The Outer Rim | Book One: Far From Home

Chapter 7 Love in the Water

I watched as Jason left, slipping through the trees and back out into the courtyard proper. Ah, my Jason, my precious jewel, my pet. Just his name set my two hearts a flutter, his presence was like a balm on a wound, and his scent... oh by the Great Tree, his scent! It drove me insane, lit a fire in my loins, made it near impossible not to salivate at the idea of ripping his clothes off and claiming him as mine! Such a unique aroma of human and Venmar, the two scents so perfectly mixed it was like a glass of perfectly fermented Vola.

It has been so long since I have felt such strong emotions towards another being, so long since I've had the companionship of another in my bed. And I would have it again! But I would wait, at least for now. Jason was delicate, fragile. He didn't act like it, and I'm not sure he even realizes it himself, but I could see it in his eyes, the way he walks, the way his head is on a constant swivel trying to spot any sort of threat. He wouldn't find any, I made sure of that, every person in Tower 14 was at my beck and call, and as such, I have had my family keep their distance, had them guard my precious jewel against others that would do him harm.

I should have been more vigilant that first day, done more to protect him, given him a guard at least, or even stepped out of my room to stop him. I had heard him walk past my door that night, heard his carefully measured footsteps, and smelled his anxiety. But I did nothing, I figured the tower would be safe. And while other inmates could enter other towers, it was an unspoken rule not to unless invited.

Korza was the one that had heard the fighting, the screams. She had gotten Na'Rutha first, then me and Reyna. When I saw what was going on, I lost it. That Venmar, crouched over my Jason, so much blood everywhere it couldn't get washed down the drain fast enough, and that damn dog's hand creeping down below towards a place that didn't belong to her!

I would have killed her, I would have ripped her throat out with my teeth and torn the flesh from her bones with my claws, then I would have burned what remained! Yet I could not, Jason would not have approved, even though that Venmar of Green's had hurt him so badly, he would not have approved.

Letting out a low growl at the memory I try to shake off the anger starting to build up inside me. Out of the corner of my eye I could see Korza looking at me expectantly, I just give her a slight nod, and at that, she barks orders to some of her pack who instantly shoot off in the direction Jason had gone. They would keep their distance, but they would keep an eye on him, make sure nothing happens.

Taking a deep breath, I calm myself, letting the smoke that had started to seep from my nostrils dissipate. Now was not the time to get angry over the past, I had business to look into, family to take care of, and a few questions for my two subordinates behind me.

"Report!" I snapped, crossing my arms and turning back to the pink Sivec and my wingless brethren.

"We had a disagreement with some of Nil'Tasus' people, two of our own have been sent to the infirmary and one to solitary confinement. Four of Nil'Tasus' group were sent to the infirmary while three were sent to confinement," said Pink seriously, her usual bubbly excitement replaced by whatever somber tone her translator could reproduce.

"Hmm... And you, Teth?" I hum thoughtfully, glancing her way.

"My sources tell me that one of Green's has died, overdosed on some medication they were taking. Appears to have been deliberate."

"Was it the..." I trail off, looking at Teth expectantly. She knew who I was talking about and answered quickly.

"No," she said, shaking her head, "It wasn't Numa. She is still in the infirmary, recovering from the injuries Na'Rutha gave her."

"A pity," I say dejectedly. I had been hoping that Venmar would die from her wounds, but apparently, she is still alive. Damn the Alliance and their testing of new medical equipment!