with the right Dramok who can provide the leadership you need.
Was Bacoj that Dramok? Caring for the man wasn’t the problem. The matter of his feelings for Japohn were settled. He’d never find a better Nobek clanmate if he searched all of Kalquor.
The real concern facing Bacoj had become whether he was good enough…strong enough…for the willful Japohn.
He had no opportunity to consider it further. The questions followed Bacoj into the quiet reaches of sleep, which gently claimed him before he realized he was going under again.
Chapter Seventeen
Three and a half months later:
Several minutes after they came off duty, Bacoj and Vax hurried to Japohn’s quarters on board the supply ship where they served. The Imdiko held his arm as they went, and Bacoj relished the touch of his lover. It helped dull the sadness of what lay before them.
The door to Japohn’s cramped space opened at their approach. Having automatic entry privileges to the Nobek’s room gave them an extra precious second of time grown abysmally short.
The pair entered, squeezing in at the foot of Japohn’s sleeping mat. Seeing his travel pack out and loaded with gear was a punch to Bacoj’s gut, nearly as painful as those Karil had dealt months ago on Dantovon. Knowing and accepting the end had arrived couldn’t soften the blow of losing Japohn’s constant presence.
I’ll miss the big lug.
Vax’s happy expression dimmed too. Then it left altogether as he gazed up at the man standing next to the mat. The Imdiko swallowed but kept quiet as he blinked suddenly overly bright eyes.
Bacoj regarded Japohn’s stalwart but forlorn features. “I can’t believe this day has come.”
“Yeah. Seems like we just boarded, doesn’t it?” The Nobek noted the bottle of bohut in Bacoj’s hand and the three glasses Vax held. His countenance eased into a surprised smile. “Hey, this is a nice sendoff.”
“Well, it’s not entirely about you leaving. Call it a farewell and a celebration.”
“Celebration?”
“We just heard from Investigator Yas. Karil was sentenced to life in a prison camp. He won’t be bothering us ever again.”
“I guess turning evidence on Respel and getting that monster executed for his crimes paid off for him. I wouldn’t call it justice, though. Karil murdered plenty of men on his behalf.”
“True, but without his testimony, they never would have taken Respel down.”
“He was bent on slaughtering you in a horrible way. He shouldn’t have been given a break.” Japohn shrugged, clearly not agreeing the news was much to celebrate. He’d grouched more than once in the past few weeks that he shouldn’t have spared Vax’s drug-addled stalker.
Ignoring the Nobek’s grouchiness, Vax beamed, his usual happy nature asserting itself. “Okay, so how about another reason to throw a little party? Bacoj and I clanned.”
Japohn’s answering smile appeared tight to Bacoj. “It’s about damn time. Congratulations. That’s definitely worth drinking to. Pour while I secure this stuff.”
He returned to his packing. Vax gave Bacoj a significant look, and a nudge for good measure.
Bacoj nodded, but he found it difficult to speak the words he’d rehearsed. They stuck in his throat. After all, the past few weeks had underscored how domineering Japohn could be. Even after spending so many days and nights together, Bacoj struggled to take the lead when it came to the strong and often overwhelming Nobek.
Never mind all that noise. You adore the oversized bruiser, despite how often he oversteps his bounds and tries to play the leader. Admit it, Bacoj. You’re as broken up over him leaving on this mission as Vax is.
Maybe it was because he knew Japohn would do anything to ensure he and Vax were safe. Maybe it was due to the Nobek’s weird mixture of strength and vulnerability. Or maybe it was because Japohn was Japohn. No other Nobek compared.
It was Japohn or no one.
As he dealt with what being Dramok to such a man would entail, Vax watched him, his expression growing more worried by the second. Bacoj drew a deep breath and took the plunge. “I was hoping there’d be one more thing to celebrate.”
Japohn glanced at him, his demeanor carefully composed. “What would that be?”
“Gaining a Nobek for my clan. Would you do us the honor?”
Japohn stared. Seeing him struggle with emotion—hope, disbelief, a twinge of fear—made Bacoj want to grab him and kiss the entirety of his brutish but handsome face. To reassure this amazing warrior, who refused to believe he deserved a clan, that he was wanted.
At last, Japohn choked, “Are you serious?”
Vax sighed dramatically, though he was