enough
patience to go look for some. Besides, he always enjoyed preparing
Wren like this. He supposed he shared Wren’s propensity for all
things oral. He knew his lover was practically obsessive with hygiene,
so he didn’t even hesitate.

As he pushed his tongue in Wren’s ass, the other man grew wild

and cried out his name. “Tallean… Gods, please. I need you.”

But Tallean took his time, preparing Wren’s passage for invasion.

Judging by the tightness of Wren’s anus, it must be a while since the
dark elf bottomed. A feeling of intense possessiveness filled him at
the mere thought of anyone else taking Wren’s perfect ass. Well, not
exactly anyone. He wouldn’t mind it if Connor did it. In fact, the
mental image aroused him like crazy. He’d have to suggest it as soon
as the occasion appeared.

Gradually, Wren’s body loosened up a bit, and Tallean retracted

his tongue from the other elf’s body. He focused his attention on
Wren’s dick that pointed accusingly at him. Smirking, he took Wren’s
cock in his mouth once again. This time, he didn’t tease. He bobbed
his head up and down Wren’s penis as he pressed a finger into Wren’s
hole.

When his digit hit Wren’s special spot, Wren came undone and,

with a cry, found his climax. Thick, creamy liquid filled Tallean’s
mouth, and Tallean greedily gulped it all down. He licked Wren’s
dick clean, reveling in the moans coming from his lover.

He knew now that Wren would be completely relaxed and ready

to take him. Elves had great stamina, and Tallean didn’t doubt he
could get his lover to come again. In fact, he preferred to take Wren

Saving Connor

after the man had already come once. It allowed him to draw out the
actual lovemaking.

Holding Wren open for him, Tallean positioned his cock at the

other man’s opening. Ever so slowly, he pushed inside, groaning at
the tightness that immediately enveloped his dick. Wren gasped, his
eyes widening at the intrusion. Still, his body remained relaxed, still
showing clear signs of the afterglow. Tallean was thankful for that.
With a dick his size, he could actually hurt his lovers if he didn’t take
his time to prepare them.

In slow motions, Tallean pulled in and out of Wren, allowing the

other man to get used to the invasion. At first, he kept the penetration
shallow, but step by step, he pushed in deeper and deeper, until he
finally embedded his entire cock in Wren’s welcoming heat. Much to
Tallean’s satisfaction, Wren’s dick hardened once again. His hands
grasped Tallean’s arms, his nails digging into Tallean’s flesh to an
almost painful extent. “Come on, Tallean, fuck me,” he growled out.

Tallean didn’t have to be asked twice. He pulled out and, in one

hard, smooth movement, thrust back in. He repeated the motion,
speeding up more and more, always aiming for Wren’s prostate. After
all the times they’d been together, he knew exactly how to drive Wren
to the brink. He fucked his lover harder and harder, while Wren
pushed back, impaling himself on Tallean’s dick. The bed creaked in
protest of their speed and violence, but Tallean ignored it. He could
almost feel his orgasm approaching, so very close. His balls ached
with the need to come and his spine tingled with the increasing
pleasure and sexual energy.

Tallean reached between him and Wren and gripped the other

elf’s cock. He wanted Wren to find his peak first. He wanted to see
his lover come undone. Wren was truly a beautiful sight when he let
go of his prim and proper appearance. And indeed, Wren arched into
his caresses, his sweaty, white-silver hair clinging to his forehead and
spreading on the pillows in cascades of restless snow. Grunting,

Scarlet Hyacinth

Tallean jacked Wren’s dick harder, never once ceasing the pistoning
motions of his pelvis.

With the onslaught of pleasure, it didn’t take long for Wren to

come once again. He cried out as he spent himself, white, pearly seed
splashing over Tallean’s chest. His ass tightened around Tallean’s
cock, and the ironlike vise made Tallean’s vision go unfocused as he
orgasmed as well.

Exhausted, he collapsed on top of Wren. The smell of sex and

Wren filled his nostrils, both comforting and arousing. Still within
Wren’s body, Tallean’s cock twitched, ready for action again. But
while his cock might have been willing, the rest of him wanted
something else. He retracted his semihard dick from Wren’s body and
rolled over on the pillows. Immediately, Wren cuddled by his side. It
was something the other elf rarely did, when he let go of all his
barriers. For that reason, Tallean treasured these moments. One thing
could have made it all perfect. Connor.

As if guessing his thoughts, Wren whispered, “We’ll go back to

him, Tallean. It’ll be okay.”

For once, Tallean allowed himself to believe that. Clinging to

Wren’s presence and the memory of Connor’s blue gaze, he closed
his eyes and allowed himself to fall asleep.

* * * *

A few hours after their little sex fest, Wren and Tallean were

summoned by the Imperium committee once again. This time, they
were supposed to meet the two agents who’d assess Connor’s
situation. Wren felt anxious, although he would never admit it out
loud. Too much depended on keeping a calm head. If the Imperium
fucked them over, he and Tallean would have to find an alternate
solution to getting Connor off Uli. He couldn’t come up with
anything, since all the energy storms were viciously guarded and

Saving Connor

monitored when they appeared, but something would occur to him if
need be.

Tallean’s presence helped, though, and Wren guiltily accepted

that. So did the ache in his ass. But at the same time, trying to find a
way to help Connor had brought him and the other elf closer together.
He couldn’t feel guilty for that. He just hoped Connor would
understand it when the time came.

Thankfully, their rooms were next to each other, so the torn outfits

could be replaced without too much fuss. After they finished with the
preparations, they headed toward the same room they’d been in a few
hours prior. Of course, more waiting ensued, but at last, the door
opened, and the ogre entered, followed by two tall men.

“Prince Tallean, Prince Wren, I’d like to introduce to you two of

our best agents, Che’kendral and Rodrik.”

Wren scanned the two men apparently appointed to them by the

Imperium. They were both massive men—clearly shape-shifters of a
kind. It didn’t surprise Wren, since many of the Imperium’s agents
belonged to one of the shape-shifter races. The heightened senses of
such folk allowed them to detect lies and make judgments over the
wrongdoings of the people they investigated.

Che’kendral’s silver hair reminded Wren a bit of his own, but the

flickers and tints on it were different. He felt magic there, and in the
other man’s blue eyes, he saw ice. Something in the man made Wren
self-conscious, and to a certain extent, humbled. A sense of power
exuded from Che’kendral, more intense than anything Wren had ever
seen before.

Che’kendral arched a pale brow at him, obviously aware of the

scrutiny, but not in the least bothered by it. Wren felt an odd chill
flow over him and recognized it as magic coming from the other man.
The magic in the elven lands—even Wren’s dark one—was gentle
and nothing like this.

Suppressing a shudder, Wren looked away from Che’kendral to

the second man. Rodrik seemed the complete opposite of

Scarlet Hyacinth

Che’kendral, his red hair cropped short in a wild, untamed look.
Amber eyes studied them both in unconcealed amusement. He was
bulkier yet shorter than Che’kendral, and a similar hidden power
lingered around him. It wasn't magic—it was something entirely
different. If he had to guess, Wren would peg Che’kendral as a dragon
and Rodrik as some type of four-legged beast, perhaps one of the
wolves of the Northlands.

Intrigued, but at the same time feeling a bit intimidated, Wren

clung to his royal upbringing and offered the two men a neutral smile.
“It’s a pleasure.”

“I’m sure we’ll cooperate excellently,” Tallean added.
They didn’t introduce themselves, since as lower-ranking citizens

of Uli and agents of the Imperium, Che’kendral and Rodrik would be
expected to know such things.

Wren was unprepared for the swirl of pleasure that pooled in his

stomach when Rodrik spoke. “And it’s an honor to meet you, Your
Highnesses. I’m looking forward to traveling with you to Almareya.”

The man practically purred out his answer, every word a sexual

suggestion. Wren gulped, more than ever thankful for his dark skin
allowing him to hide his blush. Tallean wasn’t so lucky, though, and
he went so red it reached the tips of his pointed ears.

A part of Wren wanted to snarl at Rodrik to back off, but another

warned that if he did so, he’d unleash something he wanted kept in
check. What was it about these men that made them both so
apprehensive? In truth, Wren didn’t know if Tallean’s assessment of
the situation would be correct and they would indeed work well with
the two shape-shifters. For Connor’s sake, he would have to try.

* * * *

Chek hid a smirk as he observed the flustered elf princes. They

weren’t like Chek expected, that much seemed clear. When he and
Rodrik received the summons, they’d been pissed off. After over

Saving Connor

twenty assignments, they were due a vacation, and Chek looked
forward to relaxing a bit, preferably unleashing all the sexual tension
pent up inside. But the new job kept them from some well-deserved
comfort. His anger increased upon finding out elven royalty
represented the source of the problem.

But meeting Wren and Tallean revealed a great deal of potential in

the situation. The two elves were gorgeous, and obviously attracted to
Rodrik and Chek. Chek could sense it. His magic told him so. He
didn’t mix business with pleasure, but perhaps, after the job ended,
they could explore the possibilities a bit. The mere thought of tying
the elves down and making them scream with pleasure made Chek
hard as a rock.

Of course, he didn’t say any of this. He didn’t intend to do

anything about it, not until they were no longer bound to the job
arrangement. As much as he’d have liked to fuck the elves into
kingdom come, it would have to wait.

Chek knew his partner also wanted the same thing, but courtesy of

their different heritages, they always responded differently to the
same stimuli. So it didn’t surprise him when Rodrik shamelessly
flirted with the elven princes. Still, he preferred to keep everything as
neutral as possible, to assure the authorities of their complete
objectiveness on the matter.

He and Rodrik had not been told much about the actual subject of

their investigation, just that the man in question was an earthling
named Connor Spade who’d somehow ended up on Almareya. The
rest of it remained a mystery, as well as Wren and Tallean’s interest
in Connor.

Therefore, Chek stopped Rodrik before his partner could continue

with his badgering of the princes. “Could you tell me more about the
case? About Connor?” he asked.

Just like that, Wren and Tallean lost their slightly troubled

appearances. The change was so quick it even took Chek by surprise.
One moment they fidgeted under Rodrik’s hot glance, the next they

Scarlet Hyacinth

met Chek’s eyes with no hesitation. “Connor arrived on Uli by
accident,” Tallean said, his voice no longer trembling at all.

“We befriended him on Almareya and decided to help him clear

things up,” Wren explained.

Befriended must bean euphemism for fucked, but in such

situations, Chek would have been surprised if the elves hadn’t slept
with the human. Still, judging by Wren and Tallean’s behavior, the
human meant more to the elves than Chek initially expected. Even if
Wren and Tallean tried to hide it, both of them seemed very worried
about the human.

“I see,” he answered. “When was this?”
“Two months ago, before we came to visit the Imperium on his

behalf,” Tallean replied.

Chek shared a look with Rodrik. Two months was a long time to

wait, especially in situations involving humans. They were vulnerable
here on Uli, since they had no rights and could be sold like cattle if
they ended up in the wrong hands. The Imperium agents were tasked
to prevent it, insofar as they could, but legislation was still inaccurate
and disadvantageous for the human.

“And is he alone now?” Rodrik asked.
“We left instructions for him to be under close supervision,” Wren

answered. “We paid well for it, so I trust he’s been kept safe.”

He didn’t sound all that certain, and in these circumstances, Chek

could understand why the elves were concerned. “Well,” Rodrik said,
“in that case, perhaps it would be best to leave at once.”

The Imperium official who’d led them here—ogre I’kalia—

clapped his hands together in obvious satisfaction. “Excellent. We’ll
prepare a transport to take you to Almareya.”

As the two elves thanked I’kalia, Chek pulled Rodrik aside.

“What do you think?” he mouthed at his partner.

“I’m not sure,” Rodrik replied, “but my instinct tells me this won’t

be an easy job.”

Saving Connor

Chek fully agreed with Rodrik. A human left on Almareya for two

months must have been quite a target for the lustful visitors of the
island resort. The sum Wren and Tallean had paid must have been
quite high if they relied on it to keep Connor Spade safe.

An hour after their first meeting, the elf princes, Rodrik, and Chek

left the Imperium headquarters and headed toward Almareya.

Scarlet Hyacinth

Chapter Six

“Ralleana, my dear, you know how much I appreciate you. Surely

you can do something about the situation.”

Ralleana shook her head at the elegantly-dressed gentleman sitting

in the armchair opposite her. “I’m sorry, my lord, but I cannot go
back on my word. Prince Tallean and Prince Wren were adamant that
Connor should remain untouched until their return.”

Hidden behind a secret panel in the wall, Rallion watched, holding

his breath in anxiety. Malius was the governor of Almareya, and had
once supported both Ralleana and him financially. Through his
intervention, The Red Star appeared here on Almareya, and he’d also
backed Rallion’s application for the Almareyan guard. Without his
help, Ralleana might still be whoring on the streets, or worse.

Malius knew all this, and he didn’t shy away from using it. He

now attempted to take advantage of the situation by getting to
Connor. So far, Ralleana refused, but Rallion didn’t know how long
his sister would manage to thwart his efforts.

“I’m sure an exception can be made in this case,” Malius said, his

voice making Rallion’s skin crawl. Once, the man had even hit on
him, much to his and Ralleana’s dismay. True, the governor didn’t
look disgusting. In fact, he always wore impeccable attires. Some
even considered him handsome. But there was just something about
him, something slimy that made Rallion want to hurl. And now,
Malius wanted Connor. Rallion would be dead before he allowed the
governor to touch the young human.

Saving Connor

“My lord, you’re putting me in a very difficult position,” Ralleana

replied, sounding put out. “I gave my word, and I do run a respectable
business.”

Malius frowned at her, and Rallion sighed to himself, knowing his

sister had given the man the perfect opening. “You run this
establishment courtesy of my generosity. Don’t ever forget that.”

Ralleana smiled tightly. “I haven’t forgotten.” Of course she

hadn’t. Malius never ceased to remind her. “But the fact remains that
I owe all my customers respect and loyalty.”

Malius looked irritated now. “How much did they pay you? I’ll

pay you double and you can refund them.”

“It’s not about that,” Ralleana protested.
“It is about that.” Malius shot to his feet and glared at Ralleana.

“Now name your price.”

Any moment now, the governor would be getting violent. Rallion

couldn’t allow the man to hurt his sister. He rushed out of the secret
passage and into the hallway then veered left toward the main door of
the office. Malius’s shouts could be heard even through the thick
wood. Thankfully, Rallion had warned off all the other employees of
The Star, expecting a scandal.

After a brief knock, Rallion walked inside the office. In the few

seconds he’d spent making his way here, Malius had left his seat
altogether and grabbed Ralleana’s arm in a tight vise.

“I would let go of her if I were you,” Rallion shot back, not even

bothering to disguise the hostility in his tone.

Malius looked furious, but nevertheless, released Ralleana’s arm.

It was smart of him. In spite of Rallion’s half-human legacy, the other
half—coming from his mother’s fae side—gave him strength and
magic now that he was an adult.

Ralleana rubbed her arm, now bruised. Under her touch, the slight

injury vanished—her own inherited gift. But Malius paid it no heed.
He was too busy glaring at Rallion. “Fuck off,” he snarled. “You’re of
no interest to me.”

Scarlet Hyacinth

“I was once.” Rallion laughed. “But like you didn’t touch me, you

won’t touch Connor.”

Malius sneered at him. “So it’s like that, then? You’re smitten

with the human.” The realization seemed to amuse him, because he
started to laugh. “Well, I suppose like draws to like. I would not
refuse watching you two together. I’m betting it’s quite a sight.”

Rallion didn’t bother with denying he cared about Connor. He

wanted to kick Malius out, but Ralleana intervened. “Please, my lord,
leave. Understand my position. Connor’s time is reserved for the elf
princes.”

Rallion expected Malius to protest further, but the governor

backed off. “Very well, my dear,” he said politely, as if he hadn’t
been a step away from striking her just a few seconds before. His tone
changed, turning ominous. “But I will return soon. Don’t bother to
lead me to the door. I’ll let myself out.”

Malius passed by Rallion and exited the room. As the governor’s

footsteps faded in the distance, Ralleana let out a sigh and plopped
back on her seat. “Gods, I thought he’d never leave.” She looked at
Rallion, her eyes wide and desperate. “I don’t think I can hold him
back next time. I’m so sorry, little brother.”

It broke Rallion’s heart to see her like this. In the end, she’d been

right about one thing. If Connor hadn’t been under the protection of
Tallean and Wren’s names and titles, he’d have become The Star’s
most sought-out prostitute by now. But the two elves had left, which
put them in a complicated position.

At this point, it was up to Rallion to protect his sister and Connor.

He knelt at her feet and cupped her cheek, wiping a crystal-like tear
that fell down her cheek. “It’s okay, Lea. You don’t have to shoulder
this alone.”

Ralleana shook her head. “It’s my fault. I thought I could at least

get Connor a good patron. I never expected something like this to
happen.”

Saving Connor

“Tallean and Wren will come back,” Rallion answered. “Until

then, we have to get out of here. Malius has something in mind, I can
tell.”

Ralleana’s eyes widened. “Leave? But Rallion, what about the

Star?”

“We’ll get you and Connor to safety. I’ll take care of the

business.”

His sister shook his head. “No. Absolutely not. You have a job, a

good, respectable one.”

Rallion smiled sadly. “I very much doubt I’ll have it by the time I

go back tomorrow morning. I’m guessing the first thing Malius will
do is to cut me off from the guard.”

“But where are we supposed to go? You know as well as I do the

harbor is well protected.”

Rallion considered his sister’s question. It would be, indeed,

difficult, but Rallion supposed he could steal a boat from the harbor.
Still, that would make them criminals and give Malius even more
power over their destinies.

Deep within the mountain, there were caves where Connor and

Ralleana could find shelter, at least for the time being. Their location
was not common knowledge, but a guide could be found easily
enough. Malius might be able to guess they’d gone there.

The third option was getting Malius to back off without leaving.

Rallion knew exactly what he needed to do. Malius wanted a human
whore, so he’d get one. Only, it wouldn’t be Connor or Ralleana.

“It’s okay,” he said. “I’ll placate him somehow. As long as you

and Connor leave the city, I’ll deal with it.”

Ralleana frowned and opened her mouth, obviously intending to

protest, but Rallion stopped her before she could say a word. “Go on.
Go pack. I’m going to talk to Connor to do the same.”

With that, he got up and left the office, a plan already forming in

his mind.

Scarlet Hyacinth

* * * *

The sun shone brightly against the horizon, its last rays echoing in

a gorgeous display of color on the never-ending ocean around
Almareya. At the balcony of his room, Connor watched the beautiful
sight, distantly wishing he had a camera to capture it. Then again, he
wished for many things, and none of them seemed to have any chance
of coming true anytime soon.

Two months had passed since Wren and Tallean’s departure and

there had been no sign of their return, and no news whatsoever.
Connor began to accept that they’d forgotten about him. It truly hurt.
He didn’t understand it. Sure, he’d known they were out of his league,
but a part of him still hoped they’d come back. After all, why would
they promise they’d help if they didn’t intend to do so?

This question, as well as many others, tortured Connor.

Thankfully, a voice sounded from the room, distracting him from his
musings. “Connor, where are you?” Rallion asked.

Connor smiled to himself. He knew Rallion could easily find him

if he wanted to, but the other man always gave him privacy and his
personal space. Unlike during their first meeting, he always protected
Connor, but at the same time, respected his opinion and showed
genuine interest in his thoughts and his dreams. Connor found himself
liking Rallion more and more. A different time, perhaps he’d have
tried to pursue something more between them, but Rallion showed no
interest in him beyond friendship. Besides, Connor’s thoughts still
strayed to his elven princes. Sometimes, Connor desperately wanted
to reach out, but he kept himself from doing so. It wouldn’t be fair to
Rallion to destroy their friendship through Connor’s greedy desires.
After all, he’d already fallen for two men. How could another fit into
the equation?

“Connor?” Rallion repeated.

Saving Connor

Connor realized he actually heard a hint of concern in the other

man’s voice. It puzzled him, since Rallion must know without a doubt
that Connor had not left his room since they’d last spoken.

“Over here,” he called out. Without waiting for the other man to

answer, he entered his bedroom. Rallion offered him a weak smile.
“Hi,” he said. “I have a surprise for you.”

“A surprise?” Connor arched a brow, uncertain. He didn’t like the

tone of Rallion’s voice. It unsettled him, and he could see something
in Rallion’s eyes that he didn’t quite understand. “What is it?” he
asked.

“You and Ralleana are going on a small trip together. Go ahead

and pack. You’re leaving tonight.”

Connor gaped at Rallion. The other man had never pushed him

around before, or given him orders in any shape or form. When
Rallion told him to do something, Connor knew it to be because of
concern, for Connor’s own good. “Rallion, what’s wrong?” he
inquired. “What happened?”

Rallion didn’t look at him, and it both scared and frustrated

Connor. What could possibly cause Rallion to act like this?

Just as he readied himself to ask, the door burst open and Ralleana

rushed inside, looking distressed. Connor hadn’t seen her in several
days, but he’d learned from his time spent here at The Star that she
very rarely showed emotion. The pleasant mask she put up always
kept others at bay.

This time, however, Connor could see genuine panic in her. She

said something, but out of the stream of words, Connor only caught
Rallion’s name.

Rallion answered, and this time, Connor managed to focus enough

to grasp some of the words. Worry. Bastard. Caves. He’d learned a
little of the language spoken on Almareya, but still, he couldn’t make
much sense of it.

“What’s going on?” he asked in English. “Why does Rallion want

us to go?”

Scarlet Hyacinth

Ralleana turned toward him, her piercing black eyes weirdly

pleading. “There’s someone interested in you, Connor,” she said.
“Rallion wants to take us to safety and deal with the man himself.”

Connor’s mind whirled. “Deal with him? What does that mean?”

Did Rallion plan to kill someone? Connor couldn’t imagine.

“He intends to take your place,” Ralleana explained. “He—”
“Just shut up, Lea, please,” Rallion interrupted her. “Look, like I

told my dear sister, you don’t have to worry about me. I can handle
this.”

“What makes you sure Malius will even go for you?” Ralleana

said, this time in English. “No offense, but you’re no longer his type.”
With another glance toward Connor, she said, “The man likes his
whores young and delicate so that he can break them.”

Connor felt sick. “You can’t do something like that,” he told

Rallion. “If it’s me he wants, it can’t be helped.” Swallowing around
the knot in his throat, he continued, “I’ve already slept with two men.
What’s another?”

Ralleana gave him a sympathetic but thankful look, and Connor

understood she relied on him to get Rallion to agree. She truly seemed
to love her younger brother, and just like that, Connor’s own affection
toward her increased. He stared back at her, hoping to convey the
decision in his heart. He would never allow Rallion to demean
himself like this.

Oblivious to their silent exchange, Rallion took a step forward,

grabbed Connor’s hand, and kissed it. “I want to do this,” he
murmured, “for you.”

Their eyes met, and in that moment, Connor realized he could no

longer remain silent. Wren and Tallean meant so much to him. But
while they had swept him off his feet, anchoring him through their
passion in a world that no longer made sense, Rallion reached out to
him in an entirely different way. Connor couldn’t deny the very
physical urge to touch the other man, but something more had grown

Saving Connor

between them, an affection rooted in every second they spent together
and every priceless moment they shared.

Perhaps he should have felt guilty. In a sense, he did, but he cared

about Rallion too much to let him go. Without allowing himself to
back off, Connor leaned into Rallion’s arms and pressed his lips to the
other man’s.

For a brief moment, Rallion remained unresponsive, so much so

that Connor started to pull back. Perhaps he’d misinterpreted
Rallion’s affection and twisted it into something it wasn’t. To his
dismay, Rallion didn’t stop him and didn’t try to continue their kiss.
Connor looked away, embarrassed and cursing his own stupidity.
How could he have made such a mistake? For all he knew, Rallion
wasn’t even gay.

Distantly, he heard the door open and close and realized Ralleana

must have left. Thank God for that much. She’d seen his ridiculous
faux pas, too, but at least Connor wouldn’t have to face her for the
moment.

“Sorry about that,” he mumbled. “I just mixed things up.”
He tried to back off, but Rallion squeezed him to his chest. The

other man’s fingers prodded at Connor’s chin, gently forcing their
eyes to meet. “It’s okay, Connor,” Rallion whispered. “I don’t mind.
But, Connor, I’m not doing this because I want to use you for sex. I
don’t want you to feel pushed into anything.”

Connor blinked in surprise, trying to process his friend’s words.

Judging by the expression on Rallion’s face, the other man was
completely serious. Then Rallion must believe Connor kissed him out
of gratitude or something like that.

Maybe Rallion did like Connor but didn’t want to begin

something out of protectiveness. If so, Connor needed to let the man
know he didn’t need to worry. While he felt completely out of depth
here on Uli, he wasn’t made of glass.

Connor bit his lip in uncertainty. What if he’d misinterpreted

things again? What if he made an even bigger mess of things? He

Scarlet Hyacinth

shook himself, knowing there was far more at stake here than simply
his own emotional balance. He couldn’t allow Rallion to surrender to
the pressures that horrible man put on him.

“Rallion, look…I think you don’t understand. I would not kiss

you if I thought you’d use me.” He gazed into the other man’s eyes,
hoping to make Rallion see the truth. “Please believe me.”

For a few moments, Rallion just stared at him, without saying a

word. Connor didn’t require words, though. He saw all the doubt and
need in Rallion’s eyes. How could he have ever missed it?

Futilely struggling to calm his racing heart, Connor decided to

take a chance. He leaned in and pressed his lips to Rallion’s once
again. This time, Rallion didn’t even hesitate. As soon as their mouths
made contact, the other man pulled their bodies even closer, rubbing
against Connor in wild abandon.

The feel of Rallion’s erection put aside at least a part of Connor’s

fears. Clearly, Rallion wanted him. Beyond that, they’d have to see
where this went. For the moment, Connor allowed himself to fall into
the kiss, pushing away all the lingering traces of anxiety. Rallion
tasted delicious, all male and musk and something else that was
strictly him. His hands traveled down Connor’s back and to his
behind. As the other man cupped his ass cheeks, Connor moaned into
the kiss. All of a sudden, he wanted nothing more than to have Rallion
inside him.

Rallion must have gotten the message, because the next thing

Connor knew, his pants flew off in a flurry of torn material. A brief
memory of his one time with the elves flashed through Connor’s
mind, but he reluctantly pushed it away. He cared about Wren and
Tallean, but at the same time, he really didn’t know them. They were
beyond his reach, and this was not about them.

With the material out of the way, Connor’s cock rubbed against

the still-clothed Rallion. When they broke apart to breathe, Rallion’s
left hand enveloped the hard prick in a rough, hot hold. At the other

Saving Connor

man’s first touch on his dick, Connor gasped and nearly came undone
right there and then.

Delicious sensations assaulted him when Rallion’s other hand

rubbed at Connor’s ass. A finger slid between the cheeks, teasing at
Connor’s willing hole.

“My lovely Connor,” Rallion murmured. “I need you so very

much. Tell me if you want the same thing, because I won’t be able to
stop later.”

“I do,” Connor somehow managed to reply. “Oh, God, I do.

Please…”

Rallion lifted him in his arms and Connor went with it, wrapping

his legs around the other man’s waist. In an almost solemn way,
Rallion carried Connor to the bed and gently deposited him on the
mattress. When he looked down at Connor, his expression was so
gentle it made Connor’s heart hurt. He offered Rallion his best smile.
“Come to me.”

Rallion obeyed and sat on the bed. He cupped Connor’s cheek and

rubbed his thumb over Connor’s lips. He didn’t say anything, but he
didn’t need to. Their eyes and hearts spoke to each other.

Slowly, Rallion began to take the rest of Connor’s clothes off. His

shoes went first, something Connor appreciated. Wandering around
without pants, but with shoes on, was somehow very embarrassing.
After that, Rallion worked Connor’s shirt open. Connor helped him
insofar as he could, and soon, he ended up naked on the bed.

He felt Rallion’s hot gaze sweep over him admiringly. When the

other man’s eyes settled on his dick, the blasted organ twitched, as if
begging for attention. Rallion’s beautiful lips twisted into an amused
smile, but he didn’t comment. Instead, he removed his own clothes, in
swift, efficient motions that betrayed his military training.

Connor’s mouth went dry at the first sight of Rallion’s naked

body. He wanted to lick every plane of the man’s gorgeous form. He
wanted to trace the lines of the six-pack with his tongue and bury his
face in the dark hair curling around the base of Rallion’s dick.

Scarlet Hyacinth

Rallion scooted closer to him, took Connor’s hand and placed it

over his chest. The thump-thump of the other man’s heart seemed to
echo in Connor’s own pulse. “Touch me,” Rallion said. “Do whatever
you like.”

Connor licked his lips and nodded, more than ever aware of his

limited experience. It had been somewhat easier with Wren and
Tallean, who’d taken charge and allowed him to just enjoy the ride.
Obviously guessing his slight dismay, his soon-to-be lover dragged
his hand, gesturing toward the places where he wanted to be touched.
“Just do what feels good for you,” Rallion whispered with a smile.
“Stop thinking about it so hard.”

The other man’s comforting words made all the difference in the

world. Connor suddenly felt empowered. He knew he could give
Rallion pleasure. He just needed to stop splitting hairs and go with his
instinct.

And, so he did. He got up and sat in Rallion’s lap. The other

man’s cock nudged against his hole as he nibbled on Rallion’s ear.
But as much as he wanted to be claimed, he took his time exploring
Rallion’s gorgeous body. As he licked over the lobe, he caressed
every inch of skin he could reach and rubbed his ass against Rallion’s
dick.

“Gods, Connor. If you keep doing that…”
There was a warning in Rallion’s voice, but Connor didn’t heed it.

Instead, he intensified his efforts. Changing his position, he lowered
his mouth down Rallion’s neck and chest, until he reached the bronze
nipples that had drawn his attention before. The buds peaked, as if
demanding attention, and Connor gladly gave it. He laved the tender
flesh with his tongue, occasionally adding a hint of teeth. Judging by
Rallion’s groans, he must be doing something right.

With every passing second, Connor found himself needing more

and more. He reached between their bodies to massage Rallion’s dick.
He moved his hand up and down the swollen shaft, the leaking fluid
from the tip providing more than generous lubrication. Still, given

Saving Connor

Rallion’s size, they’d probably need something else if they intended
to put that thing inside Connor.

As if guessing his thoughts, Rallion pushed Connor away and

gestured for him to lie down on the bed. Obviously familiar with the
layout of the room, he rummaged through the nightstand and retrieved
a vial of oil. Connor’s eyes zoomed in on the bottle and he trembled
in anticipation of what was to come.

Rallion placed the bottle on the bed and covered Connor’s body

with his own heavier one. For a few moments, they just shared a
couple of light kisses, never even trying to go further.

“If you want, we can stop here,” Rallion said, his voice strained.
Connor almost chuckled. “It’s the second time you’re offering to

stop. I’m going to think you don’t actually want me.”

Rallion laughed, a breathless, husky sound that swept over Connor

like a physical touch. “Yeah, right. Okay, Connor. Just tell me if I do
something that hurts you or makes you uncomfortable.”

Connor nodded wordlessly and lifted his legs to expose his

puckered hole to Rallion. The other man grabbed the oil vial once
again, and his hands trembled when he poured some of it on his
fingers. Connor would have liked to tell Rallion it was okay, that they
fit together just right and everything would be perfect between them.
He didn’t get the chance. A slick digit invaded his anus, awakening
the sensitive nerves in his nether region. When it hit Connor’s
prostate, he couldn’t suppress a cry. “God! Yes, there! More!”

Rallion relentlessly rubbed his special spot, until Connor’s pleas

got to him and he added another finger. He stretched Connor with
excruciating care, as if he had all the time in the world. Connor tried
to impale himself on the invading digits, but Rallion soothed him. “Be
patient, Connor. I promise I’ll give you what you need.”

Connor didn’t doubt that for a second, so he struggled to keep

himself in check. In reward, Rallion added another finger. It felt
amazing, so much so that Connor almost feared the moment when
Rallion would invade him.

Scarlet Hyacinth

After what seemed like forever, Rallion removed his fingers from

Connor’s passage. A few moments later, Rallion’s dick prodded at
Connor’s opening. Connor did his best to relax his body, but even so,
he couldn’t suppress a wince when his lover pushed inside.

He actually felt the head pop in. It hurt, since he hadn’t taken any

lovers since Wren and Tallean and before the elves, he never had time
for fucking. But Rallion stopped, giving him time to adjust. The man
was breathing hard and his lips were pinched with the effort to keep
still, but never once did he move.

Simply the knowledge of his lover’s genuine care for him drove

the lingering tension out of Connor’s body. “Go on,” he whispered.
“Fuck me.”

Rallion’s deep eyes scanned his face, and he must have been

satisfied with what he found. He began to push inside Connor, his
dick stretching Connor’s anus to an almost impossible extent. Connor
wrapped his arms around his lover’s neck and lifted his legs to give
the man even better access. Rallion took advantage of the occasion to
press even closer, so close that Connor could feel his lover’s breath on
his lips.

Rallion moved slowly, his dick sliding in and out of Connor in

almost worshipful motions. All the while, his gaze held Connor’s, so
deep and black that Connor fell into it, a willful prisoner of his lover’s
sweet passion. He melted against the bed, his body taking Rallion’s
invasion as if it had been made for this very same purpose.

The other man’s cock filled him to the brink, thrusting against his

special spot over and over. Connor knew he would not be able to
withstand the overwhelming stimulation for much longer. His balls
tingled with the imminence of his orgasm.

But Rallion’s lovemaking seemed specifically engineered to drive

him wild. It brought him close, so very close, but kept him from
reaching his peak, endlessly prolonging the sweet, delicious torture.
Connor writhed under Rallion, his own voice an incoherent jumble of
words as he begged, “Oh, God…Rallion! Please.”

Saving Connor

Thankfully, Rallion took pity on him. He pressed his lips to

Connor’s, and when their mouths parted, whispered, “Come for me,
my love.”

The words were so passionate, yet so gentle, and the combination

was like the most potent of aphrodisiacs. A particularly hard thrust
jostled his special spot, making stars burst in his vision. And then
Rallion bit down on his neck, a surprising jolt of pain completely
contrasting with the gentle lovemaking. Ecstasy swept over Connor
and he came, crying out his lover’s name. Liquid heat splashed
between them just as Rallion pushed his dick one last time inside
Connor and found his own peak.

For a few moments, Connor just floated on a cloud of pleasure. It

dissipated when Rallion’s now spent dick left his body, but the sense
of contentment and peace didn’t vanish. As Rallion pulled him close,
for the first time in several months, Connor thought things just might
end up okay after all.

Scarlet Hyacinth

Chapter Seven

A few hours later

Rallion watched as Connor slept by his side. Deep in slumber,

Connor looked so beautiful, vulnerable, and innocent that Rallion
wanted to protect him even more.

He knew now his lover would never allow him to prostitute

himself for Malius. Truth be told, Ralleana was right. Malius might
not even want him, since he’d long ago ceased to be the cute teenager
Malius lusted after. Besides, even if Malius accepted him, the man
might go after Connor, regardless. Indeed, Connor’s more waifish
looks would undoubtedly draw Malius. Therefore, the only remaining
solution was to flee Almareya and hope Malius wouldn’t catch up
with them.

For the moment, he needed to wait until midnight, when the watch

changed at the harbor. There was a small time period during which
the guards were distracted. But they still had time until then, and
Connor would need his rest in the following days.

Gently, Rallion pushed his lover off his chest and slipped away

from the bed. He tucked Connor in and pulled his clothes on. He
needed to speak to his sister about their departure. Undoubtedly, she’d
be glad that he’d decided against whoring himself out, but leaving
Almareya would be difficult for her.

Just as he readied himself to exit Connor’s quarters, a knock

sounded at the door. Rallion left the bedchamber and went to open it.
As he did so, he found himself facing his distraught sister. “You’ll
never guess who just arrived,” she whispered.

Saving Connor

Rallion’s heart sank. “Malius?”
Fuck. He should have gone with the original plan and sent Connor

to the hiding place in the caves. He’d let his cock get the better of his
mind and this was the result.

To his surprise, Ralleana shook her head. “The elven princes,” she

answered. “And they brought some scary shifter types with them.”

Rallion couldn’t have been more shocked if she’d told him the

never-ending ocean on Uli had suddenly drained. Sure, a part of him
expected Wren and Tallean to return. After all, who in their right
mind would push someone like Connor away? But on the other hand,
Rallion had just made love to Connor. And yes, he wanted Connor for
himself.

Ralleana’s voice broke him from his trance. “Little brother?”
At her concerned tone, he realized he must’ve been lost in his

musings for far longer than he’d originally thought. He offered her a
weak smile. “I’m fine. I suppose we need to wake Connor up.”

His sister nodded. “What are you going to do?” she asked him.
Rallion was thankful that she didn’t berate him for submitting to

the desire he felt for Connor. In truth, he didn’t have a clue what to
do. Connor clearly loved the elven princes, and as much as Rallion
wanted to keep him, he would not stand in the way of the relationship
his lover yearned for.

“No one has to know about me and Connor,” he said. “I’ll back

off and leave him be.”

“Do I mean so little to you then?”
Connor’s trembling voice made Rallion turn in shock. He’d

missed his lover’s approach and apparently, so did his sister. It was a
true testament of the man’s fury that he hadn’t even bothered to put
some clothes on. A sheet shielded Connor’s nakedness from sight as
the young human glared at them. “Do you already want to forget
about us?”

Rallion shook his head and realized his lover must have heard just

the last phrases of the conversation. “Connor, Tallean and Wren are

Scarlet Hyacinth

back. You can finally have what you’ve wanted for two months. I
can’t hurt you by keeping you from it.”

Connor’s eyes widened. He looked gobsmacked, having obviously

not expected the two elves to return now of all times. “T–They’re
back?” he stammered. “But how?”

“Apparently, they’ve been with the Imperium all this time,”

Ralleana piped in. “They brought two agents to assess your situation.”

Agents of the Imperium? Fuck. Why hadn’t Ralleana said so from

the very beginning? This complicated the situation even more. Rallion
had no intention of leaving Connor at the mercy of some idiots who
thought their shifter blood made them better than humans. He’d
witnessed the prejudice of Uli citizens many times. Hopefully,
Tallean and Wren had managed to wrangle out a better group, but
Rallion didn’t want to take the chance.

He saw Connor pale and hastily wrapped his lover in a strong

embrace. “It’s okay, Connor,” he whispered. “Don’t worry. I’m sure
Tallean and Wren wouldn’t bring someone who meant to hurt you.
And besides, you’re with us.”

Connor nodded, still looking a bit dazed. “So what now?”
“Go take a bath and put some clothes on,” Ralleana instructed.

“The elves are asking for you, and I won’t be able to stall for long.”

Connor’s face flushed and it became apparent the human hadn’t

even been aware of his near nudity. “Okay,” he answered, and then he
rushed out of the room in the general direction of the bathroom. Soon
after, the sound of running water reached his ears.

“You should wash up, too,” Ralleana told him, “but preferably in

your own room.”

Rallion glared at his sister. All the baths in their house were

exceptionally huge. If there was anything Uli had in abundance, it was
water. It couldn’t be used in its natural state, but the filters attached to
every household provided for a good plumbing system. Of course,
Ralleana didn’t refer to the technical part of it, but rather, to Rallion’s

Saving Connor

inability to keep his cock in his pants. The mere thought of seeing
Connor’s wet, naked body made him hard as a rock.

Shaking himself, he grumbled his acquiescence. With another

look toward the bathroom, he left Connor’s quarters and headed
toward his own living space.

Unlike the other rooms in The Red Star, Rallion’s chambers were

decorated in a more utilitarian style. He disliked the in-your-face
lavishness. He found no use for it, and besides, he rarely stayed here
anyway. More often than not, he worked in long shifts to guard the
Almareyan borders and he didn’t have time to do anything else but
sleep while at home. To a certain extent, that had changed because of
his desire to be at Connor’s side, but his rooms were still used just for
the bare necessities of life.

Rallion took off his clothes and placed them in the receptacle

specially designed for it. Usually, he preferred to wash his own
garments, but he couldn’t be bothered now. A servant would come
and take them at the lower level. Putting that task out of his mind,
Rallion ran the water in the huge tub. With the obscene number of
taps it used, it filled quickly. He entered the water and cleaned up,
ignoring the lingering throbbing in his dick. He didn’t have time for
sexual satisfaction now. There were more important things he needed
to do.

He moved swiftly, and in a few minutes, he cleaned up and left

the bath. After drying off, he emptied the tub and cleaned around a
bit. At last, he went to his bedchamber, chose a change of clothes, and
hastened to dress.

Now ready, Rallion returned to Connor’s room. He reached his

destination just as Connor’s door opened, revealing an anxious-
looking young human. Some of the tension seemed to drain out of
Connor as soon as their eyes met.

“Okay,” Rallion said. “Ready?”
“Not really,” Connor mumbled. “But I don’t have much a choice,

do I?”

100

Scarlet Hyacinth

Rallion didn’t reply, but Connor didn’t seem to expect him to. The

young human allowed Rallion to lead him downstairs. He guessed his
sister would be entertaining the new guests in the office. Otherwise,
she wouldn’t have left Connor by himself.

Indeed, as they approached the office, they heard raised voices,

which Rallion soon identified as belonging to the elven princes. “Is
anything wrong with Connor?” Wren was saying.

“Why are you stalling like this?” Tallean inquired.
“Patience, Your Highnesses,” Ralleana replied. “Like I said,

Connor was resting and is getting ready to meet you now.”

“I’m not particularly fond of waiting,” an unknown male voice

said. Rallion guessed it must belong to one of the Imperium agents.

Connor looked a little green now but didn’t falter. They reached

the office and Rallion knocked at the door. Immediately, the
conversation in the room stopped.

Ralleana let them in and they entered the room. Rallion allowed

Connor to go first, but as he joined his young lover, he swept his eyes
over the new arrivals. Almost immediately, the elven princes snatched
Connor away from him, and Rallion gritted his teeth as they inquired
into Connor’s well-being, touching him all over. He wanted to scream
at them to stop, but he refrained from doing so. Instead, he analyzed
the two Imperium agents. Just like Ralleana so eloquently put it, they
were shifter-types, with an impressive bulk and emanating power
through every pore. However, Rallion had not expected them to be so
handsome.

He cursed himself for even having the treacherous thought. He

shouldn’t lust over any man other than Connor. No one else could
understand him like Connor did. He’d only come here to keep his
lover safe.

He remained silent until Wren and Tallean convinced themselves

Connor was unharmed. Because he remained watchful of their actions
as well, he saw the exact moment when they noticed the love bite on

Saving Connor

101

Connor’s neck. Sadly, he caught sight of it at the same time, and not
before.

Rallion hadn’t intended to mark Connor. He’d just let passion run

its course. Unfortunately, with all the problems on his mind, he’d
missed the presence of the hickey. Connor must have also been
distracted, otherwise he’d have masked the bruise somehow.

It was too late now. The two elves instantly identified the purplish

mark and turned toward Ralleana. “I told you to keep him safe and
away from customers,” Wren snarled at her. “Who did this?”

Ralleana’s blood drained out of her face, but she quickly

composed herself. “And I assure you, I did exactly as we agreed. The
Red Star prides itself on always respecting the promises made to its
patrons.”

“Is that so?” Tallean arched a brow. “Then how do you explain

the bruise? I know a love bite when I see one.”

Much to Rallion’s surprise, Connor answered, “She didn’t force

me into anything. I…It was a consensual thing.”

Wren and Tallean looked like they’d been struck. Their shocked

looks made Connor wince, and it irritated Rallion. How could they be
so arrogant? After all, they’d left Connor alone for two months. Even
if they’d paid Ralleana to care for him, how could they not realize that
she couldn’t keep him from any danger?

“You slept with someone?” Wren asked.
There was true anger and jealousy in the elf’s voice, and Rallion

knew he could not remain silent any longer. It would only hurt his
lover, and if he could do something to prevent it, he would. “Don’t
take it out on Connor. The fault is mine,” he piped in. “I took
advantage of his loneliness and vulnerability.”

Wren and Tallean looked at him, their fury an almost palpable

thing. “If you have prior claim, I’m willing to fight for him,” Rallion
said.

He didn’t even know what made him add that. He didn’t hate

Wren and Tallean. At most, he was jealous of them. Their ancestry

102

Scarlet Hyacinth

gave them privileges they didn’t fully appreciate. And yes, he hated
that he’d been many times tempted to take either or both of them to
his bed. But he left all those desires in the past. His present was
Connor.

Wren narrowed his eyes at him. “Surely you realize your chances

to win are very small,” he answered.

Yes, Rallion realized that. Their age and experience gave them the

upper hand, in spite of Rallion’s military training and fae heritage.

“Stop, please,” Connor piped in. “I don’t want you to fight. It’s

my fault. I care for all of you. I just… It’s better if you forget about
me altogether.”

Rallion found the idea horrible, but they didn’t get to continue the

debate. One of the agents, a muscular redhead, interrupted them.
“While this love triangle—well, square—of yours is fascinating, it
isn’t why we came here,” the man said. “Could we please talk to
Connor Spade to determine the reasons for which he is on Uli?”

The way the man stressed the word “please” emphasized the fact

that he didn’t mean the question as a request, but as an order.

Connor stepped toward the two agents. “Right. I’m ready to

answer your questions.”

They gestured him to sit on the couch and joined him, their huge

bodies framing the much more slender Connor. “First we’ll introduce
ourselves,” the other agent said. His ice blue eyes fixed on Connor,
drawing out all of Rallion’s protective instincts. “I’m Che’kendral,
and this is Rodrik. In the following days, we’ll be asking you
questions regarding your arrival and your stay here. We will also be
interrogating the people closest to you.”

“Days?” Connor asked. “But why? Why can’t you ask me

everything now?”

“It is procedure,” Rodrik replied. “Don’t worry. If you tell the

truth, everything will be just fine.”

“I must stress that you need to tell all the truth,” Che’kendral

added. “We will know if you hide anything.”

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Connor nodded. “Okay. I don’t have anything to hide.”
“Good.” Che’kendral smiled coldly. “Now, tell us about yourself.

State your name, age, and occupation.”

“My name is Connor Spade, I’m twenty-five and three months

old, and I work as a reporter for a tabloid.”

“Does your job generate good income?” Rodrik inquired.
Connor shrugged. “I suppose it’s better than being unemployed. It

certainly helps me cover my debts.”

Rallion mentally cursed. Connor had debts on Earth? This was a

very bad thing. Imperium agents could twist that little piece of
information the way they saw fit.

Connor didn’t seem to be concerned about it, just a bit self-

conscious. Rallion supposed the young human didn’t like talking
about his financial problems, but didn’t realize the weapon he’d just
given the two agents.

“So you have debts.” Rodrik hummed thoughtfully. “Is it

something serious?”

Connor looked a bit apprehensive now. “I’m not sure what you

mean by serious. They’re big, but I was handling them.”

“All right,” Che’kendral said. “What about your family?”
“I don’t have any,” Connor replied. “My mom and dad died—the

debts are inherited from them. It’s just me and my best friend, Owen.
I miss him a lot.”

Rallion had heard about Owen from Connor. Many times, the

young human expressed his concern over leaving his friend alone. At
first, Rallion had been a bit jealous, but he’d soon realized the
affection that bonded the two humans together was of a brotherly
kind.

Rodrik and Che’kendral shared a look Rallion didn’t understand.

Then, Rodrik changed the line of questioning. “Tell us about how you
came to be here.”

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“Like I said, I’m a reporter. I went for a job in the desert and got

caught up in a weird storm. Then suddenly, I woke up on Almareya.
Rallion found me and brought me here.”

For the first time, a heavy frown appeared on Rodrik’s face.

“That’s not exactly true. You’re not telling us everything.”

Connor gaped at the man. “But it is!” he protested. “I swear.”
“Don’t swear, Connor,” Che’kendral said. “It is unbecoming.

Now look at me.”

Che’kendral’s voice left no room to be questioned. It sounded

hypnotizing, almost magical. Even Rallion found himself drawn to
Che’kendral and the order hadn’t been directed at him.
Unsurprisingly, Connor obeyed.

“Look into my eyes,” Che’kendral whispered. “That’s it. Straight

into my eyes.”

The man’s ice-blue orbs started to shine, and the image startled

Rallion so much he snapped out of his trance. Aware of the danger
Connor could be in, he shot forward, fully intending to push
Che’kendral away. He registered Tallean and Wren doing the same
thing, but neither of them reached Connor. A wall of solid, hard
muscle blocked their path as Rodrik set himself between the three of
them and the couch.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you. We allowed you to remain

present for Connor Spade’s comfort, but if you lift a finger to stop us
or impede the progress of this investigation, we will have you
removed.”

“Who do you think you are?” Tallean snarled. “You can’t keep us

from Connor.”

“We’re not trying to separate you from the human,” Rodrik

answered. “It’s just a normal investigation regarding his arrival here.”

Rallion very much doubted that. He could no longer understand

why in the world it had taken Tallean and Wren so long to return if
the agents they’d brought showed so little concern for Connor.

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Nevertheless, the only way to stop this now would be to attack the

shape-shifters, and in the current situation, it might cause Connor to
be hurt.

Rallion watched in powerless dismay as Che’kendral continued

his investigation. “Now tell me what happened. Everything.”

And Connor did. He told them everything in detail, from leaving

his home, to getting lost in the desert and seeing the weird flash
storm. “It was so amazing. I just wanted to take some photos. They’d
be priceless if I could catch the lighting right. By the time I figured
out the danger, it was already too late.”

“So in a way, you did let your greed guide your actions,”

Che’kendral said.

Connor looked torn and confused. “I don’t know. I just…It

seemed like a good idea at the time.”

Che’kendral looked away from Connor, and the hold his eyes had

on the human broke. Connor blinked and tried to scamper away from
Che’kendral, falling off the couch in the process. Rodrik moved aside
and Wren, Tallean, and Rallion rushed to their lover’s side.

* * * *

Rodrik watched as the three men surrounded the human he and

Chek were investigating. He admitted Connor Spade intrigued him
even before he’d set eyes on the human. What kind of person could
cause such devotion in the sexy elven princes? It was a mystery he’d
vowed to solve.

He knew Chek felt the same, even if his partner tried to hide it.

Really, the man took his job way too seriously. But Rodrik supposed
that it was why they made such a good team. Chek needed someone
to make him live a little. Too bad they were both Dominants in the
bedroom. They could have had a lot of fun together.

As if guessing Rodrik’s thoughts, Chek got up and headed toward

Rodrik. As was their way, they didn’t speak, but with one look, they

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shared each other’s thoughts on the human. As far as Rodrik could
tell, Connor had indeed come by accident to Uli. Of course, some of
the other elements of his story—his debts, his deliberate wandering
into the storm—might have drawn the wrath of other Imperium
agents. In the end, Tallean and Wren had done well in their insistence.
Rodrik and Chek always tried to analyze their given tasks fairly. Sure,
they still needed a couple of more questioning sessions with both
Connor and his Almareyan acquaintances, but Rodrik was pretty sure
Connor would be in the clear.

Even so, as he watched the still-trembling human, he became a bit

worried. Had they been too rough on Connor? Some people had a bad
reaction to Chek’s abilities. It was unusual but not unheard of, more
so in times of great emotional distress.

Obviously sharing his concerns, Chek returned to Connor’s side.

Of course, the human’s three lovers refused to move. “Fuck off,”
Tallean said. “Haven’t you done enough?”

Chek scowled at them. “I’m just going to make sure he is

unharmed. Now move.”

The three men didn’t budge, which, to a certain extent, surprised

Rodrik. It took strong resolve to keep someone from faltering in front
of Chek.

But he supposed Chek’s cool glaring didn’t make them very

trusting. He joined his partner and knelt next to the four men. “Look,
he’s just scared,” he explained. “What Chek did isn’t in any way
harmful for the body or the mind. Now move aside for a bit. We know
what to do.”

The men looked doubtful, but something in his tone must’ve made

them see his honesty. With clear reluctance, they let him pass. Rodrik
reached for the still-frightened human and pulled him in his arms.
“It’s okay, Connor,” he said as he caressed the human’s hair. “Don’t
be afraid. Everything will be just fine.”

Gradually, Connor’s trembling subsided, but by the time that

happened, Rodrik already realized how well Connor fit in his arms. It

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came as quite a shock, and he inhaled deeply, Connor’s scent
assaulting his nostrils and making his head spin.

His people and Chek’s were among the few left on Uli who

believed in destined mates. It had a lot to do with their shape-shifter
nature that allowed them to see beyond appearances. Of course,
Chek’s nature revealed such bonds through magic, while Rodrik’s
power grasped it through his heightened senses. But never once had
Rodrik expected to find his mate here.

He didn’t even know how he’d missed it when Connor first came

into the room. Well, actually, he did. The other man’s smell was all
over Connor, hiding the human’s natural, delicious scent. Rodrik
squeezed Connor tighter, no longer amused at the three men’s show
of possessiveness. Just great. His mate had three other men warring
for him. Of course, Rodrik could deal with all of them, but he didn’t
think Connor would appreciate it very much.

“Uh…You can let go of me now,” Connor whispered. “Thanks.”
Rodrik hid a grimace and released the young human. Immediately,

Connor’s three lovers fussed around him. Rodrik admitted he’d have
very much liked to do the same, but alas, he hardly knew Connor.
Besides, he couldn’t let his emotions get to him. He and Chek still had
a job to do.

As he watched Connor, Rodrik felt like he was choking. The

weight of what had happened suffocated him, squashed something
deep inside. Gods, what was he going to do? For the first time in his
life, Rodrik wanted to run.

Chek provided him with the perfect excuse to make his escape.

“My friend, we need to talk,” he said in the language of his kin.

Rodrik got up and nodded. “Outside?” He needed some fresh air.

It would help him clear his head.

Chek wordlessly gestured to the door. Their host directed them to

a side door that would lead them to the gardens and offered to take
them there. They refused. Rodrik didn’t think he could put up a

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straight face for much longer. Touching Connor had shaken him more
than he’d have liked to admit.

The beast inside him awoke, and with every step he took away

from the office, it howled, snarling, trying to break free, wanting to
claim its mate. Rodrik gritted his teeth, leashed it, and hastened the
pace. He needed to put some distance between him and Connor before
he did anything stupid.

As soon as they exited the main structure, Rodrik made his way to

a nearby tree and attacked it, unleashing his fury and frustration on
the innocent vegetation. His claws emerged and he wildly scratched at
the hard bark. He wanted to run. He wanted to fuck, to claim, to own.

He didn’t know how long he just vented his anger, but he only

stopped when Chek’s hand landed on his shoulder.

“Calm down, my friend. I know how you feel, but you need to

keep your head on straight.”

Rodrik turned and faced Chek head-on. “How could you possibly

know what I’m going through?” he snarled at his friend. “Just leave
me be.”

Chek just gave him a look full of meaning. Having known his

partner for decades, Rodrik immediately understood. “No…You can’t
be serious.”

Chek nodded glumly. “I am. There’s no doubt about it. I saw it in

his mind when I used my magic on him. I think that’s why he became
so frightened in the first place. My dragon answered to his presence.”

Just like Rodrik’s wolf. Fuck. “What are we going to do?”
“First we finish our investigation,” Chek answered. “We need to

keep our heads straight. It’s the best we can do for him at this point.
After that, we’ll see.”

Rodrik cursed to himself. As if it wasn’t enough for him to have

their query as a mate, Chek ended up in the same situation. If this
came to light, their objectivity would be questioned. Another
commission of agents might be sent, and they would probably treat
Connor in an awful manner.

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As much as Rodrik hated it, he and Chek couldn’t approach

Connor now. It would just make things more complicated.

But as they stood there in the gardens, the sound of voices reached

their ears. Rodrik immediately identified the talking people as the four
men they’d left behind in the office.

“Look, I’m not sorry for what happened between me and Rallion,”

Connor was saying. “I won’t apologize for it. But…I just don’t know
what’s going on.”

The human sounded so very confused that Rodrik’s wolf burst

out, aching to comfort his mate. A low growl from Chek alerted
Rodrik to a similar feeling from his friend. “Let’s just go to see
what’s the matter,” he suggested. They could do that much without
crossing the boundaries between work and personal life.

Chek silently nodded and gestured to the light coming from the

glass doors at the second level of The Red Star. A small balcony lay
just beyond it. Icy wings sprouted from his back. He obviously meant
to fly closer in order to see inside.

Rodrik gave his partner a look of disbelief. “Are you mad?

They’ll see you.”

“I suppose you’re right,” Chek mused. The wings dissipated in a

flash of cool white. “We’ll climb. It’s stealthier.”

Rodrik nodded and made his way in the direction of the lit

window. Once they were beneath it, he climbed on the wall and
started scaling it, using his claws to help him. A few feet away from
him, Chek did the same. The distance between them and the balcony
wasn’t great, so they reached it in record time. Their luck held as they
noticed some extra space between the glass doors and the outer edges
of the balcony, which meant they could linger there without being
spotted.

The angle allowed them to see inside without taking too much of a

chance. The elven princes and the man named Rallion might have
been able to sense them, but they seemed too distracted with Connor.

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Truth be told, Rodrik couldn’t blame the three. He himself felt the
need to go to his mate, but he knew he would not be welcomed.

“It’s okay, beautiful,” Tallean said as Rodrik watched from his

hiding spot. “We’ll find a way to make things work.”

Connor shook his head. “I don’t think so.” He pushed away from

the three men. “I need to get some fresh air, to clear my head.”

“Connor, you can’t leave The Star,” Rallion said. “Malius might

come after you.”

Alarm coursed through Rodrik, and he shared a look with Chek.

Malius was the governor of Almareya. Had he gained an interest in
Connor? If so, Connor’s situation might be more serious than they’d
initially thought.

As if in echo to their shock, inside the room Wren repeated,

“Malius? Has he tried anything with Connor?”

Rallion nodded. “He’s been insisting for Ralleana to break of the

agreement with you and Prince Tallean for quite a while now.”

Tallean cursed. “I just knew he wouldn’t let things go when we

won that bid for Connor. He’s not the type to be denied.”

“We’ve managed to keep him at bay so far,” Rallion said, “but

he’s grown furious with our refusal. Before you arrived, we were
planning to take Connor out of the city, maybe even off Almareya.”

This was new information to Rodrik, and something very

worrisome. If Connor had left Almareya, he could have been
considered a fugitive from the Imperium. The situation must have
been dire if Rallion considered it.

Connor let out a choked sound, having obviously forgotten about

Malius. “I won’t go far,” he said at last. “Just to the library. I
promise.”

The three men nodded, and Connor rushed out of the room. Once

the human left, Rallion, Wren, and Tallean stared at each other.
“We’re hurting him,” Wren said. “We have to try to get along.”

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Their dedication was admirable, but Rodrik knew they’d have

quite a task on their hands. He could smell his mate’s anxiety and the
extent of it worried him.

He’d have liked to discuss the problem with Connor’s three

lovers, but his instinct pushed him into something different. Connor
needed his strength now. Fuck the job. Fuck everything else. His mate
was in pain.

Rodrik climbed from the balcony back on the wall of the building.

He knew the basic layout of the brothel and he didn’t think he’d have
any trouble in finding the library. Besides, his nose led him in the
direction of his mate.

Chek followed him, and together, they made their way to the other

side of the building and found another balcony that led into the main
corridor. After checking to see if the coast was clear, they entered the
house and headed toward the library.

The door was cracked open and light shone through the small gap.

Rodrik’s keen hearing caught the sound of low sobs. He gritted his
teeth as anger coursed through him. With three lovers, Connor should
never be alone, especially in these circumstances. He needed comfort
and reassurance. But perhaps, this time, Rodrik and Chek could
provide that. Because in spite of his natural possessive nature, Rodrik
could not deny his friend had the right to be at Connor’s side, too.

Thankfully, they’d shared submissives before and knew each

other well. But Connor didn’t, and he most likely didn’t even
acknowledge any submissive tendency on his part. Given the
circumstances, he might even refuse surrendering any control.
Connor’s choices had already been taken away in every aspect of his
life the moment he’d stepped on Uli. Rodrik’s first impression of the
young human was that of a person who valued his independence and
hated his confinement. He would not understand any dominant
demand from their part now. Therefore, Rodrik and Chek had to tread
lightly.

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“We’re taking a big chance here,” Chek whispered, obviously

thinking the same thing.

Rodrik nodded. “But we don’t have much of a choice, do we? He

needs us.”

Without waiting any moment longer, Rodrik took a deep breath

and pushed the library door open.

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Chapter Eight

Connor sat on the chair, the wooden table cold and scratching

against his face. Tears streamed down his cheeks. He hated them, but
he let them fall. There was no one here to see, no one who would
berate him for his weakness.

He felt like he was losing his mind. The emotions Wren and

Tallean arose in him surprised him from the very beginning, but
Connor had always been a hopeless romantic. He believed
wholeheartedly in love at first sight, and he’d already decided that
sort of bond had been created between him and the elves. It was
unusual, of course. After all, how could he fall in love with two
people at the same time? But in this strange world, Connor somehow
managed to accept it.

Only then, Rallion showed up. His care and affection swept

Connor off his feet as surely as the passion of the two elven princes
did. Connor could not have denied the love he felt for Rallion if he
wanted to. But Wren and Tallean appeared the very day he’d decided
to surrender to this new emotion and it played havoc on Connor’s
heart.

One would have thought that would be enough to drive a person

to wit’s end, but no. There had to be more. Che’kendral and Rodrik
emerged in his life, shaking him even further. There was just
something about them that made an indefinable ache grow in
Connor’s chest. When his eyes met Che’kendral’s, he’d sensed some
sort of connection click into place. And when Rodrik held him, he’d
felt safe, whole, protected, and loved. God, he was such a mess.

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Perhaps he’d truly lost it altogether. He’d hit his head in the desert
and this was all a big elaborate hallucination.

He didn’t have time to process that horrifying thought. The sound

of a cleared throat made him tense and he lifted his head to see who’d
intruded in his sanctuary. To his shock, he saw Rodrik standing there,
arms crossed against his muscular chest.

Unwilling arousal coursed through Connor. He viciously tried to

squash it, focusing on his embarrassment and the way he must look
with his eyes all swollen from crying. Just to be polite, he got up from
his seat. “My lord Rodrik...I didn’t see you there.”

Rodrik offered him as small smile. “I suppose you were

distracted.” His expression changed to one of honest concern. “I’m
sorry for bursting in like this. I heard you crying.”

Connor looked away from Rodrik and bit his lip. A part of him

wanted to tell Rodrik the truth, which was strange because he barely
knew the man. He couldn’t fathom why he’d even confess anything to
Rodrik, more so when what he’d have to say was in many ways
connected to Rodrik himself. Could the agents have placed some sort
of spell on him? That would explain the weird feeling, but he
somehow doubted it. Nevertheless, he needed to ask, just to make
sure.

“What happened in the office…Does that spell…Does it affect me

now?”

Rodrik tilted his head inquiringly. “Affect you how? If you mean

Chek’s brief mind lock with you, it was meant to draw out the details
you wouldn’t have considered important. Chek couldn’t have kept it
going if he wanted to, and besides, it’s against the law to use it
outside investigation.”

Connor couldn’t help but feel relieved. He hated this confusion,

but hated the thought that it might be caused by deception even more.
“Oh,” he said simply.

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“Connor, why don’t you tell me about why you were crying?”

Rodrik said. “Off the record. I’m not an agent of the Imperium right
now.”

The tone was gentle yet commanding, much like in the office, but

so very different. Oddly, Connor believed him. “I just…I don’t
understand anything anymore.”

Rodrik walked toward him, and in his every motion, Connor saw a

wild strength. He looked like a predator, but Connor didn’t get the
feeling of being stalked. He didn’t move and allowed Rodrik to
approach him. The other man’s arms went around him and instantly,
Connor buried his face in Rodrik’s chest. His warmth and scent felt so
comforting. Connor just wanted to stay like that forever.

Rodrik gently caressed his hair. “Come now, baby. Tell me what’s

on your mind.”

Before long, Connor found himself blurting out everything he

thought and felt. Rodrik didn’t look judgmental or surprised. He let
Connor speak, never once ceasing his soothing caresses. When
Connor finished, his throat was raw from all the talking and his soul
was completely bared to the other man, but he felt at peace.

“I just don’t want to disappoint them,” he said. “I can’t help but

think I’m leading them on, and I can’t bear to see them angry because
of me. And now with you and Che’kendral…It’s so strange. I care
about Wren, Tallean, and Rallion so much, yet you and Che’kendral
make me feel so very different. I can’t believe I’m such a whore to
want so many—”

For the first time, Rodrik interrupted him. “You’re not a whore.

Don’t ever say that.”

Connor shook his head, tears threatening again. “But I am. Just

look where you are. I’m selling my body for profit. That’s how I met
Wren and Tallean.”

“But you don’t see them as your clients, do you?” Rodrik replied.

“Don’t make what you three have together cheap by comparing
yourself to a prostitute.”

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The words were scolding, but Rodrik’s touch remained as gentle

as ever. “You’re an amazing person, Connor. I’ll tell you a little
secret. It takes a special man to be able to love so many. That’s why
it’s so unusual, not because there’s something wrong with it, but
rather, because people are not engineered to offer so much affection.
Granted, even that has limits, so don’t expect falling for everyone in
the world.”

Connor laughed lightly at the tiny joke. “I don’t. But then again,

I’m not sure what to expect any longer.”

“Just trust your heart. In this, it can never lead you astray,” Rodrik

answered.

Connor lifted his head from Rodrik’s chest and stared at the man’s

face in disbelief. “But what about Wren, Tallean, and Rallion? What
about you and Che’kendral? How can you possibly be okay with such
a thing?”

Rodrik just smiled at him, and Connor distantly noticed the small

lines that appeared at the corner of his eyes as he did so. “Well,
baby,” he whispered, “I said you were special, and you are. But it also
takes some great men to agree to share someone like you and to grant
affection to their partners.”

“That’ll never happen,” Connor protested. “They hate each other

because of me.”

He might have said something else, but a sudden voice took him

by surprise. “No, we don’t.”

Rodrik released him from the tight embrace, allowing Connor to

see Tallean, Wren, Rallion, and Che’kendral standing in front of the
door. His face heated at the thought that they’d heard everything he’d
confessed to Rodrik.

“I…Uh…I…” He glared at Rodrik. “How could you allow them

to hear me? I trusted you.”

“And you should give them the same courtesy,” Che’kendral

replied in Rodrik’s stead. He took a few steps forward and grabbed

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Connor’s hand. “I know it’s hard,” he whispered. “But you have to be
brave. Can you do that? Can you be brave enough to love them?”

Connor stared into Che’kendral’s blue eyes. Why had he ever

considered them cold? They weren’t. Rather, the ice of Che’kendral’s
cool façade shielded them, but Connor could see through it now.
Could he be brave, like Che’kendral asked? Could he take a chance?

Rodrik said he was special, but Connor didn’t see anything

interesting about himself at all. He was just a random human
accidentally transported to this odd world. What could he have to
offer them?

As if guessing his thoughts, his three lovers surrounded him.

Rodrik and Che’kendral backed away, giving the four of them space.
Connor wondered about that, but he didn’t get the chance to ask.
“Stop thinking so hard,” Tallean said.”It won’t help.”

The sky elf pressed his lips to Connor’s, and Connor melted

against his lover, obediently letting the other man in. Tallean’s tongue
explored the recesses of Connor’s mouth, and Connor took advantage
of the opportunity to taste his man again. They hadn’t even kissed
since Tallean and Wren’s arrival on Almareya, the circumstances too
complicated to allow intimacy. Both of them were greedy to win back
the time they’d lost.

As he kissed Tallean, Connor felt Wren and Rallion move around

him. Two pairs of hands started to work on his clothing. Connor
arched against Tallean, moaning into the delicious kiss.

So what if it was crazy? So what if this kind of relationship

couldn’t be understood on his world? If it worked for them, Connor
would not overthink it anymore—at least, not right now.

His lovers made short work of his clothes. Because of their

position, they couldn’t exactly unbutton them, so they chose to
dispose of them in their customary manner, by ripping them off.
Connor had gotten used to it, and the sound of the torn material didn’t
even faze him. However, a distant part of Connor’s mind screamed at
him that he was in the library, where anyone come in and see. And

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then, Che’kendral and Rodrik were also present. What would they
think about him now?

Briefly, Connor broke away from Tallean and stole a look behind

the sky elf. Rodrik and Che’kendral sat on two armchairs, their
breeches undone, thick, hard cocks jutting straight up from their
groins. Renewed arousal coursed through Connor at the realization
that they would be watching, and much to his dismay, he whimpered.

By his side, Wren said, “It turns you on to have their eyes on you,

doesn’t it?”

Connor looked at the dark elf and opened his mouth to deny it

before he realized he could not bear to lie to Wren. He nodded and
forced himself to meet Wren’s gaze. To his surprise, he didn’t see the
disgust he expected. Instead, Wren’s bronze eyes were like liquid
gold now, his pupils dilated in arousal. “It turns me on, too,” he
explained with a wicked smile.

Connor almost couldn’t believe it. He was standing in the middle

of the library, naked except for his shoes, and with his three lovers
crowding around him to touch him. To top it off, the gorgeous agents
from the Imperium were watching them. God. If he survived this, his
brain would surely implode from sensual overload.

Somehow, he managed to muster the strength to ask, “So you

mean it? You want to share me?”

Instead of a reply from his men, Connor heard Che’kendral’s

strong voice say, “Prove it to him. Fuck him. He wants you to.”

It was an order directed at Rallion, Tallean, and Wren. Connor felt

a shiver course through him, and his knees gave out. Thankfully,
Rallion caught him before he could hit the floor.

“See how horny the thought makes him?” Rodrik said. “Touch

him. Fuck him. Now.”

Every word seemed to carry more authority, more urgency.

Encouraged by Rodrik and Che’kendral, Rallion carried Connor to a
small couch. Connor had trouble figuring out how they’d all fit there,
but Tallean and Wren didn’t even try. They removed all the pillows

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off the couch and tossed them on the floor. A couple more flew in
their direction, provided by Rodrik. Finally, they had a pretty comfy
nest made by fluffy, silken pillows. Rallion placed Connor down on
them. As the only person laying there and with three big men looming
over him, Connor felt like a sensual sacrifice, just waiting to be taken
by pagan gods. He let his head fall on the soft pillows, already so
aroused he couldn’t see straight.

He sensed, rather than heard Che’kendral and Rodrik approach.

He had no idea how, but it seemed like his mind somehow became
attuned to that of his men. Perhaps now that he’d accepted it—even if
only for a little while—he could understand them better, reach out to
them.

As he cracked his eyes open, he saw Rodrik staring down at him.

“Gods, he’s beautiful,” Rodrik whispered. “Touch him.”

Wren, Tallean, and Rallion knelt on the pillows. At the first touch

of their hands on his skin, he spread his legs, wordlessly begging for
their possession. “So beautiful,” Wren echoed Rodrik’s words.
Without further ado, he lowered his mouth over Connor’s dick.

Wet heat engulfed Connor’s cock, and his eyes widened as shocks

of ecstasy coursed through him. He bit his lip hard, half in an effort to
smother his cries, half to keep himself from blowing his load. He
couldn’t come, not so soon, not before he had one or all of his lovers
inside him.

Truth be told, he still felt the aftermath of Rallion’s fucking a bit,

but the man had been so gentle that he didn’t think he’d have any
trouble in taking another dick up his ass.

He’d probably have laughed at his own thoughts if Wren hadn’t

started worshiping his dick. Wren bobbed his head up and down
Connor’s cock, sometimes slowly, sometimes faster, alternating
shallower movements with deeper ones. He even took Connor all the
way into his throat and swallowed around the head. The only reason
why Connor didn’t come on the spot was the heavy hand wrapping
around the base of his dick, keeping his orgasm at bay.

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“Not yet, beautiful,” Tallean murmured. “First, we get to have our

way with you.”

Connor panted and moaned, trying to reach out to whoever could

bring him his denied climax. “Please…”

“Wait for it, love,” Rallion said. “We’ll give you what you need.”
As Rallion spoke, Tallean’s hot mouth engulfed Connor’s right

nipple. This time, Connor couldn’t have contained his scream if he
wanted to. Rallion’s kiss swallowed it, as gentle and soothing as ever,
but with an undertone of fiery passion that could not be denied.

Wren’s clever fingers snaked around his testicles to rub at his

perineum. So close, God, so close. Connor’s hole clenched in
anticipation and need. He wanted to be filled. He ached to be
possessed. His entire body screamed for it.

The digits progressed, bypassing his taint and zeroing in on his

greedy opening. Still dry, they rubbed at the rim, a teasing promise of
what was to come. All the while, Wren continued sucking his dick,
his talented tongue driving Connor closer and closer to nirvana. But
with Wren’s other hand still holding his testes, Connor could not
come, no matter how much he wanted to.

Desperate for an anchor, Connor wrapped his arms around

Rallion’s neck, putting every bit of his need and desire into their kiss.
The other man groaned, and the gentleness progressed into something
different, even more intense.

Tallean’s hand teased the nipple he wasn’t suckling on, adding yet

another sensation to the mix. And then, Tallean bit down on the tight
nub he held in the hot hold of his mouth. At the same time Wren
released his tight hold on Connor’s balls. Che’kendral’s hot,
authoritative voice whispered in his ear, “Come!”

Pleasure exploded inside Connor as his body instantly obeyed the

command. For a few moments, his vision went completely white, the
orgasm sweeping all consciousness away. Thankfully, he recovered
just in time to see Wren and Rallion share a hot kiss.

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It was the first time he’d ever seen the two men touch. To his

knowledge, they hadn’t been together before. Connor might have
worried that they were forcing themselves for his benefit, but he
couldn’t see any tension or disgust in them, just pure passion.

“Gorgeous, isn’t it?” Tallean said in his ear. When Connor

nodded, the sky elf continued, “I know it’s strange. We should
probably feel jealous. But instead, it just makes us hot.”

“Very hot,” Connor agreed. Already, his cock had grown hard

again simply from the delicious sight in front of him.

Rallion and Wren broke the kiss and turned toward him once

more. Rallion licked his lips and said, “You taste delicious, love.” He
stole a peek toward Wren. “And even better from his mouth.”

“Scoot over,” Tallean indicated. “We need space.”
Connor obeyed, now curious as to what Tallean had planned.

Whatever it was, he hoped it involved him getting fucked. As
satisfying as the first orgasm had been, he needed more.

Che’kendral tossed Tallean a vial of oil. God only knew where the

man had gotten it from. He doubted very much that a library—even
one in a brothel—would hold that sort of thing. But it didn’t matter,
not when the little bottle clearly pointed out Connor’s desires would
be fulfilled.

“Turn around, on all fours,” the sky elf said.
Connor did, although he registered some difficulties since his

limbs were shaking so badly. He spread his legs wide, exposing his
hole for his lovers.

As he did so, his eyes fell on Rodrik and Che’kendral. Once more,

the two men sat on armchairs, just watching them with hot eyes and
slowly masturbating. The sight drove all lingering strength out of
Connor and he would have fallen on his face if Tallean didn’t catch
him. “Slowly now, Connor,” the elf said.

With one strong arm around Connor’s waist, Tallean prepared

Connor’s passage for invasion. The fingers of his other hand wormed

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inside Connor’s anus. He melted against Tallean, all the while
keeping his eyes on the self-pleasuring Rodrik and Che’kendral.

His orgasm relaxed him, so he had no trouble taking the first two

fingers. At the third, he felt a bit of discomfort, especially since
Rallion had taken him earlier. “Seems like you’re still a bit sore from
earlier,” Tallean said in a husky voice. “Did it feel good when Rallion
fucked you?”

Connor nodded, trying to impale himself on the fingers in spite of

the slight burn. “I wish I could have seen it,” Tallean continued. “I’m
sure you looked so very beautiful.”

“He did,” Rallion said from behind him.
Tallean chuckled as he removed his fingers from Connor’s body.

“We have all the time in the world to watch it again. Ready, Connor?”

“Yes!” Connor gasped out. “Yes, please! Fuck me.”
The head of Tallean’s dick nudged at his opening. Connor fought

to relax as his lover’s hard dick pushed inside. It was difficult, more
so than Connor expected. The soreness increased into a deep ache and
for a few moments, Connor actually considered asking Tallean to pull
out.

But then, Che’kendral spoke. “Look at me, gorgeous,” he said

huskily. “Take him in. Relax your body. Give yourself to him.”

“Let go, baby,” Rodrik added. “Trust them.”
And just like that, Connor felt the knot of tension inside him relax.

The ache dimmed to a pleasurable burn, which changed into
incredible pleasure when Tallean’s dick hit Connor’s special spot. He
moaned, all thoughts of stopping this gone from his mind. Fully
impaled by Tallean’s cock, he tried to move his hips back, to fuck
himself on the other man’s prick. “God! Please!”

“Be still, Connor,” Tallean said in his ear.
Tallean didn’t move, and each second of wait turned into

unbearable sensual torture. It was only when Tallean groaned that he
realized what his men intended. Their bodies lurched forward as
Rallion or Wren—Connor couldn’t be sure which—penetrated

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Tallean. Judging by the slower, gentler motion, Connor would guess
Rallion.

Panting, desperate with need, Connor nevertheless kept his

passion in check, waiting. One more link in their chain, one more
connection in place. When it came, Connor felt like he’d somehow
been transported to heaven. Another, harder thrust—Wren’s—echoed
in his body and Connor cried out, feeling like he was being fucked by
three cocks.

If that one motion felt amazing, what happened next turned out to

be even better. Now connected in the most intimate way four men
could possibly be, they started a delicious rhythm that drove Connor
higher and higher on the peaks of pleasure. With every thrust,
Tallean’s cock hit Connor’s sweet spot with an astounding strength—
the strength of three incredible men combined. His own dick throbbed
with the renewed need to come, and he pushed back against his men
as hard as he could, chasing his pleasure and theirs.

Over and over, they fucked him and used him, until Connor didn’t

know where he ended and they began. And throughout it all, Connor
kept his eyes on Che’kendral and Rodrik. The two men jacked their
cocks, their hands moving down their pre-cum-slick pricks, their
lustful gazes fixed on Connor. Impossibly, Connor found himself
wishing his hands could be the ones around those magnificent dicks,
or better yet, his mouth.

He might have been ashamed of his desires—after all, he was

being fucked by three other men at the moment—but he couldn’t hide
anything from his lovers. “Imagine them fucking your mouth as we
fuck your ass,” Tallean said.

“Go on, baby,” Rodrik said. “How would I taste? Close your eyes

and imagine.”

As much as Connor would have liked to keep his gaze on

Che’kendral and Rodrik, he instantly obeyed. An image popped into
his mind, that of Rodrik and Che’kendral feeding him their fat cocks.

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“That’s it, baby,” Rodrik said. “Take it. Take me and Chek. Open

up for us. Feel us fucking you.”

Against all odds, Connor did feel them. He could almost taste the

ghostly flavor of their pre-cum on his tongue. His jaw ached slightly
from being stretched by their pricks. It was impossible, yet still so
very real.

Filled to the brink by Tallean’s cock, his ass pounded by three

men and his soul owned so thoroughly by all five, Connor couldn’t
take it anymore. His climax swept over him like a tidal wave that
relentlessly swept away all his doubts and denial.

The ecstasy and the emotion swallowed him whole and he

allowed it, for once accepting things as they were and opening
himself up the beauty of the moment. Even through his haze, he felt
the moment when Tallean thrust deep inside him and filled him with
his seed. Male groans of pleasure and fulfillment filled his ears and he
reveled in the knowledge that he’d pleased his lovers. In that moment,
Connor knew he loved them, and he needed them all.

* * * *

Chek watched the beauty of Connor finding his peak in awe and,

admittedly, dismay. He’d have liked to be able to touch Connor, to
feel the silky skin under his fingertips. And yes, he’d have liked to
touch Connor’s lovers, as well. How could he not? They were
amazing together.

Chek had always hoped and waited for the day he would finally

find his mate. That he’d done so now, and his mate was a human,
shocked him. Even more baffling, he’d expected the feelings he had
for Rodrik to fade once this happened. Instead, it turned out Rodrik’s
mate was also his, and came with an additional baggage—three more
lovers, all head over heels in love with him. And surprisingly, that
didn’t bother Chek as much as he should have. Fuck, it didn’t bother
him at all.

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His eyes slid over the symphony of motion as he moved his hand

up and down his dick. Gods, the four men were so beautiful. He was
thankful for his well-trained control, because otherwise he wouldn’t
have been able to keep himself from touching them.

By his side, Rodrik continued to stroke his own dick, growling

lowly in his throat. Chek’s dragon responded both to the sound and to
the sight of his mate’s pleasure. The beast wanted to burst free and
take control of the situation. He ached to tie Connor down and find
pleasure in the beautiful human’s body. But it could not be, at least
not until they finished the investigation. The second their official
business on Almareya ended, Chek planned to fuck Connor to within
an inch of his life. Maybe Rodrik would enjoy sharing Connor and
teaching him the true pleasures of submission. Already, the human
showed true potential. For crying out loud, the human had actually
come while visualizing giving Chek and Rodrik a blow job.

An image flashed in Chek’s head, that of Connor bound to his

mercy, his ass hot from Rodrik’s spanking as Chek fucked him. With
his eyes still on Connor, he allowed himself to go over the edge and
joined the rest of the men in climax. Almost at the same time, Rodrik
came as well, roaring his release with the intensity so typical to his
kin.

In front of them, the four lovers collapsed in a pile on the fluffy

pillows. Chek tucked himself in, grimacing slightly and making a note
to take a shower once in the privacy of his own quarters. Of course,
he’d have preferred for the men present to clean his dick, preferably
with their tongues, but alas, it couldn’t be.

He got up and made his way to the pillows. When he reached the

fallen men, Connor cracked his eyes open. “Che’kendral?” he
whispered.

“Take care of yourself, Connor,” Chek answered. “And don’t

worry. The time will come when you won’t have to imagine Rodrik
and me taking you.”

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He exited the room, followed by Rodrik, knowing that if he stayed

any longer, he would certainly lose control of his beast. “We’re in big
trouble, aren’t we?” Rodrik said when they were in the hallway.

Chek smiled darkly. “That we are, my friend. That we are.” But

he wouldn’t have it any other way.

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Chapter Nine

The days passed in a strange sense of tranquility and frustration.

Several times, Connor met up with Che’kendral and Rodrik. They
asked him questions again, but he found he didn’t have any trouble
responding to them. Since the night he’d slept with his three lovers,
his heart felt more at peace.

At the same time, they still had many misunderstandings to clear,

mostly all about Che’kendral and Rodrik. Connor still waited for them
to come to him, like Che’kendral had said, but so far, they’d showed
no further interest in him or his three lovers. It was a shocking change
from that night, and it did hurt a bit. Worse, Malius’s shadow still
loomed over them. The governor didn’t show up again, but Rallion
insisted it was only a matter of time.

And indeed, Rallion turned out to be right. Three days from

Che’kendral and Rodrik’s arrival, Malius visited The Red Star again.
At Connor’s insistence, Rallion agreed to take him to watch the
discussion from a hiding place.

Rallion led him to a secret passageway that allowed them to look

into the office. It was dark and slightly damp, but Connor didn’t mind.
Rallion showed him the spot where he needed to sit. Connor had
expected something like in the old medieval movies, two small holes
that allowed the spy to see through the eyes of a painting. Instead, he
got a sort of one-way, see-through mirror, apparently enchanted to
look like a wall—something along the line of what he used to see in
the cop shows back on Earth.

It amused him to remember such trivialities now, but he put it out

of his mind, because it distracted him. He focused on what he could

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see through the mirror. Wren, Tallean, Che’kendral, and Rodrik were
waiting in the office. Ralleana joined them, followed by a handsome
but strange man—Malius. There was a deep scratch at the corner of
Malius’s eye, making him look fierce. For a few seconds, Connor
blamed it for the odd chill that went over his skin at the mere sight of
the man. But the moment Malius opened his mouth, Connor changed
his mind. The man’s shrewd tone told Connor the governor was bad
news.

Unfortunately, they were talking in the language spoken on

Almareya, and Connor couldn’t grasp enough of the words to make
sense of the conversation.

“What are they saying?” he asked Rallion.
“Apparently, Che’kendral and Rodrik sent him a notification. He

is required to participate in the investigation. He would have invited
them to his home, but he decided to come here instead, since he liked
Ralleana’s establishment so much.”

Judging by the tone of Rallion’s voice, Connor guessed his lover

reported Malius’s words exactly. They might have sounded harmless,
but Connor suspected they would be the prelude for something worse.

Ralleana thanked Malius—that much Connor understood. As the

governor took a seat, he said Connor’s name in something that
sounded like an inquiry. Che’kendral spoke instead of Ralleana.

“Actually, we wanted to discuss Connor Spade with you,

Governor Malius,” Rallion translated. “Like we mentioned in the
notification, we have a few questions regarding his arrival.”

Malius nodded and Rodrik began the interrogation. To Connor, it

seemed that the process was fairly standard, and somewhat similar to
what a lawyer would ask a witness during a trial. As Malius answered
the question, Rallion continued to translate or summarize the man’s
replies for Connor.

“I haven’t met young Connor in person. I did have an interest for

him from a professional perspective, but Lady Ralleana told me

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Connor’s time was already occupied by Prince Wren and Prince
Tallean.”

He obviously thought Rodrik and Che’kendral wouldn’t involve

him further, but the two Imperium agents continued to prod, much
like they had with Connor. Besides, it was quite obvious the governor
left out quite a lot of things, which apparently didn’t suit Imperium
interrogations.

Gradually, Connor saw the governor grow more and more

uncomfortable. At one point, Rallion explained Rodrik asked Malius
to detail his intentions toward Connor. However, his lover didn’t
translate the reply, and Connor gathered it couldn’t be good.

The ordeal finally ended. Rodrik and Che’kendral thanked the

governor. Malius said something else, and Connor heard his own
name being mentioned. “He is asking them what they intend to do
after your investigation is over,” Rallion told him.

Malius was asking more than that, though. Connor managed to

understand the next exchange. “And what about young Connor? Will
he be staying here?”

“Once a final decision is made in his case, he will either come

with us or choose his own path,” Chek replied coolly.

The man nodded and offered them a smile. He told them

something Connor couldn’t understand. “He’s inviting us to the
festival tonight,” Rallion whispered in his ear. “We’re celebrating
Almareya’s appearance as an independent territory.”

The idea sounded very tempting, but at the same time, Connor

was suspicious of it. Not that he would be included, of course. During
his stay on Uli, Connor had been forced to stay inside most of the
time, all for his protection. Rallion showed him around a little, and
those few precious hours made Connor yearn to look upon the
beauties of Almareya once again. He would have loved to see the
festival, but he had a bad feeling.

“What are they saying?” he asked Rallion when Che’kendral

replied.

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“That he would be honored,” Rallion explained. “They don’t have

much choice, Connor. They’re here on an official capacity.”

Connor nodded, but it didn’t make him feel much better. “Let’s go

back to the room,” he told Rallion.”It won’t do to get caught spying.”

Rallion nodded and gestured in the direction of the corridor.

Connor took one final look through the mirror, and he found himself
staring straight into Malius’s eyes. The cruelty burning in the other
man’s gaze made him gasp and stumble back.

Rallion was instantly by his side. “It’s okay, love,” he said as he

caressed Connor’s hair. “He can’t see us.”

Connor trembled and cuddled closer to Rallion. He wasn’t so sure

about that. “Please, let’s just go,” he told his lover.

Rallion guided him out of the passageway and back to his

quarters. His lover offered him a glass of water and Connor gulped it
down, distantly noting even its taste was different to the one on earth.
He almost laughed to himself. How did that in any way matter when
not all the water in both worlds could cleanse the sensation of filth
that coursed over him simply at meeting Malius’s eyes?

Still, the thought sounded quite inviting. He abandoned the glass

and offered his lover a smile. “I’m going to take a bath, all right?”

“Do you need help?” Rallion inquired. There was no seduction in

the tone, just pure concern. Somehow, the gentle tone convinced
Connor better than any line could. “I’d like that,” he answered.

Rallion smiled at him and helped Connor out of his clothes. Every

touch fell over Connor’s skin like a soothing balm. He actually
laughed when Rallion picked him up and carried him to the bathroom.

Rallion quickly ran the water in the tub and took his own clothes

off. Connor couldn’t help but admire the gorgeous play of muscles on
the man’s chest as he moved. He desperately longed to touch, but
something held him back.

It might have been a lingering apprehension from back at the

office or something entirely different. Whatever the case, Rallion
seemed to know him better than Connor knew himself. Once the tub

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was full, he gestured Connor inside. Connor lowered himself in the
steamy water, and when his lover joined him, he leaned against
Rallion.

“Just relax, love,” Rallion said. “I’ll take care of you.”
And Rallion did. He thoroughly washed every inch of Connor’s

body, his touches soothing even as they passed over Connor’s
genitals. But in spite of Rallion’s gentleness, Connor’s body
responded. His cock hardened, and he buried his face in Rallion’s
shoulder, ashamed at his own wantonness.

Rallion chuckled. “Don’t hide from me, love,” he murmured.

Strong arms lifted Connor and placed him on the edge of the tub. The
next thing he knew, Rallion lowered his mouth over Connor’s cock. If
the heat of the water relaxed him, Rallion’s touch awoke a volcano
inside Connor. Rallion’s tongue laved the head of Connor’s dick,
offering the slightest hint of a teasing touch. He licked Connor as if he
were a delicious lollipop then returned to suck at the glans. Connor
entwined his hands through Rallion’s wet hair. He had trouble
keeping himself still and not demanding more, even if he knew his
lover would give him everything he needed. But his lust and passion
increased with every delicious touch, and his balls ached with the
need to come. The mere sight of Rallion sucking his dick had him on
the brink of orgasm. “Rallion please,” he begged.

Rallion slowly began to bob his head up and down Connor’s dick.

His mouth worshipped Connor’s cock, at first gentler, then increasing
the pace. Rallion took the whole of Connor’s prick all the way into his
mouth then released it, over and over, until Connor thought he’d lose
his mind at the pleasure. His cries echoed against the tiles of the
bathroom walls as he begged his lover to touch him more, to suck him
harder.

Rallion didn’t ignore his pleas. The other man’s talented fingers

traveled to Connor’s anus and rubbed against his hole. They were
slick from the soap they used in the bath, and Connor ached to take
them in. The digits slipped inside him with ease and hit his special

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spot. As Rallion mercilessly rubbed Connor’s prostate, he took
Connor’s dick one more time in his mouth and swallowed around the
head.

The combination of sensations was too much for Connor to

withstand. He tried to warn Rallion of the imminence of his orgasm,
but Rallion didn’t seem to care. With a cry, Connor exploded, sending
his seed down Rallion’s throat. His body melted, and for a second, his
brain almost stopped working, too overcome with the pleasure.

Rallion took his entire offering without missing a drop. He licked

Connor’s sensitive dick, cleaning him in almost reverent motions. His
eyes met Connor’s, and the desire and love Connor saw there
humbled him. He pushed his lover away, moved off the tub’s edge
and into Rallion’s lap.

“You don’t need to do anything,” Rallion murmured.
“I want to,” Connor protested. “I want to give you the same

pleasure you give me.”

Clinging to Rallion’s shoulders, Connor wrapped his legs around

the other man’s waist and positioned himself over his lover’s hard
cock. With a gasp, he impaled himself on Rallion’s dick, the water
lingering over his skin like a caress, filling his body as he moved. His
lover groaned but allowed Connor to set his own pace. Connor
brought their faces together and held Rallion’s gaze as he started
riding his lover’s cock.

With his lover’s dick inside him, it came as no surprise that

Connor’s cock also went rock hard in instants. Connor had no idea
how it could happen, but it seemed that whenever he was around his
lovers, his body responded even beyond its previous possibilities.

Connor closed his eyes, Rallion’s hot gaze threatening to push

him over the edge. Again and again, he lifted himself off Rallion’s
dick and impaled himself once more. Rallion’s control also snapped
and he thrust up inside Connor. His cock hit Connor’s prostate,
sending delicious threads of energy all throughout Connor’s body.
The water sloshed around them as they fucked, some of it hitting the

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floor of the bathroom. It was an unleashing of sensual and emotional
energies, more than just fucking really, a meeting of hearts at the most
primal level.

Connor’s cock rubbed against Rallion’s belly, the sweet friction

adding to the sinfully amazing penetration. They were so close that
Connor could feel Rallion’s breath on his skin. The other man’s soft
panting and groans rippled over his body like a palpable caress.

Even if he’d come once before, Connor found himself at the brink

of orgasm once again. His nipples peaked and his entire body sizzled
with his imminent climax. Rallion changed their positions in the tub,
rolling Connor under him. Never once did Rallion’s dick leave
Connor’s body, but the new position allowed Rallion to pound
Connor deeper, harder.

Connor’s passage ached, so beautifully and perfectly filled. It was

too good, too good. Digging his fingernails into Rallion’s skin,
Connor came once again. Rallion buried himself deep inside him and
bathed Connor’s insides with his seed.

Connor’s orgasm seemed to go on and on, leaving only love and

ecstasy inside him. For a little while, he floated in the pleasant
afterglow. Rallion’s cock left his body, but Connor could no longer
muster enough energy to protest. His lover cleaned him up in quick
motions, then carried him out of the cooling bath.

Emotionally and physically exhausted, Connor could only be

passive when Rallion rubbed him dry with a soft towel. Rallion then
took him in his arms and walked to the bedroom. As Rallion placed
him in bed, Connor smiled at up his lover. “Thank you,” he
whispered.

Rallion caressed the side of his face. “No, love. Thank you.”
Feeling more at peace, Connor closed his eyes and surrendered to

sleep.

* * * *

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Rodrik stalked to Connor’s quarters, Chek and the others trailing

behind him. He was pissed. He didn’t have any interest in going to the
festival and hated that he’d been forced to agree. He’d have liked to
stay with his mate, especially since he sensed Connor’s anxiety
increase earlier. Even seeing Malius from behind the safety of the
fake wall seemed to have frightened the young human, and Rodrik
ached to nuzzle at Connor’s side and assure his mate everything
would be all right.

He knocked at the door, and Rallion let them in, placing a finger

against his lips to indicate the need to be quiet. “He just fell asleep.
Malius freaked him out.”

Judging by the other man’s wet hair and slightly dazed expression,

Rodrik suspected Rallion might have something to do with Connor’s
sudden slumber. He didn’t mind, though. In fact, it pleased him that
Rallion took care of Connor when the young human needed it.

In a rare display of frustration, Chek sighed. “I wish we could

stay, but we don’t have a choice but to take him up on his invitation.”

“Do you think he’s going to try something while you’re away?”

Tallean asked. “It’s not like we’re leaving Connor alone. Wren,
Rallion and I will still be here with him.”

“I’m not sure,” Chek answered. “He’s definitely jealous of Wren

and Tallean, and he was hiding something, but we couldn’t push more
than we did. He does have a position here on Almareya, and it’s not
him we’re investigating.”

Rodrik agreed with his partner. They’d practically forced the

information out of Malius, but the things the governor had said about
Connor—even if they made Rodrik want to throttle Malius—couldn’t
be considered a crime. After all, for the authorities, Connor was
indeed just a whore, like Malius had pointed out, and they would not
care if Connor ended up raped or hurt by the abusive bastard.

“Just go and come back as soon as you can,” Wren said. “Perhaps

you can finally end this investigation so we can all go forward with
our lives.”

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Wren’s tone held a promise, an expectation, and an inquiry.

Rodrik knew his and Chek’s behavior puzzled the other men, since
the two of them hadn’t respected certain boundaries with Connor and
the others since the episode in the library. “You can bet on that,” he
said, meeting Wren’s gaze.

Wren’s lips twisted into a smirk. “Connor will be happy to hear

it.”

Rodrik chuckled. He took a few steps forward and peeked into the

bedroom. Indeed, Connor slept soundly. He seemed naked, the silk
sheets the only thing that protected his beautiful rounded buttocks
from sight. Rodrik’s body responded, and he forced himself to look
away.

“We have to go,” he told Chek.
Chek nodded. “Take care of Connor,” he told the other men.

“We’ll be back as soon as we can get out of this stupid thing.”

Reluctantly, they left the room and then exited The Red Star.

Malius waited for them outside. He gestured them to his carriage and,
together, they headed into the city center. The man treated them like
guests of honor, offering to show them around. After a while, they
abandoned the carriage and walked around the crowded streets. It was
noisy and colorful, the intensity of the Almareyan people coming out
full swing as they celebrated their appearance on Uli. Craftsmen and
merchants of all types offered their wares in a wild display. Rodrik
appreciated other cultures, and it did remind him a bit of pack parties,
but throughout it all, he got the strange feeling of being guided away
from his mate. What did Malius have planned?

* * * *

Tallean sat on the armchair next to the bed, watching Connor

sleep as Wren looked outside into the night. As a dark elf, the other
man could see better than Tallean at this hour, and he seemed
increasingly nervous.

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“Maybe we should wake him and take him someplace else,”

Tallean suggested.

Rallion sighed and shook his head. He’d occupied the space at the

bottom of the bed, careful to cover Connor with the sheets whenever
their lover’s skin came into view. With the window open, they
couldn’t risk Connor being attacked by a cold draft.

“There’s no other place we can go,” Rallion answered. By now,

the streets are swarming with people and we’ll be even more
vulnerable out there than we are here.

“I just get the feeling that something is going to happen,” Wren

whispered. “It’s too quiet on this street.”

It was, and Tallean would have very much liked to be able to

retreat to the boat they’d come here with. But the boat in question
departed and they would have to arrange for new transportation when
the time came for them to leave. Most everyone would be at the
festival now, so Tallean and his lovers wouldn’t find ship merchants.
They could steal another, but he didn’t know for sure if such measures
were justified.

Rallion got up and said, “I’m going to take a look around The

Star. There should be a wave of customers coming in. I should make
sure everything’s taken care of.”

Tallean nodded, knowing Rallion’s decision to check things out

had very little to do with the brothel’s patrons and more with their
shared anxiety. As the other man left, Tallean got up and lay down
next to Connor, paying close attention so as not to wake the human.

Truth be told, they should have no reason to worry about. The Star

was well protected as one of the most renowned houses of assignation
on Almareya. Tallean and Wren also brought their own guards, since
people of their rank couldn’t risk staying extended periods of time
anywhere without proper security. Rallion himself had a strong
position with the Almareyan soldiers. But in spite of all that, Tallean
always went back to the way Malius looked whenever he even
mentioned Connor’s name.

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“We’ll keep him safe,” Wren said, obviously understanding his

misgivings. “No matter what happens, we’ll protect him.”

Tallean nodded and opened his mouth to thank Wren. He never

got the chance. An explosion shook The Star, making fragile
statuettes and objects of adornment crash against the floor. Wren was
propelled forward, while Connor immediately awoke. “What’s going
on?” Connor asked, eyes wide with fright.

The door burst open, and Tallean shot to his feet, ready to defend

his lovers. Thankfully, it was Rallion who ran inside. “We’re under
attack. I think they got in through the secret passages.”

Connor dropped the sheets and grabbed a pair of pants and a shirt.

In hasty motions, he dressed, while Wren inquired, “The
passageways? But how? Don’t they go around the house?”

“I think they must have a side entrance of sorts,” Rallion

answered. “Malius must’ve known about it since he helped us move
here in the first place. Fuck, I’m such an idiot.”

“So he did know about me watching there, in the office.”
Rallion nodded. “Yes, he knew. It doesn’t matter anymore. Let’s

go before they get past the Princes’ guards.”

But their way was blocked. Dark-clad men slithered into the

room, their eyes setting on Connor. They came from the door and
from outside, through the window. Apparently, the intruders who’d
gotten in the house had reinforcements. There was no way out.

In close-quarters combat, elven bows wouldn’t help too much.

Tallean retrieved his blade and glared at them. “Get out of our way or
you’ll regret it.”

Unsurprisingly the men didn’t answer. They circled around

Tallean and his lovers, as the three of them tried to protect Connor in
the circle of their own bodies.

The intruders attacked. Tallean’s blade clashed with those of the

first three. The elven made katana broke through the weaker material,
and he slashed into the flesh of his opponents. By his side, Rallion
and Wren did their own considerable damage to the group.

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But the attackers kept coming and coming, surrounding the four

lovers. Even so, Tallean might have been able to stave the assault, but
their enemies decided on a new approach. Sharp arrows flew at them,
aimed directly at Tallean, Wren and Rallion.

Tallean would have tried to avoid it, but he was distracted by the

fighting. The arrow hit him in his upper back, followed by a second
one. Almost instantly, a feeling of numbness began to spread over
Tallean’s body. Poison.

He tried to fight against it, but the substance seemed to be very

strong. He collapsed, his blade slipping out of his weak fingers. Soon
after, Wren and Rallion fell by his side. “Grab them,” someone said.
“We need to get rid of them like the boss ordered.”

As their enemies proceeded to do as they were told, Connor cried

out, “No. Stay away. Leave them be!”

The person who’d spoken laughed. “Why do you think you can

give us orders, human whore?” he said in English. “You should worry
about yourself. Once the boss gets his hands on you, you’ll regret the
day you were born.”

“I’ll come with you,” Connor said weakly. “Just don’t hurt them.

Tell me how I can help them.”

“You can’t. Now be quiet. I know how to hit you without marring

all that pretty skin.”

Furious, Tallean tried to get up to protect his lover, but a heavy

foot landed against his back, holding him down. “How touching. You
must be a good fuck if the elven princes are so devoted to you. Maybe
when the boss is done, he’ll hand you over to us.”

“Look, I’ll do whatever you say,” Connor begged, ignoring the

insult. “Just leave them alone.”

“Sorry. I like my life too much to give it away for a piece of ass.”
“But—”
A dull cry interrupted Connor’s words, and then he went silent.

Tallean went crazy at the realization that the man must’ve knocked
his lover out. He pushed away the foot still holding him down and

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lunged for his blade. Anger and despair giving him strength, he
embedded the katana into the soldier’s leg.

Rallion and Wren attacked as well, trying to push away the

weakness in their bodies. But it was hopeless. The soldiers
immobilized them with ease. A couple of their enemies grabbed their
bodies and draped them over their shoulders. Through his closing
eyelids, Tallean caught sight of Connor being grabbed by the big man
he himself had stabbed. He seemed to be the leader of the attackers
and didn’t make any sound of pain, even if the wound Tallean had
given him must’ve hurt.

“C–Connor,” Tallean tried to say. But his lover did not move,

obviously out cold.

He didn’t get to say anything more, as the men carrying them left

the room. They went down the stairs, through a chaotic-looking
brothel and exited The Red Star. Moving swiftly, they headed out of
the city.

Tallean drifted in and out of consciousness as his captors walked.

Even so, by the time they reached the edges of Almareya, he’d
recovered a bit of his strength. His body hurt, but he forced himself to
fight the poison. He knew he had very little time left to rescue himself
and his lovers.

The northern part of Almareya was the most dangerous part of it,

since abrupt cliffs reached straight into the water. The jagged rocks
below guaranteed that a fall from there could kill even an elf or a
shape-shifter. And even if, by some miracle, the person in question
survived, the sea creatures and the violent currents would definitely
end his life.

There was only one way to escape this situation. In their current

state, Tallean, Rallion, and Wren couldn’t hope to defeat their captors.
It would be up to Tallean to deceive the group of men and save their
asses.

He noticed Wren and Rallion had also recovered a bit and shook

his head in a barely perceptible motion, hoping his lovers got the

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message. Thankfully, the two understood and remained motionless,
allowing their captors to carry them to the very edge of the cliff.
Tallean closed his eyes and focused his abilities. It was hard because
of the poison, but it came as a second nature to him. He needed to
choose the perfect moment to use his power, though, or else he
wouldn’t be able to save them.

Wind rushed over Tallean as the men tossed the three of them into

the abyss. Tallean waited a few seconds, until he could be reasonably
certain the men would lose sight of them in the darkness of the night.
Every passing moment represented a horrible risk. At last, Tallean
decided he couldn’t wait any longer. Rallion’s heavier bulk would
make him fall faster than Tallean and Wren, and Tallean couldn’t take
the chance of the other man dying.

He allowed his power to sweep over the three of them, and

instantly, their fall came to a halt. Pain coursed through Tallean’s
body and the poison rushed through him once again at the effort. The
blood loss had weakened him more than he’d realized. Fuck.

Nevertheless, Tallean managed to levitate them to a rocky

outcropping into the cliff. In a stroke of genius, Rallion pushed three
boulders into the water. Above them, they heard the satisfied
mumblings of their captors.

As the men walked away, Tallean forced himself to open his eyes

and saw Wren give him a concerned look. “Are you okay?”

Tallean nodded weakly. “Sure. Sky elves are used to levitating,

remember? Just give me a moment to catch my breath.”

“We should remove the arrows,” Rallion said. “I can try to stop

the poison from spreading further. Male fae don’t have the same
healing abilities as females, but it’s better than nothing.”

Tallean had never actually realized fae blood coursed through

Rallion’s veins. He allowed the man access to his back and bit his lip
to suppress a cry of pain when his lover retrieved the first arrow, then
the second. After that, Rallion did the same for Wren and Wren
helped Rallion in turn.

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A warm power began to flow over Tallean, coming from Rallion.

Slowly, it gave him the strength to fight the poison. Even so, fighting
their fall had exhausted him. He didn’t think he could move from this
spot.

“You two need to go,” he told his lovers. “You need to find

Connor.”

“We can’t leave you,” Wren said in a choked voice. “You’ll die

on your own.”

Tallean shook his head. “I’m already feeling better. Now go.”
His words sounded weak and unconvincing even to his own ears.

“Wren, you go,” Rallion said. “Find Connor, Che’kendral and Rodrik.
I’ll stay with Tallean and try to keep him alive.”

Tallean couldn’t even open his mouth to protest. They were

probably right, as even with Rallion’s healing power coursing over
him, he still felt weak. Wren, however, looked much better. After a
few moments, he got to his feet and looked up at the edge they’d been
thrown off.

“I’d better go. I have a long way to climb.”
Tallean would have loved to levitate his lover, but he couldn’t

find enough strength. Helpless, he remained in Rallion’s warm
embrace as he watched Wren climb over the cliff and disappear into
the darkness.

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Chapter Ten

When Connor opened his eyes, the first thing he became aware of

was the horrible ache pounding at the back of his skull. A sensation of
déjà-vu gripped him next. He’d felt similarly back when he’d first
woken up at The Red Star, after an unpleasant meeting with the fist
belonging to Rallion’s coworker.

The trail of thought took him to Rallion and his lovers. From

there, it was only another step to remembering what happened. There
had been an attack at The Star. Rallion, Wren, and Tallean suffered
severe injuries. The big man—probably the leader of the group—must
have knocked him out, because he couldn’t recall anything beyond
that point.

As his vision cleared, he looked around his new location, but

couldn’t identify it for the life of him. He lay in a bed, but the room
was shrouded in darkness, and Connor couldn’t distinguish anything
else. He tried to get up, and in that moment, he realized he was tied
with a heavy chain from the headboard.

Despair coursed through him, and he started to scream and sob.

He needed to get to his lovers. He needed to touch them, to make sure
they were still alive. God, just the memory of them lying bloody on
the floor of his room made ice flow through his veins.

The door opened and the same man from before entered the room.

Connor recognized him from his bulk, even if he no longer wore his
mask and black clothing. “Stop your screaming,” he growled at
Connor. “Do I have to hit you again?”

Connor gulped, knowing the man meant his words. At the same

time, he noticed the way his enemy’s eyes raked over his near-naked

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body. His shirt had disappeared somewhere along the way, and the
chill in the room made Connor’s nipples pebble. He shivered in
revulsion when the man licked his lips, but it occurred to him that
perhaps he could use his captor’s lust for him.

He moaned theatrically, plopped back on the pillows and arched

his back. “As long as you touch me, I’m fine with it,” he whispered in
his best seductive tone.

The man arched his brow. “Do you really think you can convince

me to let you go?”

The words might have been discouraging, but the husky tone told

Connor he was on the right track.

“No,” he answered with a smile. “I don’t want that. I just…God, I

need somebody to fuck me. I feel so empty without a cock inside me.”
He spread his legs as far as he could, hating himself even as he did so.
“Please. Can’t you help me?”

The man gulped. “I…I can’t. My boss—”
“No one has to know,” Connor said hastily. “If your master asks,

you can just say the men at the brothel fucked me. Come on, babe, I
can take it. Give it to me.”

He spouted line after line of dirty talk, until he ran out of things to

say. He almost thought he’d humiliated himself for nothing, but the
man snapped. “You want my cock? I’ll give it to you, little whore. I’ll
give it to you until you can’t walk.”

Connor’s heart started to beat even faster. He’d taken a big chance

to draw the big man within his reach. Now he had to take him out.
Hopefully, his captor would have the key to his shackles, and Connor
would manage to escape. If not, he was fucked. Literally.

Pushing himself closer to the headboard, Connor offered the man

a come-hither smirk. The man’s weight and muscle mass gave him a
significant advantage over Connor. At the same time, however,
Connor knew he would be underestimated. That much seemed clear,
since even if they’d bound his hands, they’d left his legs free. His
slender build and flexibility would also help him in his predicament.

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As the man lowered himself over Connor, Connor wrapped a leg

around his captor’s waist. His enemy closed his eyes and groaned, and
Connor used the moment of distraction to bring his bound hand
forward and hit the man’s head with his shackles. His would-be rapist
had a hard skull, and he opened his eyes, glaring down at Connor.
“You little—”

But Connor didn’t lose his composure. He hit the man again and

again, as quickly as he could. He almost couldn’t believe it when his
captor fell with a grunt next to him on the bed. Part one of his plan
was complete.

Now, he needed to find the supposed key, if the man did indeed

have it. Much to Connor’s glee, he spotted one such item dangling
from his captor’s neck. The chains were not long enough to reach, so
Connor found himself forced to maneuver the man’s unconscious
form closer with just the use of his legs.

Finally, he managed to reach the key with his mouth. It took

forever, but he succeeded in retrieving the chain with the key from the
man. Holding the priceless item between his teeth, he inserted it in the
lock of his cuffs, praying that it would be, indeed, the right one.

Thankfully, the lock yielded and the shackles released Connor’s

wrists. Without wasting a second, he put the unconscious man in the
chains that held Connor before. He snapped the lock on the cuffs
seconds before the man opened his eyes and reached for him. “You
little fuck! Come here!”

Connor would have liked to gag the man, but he couldn’t risk

doing it now. The captor turned captive could grab Connor or
immobilize him, and he couldn’t allow that. He threw away the key
and fled the room, the angry howls of his prisoner following him.

He ended up in a dark corridor, with several doors to his right and

left. Unsurprisingly, they were all locked, save for one that reminded
him of his own prison. Shuddering, Connor hastened his steps,
knowing he had little time before his captive’s shouts reached
someone’s ears.

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Finally, he spotted a tiny thread of light. Panic coursed through

him when he heard footsteps approach and he ducked into an alcove
out of sight. A number of men passed him by without seeing him,
heading in the direction of Connor’s jail.

In relief, Connor leaned against the wall when the sound of their

footsteps disappeared into the distance. To his shock, the wall yielded,
and he fell backward into a different hallway that seemed to have
been hidden behind the innocuous-looking brick.

At first, Connor was reluctant to go exploring. Reason told him

the way out would not be through some eerie, dank passage. Then
again, the secret corridor he’d discovered might be the only exit. He
guessed Malius wouldn’t keep his prisoners somewhere within view
of everyone else.

The decision was taken out of his hands when Connor heard a

shout of pain in front of him. His mind went to his injured lovers, and
without further hesitation, he lunged forward, heading in the direction
of the sound.

As he approached, however, he realized the cries couldn’t belong

to his men. Their voices were deeper than the one echoing in
Connor’s ears. Still, someone down here needed help and Connor
couldn’t allow the person crying out to suffer any longer.

Carefully, he approached the source of the sound until words

became discernable. “Let me go or you’ll regret it,” a youthful male
voice said.

“Dream on,” another man answered. “You’ll wait until the boss

decides what to do with you.” Connor didn’t understand the following
lines of conversation, but he knew enough already. The person
screaming must be another of Malius’s prisoners. Connor couldn’t in
good conscience leave him.

He scanned the area for something he could use as a weapon and

found a heavy fallen brick. He picked it up, grimacing at the weight,
and peeked inside the room where the voices were coming from. He
barely managed to suppress a gasp at what he saw. A young man lay

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bound against the filthy wall, heavy manacles gripping his arms and
long chains wrapping around his wings. Dried blood and dirt marred
his face and his golden hair, but even so, Connor could tell the
prisoner was very beautiful.

The other occupant of the room could have been the twin of

Connor’s would-be rapist, big, bulky, and mean. Connor couldn’t see
his face, since the man’s back was turned. He counted his blessings
for the little miracle. With the soldier distracted, Connor might be
able to immobilize him.

Slowly and carefully, he slipped into the room, carrying the brick.

He saw the exact moment when the prisoner realized his presence.
For a brief instant, the young man’s eyes widened, and Connor froze,
staring in the bright blue orbs that zoomed on him. He prayed the
youth wouldn’t give him away, and he was in luck. The winged
beauty must have realized Connor just wanted to help. He started
spouting insults at his guard with renewed enthusiasm, obviously
seeking to distract the man. It worked, even if the prisoner took a
couple of blows across the face for his courage.

Connor lunged and hit the guard with the brick as hard as he

could. Instantly, the man crumbled to the floor in a heap. For a few
moments, Connor thought he’d killed his opponent, but as he turned
the motionless body faceup, he saw the man was still breathing.
Thank God. He didn’t want to become a killer.

Connor looked for the key and found it dangling from the jailer’s

neck, just like he had in the room. He grabbed it and hastily made his
way to the winged youth. “Hang in there,” he said. “I’ll have you out
in a moment.”

The young man waited, although Connor could see he remained

tense. Thankfully, the key worked both on the shackles around the
prisoner’s wrists and around those holding his wings immobile.
Finally, the youth was free.

“Thank you,” he told Connor, his voice sounding raw from the

screaming. “You…You are the human, correct?”

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Connor nodded. “Connor Spade.”
“I am Valderr of the Golden Eagle nation,” the young man

answered. After a brief pause, he said, “We should get out of here.”

“I can’t,” Connor answer. “I have to look for three other people. A

dark elf, a sky elf and a half-human.”

“They’re not here,” Valderr answered. “I saw when they brought

you in. You were alone.”

He hesitated, and Connor saw something that scared him in those

sad blue eyes. “What? What is it?”

“I heard them say…The elven princes—are they your friends?”
Connor nodded, his mouth suddenly dry. At his silent urge,

Valderr answered, “I heard the guards say they dumped the bodies off
the north cliff.”

Connor’s legs gave way, and his vision became cloudy. Valderr

caught him before he could hit the ground, but Connor couldn’t even
acknowledge the eagle’s action. Dead? No, his lovers couldn’t be
dead. Oh, God. This couldn’t be happening.

“Connor,” Valderr whispered, “they could have lied or been

mistaken. We have to get out of here or you’ll never learn the truth.”

Connor shook himself out of his self-pitying misery. “You’re

right,” he replied as he pushed himself out of Valderr’s arms. “Do you
know the way out?”

“This whole building is an attachment to the main residence of the

governor, but it’s hidden. To my knowledge, this passage leads into
the house, but there should be a separate service exit further up.”

“Lead the way,” Connor told his new friend.
Valderr grabbed his hand and they started walking away from the

cell, in the direction opposite to the way Connor had come. Connor’s
heart thundered in his chest. He needed to escape this place and find
out what really happened to his men.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be. A few minutes into their

search, footsteps sounded again, this time from both directions.

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Voices reached out to them. “Find the little whores, or else the boss
will have your hide.”

Terror coursed through Connor as he desperately looked for a way

out. His eyes fell on a crack in the wall at the other side of the
corridor. It was quite high up and narrow, but Connor thought Valderr
could probably slip through it. “Look, up there.”

The young eagle followed his gaze and shook his head. “We’d

never fit,” he said.

“No, we won’t,” Connor agreed. “But you might. Please, find

them. And there’s someone else, two Imperium agents, Che’kendral
and Rodrik. They’re shape-shifters. They’ll help you.”

He hastily described his men then urged Valderr toward the hole.

“Go. Come on, go.”

“I can’t just leave you,” Valderr answered. “You’ll die.”
“You have to,” Connor countered. “Please, Valderr. There isn’t

any other way.”

Valderr hugged Connor tight then murmured, “My father was

wrong about humans. You are amazing beings.”

With that enigmatic comment, Valderr released Connor and flew

off. Connor watched his new friend slip through the crack and
disappear outside. Satisfied, he began to run forward, hoping to at
least divert the guards’ attention from the spot Valderr used to fly off.

Unsurprisingly, he didn’t make it very far. A minute or so after his

separation from Valderr, Connor found himself facing a group of
angry guards. On instinct, he took a step back, but didn’t get the
chance to do anything more. Pain engulfed him and he fell into
unconsciousness once again.

* * * *

Chek felt restless. He and Rodrik had meant to leave early, but the

governor seemed intent on showing them all the beauties of
Almareya. The festival partiers surrounded them from every direction,

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laughing and dancing. But none of their glee reached Chek. His mate
was back at The Red Star, and it bothered him that he could not be at
Connor’s side.

At first, Chek consoled himself with the knowledge that Connor

had his three lovers to watch over him. It gave him the strength and
patience to withstand all of the governor’s attentions.

But all that changed when a sense of panic invaded Chek—not his

own, but coming from his mate. Something was wrong with Connor,
he could feel it.

A growl from Rodrik alerted him that the wolf shifters experience

the same avalanche of emotions. It must be strong if they could sense
it even without claiming Connor. Their connection would only reach
its true potential once they fulfilled the mate bond, but already,
Connor’s feeling reached them. It frightened Chek like nothing else
ever had.

Turning on his heel, he rushed back in the direction of The Star.

Behind them, he heard the governor call them. At first, he ignored it,
but reason made him reconsider. Most likely, Malius was responsible
for Connor’s anxiety. Having him would give them an advantage
Chek could not disregard.

Chek backtracked and lunged toward the governor, while Rodrik

continued his mad dash toward The Star. “You’re coming with me,”
Chek growled, eager to follow behind the other man.

He didn’t even give Malius the opportunity to refuse. He allowed

his power to course over Malius and enslave the governor’s will.
Chek rarely used his abilities to such an extent, but he couldn’t afford
to waste any more time.

Malius went still and Chek grabbed him, draping him over his

shoulder. Before the governor’s guards could snap out of their shock,
he rushed after Rodrik. The crowd blocked his passage, and he found
it difficult to make his way through the hustle and bustle. Frustrated
and terrified, Chek took a deep breath and allowed the change to flow
over him. Wings burst out of his back, but he stopped the beast from

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fully manifesting. An ice dragon appearing in the center of Almareya
would just cause further panic.

Using his wings, he launched himself into the sky, still holding the

governor’s pliant form. Beneath him, he saw a dark shape move and
heard the startled shouts of several people. His senses told him Rodrik
had shifted as well.

Even with their shifter speed, it still took quite a while to reach

The Red Star. As Chek landed in front of the building, he noticed bits
and pieces of rubble littered the courtyard. The building seemed to
have suffered some sort of attack. But even as he stood there, he knew
Connor was long gone.

The big, red wolf made his way to Chek and turned back into

Rodrik. “He’s not here. His scent leads away from the building.”

“What about the others?”
“Toward the northern cliffs,” Rodrik replied. Instantly, Chek

recalled the dangerous inclines of the northern part of Almareya.
Fuck. No wonder Malius had invited them to the festival. He must
have realized the attack would not succeed with Chek and Rodrik
there. Even if Imperium investigators did not always like humans,
elven princes were a different matter entirely.

“We have to go after them before it’s too late,” he told Rodrik.

“I’ll head that way. I’ll be able to travel across the water faster if need
be.”

Rodrik nodded. “I’ll go after Connor. Pass me the bastard.”
Chek handed the governor to Rodrik, then said, “Take care,

Rodrik, and find our mate.”

“And good luck to you, too.”
With that, the two parted ways. Chek launched himself in the air,

heading toward the cliffs. He flew out of Almareya and into the
forest. A few minutes into his journey, he sensed a familiar presence
nearby. Beneath him, he caught sight of a man moving in the
greenery.

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Immediately, he landed. Wren didn’t look surprised at his

appearance. “Thank the gods. I thought I was dreaming when I felt
you.”

“What happened, Wren?” Chek asked.
“We were attacked. Tallean is badly injured. Rallion stayed with

him, but he’s exhausted and hurt as well. I don’t know how long
Rallion’s powers can keep Tallean alive. And Connor was kidnapped.
I…”

Chek wrapped the dark elf in his arms. He understood Wren’s

need to reach both of his men. Chek himself was split between his
missing human mate and Tallean’s difficult situation. “Rodrik went
after Connor. He can handle himself. We’ll deal with Tallean first.”

Wren inhaled deeply and nodded. “This way.”

* * * *

In his half-shifted form, Rodrik rushed through the streets, his

destination clear in his mind. He knew the layout of the Almareyan
city and could already tell Connor’s location. It was somewhere
around Malius’s residence. It didn’t surprise Rodrik. The governor
must be the only one who’d be arrogant enough to attack The Red
Star with the elven princes there.

He suspected all of it amounted to obsession more than arrogance.

Malius must have panicked when he’d been told Connor might leave
Almareya. Perhaps he hadn’t realized the extent of Rodrik and Chek’s
attachment to Connor. Whatever the case, Rodrik knew it wouldn’t be
easy to free his mate. He was counting on making an exchange—
Connor for Malius.

As he ran, the sound of wings flapping drew his attention. A

young eagle landed on a house in front of him, looking exhausted.
“Are you by any chance Rodrik?”

Rodrik turned back to his normal form. “Who wants to know?” he

asked.

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“A friend of a friend. I’m Valderr. Connor Spade sent me to look

for you.”

“Connor? You’ve seen Connor?”
Valderr nodded, panting hard. His eyes fixed on the governor.

“He’s at Malius’s place, in a hiding place. He managed to get away
and free me, but I think the guards trapped him again.”

Rodrik didn’t wait for anything else to be said. Now desperate, he

headed toward the governor’s residence. He sensed Valderr flying
behind him and was thankful for the backup. Valderr’s wings might
prove to be useful.

The governor’s house lay away from the main city, its privacy

guaranteed by a tall fence and an obscene number of guards. The
guards in question seemed quite agitated. It could have been because
of Chek’s kidnapping of their boss, only there hadn’t been enough
time for word to reach the house. Rodrik therefore surmised the cause
to be Valderr’s escape.

Still, Rodrik didn’t bother with stealth. The guards were too many

and even with his powers, he couldn’t take them all out. He walked
straight up to the gate and called out. “Hey! Who’s in charge here? I
have someone you might want to see.”

A tall, bulky man appeared in front of the gate. He instantly paled

when he saw Malius in Rodrik’s grasp. “Release the governor at
once!” he shouted at Rodrik.

“Sure,” Rodrik answered, “as long as you give Connor back to

me.”

The man shifted on his feet, obviously uncomfortable. “I don’t

know what you’re talking about. We don’t have any Connor here.”

“That’s a big, fat lie,” Valderr said from behind Rodrik. “He’s

lying. Connor is in there.”

“I know,” Rodrik said as he glared at the scumbag. “Maybe this

will change your mind.”

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He lifted the governor upright and shook him hard. Without Chek

to reinforce the compulsion, the man started to wake from his trance.
“W–What? What the fuck are you doing?”

“Just a little trade-off. Your life, for Connor’s. What do you say,

Governor?” He grinned, allowing his fangs to lengthen as he did so.

“You’re crazy!” Malius shouted. “You can’t do this. I’m an

important man. The Imperium will punish you.” He laughed in
Rodrik’s face. “That’s right. You’re only bluffing. You can’t hurt
me.”

Rodrik sneered at Malius. “I can and I will.” He tightened his hold

on Malius, cutting the other man’s breathing. The scent of blood
engulfed him as his claws dug into Malius’s flesh. He ached to tear
the man apart, but saving Connor was his priority.

His little demonstration seemed to convince Malius as the acrid

stench of fear filled the air. But, still, Malius refused to give up. “You
won’t kill me. If you do, your precious human is dead as well.”
Malius was right about that. When Rodrik didn’t say anything, Malius
continued, “We are at a stalemate, aren’t we? Just let me go and I’ll
forget this ever happened.”

Rodrik snarled at the man. “Fine. You want to do this the hard

way. We will.”

He dumped Malius on the ground and held him down. Knowing

full well that what he was doing would cost him his job and maybe
his life, Rodrik took Malius’s arm and pulled. The sickening crunch
of bone, followed by the agonized shout of the governor, echoed over
the gathered people.

“Now can you tell I’m serious?”
“Bring him the human,” Malius screamed. “Move your asses.”
The guards did as they were told. Several men rushed away from

the gate, disappearing behind the main building. It seemed to take
forever, and with every second that passed, Rodrik’s instincts roared
out of control. Just because he could, Rodrik stepped on Malius’s
wrist. “Stop,” Malius croaked out. “Please stop.”

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Rodrik ignored him, his eyes fixed on several approaching figures.

A now approaching guard carried his mate. Rodrik barely managed to
contain himself and not lunge forward. Baring his fangs at the
governor’s men, he said, “Move it. Now. Hurry.”

The men obeyed. They opened the gate and slowly made their

way to Rodrik. At the same time, Rodrik pulled the governor upward.
As much as he’d have liked to kill Malius, that would have to wait
until his mate was safe.

At last, the exchange was made and Rodrik had Connor in his

arms. His mate seemed dazed and showed some signs of bruising
across his wrists. Even if he didn’t spot other injuries, Rodrik needed
to get Connor to a healer.

“What are you doing, you fools?” Malius shouted in the

background. “Get them.”

Rodrik would have wanted to give the Almareyans a lesson they’d

never forget, but he decided against it. He took Connor into his arms
and gestured for Valderr to come with him. As the eagle launched
himself into the air, Rodrik took off, carrying Connor back toward the
city.

He followed the faithful guide of his senses, searching for Chek.

He hoped his partner had found the three missing men. He couldn’t
even accept the alternative.

His steps carried him in the direction of the harbor. He was about

halfway there, with Valderr still soaring above him, when he spotted
the familiar glint of icy wings. Chek landed in front of him. “You
have Connor.” He sighed in obvious relief. “I found the others.”

At his words, Connor perked up. “You found them? Are they

okay?” He still sounded a bit dazed, but the mentioning of the other
men seemed to snap him out of it.

“Tallean is pretty weak, but he’ll be fine. We got Ralleana to look

at his wounds. I managed to secure a boat for us and was coming your
way.”

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155

“Good,” Rodrik said. “We need to get off the island. We’re no

longer safe here.”

Valderr lowered himself on the ground as well. “Can I come?” he

asked softly.

“Of course,” Connor answered weakly. “You’re my friend.”
“You’re right, Connor,” Chek said. “I’m not sure who you are,

young eagle, but if Connor considers you a friend, you’re safe with
us.”

As they started walking toward the harbor, Rodrik noticed Valderr

looked exhausted. Chek must have thought the same, as he said,
“Come here, Valderr. I can carry you.”

Valderr started to protest, but Chek didn’t give him a choice. He

grabbed their mate’s friend and headed toward the ship. Even with the
comfort of Chek’s words, Rodrik still felt relieved when he first set
eyes on Wren. The elf waited in the shadows in front of a small group
of ships, his entire stance tense. “You have Connor,” he said as
Rodrik approached, echoing Chek’s words from before. “Hurry. We
need to get inside the boat.”

Wren led them to a small sea vessel. As all the passengers

boarded, Rodrik sensed the malignant presence approach. Wren took
off toward the steering wheel, while Chek placed Valderr down and
then pulled up the anchor. Guided by Wren’s capable hands, the boat
started to move, gaining in speed more and more with every second
that passed. Just in time, too, because soon after that, Malius and his
guards emerged at the other side of the harbor.

It would have been quite admirable that Malius had come after

them in spite of his injuries. Clearly, the governor was both very
angry and obsessed with Connor. Judging by what he already knew of
Malius, he would guess Malius always got what he wanted, and his
hubris didn’t allow him to give up. But it was too late for the man to
reach them now. They were still in Almareyan waters, but the little
ship moved fast, and soon, they would reach international territory.
Not that they’d be safe there. Rodrik and Chek’s actions ensured that

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the Imperium would come after them. But they’d deal with it when
the time came. First, they needed to check in on Rallion and Tallean.

Still carrying his mate, Rodrik allowed his senses to lead him

toward the two men. Chek followed behind him, and together, they
went in search of the men. The ship wasn’t big enough to hide too
many people, and Rodrik found his quarry in a small room below
deck. Rallion waited on a chair nailed to the planked floor while his
sister sat on the bed next to a very pale-looking Tallean. Her hands
glowed, enveloping Tallean’s chest in a bright light.

Connor cried out in dismay and struggled to get out of Rodrik’s

grasp. “Gently now, Connor,” Rodrik whispered. “He’s alive, and
Ralleana is helping him. Don’t panic.”

His words seemed to have a calming effect on Connor. Satisfied,

Rodrik placed his mate down and watched as Connor walked to
Tallean’s side. As the young human knelt next to the bed, Tallean’s
eyes cracked open. “Oh, Connor,” he said in obvious relief. “Thank
the gods you’re not hurt.”

Connor reached out and gripped the sky elf’s hand. At the same

time, Rallion joined them. Connor leaned against Rallion and said, “I
wish I could say the same.”

Tallean just grinned. “Don’t worry. I’m just a little weak. I’ll be

fine.”

Rodrik believed the man. He could scent death, and he didn’t

smell it on Tallean. The man had most likely suffered a greater injury
because he’d used his powers. Nevertheless, it didn’t make the
situation any less serious. Tallean and the others could have died in
the attack. Malius had no qualms in assassinating royalty.

But Rodrik didn’t mention any of his concerns out loud. Instead,

he just watched as Ralleana checked over Connor’s injuries, smiling
slightly at Connor’s protest. In that moment, Rodrik knew that even if
he’d cast away his entire life, these men were worth it.

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Chapter Eleven

For a few hours, Connor didn’t tear himself from Tallean’s side.

At first, he couldn’t bring himself to the believe Tallean would be
okay. The man looked so very pale it scared him. But with each
moment that passed, Tallean’s color returned more and more.
Ralleana’s efforts paid off, and Connor could safely say he trusted the
sky elf’s recovery.

Rallion never left his side, watching over Tallean with Connor. At

one point, Che’kendral went to take over the ship’s steering and
relieved Wren from his duties. Wren brought with him both a meal for
Connor and a feeling of peace. His concern extended to all his lovers.
Having them together in the same room made him acknowledge that
they’d truly been saved.

After he’d eaten, Rodrik took his hand and pulled him up. “Come

on, Connor,” Rodrik said. “You need to get some rest.”

“But Tallean...” Connor protested. He couldn’t just leave the other

man.

“Tallean needs to rest, too.” Rodrik smiled. “And he has Rallion

and his sister to look after him. Don’t worry.”

“Rodrik is right, beautiful,” Tallean piped in.”Go take a nap. By

the time you get up, I’ll be much better, you’ll see.”

Connor couldn’t resist both his men. And admittedly, he did feel

exhausted. The episode at the governor’s house drained him both
physically and emotionally. “Okay,” he said. “Just let me know if
anything happens.”

Rodrik grabbed him in his arms and pressed a kiss to his temple.

“Stop worrying, Connor. That’s our job.”

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Connor saw Rodrik share a look with Rallion and Wren. He didn’t

know what it meant, and he didn’t have the courage to ask. Instead, he
allowed Rodrik to carry him out of the room and into the second cabin
of the ship. It was just as small as the first one, and its only occupant,
Valderr, beamed at Connor as soon as their eyes met. “Hello, my
friend. How are your companions?”

“Better,” Connor replied. He liked the young man and mentally

thanked Rodrik for bringing him here. Rodrik placed him down and
Connor made his way to his new friend. “What about you?”

“I’m recovering. Eagles are sturdy creatures and, thanks to you,

Malius didn’t have me for too long. I’ll be forever grateful. I don’t
know how long I’d have been able to hold him back.”

“Let me guess,” Rodrik said. “You’re the source of the scratch on

Malius’s face.” When Valderr nodded, Connor couldn’t help a
chuckle.

“That’s great.” His amusement vanished when he saw Valderr’s

sad expression. “What is it? Why are you upset?”

“I just…” He looked at Rodrik, and the man took his cue.
“I’ll be waiting for you in the next room, okay, Connor? Don’t be

long. You need to get some sleep.”

Connor nodded, for some reason not at all bothered by Rodrik’s

bossing around. When the man was gone, Valderr breathed in a sigh
of relief. “I don’t mean any offense, but he makes me a bit nervous.”

“He’s a great man, but you don’t know him. Now, tell me. What’s

on your mind?”

“I feel dirty, Connor,” Valderr choked out. “So dirty I won’t ever

get clean. I was lucky that he didn’t actually get to force me. But there
were so many who touched me. I…How do you get over such a
thing?”

Valderr’s pleading look broke Connor’s heart. He understood how

the young eagle felt. Connor himself dodged Valderr’s situation when
Wren and Tallean found him. “It’s not your fault, Valderr, for any of
this. You didn’t do anything wrong.”

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159

“How do I know that? It seems like everyone lately just wants to

sell me, like I’m some piece of meat.”

This was clearly about more than just Malius, but Connor didn’t

prod. If Valderr wanted to tell him, he would. “I understand it’s hard,
but you can’t let it get to you. You have to find the strength to move
on. You can do it. You can’t let them win.”

He couldn’t come up with any words that would make the

situation better. So, instead, he just wrapped Valderr in a tight
embrace. Whatever secrets the young eagle hid, Connor would be
there for him.

Slowly, Valderr began to calm down. “Tell me about your world,”

he suddenly said.

It was a surprising change in topic, but Connor allowed it. “Well,

it’s very different from Uli, that’s for sure. To a certain extent, I miss
it.”

“Do you have family?” Valderr asked, his voice trembling. Once

again, Connor sensed something hiding underneath the question.

“My parents died a while back,” he answered. “I do have a good

friend. His name is Owen. He’s like a brother to me.” In a way,
Valderr reminded him of Owen, but Connor didn’t say it.

Valderr looked thoughtful. For a few seconds, he remained silent.

Then, he released Connor from his embrace. “You better be going.
Rodrik must be waiting.”

Connor got up, still a bit concerned. “Have you eaten?”
“I have.” Valderr nodded. “Go on. I’ll get some sleep, too. I’ll feel

better later.”

With a final hug, Connor left Valderr’s room. He made a mental

note to continue the conversation with Valderr later. The young eagle
clearly needed a friend, and Connor already cared a lot about him.

Connor headed toward the third and last cabin of the ship. As he

entered, he spotted Rodrik on the bed. The man seemed to be reading
some sort of book, but he abandoned it as soon as Connor got there.
“So, you’ve decided to get some rest. Excellent.”

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Behind him, Che’kendral appeared, his heavy hand ushering

Connor along. Heat flooded his face upon the realization that this was
the first time he’d been alone with the two. In fact, the situation had
changed dramatically. The official investigation ended, simply
because they were fugitives now.

Connor wondered if that meant the two men would stop being off-

limits, and hated himself for the thought. For crying out loud, Tallean
was injured in the next room, recovering from a life-threatening
injury. Valderr was still suffering because of his imprisonment. And
here Connor was, lusting over two other men.

“What are you thinking so hard about, gorgeous?” Che’kendral

said in his ear. “Tell me.”

Connor trembled at the order in the man’s voice. All glum

thoughts began to disappear. “I just...Is the investigation over now?”

Rodrik’s eyes burned Connor as they raked over him. “Why do

you want to know?”

“I–I...uh...No reason. It just occurred to me.”
Che’kendral chuckled darkly and gestured Connor down to bed.

Connor obeyed and sat on the soft mattress. “You’re a little liar,”
Che’kendral said. “I think you deserve to be punished.”

Against his will, Connor began to tremble in lust. What was

wrong with him? He shouldn’t want to lose himself in the passion the
two men offered, but he did. He was a whore.

He only realized he’d said the words out loud when Rodrik

frowned at him. “You’re not a whore. How many times do I have to
tell you? Don’t even think that.”

“I know this is a terrible time to bring this up,” Che’kendral

continued, “but we need you to understand the extent of your
connection with us. You are our mate, Connor.”

Connor’s eyes widened, and for a few moments, he couldn’t

speak. “I’m sorry, what?” he asked.

“You are our mate,” Rodrik repeated. “You were destined for us,

from the moment you were born.”

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161

The words both comforted and scared Connor. For whatever

reason, the fear was easier to grasp.

“I…I don’t believe in destiny. It’s the choices we make that

determine our life, not fate.”

Rodrik shook his head. “You misunderstand, baby. Fate doesn’t

force us into anything. It is like a book that foretells what will happen,
but it continuously rewrites itself based on what we do.”

“Oh,” Connor said. “I…I just don’t get any of this.”
Rodrik and Che’kendral joined him on the bed, gesturing for him

to lie down. The cot was quite narrow, so their bodies surrounded him
from both sides, their warmth soothing and arousing. “Just close your
eyes,” Che’kendral said. “You’ll understand everything in time.”

As he spoke, Che’kendral removed what little clothing Connor

had on. He hadn’t bothered to change, too concerned with Tallean,
but now, he felt thankful for being freed of the material. It carried the
scent and feel of imprisonment. Even if by removing it, Che’kendral
left Connor naked, Connor still felt thankful.

At the same time, Connor’s body seemed attuned to Che’kendral’s

order. Almost instantly, hope and calm filled him, the knowledge that
he was loved and protected surrounding his heart. He let himself fall
into the relaxation and oblivion slumber provided.

* * * *

Chek didn’t sleep a wink. His mind was too busy taking in the

possible consequences of his actions, and his beast demanded that he
claimed the mate so close to him. His cock throbbed, but he held
himself in check, knowing Connor needed his rest.

Occasionally, the young human would rub himself against Chek,

his delicious dick coming into contact with Chek’s prick. Connor’s
sweet breath tickled his neck and from time to time, Chek heard
Connor mumble his and Rodrik’s name, together with those of the
other men.

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Over Connor’s shoulder, Chek saw Rodrik and knew his partner

suffered from the same treatment. He could only imagine the feel of
Connor’s tight ass against his dick. Gods, every bit of Connor seemed
engineered to drive them both mad, from his full lips, to the slender
body that fit so well in their arms.

Just when Chek thought that he might die of blue balls, Connor’s

eyes fluttered open. “Hi,” he said in a low murmur.

“Hi back,” Chek answered. “Have a nice nap?”
“Yes.” Connor licked his lips. “I…Uh…”
Chek pressed himself closer to Connor. “What is it, gorgeous? It

seems you want something.”

“I just…I wanted to ask. About the mate thing.” Connor’s cheeks

were flushed, and he avoided Chek’s gaze. “What would it entail?”

“Why do you ask? Do you think you’d be required to do anything

special?”

“I feel weird around you.” Connor huffed, sounding frustrated. “I

don’t know, all right? I just feel weird.”

Chek smiled, immediately detecting the opportunity to introduce

Connor to their style of lovemaking. “Did you raise your voice at me
just now?” he asked in fake anger.

Connor’s eyes snapped to him, wide and uncertain. “I…No. I

didn’t mean that.”

Rodrik pushed Connor even closer to Chek. “I do think our little

Connor is due some punishment. Isn’t that right?”

A shiver went through Connor, and Chek could easily tell his

mate’s excitement. Oh, yes, Connor was made for them, and Chek
couldn’t wait to teach the human everything he needed to know.

“It seems he likes the idea.” He chuckled. “Let me show you what

you want, Connor.”

In one flash of motion, Chek changed their positions on the bed.

Rodrik moved with him, as always completely in tune with Chek.
They ended up with Connor on all fours, with Chek in front of him

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163

and Rodrik behind. “Now, Connor, you’ll learn exactly what mating
with us entails.”

* * * *

Connor’s entire body buzzed with arousal. He had no idea what

Chek and Rodrik intended, but whatever it was, just the sinful
promise made him as hard as a rock. He couldn’t find any words to
reply, trembling like a leaf in the wind.

“First, we need you to hear the rules,” Rodrik said as he caressed

Connor’s buttocks. “In the bedroom, we’re the ones who give the
orders. We command, and you obey. Do you understand?”

“Uh…Yes,” Connor answered. At least, he thought he did. He

remembered some of Owen’s boyfriends had been into hardcore stuff,
like bondage or whipping. He also recalled the times when he’d been
forced to call the cops on the abusive bastards and nurse Owen’s
injured back and wrists. “I’m not so sure about this.”

“The correct answer is Yes, Sirs,” Che’kendral said. Connor

looked up at him and saw Che’kendral’s cool expression soften.
“Don’t worry. We won’t hurt you.”

“If at any time you want us to stop, you say a word—something

that doesn’t usually come up in pillow talk,” Rodrik indicated. “Go
on. Choose it.”

“Now?” When Che’kendral arched a brow, Connor felt

embarrassment course through him. “I mean, yes, sir.” He paused as
he considered his choices and asked, “Would ‘Earth’ do?”

“It’ll do fine, gorgeous.” Che’kendral caressed his cheek and

Connor instinctively leaned into the touch. The other man pulled him
up with amazing strength until he landed in Che’kendral’s lap. He felt
Che’kendral’s clothed cock against his crease and ground against the
already-hard member.

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The shape-shifter’s hands landed on Connor’s hips. “Don’t move,

Connor. From this moment on, you obey us. You come when we let
you and do what we tell you. Understood?”

Connor nodded, his body melting into Che’kendral’s embrace.

“Understood?” Rodrik repeated.

The harsh tone made Connor realize he’d forgotten the proper

address. “Yes, Sirs.”

“Good. You’re a fast learner.” The bed shifted as Rodrik moved,

and then Che’kendral placed Connor on the cot, faceup. “Lift your
hands,” Che’kendral instructed. When Connor did, a piece of thick
cloth went around his wrists. Before Connor could do anything about
it, Rodrik tied him to the bed.

For a few seconds, Connor panicked. He tested his restraints and

realized that, in spite of their softness, he could not free himself. In a
flash, he was transported to the governor’s prison and found himself
shackled and at the mercy of the guards again. They’d been so very
angry after capturing Connor. In fact, they might have killed him, if
not for Malius’s previous order that he remain unscathed.

Che’kendral’s strong voice snapped him out from his dark

memories. “Stay calm, Connor. Do you want to say your safe word?
Do you want us to stop?”

Connor took a deep breath, focusing on the presence of the two

men. This wasn’t Malius’s residence. Rodrik and Che’kendral were
with him. They would protect him. And truly, if he wanted to be
honest with himself, he wanted to be with them. He wanted what they
offered.

Swallowing heavily, he shook his head. “No, Sirs. I don’t want

you to stop.”

He couldn’t help a small sliver of satisfaction when his address

made Rodrik growl. “Don’t worry, my mate. Are you comfortable?”

Connor started to nod, but at the last minute, remembered the right

answer. “Yes, Sirs.”

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165

Rodrik grinned at him. “Excellent. Now just relax and feel. But

remember, you can’t come unless we tell you to. You belong to us.”

Connor barely managed to contain a moan of pleasure at the mere

concept of belonging to the two men. It was exactly what he’d
dreamed of ever since he’d first seen the two, even if he’d had trouble
accepting it. But could he give himself to Rodrik and Che’kendral
when his heart belonged to three other men? He was so very
confused.

“Stop thinking. Stop thinking right now,” Che’kendral chastised

him. “Your mind is only here, with us, in this moment.”

Connor couldn’t turn off his mind—at least he didn’t think so. But

for whatever reason, he knew his three lovers would not begrudge
him this. He recalled Tallean’s words in his ear the time the four of
them made love. Imagine them fucking your mouth as we fuck your
ass. Gods, it had been explosive to even have Che’kendral and Rodrik
watching him. To have their touch on his skin was even better.

And so, Connor surrendered himself to the caresses, pushing aside

all the rational thoughts that screamed at him to break free from the
hypnotizing hold.

He was so lost in his soon-to-be-lovers he almost missed the

moment when the two of them disrobed. They made an amazing sight,
Che’kendral’s muscled body completely hairless, in contrast with
Rodrik’s furry chest. The two men were so very different, yet both of
them made Connor shiver with want.

Che’kendral straddled Connor’s chest, without actually letting his

weight go on Connor. The new position made the man’s prick appear
in Connor’s line of sight. He swallowed nervously at the intimidating
view. His mouth watered at taking in the delicious purplish head and
the heavy balls hanging between the man’s strong thighs. From up
close, Che’kendral looked hotter than hell, something that should
have been amusing, taking into account the man’s usually cool
persona.

“Open your mouth, Connor,” Che’kendral indicated.

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Connor hastily obeyed, although he still felt a bit apprehensive, or

rather uncertain that he’d be able to take Che’kendral’s dick.
Che’kendral rubbed the head of his prick against Connor’s parted lips,
offering him a tantalizing promise of what was to come.

At the same time, Rodrik moved toward the end of the bed and

separated Connor’s legs. Because of Che’kendral, Connor couldn’t
see what Rodrik was doing. Every touch, even the slightest one,
became a surprise, his body unprepared, restless, and eager.

But Che’kendral didn’t allow him to overanalyze things either. He

slowly fed Connor his prick, pushing his hard penis into Connor’s
mouth. Connor’s eyes teared up, the position choking him, but
strangely arousing him at the same time. He realized in this moment,
he didn’t have to worry about anything or anyone. He just had to
allow his men to take him.

“That’s it, Connor. Relax. Take my cock.”
Connor closed his eyes, focusing on Che’kendral’s words to guide

his actions. He breathed through his nose as Che’kendral fucked his
mouth over and over. The other man’s deep, masculine scent filled his
nostrils, making him drunk and dizzy with lust.

Rodrik’s fingers traveled over his legs and to the juncture of his

thighs. His fist enclosed Connor’s hard dick. Connor moaned around
Che’kendral’s cock, making the other man groan. Other than that
sound, however, Che’kendral showed no reaction to the pleasure he
must be feeling. He continued to move in and out of Connor’s mouth,
his voice reaching out to Connor. “That’s good. Suck me. Surrender.”

With Che’kendral speaking to him, Connor couldn’t remember

why he would even have difficulty with the notion. In fact, merely
sucking the man off, coupled with Rodrik’s touch, had him on the
brink of coming.

Obviously reading the signals of his body, Rodrik’s hold on his

cock tightened. “Remember. You don’t come until we say so.”

Of course, it would have been easy if Rodrik continued to force

his orgasm back. Instead, the man released his grip and continued to

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stroke Connor with fierce determination. Connor no longer knew
whether to focus on pleasuring the dick in his mouth or on keeping his
climax in check. His body sizzled with warring sensations, and with
each second, their intensity increased.

Connor clung to the bindings that held his hands immobile,

finding their solidity strangely liberating. He was still thinking, he
realized. He needed to let go of his every barrier, of his entire self and
simply be.

Connor fixed his eyes on the sinful sight of Che’kendral moving

above him. His gaze met that of the other man’s, the beautiful ice-
blue orbs reaching out to his very soul. Rodrik’s teasing touches
progressed even more, but Connor allowed it to come, taking it all in.
A wicked finger explored his taint and rubbed across his crease,
awakening his every nerve. His hole tried to clutch at the digit,
demanding invasion. But Rodrik just chuckled, and Che’kendral
grinned down at him.

Much to Connor’s dismay, his lover retracted his cock from

Connor’s mouth. Denied of his prize, Connor let out a gasp of
discontent. “No! Please…I…”

Che’kendral tsked. “We make the rules, beautiful. Remember?”
Yes, Connor remembered. He just needed to touch and be touched

so badly. His hands strained against the bindings, but it was no use.
He could not get free.

Still, Che’kendral and Rodrik noticed his efforts. Rodrik’s touches

vanished, making Connor choke in distress. “Wait!”

He knew even as he spoke that he wasn’t doing the right thing. He

needed to accept what they gave him and surrender his will, not
command them. When the bindings disappeared from his wrists,
Connor could have wept, acknowledging the fact that he’d
disappointed his lovers.

But before he could even come up with anything resembling an

apology or an excuse, Rodrik pulled him up straight into his lap. This
time, however, Connor landed with his belly down on the other man’s

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legs, exposing his backside to Che’kendral and Rodrik. Given the
situation, modesty was out of place, but he still felt a bit awkward in
his current position.

He tried to move, but to his surprise, Rodrik held his hip. “Don’t

move, Connor. We still owe you a punishment. First you lied, and you
were insolent, and now, you’re trying to break free of your bonds.
You’re not a very good boy.”

Connor bit his lip and shivered. As much as he hated being

reprimanded, the thought of what the punishment could entail excited
him. “I’m sorry, Sir,” he managed to answer.

Rodrik hummed thoughtfully. “Acknowledging your mistake is

the first step toward correcting it. Now, you must suffer the
consequences.”

The words might have sounded ominous, but Rodrik’s caress on

his bottom was anything but. Connor forced himself to remain still,
even if his entire body begged to push up into the other man’s touch.
Besides, he was already in trouble with the two men. He didn’t need
to be disobedient again. God only knew what they had planned for
him.

His dilemma was clarified when a hard slap fell on his vulnerable

ass cheek. Pain coursed through Connor, and he couldn’t suppress a
yelp. “Breathe, Connor. Accept my gift. Open yourself to it.”

Connor forced himself to obey. It was hard, the memory of his

imprisonment still at the back of his mind. But to his shock, he found
the sting in his ass morph into something entirely different, a
pleasurable ache that pooled straight into his cock. Embarrassed, he
clutched at the sheets, panting hard. “Yes, Sir,” he remembered to
say.

When the second slap fell, this time on his other ass cheek,

Connor was ready for it. Perhaps, for that reason, it hurt even more.
But Connor breathed through the physical pain, allowing Rodrik to
guide him to the transition process. It helped that Rodrik didn’t rush

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him. Gentle caresses followed each slap, giving him a small reprieve
to recover.

The third slap struck a little lower than the first one had, but it still

hurt like a bitch. Tears filled Connor’s eyes, both at the pain and at
the unbearable need to come. He gritted his teeth, forcing his pleasure
back. When Rodrik struck him for the fourth time, he tasted blood in
his mouth, and at the fifth stroke, he couldn’t suppress a sob of
despair and need.

Thankfully, Rodrik found his punishment sufficient. He turned

Connor around and said, “What do you want? Tell us.”

Connor somehow mustered enough coherence to answer.

“I…Please…Please, Sirs!”

“Tell us, baby. Say it out loud. Now.”
Connor wanted to come, but more than that, he realized, he

wanted to be taken and possessed by the two men. “I want you to fuck
me,” he begged breathlessly. “Please, Sirs, fuck me. I need you inside
me.”

Rodrik growled lowly and flipped him on all fours once again.

Behind him, Connor felt Che’kendral move off the bed. He returned
in a few instants, his hands already on Connor’s bottom. Slick liquid
fell across Connor’s crease, and nimble fingers spread it around,
preparing Connor for penetration.

Che’kendral’s cold hands felt amazing on Connor’s heated skin,

and when the other man’s digit invaded his body, he couldn’t help a
moan. His lover rewarded him, finding Connor’s special spot and
stroking it on and on. Of course, it was rather a cross between a
reward and a punishment, the sweet sensual torture of a pleasure he
needed to smother.

He was desperate, desperate to feel his men inside him. But

Che’kendral took his time, adding more fingers, stretching Connor
with exquisite, excruciating care. Connor’s body greedily swallowed
the invasive digits, but he wanted more.

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Just when Connor thought he’d surely lose his mind, Che’kendral

removed his digits. He positioned his cock at Connor’s opening.
Slowly, he pushed inside, and in that moment, Connor recalled
Che’kendral’s impressive size. What had possibly possessed him to
yearn for it? He felt split in half, torn apart by the man’s dick. The
lingering soreness from the spanking didn’t help.

“Connor, relax,” Che’kendral said. “You’re tensing up again.

Relax.”

Just like before, Che’kendral’s words and caresses worked like

magic. At the same time, Rodrik entwined his fingers through
Connor’s hair, his cock inches away from Connor’s mouth. It was
very distracting, and he found that the pain began to dim.

As Che’kendral fully impaled him, his cock hit Connor’s special

spot. All thought of protest fled Connor’s mind as sparks of pleasure
burst inside him. The man’s size guaranteed that his prostate was
stimulated almost continuously.

He gasped, and Rodrik took advantage of the moment to gesture

for him to open his mouth wide. Connor did, and the next thing he
knew, Rodrik’s thick cock invaded his mouth. All the while,
Che’kendral remained motionless, allowing Connor’s body to get
used to the invasion.

At first, the two men took it slow. They started moving out of

Connor, fucking him in a seductive dance. Gradually, their pace
increased, their gentleness morphing into pure domination. They took
him over and over, possessing him just like he’d dreamed. Connor’s
ass was stretched beyond capacity, and his jaw ached, but suddenly, it
didn’t matter. Nothing mattered except pleasing his mates, and
finding completion within their desire. His anus burned at
Che’kendral’s intrusion, and his scalp hurt when Rodrik pulled his
hair. But the bite of pain made it all even better.

Connor’s dick throbbed, his balls aching with the need to come. It

was only his desire to submit that allowed Connor to keep himself

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171

from climaxing. But his mates must’ve sensed his tortured desire, as
Rodrik forced their eyes to meet and said, “Come. Come for us.”

The words triggered an automatic response inside Connor. His

climax swept over him like a tidal wave, breaking through every
barrier he’d erected. Seconds later, he felt Che’kendral fill him with
his seed. Rodrik’s hot essence bathed his tongue. Assaulted with
sensations, Connor lost himself in the onslaught of pleasure.

By some miracle, he managed to keep his consciousness. Perhaps

all his sexual escapades were giving him a little resistance to the
amazing pleasure his men could provide. Either way, he was more
than thankful for it. It allowed him to see the genuine pleasure in
Rodrik’s eyes.

His men slipped out of him, leaving him feeling empty and lonely.

But then both of them embraced him while Rodrik whispered, “You
did good, baby. You deserve a prize.”

It was mysterious what other prize he could receive other than

their love and satisfaction. Then Rodrik pressed his lips to Connor’s,
taking his mouth in a devastating kiss. A distant piece of knowledge
made Connor realize this was their first kiss. It seemed strange, given
that they’d just had mind-melting sex, but for some reason, Connor
understood it. Rodrik and Che’kendral weren’t people who just gave
their kisses away.

Rodrik slowly devoured him as their tongues entangled in a lazy

dance. They didn’t rush, their bodies still tingling with the afterglow.
They broke apart to breathe, and it was Che’kendral’s turn to take
Connor’s lips. Unsurprisingly, Che’kendral’s kiss felt very different,
just as unrushed, but somehow sterner, harsher. But the ice Connor
always sensed around Che’kendral had come apart in the fire of their
passion, and Connor could see the other man’s affection shining
through.

When their mouths parted, Che’kendral pressed his forehead to

Connor and said, “Remember, Connor. A kiss is valuable. Your kisses
are precious and priceless to us.”

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“Yes, Sir,” Connor answered. He closed his eyes and relaxed into

his men’s embrace. It didn’t take long for sleep to fall over him.

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Chapter Twelve

Rallion stood at the steering wheel of the ship, scanning the

horizon. Sunlight started to paint the sky red, and there was still no
sign of Malius’s troops. It unsettled him greatly. He knew Malius and
would bet his life that the governor would not give up.

Tallean’s voice reached out to him. “Hey, Rallion! Need a break?”
Rallion shook his head. “I’m fine,” he told his lover as the sky elf

joined him. “I love this time of day. Shouldn’t you be in bed?”

Tallean arched a brow at him. “You know as well as I do your

sister worked miracles on me. Besides, it’s not exactly the first time
I’ve been injured. I’m as good as new.” His expression turned
worried. “What about you? You wore yourself out.”

Rallion shrugged. Truth be told, he’d been the least affected by

the poisoned arrows. His fae powers allowed him to expel the
substance from his body faster than the elves could. Thankfully, he’d
also kept enough magic to fuel Tallean’s life force until Ralleana had
arrived.

“I’m okay,” he told the other man. “It was a close call, but we’re

fine.”

Tallean nodded, but looked thoughtful. “The gods only know what

would have happened if Rodrik and Che’kendral weren’t around.”

“I’m sure you’d had handled yourselves just fine eventually,”

Rodrik said from behind them. Rallion almost jumped, distressed at
the fact that he hadn’t heard the man coming. He turned, admiring the
way the sunlight hit Rodrik’s red hair, making it look almost bloody.
“Thank you for the vote of confidence.”

“How’s Connor?” Tallean asked.

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The man’s voice was level and calm, even if they all knew the two

Imperium agents had fucked Connor during the night. It didn’t bother
Rallion either. He knew the two men offered a different type of love
than his, a love he himself might manage to accept one day. At the
same time, he understood their need to claim Connor. All of them had
done so on their own time. Perhaps, soon, they’d succeed in balancing
their odd relationship. If Malius didn’t kill them, of course.

“Connor’s sleeping. He’s exhausted. I left Chek with him.”
“Chek?” Rallion chuckled. “I didn’t know you had a nickname for

your partner.”

Rodrik grinned. “Well, his true name is quite a mouthful. You

know dragons. It seems they name their kids just to annoy other folk.”

Rallion couldn’t know that, since he had never met a dragon

before Che’kendral. They were reserved creatures who stuck to their
own covens. Still, the banter amused him, the lighthearted mood a
welcome change from the terrifying, near-deadly night.

For a few minutes, the three of them remained on deck together,

just chatting and enjoying each other’s presence. Rallion admitted
there was a certain amount of sexual tension present, but none of them
acted on it.

It didn’t take long for the others to join him. Wren walked beside

Che’kendral, while Connor and Valderr came behind the first two.
The young eagle puzzled Rodrik. He seemed quite fond of Connor, in
spite of his nation’s tendency to despise humans. Apparently, Connor
had saved his life, which explained their friendship. But some beings
didn’t know the meaning of the word “gratitude,” at least not when
associated to an earthling. Still, it was probably good for Connor to
have a friend, someone to empathize with other than his five lovers.

Since he didn’t see his sister, Rallion surmised she must be still

below deck. She’d worked not only on Tallean, but also on him and
Wren, and it tired her.

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“Hi,” Connor greeted them. Briefly abandoning Valderr’s side, he

came to offer Rallion, Rodrik, and Tallean a chaste peck on the lips.
“What are you three up to?”

“Nothing much. Just talking.”
Connor grinned. “If you don’t mind, we’ll join you.”
The human seemed to flourish under their affection, and of

common accord, none of them mentioned Malius. Still, as time
passed, Rallion’s anxiety increased. He could also see his emotions
echoing in Wren, Tallean, and the others. Valderr also looked
thoughtful, and even if Connor tried to keep the relaxed mood, he
couldn’t hide his own apprehension.

“So, where are we headed?” Connor finally asked.
“My land,” Rodrik answered. “Packs are protective of their own,

and once they hear what happened, they’ll offer us solace.”

Connor sighed, his attempt to forget about Malius obviously set

aside. “I’m sorry about all this. If it weren’t for me, Rallion and his
sister could still have their business, and you and Che’kendral your
jobs.”

“Yes, but none of that matters,” Rodrik answered. “In the long

run, our mates, friends, and families are the only ones who count. As
long as we have each other, we’ll be—”

Rodrik didn’t finish the phrase. His expression darkened and he

turned to stare north, toward their destination. Che’kendral looked just
as upset, and even Rallion sensed something was coming.

“What?” Connor asked. “What is it?”
“Connor, you need to go below deck,” Wren told him. “Take

Valderr and hide. We’ll deal with this.”

“But, Wren—”
“Connor,” Che’kendral said, “do what he says. You’re not safe

here.”

“Neither are you.” Connor’s lip trembled, but nevertheless, he

obeyed. “Just take care of yourselves,” he said over his shoulder as he

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disappeared through the hatch that led to the cabins, followed by
Valderr.

Once the two young men were gone, Che’kendral spoke. “It

seems Malius didn’t bother to come after us. He knew he could not
beat a dragon on the sea.”

“He must’ve contacted the Imperium to complain.” Rodrik took a

deep breath. “We have a lot of explaining to do, and they’re not
exactly lenient with agents who don’t obey.”

Rallion understood what they weren’t saying. They had no way

out of this mess. The Imperium could be ruthless when crossed. Even
if Che’kendral and Rodrik tried to intervene, their pleas would fall to
deaf ears. They had gone against their orders and become involved
with Connor. The governor must have used that information to poison
the Imperium officials even more.

“There’s only one thing left to do then,” he told the other men.

“We need to prepare for battle.”

There were nods all around. They threw down the anchor and

stopped the ship. They were basically in the middle of nowhere, and
at this point, advancing would just bring them closer to their doom.
Going back wouldn’t help either. The Imperium ships were faster, and
no one in that direction could help them anyway. As such, Rallion and
his men retrieved their weapons and readied themselves for the
confrontation to come.

They checked in on Connor and Valderr and found the two with

Ralleana. His sister hugged Rallion tight and said, “Be careful, little
brother. Don’t die, okay?”

“I won’t,” Rallion said with a smile. “I have too much to live for.”
For a few seconds, all of them allowed themselves the luxury of

an embrace and a kiss from Connor. The young human looked
devastated, obviously still blaming himself. But Valderr’s presence
seemed to help, and when they left Connor belowdecks, their lover
seemed a bit more in control.

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With everything now ready, there was nothing more to do but

wait. It didn’t take long. A cloud covered the beauty of the sun and
the still waters of the ocean rippled threateningly. At first, Rallion
couldn’t see who the Imperium sent, but as their enemies approached,
he finally took them in. The supposed cloud was formed by eagles, an
unsurprising if discouraging fact. The huge boat causing the ripples
carried additional troops, although Rallion couldn’t have said who or
what they were.

Once they were at a reasonable distance, Che’kendral summoned

his wings and burst into the air. “Hold!” he shouted at them. “We do
not wish to fight. We demand a hearing with the Imperium.”

A projectile of sorts shot past Che’kendral, missing him by inches.

Apparently, their request was denied. Getting the message,
Che’kendral roared. His form melted from that of a two-legged man
with wings to an actual dragon, huge, ice-white, fierce, and
frightening. He blew over the approaching forces, and deadly icicles
flew over the cloud of eagles. The winged army scattered, although
some more careless ones received blows and fell into the water.

“That’s only a warning,” Rodrik shouted. “Back off. We’re just

asking for the chance to explain our actions.”

The Imperium vessel ignored them and shot forward. Che’kendral

directed his icy breath at the ocean, freezing the ship in its path.
Angry voices rang out from their enemies, and a rain of projectiles
fell upon Che’kendral. Che’kendral managed to dodge them, but as he
did so, the crust of deadly ice on the ocean melted. Rallion’s heart fell
when a second dragon shot into the sky, this time red as the hottest
lava. Even if he didn’t know much about dragons, Rallion could grasp
the notion of fighting ice with fire. Che’kendral would be kept busy
by his own kin.

As the fire dragon attacked, the eagles reformed their ranks. The

fallen eagles were pulled up on the ship while the others lunged
toward Rallion’s smaller vessel. Without Che’kendral, they weren’t

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prepared for a flying battle. Nevertheless, Wren and Tallean retrieved
their bows, aiming for the approaching group.

Fire and ice burst above them as the two dragons clashed. Arrows

flew, unerringly hitting the wings of the attacking eagles. The ship
continued to approach. Rallion would have considered pulling anchor
and retreating, but he spotted something else coming from the south
and Almareya. In the end, Malius had come after them.

It was a hopeless battle, and they all knew it. Nevertheless, Rodrik

turned into his wolf form and grabbed several eagles as they reached
the vessel. He crashed onto the floor of the ship, his fangs and claws
attacking exposed, vulnerable skin. Distantly, Rallion registered how
majestic Rodrik looked, the reddish fur glinting almost threateningly
in the sun. A different time, Rallion might have stopped to admire the
pure animalistic beauty of it. As it was, he couldn't afford that luxury.
He pulled out his blade, the cold steel clashing against the weapons of
their enemies.

On occasion, Che’kendral tried to help them, but they were

massively outnumbered. Rallion barely managed to dodge a wicked
slash from one of the eagles, but his opponent’s claws still raked over
his chest. He did his own damage, fighting off as many as he could,
but even with his fae powers, he didn’t manage to hold them back for
long.

To his surprise, just when he thought all was lost, a different

winged figure burst from belowdecks. Behind Valderr, Connor
followed, looking angry, frightened, and lost.

“Stop!” Valderr and Connor shouted. “Please, stop.”
Rallion would have thought the plea useless, but the army of

eagles froze in their tracks. With the exception of one man, they
bowed their heads at Valderr. Some fell to their knees, while the
others who couldn’t find space to do so due to the ship’s size hovered
above it. The man still standing stared at the young eagle in disbelief.
“Little brother?” he asked.

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Even if Alcharr spoke in the language of the eagles, Rallion still

understood, courtesy of his military studies. He mentally thanked his
tutor who’d insisted on badgering him with foreign languages.
Otherwise, he’d have been more confused than he already was.

“Yes, it’s me.” Valderr fidgeted, as if uncomfortable under the

scrutiny. “Hello, Alcharr.”

The young eagle took a few steps forward, and the motion was

sufficient to snap Alcharr out of his trance. The big man lunged
toward his brother, wrapping him in what seemed like an unbreakable
embrace.

Taking advantage of the eagles’ distraction, Rallion, Wren,

Tallean, and Rodrik flanked Connor. Even Ralleana appeared from
belowdecks, her expression darkening when she spotted the wounds
on Rallion’s chest. Above them, the fight between the dragons was
currently on hold. Changing back to his normal form, Che’kendral
landed next to them, and the second dragon echoed his motions, coal-
black eyes scanning them from behind Alcharr. All of them watched
the scene, puzzled at the surprising development.

Finally, Alcharr released his little brother from the embrace.

“Where have you been, little brother?” His gaze fell on Connor.
“What did the human do to you?”

Valderr sighed. “Connor couldn’t have done something to me if

he wanted to. But if you must know, he saved my life.”

“Saved your life?” Alcharr repeated numbly. “What happened,

Valderr? Where did you disappear?”

“I…” Uncomfortable, he looked around at the army of eagles. “I

was a prisoner of Governor Malius on Almareya. Connor broke me
out, risking his own life to save me.”

Alcharr looked doubtful. “The human? Brother, are you certain?

Are they forcing you to say this? Or is the dragon playing with your
mind?” He nodded to himself, as if satisfied with the explanation.
“Come. You’re safe with me.”

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Valderr broke away from his sibling, backtracking until he

reached Connor’s side. “You fail to understand brother that no, I am
not safe with you. With the entire army watching, I was taken from
my land and brought here. And this human, my friend, Connor, saved
me. He was a stranger, yet he cares for me more than you do.”

Alcharr’s face went blank. “Brother, this is hardly the time to

discuss this.”

“I agree.” Valderr took a deep breath. “And I agreed with father’s

idea. But you must understand this time that you are not right. No one
is forcing me to do anything, no one except my own family.”

Alcharr looked away, looking frustrated and pained. It was quite

clear that the argument went beyond Connor and into something
older. Rallion hoped Valderr knew what he was doing. The young
eagle might very well be their only chance to get out of this
unscathed.

* * * *

Tallean watched the exchange between the two, shocked at his

own forgetfulness. Ever since he’d met Valderr, he’d thought the
young eagle reminded him of someone. Now, he knew the reason of
this feeling of familiarity. Valderr was the youngest prince of the
royal family of the eagles.

Tallean knew the eldest sibling, Alcharr, well. They’d never

gotten along, always clashing at diplomatic meetings. It did not
surprise him Alcharr had chosen to come after him now. The man
knew how to hold a grudge, and there were many, if petty, grudges
between them.

At the same time, he admitted his own befuddlement with the

situation. There was obviously some sort of complicated family
arrangement at the bottom of this, but Tallean didn’t know what it
implied.

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181

But Valderr looked so sad and lost that Tallean could not help but

pull the young eagle closer. “Have a heart, Alcharr,” he told the other
man. “Can’t you see your brother has suffered enough?”

Alcharr glared at him. “Take your hands off him, elf,” he growled.

“He’s not yours to touch.”

“Brother, please,” Valderr begged. “Couldn’t I at least talk to

father? He will know I’m telling the truth.”

“If you’re trying to stall, it won’t work,” Alcharr said. “Here he

comes now.”

During the conversation, the ship with the Imperium

representatives had approached. Indeed, Tallean spotted Alcharr’s
father, the king of the eagles. Much to his dismay, he also noticed his
own sire and sovereign, as well as Wren’s. Then again, perhaps they
could be useful, if they understood Malius had essentially tried to kill
them.

The eagle king didn’t even bother to wait until the Imperium ship

boarded their smaller one. He flew toward his son, landing on the
deck of the vessel. Hesitantly, Valderr broke away from Tallean and
headed toward his father.

“What is this nonsense about a human saving you?” King

Amadeus asked.

Valderr faced his sire head on. “Father, I’m telling you the truth

and what I’m not saying, you can find out.”

Tallean knew of the eagle king’s ability to read minds. It was a

power that came to each king with the crown. No other eagle, even
ones with royal blood, could do it. Tallean’s parents had never
explained the whys of it. Perhaps they didn’t know. It seemed that
today, they would witness the process.

Indeed, Amadeus took his son up on his offer. He pressed his lips

to Valderr’s forehead. A bright light engulfed them, so blinding
Tallean was forced to close his eyes. It didn’t last long, and when
Tallean cracked his eyes open, he saw a shocking change.

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For a moment, the stern king turned into a crushed parent,

squeezing Valderr to his chest even harder than Alcharr had. He
caressed Valderr’s blond head, murmuring soft whispers of comfort.
Whatever he had seen must have convinced him Valderr was telling
the truth, as when he looked toward Connor, his eyes held regret,
gratitude, and respect. “Connor Spade, I owe you my son’s life,” he
said in English. “How can I ever thank you?”

Tallean stole a look toward his lover. Connor seemed dumbstruck,

his grasp of the languages of their world insufficient to explain the
turn of events. “I…Uh…It was nothing anyone else wouldn’t have
done,” he managed to reply. “There’s no need.”

“Your Majesty,” Tallean whispered, hoping to help his lover a bit.

If anything, Connor paled even further. “There’s no need, Your
Majesty,” he said again. “Besides, I consider Valderr a dear friend.”

Tallean didn’t know how Amadeus would take the comment, but

to his relief, the king smiled. “I’m glad.” His expression darkened as
he turned his gaze toward Malius’s forces, now close to them. “If
you’ll excuse me, I have something to deal with.” Turning to his
eldest son, he said in his own tongue, “Alcharr, stay here with your
brother. The rest of you, come with me. Today, I will get my revenge
for my son’s pain.”

Amadeus shot into the sky, and as one, the eagles followed. The

only ones who stayed behind were the two princes.

As Valderr and Alcharr sat together, the Imperium vessel finally

reached their ship. The first person to jump on the deck of their small
vessel was Tallean’s father. “Can anyone explain to me what’s going
on?”

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Chapter Thirteen

Dear Connor,
How have you been? I’m back in my palace, and I already miss

you. It seems nothing has changed here, yet I’m so different inside. I
wish you could be here. I wish things were different.

But they’re not, and it’s really useless to dwell over it.

Preparations for my wedding are well under way. I don’t even know
this man, and I have to marry him for the good of my people. I
suppose I should be thankful that at least my existence will bring
happiness to others, but a marriage of convenience is not exactly
what I had in mind for myself. And I admit I’m scared, so very scared.
I’m not sure I’ll be able to truly let go of the past and fulfill my
marital obligations.

Anyway, enough of that. I wanted to let you know my father sends

his regards. He talked with the Imperium, and you’re clear of all
suspicion. He also arranged a free trip back to your world with the
first energy storm. That would be a fortnight since this letter is dated.

Connor, I know how much you love your men. I don’t think you

want to leave them behind. I took the liberty to look it up a bit and
found out that humans can stay here, as long as they are bonded to a
citizen. Citizenship isn’t granted easily, but perhaps, given the
circumstances and your history, you can try.

And I admit I’m also very selfish. I want you to be here at my

wedding. It would mean the world to me.

Please write back when you decide something. And if you do have

to go back, let me know. I’ll ask my father to take me to the energy
storm the day of your departure.

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With much affection,
Your friend,
Valderr

Connor reread through the lines in disbelief. The letter wasn’t

long, but its length didn’t matter. The idea that he could be a step
away from returning to Earth shocked Connor. He could return to his
previous life. He could see Owen again. He could have a normal
existence, away from this weird, watery planet.

But beyond seeing Owen, the idea of going home didn’t thrill him.

Who was he kidding? Earth had long ago stopped being home.
“Home is where the heart is,” Owen used to say. And Connor’s heart
now rested in the capable hands of five wonderful men.

Valderr was right. He needed to find a way to stay. Besides, he

couldn’t exactly abandon his friend to his fate. Valderr confessed to
Connor that his father arranged his marriage with the prince of a
neighboring nation. Connor remembered such practices were quite
common for royal families, but still, the thought of Valderr suffering
in a loveless marriage gave him the creeps. At the same time, he
missed Owen dearly. What had become of his friend? Connor
desperately needed to find out.

Of course, it was far more complicated than that. Having a

relationship with five men proved to be quite challenging. In the week
since Malius’s capture and subsequent imprisonment, he’d traveled
from Almareya to the homelands of each lover, with the exception of
Che’kendral’s. As it turned out, the fire dragon who’d attacked them
was Che’kendral’s half-brother, Has’hendral. It would seem they
didn’t exactly get along and, given the circumstances, Che’kendral
had refused returning to his coven.

Tallean and Wren’s parents were not thrilled with their sons’

choice of lovers either. It was quite a relief for Connor when at last,
he and his lovers finally managed to reach Rodrik’s pack land. The

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185

pack received them all with open arms, something Connor found quite
refreshing after the rest of his experiences on this world.

A voice startled him from his contemplations.”What is it?”
Connor turned to look at Tallean. “I got a letter from Valderr. He

said his father is arranging a free trip to earth for me.”

Tallean didn’t look very surprised. He sighed. “I can’t say I didn’t

expect it. As much as he appreciated you saving Valderr, he’s still the
king of the eagles. His opinion on humans won’t change just like
that.”

Connor hadn’t thought about it from this perspective, but he

couldn’t say he particularly cared about Amadeus’s opinion of him. It
didn’t matter much. Tallean’s view did, however, matter.

“So you want me to go then?” he asked his lover, unable to keep

his voice from trembling.

“It’s just not an issue,” Wren said from the doorway. “Wherever

you might go, we’ll always be by your side.”

For a few seconds, the reply didn’t really compute. Connor gaped

at his men. “You’d be willing to come with me, even to Earth?”

Wren nodded. “Of course.”
It would be so easy, so very easy to accept. He could go to Earth

and start over, a new life with the men he loved in a world he
understood. But then again, that very same world would no longer
understand him. Hell, he’d had a lot of trouble accepting his own need
for five different men. There was no way others could grasp it.

At the same time, though, he didn’t know what his other three

lovers thought about this. And something else bothered him lately. If
human mythology was right about something—and Connor suspected
that on this particular occasion, story tellers hadn’t been wrong—
elves were immortal. Dragons, werewolves and fae must also live a
long time. Connor, on the other hand, would grow old and die. Would
it be less hurtful for him to go now and allow his men to continue
with their lives?

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Strong arms wrapped around him. “You’re thinking too much,

Connor,” Che’kendral said in his ear.

Heat flooded Connor’s face as he realized that while he’d been

distracted, his other lovers had entered the room. “Sorry,
Che’kendral.”

Che’kendral and Rodrik told him that he only needed to call them

“Sirs” during their bed play, a fact for which Connor felt thankful. He
didn’t think he was ready to explain why he used such an address for
his men to others. He didn’t even know what Wren, Rallion, and
Tallean thought about it. During this past week, they’d been so busy
they hadn’t even managed to have much time alone.

In fact, it was quite a miracle the five men had come to see him all

at once. They always seemed to be running around, with little time for
Connor. Perhaps this was part of the reason why he felt so uncertain.

“You don’t have apologize, Connor,” Che’kendral said. “But we

needed to talk to you. I hear Valderr’s father wants to send you
back?”

Connor nodded, uncertain as to where Che’kendral was going

with this. “Well, Connor,” the man said, “Rodrik and I have already
discussed the issue with the Imperium. Remember when we told you
you are our mate? Well, that is very important for shape-shifters. We
have something that is called The Mating Covenant.”

“The Mating Covenant?” Connor repeated. “What does it mean?”
“When a shape-shifter claims his or her mate, that person is

automatically considered kin and belonging to the shape-shifter’s
nation. This gives the mate certain rights, even if he or she might not
be a shifter.”

Connor was confused. He broke out of Che’kendral’s embrace

and turned to look at the two shifters. “But didn’t you… claim me
already?”

Rodrik shook his head. “Claiming entails more. We wanted to

make you understand everything before we did.”

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187

“Mating us will bind your life force to ours, Connor. You’ll live

as long as we do—which in the long run, might be difficult,”
Che’kendral said. “Even if we do choose to go back to earth, you’ll
watch your loved ones grow old and die.”

“We brought the issue up with our leaders and the Imperium,”

Rodrik added. “Should you mate with us, the problem of the
citizenship would be solved. But this is a decision you must consider
well, because from that moment on, we’ll belong to you and you’ll
belong to us.”

The idea sounded selfishly thrilling, but Connor hesitated. He

looked toward Wren, Tallean, and Rallion. “But…What about them?
I…”

Rallion chuckled. “We’ve already discussed it. The Covenant

aside, we love you, Connor, all of us. You are our mate, as well, if
you so wish it.”

Connor didn’t have to think too much about his reply. “I already

belong to you. But…I don’t know anything about this. Teach me,
please.”

Rodrik’s smile turned wicked. “We’ll be happy to, baby.”
Connor’s mind whirled as his men started undressing him. It was

the first time they’d been together like this since the night Rodrik and
Che’kendral approached him, back on Almareya. They truly hadn’t
explored the full extent of their relationship, but if Connor wanted to
be with them—with all of them—he needed to figure out the
mechanics.

He didn’t know how much Wren, Tallean, and Rallion knew of

the bed play the two shape-shifters engaged in. It made him nervous,
since he feared the three men would react poorly to that sort of thing.
He was particularly anxious because of Rallion, who always insisted
on protecting him from even the slightest danger.

But it was very difficult to keep hold of his worries when five sets

of hands explored the skin they revealed. Unlike other times, his men
took their time in removing each item of clothing. Tallean knelt at his

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feet and took off his shoes while Rallion and Wren worked on his
shirt. Connor leaned on Rodrik as Che’kendral worked his pants open.
Already, his cock was hard and leaking, begging for his lovers’
touches.

Che’kendral reached into his breeches, and Connor hissed in

pleasure when the other’s man fist enclosed his dick. The dragon
shifter pumped Connor’s cock once, twice, then released him and
returned to disrobing him. Connor moaned and pushed his hips
forward in a wordless demand, but Rodrik’s hand landed on his pelvis
and squeezed. “Stand still, beautiful. We’re in charge here,
remember?”

Hot arousal coursed through Connor. The game was on, and he

loved every second of it. More than a game, it was a surrendering to
their most basic instincts. And even if Connor had only experienced it
once, he did indeed remember what he needed to do. His body
instantly melted in Rodrik’s embrace as he answered, “Yes, Sir.”

“Do you remember your safe word?” Che’kendral asked.
Connor panted as he repeated his breathless reply. “Yes, Sir.”
“What is it?” Che’kendral asked. “Tell it to me now.”
“It’s E–Earth, Sir,” Connor stammered, half-fearing they would

stop now that he’d said the damn word.

“Very good.” Rodrik caressed his hip as he spoke. “From this

moment on, if you say it, we stop. Don’t forget that.”

Rodrik took him in his arms, and Connor realized that during his

brief exchange with Che’kendral and Rodrik, his men had finished
disrobing him. He was now completely naked, while his lovers
remained clothed. He’d have been disgruntled at their propensity to
do this, but in Rodrik’s arms, he could not bring himself to protest.

To Connor’s surprise, and slight disappointment, however, Rodrik

didn’t take him to their bedroom. He’d been looking forward to
sharing his bed and his body with all five men, since they didn’t get
the chance to do so before now. But instead, Rodrik headed toward a
side door, one that Connor had always seen locked.

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189

It made him curious what sort of secret Rodrik could keep here

that he wouldn’t share with either of them, but he’d decided the man
would tell him when he was ready. Apparently, the time had come.

Connor held his breath as Rodrik pressed some sort of unseen

button. The door opened and as Rodrik stepped inside, Connor’s eyes
widened. The room seemed, in a strictly medieval sense, a dungeon.
There were chains hanging from the ceiling and the walls. Shelves
held all sorts of whips and other instruments of torture. There was
also something that looked like a stretching rack and a Saint
Andrew’s cross.

Connor blinked, certain he was having some sort of wet dream

turned nightmare. He pinched himself and gulped when he actually
felt the pain. Uh-oh. Was this for real? Could Rodrik just be trying to
scare him?

“Breathe, Connor,” Rodrik indicated. “Deep breaths. In, out.

Come on. Breathe.”

Clinging to Rodrik’s familiar warmth, Connor obeyed. Slowly, his

terror melted into confusion and anxiety. “R–Rodrik, what is this
place?” he asked.

He didn’t have a clue if he broke any rule by questioning them.

Thankfully, Rodrik didn’t comment upon it. Instead, he deposited
Connor on the stretching-rack thing. “This is my dungeon, and where
we’ll teach you everything you need to know.”

A dungeon? Jesus Christ. So he’d been right about that. What was

happening here?

Che’kendral knelt next to the rack. “Close your eyes, Connor.”

Connor frowned but did as Che’kendral told him. “Now count to ten.
Deep breaths.” Connor counted, all the while listening to his lover’s
voice. “Now, open your eyes and look around. What do you see?”

To Connor, it seemed like a strange thing to ask, but as he opened

his eyes, he slowly realized what Che’kendral meant. The dungeon
looked scary, but, if he paid attention the details, he realized it was
clearly not designed for torture. The cross held padded shackles and

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even the rack Connor sat on felt quite soft and comfortable. He even
spotted a small couch in the corner. Perhaps it was no lavish lounge,
but it wasn’t the terror chamber it seemed at first either.

Some of Connor’s fear began to ease, turning into embarrassment.

He’d clearly overreacted. His face heated as he stumbled to offer an
apology. “Sorry, Sir. I meant no offense.”

Rodrik chuckled. “I know. This is still very new to you. Don’t

worry about it.”

Che’kendral directed Connor to lie down on the rack facedown.

His hands traced the line of Connor’s spine down to the curve of his
buttocks. Connor closed his eyes and allowed himself to enjoy the
caress. He was so relaxed he barely registered Che’kendral
maneuvering his arms and legs around the rack. He only realized the
purpose of the motion when padded shackles closed on his wrists and
ankles.

Connor’s eyes shot open, and he opened his mouth to ask what

was going on. But Che’kendral’s gentle touches returned, this time
with a clear stern undertone. Rodrik stood in front of the rack, which
Connor now identified to be some sort of spanking bench, and
showed Connor a small flogger. “Connor, listen closely. Remember
what we said about the kisses? Well, pain is the same.” He caressed
the side of Connor’s face with the flogger. “The pain we offer you is a
gift. Embrace it. Embrace your body. You were made for us. Don’t be
afraid.”

Connor didn’t speak, but Rodrik didn’t seem to expect him to. He

went around Connor’s body and Che’kendral took his position.
Che’kendral didn’t say anything. He just held Connor’s gaze,
watching the scene impassively.

“Now, Connor, I want you to count for me,” Rodrik said. “Ten

strokes.”

When the first hit fell, Connor’s body tensed at the shock of pain.

“One,” he gasped out. The stings the flogger left behind felt
completely different to the spanking he’d received on the ship. But

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191

Connor remembered Rodrik’s words and opened himself to the pain.
Just like back then, it started to mold into something different, and the
excitement went straight to Connor’s cock.

He was so busy getting used to the new sensations that when the

second stroke fell, it took him completely by surprise. “Two,” he
somehow managed to choke out.

Before he could recover from the blows, two more hit his

vulnerable ass in quick succession. As he counted them, Connor’s
skin burned with the pain and his face with the shame of loving it.
Even as his body protested the physical abuse, his mind experienced it
differently, acknowledged it like a gift from his mates, just like
Rodrik had said.

The fifth hit drove a painful sob out of Connor. “Five,” he barely

remembered to say, his voice raw and husky with suppressed sensual
need. He wanted to beg for his mates to fuck him but he knew they
had something different in mind.

Connor watched Che’kendral move toward one of the shelves.

After careful deliberation, he retrieved a small box, and from it, a
cylindrical-shaped item. As Che’kendral turned toward them once
more, Rodrik separated Connor’s ass cheeks and caressed the tight
pucker between them. Connor trembled, his feverish body desperately
responding to the teasing touch. He yearned to push into the caress,
but his restraints held him down. Besides, if he moved, he’d just ruin
the whole thing, so, with great difficulty, he remained motionless.

Cold lubricant trickled down his crack. Connor shuddered as

Rodrik spread the liquid over his opening and into his hole. He
realized the lube must have some sort of special properties. It heated
up almost instantly, making renewed need course through him. His
anus clenched, and Connor almost sobbed with the desire to be filled.

Che’kendral smiled as he reached Connor, the odd half-grin that

always promised sensual delights. Connor gave the other man the best
pleading look he could muster in the circumstances. He didn’t know if
he succeeded in convincing his lover or not, as Che’kendral didn’t

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linger for too long. He went around Connor and joined Rodrik at the
other end of the spanking bench.

As Connor waited, the bench moved on its own, or rather through

some sort of mechanism. Connor’s legs—that had been bound at each
side of the bench—were spread even further. The bench tilted, lifting
the lower half of Connor’s body and exposing the entirety of
Connor’s genitals to his men’s eyes.

The new position wasn’t entirely comfortable, all the blood

rushing to Connor’s head. But the slight problem became insignificant
when Che’kendral’s cool hands rubbed Connor’s bottom. His lover’s
touch soothed some of the hurt left behind by the spanking, but
increased the blaze of passion as they rubbed against his hole. And
then, a cold object nudged at his opening and slowly penetrated
Connor’s body—the cylinder Che’kendral had selected. Connor’s
eyes widened in shock when he felt the cylinder expand inside him
filling him from within.

Che’kendral’s touch disappeared, leaving him with only the

foreign object lodged inside him. Connor whimpered as the toy
expanded, massaging his prostate with the expertise of a longtime
lover. Lost in the sensation, he forgot about the five remaining strokes
until the sixth one hit his ass.

Connor cried out as the flogger made the cylinder jump inside

him, moving against his special spot. Overwhelming ecstasy swept
through him, sending waves of energy all over his skin. As if it
weren’t enough, in between strokes, Che’kendral reached for
Connor’s dick. His hand moved up and down Connor’s dick,
occasionally rubbing against his sac.

Connor no longer knew how to interpret the overwhelming sexual

stimuli. Pain mixed with pleasure until his synapses stopped working,
no longer associating each sensation with the action causing it. It
molded into a delicious cocktail that stole his very grip on reality, on
his consciousness.

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193

Six. Seven. Eight. Nine. Ten. He continued to count, his need to

please making his vocal chords work. By the end, tears streamed
down his cheeks, the fire emanating his ass having long ago extended
over his entire body. Thankfully, his mates didn’t prolong his torment.
As the tenth stroke was delivered, Rodrik leaned over him and
caressed his spine with the flogger. “Come.”

Just like that, Connor’s climax burst out of him. His vision went

white, his world turning into pure sensation. Distantly, he heard his
mate praise him, and he surrendered to the intense ecstasy and the
overwhelming emotions, falling into Rodrik’s embrace.

* * * *

In the throes of climax, Connor looked so beautiful it hurt. Rallion

would have never thought he would ever watch such a scene, watch
another man hurt Connor and love it. Fuck, his own cock throbbed
with the need to join in on the fun. He didn’t want to spank Connor or
anything like that. He couldn’t raise his hand on his lover, not even in
bed play. Instead, he wondered what Connor felt that could make him
come so hard. How could pain become pleasure? Rallion lived for
many years in The Red Star and he knew some of the customers liked
bondage play, but few of the employees enjoyed it. Rallion himself
never tried it, although now that he saw Connor and the shape-
shifters, the idea tempted him.

He pushed aside his thoughts, berating himself for even having

them. Today wasn’t about him. It was about Connor.

“You’re wrong,” Che’kendral said, making Rallion realize he’d

said the last part out loud. “This is about us. All of us.”

As Rodrik held Connor, petting him through the final waves of his

orgasm, Che’kendral made his way to Rallion and extended his hand.
“Come to me, Rallion. You know you want to.”

Rallion gaped at the other man. “But…Connor…”

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Che’kendral smiled in his trademark mysterious way. “Connor is

my mate, but through him, my heart extends over all those here. We
would not share him with anyone else. Now come.”

There was a clear order in Che’kendral’s voice, and Rallion found

himself obeying. Che’kendral led him to the X-cross and gestured for
him to take his clothes off. With trembling hands, Rallion obeyed. He
quickly got rid of his garments then stood in front of the cross,
waiting for more instructions. They didn’t delay in coming.
Che’kendral directed him to the cross with his back to them. Rallion
obeyed, but couldn’t suppress a shudder of apprehension when the
shape-shifter shackled him to the X-Cross. He was a soldier. He
didn’t accept vulnerability with ease. Yet the idea of being tied down
and at the mercy of another man strangely excited him. But it wasn’t
just another man. It was Che’kendral, and Rallion found that he
trusted the dragon. He trusted Che’kendral with his lover, his life, his
body, and his heart.

Closing his eyes, Rallion relaxed against the cross. “Good. That’s

good,” Che’kendral praised him. “Now, choose your safe word.”

Rallion knew by now what was expected of him and didn’t delay

in replying. “Sword.”

“If you say this word, everything stops. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Sir,” Rallion answered. His body already ached with

anticipation and need.

He heard Che’kendral move behind him and guessed it was the

shape-shifter’s way to give him a chance to back down. Rallion didn’t
say anything, not even when he heard the threatening swish of leather
through the air.

Che’kendral didn’t give him any warning. The crop—it felt like a

crop, at least—hit his left thigh with expert precision. Rallion took the
pain without making a sound. The second fell on the opposite side,
and the third and fourth on his buttocks. Every stroke varied in speed
and intensity, never once allowing Rallion to get used to the rhythm.
The dizzying sensations lulled him into a weird sense of calm. He felt

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195

as if he were falling into an odd, surreal world. His hearing became
dulled, although he could distantly hear his own voice crying out. He
couldn’t bring himself to care. He let go of everything, of all his fears,
surrendering to Che’kendral’s will.

He didn’t know how long it lasted. By the time the last stroke fell,

his body buzzed with pleasure-pain. One more push. Just one more
nudge and he would come. He just knew it.

He almost sobbed in distress when Che’kendral released him from

his bindings. He fell into the other man’s arms, exhausted and
trembling.

“You did good, my pet,” Che’kendral whispered and pressed his

lips to Rallion’s.

The kiss tasted like power and domination, and Rallion reveled in

it. He took everything Che’kendral offered, loving the way the other
man devoured him. When their lips parted, Rallion finally understood.
They had all met because of Connor, through the man they loved.
Even if he’d accepted Wren and Tallean, he had not been ready to do
the same for two men he hadn’t known before. But now, he realized
that, just like with Connor, his heart called out to Rodrik and
Che’kendral. He needed this bond as much as he needed Connor.

Che’kendral took him in his arms and deposited him on the couch.

Rallion found himself by Connor’s side. As if on instinct, Connor
cuddled into his embrace, and Rallion waited to see what would
happen. He knew better than to think this was over.

Indeed, Rodrik gestured Wren and Tallean to approach. The two

elves looked a bit uncomfortable and awkward, obviously believing
they were being ignored. Rodrik swept his flogger over Tallean’s face
and neck and pulled him closer. “Tell me. What do you want?”

* * * *

Tallean blinked, taken by surprise. What did he want? He wanted

to fuck and be fucked. He wanted to touch, kiss, lick, and taste his

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lovers’ bodies. But he didn’t know what to say. What did Rodrik
expect him to answer?

On instinct, he blurted out, “You.”
Rodrik grinned at him. “Good answer.”
Tallean didn’t think he was ready for a whipping session like

Rallion had received, but Rodrik didn’t try anything like that. Instead,
he pushed Tallean to his knees and gestured to Connor. “Suck his
cock. Get him hard again.”

Connor looked dazed, ravished, and, gods, so very beautiful. His

half-hard cock looked mouth-watering. Tallean didn’t hesitate for a
single second. He knelt and lowered his lips over Connor’s dick.

A sweet gasp escaped Connor as soon as Tallean took him in.

Tallean groaned as his lover’s prick responded and hardened in his
mouth. He tasted Connor’s delicious pre-cum and greedily lapped at
the glans, thirsty for more. Connor seemed to be recovering from his
trance more and more, and he reached out for Tallean. “Please,” he
begged. “Oh, God, please. Tallean…”

Nothing else could turn on Tallean more than the breathless sound

of Connor’s voice saying his name. He took Connor’s dick in his
mouth and began to suck him deeply, eager to give his human as
much pleasure as he received from the other man’s love. By his side,
he was distantly aware of Wren kneeling and doing the same for
Rallion.

A heavy hand landed in Tallean’s hair. He immediately identified

it as Rodrik’s and groaned as the shape-shifter pulled him off Connor.
Nevertheless, he acceded to the other man’s wishes. He knew by now
whatever Rodrik had in mind would be pleasurable for them all.

A bond formed between the six of them, he realized, a true bond,

a bond out of their love for one magnificent, beautiful human. It was
this love that made them come together in spite of their differences
and clashing personalities.

Rodrik grabbed both Connor and Tallean and draped them over

his shoulders. Tallean let out a yelp at the treatment, but Rodrik just

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197

laughed, and Tallean surrendered to Rodrik’s desires. Besides, the
view was quite nice, Rodrik’s gorgeous ass in full view. Behind him,
he spotted Che’kendral carrying Wren and Rallion.

The two shape-shifters carried them back into the bedroom and to

their huge bed. It was shape-shifter size, Rodrik had explained, and
crafted in sizes according to their particular race. Apparently, shape-
shifters tended to change to their animal form during their youths and
for that reason, they required large, resistant beds. The question
appeared as to what kind of bed a dragon would use. Due to the
appearance of the second dragon in the battle, Che’kendral had
decided to skip visiting his own coven. Suffice to say, Tallean didn’t
care too much about that now. He just wanted to feel and fuck. He’d
think about the rest later.

The six of them climbed in bed—or were dumped. In a rush of

material, they all hastened to take their clothes off. Rodrik also
provided several bottles of lubricant. Tallean was trying to figure out
how the dynamics of this would work when Rodrik tossed one of the
vials. “Ready yourself for me.”

Well, that explained one thing. Tallean grabbed the bottle and

poured some of the oil on his fingers. Already desperate with need, he
pushed two fingers inside himself, thrusting them in and out of his
body. It burned a bit, but the heat in Rodrik’s eyes more than made it
worthwhile. He added another finger, the mere sight of Rodrik’s prick
making it clear that the little ache he experienced now would be
nothing compared to what he’d feel when the man fucked him.

Still, he was impatient, and he didn’t linger too much on the prep.

Dumping the vial of oil on the bed, he straddled Rodrik and lowered
himself over the man’s cock. Even having been aware of Rodrik’s
size, he still grimaced at the pain that inevitably appeared when the
flared head of his lover’s dick breached him. Rodrik held his hips and
helped him to go slow. Tallean followed Rodrik’s instructions, but
still he was amazed when his ass hit Rodrik’s thighs. He could not
believe it. He’d actually taken the whole of Rodrik’s cock inside him.

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Sure, he felt split into two, but gods, it was so worth it. The man’s
dick reached every possible nerve ending in Tallean’s anus.

Taking a deep breath, Tallean lifted himself off Rodrik and thrust

back down. Impaling himself over and over, he fucked himself on
Rodrik’s dick. For a while, Rodrik let him go at his own pace, but
then, he took over. Snarling, he flipped Tallean on all fours and began
pounding Tallean’s ass with vicious ferocity. The new position
allowed Tallean to see what his other lovers were doing. Rallion was
riding Che’kendral, his head thrown back in pleasure as he moved up
and down the other man’s prick. Connor was sucking on Wren’s dick,
and when Tallean looked at them, he climbed on top of Wren and
slowly lowered himself on Wren’s cock.

The sight of it all nearly made Tallean climax on the spot. “Don’t

come,” Rodrik snarled in his ear. “Wait for it.”

Impossibly, Tallean held back his orgasm. He held it back even if

Rodrik’s every thrust hit his prostate every time. He kept himself in
check even when Connor and Rallion went wild, so beautiful in their
pleasure Tallean almost thought he was dreaming. Never once did he
disobey Rodrik, even if his entire body buzzed with the need to come
and his cock was hard and aching. On and on it went, until Tallean
though he would go insane. A distant part of his mind wondered what
could Rodrik and Che’kendral possibly intend to do next.

* * * *

Wren panted as Connor rode him. The human’s eyes burned with

lust as he looked down at Wren. He was a vision, sin incarnate, and
Wren wanted to immortalize this moment for all time. Connor’s ass
squeezed him in an iron-like vise, so tight and perfect it should have
been illegal.

The eroticism of what was going on around him only increased

the beauty of the moment. Seeing his longtime lover fucked by
another man aroused him, and Rallion… Rallion was a surprise. He’d

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199

seen a sample of his passion when the four of them had fucked, but
tonight, he’d completely let go. There were no more barriers, no more
lies or masks. Through Rodrik and Che’kendral, all their truths had
come out.

Wren was close, so close to coming. Connor’s body seemed made

for him, swallowing his dick greedily. The beautiful sounds Connor
made filled his ears, mingling with the gasps and moans coming from
his other lovers.

It felt so good that he almost missed the moment when

Che’kendral pulled out of Rallion’s body and Rodrik out of Tallean.
The two shape-shifters said something to their respective lovers, who
nodded, even if they still looked dazed. One look from Che’kendral
had Wren flip Connor on all fours and push his ass out.

He suppressed the need to continue thrusting inside Connor’s tight

ass and spread his legs. He was rewarded when Rallion’s gentle hands
spread lubricant over his hole. He groaned when Rallion’s fingers
invaded his body, carefully preparing him for invasion. “Fuck,
Rallion,” he groaned. “I’m fine. Go ahead. You won’t hurt me.”

Mercifully, Rallion listened to his plea. He removed his fingers

and positioned his cock at Wren’s opening. In one single thrust, he
impaled Wren, making both him and Connor gasp in pleasure. Wren
watched Tallean crawl behind Rallion, and another thrust signaled
that the other man had penetrated Rallion. To Wren’s surprise, Rodrik
moved away and rummaged through the nightstand. He retrieved a
tube of clear liquid and rubbed it over his dick, jacking himself slowly
as he did so.

At this point, Wren was too lost in pleasure to even consider the

reasons of it. Distantly, he realized that even now, Rodrik was caring
for their safety and pleasure, cleaning himself up for Connor with the
special soap. Indeed, Rodrik abandoned his task, wiped himself down,
and returned to Connor’s side, his cock bobbing in front of the other
man’s lips. Obediently, Connor took him in, moaning in that unique

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way of his. Just when Wren thought it couldn’t get any better,
Che’kendral thrust inside Tallean, completing their chain.

They began to move in perfect synchrony, each of them reaching

out for a shared and common pleasure. Wren felt as if he’d known
these men all his life. It was no longer about fucking. It was about
making love. The symphony of their motions drove the spiral of
pleasure higher and higher. For Wren, the feel of Rallion’s dick inside
him and the tightness of Connor’s ass around his own cock molded
together, blending with the grunts and groans of pleasure coming
from his lovers. Rodrik’s eyes were on him, on them all, and Wren
held the other man’s gaze as he gritted his teeth, trying to prolong this
moment.

But behind him, Che’kendral increased the pace. The man’s

strength—the elemental power only a dragon could have—flowed
over them, combined with Rodrik’s raw, instinctual energy. The
pleasure reached unbearable limits, and Wren would have surely
begged if Rodrik hadn’t murmured, “Come.”

That one simple word triggered the most explosive climax in

Wren’s life. He emptied his seed inside his human lover, and
Connor’s ass tightened around him, squeezing him of every drop he
had to offer. At the same time, Rallion’s cum filled his own passage.
Tallean’s cry of completion filled his ears, as familiar as his own, and
Wren knew the sky elf had come as well.

Wren’s cock, now spent, left Connor’s body. He was ready to

sleep for a week, but when Rodrik pulled his cock out of Connor’s
mouth, Wren distantly realized the other man had not come.
Exhausted, Wren just stared in complete shock as Rodrik lifted
Connor in his arms. Che’kendral joined them and the two shape-
shifters sandwiched the human between their hard bodies.

* * * *

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201

Rodrik held Connor close, the scent of the human filling his

senses. He was clinging to the final thread of his control, but he
needed one more thing to make this moment perfect. He needed to
complete their bond.

He met Chek’s eyes over Connor’s shoulder, then gave the human

a questioning look. “Now is the moment, Connor,” he whispered.
“We’re going to claim you.”

Connor’s body was limp and pliant in their arms, but his eyes

were warm and alert. “Yes. Do it,” he said, his voice steady.

As he spoke, Connor bared his neck to Rodrik. It surprised

Rodrik, since the human couldn’t have known what the claiming
entailed. Perhaps it was a suspicion, or simply instinct, but Rodrik
nevertheless took advantage of the offer. In a flash, he buried his
fangs in Connor’s throat. Sweet, hot blood filled his mouth, flavored
with the taste of arousal and surrender. No longer able to hold his
pleasure back, Rodrik came, marking Connor with his seed as well.
Connor’s cry echoed in his ear, and the young human twitched in his
arms, obviously shocked at the new sensations.

Rodrik actually felt their connection click into place. He’d heard

many things about the mate bond and he hadn’t known what to
believe, but it seemed all of them were true. His heart now seemed to
beat with Connor’s, his lungs working as Connor breathed. It was a
beautiful feeling, and Rodrik felt humbled and thankful that he’d
found such a beautiful mate.

Rodrik removed his fangs and licked the wound, sealing it clean.

The wound would remain there, to a certain extent, in evidence of his
claiming. It was already turning into the mating mark, shifting into a
howling wolf. Now for the final element. Chek also needed to claim
their mate.

* * * *

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Scarlet Hyacinth

Gods, Connor was beautiful. They all were, beautiful and perfect

in their submission and pleasure. Chek could not believe he’d found
such a bond. It was so rare for an ice dragon. They were known to be
cool beings, and many of his close kin whose mates were outside their
species had never even been accepted.

But not so with Connor. Trembling, the young human tilted his

head once again, offering the other side of his throat to Chek. Finally,
Chek bit down into Connor’s delicious flesh, sealing their covenant
and his claim.

Immediately, he sensed Rodrik’s prior mate bond, but their desires

did not clash. Instead, his life thread united with those of Rodrik and
Connor, binding them together for all eternity. Overwhelmed by the
emotion and the physical pleasure, Chek found his peak, growling
against Connor’s throat.

Eager to keep his mate from any hurt, he released his hold on

Connor’s neck. But then, something happened that Chek did not
expect, or intend. He found himself surrounded by the other three
men, who grinned at him as he licked the mating mark, sealing it
tight.

Chek didn’t know what made him act the way he did. On impulse,

he cut a small wound over Connor’s wrist with his claw and offered it
to the three men. Wren, Tallean and Rallion took their turn to lap at
the wound. The moment Rallion sealed it, an odd sense of fulfillment
washed over Chek. In his heart, he not only felt Connor, but also the
other five men. He almost collapsed at the intensity of the new
connection. For the first time in his life, he released the full extent of
his passions. Ice crackled all over the bedroom, covering the floor and
walls in white, cold flowers as he roared.

Rodrik’s howl of triumph joined Chek’s. It was unheard of to

have such a bond, but Chek couldn’t care less. Panting, Chek reached
for his partner and best friend and pressed his lips to Rodrik’s. In his
heart, he’d always known Rodrik would be the love of his life. He just
hadn’t realized he’d have four others.

Saving Connor

203

Epilogue

Connor stared at the whirlpool of energy swirling in front of him.

“Are you sure this is going to take us to earth?”

Che’kendral nodded. “Our energy storms are connected to places

with magnetic anomalies on your world. It will be a wild ride, but
we’ll get there.”

Connor’s memories of his first and only ride—as Che’kendral so

eloquently put it—weren’t very pleasant, but he couldn’t back down.
He desperately wanted to see Owen. With every second he spent
away from his friend, more and more nightmarish scenarios slipped
into his mind. His lovers did their best to keep him busy, but at one
point, not even their affection could stave his concern.

He took a deep breath and turned toward Valderr. As promised,

the young eagle had come to bid him farewell. He smiled sadly at
Connor. “Take care, all right?”

Connor nodded and embraced his friend. “Don’t be upset. This is

only temporary. I promise I’ll come back in time for your wedding.”

“Thank the gods your mates managed to get you that special

permit,” Valderr answered. “I daresay it would have been very
difficult to visit your friend otherwise.”

Indeed, the five men had managed to convince the Imperium of

the necessity of Connor’s occasional visit on earth. After much
insistence, the council had relented, much to Connor’s relief. They
were now in one of the few areas of land of Uli, at the coordinates
indicated by the Imperium. Any moment now, they would have to
jump inside the storm.

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Acknowledging the urgency, Connor nodded at his friend’s

words. “I’ll still miss you, though. But the forecast for the next storm
is in two weeks, so I’ll be back then.” Lowering his voice, he said,
“Maybe we can find some sort of out for your marriage.”

Valderr chuckled. “You never give up, do you?” Shaking his

head, he gestured toward the storm. “You should hurry. You never
know how long these things last.”

Connor took his friend’s advice and directed his attention to

Ralleana. The woman now lived with them and was rebuilding her
life away from Almareya. Connor even noticed a member of Rodrik’s
pack showed interest in her. Even if she still seemed reluctant to
accept the man’s affection, she was making progress.

“Thanks for everything,” Connor said. In many ways, if she

hadn’t taken him in, he’d have never met either of his lovers.

Ralleana smiled. “I’m not sure you have anything to thank me for.

I’m the one who’s grateful to you for making my brother happy.”

With a brief hug, Connor made his way to his mates. They’d all

insisted on coming with him, even Rallion, who’d never been on
Earth. “Okay,” he told them. “Let’s do this thing.”

They grabbed each other’s hands, and Connor sent a mental

prayer to whatever deity watched over them. His greatest fear was
that he’d somehow be separated from his mates. Rodrik and
Che’kendral guaranteed it could not happen. Even if, by some fluke,
they ended up in different place, the mate bond would allow them to
find him. Connor only hoped they were right.

Together, they jumped inside the whirlpool of energy. The world

turned completely white, and Connor panicked as he felt his hands
numb. The chilling void made it impossible for him to continue to
hold his mates’ hands. With a soundless cry, he felt himself fall away
from them and through the colorless abyss.

The journey seemed to take forever, and when reality materialized

once again, Connor found himself falling in dark waters. The storm

Saving Connor

205

continued to rage around him, and for a few terrifying moments,
Connor thought he was going to die.

He refused to give up and fought against the waves that threatened

to swallow him. Even with all the energy he put into it, he’d have
surely lost his life to the waters if strong arms hadn’t steadied him.
Connor found himself bursting out of the waves, safe in Rodrik’s
embrace.

When he managed to recover, he realized he was actually soaring

above the clouds, together with Wren, Tallean, Rallion, and Rodrik,
on Che’kendral’s back. Connor had only seen his dragon lover in
complete shifted form once, but from up close, he looked even more
magnificent. With his five men around him, he allowed himself to
relax.

“Where are we?” he asked after a few moments.
It was a bit of a rhetorical question, since he didn’t actually expect

the other men to know. However, much to his surprise, Wren
answered, “It seems we landed in the Bermuda Triangle.”

“Get some rest, Connor. We’ll wake you when we get there.”
Connor had given his lovers precise indication on how to get to

his city and apartment. He’d never actually expected them to fly him
there, but stranger things had happened. Anxiety wouldn’t let him
sleep, though, and he resigned himself to simply taking in the
beautiful sight of the clouds from up above.

Che’kendral kept them at a safe altitude, but once they reached

US air space, he could not risk staying in shifted form. After
procuring clothing—theirs had been tattered during the storm—they
continued their journey with the train. Thankfully, they managed to
remain inconspicuous with the clever use of the hoods of their jackets.
However, with this occasion, Connor found in dismay that he could
not access his bank account as he’d been declared dead.

His mates procured their tickets without too much fuss, and a few

hours after landing in his home country, Connor stood in front of his
apartment. Now that he was here, he actually took in the surreal

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feeling of being back. Everything seemed the same, and yet he was so
very different—just like Valderr had told him a while back, in his
letter.

Connor took a deep breath and covered his head with the hood of

his jacket. It wouldn’t do for the neighbors to see him come inside. A
thought struck him—he didn’t even know if Owen still lived here. He
pushed the idea out of his mind. It wouldn’t do to worry now, when
he didn’t even know the real facts.

His building didn’t have a guard or a security system. They

slipped inside with ease, the late hour helping. Most of the neighbors
retreated to their own apartments, and would only come out if an UFO
hit the building.

Connor’s palms sweated when he found himself at his home. He

rang the doorbell, once, twice, but there was no reply. Disgruntled and
even more anxious than before, he shared a look with his mates.
“Maybe he’s sleeping.”

He very much doubted it, since his friend would be getting ready

for work at this hour. It was too early for Owen’s usual shift, but as a
rule, Owen was a night owl. He’d have heard the doorbell.

With increasing fear, Connor allowed Rodrik to pick the lock. The

apartment met them with silence and darkness. It didn’t take long for
Connor to figure out Owen was not there. At first, Connor thought his
friend might have gone to work after all. Most of Owen’s belongings
were still in his closet, so he hadn’t moved. But then, Connor noticed
Owen’s pack and essentials were gone. He seemed to have gone on a
trip of sorts.

Immediately, Connor panicked. Rodrik hugged him tight and said,

“We’ll ask the neighbors. Someone is bound to know.”

“The administrator,” Connor answered. “Margaret Powell. If

Owen left, she should know something.”

“I’ll go,” Rallion offered.
Connor nodded. It was probably the safest bet, since Rallion

looked the least outlandish from his lovers. He supposed Che’kendral

Saving Connor

207

might be able to hypnotize one of his neighbors into telling the truth,
but it would be best to keep a low profile.

Together, they left the apartment and slipped into the corridor.

Rallion rang at the administrator’s door while Connor and the others
ducked into the staircase. The woman who watched over the building
cracked her door open. She adjusted her glasses and blinked owlishly
at Rallion.

“Yes? Who’s there?”
Margaret was a lovely woman and part of the reason why Connor

and Owen afforded to live in this building in the first place. She
always allowed them to be late with rent and baked them food when
they couldn’t afford anything else but cheap takeout. “Hello. Mrs.
Powell?” When the woman nodded, Rallion continued, “I’m Allen
Smith.” Rallion uttered the fake name without missing a beat. “I’m a
friend of Owen’s, from apartment 20b. I was in town and noticed he’s
not home. Would you by any chance know when he’d be back?”

Margaret narrowed her eyes at Rallion. Even if she couldn’t hear

or see as well as she used to, she was a sharp woman. Connor hoped
she would not realize Rallion bullshitted her.

“Well, you just missed him,” she said. “He left just yesterday.”
“Left?” Rallion repeated. “Where?”
“Looking for his friend. Ever since Connor vanished…” She

sighed. “Owen just hasn’t been the same. When the cops found no
trace of Connor, Owen just took it into his own hands. I begged him
not to go, but couldn’t convince him. You may still be able to catch
up with him if you leave now.”

“I wouldn’t know where to start,” Rallion said. “Did he say where

he was actually going?”

“Well, he intended to go to Mexico, where Connor went missing,

I believe. He struggled quite a while to gather the money and
documents. But beyond that, I don’t know.”

Rallion nodded. “Thank you, Mrs. Powell.”

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Scarlet Hyacinth

“You take care now, Mr. Smith,” Margaret said. “If you find that

boy, tell him to come home.”

Judging by her tone, she didn’t believe Rallion’s story, but she

liked him anyway. As the administrator closed her door, Rallion
joined Connor and his men at the staircase. “You heard?”

“We need to follow him,” Connor answered. “I just have to make

sure he’s all right.”

The next day, Connor stood with his mates in front the Zone of

Silence. There were police cars everywhere, and the entire area
seemed to be a mess.

Just like at the apartment building, Rallion went to inquire into the

events. After a few failed attempts, a policewoman finally answered
their questions.

“A young man went missing,” she said. “There was a big storm

yesterday, but he insisted on going to The Zone. It’s a mess, because
the boy’s friend also disappeared, just a few months ago, in this exact
spot.”

Connor went cold. As Rallion joined them once again, Tallean

said, “It sometimes happens that energy storms link with two spots on
Earth. He must be on our world.”

Connor couldn’t muster enough coherence to reply. Obviously

understanding his shock and sadness, his lovers pulled him in a group
embrace. “Connor, we’ll find him, okay?” Wren tried to soothe him.
“Wherever he may be, we’ll find him.”

Even if Connor wanted to believe Wren, he couldn’t help but

remember the first things Ralleana had told him. Consider yourself
lucky. Others who’ve been in your situation landed in the middle of
the ocean. Let’s just say we have very big sea monsters here.

Connor clung to his mates, tears filling his eyes at the idea that he

might never see his friend again. Oh, God! Owen, where are you?

Saving Connor

209

THE END

WWW.SCARLETHYACINTH.WEBS.COM

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A native Romanian, Scarlet was born in 1986 and grew up an avid

fan of Karl May and Jules Verne, reading fantasy stories and
adventure. Later, when she was out of fantasy stories to read, she
delved into her mother’s collection of books and, of course, stumbled
onto romance.

As a writer, though, Scarlet Hyacinth was born one sunny summer

day when a dear friend of hers—the same friend who introduced her
to GLBT fiction—proposed they start writing a story of their own. As
it turns out, the two friends never did finish that particular story, but
Scarlet discovered she had a knack for writing and ended up starting
to write individually. And so, between working on her dissertation,
studying for exams, and reading yaoi manga, she started writing the
Kaldor Saga. Along the way, Scarlet met a lot of wonderful people
who supported her, and in the end, she found her story a home and, in
the process, fulfilled a beautiful dream.

Also by Scarlet Hyacinth

Siren Classic ManLove: Kaldor Saga 1: Enraptured

Siren Classic ManLove: Kaldor Saga 2: Over the Edge

Siren Classic ManLove: Kaldor Saga 3: Destinies in Darkness, Part 1
Siren Classic ManLove: Kaldor Saga 3: Destinies in Darkness, Part 2

Siren Classic ManLove: Kaldor Saga 4: Mending Shattered Souls

Ménage Amour ManLove: The Three Horsemen of the Black Forest

Siren Allure ManLove: Truth and Deception

Siren Classic ManLove: Sequel to Truth and Deception: Reborn

Siren Classic ManLove: Deadly Mates 1: Moon’s Sweet Poison

Siren Classic ManLove: Deadly Mates 2: Wings of Moonlight

Ménage Amour ManLove: Deadly Mates 3:

Spell of the Predator’s Moon

Ménage Amour ManLove: Deadly Mates 4: Dragon’s Bloodmoon

Ménage Amour ManLove: Fire of the Four Seasons

Ménage Amour ManLove: Spirit Wolves 1:

A Mate Beyond Their Reach

Ménage Amour ManLove: Spirit Wolves 2: Mates in Life and Death

Ménage Amour ManLove: Spirit Wolves 3:

Two Mates for a Magistrate

Ménage Amour ManLove: Spirit Wolves 4:

Three Mates, One Destiny

Ménage Amour ManLove: Spirit Wolves 5:

Star-Crossed Mates

Available at

BOOKSTRAND.COM

Siren Publishing, Inc.

www.SirenPublishing.com

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SAVING CONNOR

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