really be spending your savings on this? You have school to think about when we come home.” Guilty that his lover would do such a thing tamed Vax’s enthusiasm.
“I’ll make back what the vacation costs within a few months. Besides, I’m not spending a bundle—I’m afraid this won’t be the most luxurious holiday you’ve ever had, in fact. It won’t be the nicest inn or the finest restaurants.” Bacoj smiled apologetically. “I just want to concentrate on you. On us. I hope that’s okay.”
For an answer, Vax leapt on him. His ardent kisses soon had Bacoj laughing, then growling with a different sort of excitement.
They rolled enthusiastically over the lounger, enjoying each other in their favorite fashion.
* * * *
Felac sat with Bacoj in his common room, gripping his hand. She was pale. Visibly upset. Bacoj steeled himself, glad Vax was in the shower so he wouldn’t be a witness to the coming scene. He was gladder still that Felac hadn’t arrived until several minutes after their latest romp. It would have been all too embarrassing for her to see their flushed faces, knowing what she’d interrupted.
She gazed at him now, her usual dignity giving way to hurt. “Why are you running off now when you’re leaving for war so soon? You should be spending time with your parents. We won’t see you for who knows how long?”
“I explained about Nobek Karil and his obsession with Vax. The man is dangerous, and the more distance we put between us and him, the better.”
“That’s not all though, is it? I’ve dreaded this day forever, when you leave me behind for others. When I’m no longer the most important person in your life.”
“I’m not leaving you, my mother. I’m adding to my life…I hope. He’s fond of you, you know.” Maybe if she saw Vax as another potential son, she’d welcome the relationship.
“Vax is a sweet boy. I could tell he respects his mother.”
Bacoj wondered if that was a dig, if Felac intimated he didn’t respect her. Fortunately, her next statement eased his concerns.
“I’m glad he’s been brought up with many of our values. You chose well, my son.”
“I’m glad you think so. I hope I’m the right Dramok for him.”
“Of course you are. So protective. Noble and smart. Your father Rilb would have been very proud of you.” Her smile said she was proud too.
“I wish I’d known him.”
“As do I. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t regret…” Her voice trailed off, and the well-worn mask of composure slid over her features, hiding the pain. “Take plenty of pictures on your holiday. Stay out of trouble, and keep an eye on your credits. You’ll have dinner with your parents as soon as you return. Bring Vax.”
“Of course.” An idea occurred to him. “Maybe while I’m on vacation, you’ll track down those old vid recordings of Rilb? You promised you’d show them to me. I feel that I need to see them before I go off to war.”
Especially now that Bacoj was hoping to start a clan. How successful would he be as a Dramok without Rilb’s guidance? Worry tugged at him.
Felac studied his face, her eyes brighter than usual. She’d always found a reason to put off digging up the vids of his Dramok father, unwilling to face the painful memories of the clanmate she’d lost. At last, she nodded. “You’re right. You’re a man now, with all the responsibilities that go with it. And you should know Rilb as much as is possible.”
Bacoj hugged her. He felt she was trying to loosen her desperate grip on him at long last, finally recognizing it was necessary.
“I love you, my mother.”
Chapter Nine
Bacoj tried not to gape like the tourist he was, but it was difficult. Ler’s cavern market swarmed with activity, smells, and noises he’d never imagined. Beings from numerous planets jostled the avenues and shops, some crawling along the ceiling or flying over his head. Festive lights of all colors flashed to gain his attention. There were so many, they left him dizzied. Laughter and music swirled, a cheerful background cacophony to the barkers calling for customers to visit their shops and prostitutes promising every pleasure imaginable. Bodily aromas, pleasant and otherwise, weren’t quite canceled out by the scent of food and some sort of floral fragrance, no doubt pumped into the environment.
It was daylight outside, the afternoon hot and fetid thanks to the nearby jungle, but the caverns were a cool retreat. The party atmosphere tried