Anekin's Story

~~begin chapter 8

Anekin was looking at the floor, though he glanced through his lashes to see what Reis and Derik were doing. Drinking. Reis was refilling Derik’s glass and stroking his leg. “Drink, my love. Relax. We’re here to enjoy our pet.” When Derik only sipped, Reis tilted his glass further, forcing him to drink more, and then looked at Anekin. “Drop the damn robe. You should have come naked.”

The boy shrugged the simple bathrobe from his shoulders and let it puddle on the floor. Lamas had offered it and he had taken it automatically. “I’m sorry, Master,” he said softly.

“You should be. Now, get your ass over here.” Anekin walked to him immediately and started to kneel – but Reis reached out and stopped him. “Handle yourself.”

Standing? Anekin felt awkward – and confused. But he lowered his hands and stroked his flaccid length. The years of training took over – he started to harden. He still worked slowly. Neither Reis nor Derik was watching. Instead, they embraced one another and kissed. Anekin felt something strange… Something he’d never experienced before. Distress that Derik responded to Reis. Jealousy? It was ridiculous. A pet was never meant to be loved. Was never meant to be a lover. His only purpose was to amuse – to be used. He stroked himself harder – anxious now for the obliteration of thought that sexual stimulation always brought.

But Reis stopped him again – slapping his hands away, hitting his cock. Anekin gasped at the sudden pain and looked up. Reis was handing him a glass. “Drink.” Anekin took the glass and stared at the golden liquid. “I said drink,” Reis growled.

Anekin held the glass to his lips and took a small swallow. It burned his throat and he started to cough, almost spilling the rest of his drink. Reis roared with laughter. “Look at this, Derik. The pet doesn’t even know how to drink Balarian brandy.”

Derik’s eyes blinked open. “How would he?” Derik voice was slurred. “You think Mink or his old master ever gave him hard liquor?”

“Of course not, love,” Reis purred, turning his attention back to Derik. “That’s why you and I will offer him this opportunity.” He leaned closer and kissed Derik’s lips. Then refilled his glass and urged him to drink again.

“You’re getting me drunk, Reis. I don’t like it.” But Derik swallowed another large mouthful. And smiled crookedly at Reis. “It is good.”

“Of course it is. Nothing but the best for you.” Reis looked at Anekin. The boy was holding the glass now as if it were poison. “Tell the pet, Derik. Get him to drink.”

Derik managed to look at Anekin before he slumped back against the cushions of the couch and shut his eyes. “Drink, Anekin. You get used to the taste. And then it’s good.”

Anekin took another very small sip and managed not to cough. He still thought the taste terrible – and was hurt that Derik would betray him.

Reis lifted Derik back up. “Look at this, see the little pet’s erection.” He grasped Anekin’s length and pulled at it roughly. “Are you ready, love? To watch the pet?”

Derik forced his eyes to focus. “Yeah. Sure. Let’s watch the damn pet.” But he slumped back on the couch.

Reis took Anekin’s glass. “Kneel now, pet. And display for us.” Reis pulled Derik into a sit again. “Come on, love. The pet is ready. You know you want to watch.” Derik sighed and looked at Anekin’s crotch. Reis motioned for the boy to begin.

Anekin dropped his eyes and tried not to see them at all. His hands went to his inner thighs and stroked softly. He imagined it was Derik’s hands that caressed him so gently. As he got further into his fantasy, his cock began to twitch. Derik’s hands. Touching his shaft, pulling on it, shifting the silken skin. Derik’s hands cupping his balls and rolling them softly in their sack. Oh, God. It was so good. His hips began to thrust forward.

But then the pet ring constricted. Hurting. Anekin looked up in dismay and found Reis’ cold eyes on him. For a moment, his hands fumbled. What were they doing? What did Reis want from him? He tried to regain his rhythm, to sooth the pain that pulsed in his cock – almost obliterating the pleasure. “Not yet,” Reis said. “Play with your tits.”

Anekin’s hands rose to his chest and he stroked the small nubs gently, bringing them to alertness. Reis wasn’t watching. He had moved his hands to Derik’s chest and was rubbing Derik’s nipples. But Derik watched – moaning at the pleasure Reis brought him and enjoying the sight of Anekin’s hands. “Harder, Anekin,” Derik said. “Play with them roughly.”

Anekin would not look at him, but he obeyed – tugging and twisting. It was painful – but sensations of pleasure shot to his cock, overriding the pain of the pet ring. He made soft sounds of pleasure.

“Stop,” Reis commanded – and took over himself, pinching viciously and twisting brutally. Anekin groaned in pain. “Derik, don’t you want to touch him?”

“No.” Reis’ actions disturbed Derik – but they also excited him further. It was like Reis was hurting him. “You do it, Reis. I enjoy watching you.”

Reis smiled and filled Derik’s glass again. “Drink, love. And I’ll play with the pet more.”

This time, Derik emptied the glass immediately. “Do it, Reis.”

Reis grinned broadly. “Turn, Anekin. Present your ass.” Anekin repositioned his body and backed up as close as he could get to the couch. “Now, drop your head to the floor and hold yourself open for me.”

No… Oh, Derik – please stop this. Please, please…”

But Derik didn’t, of course. And soon enough, Reis was pressing fingers into him. It wasn’t so bad at first. A single finger, then two. But Reis wanted more. Three fingers, four. Anekin could not help his groan of pain – nor the jerk of his hips as he tried to escape the pain. Reis took hold of his waist to keep him in place, and put all five fingers inside him. Then twisted and inserted his thumb. Anekin dropped his hands from his buttocks and sobbed. But Reis did not stop. He pushed in deeper and harder. And he was talking. “Look, Derik. He can take my whole hand. He’s such a slut.” Reis spread his fingers inside Anekin, deliberately hurting him more.

“Reis, stop it.” But there was little force in Derik’s voice.

“Alright, love. I’ll just fuck him.” The hand withdrew and was replaced by Reis’ erection. As stretched as Anekin was, it slid in easily. The boy almost sighed in relief. But then Reis started to move – driving in and out of him brutally. His cock was huge – it pounded and went further inside than anything Anekin had ever experienced. It hurt in an entirely different way. Anekin bit at his lower lip and struggled not to scream.

Eventually, it was over. Reis gasped and his breathing grew heavy and loud. His waves of release filled Anekin’s body. And then he simply dropped the boy, allowing him to collapse on the floor. Anekin was vaguely aware that Reis had turned to Derik and he heard the sounds of their kissing. He curled himself into a tight ball.

~~

“Your turn, Derik. Take him.” Anekin looked up at Derik, his eyes begging, though he dared say nothing. Derik met his eyes for some moments and Anekin began to have hope that the torture would end. But Reis was talking again. “You know you want to, Derik. And he’s ready. Take him.” Derik jerked his eyes from the fallen pet and slowly nodded as Reis’ eyes bored into his.

When he turned his head back, his face was hard. “Lift your ass, Anekin, and spread yourself for me.”

“Look at his pucker,” Reis said, as Anekin exposed his abused opening. “See how it throbs for you. He wants this, Derik. Don’t hold back. Give him what he needs – like I do for you.”

A part of Derik’s drunken mind still knew that Anekin did not want this. A memory of slender thighs opening willingly, invitingly, flashed through his mind. As Reis continued his seductive, suggestive talk, that image blended onto the quivering buttocks before him. Maybe…

“Put your hand inside him, Derik. Feel where I’ve been.” Derik looked back at Reis. His eyes seemed sincere – he was imploring Derik to take the same pleasure he’d found. Why do I hesitate? The boy was just a pet – used to this, born to please his superiors. Me, Derik realized. I’m his superior. Derik rammed his fist inside the boy – and Anekin cried out before his legs collapsed.

For just a moment, Derik was horrified – but then Reis was lifting the boy’s buttocks up again, straddling him, holding him in place. “Again, Derik – feel him.” Derik’s eyes were captured by Reis’. He nodded. And shoved his hand inside again. But not so roughly this time. So Anekin wouldn’t fall, so he could explore with his fingers. It was amazing. Warm, pulsing – filled already with Reis’ seed.

Derik withdrew his hand and stared at his fingers in wonder – dripping with Reis’ semen and Anekin’s blood. He glanced at Reis again and realized his own cock was hard. That he wanted to be where Reis had been. Looking again at the white globes of Anekin’s ass, he positioned himself, shoved Reis aside to hold Anekin with his own hands and pushed in. Jupiter. He’d done this before. All the time. Before he came to live with Reis. He had been the one to penetrate.

And his body had not forgotten. He began to rock his hips, thrusting deeper – trying to make up for what he’d missed. The pet’s groans of pain excited him. He pushed more violently, held Anekin’s hips tighter. His breathing was ragged now, desperate. The drink had affected him badly – he needed more friction. He pushed harder, adjusted his angle – then became erratic. Anekin was crying – but nothing mattered to Derik but his own release. One more thrust and he moaned in ecstasy. Finally. Derik still held tightly to Anekin’s hips. Even when he pulled out, he watched as his seed – and the boy’s blood – dripped down Anekin’s thighs.

He couldn’t stand anymore, he started to fall. And felt Reis catch him. “You were wonderful, my love. Powerful and masterful.” Reis arms wrapped around him and led him to bed. Neither of them noticed as Anekin collapsed and drew himself into a huddled shape on the floor.

Reis held Derik, and cooed to him soothingly until he slept. Only then did he use the intercom and call Lamas. “Come for the pet. We’re done with him for the night.” In his own slumber, Reis was only vaguely aware when Lamas lifted Anekin into his arms and took him away.

~~

“Jupiter,” Lamas whispered as he took Anekin to his room. “What did they do to you?” The boy said nothing and Lamas sat his naked body on the shower floor and tried to get the water the right temperature. He noticed immediately when the boy moved. “Anekin,” he asked quickly. “Anekin, are you alright?”

Blue eyes looked up. “Yes, sir. I’m fine, sir.” Anekin tried to get to his feet and Lamas had to help him.

“You’re hardly fine.”

“I am,” the boy protested. “I don’t need your help.”

Lamas sighed. “Then I won’t help you.” But he made sure Anekin was propped securely against the shower wall and aimed the warm stream of water to flow down his chest. Then worked the cleaning gel into a cloth and started to wash him. “Turn.”

“I don’t need your help,” Anekin said softly as he turned his front toward the wall.

“I know.” Lamas continued his gentle motions of the cloth, working it gradually between Anekin’s cheeks. He slowed even more when he heard the boy take a sharp intake of breath. Blood flowed with the water. But only a little. Lamas lifted the shower head down and sprayed until the blood stopped. “All done, I think.”

“Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.”

Lamas smiled at the subtle admission. “Stay right where you are.”

“Yes, sir.”

Lamas pulled off his own wet shirt and dried his arms before bringing more towels to Anekin and drying his body. He lifted the boy again and took him to his bed, laying him on top of the covers, and wrapping a dry towel around his wet hair. “Are you in pain?”

“No, sir.”

“Anekin – tell me the truth. Where do you hurt?”

Anekin met Lamas’ eyes. “It’s not so bad, sir. Really, I’ll be fine.”

Lamas looked at him for long moments. “I’m getting you something anyway. Just stay here.”

“Lamas, sir,” Anekin tried to get up as Lamas approached the door. “Please don’t leave me.”

“I’ll be right back, Anekin. I won’t leave you.”

Anekin nodded, but he trembled when Lamas left – and continued when he lay down again, waiting for the man to return.

Lamas forced a smile when he saw Anekin’s relief when he got back. “Can you roll over? I can put some soothing cream inside you.” Anekin tried, but needed Lamas’ help. He spread his legs when he was on his belly to give Lamas easier access. Lamas frowned when he felt how loose Anekin was. “What the hell did they put in you?” When Anekin remained silent, he asked again. “What, Anekin? What did they put in you?”

“Master Thaylen put his hand inside me.” Anekin’s voice was trembling. “Please, sir. I don’t want to talk about it.”

Lamas nodded – though Anekin couldn’t see – and worked carefully, feeling for tears in the boy’s muscles. As he applied the numbing cream, he heard Anekin sigh in relief. “Better now?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Does anything else hurt?” Lamas asked softly.

Anekin rolled onto his back – without help. “My nipples, sir. But only a little.”

Lamas looked. Swollen, red. “What can I do?”

Anekin shook his head. “Nothing, sir. They will be alright by morning.”

Lamas went to the bathroom for water and had Anekin take some pain reliever pills. Then he sat on the bed. “Did Derik hurt you, too?”

Anekin looked down quickly. “No one hurt me, sir.”

“Anekin…”

“No one hurt me, Lamas. I am a pet. My masters used me as all masters use their pets. It is nothing, sir.” But Anekin trembled again.

Lamas remained silent as he thought about what Anekin said. He knew nothing of pets and masters. Of Elites or Blondies. Perhaps the boy was right. He remembered pretty boys in Ceres who would offer themselves for castration in order to become furniture. And how jealous those who were turned down would be of those who were accepted. It had all seemed strange to him. And he handled his genitals to reassure himself.

Anekin’s eyes were closed, his breathing was slow and regular. Lamas stood up to go to his own room and felt a small hand touch his arm. “Please, Lamas. Please don’t leave me.”

Lamas hesitated. Reis might be furious if he stayed. But, damn, Anekin needed him. Needed someone. “I have to sleep boy. If I stay here, you’ll have to make room for me.”

Anekin shifted – not quickly – but eventually left most of the bed empty. “Please, Lamas. Stay with me.”

Lamas rearranged the covers until Anekin was on the sheet, then lay beside him and covered them both. Anekin rolled into him. And after only a moment, Lamas put his arm over the boy’s back and held him. He felt the tension, felt it ease gradually until Anekin was relaxed. Long after Anekin was asleep, Lamas continued rubbing soft patterns on his back.

Reis he understood. Reis was who he was – who he had always been. But Derik surprised him. He had been so sure Derik liked the boy, had thought Derik would try to protect him. But, perhaps Derik was like the rest of them. More privileged than most, but still controlled by Reis. Unable to resist him.

~~

Derik jerked awake and realized he was comfortably ensconced in Reis’ arms. Warm and comfortable. But something was wrong. What? Reis was caressing his face and speaking softly. “Sleep, Derik. Sleep, my love.”

For a while longer, Derik did. And there were dreams. Wonderful, erotic dreams. Anekin. Beautiful, erotic Anekin. Displaying himself, offering himself.

Derik woke with a start, his pulse racing. Images of Anekin filled his mind. Broken, bleeding, crying… Jupiter, what did I do? Reis still slept and Derik eased himself from the bed. He realized he was filthy. He hadn’t washed. Reis had taken him directly to bed.

So, he went to the bathroom. Washed and slipped into a robe. Reis still slept. He slipped out the door and made his way to Anekin’s room.

The dim light came up as he opened the door. And Lamas sat up quickly in the bed.

Derik startled. “What the hell are you doing here, Lamas?”

Lamas stood up. “Please be quiet, Master Derik. The boy needs to sleep.”

Derik calmed as he realized Lamas still wore his trousers. But… “Why are you here?”

Lamas stared. “Weren’t you there?”

“Of course I was there. But what are you doing here?”

“Anekin was in pain. I took care of him and he didn’t want me to leave him.”

Shit. “How badly is he hurt?” Derik asked, watching Anekin sleep.

“He says he’s fine, Master Derik.”

Derik’s head jerked up. “What’s with the master shit?”

“Please be quiet, Master Derik. Don’t wake him.”

Derik felt like he’d been slapped. And knew he deserved it. He almost staggered out of the room.

Lamas watched him go – and hoped he felt as bad as he deserved. He slipped back into bed with Anekin and hugged him close.

~~

Derik looked at the vid in irritation. The morning had already started out badly enough. Where the hell was Reis? The call was from Mink and it was coded urgent. No help for it. He pushed the control to answer. “Lord Reison Thaylen’s home.” Derik fought not to panic. Mink was staring at him. “Lord Thaylen is not available at the moment, sir. May I take a message?”

“Who are you?” The voice was cold, demanding.

Derik bowed his head. “I am Lord Thaylen’s furniture, sir. May I take a message, Lord Mink?”

Derik knew he was being studied. Even through the vid, the Blondie’s eyes burned him. “Do you care for your master’s pets?”

Derik looked up, keeping his face carefully blank. “Yes, Lord Mink. It is one of my duties.”

Ask him, a voice behind Mink demanded. Another face appeared on the screen. A mongrel. Beautiful, refusing to be shoved aside. “Shut up, Riki.” Derik tried not to be obvious as he studied the mongrel’s face. But Mink had shoved him aside and was facing Derik again. “How is Anekin?”

Derik did not hesitate. “He is well, Lord Mink. Adjusting to his new home.”

I want to see Anekin, Iason. Not a damn furniture. Mink looked away from the screen again and Derik could not hear him. But when he looked back, his face was flushed. “Tell your master I called. I would like to speak with him about my new apartment building for pets.” Riki was trying to sneak into the picture again. Mink was obviously angry. “Tell your master to call.”

“Yes, Lord Mink. Of course, sir.” The connection was cut from Mink’s end.

And Derik sighed loudly in relief. He might be upset with Reis – but his first thought at seeing Mink was that Reis’ subterfuge had been discovered. Thank Jupiter it wasn’t that.

Coffee. He needed coffee. And so would Reis. He headed to the kitchen.

The room was empty. But the coffee-pot was half-full. Odd. Kader only made dinners. Lamas made breakfast only when he was asked. Had Reis been here? Unlikely. He would just send Derik.

As he prepared the mugs, Derik heard the door open – the one from the back yard. He looked up. It was Anekin, accompanied by Lamas. The pet had stopped short, his eyes on the floor. Lamas had put his hand on the boy’s shoulder and was looking coldly at Derik.

“I’m sorry, Master Derik,” Lamas said as he gently pushed Anekin forward. “I was going to bring coffee to you and Master Reis. I can take it from here, sir.”

Lamas was still angry, Derik realized. At both him and Reis. He never called them master. Hell, he seldom called them sir. “I’ve got it, Lamas.” His gaze shifted to Anekin. The boy had still not raised his eyes. “How are you, Anekin?” Derik asked softly.

The boy looked up now – but only to Derik’s chest. “I’m fine, Master Derik. Thank you, sir.”

Derik looked at Lamas. “Is he?”

Lamas’ hand was rubbing Anekin’s shoulder, the base of his neck. “Yes, Master Derik. He tells me he’s used to such things.”

Derik nodded, in truth, not wanting to know more. “I’ll see you both later.” He took the mugs of coffee and left.

With Derik gone, Lamas guided Anekin to a stool and had him sit. He poured two more mugs of coffee and pushed one to Anekin. “As bad as you feared?”

There were tears in Anekin’s eyes when he looked up. “I’m fine, Lamas. I should never…” I should never have trusted him. “I’m fine.”

Lamas shook his head. Anekin wasn’t fine – but he sure as hell wasn’t going to talk about it. Right now, Lamas needed to get himself under control. “Drink your coffee.” He waited until Anekin had taken a swallow. “Are you sure you’re up to helping with breakfast today? You don’t have to.”

“I don’t want to go back to my room, Lamas. I don’t want to be alone. Please let me help you.”

Lamas nodded and smiled. “No problem. I enjoy your company.”

“Why?”

Lamas started preparing a new pot of coffee. Why, indeed? Anekin was lovely. But it wasn’t that. At least, not entirely. The boy learned quickly. He tried to be helpful – was kind and giving. “I have no idea why I like you, Anekin. I just do.” Lamas pushed the control to start the coffee going. “Your turn. Why do you like me?”

No hesitation. “Because you’re good to me, sir. Even when I do something stupid, like last night.”

“Last night? What did you do that was stupid?”

Anekin smiled. “I lied to you about being hurt.”

Lamas shook his head and hugged the boy. “You’re not a very good liar.”

“No, sir.”

Lamas backed off but still held Anekin’s shoulders. “I like you for the same reason you like me.” It took all his control not to lean forward and capture those soft lips.

~~

Reis was in his office, staring at the computer screen. Derik handed him the mug and felt a soft touch on his hand. “You got up early, Derik. Where were you?”

Derik ignored the question. “Mink called. He wants you to call him back.”

Reis pulled the chair closer and indicated Derik should sit. “Why did you answer? The machine would have taken his message.”

“The call was marked urgent. It had to be answered.”

Reis nodded. “So what did he want?”

“Supposedly he wants to discuss that pet apartment he’s set up, but I think the real reason was because Riki wanted to know about Anekin.”

Reis grinned. “Mink has no control of that pet. It’s amazing to see.”

Derik softened. “I could tell. Mink was trying to push him away and Riki refused to be pushed.” He looked over Reis’ shoulder. “Any news?”

“No. Thesden’s computer seems to be fine. Perhaps the old man was right after all.”

Derik read before speaking again. “Riki’s very attractive. Even though he’s obviously a mongrel.”

Reis turned his head and kissed Derik’s cheek. “There’s something very special about mongrels. I know that personally.” He pulled his head back. “Have you seen our pet this morning?”

“Yes. He’s working with Lamas. He says he’s fine.”

Reis laughed softly. “I told you. He’s used to much worse than what we did to him.”

“So it seems.” In truth, he believed Reis. Anekin had been up today, walking around, assisting Lamas – after handling far more pain than he had thought possible for the soft, slight boy. His previous master – that Festus person – must have used him with extreme cruelty for last night to have had so little effect. But he was determined not to think of it further. Not about Lamas sleeping in Anekin’s bed. Not any of it. “Reis – why did you get involved with Mink on the pet home?”

Reis shrugged. “It was the first opportunity I had to get close to him. None of the Blondies supported him. And most of the Elites who did only gave lip service. He needed me – even if peripherally. Old family support is better than none.”

“But what’s in it for you?”

“Come on. I’ll tell you over breakfast.”

~~

Anekin stood up hurriedly and took the coffee pot to the table when Derik and Reis entered the kitchen. Reis ignored him, but Derik watched his movements as he filled their cups. Not as smooth as usual, but no apparent injuries.

Reis was talking and Derik shifted his attention. “In theory I could support the idea of the pet home. I never liked how Jupiter set up the whole damn system. Creating a super-class to run everything and a whole sub-class of artificially created sex toys to service the needs of her sterile supermen.”

“And destroying your family’s power,” Derik voiced quietly.

“Destroying the world, Derik. The heritage civilization was based on.”

“And yet, you accepted Anekin easily enough.”

Reis glanced at the pet and smiled. “What’s a man to do when a sex-toy is thrown in his lap?”

“You could have turned him down.”

“You know my inclinations, Derik.” Reis’ voice had taken on a warning tone.

Derik changed the subject. “I still don’t quite understand why you’d be interested in an old-age home for pets.”

“It’s not exactly an old-age home. The specially bred pets seldom live to thirty.”

“Then why do you care?”

“I don’t give a shit about the home, Derik. It’s more Jupiter’s reaction to it.” When Derik only looked confused, Reis laughed and continued. “Mink is her golden boy – but she’ll pay attention if the damn home picks up support – and I doubt she’ll overlook this flagrant an indiscretion – even for him.”

“I see.” Reis was only interested in destroying Jupiter. And Mink. Derik looked at Anekin again and wondered if his lifespan had been cut short. Probably not – he was from off-world. Born to real people.

Lamas approached cautiously. “What would you like this morning, Masters?”

Reis’ head jerked up. “Masters? What the hell is this, Lamas?”

The same question Derik had asked. But Reis could not be so easily dismissed. “I’ve just remembered what I am.” Lamas intended his comment to be given smoothly, but he colored and was obviously ill at ease.

“You are my employee, Lamas. Not a damn slave. Don’t let me hear that word from your lips again.”

“Yes, sir. I’m sorry, sir. What would you like for breakfast?”

Reis and Derik discussed between themselves and eventually settled on fruit and waffles. Lamas set Anekin to preparing the fruit while he began with the waffles. Both of them served the plates. Derik noted with rising anger that Lamas kept his arm around Anekin’s waist when they retreated. He was disgruntled for the remainder of the meal.

~~

Reis, on the other hand, seemed in fine spirits. “Cheer up, Derik. The little slut belongs to you. If you don’t want him with Lamas, forbid it and send him back to his room.”

“No,” he replied quickly as he caught Anekin’s terrorized expression. “No. If he finds consolation with Lamas, I will not forbid it.”

The comment irritated Reis, but he spoke smoothly. “Whatever you wish. The boy is yours to do with as you please.” Reis turned his own face toward Anekin and found him staring at the floor. “Come, Derik,” he said when he turned back. “It’s a lovely day. I have the remainder of the morning free. Let’s play tennis until we have to leave.”

“We? You mean my presence no longer shames you?”

“Your presence never shamed me,” Reis chuckled. “But you know as well as I do how most people in Tanagura think. It would not have been possible to organize my group of supporters if they knew my lover is a mongrel.”

Even though Reis acknowledged Derik was his lover, the words cut – as painful as ever. But Derik did know what Reis said was true and he refused to feel the insult. “You still need to call Mink.”

“Ah, yes. But I’ll make it quick. We should still have at least an hour to play.” Reis stood up. “I’ll call Mink from the office. Get dressed. This time I’ll beat your mongrel ass.”

Derik smiled and watched him go. Then looked at Anekin again. “More coffee.” As the boy was pouring, Derik held his wrist. “You will come out with us.”

Anekin froze, not moving his eyes from the coffee-pot. “Yes, Master.”

Derik released him. “Are you sure you’re not in pain?”

“Yes, Master.”

“Damn it, Anekin. Don’t call me master.”

The boy’s eyes flew to Derik’s face and away again. “Yes, sir. Whatever you wish, sir.” His lips quivered.

Derik sighed, but there was nothing else he could say. Anekin was afraid of him now. And rightly so, after last night. “Finish your duties, here. I’ll pick you up on the way.”

~~

Anekin looked up anxiously when Derik reappeared. He was laughing at something Reis said and, after a moment, he looked at Anekin directly. “Are you ready?”

“Yes, sir.”

Reis glowered. “Watch your mouth, pet. Refer to him as master. I thought I made that clear last night.”

“Yes, Master Thaylen. I’m sorry, sir.”

Derik glanced between them. Reis was adamant about this. He would accept it – and not chastise Anekin again. “Don’t worry about it, Anekin.”

The boy bowed his head and did not speak. Just followed them out the door. Derik pulled him aside when they got to the courts. “Your function is to gather up the balls that are out of play.”

Anekin looked up to him. “What am I to do with them, Master?”

“He’ll figure it out, Derik,” Reis said irritably. “Just serve the damn ball.” He walked to the other side of the court.

Derik put his hand on Anekin’s shoulder and felt the boy tense. “Try not to worry. I’ll tell you what to do. For now, just go to the side of the court.” When Anekin was obviously confused, Derik pointed to a spot.

Anekin stood straight at one end of the net and clasped his hands behind himself. He watched the ball and realized his head turned constantly. Even when Derik missed the ball, he didn’t move until Derik nodded at him. Then he ran for the ball and returned it to Derik. And Derik smiled at him. “Thank you.”

Anekin blushed, ashamed of the warmth that flooded his body at this simple kindness from Derik. Then he hurried back to his place by the net. After that he only watched Derik. The ripple of his muscles as he moved, the slow build of sheen on his skin as he perspired. Still attracted to him, he realized. Foolish to be angry in the first place. Even more foolish to still want him. Tears welled in his eyes. Pets were nothing. They had no right to want. Derik didn’t care for him.

Another ball was out of play. And Anekin was grateful to have his thoughts interrupted – grateful to have something to do

He watched the ball again and everything was fine until Reis served. Anekin took the loose ball to Derik and heard Reis curse. Derik laughed and explained the error. He watched as Anekin trotted to Reis. Felt another wave of anger as Reis shouted at the boy. He was tempted to throw his racket at Reis and controlled himself with difficulty. He walked to Anekin before he would continue play. “It wasn’t your fault. Try to pay Reis no mind. Look to me – I’ll tell you what to do.”

More tears. Anekin blinked rapidly to dispel them. “Thank you, Derik.”

Derik smiled, irrationally happy that the boy used his name. “You’re welcome.”

With his next serve, Reis tried to blast Derik – but Derik returned the ball easily and won the point. The game, the set and the match.

Reis stomped off the court. “Having the damn slut around is worse than not having a ball-boy, Derik. I don’t ever want him here again.”

Derik smiled and handed Reis a bottle of water. “He’s not that bad. He did fine after I explained the game to him.”

Reis glared at Derik, then at Anekin. “Don’t take up for him.”

Derik shrugged and handed a bottle of water to Anekin, who was standing to the side of the table in the shade. The boy’s face was flushed. “Drink, Anekin. You’re dehydrated.”

“Yes, Master,” he said softly. “Thank you.”

Reis was even angrier. “Stop coddling him, Derik. He’s just a pet.”

“Yes, Master,” Derik grinned. “Perhaps you should punish me.”

Reis’ scowl vanished to be replaced by amusement. “Yes. Punishment is definitely in order.” He looked at Anekin. “But I think the pet may be the better target.”

Shit. “I’m not hurting him again. I mean it, Reis.”

Reis smiled. “We’ll see.” He glanced at his watch. “We have to be going.”

~~

Anekin stumbled into the kitchen after he was sure Reis and Derik were gone. His head ached from spending so much unaccustomed time in the sun. His thighs ached – from what he hoped was the unaccustomed running. Lamas was not there as he’d hoped and he slowly made his way down the hallway to his room. He managed a shower before falling in bed. Slowly, carefully, he raised his hips and felt at his opening. No blood. But awful pain and his thighs quivered. When the quivering didn’t stop, he decided to get out of bed and look for Lamas. He had just swung his legs over the side of the bed when the door opened.

“Lamas,” he gasped, when he saw who it was. “Help me, please.”

Lamas looked at him anxiously. Last night, the boy had never wanted to admit he was in pain. “What happened, Anekin?” as he walked to the bed. “Did Reis hurt you again?”

“No, sir. I just…” He looked up into Lamas’ eyes. “I hurt, sir. Between my legs.”

Lamas positioned him on his back and watched the tremor in his legs. “When did this start?”

“After my shower, sir. But the pain began while I was running after the master’s balls.”

“I’ll get something to relax your muscles. Just lie down and rest.”

“Yes, sir.”

Lamas fumed as he looked through the medicine chest. Anekin might not have known he would be forced to use already sore muscles – but Derik sure as hell should have. His anger built again.

~~

Derik was watching the scenery pass but he was still upset that Reis hadn’t let him drive. “How much longer?”

“We wouldn’t be any closer if you were driving.” Reis downshifted to slide around a curve.

Yes we would, Derik muttered under his breath. But he let the subject go. “So, what are we hoping to accomplish today?”

“The group of investors needs to meet in person – since the computer has been deemed too dangerous. I want to verify that everything has been done as I instructed.”

Derik nodded. “Do you have anyone in Mink’s household? To tell you what he knows?”

“Not in his household, no. But I took your advice. I’ve insinuated someone in with Katze.”

“How? He’s a loner.”

“But he collects artwork. He seems to be on a hunt for pre-Jupiter artifacts and I was able to have him introduced to a friend of mine. They’re having dinner tomorrow.”

“Tell him to be careful. Katze is loyal to Mink.”

“I know that.”

They were quiet for the rest of the trip. And Derik reflected on Reis’ earlier comments. That Jupiter had destroyed the civilization his family had always known. He thought it a strange civilization. Not so different than what Jupiter instituted. Though perhaps the old aristos had kept their cruelty to a smaller scale. Not actually breeding victims. But, all in all, Derik could see little difference.

~~

Iason sat on the balcony and watched Riki smoke. He thought he had given in much too easily to the mongrel’s nagging for cigarettes – but Riki’s gratitude had made it worthwhile. His little mongrel was always a satisfying lover. Throw in a little gratitude and he was superbly wild. “Alright, Riki – tell me why you suspect Lord Thaylen.”

Riki turned to face him. “That furniture is no furniture.”

Iason canted his head. “And tell me how you know what his genitals look like from seeing his face on the vid.”

Riki snorted in disgust. “His voice, idiot. He has a man’s voice. He sounds like me.”

Iason was tempted to discipline his pet for calling him an idiot, but as he considered what Riki said, he realized it was true. “Perhaps he came to the profession late in life,” Iason mused. “If his voice box was fully mature when he was cut, his voice would have changed little.”

“He had the shadow of a beard, Iason. He wouldn’t be growing a beard if he was cut late. Unless it was done yesterday.”

No, not yesterday. Thaylen had said the furniture – Derik – had been with him for years. No pets… but he said he kept furniture. “How do you know so much about Thaylen’s house-hold?”

Riki flashed his grin. “You said you were giving Anekin to him. Did you think I wouldn’t check up on him?”

Iason growled, but he pulled Riki into his lap, threw away his cigarette and captured his laughing mouth. He would look into Thaylen and his furniture.

Later.

~~end chapter 8


** Thank you, Hestia, Angels, Mitts and Person for the reviews. Always very much appreciated!

Have a question – do I take too long to tell the story? (I mean other than the time lapse in updating…) I’ve only had one review on Nicea, which I must admit, disappoints me. I write for myself and because I have to, so the stories will be finished, regardless. But I’d like to know if I’m disappointing my readers. **