In Enemy Hands 7.2

Chapter 7.2“I hope you don’t mind Maylar joining us.” Omori’s voice dropped. “I need to feed and had already set a date with him. I was also unsure if you might need his services.”
“No, brother, as it turns out, I do not. But I do thank you for the offer.” Adlar glanced at Varo who was slowly turning red.
Omori pinned Varo with a look, and then nodded. “That’s good then. Although I’m sure Maylar will be sadden to hear he lost such a… generous client.”
Varo crumpled his napkin in his fist.
Adlar saw the action, but didn’t comment. He was too pleased Varo had showed such signs of jealousy.
“Ah well, he still has you.” Adlar winked at Omori. He hoped Varo understood the hidden message. No, he didn’t need Maylar anymore. He planned to feed from Varo only.
“Indeed he does.” Omori gaze traveled to the male across the way, lingering. He shifted on his chair, and then reached down to rearrange himself, a slight smile on his lips.
“Getting uncomfortable?” Adlar smirked, seeing the action.
“Getting?” Omori dragged his gaze from Maylar. “No. Already am? Absolutely. And we better change the subject before I decide to feast on Maylar instead of this delicious meal Chef prepared.”
Varo gulped.
Adlar didn’t see the point in mentioning he and Omori had shared Maylar on more than one occasion. There was nothing sexual between him and his brother, of course. And while they often shared a lover, there would be none of that this time.
The idea of anyone seeing Varo naked outside of him made him finger one of his knives. Varo was his. Only his. He’d kill anyone who tried to come between him and what was his. Maylar joined them and the conversation flowed. Varo didn’t speak much. That was mostly due to Varo not sharing a history with the three other males.
At the end of the meal, Omori offered them Novo, a drink that contained Phis cream of coconut milk, pineapple juice, and white rum. The drink was white, sweet, and slightly thick.
Adlar nodded at the drink he sat in front of Varo. “Try it. I think you’ll like.
“I’ve had Novo before,” Varo said, taking a sip.
“Not like this, you haven’t. We use Helkan white rum instead of the usual stuff you can get anywhere. But beware, our alcohol has a kick to it.”
Varo savored the drink, and then slowly swallowed. “It does taste… richer. Huh. Something in it tastes much more distinctive.”
“That’s our rum.”
Varo took another sip. “Wow, it’s much lighter. It makes the whole drink taste different. It’s actually much better. I really like this.”
“I’m glad. Just remember it has a kick to it. Stuff will sneak up on you.”
The four of them moved from the table to the living area. Omori and Maylar took one couch. Maylar curled his feet under him and leaned close to Omori. Adlar and Varo took the other. Adlar noted Varo sat as far away as he could.
Which wasn’t too far since it was a smaller couch, but still. He wanted Varo closer. Varo didn’t have to drape himself over Adlar like Maylar had done to Omori, but he wanted the other male’s attention, and he knew exactly how to get it and have a little fun at the same time.
He rested his arms along the back of the couch. With a touch that was as light as a feather, he ran his fingers down Varo’s neck. A shiver racked Varo, and Adlar smiled. So sensitive. He couldn’t wait to run his fangs down that sensitive patch of skin.
Varo shot him an annoyed look. Adlar returned it with an innocent smile. Varo snorted and rolled his eyes. Adlar wrapped one length of hair around his finger and tugged. Varo raised an eyebrow. Adlar continued tugging.
Finally Varo huffed. He got the message and scooted closer. During this, Omori had launched into one of his never-ending stories of their childhood. Of course they were stories about all the misadventures’ he’d gotten into, never the things Omori had done. Soon Omori had all them laughing.
“Good gods, I was never that bad.” Adlar shook his head at Omori.
“Right. I’m sure if our parents were still alive, they’d disagree too with that statement.”
“Oh, that’s right.” Varo sipped his drink. “I remember now hearing the former king and his mate had died in a shuttle accident. I’m sorry for your loss. Were the both of you close to your parents?” Varo asked.
“Very much so,” Adlar said.
“Yes, they were a steady influence in our lives,” Omori agreed
“They loved us greatly and wasn’t afraid to show it.” Adlar added.
“You’re very lucky then.” Varo gulped his second drink, and then leaned closer to Adlar. “Where’s the restroom?”
“You’ll have to use my private one,” Omori said. “The guest bathroom is out of order for now. I’m having it updated. Go up the stairs into the bedroom and take the second right. That’s the bathroom.”
“Um, are you sure?” Varo asked.
“Of course,” Omori said. “There are restrooms in the palace, but why hunt those down when you can use mine?”
“Okay. Thank you, Your Highness.” Varo stood and immediately flung a hand out. Instead of grasping the back of the couch, he grabbed Adlar’s shoulder. “Stars!”
Adlar rested his hand over Varo’s. “Are you okay?”
“Oh yes.” Varo took a steadying breathe. “Just a bit lightheaded.”
Adlar snickered. “I told you that drink snuck up on you. Need help getting to the bathroom?”
Varo straighten, a haughty look crossing his face. “If you’re implying I’m drunk, I must inform you that I am not. I’m perfectly capable of getting to the bathroom by myself.”
Removing his hand, Varo sniffed and turned to leave.
Adlar watched him go. Varo had no problems walking across the room. If anything, he was frighteningly precise in his movements and his speech was clear and articulate.
Omori glanced at Adlar, eyebrow raised. “That Helkan rum is about to kick his ass.”
“I know. This should either be interesting or horrifying. He has even less of a tolerance for alcohol than I thought. Maybe I should take him home just in case he gets lippy.”
“It wouldn’t really be fair to punish him in his condition,” Omori pointed out.
“No, it wouldn’t, which is why we might need to leave. Alone I can let certain things slide. Around you, I can’t.” Adlar frowned at stairs Varo just climbed. “He’s opinionated and very resistant to being a slave.”
“Well frack, of course he is, Adlar. He’s a prince.” Omori rolled his eyes. “You can say what you will, but that male is no more a slave than you or me.”
“And all that changed when he got past the Satellite Surveillance Network and tried to attack us.”
“It might have changed his circumstances, but that in no way changed who he is. You’re going to have your hands full breaking that one.”
“I don’t want to break him, just bend him some,” Adlar said.
“Excuse me, Sire, but are you and your guests finished eating?” Maylar asked.
“Hmm? Oh, yes.” Omori gaze traveled over Maylar. “Why?”
Maylar shrugged. “I don’t wish to smell our dinner all night.”
Omori glanced at the table that held the food. “Ah, I see. I can have servants come take it away. There’s no need for you to clean up.”
Maylar ran his finger over the pointy end of Omori’s ear. “I don’t mind. Why don’t I pick out a few things for us to snack on later and the servants can come get the rest, hmm? You do have a small place for cold storage needs.”
Omori lifted one of Maylar’s curls and let it slide through his fingers. “Yes, do that. You’re going to need to keep your strength up.”
Maylar’s smile was hungry. “That sounds promising, Sire.”
“While he’s doing that, would you like to see the schematics for the new battle bot I was telling you about?” Omori asked Adlar.
“Indeed. You have them here? I’m really not in the mood to go traipsing all over the palace.”
“Yes. Let’s go to my office.” Omori stood. “Maylar? Would you please bring Varo to us after you finish what you’re doing?”
“I most certainly shall, Sire.”
“Thank you,” Omori said.


Maylar watched them leave the seating area. They moved down a narrow hall toward Omori’s office. Once they were out of earshot, Maylar smirked. “Oh, I most certainly shall.”
 TBC next Thursday!