And Then

And Then… Brenda Bryce All rights reserved.

Copyright ©2008 Brenda Bryce

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ISBN: 978-1-59596-956-9

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Editor: Chrissie Henderson

Cover Artist: Reneé George

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And Then… Brenda Bryce In a time of plenty, on a planet of wealth, boredom is abated by witnessing life and death struggles. Geoff, a human gladiator/slave, is one of two survivors of the day’s entertainment. Ardis is a non-human, unlike any being Geoff had ever encountered in his restricted life. When Ardis offers to comfort him and care for his wounds for the night, Geoff can do no other but accept. For on the morrow they are to fight each other to the death.

Chapter One “And then there were two.” The voice echoed off the walls of the stadium along with the roar of the crowd. Geoff kept his gaze on the announcer and not on the carnage he’d dealt in the last several hours. The field was littered with the dead or dying, and he’d been the one to mete out half of it. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the gladiator he’d have to fight on the morrow. Blood spattered, as he himself was, covered in various bits of battle gear, a furry nonhuman that was built like a behemoth. Geoff exhaled slowly. “Two gladiators. Alone and unafraid. Fierce and undefeated.” Win or lose, it didn’t matter. He’d still be -“On the morrow, watch these two magnificent specimens battle… To the death!” Again the roar of the crowd reverberated in the stadium, the thunder nearly deafened him. They lounged in their booths -- each climate controlled to their species -watching the spectacle of the battle. The clear fronts of the stands might protect the spectators sequestered behind it from harm and the elements, but not from the sounds and smells of the fighting. This, too, became a measure of entertainment. The different sections of the stadium competed to see who could be the loudest. Such was their lives. The battle, the competition; there was nothing more. Since technology had taken over to simplify their lives, they only had the ancient pastimes to entertain them, keeping them from boredom. Yes, the crowd loved the fight, and the survivors, but he had no caring of their enjoyment. Not anymore. Geoff bowed to the crowd in each of the four directions. As was expected, he raised his arms in triumph. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Ardis do the same.

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-6-

Turning, Geoff repeated the motions for the other side of the pla-steel stadium that he’d been told was meant to look like one from the ancient days of Old Earth. Carrying his chain and shield, he turned and left the playing field, ignoring the hover cameras that tried to get his every expression. The stasis shield had been lowered and he entered the quiet, empty passageway. Unable to walk another step, he stopped to lean his back against the cool fab-stone of the wall. Ardis followed, a few steps behind, and paused next to him. Geoff could smell him now. Sweat mixed with the blood of the defeated and, even over his own stench, his nose twitched at the other gladiator’s strong scent. He drew it in, enjoying the sensation of taking a deep breath. “You must tend your wounds.” Geoff lifted his gaze from the floor and stared at the other gladiator. “It doesn’t matter.” He thought, for a moment, that Ardis would reach out one of his massive hands and touch him, but the hand only twitched and settled. The mace and shield that Ardis had drawn, weapons the controllers said were ancient in origin, had fared him well this day. Only a few bruises to the chiseled face and several scrapes marred the hair-covered body. Ardis’ sand-colored hair was at least two inches long, coating his entire body except for his face and a few other places, like the palms of his hands. Geoff wondered for one moment what the gladiator’s race was, as he’d never seen a humanoid with a full pelt, then shook off the thought. No longer did it matter what race they’d been born to. They were slaves, for at least one more night. “Come, Geoff.” Ardis’ deep voice rippled over him, and as tired as he was, the hairs on his arm stood up in reaction and his cock twitched. He wondered what the hair would feel like against his own body, whether it was as soft as it looked, or dry and scratchy. Pushing off the wall, he fell in beside Ardis. At the end of the doorless, windowless hall, they handed the weapons master their gear and strode beyond him,

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without breaking the silence. They passed through an inconspicuous doorway where a stasis shield automatically enabled to keep them from seeking freedom, and walked down a long, winding set of stairs to the gladiators’ quarters. When Geoff started to turn into his own space, Ardis held out a staying hand. “Join me? I’ll care for your wounds as you seem to have no care of them yourself.” Geoff hesitated. He knew what the other asked. Companionship. A last night of contact for whoever did not survive the coming battle. It was a way of life here, and Geoff had known no other. He scrutinized Ardis’ body. Bare, strong feet, thick muscular legs, powerful, broad chest, and arms as big around as Geoff’s head. He had a strong, smooth, chiseled face, and his eyes… Ardis’ blue eyes had Geoff nodding, following him to the other gladiator’s quarters. Ardis’ intent stare had shown a loneliness and attraction that he himself felt. It was overpowering and consuming. He needed just one night of contact, before he might die. Yes, Geoff understood these emotions, and they would share their time together.

Trying not to let his excitement show, Ardis plodded down the hall to his own quarters and could not believe his luck. Geoff would be joining him on his last night as a slave. His heart pounded under his skin, causing the soft hair at his chest to move as if a wind blew through it. Geoff excited him; his nearly hairless body was so smooth and soft looking that he’d wanted to touch him for some time, just to feel the difference between them. He’d been watching the dark-haired human for the three days Ardis had been held at the stadium, and he’d liked the being he’d observed. Geoff was a strong male, a powerful fighter, but didn’t let the wins go to his head as Ardis had seen happen to others. Those

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creatures were lying on the field at this moment, gone and forgotten. Geoff was singular in that he did not like to fight and it showed when he wasn’t in the arena. He was a large man, and except for the waist-length hair on his head and the dense covering on his chest, he was smooth and bare. His legs and arms sported hair but it was sparse enough that Ardis could see skin through it. Compared to his own thick pelt, the lack of body hair was such a novelty that Ardis had to constantly wage battles within himself to keep from touching Geoff each time he saw him. Perhaps now, he had his chance. Time was short and he must do everything within his power to convince Geoff that… No. No time to think of that now. Pushing open the door to his quarters, he stepped into the sparsely furnished room. The large bed fit his proportions, but was far from comfortable. A chest for his leathers -- a trouser style of leggings with wide straps that went over the shoulders, the only clothing the gladiators wore -- was against one wall. A solitary chair stood next to a small table. It was uncomfortable and stark, nothing like what he was accustomed to, but for the amount of time he would remain, it sufficed. “Please, enter my space.” Geoff crossed the threshold, not bothering to look around. His quarters would have been the same, so there was no need. He cast about for something to say. “Shower?” When Geoff started to peel off his leather coverings, Ardis offered his assistance. Buckles were undone, and the leather slid from his body, leaving behind a beguiling nude form. Ardis had to fight himself not to throw the coverings to the floor and fall upon Geoff like the animal his ancestors had been. No matter what the master said, he was not an animal. Ardis felt the intensity of Geoff’s gaze as he removed his own leather coverings and, when air hissed through Geoff’s teeth, Ardis’ stomach clenched. Geoff said nothing, but reached down to grip Ardis’ aching cock. It was Ardis’ turn to suck air, but the sensation of the hard hand on his cock, squeezing and pumping gently, had his eyes closing.

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“You don’t have hair here.” Geoff’s voice had a curious tone to it without distaste. “It is the way of my people. We wear coverings over our hairless sexual organs, but the rest of the body, the gods have provided for us.” “It seems the gods have provided for you in all ways.” Geoff’s gaze slid up to Ardis’, eyes flashing excitedly. “In all ways.” Ardis understood the compliment. Geoff’s cock was very similar to his. It was just as big around, but Ardis’ was slightly longer. He wanted to feel Geoff’s cock inside him, soon. He’d not been with another since he’d been taken from his home world, and as this would be his last chance to mate with Geoff before… “Shower?” The question was asked by Geoff this time, and Ardis nodded. “Yes, shower.”

The shower was communal and several spigots poured water from the wall. It echoed emptily, with only the two survivors of this day’s entertainment. The caretakers would never utilize slave facilities, and the masters never deigned to concern themselves with their property. It mattered not whether they were healthy, as long as they and the other spectators garnered entertainment. Unless it meant they had to shell out credits or favors to purchase new slaves, they thought of them not. Geoff silently entered the cem-slate area and stood under one of the spouts for a moment. The one deep wound he’d received across his chest stung, but he ignored the pain to clean off the blood and dirt. Ardis did the same. He watched Ardis as he bathed, and enjoyed the sight. The hair that covered his body wasn’t long, only thick, and it had been soft to the touch. Ardis’ cock had been more than he’d expected and Geoff couldn’t wait to feel it in him, but he could be patient. They had all night. Ardis knelt slowly at Geoff’s feet and, as if afraid to make any sudden moves, took the straining cock that bobbed in front of his face into his hand. Stroking it lightly, base to tip, he leaned forward and licked the purple head.

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Geoff sucked in a breath. When Ardis took the head of his cock into his hot, wet mouth, the air burst from his aching chest. Gods, it felt good. Putting his hands on the kneeling male’s shoulders, he pumped his hips, fucking Ardis’ mouth gently. Ardis had a way with cock, and licked and sucked until Geoff thought he would come out of turn. “Stop.” Ardis’ gaze wandered up Geoff’s chest and he gave him a questioning glance. “I don’t want to come in your mouth, this time.” Letting the cock slide from his mouth, Ardis stood and turned toward the wall and bent forward. “Not yet, Ardis. I want to taste you as well.” Ardis’ shoulders shook slightly as if he hadn’t expected to hear the demand, but he turned back around and stood, stoically, waiting for whatever would happen. Geoff leaned in and tilted his head up just enough to put his mouth to Ardis’. He’d had to taste the firm lips. Ardis made him ache with need, much more than his other partners had, and he wanted to take everything he could from him in the time they had. Pushing the other man’s soft lips open, he thrust his tongue inside. Pulling Ardis closer, Geoff wrapped his arms tightly around the other male’s back and pressed their chests together. Invading every nuance of Ardis’ mouth, Geoff arched his hips and rubbed his cock against Ardis’. Ardis’ arms enfolded him slowly, tentatively, and when the brush of the hair on his arms touched his back, Geoff shivered, delighted. Moaning, he rubbed his cock against Ardis’ again and wiggled his ass in invitation. Ardis took the hint and placed his big palms directly on the firm globes of his ass. Geoff reveled in the sensation of the calloused hands kneading and squeezing his cheeks. Geoff slid his hands down the soft hair on Ardis’ back and dug his fingers into the hard ass he found. He used the grip to grind his cock against Ardis’ with a rolling hip motion. Fighting back, Ardis arched his hips and moaned into Geoff’s mouth. He tasted like the nectar of the gods.

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He had to have more. One last thrust of his hips, and he pulled out of the kiss. Sliding down Ardis’ stone-hard body, Geoff ran curious hand over the hair-covered chest. Locating a stiff nipple buried under the pelt, Geoff rubbed it with his fingertips, then pinched it lightly. “Ah.” Ardis arched his hips and gasped. “Geoff.” It incited Geoff to taste the nub. He uncovered the treat and captured it with his lips. Sliding his lips back and forth over the tight nipple, he caught it with his teeth and sucked it into his mouth. Torturing it with his tongue, he nearly smiled when Ardis groaned. He let the hard nub pop out of his mouth, and went in search of its mate, affording the other the same treatment until Ardis’ hands lifted and buried in Geoff’s long black hair. Geoff knelt and with a quick tonguing to the indentation of Ardis’ navel, he wrapped his lips around the massive cock and took it inside his mouth. Ardis’ hands clenched in his hair, tugging lightly, pushing his head onto the cock. Taking the wide, purpling head deep, he licked and sucked and hummed. He pulled back, only to start again. The scent of raw virility hit Geoff once again. Clean and masculine, it made his cock ache. He wasn’t sure whether he wanted to be inside Ardis first, or have the huge cock that invaded his mouth inside him instead. Before the night was over, he would have Ardis both ways. It was a promise and a vow. Ardis arched into his ministrations, pulling on his hair. “Please.” The one word was all he said, but Geoff understood. “Let’s go to your quarters.” “Yes.” Ardis grabbed two drying cloths, dried himself as best he could in the shortest time with one, then turned to Geoff. “May I?” Geoff nodded and Ardis laid the cloth against Geoff’s skin and dried him. The rasp of the material against his sensitized skin was electrifying. Ardis was careful to not miss an inch of Geoff’s body, examining each bruise and scrape, and even rubbed the cloth against his sphincter several times, making it clench, needy. Ardis wrapped the cloth around Geoff’s waist and took his hand, leading him back to the quarters.

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Inside, with the door closed, Ardis returned to drying himself while Geoff went to the bed and sat. “Do you have grease?” Ardis nodded and reached for a small pot on the clothes chest. “Will this do?” Geoff took it and sniffed the contents. “It’ll do fine.” He handed the pot back to Ardis. “I need you inside me, Ardis.” Setting the pot on the bed, Ardis pressed Geoff into the mattress. “You want me to go first?” He sounded excited and hopeful. “Yes.” He groaned and took Geoff’s mouth in a heated kiss. Tongues dueled, lips caressed, and Geoff closed his eyes. The hard, heavy body pressed him deeper into the mattress. Geoff felt himself relax in Ardis’ hold and let him take the lead.

Ardis was in heaven. Geoff had handed him the controls and he could finally live out his fantasies. He didn’t know where to start. Zarks, there was so much he wanted to do to this being that he was at a loss. Breaking the kiss, he looked down the muscular body. So many places he wanted to explore. Placing open-mouthed kisses, licks, and bites, he moved down Geoff’s neck to his collarbone where he sucked lightly in a spot that would be covered by the strap of the leathers, leaving a mark. Admiring the reddened area for a moment, he smiled. “It’s good.” No other might see it, but he knew it was there. Leaving the spot, he moved to the long gash across Geoff’s chest. Licking it gently, he cleaned the wound. His race had a small amount of healing properties in their saliva, and he wanted to do as much as he could to help. His instincts led him and he couldn’t fight them. Arching into him, Geoff cried out quietly at the contact of tongue to wound. Ardis felt guilty that there was a sting to the healing, but he didn’t stop until the whole of it had been cleansed. Not missing a beat, he moved to the masculine nipple that protruded from the dark, curly hair, so different from his own, and took the tight bud into his mouth.

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He moved his hands in a slow, merciless foray downward and over Geoff’s hips. Such smooth skin, soft. Yet the muscles underneath bunched and solidified, reminding him of the hard surface of the outer shell of a long distance space hauler. He kneaded there, transferring to grasp the hard cock that twitched with need. Moving down Geoff’s body, he licked the tip of the pulsing cock. Geoff’s lack of control showed in the opening and closing of the hole in the head as it flexed. Ardis had to taste and stuck the tip of his tongue in the slit, tasting precome. He had to have more. Taking the head into his mouth, he slid down the shaft until his lips met his own hand which had a tight grip at the base of Geoff’s cock. Fisting the hard shaft, he slid his hand in tandem with the glide of his mouth and in no time, Geoff was arching his hips against his mouth. Ardis dipped two of his fingers in the grease pot, coated his fingertips. Once he deemed them ready, he slid the tips around the puckered entrance of Geoff’s ass, preparing him for what was to come. Ardis pressed one finger against the hole, seeking entrance. The resistance was momentary. With one gentle push, he slid his finger in to the first knuckle. He pressed harder and slipped all the way inside. Twisting, turning, and sliding the finger in and out of the body before him, he widened the tight hole for his inevitable invasion. Taking the cock deep into his mouth, he inserted a second finger into the hot passage. Geoff hissed and Ardis felt his muscles tighten then loosen in response. Spreading his fingers, Ardis lifted his head to see what he was doing. Beautiful. Ardis watched his fingers sliding deeply into the grasping hole as it rippled and tightened uncontrollably. He needed more room, not wanting to hurt this lovely creature, so he added a third finger. Ah, gods. He’d never seen anything so enticing. One last plunge of his fingers and he pulled them out of Geoff’s anus. He had to get inside of him immediately.

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He took his own cock in hand, slicking it with the grease. Once, twice, he pumped his shaft, watching the hole he was about to invade clench and open. When he lifted Geoff’s legs, the entrance winked at him as if pleading for him. Resting the tip of his cock against the fluttering hole, he waited a moment, enjoying the view. “Ardis. Now, please.” Geoff’s cry was preceded by the ring of muscles opening and taking the head of his cock inside. Ardis gasped. He was so tight, clenching his tender head with hard muscles. Unable to deny himself any longer, he pressed into Geoff. Deeper and deeper, his shaft burrowed into the tight, hot confines of the other male’s ass. When he bottomed out, his balls resting against Geoff’s ass and Geoff’s balls resting against his lower abdomen, he stilled. Savoring the sensation of immersing himself in the one being he had craved for weeks, he looked where their bodies merged. Perfect. Slowly he pulled back, enjoying the slide of the clenching muscles on his pulsing shaft, until only the head remained trapped by the clenching sphincter ring. Watching, he pressed back inside, as slow as forever, needing to see the possession. It was the most beautiful thing he’d seen in his life. Geoff’s cock bobbed with each thrust as Ardis sped up slightly. When Geoff wrapped his hand around his own cock, Ardis murmured words of praise as he watched Geoff pump the shaft in time with his own thrusts. “So beautiful. I could spend an eternity right here like this with you.” Sadness gleamed from Geoff’s gaze as he shook his head. “We have this night only. I’ll not ask for more.” Ardis understood his reserve. They were to battle on the morrow, unless… Thrusting harder, slipping in and out of the grasping body, Ardis could feel the sweat running down the pelt covering his back. His ass tightened with each successive lunge and he leaned his chest against Geoff’s upraised legs, pinning his knees to his chest, rubbing his furred belly with each movement against the rock-hard cock that

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strained between them. Taking Geoff’s mouth with his, he pounded into him, grunting and reaching for fulfillment. Geoff arched, pushing his hips up toward him to take all that Ardis would give and, with a final buck, Geoff’s cock exploded between them. The rippling of Geoff’s ass as he climaxed brought on Ardis’. He impaled Geoff with his swelling cock several more times as the fire raced down his back to his balls. His cock exploded with streams of come that he shot deep into the convulsing body beneath him. Slowly, he kept the motion, sliding in and out of the clenching passage until they both could breathe again. “Gods, Geoff. I’ve never had…” He couldn’t finish. There just weren’t words to convey what he felt. A rough palm cupped his cheek and the earnest gaze met his. “I understand, Ardis. I, too, have never felt this.” Ardis slipped carefully from Geoff’s body, reaching for a towel. Carefully, reverently, he wiped come and grease from the glorious body. When they were both clean, he lay down and, holding tightly to Geoff, he breathed in their combined scents.

Chapter Two Air and odors of sex rushed into his lungs. Geoff lay with his eyes closed, memorizing each facet of being with Ardis. Never had sex felt so right with another being. There had been the nighttime gropings, relieving of tensions, and even the occasional short-term coupling, but never, in all the time he’d been alive, had he felt emotional about someone. His chest hurt thinking that this would end, come the day. Geoff turned toward Ardis, and looked into his bright blue gaze, trying to see what might be different about this being to make him feel as he did. It wasn’t that he was alien in form, because in his life he’d seen many different species and races. Perhaps it was the emotion he saw on Ardis’ face. The majority of the slaves he’d known had learned to bury any and all emotions so deeply as to hardly be felt, much less seen by others. “Tell me about yourself, Geoff.” Ardis’ deep whisper ruffled the hair at Geoff’s forehead, washing a wonderful mint scent over him. “What’s there to tell? I’m a slave. Born and bred to be a gladiator.” Ardis’ bushy brows drew together in a frown. “You were born a slave?” “Yes. Weren’t we all?” To Geoff’s shock and dismay, Ardis shook his head. “I was free until a few weeks ago.” Trying to imagine freedom, Geoff closed his eyes for a moment. “Impossible. There are no free gladiators.” Ardis didn’t speak, but his expression spoke for him. Geoff’s only dream died. Freedom that could be taken from a being made attaining it a worthless endeavor. The master had lied and the controllers had perpetrated it. He would never obtain his freedom, and he would die a slave.

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Angry tears welled to blur his sight. “How --” He paused to clear his throat. “How did you become a slave?” “It’s of no consequence at this time, but I promise to tell you about it on the morrow.” There would be no morrow for them, Geoff knew, but nodded as if it were possible. The brush of fine hairs crossed his side as Ardis moved to caress his backside. Only for this night, so he would make the best of what they had. Geoff encircled Ardis with his arms and pulled him close for a kiss. Never before had he enjoyed the act of kissing as much as he did with Ardis. He could happily spend hours enjoying this mouth, tasting, and teasing, but their time was limited and he needed to feel Ardis’ hairy ass encasing his throbbing shaft. Running a hand down the hair of Ardis’ back and over the curve of his hip was a sensation he would remember always. It was the nicest thing he’d ever felt and relished the softness on his palms. Ardis rolled on top of him, without putting all his weight on him, affording Geoff with the opportunity to press his fingers into the crack of Ardis’ ass and pull the globes apart. “I want inside you, Ardis.” “I want you there as well, beautiful one.” Blinking at the unexpected endearment, Geoff reached for the grease pot and coated his fingers. Parting the cheeks of Ardis’ backside, he stroked the puckered hole, lubricating it thoroughly. “I would like for you to sit on my cock.” Ardis wasted no time, sitting up and reaching for the straining cock that needed him so fiercely. Geoff slicked the grease on his own, temporarily removing Ardis’ massaging grip. The moment his shaft was sufficiently anointed, Ardis reclaimed control. Geoff wished the moment to last, so he reached underneath Ardis and pressed two fingers against Ardis’ tight hole and pushed inside. The sound Ardis made was a cross between a groan and a growl and the larger man lowered himself onto the thrusting fingers until he’d taken as much as could be

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given. Geoff separated his fingers inside Ardis. The palm and sides of his hand brushed against the soft hair that covered the hard mound of ass. It was a sensation he couldn’t wait to feel against his body. Ardis apparently felt similar needs. He tightened his grip on Geoff’s shaft and pulled off Geoff’s fingers, positioning the head of Geoff’s cock at his opening. Geoff’s gaze dropped to where their bodies met and he watched, enraptured as Ardis lowered himself on his slick member. Geoff had to put his hands at Ardis’ waist, but fought the need to slam into the hot, moist passage that claimed him so slowly. A millennium could have passed and Geoff would not have noticed as his cock disappeared inside of the glorious male above him. Tight, Ardis was tighter than a fist, and the twitching of inner muscles was a caress against his straining shaft. “Gods, Ardis. Take me.” “Yes.” The air hissed out of Ardis as he seated himself fully upon Geoff’s cock. Geoff had never felt so consumed, so much a part of another being as he did at this moment. “Ride me, I beg of you.” Ardis placed his rough hands on Geoff’s rippling abdomen and lifted his ass until Geoff saw his red shaft emerging. Then Ardis reversed the glide, encasing the aching cock with his hot body. Geoff stared, mesmerized at the uniting and retreating as if he’d never experienced it before. In this, he most assuredly hadn’t. His gaze flicked to Ardis’. With him, he felt as if this were more than just the coupling of two beings, but the meshing of two souls. Wrapping his slicked hand around Ardis’ pulsing cock, he skated his hand up and down the shaft. Tightening and loosening as Ardis’ ass did with his straining member. Ardis sped up his rise and fall and Geoff lifted his hips with every downward thrust to get as deep into him as he could. His balls tightened and his head began to spin. “Ardis. Soon.” “Yes. Now, Geoff.”

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The flame ripped up through his balls to erupt out his shaft, spewing come deep into the arching male above him. Ardis jettisoned stream after stream of milky white against Geoff’s chest. They cried out simultaneously and reached for the stars.

Ardis lifted off Geoff’s softening cock and sat beside him. This, then, was the One he had been waiting for his whole life. He’d expected to meet up with his One while here, but he’d never thought he would be so graced with such a beauty of will and body. “The day grows old. We should shower once more so we can rest. The morrow should prove strenuous.” Geoff’s reply was to sigh quietly and nod. He slid out of the bed and stood, holding out a hand, into which Ardis placed his own and climbed out of the bed to stand beside him. Geoff looked so sad that Ardis pulled him into his arms and held him tight. “It’ll be all right, my One. Trust me.” “Trust is something I’ve never had a need to cultivate, Ardis. I don’t know how.” Ardis understood. Geoff had been born to slavery and trust was a freeman idea. He would spend the rest of his life teaching this value to Geoff. Geoff pulled away, looking down at their sticky bodies. “Let us remove to the shower.” Holding on to Geoff’s hand, Ardis led the way to the showers. Under the spray of the spigots, Ardis washed the drying come from Geoff’s lovely skin. The gash on his chest was improving after the treatment and Ardis was pleased that a second administering of the healing would be unnecessary. Geoff squirted some of the cleansing liquid into his cupped hands and began massaging it into Ardis’ body fur. The sensation was one he hadn’t experienced since he’d been a child, someone washing him, and the wonder of it hit him like a body blow. Even as a freeman, he had missed out on so many things that Geoff, a slave born, had much to teach him.

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Ardis tensed when Geoff found a particularly ticklish spot and Geoff froze. “Have I done something improper?” The calm inflection of Geoff’s voice had Ardis scanning his face. “Nothing improper, only, I’m ticklish there.” “Ticklish?” He honestly did not understand. “An involuntary reaction to being touched in certain places that makes one laugh.” Geoff considered this strange explanation, trying to understand. He shook his head. “I’ve never experienced this. Perhaps it’s not an affliction those of my species have.” Ardis felt a slow grin grow on his face. “I’ve heard that humans are very ticklish.” He curled his fingers and reached for Geoff. Under arms and down sides, Ardis ran his teasing fingers. One sensitive spot had Ardis pausing and torturing. Geoff peered at him, startled and shocked. He tried to jerk back, but the laughter erupted from his throat unbidden. Removing his hands from the stunned human, Ardis nodded. “That’s ticklish.” Shuddering slightly, Geoff nodded. “That was something I’ve never experienced. It is also one I’ve no wish to experience again.” Laughing softly, Ardis ran his hands down Geoff’s body, sloughing off the water and cleansing liquid. Distracted by the rippling of the water sheeting off the male’s skin, he stopped and watched. Lowering his head, he leaned in to taste the flavorsome water. He couldn’t help himself. Geoff was temptation such as he’d never encountered. “I need you again, Geoff.” Geoff nodded. “As I need you.” Tenderly, Ardis turned Geoff toward the wall of the shower and bent him forward so that the mostly hairless crack of his ass spread and the tight pucker was visible. Ardis felt his cock rise to rampant need and he wrapped his fist around his cock to keep from plunging into the portal spread before him.

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“I would like you to part your cheeks for me, my One.” Ardis reached for the cleansing liquid. It was viscous enough to suit their needs. Coating his fingers, he watched rapt, when Geoff did as he bid and held his muscular globes apart. “I’m sorry, I must --” Ardis fell to his knees behind Geoff and ran his tongue along the pale crease of Geoff’s ass. Flat tonguing the flexing muscles of his hole, Ardis heard Geoff groan. He ran his tongue down toward the balls and he drew them, one at a time, carefully into his mouth, lapped at them with his tongue, and sucked on them. Geoff tensed and would have removed his hands, but Ardis tugged lightly on his balls in warning. Geoff understood, and kept his hands where they were. Ardis opened his mouth and let Geoff’s balls slip free, returning to licking and sucking on them softly. Geoff’s hips tensed and relaxed, fucking the air. “Ardis. I have a need to…” He didn’t finish, but Ardis knew what he craved. Ardis once more covered his hand with cleansing liquid and twisted two fingers inside his passage, savoring the pleasure it afforded Geoff. Geoff arched back, howling his need when Ardis curled his fingers and touched him on the swollen gland that all males had within them. Every muscle in Geoff visibly tensed and Ardis smiled. The tightening on his fingers was constricting, but worth every second of the pressure. When the rigidity left Geoff’s body, Ardis removed his fingers and fisted his own cock. Placing the head where he wanted to be more than his life was worth, he leaned his hips into Geoff, popped past the tight ring of muscles, and slid into him. Geoff cursed loudly, but pushed back against him, taking his cock fully within him. “By all the gods, Geoff, you’re apt to kill me.” Taking Geoff by the hips, he pounded into the other man, pulling him back into every strong thrust. Pushing against the wall, Geoff grunted with every deep stroke and moaned with each outward slide. His cock swelled, and his balls drew up tight, as he watched his body take Geoff’s. He didn’t want to miss even one nanosecond of their mating. Continuing the

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- 22 -

hard, fast pace, he reached around Geoff’s narrow waist and grabbed the stone-hard cock. Pumping it in time with his plunging, Ardis groaned as Geoff spurted his come in a high arc. He pushed harder into Geoff, once, twice, and come shot from him into Geoff’s hot hole. He leaned against Geoff, who in turn leaned against the shower wall, both breathing heavily in the steam-filled room. As Ardis’ cock slipped out of Geoff’s body, they struggled to remain upright. “Are you two going to eat tonight?” The acidic sound of the caretaker’s voice broke the joy they had been feeling. “Momentarily.” Ardis didn’t deign to look at the snide fellow as he answered him. “Make it quick. I don’t have all night.” The male laughed. “For one of you, this will be your last meal. Better eat it while it’s still hot.” The caretaker turned, laughing, and left the showering room. Geoff had ignored the interruption, but sighed after the being left. “We must eat to keep up our strength.” Chuckling softly, Ardis ran his hand over Geoff as he stepped away from him. “I enjoy touching you, and yes, we’ll need our strength for what I have in store for the rest of the night.” They probably would not get much sleep, but the memories would make up for it.

Geoff had hated the interruption, but was used to it. The caretakers found enjoyment in watching the gladiators fuck, and the further one made it in battle, the more they wanted to watch. He’d learned to pretend they weren’t there, but Ardis seemed to have no such ability. “Do not antagonize the caretaker. This one delights in tormenting those under his dubious care.” Ardis snorted. “He cannot torment me. I’m bigger and stronger than he, and there is nothing he could do to me before I got the better of him.” “The game officials would have you crucified.”

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And Then…

- 23 -

“If they are strong enough, perhaps.” Geoff did not understand the unconcern that Ardis displayed regarding the masters and their keepers. He’d never met anyone who feared them as little as this one being did. The concept of not obeying orders was inconceivable. “What is freedom like?” Geoff had not meant to pose the question, but now that it had been vocalized he wished desperately for the answer. Ardis grabbed drying cloths and handed one to Geoff. Drying himself thoroughly, Ardis stared contemplatively into nothingness. “Freedom is where you get up in the morning and do work you may or may not enjoy for compensation that you use to purchase items to live. Food, clothing, housing, everything has a price. It’s not much different than slavery, actually, because you have people telling you when to do what, and how. Although, they generally do not send you into a ring with other people to fight to the death.” Ardis shook his head. “I’m making freedom sound like something that does not need to be fought for, but it is. There are places I’ve seen that are so beautiful that a being could not describe it properly. I went to these places because I had an urge to. I didn’t ask anyone for permission, nor did I receive orders to go there. That is the difference. I do as I wish often enough that the times I have someone telling me what I must do is lessened.” Geoff tried to understand but his entire life had been ruled by others. Even who he spent time with. If the caretaker had said that he and Ardis had to stay separated, Geoff would have kept away from him. It was what he knew. It was all he knew. “Have you never wanted to not fight?” Ardis’ question had everything within Geoff stilling. “It would be impossible.” “Freemen have the opportunity to say no.” He could not imagine it. The idea was completely inconceivable. “Preposterous.” The word slipped from his lips.

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- 24 -

Ardis grimaced. “Not as much as you would think. Wars have been fought for generations, and the only way they were ended was someone going against orders and not fighting. One person, then two, and so on and so on until no one was left to fight.” Head spinning at the idea, Geoff dried his body and wrapped the cloth around his waist. “Is this true?” “Yes, although there were times the one person who decided not to fight died soon thereafter and the battle raged on for longer, this ending has been known to happen on several worlds.” The rasp of rough skin on Geoff’s hand had him glancing down. Dazed, he saw Ardis take his hand and steer him toward the door. “Let’s eat, Geoff. The sustenance might make you feel better.” Too many thoughts buffeted Geoff for him to answer. To leave here, to be with whom he wished, where he wished, when he wished… It was too much. He followed Ardis to the communal dining room and sat where he was bidden. Moments later, the caretaker set a plate of food and a drink in front of him. He stared at it, unable to identify what it was. Several moments passed as he tried to understand. Shaking his head hard, he clenched his fist in his frustration. “It makes no difference. It is what it is. Tomorrow the master will expect me in the ring, and there I shall be.” Ardis dipped his head and spooned food into his mouth without responding. It was probably for the best. “Look at the two of you, eating together, fucking together, and on the morrow, fighting, but not together I hope. I’ve got twenty credits on the hairy one here.” The caretaker laughed and tapped the table as he walked by. Geoff glanced up at Ardis when he heard the growl. “Shh.” As he stared after the caretaker, angry retribution flashed in Ardis’ blue eyes. He said nothing more, thank the gods, but his whole demeanor seemed volatile. “Ardis.” When Ardis shifted attention back to him, Geoff saw the rage and suppressed violence within him. “You cannot do what you are thinking, Ardis.”

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- 25 -

“I don’t see a reason I shouldn’t. They’re putting us in the ring to kill each other. We mean nothing to them as living beings.” “They see us as we are, Ardis. Slaves.” His expression implied that he disagreed, but Ardis said nothing. Geoff pushed the food around on his plate for a few minutes, taking bites occasionally. “I don’t have an appetite, Ardis. I’m ready to leave here.” Being under the close scrutiny of the caretaker had him feeling uncomfortable this night. Ardis grimaced and pushed his chair back, standing. “I’m sorry I made you uneasy. That one has a problem controlling his mouth.” Geoff closed his eyes, horrified. Ardis would pay dearly for that aspersion. The caretaker slapped his hand on the control box, demanding assistance. A heartbeat passed and, pulse weapons drawn, three guards entered the dining area. “I want him punished. The animal needs to learn to respect his betters.” Shifting his attention from the caretaker to Ardis, the guard in front hesitated slightly. “The battle scheduled on the morrow…” ventured one. “Will have to be fought with one combatant in less than perfect condition.” The caretaker folded his arms, expecting compliance. There was no further dissent among the guards. “Come with us, slave. Now.” Ardis stepped toward the guards and allowed them to cuff his arms behind his back with stasis shackles without a struggle. “And take the other one, too. They were both insubordinate.” “No.” Ardis jerked in the guards’ tight grip. “He did nothing.” Geoff ignored Ardis’ exclamations, as did the guards. Putting his hands behind his back, he waited patiently while they put stasis shackles on his arms. They were marched to the end of the hall, beyond a stasis shield, and through a door, into a room that Geoff had not been in before, but had heard much of. Those who had been brought here either did not return to the gladiator quarters, or did so with injuries that kept them from fighting for days.

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- 26 -

The guards removed the stasis cuffs from Geoff’s arms and recuffed him with ones that were embedded high on the wall. He checked his balance on his feet, and leaned his forehead to the wall. Ardis struggled with the guards as they cuffed him to the wall next to Geoff. “He did nothing to warrant punishment.” He was trying to look behind him at the guards, twisting and turning in the stasis cuffs. “It doesn’t matter, Ardis. The caretaker wishes me punished, and so I shall be.” “It’s not right.” Ardis stared into Geoff’s eyes, and Geoff saw the remorse. “That caretaker is known for proving that he is the better of the slaves, and that even though he cannot fight in the ring, he can still hurt us. Do not blame yourself. He has wished to have me punished for a very long time. Tonight is his last chance.” Geoff truly didn’t fault Ardis for what was about to happen. “It’ll be all right, Ardis.” Ardis shook his head, and the first blow landed on Ardis’ back. The replica of the ancient cat-o’-nine-tails was just as destructive as the original had been. Ardis arched away from it, but could not escape the repeated blows. Waiting, breathing through his mouth, Geoff waited for the first blow to strike him. When it came, the shock of pain was stunning. He’d been in many battles, fought valiantly and been wounded many times, but this… This was unbearable. The cat tore at his skin with each snap of the leather. His back soon felt like shredded meat and his buttocks felt no better. The guards took turns wielding the cat. One would lash Ardis several times, then Geoff would feel the bite of the leather. When they had each had their turn, gaining several stripes, the guard would hand the cat to the next guard. To Geoff, it seemed this cycle lasted for hours. By the time they released Geoff and Ardis from the stasis cuffs, Geoff could no longer feel his back and he could barely stand. “You two go back to your quarters. There will be no more disobedience this night.”

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And Then…

- 27 -

The guard who spoke held the bloody cat-o’-nine-tails in his limp hand. Geoff felt a stirring of true hatred. Never before had he wished he were free and could invite the guards into the ring where they would have to meet him in a fair fight. But the guards were freemen and he was a slave. For the first time, he hated his status. Ardis gripped Geoff’s wrist and lifted it so his upper arm wrapped around the back of Ardis’ neck. He didn’t touch Geoff’s back, which he was grateful for, but Ardis was still able to haul him around easily with a steadying hand on his hip. Geoff could only marvel at the strength he exhibited. Growling low in his chest, Ardis helped Geoff walk back to the quarters. “I thank you for the assistance, Ardis. I’m not sure I would have made it on my own.” “Where is the infirmary?” Blinking blearily, Geoff glanced around. “Three doors down on the right.” Ardis acknowledged with a grunt and Geoff fought to stay on his feet as Ardis pulled him in that direction. Entering the room, Ardis was gentle when he sat Geoff in a chair. It was excruciating, the marks across his buttocks complained loudly, but he could stand no longer. Careful not to lean back and inadvertently touch more skin onto the chair, Geoff watched Ardis as he pulled pots off shelves and smelled them. “What are you looking for?” “Something to heal your back. I’ve smelled it on other gladiators, but have not used it myself, so am unsure which one it is.” Geoff pointed him toward the correct shelf. “You will find it there, but your back is as bad as mine. You’ll need the salve as well.” “You first. I had my pelt to protect me somewhat. You had nothing.” The anger fumed visibly within him and Geoff could only wonder at the life Ardis must have led before coming here. He didn’t hide his emotions at all, and that was the first thing a slave learned. Emotions were for freemen.

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- 28 -

What they’d just been through spoke louder than words that they were anything but freemen. Even though he was angry enough to kill, Geoff would not let them see these feelings on his face. Ardis sniffed another pot and nodded. “This is the one. Do you wish to do this here, or in my quarters where you can lie on the bed?” “Your quarters, please. We’ll need cloths and fresh water as well.” Geoff stood carefully, and turned to gather the cloths, a basin, and clean water. Taking the basin from him, Ardis handed Geoff the pot of salve. “You carry this and I’ll carry the water.” Geoff nodded his thanks and moved slowly toward Ardis’ quarters. Each time his muscles tightened, he gritted his teeth. He knew he would be able to move more freely once the salve had been applied, but he was not looking forward to the application. In the quarters, Ardis pulled the table and chair close to the bed, setting the water bowl in the center of the table. “Lay on your stomach, Geoff.” Geoff set the items he carried onto the table then did as instructed. He lay facedown on the bed, arms out to his sides. His body was no longer numb from the beating. It hurt more than anything he’d ever felt before. It was a searing pain that was more painful than the cat’s lashes. He lay as still as possible, breathing through his mouth. Ardis sat in the chair next to the bed and Geoff heard the water splash quietly. “This will most likely hurt you, Geoff. I’m sorry for that.” The sorrow in his voice had Geoff closing his eyes. He gritted his teeth at the first touch of the cloth onto his back. It was excruciatingly painful. To keep his mind from the pain, he thought of all that Ardis had told him of freedom. It would be nice to see places other than the stadium. He’d been here for a very long time and hadn’t been outside of it since he’d arrived. He’d fought battles too numerous to count and had survived them all. He was tired. Tired of fighting, tired of killing, and tired of all the pain.

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- 29 -

Ardis sighed. “It’s clean. I’ll put the salve on now.” The cream stung mightily across his back and buttocks for one moment, finally settling into a muted tingle. His back ceased to hurt so painfully, and the relief brought tears to his eyes. Geoff pushed up on his hands and knees, sliding off the bed, and standing on the floor. His gaze rested on Ardis. “I thank you. The salve will speed the healing of the cuts. It already feels much better. Please, let me tend your wounds now.” “I’d be grateful.” “I’ll get fresh water while you settle on the bed. I’ll be a moment only.” Geoff gathered up the used cloth and the bowl of dirty water and hurried to the medical room. Getting a fresh bowl of water and cloths, he walked quickly back to the room. Ardis lay on his stomach. His back was a mass of bloodied hair. It did not look as if his buttocks had been abused as Geoff’s had, but his back… “Ardis, I don’t think the cloth is going to be of any use. You should soak your fur under the shower spigot to loosen the blood.” Nodding, Ardis gained his feet slowly. He grasped Geoff’s hand and squeezed it. “Will you accompany me?” “Of course.” Geoff had an unexplained need to care for Ardis. It was more than a want, it was all consuming. He watched Ardis’ wondrously attractive face as the water loosened the blood and cleansed the wounds. His jaw was clenched hard under the smooth, hairless skin of his face and his eyes were closed tightly. Nostrils flaring, Ardis withstood the pain of the water and Geoff could do nothing but hold onto his hands. The pressure Ardis used to squeeze Geoff’s hands amounted to nothing as the pain shivered through the large fur-covered body. “I think I’ve had enough, Geoff.” “Come out and I’ll put salve on you. It’ll lessen the pain and begin the healing.”

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- 30 -

Back in the room, Geoff lifted Ardis’ fur with one gentle hand and smoothed the salve onto the wounds with the other. It took time to find all the lacerations, but Geoff persevered until he had covered each and every one. Ardis turned, reached for Geoff’s hands, and held them tightly. The gleam in Ardis’ blue eyes had an emotion flashing through him that he’d never experienced. True fear. “The caretaker will pay for having you beaten, Geoff. This I vow to you.”

Chapter Three Ardis watched the color drain from Geoff’s face. “Please, Ardis, you mustn’t do anything in retaliation. He’ll have you killed.” Remembering the marks on Geoff’s delectable backside, fury flowed hotly within him. “He will pay.” Geoff’s eyes closed slowly. When they opened, his worried gaze rose. “If you so much as breathe heavy on a freeman, they’ll have you drawn and quartered.” Ardis tipped his head curiously. “What does this mean?” “Drawn and quartered is when your limbs are tied to service ’bots. They each move in a different direction, stretching you tightly between them. The freeman orders a hooded slave to cut the guts out of you while you are alive. When you are screaming in agony, innards trailing to the ground beneath you, the ’bots pull on your limbs until they rip from your body. You will lie in the ring bleeding, until you die.” Nodding, Ardis took Geoff’s hand. “It does sound painful. Worry not, Geoff. I’ll not let that happen to me.” Geoff stared into Ardis’ twinkling gaze for a moment longer, then nodded slowly. “Good. I would not enjoy being the one to cut your guts out.” “You?” Ardis laughed softly. “Why would you be the one to do it?” “Do you see any other slaves?” “Point taken.” Ardis yawned widely and scratched his chest. “I’m exhausted and desperately in need of rest.” Geoff didn’t argue. He never did. Ardis wondered what Geoff would be like in a fit of anger or happiness. He’d been trained from birth to be emotionless. At least to others he appeared emotionless. Ardis would have to see what he could do about breaking him out of his cocoon.

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- 32 -

“How does your back feel?” Geoff shrugged his shoulders. “It doesn’t hurt now.” “We’ll keep the salve in my quarters in case the pain returns.” Geoff held back. “You wish me to stay with you?” “In my quarters? Yes.” He didn’t want Geoff to be anywhere else this night. Nodding, Geoff glanced at the bed. “It’s good that your bed is so large. We’ll both fit without our asses hanging off.” Ardis laughed. “We wouldn’t want that. Unintentionally, anyway.” A twitch of Geoff’s lips signaled his inner laughter. He didn’t smile, but his eyes did twinkle merrily. It only lasted a moment before a crease showed between his eyebrows. “Are you capable of…” “Yes. I am capable of either way. Are you?” Ardis wanted more of Geoff’s beautiful hairless body and he would not let a little pain keep him from it. But if Geoff was in pain -“I’ll be fine. Don’t think of it.” Shaking his head, Ardis put his hand on Geoff’s arm. The soft skin over hard muscles distracted him and he ran his palm over the overt strength Geoff exhibited unwittingly. Slowly perusing the chiseled contours of Geoff’s face, Ardis sucked in a deep breath. He felt his cock grow heavy and lengthen. Heat washed over him and fire raged through his system. He needed more in this moment than he ever had. Only Geoff could quench the flames. “Geoff, are you sure?” Geoff glanced down and noticed his predicament. “Quite sure.” Seeing Geoff’s cock twitch and rise, Ardis sighed. Thank the stars. Casting a glance around the room, he debated the least painful method. He in no way wished to hurt Geoff, but he had to have him. And be had by him. “Sit in the chair if you think you can,” Geoff supplied. Ardis nodded and grabbed the pot of grease off the bed and put it, and a towel, on the table within reach of the chair. Carefully, he sat on the fabricated seat, testing his resolve and his level of pain. His startled glance jumped to stare at Geoff, vastly

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surprised when he felt no pain, not even when he leaned back and touched the rails that formed the back of the chair. “The salve is wonderful.” Geoff nodded. “Yes. It is the only thing the masters have given us that is worth its weight in credits to them.” “I’ll have to find out who manufactures it. I know someone who would be most interested in it.” “I hope that you’ll have the chance to pass on the information.” Geoff’s expression looked as flat as the surface of the table. “What is it, Geoff? What worries you?” Ardis held out his hand to Geoff, who reluctantly took it in his own. “Tomorrow, one of us will die. I don’t wish to kill you, Ardis.” “I don’t wish for you to kill me, Geoff. Don’t worry so. I’m sure everything will work out to our satisfaction. Let the cares of the morrow not trouble you this night.” Geoff straddled Ardis’ legs and sat gently on his thighs. “I don’t see how I can. It’s impossible that both of us leave the ring alive. Only one. Those are the rules.” Ardis only smiled softly. “How do your wounds feel?” “They don’t pain me. Why? Do you have plans?” The teasing didn’t reach Geoff’s eyes, but Ardis didn’t let that deter him. He was on a mission to give and receive as much pleasure as could be wrung from the final hours of the night. Running his hand across the chiseled planes of Geoff’s face, Ardis stared into the dark brown orbs and wished he could tell Geoff his secrets, but he didn’t know if the walls had ears. He would not endanger either one of them, not for anything. Not at this late date. Geoff leaned his face into Ardis’ palm and sighed softly. Ardis felt his heart contract. Everything in him shouted for him to escape this horrid place and take Geoff with him. Geoff had so little belief in the future. He believed there was no future, so why bother wishing. It brought a lump to Ardis’ throat and he had to swallow hard to clear it so he could speak. “Lean on me.”

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And Then…

- 34 -

Pulling him down against his chest, Ardis wrapped his arms carefully around Geoff, offering whatever he needed. Geoff resisted a moment, then relaxed against him. Running his hands gently up and down Geoff’s back, he checked the progress of the wounds. They seemed to be nearly healed. Impressed with the speed in which the salve worked, Ardis placed kisses on Geoff’s brow and murmured nonsense words. “Do not worry so.” Geoff sat up and slid his fingers into the hair at Ardis’ nape. “No, I shall not worry this night.” He reached beside Ardis and dipped his fingers into the grease pot. With a determined glint in his eyes, he moved back on Ardis’ lap and wrapped his tight, slick grip around Ardis’ growing cock. “I shall not worry,” he continued, smearing the grease along Ardis’ shaft. “Because I’ll have more thought-worthy things occupying my mind.” “Yes, so you shall.” Ardis dabbed his fingers into the grease and took possession of Geoff’s pulsing cock. “I will do my best to keep you occupied.” Arching into Ardis’ hand, Geoff groaned. “Tighter.” Tightening his hand as ordered, Ardis reached out with his other hand and cupped Geoff’s balls. A wiggle of his hips told Ardis how much Geoff enjoyed the effort he was putting into distracting him from woeful thoughts. The squeezing pressure on his own cock shocked his ass into tightening and lifting off the seat. “Ah, Geoff.” He wanted more, needed more, of the beauty above him. After wiping his hands on the towel, he buried his fingers in Geoff’s long hair and pulled him close. Ardis ate at Geoff’s mouth, licking and biting the full, soft lips. Zarks, he couldn’t get enough. Geoff took pity on him and stood slightly, angling Ardis’ aching cock and seating himself upon it. “Ah, gods!” Geoff was so tight it felt like a vise had closed around his cock. Flashes of light erupted behind his closed eyelids and, as Geoff slid further down on him, Ardis held his breath. It was that, or bellow at the top of his lungs, and he didn’t want an audience at this time.

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And Then…

- 35 -

Thigh muscles tightening, Geoff rode him as if he had all the time in the universe. Slow and steady, shallow, and finally deep. Ardis had to clench his fists so he wouldn’t grab Geoff’s lean hips and force him to go faster. A soft thump on his abdomen caught his attention and when he looked down, he grinned. Just the thing he needed to distract them both. Touching his fingertips into the pot, he rubbed his hands together until they were liberally coated with the grease. As Geoff’s muscles tensed and released, his cock was red and hard, begging for attention. Ardis would gladly accommodate. Barely maintaining enough concentration to function, he blinked and mentally grabbed hold of his control. Still slightly mesmerized by the feel of his cock being engulfed by the hot, tight hole, he grasped Geoff’s cock in a firm grip. The gasp Geoff emitted shot tendrils of satisfaction through Ardis. He wanted Geoff to remember each sensation, just as he knew he would. Fire licked along his cock as Geoff rode him and he tightened his grip and slid his hand along the rigid cock before him. Geoff’s movements became erratic and Ardis put his free hand under Geoff’s ass to assist, lifting him. Geoff fell toward Ardis and leaned on him. Ardis got a better grasp on his ass and pushed Geoff down. His cock was squeezed to the point of near agony. The angle of penetration had him rubbing every sensitive nerve in his aching cock against the rippling walls deep inside Geoff. He was getting close and didn’t want to leave Geoff behind. Tightening his fingers around the straining cock in his hand, he sped up the friction. Every time he bottomed out in Geoff’s ass, his hand tightened and slid down to press against the soft curly hairs at the base of Geoff’s cock. Geoff groaned and Ardis pressed his teeth to the reddened mark on Geoff’s chest that he’d left earlier. Without drawing on the mark, he kissed and licked the show of possession. Just knowing Geoff carried it on his body had fire ripping through Ardis. “Close.” “Yes.” Geoff’s breath came in pants and his movements became fast and erratic. “Now.”

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- 36 -

Ardis arched up into Geoff’s ass, spurting his seed deep in the rippling passage. Geoff exploded soon after, and the strings of come shot onto Ardis’ chest fur. Pushing up into Geoff, Ardis let him have his all until his cock began to soften and he could once again take air into his straining lungs. Draping himself over Ardis’ shoulders, Geoff nipped Ardis’ ear. “Thank you.” Smiling, eyes closed, Ardis pressed a light kiss on Geoff’s lips. “No, thank you.” Ardis wrapped his arms around Geoff’s nearly healed back and held him gently until their heartbeats slowed and their breath moved easily in their lungs. “I don’t wish to return to the shower again. It’s too far to walk.” Ardis chuckled at Geoff’s pronouncement. He wasn’t sure his own legs would carry him that far. “We’ll use the cloths we have here.” Geoff slowly stood, letting Ardis slip from his body, and reached for a cloth. He wiped them both down and, after tossing the cloth to the table, reached out a hand. “Let’s get some sleep.” Ardis took his hand, stood, and lay on the bed, moving over to make room for Geoff’s large body. He glimpsed the reddened marks on Geoff’s back as he lay down. The wounds would be a memory when they awoke. He lay quietly, his chest against Geoff’s back, wondering if the morrow would bring happiness to his One.

*** Geoff blinked to focus his vision. He was not in his quarters. It was a slave’s quarters, but not his own. A heavy, unusual weight lay at his waist, catching his attention. When he glanced down and saw the sand-colored fur that covered the arm draped over him, he remembered everything. It had been a mighty eventful night, and barring the flogging, an enjoyable one. He wasn’t ready to face this day, but sighing quietly, ran his hand over the fur-covered one on his hip and sat up, rubbing fingers through his tousled hair. “Is it time to get out of bed?” Ardis’ voice was sleep roughened and so deep it shot a tendril of flame down his back. “Yes.”

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- 37 -

“I’d much rather lie here with you this day.” Ardis’ rough palm rasped against Geoff’s hip and slid over his thigh to brush against his growing cock. “It would be infinitely more pleasurable.” “Indeed. However, we must be in the ring when the buzzer sounds.” Geoff turned and leaned over Ardis and kissed his mouth. Ardis hummed in his chest and reached for him, but he leaned out of reach and stood. “No matter that I’d rather not fight you. I don’t have the option to choose. Do not hesitate to do what you must, Ardis. It could mean your life.” Geoff let his gaze rest on Ardis for a moment longer, wishing things were different. Would that he were a freeman and not forced to battle to the death the one being in the universe that he had felt happiness with. Ardis stretched under his gaze and Geoff felt his body quicken. Want and need slammed into him as he watched muscle ripple under the thick growth of body hair. Taking a step back to keep from returning to the bed, Geoff closed his eyes momentarily to ward off the soul deep pain that descended upon him. “I must go, Ardis.” Ardis nodded and quietly watched him as he turned and left the quarters. Each step away from Ardis hurt. Forcing himself to walk down the hall to his own quarters, he kept his face immobile. None of the freemen who might be watching would see his torment. He cared nothing for their knowledge of his whereabouts and activities of the previous night, but his emotions would remain his own. Simply having the emotions rocking his body was nearly more than he could bear. For so long, he’d felt frozen inside. Cold, emotionless, uncaring of his fate. Now he had wishes. Dreams. And they would all come to naught. The futility of wanting a future, any future, was a waste of energy. In hours he would be in the ring, expected to battle and kill the one being he had any feelings for. Entering his quarters, he closed the door and leaned against it. Eyes closed, head tipped back, he felt heat on his face. When he reached up and touched his cheek, he felt

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wet tracks. Glaring at his fingertips, he rubbed his thumb and fingers together until the tears evaporated. Useless to cry over what would be. He pushed away from the door and went to his clothes chest. Gathering a clean pair of leggings, he left his room and went to the showers. In hopes that he wouldn’t see Ardis until they were in the ring, he showered quickly and dressed. He went back to his quarters and sat on the bed, not knowing what else to do. Geoff considered getting something to eat, but his stomach churned at the thought so he decided against it. Time passed slowly as he sat on the bed in his slave quarters, his life passing in his mind’s eye. When the order to arm himself came, he had made a decision. The decision. Holding his head high, he entered the hallway and went to the stairs leading to the upper levels. At the top, he faced the armorer. The armorer handed him the standard shield and the weapon of ancient times known as a sickle. It had a curved, hook-like blade mounted in a short handle. It looked capable of causing great damage to a body. He swung it a few times to get the feel for it. Nodding, he accepted the weapon. Turning away from the freeman, he went to his station. He stood looking out across the battle ring, wondering which entrance Ardis would use. His master would be in his usual comfortably outfitted box, gambling on the outcome of this fight. The noise of the crowd grew to such a level that he could hear it behind the stasis shield. Geoff straightened and took a deep breath. It wouldn’t be long now. The stasis shield flickered and turned off. Geoff strode into the battle ring and stopped only when he was in front of his master’s box. He kept his gaze to the front, looking nowhere, and waited patiently. “And then there were two!” Geoff’s shoulders tightened at the cry of the announcer who floated near the center of the battle ring on a hover stand.

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“Two gladiators, triumphant from their magnificent achievement of yester-day, here to fight for your entertainment, to the death!” The roar of the crowd didn’t faze Geoff. He stood straight, staring in front of him at nothing. He didn’t raise his arms as was expected of him, and he didn’t bow toward his master. “Geoff,” Ardis yelled at him from across the arena. “What are you doing?” He didn’t answer. Simply stood straight and as still as a stone. The spectators slowly realized something was wrong and after a moment of confused silence, a low hum erupted from them. Questions flew from them, but no answers were forthcoming. The murmurs went quiet when static-whip wielding guards entered the ring. Not acknowledging the three guards as they surrounded him, he continued to stare straight ahead. “What do you, slave?” The loud voice of his master echoed through the arena. Slowly, his gaze tracked up to where the master stood in the clear wall of his booth. “I will not fight. No more. I have fought all my life and this is the end.” “What? I shall have you beaten!” The master’s voice roared with his anger. “I was beaten yester-night for no reason. At least this beating will have been warranted.” Mutterings of “Beaten? Why was he beaten?” rippled through the stands. “No knowledge of this has been brought to me.” Indignant now, the master sputtered and coughed. “The masters know nothing of what happens in the slave quarters. They don’t care to know that their warriors are whipped until the skin on their backs peel off. They do not care that the reason for the abuse is petty jealousy.” Geoff’s voice rang off the walls. “They only care for their amusement.” The master pressed a hand against the clear wall of his booth. “Untrue. The masters care for their slaves. Do we not allow you the healing salve?” Geoff did not respond. His silence would speak for him.

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The guards moved restlessly and their static-whips flashed and popped. Geoff expected to feel the bite of the whips at any moment. He did not care. He would not falter in his decision. Under no circumstances would he engage Ardis in a battle to the death. He was prepared to die under the lash to keep from ending Ardis’ life or leaving Ardis to live with Geoff’s blood on his hands. “You mustn’t do this, Geoff.” Ardis could be heard over the spectators. “Patience.” Geoff let his voice ring throughout the stadium. “I will fight no more.” He let the shield and sickle fall to the ground and continued to stare up at the master. “Never again will I bring death to another being unless it is to save a life.” The spectators muttered at this announcement. They had never known a gladiator that refused to fight. It was unheard of. Gladiators fought to the death. Happily, and without argument. That was how it had always been. Geoff meant to see that changed. His deep voice echoed off the stadium walls. “No more!” “Kill him!” The master’s cry had the guards raising the static-whips behind their backs. “No!” Ardis leapt at the closest guard and wrestled him to the ground in an attempt to keep the whip from striking. Stepping back, Geoff slid his gaze between the remaining two guards. He was unarmed, but the guards were unused to battle. The freemen could handle a lone slave, strapped down and under their control, but not a warrior who stood unfettered and healthy. He had an advantage, as he had fought armed gladiators unarmed before. He had a momentary uncomfortable reaction when he considered that he was about to lay hands on a freeman, but needs must. “I will not let you kill me without a fight.” It was only fair that he warned them. They would not expect a slave to struggle against their goal.

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“Give over, slave.” The guard who spoke flicked his static-whip so that it snapped and a streak of electricity moved down the braided strands and shot off the end. “No.” Geoff bent his knees for balance and stability, holding his hands in front of him, ready to engage the enemy. They would not take him unaware. It was unnecessary to take his attention off the two guards to know how Ardis fared against his own opponent. A fierce struggle was being waged over possession of the static-whip. Geoff had faith in Ardis’ skills and prepared for his own fight. The guard to the right of him lashed at Geoff with his whip. Geoff leapt back, just out of reach of the dangerous current. If the whip touched him, he would be incapacitated and unable to protect himself. The charge would run through his body causing muscle spasms he would be powerless to combat. He must stay out of the static-whips’ range at all costs. He feinted forward and when the left guard lashed at him, he dodged the dangerous tip and reached in to grab the freeman’s forearm. Sliding his hand down the arm he’d caught, he ripped the static-whip from his hand. Now armed, he sent the unarmed guard a warning look and when the guard ran out of the arena, turned his attention to the remaining freeman. A quick glance told him Ardis was holding his own against his opponent. The combatants were rolling around in the deep sand struggling for the upper hand. The crowd, which had been shocked silent at the unexpected development, slowly began to yell, soon followed by raucous cheering. Geoff glared at the beings in the stands and he shook his head. It mattered not to them who fought or how, just that there was some form of entertainment. Movement from the guard brought his attention back on task. “You cannot do this, slave. I am a freeman and you are not to touch us.” “You persist in thinking that as a slave I have no thoughts or feelings of my own. That is wrong.” He was a thinking being same as the guard. Only the luck of birth

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separated them as freeman and slave. He’d done nothing wrong in his life to warrant slavery, while the guard had done nothing right to warrant freedom. “Right or wrong, I will be the bearer of your demise.” The guard lashed his whip at Geoff, narrowly missing his thigh. Geoff leapt back and inexpertly flicked the tip of the whip toward the guard. He missed and the guard laughed. “You do not know how to use a freeman’s weapon.” Nodding, Geoff acknowledged the fact that he was less than proficient at using this weapon. However… Judging distance, he tossed the static-whip at the guard and threw himself forward into a headfirst roll. Coming to his feet again, he turned. In his hand was the sickle he had discarded earlier. “I have more knowledge of this weapon. What say you? Do we do this?” The spectators roared. The stadium pulsed with the cheers, stomping, and clapping. Geoff spun the sickle in front of him, back and forth, getting a feel for its balance and weight. The flick of a wrist had it spinning as if it were a deadly shield; the sunlight that penetrated the open roof of the arena had arrows of light flashing from the blade. This was a weapon Geoff knew well. “One touch of the static-whip and I will have you.” The guard tried and failed to impart strength and confidence into his voice. “You may try.” Geoff ceased spinning the sickle and held it down and out from his body. Ready. The guard yelled and charged, whip on full strength and snapping toward Geoff. Waiting until the very last moment, Geoff watched the guard come. The whip touched his hip at the same moment he stepped to the side and rounded with his arm. The pain was instant and intense. Screaming from it, he swung his sickle. The sharp blade of the ancient weapon bit into the guard’s whip handle. The resulting explosion was deafening. Screams of fright and confusion erupted from the stands and Geoff felt himself flying through the air before landing hard on the

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soft sand. The air rushed out of his lungs and his heart stuttered, the pain was so intense.

Chapter Four “Geoff!” Ardis finished tying the final knots around the hands and feet of the guard he had bested. It had sounded as if a bomb had struck, but Ardis knew it could only mean Geoff had been wounded. He ran to where Geoff lay on his back on the arena ground. “Please, don’t be dead.” Putting his hand near Geoff’s nose, he did not feel the breath that should be there. There was no movement of his chest. “No.” Ardis put his hand on Geoff’s chest to feel for a heartbeat. Nothing. He balled his fist and punched Geoff in the chest hard, and then tilting Geoff’s head back, blew air into his mouth. “Breathe. Please.” Once, twice, thrice more he blew air into Geoff’s lungs. He leaned in for a fourth time, but Geoff coughed and began to breathe on his own. So relieved that his head felt light, he pressed his forehead to Geoff’s chest. “Thank you.” He knew not to whom he spoke, but he did not care. Geoff lived. A light touch ruffled the hair at his nape, drawing his attention. Geoff had moaned, reached up, and fisted a hand in his hair. “Ardis?” “Yes, it is I. Geoff, you weren’t breathing. I thought you had died.” A harsh chuckle emerged from his mouth. “Not yet, but soon, I’m sure.” Ardis’ gaze shot up to Geoff’s. “What do you mean?” His face tightened, and he tried to sit up. “Help me up, Ardis. I will not face my death on my back.” Holding out his hand for Geoff to take, he helped him to his feet. “Geoff. What did you mean?” “I have not only defied my master, but killed a freeman. Only one outcome for me is left. Death.”

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Geoff did not seem worried about the prospect of his own death, but to Ardis, it was heart-stopping. “No.” Again, a chuckle broke from Geoff. “Ardis, you have no say in this. It is as it is.” Ardis shook his head. “It will not be.” His fingers ran through the sand-colored hair at his head and pressed an infinitesimal bump behind his right ear, causing a quiet click to sound in his head. Geoff smiled softly, without rancor. “I’m ready to be finished with this. Perhaps my next life will be that of a freeman. I think that I would enjoy being free.” Ardis put his hand on Geoff’s shoulder. “Don’t do anything rash. Patience.” “I’m sorry, Ardis. I must do this. I couldn’t fight you. I will not, and nothing will make me.” His smile was sad when he turned to face the master in his booth. Looking at the red face of Geoff’s master, Ardis kept his hand on Geoff’s shoulder. His own master joined Geoff’s and they spoke quietly. When they finished conferring, they turned to face the arena. The spectators, excited at the turn of events, had become silent when Geoff had gained his feet, and Ardis could practically hear them breathing. “The slaves have disobeyed and caused the death of a freeman. This cannot be borne and they shall be put down as a rabid animal is.” The verdict of the masters bounced off the stadium walls. Silence, then a cacophony of noise erupted. The noise of protest was deafening. Ardis looked to the cloudless gray sky that could be seen at the top of the open arena. Soon. Please be soon. “You think me a rabid animal? I think you are unworthy of the classification of freeman. No creature should be owned by another.” Geoff’s proclamation resonated within the walls, and Ardis could hear Geoff’s master gasp in the resulting silence. “You are a slave, born as such. I was born a freeman and live as such.” “That is not right. I ask you how you would fare if you had lost the luck of the draw and been born a slave.”

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Murmurs rippled through the stadium. The idea that they could as easily have been born a slave as a freeman shocked them. “That could not happen.” Geoff laughed. “I don’t see why not. It could have been me as the master just as easily as it might have been you as the slave. How would you have fared? Would you have made it through the first battle? Or would your life have ended, blood draining into the sand for the pleasure and amusement of those who have nothing in their lives that fulfill them?” The silence was deafening. It lasted for several heartbeats. Only the opening of the ’bot access broke the silence. Robotic units powered across the arena, floating inches off the sandy ground to circle Geoff and Ardis. Ardis examined each of the five ’bots that surrounded him. They looked like garbage receptacles on a long hauler. They were metallic units, short and cylindrical, with flashing lights and many appendages to complete its tasks. Unsure of what task they might be about, Ardis kept them in his sight. If they approached, he was ready to fight them, but if they were inhuman guards, he would leave them be. Darkness took the stadium. Ardis looked up again and smiled. The timing couldn’t be better. The underside of a large ship covered the opening of the stadium and a small lander shot out of the bottom. As it got closer, Ardis saw three males of his planet. His smile grew as he saw who operated the lander. Bowing low, Ardis waited to be acknowledged by the dark brown haired male. “Ardis. Arise and tell me of your adventures.” “My King.” The gasps were heard around the stadium and as it quieted, Ardis straightened and grinned. “I have found what I left home seeking.” The bright blue eyes of the dark-haired one twinkled. “Is that so? Introduce me.”

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Taking Geoff’s limp hand, Ardis tugged him to get him moving and led him to the lander. “Jidan, it is my honor to introduce my One, Geoff, to you.” Stepping from the lander, Jidan approached and circled Geoff. He hummed softly and nodded. “He does not have much body fur, but for that lack, he is a beauty.” His gaze returned to Ardis. “Intelligent and stout of heart is he?” “As honorable as the sunrise, is Geoff.”

Jidan nodded. “Good. So be it. Welcome, Geoff.”

Geoff looked to Ardis, confusion covering his face. “What is this?”

Ardis smiled gently. “I have much to tell you. But first, I must resign my

position.” He let his gaze settle on his so-called master. “I gave myself to you in exchange for a treaty. You have abused the privilege of my company and the treaty, and my incarceration is rescinded.” “You cannot do that, slave.”

“Slave?” The roar came from Jidan. “Ardis is no slave!”

“He was given to me with orders from his king. That makes him a slave.” The

master pressed his hand against the clear wall of the booth. “He is my slave.” “You are wrong. I gave him to you with the understanding he was a politico not a slave. He should have been treated with the utmost respect.” Jidan’s eyes flashed anger and malice. “Expect reprisals.” “No! We cannot defend ourselves against your planet. The Bearclaws are the strongest fighters in the known universe. You cannot declare war against us.” Jidan laughed. “You failed to uphold your side of our treaty. I am within my rights to do as I will.” Snarling, he turned and let his disparaging gaze slide over the terrified beings in the booths. “Useless creatures. Only interested in their own enjoyment.” He turned his back on his enemy and motioned for Ardis. “Let us leave here before I declare war on all these beings.” “You always have had a short temper, brother.” “That I have. Get on the lander before I direct it at you.” Jidan laughed again and stepped into the lander, taking the controls.

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Ardis shook his head, knowing there was no changing his brother. Turning toward Geoff, he smiled. “I wish to offer you your freedom, Geoff. Come with us.” “I don’t understand any of this, Ardis. I’m very confused.” “I will explain once we are aboard my brother’s transport.” Ardis held out his hand. “Do you trust me?” Geoff stared at him then took Ardis’ hand. “I do.” Ardis assisted him onto the lander and showed him how to stabilize himself for movement. The lander rose and Jidan expertly maneuvered it toward the ship. Ardis was the only one who heard the small, startled noise Geoff emitted. “Have you never been in a lander?” “I have never been off the ground. Not consciously. They put me in stasis to transport to this stadium. I remember it not.” Only a little of the fear he felt of the unknown showed. Ardis would have ignored the reactions even if Geoff screamed like a babe. He could not question Geoff’s courage. It had been proven again and again. “We will be on the ship before you know it, and you won’t know the difference from being on the planet. Jidan’s ship has been afforded every luxury.”

Geoff attempted a smile, but since the word “luxury” meant nothing in his world, he let it go. Holding on to the railing of the lander seemed to be all he could manage for the moment. The contraption seemed tiny with the five large beings filling it. He was the smallest of the five. All had hair covering their bodies as Ardis had, but the colors of their hair were very different. One had hair the color of the side of a ’bot. Shiny and silver. The other had hair black as his own. Geoff slid a glance up to their destination and a shiver ran through him. Fear, such as he’d never experienced, consumed him. He could only see the bottom of the ship, but it dwarfed the stadium. Not knowing how far up it went, he had no way of judging, but it seemed immense. He had taken a chance when he’d put his hand in Ardis’, but now the unknown had his knees shaking.

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No. He would not falter now. He would do anything for Ardis; even endure the eternal damnation and pain that was rumored to prevail on the world Hadeez. No slave wanted to be transported there for any small infraction and had minded the orders of freemen. Ardis seemed unafraid. In fact, he seemed exultant. There was a smile adorning his beautiful face and his eyes glowed merrily. Geoff did not want to see the joy cease in his expression, and kept his panic concealed. “It will be all right, Geoff. I promise you.” Ardis’ voice was soft, even over the hum of the motor of the lander. A section of the ship opened and Jidan directed the lander toward it. The craft slowed as they reached the opening and Geoff held his breath as they breached the ship’s hull. The sight before him caused his breath to escape in a rush. The room was bigger than any he’d ever encountered. Several landers and other machines he could not identify were neatly arranged on the floor. The walls and floor were a shiny metal and there were several stories of clear sections climbing one wall. He could actually see people moving behind the clear sections. His head fell back in an attempt to see to the top level until dizziness forced him to drop his gaze. Never had he seen anything like it. Ardis touched his arm, drawing his attention. The shock and worry must have shown on his face because Ardis tugged on his arm and drew him near. Chest pressed against Ardis’, he lowered his head and laid it on Ardis’ shoulder. Feeling the strong heartbeat against his own, and the soft hair rubbing against his cheek, calmed Geoff as nothing else could in this baffling situation. The steady pounding brought his own heart rate down to an almost normal level. “I’m sorry, Ardis. It’s all so different from what I’m accustomed to. I’m having difficulties comprehending what I’m seeing.” He raised one limp hand and buried his fingers in the hair at Ardis’ hip. “I’ll do better.” “You worry over nothing. Never should you fear that I’m not pleased with you. Geoff, I’ll understand if you need time to adjust. It is to be expected. You were isolated

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within the walls of the stadium all of your adult life. And where you were before that was not much different, if I understand correctly.” At Geoff’s nod, Ardis rubbed his hand along Geoff’s back. The sensation sent a thrill along his spine. The soothing touch reminded him of why he’d taken Ardis’ hand and accompanied him onto the lander. He wanted to be with Ardis, and would not like to live without him. “No, not much different. But this is even beyond what I had imagined.” “There is much to learn, of the universe. You can travel anywhere you like, see everything, experience it all.” Ardis paused and took a deep breath. “Or, I would be happy to show it to you.” Geoff could feel how tense Ardis was waiting for his answer. “I hadn’t thought I would be allowed to be alone.” Leaning back to see Ardis’ expression, he realized he’d misspoken. “No. I do not wish to be alone. I thought I would be with you.” Ardis’ stiff muscles relaxed. “You wish to stay with me?” The smile came unexpectedly and he rubbed it along the top of Ardis’ shoulder. “Yes. I would like to stay with you if you do not object.” “Object? I have no objections. In fact, I think I would object only if you tried to leave me.” “I’m glad.” Ardis held him for a moment longer. Smiling, he loosened his arms. “Let me show you the ship.” He turned to Jidan, who was speaking with the two who had accompanied him to the arena. “Do you mind, brother, if I acquaint Geoff with your ship?” Jidan waved an imperial hand. “Go where you will. Your quarters are the same as always. One last thing before you go; I would like to debrief you later.” He glanced at them. “Better yet, tomorrow will be sufficient.” “Thank you. I’ll see you then.” Geoff couldn’t keep his attention on where they were going. His head swiveled on his neck trying to see everything all at once. There were so many people. Each hall

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they traversed, each room they entered had life-forms in them. Most were of Ardis’ race, but there were also beings from other races. “I have seen beings from many planets. The stadium was accessible to many. However, there are more races on this ship than I have ever seen. Many I’m unacquainted with.” “There’s a reason for that. Come, let us get some food, and I’ll explain.” Ardis motioned him to a door. When they went into the room, Geoff recognized it. “I guess eating places are the same everywhere.” It looked very similar to the eating area in the stadium. The only difference was the materials the tables, chairs, walls and floor were made of. “Many things are the same.” Showing and explaining how the food receptacles worked, Ardis ordered them meals. Taking the trays to a table, they sat and Geoff took a deep breath. “This smells wonderful.” Never had he smelled anything so good. His mouth watered simply smelling the food on his plate. “It tastes as good as it smells.” Ardis speared a morsel on his plate with his eating utensil and slipped it into his mouth. “Mm. Our rations are standard shipboard fare, but light years better than that slop they feed the slaves.” Geoff followed suit and, using his utensil, put a piece of the food into his mouth. It tasted better than it smelled. His eyes closed as he savored the flavors bursting on his tongue. Ardis’ chuckle brought him out of his rapture. “I’m glad you like the food. Many things are the same in the free world, but many are different. Better. I have much to show you.” The food disappeared quickly and Geoff sat back in his chair, replete. His leathers felt tight, he’d eaten so much. He hadn’t been able to stop himself from overindulging. “I hate to admit it, but this has been an eventful day and I’m sleepy.” When he glanced at Ardis, he smiled. Eyes closed, head tipped back, Ardis rubbed his stomach, apparently full and tired as well. One eyelid slid open, and a blue

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eye stared at him. “I can show you our sleeping quarters. Unless you wish to have your own.” “No. With you will be fine, if there’s room.” “There is plenty of room. Come, my One.” Disposing of their trays, they left the room side by side. “You have referred to me as your One many times. What does that signify?” “Ah, you caught that, did you?” Ardis took his hand, threading their fingers together. “Yes. I’m curious if it has a meaning.” “It does. A most important meaning.” They stepped into a small room with a sliding door. Geoff put a hand to the wall as the room began to move. “This is a lift. It takes you to different levels without the need for stairs.” Geoff nodded. “It startled me.” When the door slid open again, they were in a different hallway, with many doors lining the walls. Ardis led him to one, and put his hand on the wall near the door. When it slid open, Ardis took Geoff’s hand and placed it on the wall. “Door, program this print for full access.” A hollow voice sounded from nowhere that Geoff could determine. “Done. Print filed.” Geoff tried to find the voice as they entered the room, but found no one. “That voice…” “It is the door’s computer speaking. Not a real person.” “It sounded strange. Feminine.” “You have seen females?” Ardis opened a door on one wall. “Bathing room and necessary is in here.” Geoff nodded. “I have fought females in the ring and there were females in the stands.” “Were you attracted to them?”

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The thought of touching a female the way he craved touching Ardis made him frown. “No. I don’t feel that way about them.” “Good. Would you like to bathe? I can get you clean clothing.” He took a moment to look around the room. It was large for quarters. The bed dominated one whole wall. It was enormous. Big enough to accommodate Ardis’ size and his own comfortably. A table with drawers and a chair sat off to one side and the door to the bathing room was beside it. The rest of the walls were bare, but when Ardis put his hand on a blank wall, it slid open and Geoff could see clothing inside the cavity. There was more to this room than he could see. Interesting. The size and some of the furniture was the same as his slave quarters, but it still seemed more comfortable in every way. “No. I think I’ll wait to wash.” “Wait for what?” “Until after we test the bed.” Ardis laughed, but Geoff could tell he was interested. The bulge in the front of his leathers told the tale and Geoff was relieved. He knew Ardis said he wanted to continue being with him, but the worry had still plagued him. Everything he had known in his entire life was worthless now. He felt adrift, but that telltale sign of Ardis’ need had him breathing easier. Reaching up, he slid the straps of his leathers over his shoulders and down his arms. He knew he was filthy from the battle with the guards, and his side still stung, but nothing would relax him as a round with Ardis. They would shower later. The trousers fell to the floor and Geoff stepped out of them. Slowly, he strode to Ardis and, reaching up, pushed Ardis’ leathers to the floor in the same manner his had gone. Palms running over hair-covered shoulders, Geoff moved his hands to Ardis’ chest. He had to touch him. Know that this was real and not a dream he’d conjured out of desperation. Ardis took the lead, dipping his head and taking Geoff’s mouth with his. Geoff tasted so good. Ardis’ firm lips pressed his, pried his open, and took what he wanted. Geoff let Ardis inside, their tongues dueling. Eyes closed, Geoff let his head tipped back

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so Ardis could get the best angle. Thickly muscled arms wrapped around him tightly, pulling his chest against the soft hair of Ardis’ body. Gods, that felt good. A moan rose in his throat. Hands slid down his back and tightened on the globes of his ass, tugging him close. Erect, aching cocks rubbed together, sending sharp jolts of excitement through him. Slowly, Geoff pulled back to look into the glazed blue gaze above his. “The feelings I have for you are so…” He took a deep breath and let it out slowly, trying to find the words. “So immense, I think I shall explode from them.” Ardis tightened his hold. “I feel the same way.” He kissed him on the forehead and pushed him toward the bed. “I need to tell you about the Bearclaw race and how we find our one predestined mate.” Geoff made himself comfortable in the middle of the bed. “Predestined?” Climbing onto the bed, Ardis remained on his knees beside Geoff. He could feel the soft hair of Ardis’ legs brushing his hip. While Geoff watched, Ardis slid his hands over clenching abdominal muscles and slid his fingers into the patch of hair at Geoff’s groin. “Yes. All Bearclaws have one true love. They dream about this being until they find them. Their love may or may not be the same species, and it is possible that they are in another galaxy altogether. My dreams of a warrior started several years ago. It took me a long time to realize that you were not fighting a war, but were a slave ordered to kill to survive.” Geoff sucked in his breath as Ardis cupped his balls with one hand and gripped his shaft with the other. Hips arching, Geoff tried to get his thoughts in order. It was very difficult. “How did you find me?” Geoff could barely concentrate when Ardis slid his hand down his cock and then up again. Continuing the motion, Ardis resumed speaking in a low, gruff voice. “The dream showed me the arena. I did a lot of research and found out about the games that you had to endure. I spoke of it with my brother and he, as king, gave me to a known ‘master’ in exchange for a treaty between the two worlds. He didn’t know I would be

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put in the ring as a slave. If he had known, he would have tried to do things differently, but that was not my wish. I knew what would happen, and knowing it was the best way to get close to you, I let it happen.” Ass clenching at the wonderful sensation of his cock being stroked by one who knew how, Geoff gritted his teeth and clenched his fists. “You could have been killed.” Ardis’ hand tightened and Geoff gasped. “Never. One thing we Bearclaws excel in is warfare. Be it unarmed, modern weapons or weapons of ancient distinction, we are known for our prowess. Did you not see the fear in the masters’ faces when Jidan declared war upon them?” Geoff could not answer. His whole being was caught up in the motion of Ardis’ hands. “Ah, yes. I… Oh, gods, Ardis, just like that.” His hips arched into the tight grip and his ass clenched tight. “Do you want me inside of you, Geoff?” “Yes!” He wanted to shout that it was a nonsensical question, but couldn’t concentrate. “Or do you wish to be inside me?” “Either. I care not.” “And this is how I knew you were for me. My race is neither dominant nor submissive in our roles of sexual partner. We need to be loved in every way, not just one.” He let Geoff’s balls go, nearly causing him to scream, and touched his palm to the wall next to the bed. A small door slid aside and Geoff could see a grease jar waiting inside. “Hurry.” He found himself getting in the way of Ardis’ hands as he tried to grease himself. Geoff wanted to grab that thick cock and shove it into his needy hole. Ardis was having none of it. “Slow.” “No. Faster.” Ardis only laughed. “You can go fast when it is your turn on top. Now it is my choice and it will be slow.”

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And Then…

- 56 -

Sighing in defeat, Geoff let his arms fall to the bed. “As you will. Just hurry.” That had Ardis laughing harder, grateful that his mate was trying to adapt to his new situation. “Yes, my One. As you please.” Two greased fingers pressed against his hole, seeking entrance. Pushing, Geoff welcomed them. Anything to relieve the ache. His mind spun. He had to get Ardis inside him before he erupted. His need was so strong. Finally, after much wiggling and futile attempts to get what he wanted, Ardis came over him. Geoff lifted his legs, presenting himself. As they stared intently into each other’s eyes, Ardis pressed the soft head of his cock to Geoff’s flexing hole. Relaxing, Geoff took the tip inside. It wasn’t enough. Flexing his abdominal muscles, he lifted his hips and took Ardis further inside of him. A strangled sound came from Ardis. “Who is in charge of this? Me or you?” “I do not care. Please.” Ardis had pity and pressed deeper, filling Geoff as he needed. “Yes. Yes.” The word passed his dry lips over and over. He was all sensation, the thrust of the body over him, the fullness of the cock within his tight hole. That was his whole universe. His own cock strained toward his navel and he grasped it tightly in his rough hand. Pumping it along with Ardis’ movements, it was as if he were being fucked and fucking at the same time. His eyes rolled to the back of his head and his balls drew tightly to his body. “Gonna come.” “Come for me, my One.” Ardis panted over him, speeding his thrusts, pounding into him. “Come now.” The fire ripped through his body and jets of come shot from him. Ardis groaned above him and his cock swelled, pushing against his sensitive walls. More thrusts, and Ardis erupted within him, drawing more streams of white from his own body. Spinning. Flying. Floating.

Brenda Bryce

And Then…

- 57 -

Breathless, he wrapped his arms around his mate and tugged him down upon him. “All my life I have been a slave, but with you… Never have I felt so free, Ardis, as when I am with you.” “I’ll see that you are free all of your remaining life, my One. Always.”

And then there were two. Together forever. Happy and free.

Brenda Bryce Brenda Bryce is an author of romance, a mother of three teenagers, the wife of a really hot guy, and the family chauffeur. When not writing, she’s playing with yarn, reading, attending college for the next couple of years, or watching something on educational television. She truly loves Animal Planet, Discovery, History, TLC, and The Science Channel. Sometimes she does all the above at once. She loves to hear from readers and positive feedback is always welcome.