The Neko's Tail (Book 2 of Astara)

Mixed Feelings

A knock on the door roused Artemis from his sleep. He was warm, comfortable, Elias’ arm thrown over him, a slender rod nestled against his ass-

Artemis inhaled quietly, trying not to move. He could feel the neko’s breath on his shoulder, slow and deep.

The knock sounded again, and Elias’ breathing changed. Artemis felt him stiffen behind him, the neko’s rod pressing against him.

Sighing, Artemis sat up and swung his feet out of bed. Standing, he walked to the door, unlocking it so the being on the other side could open it.

A lime green blob was on the other side, a sealed piece of paper floating over their head.

“I bear a missive for Commander Hawke. Her eyes only.”

The human stepped up behind Artemis a second later, and the tiger returned to Elias, who was sitting up, covers up to his neck.

“I’m sorry sir. I didn’t mean to touch you like that,” the neko shivered.

“Elias, there is absolutely nothing to be upset about.”

The tiger leaned in toward Elias, who cowered.

“You can touch me like that any time,” he whispered.

Elias gaped at him, and Artemis chuckled, gently raising the neko’s jaw.

“Change of plans,” Hawke said, interrupting the two. “I need to be at Oyhaf Station in ten days time.”

“And there still is no other ship that can take you?” Artemis confirmed.

“None but yours. It is a shorter journey, at the least.”

“Well, with your permission, I will take Elias back to the ship and prepare to undock. We will have you at Oyhaf in a week.”

Hawke nodded and Artemis turned back to Elias.

“Do you trust me?” he asked.

The neko stared at him, worry in his eyes. Slowly, Elias nodded.

The tiger picked up the collar Elias had been wearing, and placed it around the neko’s throat, checking to make sure it fit comfortably.

“If you’re marked as a slave, less people will stare at you,” he explained. “I promise I won’t use the remote.”

“That’s a good plan, Captain, except for one detail. Your slave is wearing what is obviously your shirt, while you yourself are bare chested.,” Hawke said.

Artemis looked at Elias, taking in the black shirt covering him.

“Fuck…”

The tiger thought for a moment. He could go back to the ship by himself and get an outfit for Elias, but that would require leaving Elias alone with Commander Hawke, and he didn’t want to do that. There was nothing else they could cover the neko in. The collar would be useless if he let Elias wear his shirt.

Sighing, the tiger looked at Elias.

“I’m sorry,” he said.

Frowning, Elias lifted his shirt over his head, handing the fabric to Artemis. He was bare to the world once more.

Artemis didn’t like it. No one should be looking at the neko’s groin. He could at least cover that.

“I’m carrying you,” he decided, hoisting the neko over his shoulder.

Elias squealed as he was lifted into the air. His body fell over Artemis’ shoulder, his rod buried deep in the tiger’s armpit.

The tiger walked out of the room, Elias’ tail flicking furiously in his face. He had to fight the urge to bite the tail as he sped out of the hotel. The neko’s body was so warm against him, and the pressure of it excited the larger cat. His arm curved over Elias’ butt, the slender tail brushing against it in its’ angry twitching.