without paying the price.”
Respel’s derisive laughter was a bad sign. When Respel started laughing, pain was on the way. “You’re an idiot, and you’re charting the same course to oblivion Huk took. I’m growing tired of your stupidity.”
“Don’t mock me.” However dangerous his Dramok was, Karil wouldn’t be shaken from what he had to do.
“I’ll do a damned sight more than mock you, and you know it. Shut your stupid mouth and listen to why I commed in the first place. I received an alert about an hour ago. Certain powers in the military are looking into your health waiver. You might end up drafted into this ridiculous war after all.”
Karil slowed, letting Vax and his pal move farther ahead as he dealt with the latest shock. “What? You told me you paid the recruiter what he demanded.”
“I did, but they review deferments when the need for troops is high. It’s likely your profile showed up in a routine audit.”
“Or someone said something.” Karil’s vision had a reddish tinge as he quickened his pace again. He glared at the back of Vax’s head.
It was all too clear to him. The bastard had flown to the military reporting station with his new ass-spearing buddy, who’d no doubt been drafted along with the other eligible Dramoks. The smug little shit must have informed on Karil.
“Fucking Vax. I’ll cut his dicks off and feed them to him.” Karil ignored the startled glance a passing well-dressed Dramok cast his way.
“That does it.” Respel’s growl turned into a snarl. “I’m cutting your supply. I don’t want your paranoia fucking up my business.”
“Nothing but business with you. Our Imdiko is dead, and all you think about is profit,” Karil seethed.
“Don’t fuck with me, Karil. If you do anything to Vax that sends unwanted attention my way, getting your junkie ass shipped off to war will be the least of your—”
Karil clicked off. He smirked to have shut Respel up.
He knew he’d pay later. His Dramok’s bodyguards, who were kept off Elate by threats of execution, were more than capable of making Karil sorry for disrespecting their employer. A beating would be getting off easy if Respel decided his Nobek deserved a lesson. And if Karil’s activities sent law enforcement to Respel’s door?
Karil would disappear, piece by piece, while Respel watched.
Fuck them all. I’ll claim my vengeance and pay the price later.
With that in mind, Karil continued to edge nearer to Vax and Bacoj. Close enough to hear their conversation. He wanted to know their plans so he could make his own.
* * * *
Bacoj walked alongside Vax, touching his arm lightly simply because he enjoyed even the most casual contact with his lover. They veered into a tunnel that connected the luxurious Bubrol Cavern to the more casual—and comfortable, in Bacoj’s opinion—Ewlairi complex of caves.
The Dramok noted with some surprise that his spirits had lifted. He was being sent to war. He was missing out on school. However, Vax would be with him for the foreseeable future. It made all the difference.
Bacoj was even happier when Vax said, “You should meet my parents before we ship out.”
“I’d be glad to.”
“In a couple of days? Autumn is busy for my fathers’ survival adventure tour business, but they usually can get away in the middle of the week.”
“Great.”
He meant it, despite the surge of nervousness that accompanied the idea of meeting a parent clan’s expectations. Vax was seriously considering him as a future clanmate. There was no other reason for Bacoj to meet his mother and fathers.
Maybe Bacoj had been looking at being drafted all wrong. He wasn’t a big believer in fate or destiny, but it was tempting to consider the universe might have conspired to send him to war so he could have the chance to be with this Imdiko.
Laughing, chatting about anything and everything, they passed several storefronts under the light of the setting sun, courtesy of the ceiling vid that depicted the environment outside. Foot traffic was picking up as the workday for most Kalquorians ended.
Vax motioned toward an eatery they were closing on. Lemanthev music thumped from its environs, and high-spirited men talked loudly of sports and concerts. “This place doesn’t look like much, but the food is good—and cheap. Do you mind if we make it an early night?”
“Are you in a hurry to go home?” Bacoj liked the sound of that.
Vax’s chuckle was rueful. “Unfortunately, I’m going to insist we go to our separate apartments tonight. I hate the idea of