WIP Wednesday - Clan and Commit

A chance encounter they'd just as soon have avoided...

Vax noticed a Dantovonian furtively passing a wrapped packet to an Isetacian. Both were armed with knives, and he had the insight they weren’t trading cookies. There was definitely an element of danger in the area.

Okay, but we’re minding our own business. Don’t act nosy, and no one will take offense. Getting that spice account was totally worth rubbing elbows with the underbelly of Ler.

That optimism fled when he felt hot breath on his neck. Something sharp poked painfully against his ribs.

“What a lovely reunion, Vax. So nice to bump into family.”

The Imdiko’s heart froze. Bacoj cursed as they both stared at the vicious blade jabbing against him. Karil, smelling as if he’d wallowed in garbage and the nearby jungle, leered at Vax over his shoulder.

“Let him go. I swear, if you hurt him—” Bacoj started to move but froze when Karil shifted the blade. Its sharp edge pushed against Vax’s abdomen. He yelped in pain as it dug against him, threatening to slice through his shirt and his skin.

“What are you going to do, Dramok boy? Unless you want to watch his guts hit the street, shut your face and do as I say.”

Releasing mid to late June.

WIP Wednesday - Clan and Commit

The lonesome Nobek...

      Japohn dug in. What the inn lacked in appearance and location, it remedied in the kitchen. With an appetite to match his size, Japohn soon polished off round one of breakfast and signaled for the next.

      As another steaming tray of mostly meats arrived, he noticed a pair of Kalquorians entering the dining room. His gaze followed them as they chose a table on the other end of the room.

      They were younger than him. He wasn’t that old himself, but he’d been out of training camp for over a decade. Nobeks tended to mature faster than the other breeds—at least, that was Japohn’s opinion—so the fresh faces of the other two Kalquorians gave them an almost juvenile aspect.

      One was obviously an Imdiko, and adorable to boot. His smile was pure innocence that caused Japohn to smile too. He was pretty sure the other fellow was a Dramok. A handsome fellow. Both were in the prime of life, their expressions belonging to those who’d not encountered too many world-shaking disappointments yet.

      They huddled at their table after putting in their orders, talking and laughing with an intimacy that woke an ache in the Nobek’s chest. They were definitely lovers. Possibly clanmates, since Imdikos didn’t tend to remain unattached long into adulthood.

      Japohn chewed his food absently, observing the happy couple with envy. If life had been different—if he had been different—he could have hoped to attract the good fortune they’d found with each other. Clan. Family. Love.

      I hope you boys appreciate what you appear to have.

      Of course they couldn’t. Most Kalquorians were pack creatures, eager to surround themselves with others. They didn’t know the pain of those whose lots dictated they remain alone. Those like Nobek Japohn, who was forced time and again to anticipate a solitary future because he was driven to do things his way, with a marked inability to compromise.

      He knew his destiny was to remain unclanned. Yet Japohn couldn’t keep from watching the young men and dreaming about what would never be his.

Releasing in June (no specific date set).

WIP Wednesday - Clan and Commit

Someone's in the home...

      He couldn’t assault his prey in the kitchen. Not when he was off-balance and Vax had access to cutlery. Being a chef, the bastard would know how to wield a knife with the skill that could present a problem should Karil’s unsteadiness provide an opportunity.

      He’d strike as the Imdiko passed by. Gripping the doorframe, Karil widened his stance, giving him the stability for a successful leap. He’d knock Vax to the floor and land on him, pinning him down. Then he’d do his cutting and claim justice for Huk.

      He didn’t have to wait long. Vax’s voice carried as he moved his way. “Greeting room, kitchen, lights out. Hall light, 20 percent.”

Karil braced as that soft pad-pad-pad closed on his position, staring at the spot he’d chosen to take Vax down. The scent of herbal tea wafted in his nostrils. Tea the little shit would never drink.

The Imdiko came into view, not looking Karil’s way, holding a steaming cup. He hit the ambush point. Adrenaline spiked through the Nobek.

Karil screamed a warrior’s attack cry. He leapt.

The surge of energy offered him perfect clarity as he lunged at Vax. The other man’s startled face filled his vision, a wonderful image Karil could enjoy when he played back the memory of killing his enemy. Shock turning to terror as Vax recognized him.

Next would come the understanding he was about to die, the most delicious expression of them all.

Releasing in June (specific date not yet set).