Dominic N. Ashen

Monsters & Magical Creatures: Avural Ug'dol

Terra is home to myriad magical creatures, and the continent of Avural Ug’dol is no exception. Some of these creatures appear to be relatives of non-magical animals, while others can only be described as monsters. While many are dangerous, several of these creatures are known to provide valuable components for spell casting and potion brewing, with their spoils fetching a lot of gold at market.

First up is the Crystal Hart (cervus crystallus), a relative of the white-tailed deer that can be found in forests all across the continent. An herbivorous species, their antlers are made of a crystal-like material resembling a prism. Pieces of these antlers have been found to contain strong magical energies, and can even be used as a regent of focus in spellcasting. Despite their widespread territory, sightings of these are rare, and in many cultures seeing one is said to be an omen of good luck.

Next is the Rainbow Butterfly (danaus iridis). Similar to the crystal hart, these beautiful insects can be found all across Turtle Island. True to their name, these creatures possess vibrant wings that fluctuate between every shade of the rainbow. Perfectly harmless creatures, they are often collected for the purpose of using in potions and enchanting - they are particularly useful in glamour spells, assuming the caster or brewer knows how to utilize their color changing ability.

Colloquially known as the Bubble Toad (anaxyrus bullarum), these amphibians can be found near the rivers and lakes of the northeastern corner of the continent. By outside appearances, there appears to be nothing special about this toad. Its defense mechanism is what sets it apart from its non-magical brethren. When threatened, the bubble toad will spit out what else but a bubble. A poisonous bubble - though not in the way you are thinking. Any person or animal that comes into contact with that bubble will find themselves under the effects of a powerful hallucinogen. As you might imagine, certain people view this “poisoning” instead as a fun activity, unfortunately leading to the capturing and abuse of these poor creatures.

The Utanigator (alligator gigantus) is a very large, very dangerous relative of the standard alligator found in the southeastern wetlands of Avural Ug’dol. For many years they were thought to be the same species, merely specimens that had survived long enough to grow so large, but magical testing has shown them to be too different. This creature's scales are almost as hard as processed steel and are frequently used to craft armor and shields. That is, when they can be retrieved - those same scales are nearly impossible for standard weapons to pierce through. Combined with the creature’s immense size and strength makes these are some of the deadliest animals on the planet.

Mishipeshu (panthera aquaticus), also known as underwater panthers, resemble a scaled-covered version of their furry relatives with a set of sharp dragon-like scales going down their spine and tail. They are primarily found in rivers and lakes around the northern central part of the continent, and people are advised to stay away from the shores of any body of water suspected of being a mishipeshu’s lair. For a time it was unknown if these creatures were mammalian, amphibian, or reptilian, until it was discovered they have live births rather than laying eggs.

The first truly monstrous monster on our list is the Wendigo. The wendigo resemble a very tall human, with pale white skin, extra long limbs, and an overall gaunt appearance. Haunting the woods of the far north, they often appear before disaster and are said to be a bad omen - with good cause. These creatures are highly cannibalistic, but what is truly horrifying is the way they are able to force that cannibalism onto others. Recipients of even a single bite become victims of what is known as the wendigo’s curse, filling them with an unstoppable urge for the flesh of their brethren. Though curable, if not done quickly enough the victims are still said to have ”cravings” for days afterwards.

Uktena (lampropeltis cornigigantu), also known as the great horned serpent, are one of the deadliest creatures on the list. A large and solitary creature, they can be found infrequently among the forests and caves of the central and northern parts of the continent, sometimes reaching over fifty meters in length. With its powerful constricting muscles, it is capable of crushing boulders into pebbles, and it can unhinge its jaw to swallow creatures as large as a bear whole. But its most dangerous feature is the jewel-like scale on the center of its forehead. Uktena are able to release a powerful flash from this scale, one that is capable of magically stunning anyone unlucky enough to be in the blast radius.

Thunderbirds (aquilla tempestus) are very large birds of prey that can be found in every corner of Avural Ug’dol - thought sightings are extremely rare. The natural predator of the uktena, these two creatures can often be found battling over territory. Per their namesake, these birds are capable of generating powerful thunderclaps with their wings. Their appearance always seems to precipitate a coming thunderstorm, though it is unknown if they are responsible for summoning them or are simply drawn to their location. Unlike the wendigo, a thunderbird sighting is said to be a good luck charm, bestowing good health and happiness on the viewer and as such, are revered and even worshiped by some. Like the rest of this list, all of these powerful and dangerous creatures should be handled with caution and respect - unless you want to wind up being their dinner.

The Journal of Khazak, Chapter 7

Aerisday,  Piscea 20th, 4623

I must apologize, journal, for being away for so long. It has been nearly six months since my last entry, and I certainly picked an eventful time to stop writing. Let me catch you up.

In the days that followed our violent encounter with the Ragebloods, I and the rest of the Proudhunters prepared for the worst. We expected serious retaliation, and were even preparing to pack up and move the entire camp before they had a chance. Anything to protect the tribe.

But after days passed with nothing happening, I decided to be proactive about the situation and sent out a few scouts. But there was never any kind of attack, no run-ins in the forest, no sign of them at all. If I hadn't had our scouts verify that their campsite was still populated, I might have thought they abandoned the forest altogether.

Eventually I realized that the attack we had been bracing ourselves for was never going to come, and time moved on. I am very pleased to tell you that the attitude the rest of the Proudhunter tribe holds towards my partner Vakesh has only continued to improve. These days  he is treated as if he were a full member of the tribe - albeit one that is my subordinate.

That aspect of our relationship has not changed much. I am still the “leader” in our relationship, not that you would know from the amount of sass and backtalk he has become comfortable enough to give me. He might be one of the only people in the tribe who can talk to me like that at all - something the younger children in particular have enjoyed.

Not everyone has been  as welcoming. Bura, Mona, and a handful of others related to the orcs we lost in the battle, resentful that a Rageblood is being welcomed into the pack. No one has outright said anything, but it is clear as day on their faces when they see one of us.

As the months and seasons passed, there were bigger concerns for the tribe to worry about. Namely preparing for the upcoming winter. Now that we had lost several of our best hunters, the rest of us had to work overtime to make sure we had enough food stockpiled. Not to mention the firewood.

With the recent turmoil among our ranks, I wanted to be extra vigilant in our preparations, and it was a good thing I was. This past winter was one of the harshest I can ever recall. One day the temperature suddenly dropped, and then we had storms that would rage for days and nearly a full meter of snow! Even now, as spring approaches, the flora and fauna of the forest seem to be thawing much slower than they have in the past.

We may have been ready, but the other tribes were not as fortunate. It was not long into winter that we received a message from the chiefs of the Woodspirit and Swiftrunner packs, requesting a meeting. There was a designated location in the center of the woods that had been used for trade in the past, so I set out that afternoon with Vakesh and a few other orcs.

Both tribes were experiencing a particularly rough season, their food stores already dwindling. The Swiftrunners are known for their weaving and the Woodspirits their skill at making potions, but they did not have much to trade. Still, the desperation was clear on their faces. The Proudhunters were no strangers to requesting help ourselves in the past, and as we had ample food of our own, I saw no reason to say no.

It would not be the last time we rendered another tribe assistance. In fact, by the end of Aquaria, all of the tribes had begun to engage in regular trades. We have even begun to build a more formal tradepost, ensuring we all would make it through this and any future winters together. Everyone except the Ragebloods.

I assumed they had been keeping to themselves, still licking their wounds after our run-in. Vakesh and I had not spoken about his brother’s death since our reconciliation, but I knew it still weighed heavily on his mind. Which brings me to what drove me to pick you up and begin writing again today.

We received a messenger at our camp this morning - from the Ragebloods. That was not the most surprising thing though. What really shocked us was that it came from Vakesh’s brother Mojpat. I’ll let Vakesh’s reaction speak for both of us:

“He’s alive!?” he practically shrieked near the camp’s bonfire.

“It would appear so,” I replied, dumbfounded as I looked over the message that was just delivered.

“What else does it say?” Before I could answer, he snatched the letter from my hand.

“Excuse me?” I responded, taking the letter back.

“He’s my brother!” Vakesh argued, snatching the letter again.

“And the letter is addressed to me!” I grab it for what I hope is the final time. “Am I going to have to punish you over this?!”

“I just--” He cut himself off, seeing my face. “Sorry, Sir.”

“I know he is your brother,” I softened just a bit. “Just let me finish reading.”

The Rageblood messenger stood awkwardly at our side, just wishing for the argument to be over. His head bounced back and forth between us, forced to watch as we went through our back and forth. No doubt he just wanted to get our response and leave.

“He is asking to meet,” I explained to Vakesh while reading more. “He wants to call a truce between our tribes. And he has asked that you be there.”

“He did?” Vakesh sounded confused and perhaps a bit hopeful. “He’s not... I almost killed him.”

“Almost is the key word, I think,” I told him softly. “You said it yourself - he is your brother. Perhaps he does not want to lose that.”

“I just don’t...” Vaeksh looks down confused. “What are you going to do?”

I thought about it. The winter had been harsh but we had made it through alright and though slow, the forest was already beginning to return to normal. Our relations with all of the other tribes had only improved, and I knew none of them had been in contact with the Ragebloods either.

But what pushed me over the edge and agree was simple: Vakesh. All of the hope and worry I could see on his face were like an arrow to my heart and reminded me that it was my own tribesman that caused Vakesh to nearly kill his brother to begin with. I had to try, for Vakesh and for the tribe.

“We agree to his request for a meeting,” I told the messenger, Vakesh’s head shooting up in surprise. “Give me a moment to pen a response with the meeting location.”

“Uh, okay,” The messenger nodded, clearly waiting for this to be finished as soon as possible.

“Are you really going to discuss a truce?” Vakesh asked as he followed me into our tent.

“I am willing to hear what he has to say,” I told him as I picked up a quill and began to pen my response. “We won’t be going alone, we will be bringing plenty of protection.”

“Of course.” he nodded to himself. “I just... I can’t believe he's alive.”

I watched as hope once again filled my boy's face, and I found myself feeling the same.

Terraday,  Piscea 21th, 4623

We met with the Ragebloods early this morning. I set our meeting location as Plantar’s Throne, a fairly well known rock formation about four kilometers north/northwest of the new trading post. I brought Vaeksh, as well as Trees and Yurga. Both men had stepped up since Ritkal’s passing, unofficially acting as my second and third in commands.

Things were tense as we approached the meeting site, the Ragebloods already in attendance. There were four of them, as I requested in my response, but I only recognized one of them: Mojpat.

Mojpat looked... There is no other way to say it, he looked bad. Barely a shell of his former self, he was hunched over, using a cane to keep himself upright. His injuries seemed to age him almost ten years, and at one point one I saw of his supporters catch him by the arm to keep him from toppling over.

Just behind me I heard Vakesh’s sudden intake of breath as he watched his brother hobble forward. I felt immense guilt in the pit of my stomach, knowing it was my tribesmen that lead to this. But that was nothing compared to Vakesh, who did the actual deed.

“B-Brother...” His voice cracked as he spoke. “I am so sorry.”

“It is good to see you, brother,” Mojpat replied with a gentle smile.

“I...” I thought better of apologizing myself. “Are you alright, Chief Gorecrash?”

“He is fine, Proudhunter,” one of Mojpat’s men spat at me.

“Watch your mouth!” Yurga spat back. “Or do you want us to finish what we started?”

“Yurga!” I immediately reprimanded.

“That is enough,” Mojpat said to his men at the same time.

Both groups immediately settled down, though it was obvious they would turn this into a brawl if given the chance. The last thing we need would be for a fight to erupt while trying to discuss peace.

“Vakesh,” Mojpat says, smiling at his brother. “It is good to see you.”

“It is good to see you too, brother.” I could hear the hitch in his voice and knew he wanted to rush to his brother's side - but he held back.

“Thank you for agreeing to meet, Chief Steelrun,” Mojpat addressed me with a small bow.

“It was quite the surprise to receive your message,” I responded, not knowing what else to say.

“I am sure it was, given our last meeting.” Mojpat actually chuckled at that. “It has been a particularly difficult winter for me and my tribe.”

“Yes, it has been a difficult winter for us all,” I replied.

It was then that I realized just how much the rest of the Rageblood tribe must respect Mojpat, to continue following him while he is in his current state. Normally someone would not hesitate to challenge an injured chief for his position. It also may speak to just how difficult the season has been for them.

“We have attempted to reach out to the other tribes, and you are the first ones to respond positively,” Mojpat continued.

“You can hardly blame them, given your reputation,” Tress pointed out unhelpfully.

“Because your tribe is so honorable after what you did to us,” one of the Ragebloods growls back.

“I said that is enough,” Mojpat repeated, silencing his men. “They are correct, it is our own actions that have forced us into our current situation.

 “We are running low on both food and medicine,” he continued, looking at me pleadingly. “I know you are a good man. The fact that my brother has been taken care of the way he has is proof enough of that. Please, Chief Steelrun, for the sake of my tribe - our children, our sick, our elderly - would you help us?”

The Rageblood chief’s pleading tone only served to increase my guilt. When Riktal attacked their tribe, we no doubt slew some of their fiercest warriors and hunters. At the very least, we greatly contributed to their difficulties surviving the season. But the Ragebloods had been our rivals for as long as I can remember - I still could not agree so readily.

“Give me a moment to discuss this with my tribesmen,” I requested, stepping away with my men at Mojpat’s acquiescence.

“Sir, please, we have to help them,” Vakesh was the first to speak in a low voice once we are far enough away.

“Are you crazy?” Yurga instantly started to argue. “They may be your former tribe, but they are also our sworn enemies! If anything we should be thankful they are doing so poorly.”

“We are talking about children here!” Vakesh argued back.

“There is no pleasure to be found in other’s suffering,” I replied cooly to Yurga.

“I understand how Yurga feels,” Tress started,” but I am with Vakesh, Chief. We cannot allow innocents to suffer like that. And like they said, it is not as if we can speak from any place of honor after the way we attacked them.”

“Thank you, Tress.” I did not expect such a strong answer.

I was taken aback by how fiercely he seemed to believe his own words. It gave me hope that others in my tribe would feel the same. I had to say yes.

“We agree to your truce,” I tell Mojpat as we rejoin the group. “And would be happy to offer what aid we can.”

“That is wonderful to hear,” I could hear genuine relief in the man's voice. “We have prepared a list of our needs - if you could help with even a fraction of it, we would be grateful.”

I take the paper and look over it briefly, not seeing anything extravagant before handing it to Tress.

“We will provide whatever we are able,” I tell him honestly - I cannot put my own tribe at risk for his. “And I will ... attempt to speak to the other tribal leaders - but I cannot promise that they will be willing to listen.”

“Thank you, Chief Steelrun,” Mojpat was still relieved. “I understand you cannot control what the other tribes may decide for themselves, but I still thank you for trying.”

Our final piece of business was working out what the truce between our tribes would mean. All existing tribal hunting boundaries are to be respected, but should our respective tribe members run into each other by chance, caution is to be exercised and violence avoided at all costs. Scouts are also to remain off of our opposing tribes territory - no more spying.

Before leaving, I gave Vakesh a moment to speak with his brother, alone. Yurga did not seem pleased by that, still not trusting the Ragebloods, but I know I can trust Vakesh. I do not know what they spoke about, but he seemed conflicted on our walk home.

I cannot say that the rest of the tribe was entirely pleased to hear the results of our meeting. Several of them questioned why we would help someone who had been our enemy for so long. A few even felt emboldened enough to accuse Vakesh of manipulating me, but I was very quick to silence those naysayers. Still, I know it will not be the end of it.

After going over our food stores with Tress and medical supplies with our mother, I found we had ample supplies of both and should be able to supply the Ragebloods with what they need without issue. Despite my reservations, I hope this is the start of something positive and constructive between our tribes.

After everything I have been through with Vakesh and how much he continues to surprise me in the best ways, I know I can trust him. And if he has faith in his brother, then I need to have faith in him.

Pin-up Art for July 2024

David's day out with Khazak continues as he models for Khazka and Brull, and then gets punished for an escape attempt. 😈

Audiobooks Back on Audible

Goodbye June, and hello July! And another hello to all of my audiobooks, which are once again available on Audible! Everything is back up at the moment except for My Three Orc Dads, which should be joining the others soon. If you have been waiting to pick up a copy of these, you can find links to all of my books at https://books.dominicashen.com/. Audiobooks are all the way at the bottom!

While we’re at it, when all of my books were dropped from Audible, I also lost all of their reviews! So if you are buying a copy now, or bought a copy in the past, I would really appreciate you leaving me a review on Audible’s website. The more and better reviews my books have, the more new readers they’ll recommended to.

Only one month until Ours releases, so get your preorders in while you can! Remember, you can also order through 4 Horsemen Publications and get a 15% off discount - no code required!  Preview chapters will be going live for everyone this month, and I hope you’re all excited for the full thing.

See you next month - happy reading!

This Month on Patreon

• 6/8: The first (seventh?) chapter of The Journal of Khazak, Part 2: With the orc tribes coming together in the name of peace, it's time to start building a place for everyone

• 6/15: Monsters & Magical Creatures: Avural Ug'dol - Details and info about the creatures of this region

• 6/22: MasterSlave, Chapter 3 - He can’t get the man out of his mind, so Rob does what any reasonable person would - stake out the bar until he sees Omar again
  

MasterSlave, Chapter 2

Hmmm, maybe the red paddle? No, the new blue one! He’ll love it.

I’m standing in my playroom, looking over my wall of torture implements and planning out my afternoon. Earlier this morning I made plans with Jerry, one of my regular subs, to stop by after he finishes work for an evening play session. He should be here any minute now.

Jerry is a good boy, and one I’ve known for a few years now. He’s about ten years my junior, and works in IT for a company based downtown - I’ve never really asked for much detail about it, honestly. That’s not really what our relationship is about.

Sex is what it’s about - obviously. We’ve been hooking up for years, and I’m happy to say each time has been just as hot and intense as the first. Jerry has a particular penchant for impact play, and the plan for tonight was to warm things up with a little bondage and paddling before moving on to a full roleplay scene.

Jerry also has a strong daddy kink, something I love to use to my advantage. The thought of a big strong daddy taking him over his knee and spanking his ass red will get the boy to jizz in his pants before he’s even through the door. Which just means I’ll be able to punish him for cumming without permission too.

I lay out my new paddle before admiring myself in the mirror. I’m wearing a vest, a pair of chaps, gloves, and a cap, all made of the same black patent leather. And I look damn good.

Unlike last night's strange encounter with Omar at the bar, this actually feels right to me - not that I’ve been thinking about him. Being a dom is in my wheelhouse, it’s what I’m good at. I’m an artist, and today Jerry will be my canvas.

Speaking of, my phone dings with a notification - Jerry’s here! After quickly checking my setup and outfit one last time, I head for the front door. Let’s get this show on the road.

“Hey there, boy,” I say as I open the door to reveal my waiting boy.

Jerry is in his 30’s with brown curly hair and a square jaw covered in stubble. He’s about 5’7”, so his forehead is just about at my chin. I wouldn’t call him chubby, but he’s far from a twink - he looks like he works out at least more than I do.

“Hi, daddy,” Jerry greets me with a smile, coming in for a hug.

“Good to see you, boy,” I answer as I wrap my arms around him and squeeze tight. “Any traffic?”

“No more than usual.” He shrugs and then grins. “I’ve been looking forward to this all day.”

“Good,” I answer with a  smirk. “Now, I think you and I have a few things to take care of, don’t we?”

Not waiting for an answer, I turn and walk into the house, making sure Jerry gets a good view of my exposed ass in these chaps. I hear a whistle and then his footsteps as he follows just a second behind me. Good boy.

“Great ass as always, daddy,” he compliments as he locks the door behind him.

“Thank you, boy,” I tell him as he stands there with a smile. “But I think you’re forgetting something.”

“Shi--crap! Sorry sir.” He apologizes as he scrambles to take off his shoes.

I watch as those come off, followed by the rest of his clothing. Knowing that I’m admiring him, Jerry makes sure to take his time with every bend and stretch, making sure I get a good eyeful. My cock gives a twitch in my jock.

“Much better,” I tell him once he's naked and kneeling, his clothes folded neatly at his side.

“Sorry for forgetting, sir,” he apologizes, leaning up into my hand as I pet it through shi hair.

“It’s alright -  you’ve always been an eager one,” I tease with a wink. “Alright, on your feet - let’s get you in the playroom.”

Now, I live in a very nice home, and I’d have to say the crown jewel of that is my massive playroom. And at almost twice the size of my bedroom, I do mean massive. You could host a small orgy in here - and I have!

When I first bought the house, this room was being used as a home gym by the previous owners with just about every workout machine and weight you could think of. Now I try to workout somewhat regularly myself, but I had no need for all of that, so,once the house was mine and the room emptied, I started moving in my own “equipment.”

The walls have been painted black, and the room’s single large window is covered with a blackout curtain. On one wall is a rack of handing paddles, whips, and floggers, while on the opposite is another with my cuffs, straps, and bundles of rope for bondage play. Between the racks along the walls I’ve actually installed some sound insulation - I don’t need the neighbors complaining about any noise.

In one corner is a large black St. Andrew’s Cross, then next to that a large custom built fuck bench designed by a friend and fellow dom. Then next to THAT in the other corner is a sling dangling directly from the ceiling. Just to the left of the entrance is a loveseat for cooling off in between sessions, and a small mini-fridge for snacks and water..

“I’ve been in here dozens of times, and it still blows my mind how awesome this place is,” Jerry says as he enters the room. “Get any new toys, daddy?”

“Maybe,” I tease, thinking about my new paddle. “I think we need to get you warmed up. Let's start by getting you on the cross.”

“Yes sir!” he replies, dutifully making his way to the St. Andrew’s Cross.

I move to the bondage wall, grabbing a few cuffs and carabiners to tie my boy down with. After slipping them on his wrists and ankles, I attach each one to latches on the ends of the cross, making sure not to stretch his limbs too much. Finished, I look back and admire my handy work - before roughly grabbing and squeezing his ass.

“Looking good, boy,” I compliment, continuing to knead his rump. “But I think we can make this look even better.”

“I’m at your mercy, daddy.” He ever-so-gracefully juts his ass out towards me when I release him.

“Damn right,” I reply, reaching for the paddle I set out earlier. “Now, do you know what this is?”

“A paddle, sir,” he answers as I stroke the leather down his flank.

“Mhmm,” I continue rubbing it along his ass. “Do you know what makes this paddle special?”

“What?” he asks a little breathily, wanting more contact.

“Just take a look” I say as I bring the paddle up to where he can see it, making sure to press my body against his at the same time.

“I don't...” he squints his eyes, trying to make out the strange pattern on the paddles front, then breaks into a bright smile. “Oh! I love it!”

“I thought you would.” Cut into the first layer of leather on the paddle are the words “daddy’s boy” in reverse - meaning each time I swing it at him, I’ll be leaving the words on his ass.

And so I do. He yelps at the first smack, not because it was hard but in surprise. I strike him a little harder with the next one, seeing the faintests outline of the words on his right cheek - but it’s still not enough. Guess I’ll just have to hit him harder!

I swing again, and again. Jerry manages to hold still at first and stay mostly quiet, but as the swats increase in intensity, he starts to whimper and squirm. Thanks to the cross though, he can’t go far.

Stepping back, I admire the way the words “daddy’s boy” are peppered across his ass. Each word is as lily white as Jerry’s skin, surrounded by an angry red border. I run my free hand along the inflamed skin, enjoying the way Jerry whines at my touch.

“How are you doing, boy?” I ask as I pull a bottle of water from the fridge.

“Great, sir,” he answers, drinking when I bring the bottle up to his mouth.

“I’d say you're all warmed up,” I continue to tease him with my fingers as I have him drink more water. “Ready for our scene?”

“Can I have a minute, daddy?” he asks sweetly. “Just want to enjoy the warmth for a moment.”

“Take your time, baby,” I respond with a chuckle, drinking some water myself.

I admire the pretty picture Jerry makes as relaxes on the cross. I love tying a boy up - we’ll have to schedule an extended bondage session soon, I think. Sometimes I just like to have a boy bound at my feet while I’m reading a good book.

Do you think Omar would like you on the cross like that? I get a flash of seeing myself in Jerry’s position, the younger dom behind me, admiring me... and quickly shake it off. Where did that come from?

“Okay daddy, I’m ready,” Jerry announces, saving me from my own thoughts.

“Let’s get you down then.” I quickly move to undo his bonds.

Once his limbs are free, I give Jerry the rest of the water bottle to finish while he stretches his legs. Time for the roleplaying scene. Normally for a scene like the one we have planned, we’d go all out and even dress up. But Jerry and I have been doing this long enough that we can suspend our disbelief a little and stay dressed (or undressed) as we are.

“So, like we talked about?” Jerry asks as he prepares to exit the room.

“Mhmm.” I nod, already starting to get into the right headspace. “Wait outside the door a minute or two before knocking.”

“Yes sir!” He practically skips out of the playroom, closing the door behind him.

Alright, time to get into the right headspace. I’m a father whose son has been away for his first year of college. Or at least he was, before I learned he’s been flunking every class and was being put on academic probation. Once I found out, I ordered him to drag ass back home and explain himself - daddy’s not happy.

knockknock And there he is now.

“About time you showed up,” I say with a glower after opening the door.

“H-hey, dad,” Jerry gives me a weak wave.

“Get inside.” I step back and jerk with my head. “We need to talk.”

“Yes, sir,” he mumbles as he walks past me, standing in the center of the room.

“Now, would care to explain yourself?” I ask, sitting on the loveseat and giving him my best “stern and disappointed” face.

“I-I don’t know dad,” He starts, staring at his feet. “I didn’t think I was doing that bad...”

“You've failed every class!” I struggle not to yell. “What the hell have you been doing up there? Not going to class, clearly!”

“You know, college stuff.” He shrugs and still can’t meet my eyes. “Friends, girls, parties...”

“So that’s it,” I growl. “You’ve been wasting all your time partying instead of focusing on the education I have been paying for!”

“I didn’t think I was doing that bad!” he tries to defend.

“Bullshit,” I spit out. “I know your professors and the damn school talked to you a bunch before they ever considered contacting me!”

“I just didn’t know what to do, alright!” He starts to fight back. “Things got bad and they just kept getting worse and I didn’t know what to do, so I ignored it.”

“Of course you did,” I shake my head as I stand. “Well that’s fine if you don’t know what to do, because I do!”

“What do you mean?” He take a step back.

“If you’re gonna act like a little boy you’re gonna get treated like one.” I sit back down as sternly as I can. “Now get over my lap.”

“What?!” His eyes go wide.

“Did I stutter?” I narrow mine. 

“You can’t--” He cuts himself off. “I’m not a kid anymore!”

“Could have fooled me with how you’ve been acting,” I fire back

“But Dad--!”

“I know you remember how this works.” I give him a stern staredown and point at my lap. “Now you got three seconds to get over my lap, before I make things even worse.”

“But Dad--!”

“Now!”

Without any further arguments, Jerry reluctantly sets himself over my lap. Now out of his eyesight, I grin down eagerly as he arranges his ass on my lap. I can feel his cock pressing between my thighs, already hard. This is going to be fun.

“Do you really have to--”

I cut him off with my first spank, eliciting a hiss of pain from my boy. “Yes, I do.”

I start easy enough, alternating light snacks to each cheek. They’re still pink from our earlier warm up, the “daddy’s boy” not quite faded from his pinkened skin. I can feel his skin getting hotter as I continue to spank him.

He’s whimpering much faster this time because of our warmup, and unlike his ass, my hands are sting-free thanks to my gloves. I can already feel how much he’s enjoying this, and I’m sure he can do the same. But this isn’t just about the spanking.

“I guess I shouldn’t be surprised,” I start my dad-lecture as I keep spanking. “This was the only way I could get you to listen to me as a kid.”

“That’s not true! Oww, fuck.” He squirms after a particular rough smack.

“Watch that mouth, boy.” I give him another hard one as a warning.

“You can’t keep treating me like a kid!” he argues between noises of pain.

“Clearly I can, and have to, because it’s the only kind of discipline you respond to!” I lay another spank on each cheek. “I swear, sometimes I-- What the hell is that?”

I ask my questions just as he finishes thrusting his rock-hard cock between my thighs, feigning surprise. My own cock is just as hard and pressing against his stomach, but we’re ignoring that. I squeeze my legs together, trapping him in place.

“I-- I-- It’s nothing!” he quickly tries to deny it, but I’ve literally got him by the dick.

“What kind of partying have you been doing?” I taunt and spank him again. “‘Girls’ my ass!”

“That’s not what-- Oww!” I cut him off with a hard smack to both cheeks.

“Who knew I was raising such a pervert?” I start up again at a normal pace. “Maybe this is my fault.”

“I’m not a pervert!”

“I bet that’s why you were always getting in trouble when you were little.” I start to speed up again. “Just getting you’re rocks off.

“No, Dad, stop and let me--Ungh.” He groans as he grinds against my crotch.

“Oh no, just ‘cause you’re enjoying this doesn’t mean we’re done,” I continue to discipline my “son.” “We still got--”

Another flash in my head of me in Jerry’s position, though the lap I’m laying over is darker and hairier.

“We still...” My thoughts throw me off, though I try to quickly recover. “No, new plan - why should you be the one enjoying this. Get up.”

“D-Dad?” He asks, shyly covering his crotch after standing up.

“On your knees.” I snap and point to the floor between my spread legs.

“What?!” His eyes go wide.

“On. Your. Knees,” I order again through gritted teeth.

He quickly complies, though averts his eyes from the huge bulge contained in my jock pouch. If it wasn’t obvious, Jerry likes a little humiliation too, and CNC - consensual non-consent, meaning I don’t always have to ask permission. He’s got a safeword, but I know his limits well enough not to cross them.

“Now let’s see what I’ve really been paying you to learn at that school.” I grope myself lewdly.

“Dad, I can’t...” he starts, but he’s practically licking his lips while staring at my crotch 

“Come on, son.” I reach forward to gently take him by the back of the head and draw him forward. “Show daddy what you can do.”

He hesitates for a moment, before I hear him take a deep inhale, and that’s when I know I’ve got him. I don’t even have to tell him, he just starts to mouth my dick through the fabric of my jock. I encourage him, petting the back of his head as he continues to rub his race against my groin.

Continuing to take the initiative, Jerry frees my package from its prison. Springing out like one of those joke cans of peanuts, it almost smacks him in the face. He doesn’t miss a beat, capturing me with his lips.

I let out a low growl as my cock enters the wet heat of his mouth, the hand on his head gripping his hair tight. As he swallows me down, he arches his back so I can get a good eyeful of his bright red ass - the boy knows what I like. And judging from the way his hand is reaching for his own prick, I’d say he’s enjoying himself too.

“Yeah, you jerk that pathetic little cock of yours.” I use the insult to give him permission. His dick’s actually decently sized, but he’s not looking for compliments. “I’ll show you how a real man uses his.”

He lets out a pathetic little whimper around my dick, his arm moving faster as he starts to jerk off. I grip him by the hair, reminding him this isn’t all about him, and force it down on my cock. I facefuck him roughly, making him gag and sputter, but he never so much as tries to pull back, just takes it.

I love forcing a boy to swallow my cock like this. The sight, the sound, the way their eyes are all red and teary afterwards. Hell, I don’t suck dick very often, but when I do I don’t mind being on the receiving end of a little roughness. 

I bet Omar’s cock would stretch your throat out good... The thought makes me stutter, but I quickly shake it off. As I look down at Jerry on my prick, I once again see myself in his position, Omar’s thick hands grabbing my hair as he fucks upwards between my lips. He’d be looking down at me with those determined eyes, maybe even proud of the job you’re doing...

I don’t have time to warn Jerry before I’m cumming directly into his throat. He gags and sputters, but manages to recover quickly. I moan low as I fill his mouth, watching him swallow it all down when I’m finished. He cums seconds later, moaning with his mouth still full of my meat.

___________________________________

What the hell was that about? I’m still thinking about it hours later as I pace in my own living room. After a little recovery time and aftercare, I sent Jerry home with a promise for that bondage session soon. Not that I can think about planning it right now.

I’m a little occupied. Why can’t I seem to get Omar out of my head? Why did I keep thinking about him the entire session with Jerry. Why did I... keep imagining myself as his sub?

I’ve subbed before, even enjoyed it, but not in a long time. It’s not something I usually fantasize about either, but these images were so vivid in my mind. I could really see myself tied to the cross, or on my knees or even over his lap.

This is his damn fault. It’s all because of what he said yesterday, that’s all. He got it in my head - which is probably what he wanted!

My pacing turns angry as I consider what to do next. I need to get back down to the bar and tell the prick off. Because don't think I’ll be able to stop thinking about this shit until I do.

Marriage Customs: V'rok'sh Tah'lj

Marriage is one of the world’s longest standing traditions, and one that exists in almost every culture - that is just as true on Terra as it is Earth. Of course, we are well aware that it historically was not an equal partnership, with the “bride” being considered little more than the property of the groom. But as time has evolved, so too has marriage.

The orcs of V’rok’sh Tah’lj are no different, having developed their own customs of the years. There’s were less focused on gender - though that still played its part - and more on showcasing their value as a spouse. Specifically the ability of the one doing the proposing to provide for their wanted mate.

Traditionally this would be done by presenting their chosen with the spoils of a hunt - the bigger and more dangerous, the better. Should the proposal be accepted, a celebratory feast would be prepared that very night - using the results of the hunt, when appropriate. In the following weeks, the fur, bones, and teeth of the creature will be used to craft jewelry and other accessories for the happy couple to wear at the wedding.

As times have evolved, things have changed. Though many still try and hold on to the old traditions, things are now done in a much more modern way: asking. Some people will still attempt to make a show of all they have to provide, but that is less a matter of displaying your survival skills than it is your wealth and privilege.

A typical Tah’lijan engagement period lasts around six months to a year. During this period, the betrothed will each wear a token that displays to all their intent to join their families together. This could be a bracelet, necklace, or other accessory, or even a piece of clothing, adorned with the crest of their chosen’s clan or any sort of symbol that may represent them.

The families of the engaged will take on the duties of planning the wedding as well as other events. Though not thought of in the same sense as we might, bachelor & bachelorette parties are usually thrown by  surprise. Typical activities include a night of hunting, fishing, and drinking - for both the soon to be bride and groom.

The wedding itself typically starts at midday, in a public ceremony presided over by the Temple of the Three’s High Priest - currently High Priest Bhok Azkosot. A fire is lit at the start of the ceremony, to symbolize the long lasting nature of their marriage. This fire will be fed throughout the ceremony, and is to be kept burning until the final guest has left, a task left to the friends and family of the newlyweds.

The ceremony begins with those to be wed, each being presented to those gathered by the parents and other family, after which the High Priest will speak. The betrothed will then exchange words, each making their own promises to care for and provide for the other. As their hands are then joined and bound by rope, the priest consecrates their union and declares them wed.

A feast is held afterwards, during which the newlyweds are required to keep their hands tied together, representing their newfound reliance on one another - and providing something humorous for their guests to witness as they are forced to assist each other with eating and drinking throughout the night.

A honeymoon of sorts will typically follow, with the couple venturing out for days or even weeks before returning home. In the past, it was common for each of the newlyweds to have the the crest of their spouse’s clan tattooed on their bodies, though this has also changed as time as gone on. These days an increasingly common choice is for the two spouses to create a new symbol. This could be made by combining aspects of their old, or designing something entirely new that they feel best represents them together. A public symbol for their connection, which is all marriage is really about. To love and be loved, and let the whole world know it.

Ours, Chapter 2

Cory awoke groggily the next morning. At least, he thought it was morning. Peeking his eyes open, he saw that the sun was up and probably had been for some time. He was on the pull-out couch with Derek while Nic slept on the other couch in the cabin’s common area. His head was still fuzzy and his mouth was dry, but at least he wasn’t hungover. He pulled his blanket over his head, trying to force himself back asleep, the sounds of Nic’s light snoring coming from the other couch. Slowly, the previous night’s events began to creep back into his head.

Okay. So your friends know you’re gay. That… That’s fine. You were going to tell them, eventually… You were just waiting until you were far, far away in college. This wasn’t how you planned to do this, but you also didn’t plan on sucking their dicks. Oh my god, you sucked their dicks. You sucked both their dicks, next to each other. They wanted you to suck their dicks.

They wanted you to do more than just suck their dicks. It was like they planned the whole night out! ...Shit, they planned the whole night out. How long have they been waiting to do this? We still have like a day and a half before we have to go back to school on Monday. What else did they plan? I mean, they definitely had fun last night. We all did. Right?

Cory’s mind reeled, the stream of consciousness in his head never slowing down. What does this mean? Are we still friends? Are we still going to hang out how we used to? Are they going to tell anyone else? He lay there for nearly an hour, brain never slowing enough to allow him to fall back to sleep. Just as he was about to get up, he heard Nic stirring and he stilled, not ready to face … whatever this was, yet. Maybe another hour would help. Or a year. Or ten.

From his sleeping spot, Cory listened as Nic got up, eventually walking to the bathroom to pee. Then he heard some rustling and the sound of keys being grabbed before the door was opened, closed, and locked. Cory released his breath and relaxed.

That was dumb. It’s not like I can avoid this forever. Or even that much longer. Maybe I should just go home. If I get dressed and start walking now, I can have Mom meet me at the gas station down the road in like thirty minutes.

Just as Cory was gathering enough courage to put his own plan in motion, Derek shifted on the bed, rolling over, his arm falling over Cory’s waist. After waiting a moment, Cory attempted to slip Derek’s arm off him when the sleeping boy moved again. Cory’s eyes went wide as he felt Derek’s arm tighten and pull him back, pressing him against his chest.

Cory’s voice caught in his throat. This was even weirder than whatever last night ended up being. What was Derek doing trying to cuddle him? Isn’t he straight?

The sound of incoherent mumbling gave him his answer: Derek was still asleep.

Slowly, Cory’s panic abated. Things were confusing enough as they were. Besides, it felt nice being held like this. He could see doing this with a boyfriend or something in the future. Derek shifted again, this time grinding his crotch forward against Cory’s ass, making the smaller boy’s breath hitch. He had been ignoring his own morning wood this entire time, traitorously betraying any protests about his feelings regarding the prior evening.

This… This, Cory could definitely see doing again. Fuck, that cock was big. It was a miracle his jaw wasn’t still sore this morning. As Derek continued to periodically grind his cock against Cory, Cory began to subconsciously grind his ass back to meet him. The arm around his waist remained tight, but there was no indication that Derek was waking up. Mentally exhausted from all of the emotional hoops he’d been jumping through this morning, Cory managed to stop thinking and let himself enjoy this.

Cory was not new to having his butt played with. It was just that prior to today, he was the only one who had ever played with it. It wasn’t like Derek was hitting the “target” anyway, but they were both in only their underwear—he could feel everything. Cory continued to grind his ass back onto Derek’s cock, feeling every time it pulsed against him. He started angling his hips more and more, as much as he could with Derek’s grip on his waist. If he could just move this way a little bit…

“WAKE UP! IT’S TIME FOR BREAKFAST!!!!” Nic’s shout echoed through the room as he burst through the front door. Cory hadn’t even heard the lock.

Cory couldn’t hear anything over the sounds of his ears ringing and his heart pounding. His face was currently buried in the mattress, having barely fought the urge to scream in surprise at Nic’s sudden return to the cabin. Derek was also startled awake, pulling away from him suddenly. As they both attempted to calm down, Nic dropped two McDonald’s bags on the table before moving into the kitchen, all the while singing “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’” at an obnoxiously loud volume. Once he had caught his breath, Cory turned over, looking at Derek who met his gaze. He gave Cory a strange look for a second, a half-smile, like he couldn’t remember something, before turning and standing from the bed.

“Thanks, and you’re an asshole,” he announced as Nic walked back into the room, both of them homing in on the bags of food.

Cory looked on in near disbelief before he heard his stomach growl. Fuck, he was hungry. After willing most of his erection away, he got off the bed and joined them, grabbing one of the sandwiches and tucking in.

“Fanks,” he said around the sausage, egg, and biscuit in his mouth.

“Figured you would have learned last night not to talk with your mouth full,” Nic teased from across the table, making Cory blush.

As the trio ate their breakfast together, Cory began to relax. Things felt like they always had, the three of them hanging out, having fun, being friends. Other than the full mouth comment, neither friend had made any attempt to push things in the direction they went last night. Cory felt somewhat relieved, but also confused. What else were they plotting?

##

The rest of the day was pretty much the same. After eating, the three lounged around the cabin for a bit. Not like they had anything to do. They headed into town in the afternoon to grab some lunch, bringing it back to the cabin to eat. As the sun was setting, the boys were once again around the TV, this time watching a movie.

“This is somehow both the best and worst thing we’ve ever watched here,” Cory said to no one in particular. The killer clowns were going on a rampage through town, though for what none of the three viewers could tell you.

“I dunno. The Room was pretty fantastically terrible,” Nic called back.

“Hey, Cor, toss this in the sink and grab us some beers.” Derek held out his empty glass and continued watching the TV, not waiting for a response.

“Uh, sure, D.” Cory accepted the glass (and order) and moved toward the kitchen.

As he grabbed some of the remaining beers from the fridge, a feeling grew in the pit of his stomach. Something was coming. He walked back into the room and handed the bottles to Derek and Nic, keeping one for himself.

“Good boy,” Derek said, entirely sincere, and returned to watching the movie.

Cory then realized that the two of them had moved onto the couch, and he no longer had a seat of his own. He gave them both an annoyed look before sitting on the floor between them, nursing his beer. He was gonna need it.

Nic was next to ask for something: a bag of chips. Cory received another “good boy” for his troubles. Was this their plan after last night’s blowjob training? Seriously?

After being given a few more minor tasks—another beer, Derek’s phone, turning off a lamp—Cory had resigned himself to it being a boring night. He was sadder about that fact than he wanted to admit to himself. So Derek’s next order caught him off guard.

“Cory, boy, why don’t you move over here?” Derek spoke as he pointed to the floor between his legs. “My feet are killing me. Could use a foot rub.”

“Uh.” Cory looked to where Derek was pointing before looking at the two of them on the couch. Nic was smirking, wanting to see what was going to happen next, but Derek was simply smiling gently. Expectantly. “O-okay, sir. I mean, yes, sir.”

Cory moved into position, back now turned to the TV. He could still hear it, but he wasn’t paying attention anymore. Right now, Derek had all his attention. As he took Derek’s right foot into his hands, he looked up and met Derek’s eyes, his friend smiling down at him before returning to the movie. Well, Derek had his attention, but he wasn’t giving it back to Cory. Something about that made it even hotter.

Cory got to work. He was by no means an expert at giving foot massages, but he did his best with what knowledge he had. He rubbed his hands over it gently at first before tightening his grip and starting to press in on the muscle.

“Mmm, that’s good,” Derek said with a groan above him.

Cory smiled, growing more confident with his hands. Every noise of pleasure from Derek was like fuel on the fire. Once he had finished with the right foot, he moved onto the left. Starting off gently as he had done before, Cory watched Derek’s face this time as he worked. He did that. He was responsible for making Derek feel good.

“Fuck, boy. That was great.” Derek was practically melted into the couch, a puddle. “Definitely going to have you do that again.”

“Alright, my turn.” Nic stuck both his feet out like a child. “Let’s see if you’re really that good.”

“Yes, sir.” Cory rolled his eyes and moved over to Nic.

He began his work again, having a routine worked out now. Nic was much, much more expressive than Derek had been with a near-constant litany of under-the-breath moans and barely muttered “holy fucks.” He was also more ticklish than Derek, and Cory had a hard time holding onto his foot at times. Still, he once again enjoyed watching the face of his friend as he worked, knowing what a good job he was doing.

Eventually, he was done. The movie was still playing, but Cory had no interest in turning around to finish watching now. He remained in his spot on the floor in front of Nic, waiting to see what they might want next.

“Fuck, that was good. Good job, boy.” Nic tousled his hair as he praised him. It actually felt sincere this time, too. “And since you’re already down there…”

Nic began rubbing his cock through his shorts. Cory’s eyes were drawn to Nic’s hand and what it was doing, and he subconsciously licked his lips. He wanted more.

“Yes, sir.” He shifted onto his knees, moving closer to the couch.

Feeling confident after the foot rubs, Cory didn’t wait for Nic to pull his cock out and began to grope it through the fabric himself. He could feel it pulse as it grew under his hand. He then reached up toward Nic’s waistband and pulled it down.

Nic raised himself up slightly, allowing Cory to pull his shorts and underwear all the way off. Cory kneeled between Nic’s naked thighs staring at the exposed, pulsing cock. He reached forward to take it in his hand and began to gently stroke it, pulling the hood back over the head.

Here we are again, old friend, he told the dick in his hand. Laughing to himself, he aimed the dick toward his mouth and lowered his head, wrapping his lips around the head. Nic let out a gentle sigh as Cory began bobbing up and down his cock.

“Shit, that took a lot less work than last night,” Derek said from his seat, watching the show in front of him. “See, boy? Everyone is getting something they want. Don’t overthink it.”

Cory took note of Derek’s words as he continued to work, trying to swallow down more cock without gagging. It wasn’t easy, and memories of last night began filling Cory’s head. He managed to swallow nearly three-quarters of Nic’s dick before his gag reflex kicked in. So he soldiered on, figuring out just how much gagging he could take, drool escaping around the cock in his mouth.

After he found a good rhythm, Cory lost himself in what he was doing for a few minutes until he was brought out of his haze by someone grabbing his wrist. To his left, Derek’s pants were already off, and he had clearly been jerking himself. Now he was closer and expected Cory to start multitasking. They were training him, after all.

Cory gripped Derek’s cock and gently stroked his hand up and down. It took a little practice at first, but he was soon able to stroke Derek’s dick with the same rhythm he was sucking Nic’s. Neither boy made any attempt to slow down or change what he was doing. It seemed to be a pleasant surprise how easily and eagerly Cory was servicing them.

For his part, Cory simply wasn’t letting himself think too much about it. He knew he would probably regret doing that later, but he also knew that he would have regretted not doing this when he had the chance. Derek was right. Everyone was getting something they wanted, so why fight it?

Without being told, Cory switched over to Derek. With his own saliva slicking the way, Cory stroked his hand up and down Nic’s cock as he swallowed down Derek’s. Already warmed up, he began to work the cock into his throat right away.

“Holy… Damn, boy!” Derek was happily surprised by the eager mouth. “Slow down. There’s plenty of dick to go around.”

Cory looked up at Derek, smiling with his eyes as he continued to work his mouth. He was enjoying the small amount of power this gave him over these two. Derek narrowed his eyes but smiled back. Uh-oh. That’s his “I’ve got a bad idea” face.

Cory once again threw himself into his work, finding a good rhythm, and again lost track of everything except the now two cocks in his mouth and hands. He continued to swap between the two of them, spending a few minutes on one cock while stroking the other, and then switching. All the while, he kept trying to push himself further, to take them deeper, to hold his breath longer. The boy was well on his way to becoming a grade-A cocksucker.

The movie had long since ended, and no one currently on the couch could tell you how. In fact, as soon as Cory started groping Nic’s crotch, any thoughts they had of watching the movie flew out the window too. Content to allow Cory to work, both boys could only lay back and watch. With Cory switching between them every few minutes, neither boy was particularly close to finishing. Cory had just moved back over to Derek from Nic when Nic got up from the couch. Cory paused, cock halfway in his mouth, and looked over.

“Keep going, boy. I’ll be right back. Just gonna find something…” He trailed off as he headed toward the kitchen.

Cory resumed his blowjob, giving no more thought to whatever Nic might be up to. With only one person to worry about now, Cory could focus entirely on what he was doing to Derek. Cory became so focused on Derek that he was startled when he felt Nic touch his hip from behind, causing Derek to stifle a laugh.

“It’s just me, Cor.” Nic spoke to him gently. “Keep going. Just figured this was a good time to start the next part of your training.” Cory felt his underwear being tugged down and heard the sound of a plastic cap being popped open. “This is gonna feel a little cold.”

What is he talking abou—AAAHHH! Cory let out a yelp of surprise as he felt the cold, presumably lube-covered finger touch his ass, pulling off Derek’s cock quickly. Little was an understatement. He turned and quickly pressed his back against the couch, protecting his backside from further prodding.

“What are you doing?!” Cory asked, as though he didn’t already know.

Which was exactly the look Nic gave him.

“I think you know what I’m doing, Cory,” Nic responded calmly. “We all know this wasn’t going to stop at blowjobs.  You know you wouldn’t want to stop at blowjobs.”

“But can’t we … talk about it first?” Cory fretted, almost whining.

“Okay. Let’s talk about it,” Nic continued in his calm demeanor. “You’ve enjoyed everything we’ve done so far, haven’t you?”

Cory nodded. It may not have been how he would have liked for some of this to go down, but he couldn’t deny how turned on he had been by everything. Not even just the sex but the domination—the parts where Cory had no say, where Nic and Derek had just taken and ordered.

“And you want to keep going, right?” Nic continued.

Cory nodded again, hesitantly. He thought he did. He was just a little nervous about everything that entailed. And from his internet search history, he knew exactly what was at stake.

“So then, this is the next step, Cory: You getting fucked.” Nic looked him directly in the eye as he spoke, tone still calm. “Here. Now. By me.”

“Ye-yes, sir.” Cory swallowed the lump in his throat, nodding his head in acquiescence. 

Cory felt a hand begin stroking his hair. Derek.

“Hey. It’s gonna be okay, Cor.” His gentle tone helped calm Cory’s nerves. “It’s the same as last night. Who better for your first time than your two best friends?”

Cory took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He did want this. How many times had he played with his ass? Sure, it had mostly been with his fingers so far, and sure, maybe he bought a toy he kept really well hidden, but getting fucked was something he fantasized about all the time. And here he was with the chance to get fucked by not just one but two incredibly hot guys, his closest friends in the world. He focused on his earlier mantra: stop overthinking it and just do it.

“Okay, sir.” He peeked one eye open at Nic. “How do you want me?”

“Strip.” Nic smiled in reply and winked. “Then get just how you were before, boy. A dick in your mouth should help distract you.”

“Watch your teeth on my cock, Cor,” Derek warned from the couch.

Cory laughed, tension leaving his body a little.

“Noted, sir.” He settled back on his knees, face in Derek’s crotch, and took him back into his mouth.

He felt Nic’s hand on his hip before he felt cool fingers once again reach his ass. Shuddering at the temperature, he stopped himself from bolting again like last time. He tried to focus on Derek in his mouth as Nic’s fingers prodded at his hole. Finding his target, Nic began to press his first finger in. Cory inhaled sharply and went still as he felt the finger breach him. He continued to take deep breaths as he felt Nic push farther in before stopping.

“Breathe, Cory,” Nic instructed, trying to get him to relax.

Cory was doing his best. He had done this before, alone in his room, and it wasn’t as though Nic had fingers massively bigger than his own. But it was so different having someone else do it. He couldn’t control it, didn’t know what was going to happen next. And he loved it. The stretch in his hole may have burned a little, but his cock was throbbing between his legs.

Cory resumed sucking on Derek as his breathing leveled out. Once he felt relaxed enough, Nic pulled his finger back before pushing it back in, a little deeper than before. Cory tensed up again, though not as much as the first time, and he tried to focus on the breathing and cocksucking he was also trying to do at the same time. This continued as Nic picked up the pace, eventually fucking his index finger in and out of Cory’s ass up to the second knuckle with relative ease. Then, Nic found his prostate.

“MmmMMMmmm” was the noise that came from Cory, still attached by mouth to Derek. He pressed his ass back without even thinking about it.

“Haha, alright.” Nic slowly removed his finger entirely causing Cory to whine at its loss. “Time for finger #2.” He squeezed out a little more lube, applying it generously to both fingers.

“Ready?” Nic didn’t wait for an answer as he pressed both his fingers into Cory’s hole.

Another sharp intake of breath was all Cory can manage, Derek’s cock falling out of his mouth entirely. Letting out a low whine of pain, he buried his face into Derek’s thigh. Fuck, maybe his fingers were massive compared to Cory’s?

“Hey, you alright?” Derek’s hand was on his head as he spoke. “Your hand is kinda digging into my leg.”

Lifting his head up, Cory saw that his hands were currently white-knuckling Derek’s thighs.

“Sorry, sir.” He released them hurriedly before lowering his head again.

“It’s alright, boy. You seem pretty distracted.” Cory could hear the smirk in his tone. Asshole. Hot asshole. With a big dick.

Nic cleared his throat before wiggling his fingers a little, getting Cory’s attention before he pressed them farther in.

“Fuck…” Cory said under his breath before pointing Derek’s now half-hard cock back toward his mouth. He just needed to breathe and focus on doing this.

Nic followed the same pattern as he had previously, pulling his fingers back and then pushing them back in, each time a little deeper and faster than before. Sooner than before, he once again found Cory’s prostate. Cory again moaned around the cock in his mouth and began to push back onto Nic’s fingers. Nic took his time, playing with his two fingers and seeing just what made Cory react the most.

Cory was in heaven. Eyes closed, he methodically bobbed up and down on Derek’s dick while at the same time rocking his ass backward, thighs spread as much as he could manage. This felt great, better than any time he had played with himself. Every time Nic pressed against that gland, his knees would buckle, and he just wanted more.

Things couldn’t end there, though. Nic extracted both his fingers, eliciting another whine from Cory. Chuckling, he quickly lubed a third finger and rested all three against Cory’s hole.
The still-virgin took a deep breath and tried to relax, knowing what was coming next, as Nic pushed in.

Fuuuuuuuck, that burns. I’m so full. Stretched wide. Seriously, what kind of monster fingers does Nic have?! Fuck! He tried once again to focus on sucking on Derek. Releasing Derek’s cock, he pushed his face into his balls, licking and sucking on the skin, anything to distract him. As Nic began pumping his fingers in and out, the burn lessened but the feeling of fullness never abated. He’d never tried this many fingers before by himself. What was a dick going to feel like?

He wouldn’t have to wait long to find out.

“Alright, boy.” Nic extracted his fingers for the final time. “I think you’re ready.” He punctuated his statement with a light spank.

Cory released Derek from his mouth and turned his head, waiting for his next instruction. Nic provided it. “Over to the bed. On your back. Might as well be comfortable for your first time, right?”

“Yes, sir,” Cory agreed, standing and carefully walking over to the bed. Even though it was only three fingers, he still felt like he just got reamed out—and now it was time for the real thing.

“Since you got the first crack at his mouth,” Nic spoke to Derek as he followed Cory, “I get first dibs on his ass. Cool?”

“Sounds fair to me.” Nic sometimes made a big deal about going second, but Derek didn’t mind.

Cory watched as his friends discussed his virginity like it was something to be traded for or sold. It made his cock throb again. Nic noticed as he stood over Cory and smirked.

“Glad to see you’re enjoying yourself. Gonna need to do something about keeping that,” he pointed to Cory’s hard and leaking cock, “out of the way.” He tossed some underwear to Cory. It was a jockstrap. “Put it on.”

He did. It fit him well enough, maybe a little snug around the waist. His cock, still hard, was trapped in the front pouch, but his ass was still out in the open. Perfect for two straight guys who want to take advantage of their gay friend’s holes without any unwanted penises getting in the way. Nic climbed onto the pullout-bed, walking on his knees toward Cory, settling between his legs.

“Hey, hand me the lube?” Nic asked Derek, who was headed over for a front row seat. He tossed it to Nic as he walked over, standing behind the couch over Cory. “Thanks.”

The bottle was old, dating back a few years to when the boys got their hands on one of Derek’s dad’s old porn DVDs, and they engaged in a little group masturbation. It would happen a few times their freshman year—and then was never brought up again. Cory watched as Nic opened the cap and applied it generously to his cock. He was entranced as the hand stroked up and down the slick cock, each passing stroke making him hornier and more anxious. When Nic was satisfied, he closed the bottle, moving closer to Cory and lifting his legs in his hands.

“Ready to have your cherry popped, boy?” Nic asked as he looked down at him. His tone was gentle, despite the crudeness of his words.

“Yes, sir,” Cory answered. Not that he really thought he had any other choice at this point anyway.

Still smiling, Nic lifted his legs farther, resting Cory’s feet on his shoulders. Then, aiming with one hand and holding one of Cory’s thighs back with the other, Nic pushed his cock toward Cory’s ass, seeking out his hole. Cory could feel the cockhead resting against his ass and tensed up.

“Relax, boy. Breathe,” Nic spoke to him calmly as he pressed forward. “Think about how much you’ve wanted this.”

Cory yelped when the head of Nic’s cock breached the ring of his ass, quickly clamping his hand over his mouth to try and block the offending sound. Nic held still, allowing the boy to get used to the new stretch in his hole. Once he felt him relax enough, he began to push forward farther, getting Cory past the first few inches.

Goddammit, that’s a big cock. This was a terrible idea. He’s going to destroy my poor hole by the time the night is over. Cory’s thoughts ran wild as he felt his ass being split open.

“Breathe, boy,” Nic reminded him with an order.

Cory let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. He focused on his breathing and leveled it out, relaxing his ass in spite of the pain. As he relaxed, Nic pushed more until he was almost five inches inside of Cory.

“More than halfway there, boy.” Nic spoke to Cory with almost a sense of pride in his voice. “That’s deeper than my fingers went. Just a few more inches. You’re doing great.”

Cory gave what could best be described as a Charlie Brown smile, happy to receive the praise but unable to ignore the fact that his ass was on fire. Nic went still again as he waited for Cory to relax, watching his face for emotion. He could be patient when he wanted.

Now that he was most of the way inside, Nic was able to start thrusting. Pulling back by only an inch at first, Nic began to very slowly fuck Cory. Just like with his mouth, each time Nic pushed in, he would go a little faster and deeper. The more Cory relaxed, the easier it was to angle his thrusts.

As Cory relaxed, he started to feel things other than just the pain and burn of the stretch in his ass. The main thing he was feeling was full, but eventually Nic’s cock began to hit the right spots inside of him. As Nic made longer and longer thrusts, his cock would scrape over his prostate, causing Cory to groan, and as Nic got faster, Cory’s moans became more frequent.

“Fuck, dude,” Derek said as he watched the scene from behind the couch. “He’s fucking loving it.”

Cory’s eyes were closed, his hands grabbing wildly at the sheets on the mattress, a constant litany of moans and groans spilling from his mouth. The faster Nic moved, the harder it was to concentrate on anything else. Good thing that was all he needed to do.

“And I’m not even all the way inside him yet. I told you this was a great fucking idea!” Nic happily exclaimed as he continued to fuck most of his cock in and out of his best friend. Seeing the state Cory was in, Nic was done with the warm up and ready to really get this fuck started. On his next few thrusts, he closed the gap between his hips and Cory’s ass, finally bottoming out inside of him. “That’s it, boy. That’s everything.”

Cory could feel the scrape of Nic’s pubic hair against his ass and thighs. He felt so full, which made sense seeing as he had a solid seven inches of cock in his ass. His hole still burned slightly as it stretched around Nic. He kept opening his mouth to talk, but whenever he did, he had no idea what he was trying to say. His foot twitched on Nic’s shoulder, a reflex from some muscle he didn’t know was being stretched.

“Nnngghh…” Cory whined as he looked up to Nic, unsure of what he was trying to ask for.

Nic watched the storm of emotions cross Cory’s face. It was one of the only things distracting him from just how tight the boy was. Fuck, it was way tighter than any of the girls he’d been with. Well, except maybe Molly Paterson. She let him try anal—and taught him how to stretch her out first. This was at least as tight as that, if not a little tighter. Cory’s hole was twitching wildly around his cock, squeezing him almost rhythmically as the boy was trying to simultaneously relax and expel the thick intruder. He didn’t have a hair trigger, but still, he wasn’t taking any chances.

Nic waited until Cory’s breath was calm, his hands and feet no longer scrabbling and twitching, before he returned to moving his cock in and out of the boy’s ass. Most of his hole was nicely relaxed by now, but Nic still only pulled back a couple of inches at a time, slowly, before pushing back in. As his hips met Cory’s ass, a very low, half-whine/half-moan escaped from Cory’s mouth. Seemingly involuntary, the moans only grew as Nic’s thrusts became longer and faster.

“Fuck,” Derek said from his spot behind the couch, “he’s really getting into it.”

“Yeah…” Nic trailed off, only half-listening.

He was far more interested in what was happening underneath him, what he was doing. He could see what Cory was feeling with every stroke of his cock. As he pulled his cock back, he could see, could feel Cory relax, until he was left with barely a few inches inside, almost gasping as he inhaled. That same breath would then be expelled as Nic drove his cock back inside in the form of a moan, punctuated with a slap as their skin met.

Nic watched the process repeat like clockwork, only changing the speed of his thrusts as he watched Cory’s eyes. At times they were hazy and unfocused, looking up at the ceiling like it wasn’t there, overwhelmed. At other times, his eyes were locked on Nic’s, a silent plea to continue making him feel the amazing things he was feeling. And Nic had no intention of stopping.

He did want to change positions though. His thighs were getting tired from being spread the way they were, and it wasn’t great for picking up speed either. Grabbing Cory by the backs of his knees, he pressed his thighs back, his athletic body easily bending Cory’s into the position he wanted. Moving his knees together, he knelt over his friend as he held his thighs spread wide. Looking down, he could see where his cock met Cory’s hole, just below the pouch of the jockstrap. 

“Get ready, boy.” His eyes flashed darkly. “This is what it’s like to really get fucked.” Slap.

“Aaahh!” The first thrust already drew an increased reaction from Cory.

Nic wasted no time as he pounded his friend’s ass for the first of many times. He was still watching Cory for what he was feeling but was moving far too fast now to pick out any one emotion from the storm that raged on the boy’s face. He was moaning and whining, making unintelligible noises and pleas, half-aborted “mores” and “stops.”

“Holy fuck, Nic.” Derek was in awe. They’d seen each other fuck before (no homo); neither of them was a slouch in bed, but no girl had ever reacted the way Cory was. “Fucking wreck him.”

I don’t think he had any intention of stopping, Derek. Cory looked up at the thing closest to him—Nic. Using gravity to his advantage, Nic was continuously driving his hips down and forward into Cory. He was starting to sweat, holding his pace and speed as steady as he was. Cory watched as the sweat began to pool, rolling down his neck and chest. Without thinking he reached out, drawing his hand across Nic’s muscular chest and stomach.

They watched each other as Cory continued to feel up Nic’s front as he fucked him. While Cory looked up in awe, Nic’s look was one of hunger and possession. He would remember later that this was exactly how he and Derek had planned for this to happen, that it was their goal to fuck Cory so hard, so good, that it would cement in Cory’s mind the desire to serve and worship them. But for the time being, Nic wasn’t thinking about anything except his need to fuck. He needed more.

He let go of Cory’s thighs, allowing his legs to fall back against Nic’s chest and shoulders. Letting them drop to his elbows, Nic bent Cory almost in two, lifting his ass off the mattress as he positioned himself over Cory. Cock never leaving his ass for more than a few inches, Nic began to powerfuck down into Cory, fucking him missionary as he had so many of his exes. Their faces only inches apart, Cory couldn’t hold back anything he was feeling even if he tried.

Every time Nic’s cock scraped over his prostate, Cory saw stars. It was like every muscle in his body was having a spasm, and he couldn’t decide if he wanted more or for it to stop. Each time he felt Nic slap against his ass, more sounds would come out. The groans and moans growing louder and closer drove Nic to fuck him harder and faster. Cory could only lay there and take it, a never-ending litany of “fucks” and “sirs” spilling out of his mouth alongside his noises of pleasure.

“Fucking take it,” Nic growled in Cory’s face. “Take that fucking cock, bitch.”

Nic was pretty sure he heard a “yes sir” somewhere in there. He was getting closer to cumming, to filling his best friend with his load. His thrusts became more frantic and erratic, and he dropped his bodyweight almost entirely onto Cory. Releasing his legs, Cory struggled to wrap them around his waist as Nic covered his body. Nic’s skin pressed to his, he could feel the scrape of the weekend’s stubble against his neck.

“I’m loading you up, Cor,” he growled into Cory’s ear. “I just took your fucking cherry.”

Nic saw white when he finally came, cock rooted as deep inside Cory as it could possibly be. An animalistic roar accompanied the first shot, the first person to coat the walls of Cory’s hole. In this state of mind, he could only try and drive his hips farther into Cory with each additional shot. It was so hot, so tight.

Cory could feel the heat from Nic’s cum as it exploded inside of him. Pushed even deeper than Nic’s cock had been, the heat radiated in his gut. His arms and legs were tightly wrapped around Nic’s body, toes curled and twitching at every slight movement of Nic’s cock. The both of them were still breathing hard as the last dregs of Nic’s load exited his cock, still buried to the hilt inside Cory. Slowly, their minds cleared as they came back to themselves.

“You always remember your first, Cor,” Nic whispered in his ear before lifting himself up and off Cory. “I’m going to pull out. Squeeze tight—I don’t want you losing any of my load.”

Cory did his best, sucking in a breath of pain as he worked to tighten his hole. In addition to feeling sticky, it stung. He was going to be so sore in the morning.

“Alright, guess it’s your turn, bro,” Nic said to Derek as he slowly pulled his cock from Cory’s hole. Oh fuck, that’s right. There’s no way Derek wasn’t going to want to fuck me, too.

“Dude, I almost jerked off twice while you guys were fucking.” Derek’s cock was sticking out in front of him, rock hard. “Slide on over and let me in that ass.”

Nic looked down at Cory, taking some pity on the boy in his fucked-out state. “Flip onto your stomach. It’ll be easier on you now that you’ve been opened up.”

Cory mumbled an unintelligible answer, still exhausted, but managed to roll over with some help from Nic. He felt the pullout bed shift as Derek climbed on behind him, knees brushing against his legs. His asshole twitched uncontrollably, already anxious about what was about to happen. He was so fucking sore. He gripped the bed sheets tightly, eyes closed as Derek climbed over him.

“Barely need lube, dude,” Derek commented as he spread Cory’s ass in his hands. Cory’s hole was red and puffy, even winking at him on occasion. He pointed his slick cock down at it and pushed in.

Cory whined into the mattress, the burn in his ass returning almost immediately. Derek wasn’t having any issues getting inside him, but that didn’t mean Cory wasn’t still feeling every inch. Bottoming out, Cory could feel all of Derek’s weight on top of him. Derek held position for a moment, letting Cory get used to his slightly thicker cock.

Once Derek felt he was relaxed enough, he got right to work pumping his cock in and out of Cory. Continuing to whine into the mattress, Cory finally understood where the term “pillow biter” came from. Slowly, the burn of Derek’s cock sliding in and out of him was outweighed by the pleasure of his prostate being pounded into again. From his spot above Cory, Derek was driving his cock almost straight down, directly into the small gland and drawing out louder and louder groans.

Derek saw the moment Cory fell back into the same headspace from earlier, felt his muscles relax underneath him as he allowed Derek to use and move his body however he wanted. Nic had completely wrecked the boy, damn near ruined him for anyone else. They would both have to work extra hard if they ever expected to top his first time. For now, Derek was happy to breed their new boy quickly and efficiently.

It wasn’t long before Derek was ready to add his load to Nic’s inside Cory. As he got closer, he dropped his body weight, laying on Cory’s back but still lifting his hips up and down atop Cory’s ass. As his cock began to shoot, he ground his hips down into Cory as hard as he could. His hands instinctively shot out, grabbing onto Cory’s wrists as though he needed to be restrained, holding him down as he came.

“Fuuuuuuuck. This is the best weekend at the cabin ever,” Derek said, still draped over Cory as he came down from his endorphin high. As he pushed himself up and made to extract himself, he tapped Cory sharply on the ass. “Tighten up!”

Cory did so without a complaint, the small amount of training he had already sinking into his malleable mind. He was riding his own afterglow. He may not have cum, but he still felt amazing. And as horny as he still was, he was also completely fucked out. He mumbled his agreement about the weekend, already fading into sleep.

Derek pulled himself out with a light pop and stood next to the bed. After a quick trip to the bathroom to clean up, he returned to find Nic had already shut off the TV and cleaned up what they needed to. Cory was already passed out on the pullout.

“Sleep?” Derek nodded toward the couch.

“Sleep,” Nic agreed, turning out the last light and wordlessly climbing onto the pullout mattress.

Derek climbed onto the other side, leaving an already asleep Cory sandwiched between them, still in his jock. If the lights were still on, they might have noticed the small amount of cum leaking from his hole. Pulling the sheet up, the two friends drifted off to sleep wordlessly, unconsciously shifting to huddle together in the middle. The three of them had to head home tomorrow, and they would deal with exactly what that meant then.

Pin-up Art for June 2024

We continue our visual retelling of Stelel & Thunder, moving on to David's first punishment, and the start of him and Khazak's clothes shopping adventure!

Service Duty Released!

Hello everyone! It’s June and summer is in full swing here in Florida! But whatever season it may be locally, I hope you’ve all been doing well. Now, on to the updates!

Service Duty has officially been released! You can find it at all of the usual places online, or you can order it directly through 4 Horsemen Publications and get 10% off your entire order when you use the code DOM10 at checkout! And as always - I need your reviews, please!

I’ve finally received my author copies of Ours in the mail last week and I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am for the release! It’s a story that’s always held a special place in my heart and I really think you guys are gonna love it. You can preorder it here, or once again go through 4 Horsemen Publications and get a 15% off discount - no code required! The second preview chapter will be going live on Patreon next week, if you can’t wait!

I have also finished the writing on Steel & Thunder Book 5! That doesn’t mean it’s even close to being ready yet - I’ve still got a lot of editing to do - but it’s coming. I should have more updates on that for you soon.

Until next time, happy reading!

This Month on Patreon

Here’s what June brings to Patreon:

• 6/10: The second preview chapter of Ours. After a very, very eventful evening, Cory wakes up unsure of what the weekend holds. Lucky for him, Derek and Nic have it all planned out...

• 6/17: Marriage Customs: V'rok'sh Tah'lj - Learn about the local orc's matrimonial and engagement traditions!

• 6/24: The second chapter of MasterSlave - Still feeling strange after his first meeting with Omar, Rob decides to spend some time with one of his own boys, but can’t seem to shake the other dominant from his mind.

MasterSlave, Chapter 1

“Aww c’mon, stick around a little more and have another one with me!”

“No can do. I told ya that was my last one.”

“Ditto. Unlike you, we’ve both got work in the morning.”

I give Ken and Dion an exaggerated pout, but I know it's no use. Not that I blame them. It’s probably a good thing that we’ve all gotten more responsible as we’ve gotten older, our late nights at the bar becoming a rarer and rarer occurrence. Honestly, I should probably call it a night soon too, but I’m feeling restless - and since I’m retired, there's no job to worry about in the morning.

You might be wondering “but Rob, you’re only 44 years old (and you look great), how are you already retired?” That’s just what happens when you start your own business at twenty-five that you turn around and sell fifteen years later for a lot of money. I wouldn’t say that I’m rich, but the company designed touch screens for phones and tablets - and those still seem to be pretty popular, so I’ll let you imagine what my bank account looks like.

I haven’t properly introduced myself, have I? I’m Robert Hogarth, but most people call me Rob. Well, that’s not true - a lot of boys just like to call me Daddy. I’m 44 years old with black hair that turns greyer by the day. I stand at about 5’10”, and weigh a solid 240lbs. I’d like to think that’s mostly muscle, but I know I’ve got a bit of a belly - the boys seem to like that though, so I don’t mind it.

“Suit yourselves,” I tell my friends as I signal to the bartender for another beer.

“Shouldn’t you be headed to bed soon anyways, old man?” Ken, who is only two years younger than me, jokes. “Or are you on the hunt for a new boy again?”

"Whatever happened to the last one?" I’m almost offended by how incredulous Dion sounds. “What was his name? The blonde twink.”

“Connor, and you know how these things go.” I shrug after naming the boy. “He found someone shiny and new.”

“I thought you were really into him,” Ken points out helpfully. “You even brought him here a few times.”

“I was.” I nod. “But apparently he wasn’t interested in me.”

“Aww, papa bear,” Dion says, rubbing my back with a sympathetic frown.

“Save your ‘papa bears’ for someone else,” I wave off his concerns. “I liked him, but it’s not like I had a collar picked out or anything.”

“You’ll find your boy one day,” Ken encourages me nonetheless. “We all will.”

“Well all I'm looking for at the moment is someone cute to tie to my bed for the night.” The mood suddenly feels a little too serious, so I try to lighten it. “So if you two spinsters are finished, you should get out of here. You're cock blocking me with all this blubbering.”

“Uh huh. Have a good night Rob,” Dion tells me as we hug goodbye.

“Talk to you later,” Ken says right after. “Try not to stay too long, people might start thinking you’re just a dirty old man.”

I give them both the bird as they head out the front door of Randy’s. Randy’s is our local gay bar, or at least the one I prefer to visit. It's not the biggest or busiest place - plenty of gay bars in the city that’ll claim that. Randy’s appeals to more of a rough-trade crowd - lots of bears and leather folk. It’s not strictly a leather bar, but you'd be hard pressed to not see a guy or two in a harness on any given night. On the weekends it can get pretty packed, but tonight is a quiet night, which is what you’d expect for a Wednesday.

Despite my words to Ken and Dion, I’m not actually on the prowl tonight. I’m just not quite ready to go home yet. Truth is, I’m a little more bummed about Connor not coming around anymore than I let on. It’s not about him specifically; we had great chemistry and a lot of fun, but I wasn't surprised when he moved on to someone else. I'm just tired of things not working out in general.

If you couldn’t tell, I’ve been here before. It feels like everyone I date, all of my almost-relationships - or situationships to whatever they’re called these days - end the same way. Things start out strong, but then that passion burns bright and fast, and a few weeks later, fizzles out entirely. I'm starting to feel like every boy's starter daddy.

But I’m not here to dwell on that, I’m here to forget about it. So with a fresh beer in hand, I turn around and see what else is going on tonight. Not much inside. A few regulars by the bar, a couple of guys are playing pool in one corner, and a few people at some of the high top tables. So let’s see what's happening out back.

Randy’s backyard is one of its best features. You walk out into a nice open patio with plenty of seating, right next to a very well-manicured lawn. Things are usually busier out here as it’s more open. On the weekends they'll even open up a little mini bar to give the guys inside a break. But the thing that really draws people back here is the small path that starts at one end of the patio, wraps around the lawn, and leads to a set of wooden booths at the back of the property. That's where the real “magic” happens.

I wasn't planning or expecting to hit the booths tonight though. All I really wanted was to get out of the house for a bit and clear my head. Finding some cute boy to drag back there (or back home) would just be a nice bonus.

I spot a few familiar faces but no one I'm particularly close with. I give a couple of polite head nods while I find a nice spot to lean back against the tall fence that surrounds the property and nurse my beer.

It’s a warm night, but thankfully not so muggy that I’d want to go back inside. The half moon hangs above in the night sky, the stars twinkling in the distance. It’s a nice sight, but after about twenty minutes of that and not much else, I figure this might be my last drink and It’ll be time to head home soon.

Then he walks outside. A man who’s basically sex on legs. Someone I’ve never actually talked to, but have seen around, both here and on the apps. Middle eastern, somewhere in his late 20’s to early 30’s, with a nice beard and fur in all the right places. He’s muscular, but not to the point of seeing his abs through his shirt or like he spends all his free time at the gym. And he has an amazing ass.

Like I said, he’s a good looking man. He’s also a dom like me, which is why we’ve never spoken before. If he’s anything like me, he knows there’s no need to go knowingly barking up the wrong tree. Two doms don't make a sub. Still, I’m not mad when he takes up a spot next to me at the fence.

“Quiet night, huh?” he asks in that “just trying to make small talk” tone.

“Yeah, but it’s Wednesday,” I reply with a shrug, drinking a swig of beer.

“Fair enough.” He nods, and I watch as his plump lips wrap around the mouth of his own bottle before he holds out his hand to me. “I've seen you around before, but I’ve never introduced myself. I’m Omar.”

“Rob.” I reply, taking and shaking his hand and not letting on that I already knew that. “Nice to meet you.”

“You as well,” he gives me a nod. “So what brings you out tonight, Rob?”

“Not much.” I decide to play it cool. “Didn’t come out for anything in particular. Mostly just didn't feel like staying home tonight.”

“Same here, I think.” He chuckles and leans back. “It’d be nice if a cute boy came along, but I’m really only here cause staying home was boring.”

“This your usual haunt?” I ask, looking around at the rest of the patio.

“For the most part.” He nods and wipes some beer from his mustache. “Sometimes I’ll hit up Screwballs, or The Rhino, but I almost always end up here by the end of the night anyways.”

“Those places are alright.” We’ve got a lot of gaybars in town to choose from. “Of those two, I prefer Screwballs, though I swear they keep hiring straight bartenders because those boys are so light on their pours when making a drink. The Rhino doesn’t even have a backroom.”

“A man with his priorities in order.” He taps his beer bottle to mine. “I agree with that assessment. I tend to find the crowd at Screwballs more to my taste than at The Rhino.”

“Same here.” It's always nice to meet someone you have plenty in common with. “But even though this place isn’t always the busiest, it just has that nice ‘seedy’ feel to it, you know?”

“I do know.” He chuckles and goddamn if that smile isn’t charming. “So what kinda guy are you usually looking for, Rob?”

“I don’t really have a body type or age in mind.” The question catches me off guard, and not just because I was checking him out. “It’s mostly about personality. If we click well, then I just want my boy to be eager - like a puppy.”

“Who doesn’t love training puppy boys?” he replies with a wink.

“Pups are always a good time.” I pause to gesture to my graying hair and beard. “But, because of, you know, my age and all the grays, I tend to attract a younger crowd. Lotta boys in their twenties looking for a daddy.”

“Believe it or not, I know the type.” He chuckles but looks almost embarrassed to continue. “The first time I got called ‘daddy’ in bed was by a boy who was only two years younger than me.”

“At your age?” I bark out a laugh.”Shit, I don’t think I got my first ‘daddy’ until my 30s at least.”

“And he wasn’t the last.” He grins, his bright teeth on display. “It took some getting used to, but who am I to deny a boy in need of a daddy? What was even weirder was the first time I got it from an older guy - he was almost twice my age.”

Standing to him so close, it’s almost impossible to not stare at his body. He must run warmer than me, because I can make out the lightest sheen of sweat on his brow. Then on his chest are a few damp spots, and I can just imagine the way the body underneath shines with sweat after a workout.

“I bet that caught you off guard.” I take a swig to remind myself to stop staring.

“It did, at first,” he agrees. “But just like with the younger guys, once I got used to hearing it, I loved it.”

“Oh yeah?” Can't help but be a little intrigued by that story. “That happen a lot?”

“These days, yeah. I’ve always been more into older guys than those around my age.” He gives me a little wink, and I’m glad it's a little dark out here so he can’t see the blush I'm surprised to have. “I mean, older subs and bottoms need daddy’s too.”

“I suppose they do.” I quickly agree - I mean, I’ve been with older subs myself - yes even older than me - I’m just not usually who they go for. “And I bet you have no problems finding em, do ya?”

“I do not.” He shakes his head a little cockily. “But there always seems to be mro subs than doms to go around.”

“It is definitely a dominant’s market out there.” I like the way he laughs at my dumb joke.

“So then, my fellow dom, what kinda stuff do you get into?” he asks next.

“I like a little bit of everything,” I give the non-answer out of habit. “I have a pretty well-stocked playroom. I’ve got a sling, a fuck bench, and St. Andrew’s cross. All sorts of bondage gear, paddles, floggers, you name it. I tend to let the boy tell me what he’s looking for and tailor our session around that.”

“That sounds like quite a collection. I bet you know how to show a boy a good time.” He approves, which for some reason I like hearing. “I’m still building up my own toy collection, but I’ve got a few nice things in my closet.”

“It takes time, and unfortunately a lot of money,” I commiserate. It took me quite a while to get my playroom to where it is today. “So, your turn: what are you into?”

“Your standard fare,” he replies before he starts to list them off. “Bondage, impact play, puppy play. I can get into some humiliation with the right boy, but it’s not forever everyone. And lately there's been this one thing I’ve been really into doing.”

“What’s that?” Like I’m not already hanging on his every word.

“I’ve got this one regular sub who's really into scents,” he starts explaining. “Sweat, musk, that sorta thing.”

“Right.” That's a common kink that even non dom-sub people are into. “I’ve had a few boys like that.”

“Well, it sounds kinda cocky, but lately he’s started asking me if he can meet me at my place after I get home from the gym.” He smiles as he continues. “Because of him, I’ve actually started showering before I work out, and then don’t bother changing until I get home.”

“And he’s already there waiting for you so he can bury his face in your pits, huh?” I dont hide my grin, I’ve been there. I can even start to picture it.

“Oh, he does so much more than that.” He wears another cocky expression on his face. “He uses his mouth to worship from head to toe - both sides. And I’ve never been that into foot stuff, but fuck if I don’t love feeling that tongue there.”

“Sounds like heaven.” I visualize his words, a tongue traveling over his hairy muscles.

“That’s not even the end. Then he gets out a bottom of massage oil and gives me a rubdown, focusing on whatever spot I worked out that day.” My vision continues with his description, his furry body now slick with oil in my mind. “I get so relaxed by the end of it that I can’t even move enough to fuck him - he has to ride me.”

“Fuck, that does sounds like a good time.” A really good time - but why do I keep picturing myself as the one doing the massaging?

“Yeah. I’ve never been into that kinda worship before, but I guess once you find the right boy it really makes you wanna...” he takes a moment to flex his muscles. “Start showing off more.”

“To be young again,” I joke, ignoring the half chub in my pants as I briefly reminisce about my own youth. I’m still a good looking guy - but put me and Omar in a room together and people wouldn't look twice in my direction. “How long have you been domming?”

“Going on five years now, I think?” He answers as I finish off my beer. “I was still new to the kink world and just trying a lot of different things out. I found I enjoyed a little bit of everything, but I leaned more strongly toward the dom side of things. Then I had a very specific encounter that fully flipped the switch for me.”

“What was that?” This man knows how to tell a story. God, I bet he smells amazing...

“I dommed another dom,” he replies as a bead of sweat rolls down his face.

“Really?” I cock an eyebrow when I hear those words.

“Yeah. Though he didn’t tell me he was a dom at first.” He pauses to take a sip of beer. “It was through an app. Scruff I think. He wasn't using his regular profile, but one he had set up for him to explore his subby side without anyone knowing. I just thought he was a shy sub looking for a good time.”

“So how’d you figure it out?” I ask, wondering where he’s going with this story.

“So, we made plans for him to come to my place,” he continues. “We were having a pretty good time but I could tell he wasn’t really relaxing. He also had a lot to say about my technique when it came to me tying and spanking him.”

“Trying to top from the bottom?” Some subs don’t even realize they’re doing it.

“Exactly.” He continues. “When I called him out on it, he tried to backpedal, but I already had him tied up at that point. A little bit of spanking and tickle torture later - he never used his safeword - he told me all about his normal life as a dom and what exactly he had been doing with me. Which I'm pretty sure is what he wanted to happen.”

“Probably.” People aren’t always willing to be honest with themselves and they like to take the long, complicated route, putting themselves in a difficult situation that will force them to deal with it.

“He wasn’t trying to just scratch some itch, he really wanted to be taken down and put in his place by another dom.” He looks even cockier than before. “He needed it to be a stranger because he didn’t want who he was in his normal life affecting how he was treated.”

“That’s a tall order,” I’m starting to get a funny feeling the longer this tale goes on.

“Yeah. I was a little unsure of myself at first,” maybe he senses the same weird feeling as me, because he pulls back on the cockiness. “But in almost no time it was like a switch flipped in my brain - I wanted nothing more than to put that man on his knees. Show him who he really was, his real place in our dynamic.”

“Well woof.” I am once again pictureing the scenario, but there is something that bothers me. “...but that’s not what you're trying to make happen here, is it?

“What? Oh god, no.” He holds his hands up like he’s been caught. “Sorry, I can just get a little too into my own stories sometimes. That's all, I swear.”

“Right.” I nod, though between his “I like older men” comments and that story, I can't help but start to wonder about his intentions for telling it to me. “Well, it's been real nice chatting with you, Omar, but I should probably start to head home.”

“Ah. Well it was nice meeting you too.” We shake hands again and I can't help but notice the slight disappointment on his face. “See you around?”

“See you around.” I bid him goodbye and walked back inside, leaving my empty bottle on the counter on my way out the front door.

I live close enough to hear that it's just a short bus ride up the road. And lucky me, there should be one coming in about five or ten minutes. While I wait (and sober up some) I keep thinking back to Omar and his stories.

That was an odd conversation. Not necessarily a bad one, but I dunno, there was something about it that made me feel weird. Off. Was he trying to pick me up?

The fact that I’m still thinking what he was saying isn't helping either. I’m a dom through and through, but it's not like I haven’t been on the sub side of things before, especially when I was still new and learning things. But it’s been a long time since I’ve done any subbing at all - so why do I keep picturing myself as the one giving Omar a tongue bath?

Visions of me worshiping Omar’s fill my mind on the bus ride home. Thankfully sitting down helps to hide my erection, and by the time I’m disembarking I’m willing to chalk the whole thing up to the alcohol. I’m just horny and it's been over a week since my last roll in the hay - which is a very long time for me!

I make it home and manage to get into the house without stumbling, stopping in the bathroom on my way to bed. Yeah, that has to be it, I convince myself as I brush my teeth. Just a lil too much to drink. 

But as I crawl into bed and shut my eyes, more images of me serving Omar begin to float by, and as I drop off to sleep, I find myself wondering what he smells like after a workout... And I bet he tastes even better.

Brull's Workshop

Brull Flamaul is a maker and purveyor of fine crafts. Very, very specific crafts.And though not a spellcaster himself, he has studied a lot of magical theory, particularly in regards to enchantments. He has sought to use that knowledge in his creations - and he creates a lot of things.

I’m talking about sex toys of course - magical sex toys. Brull may not cast the enchantment spells himself, but he has plenty of friends (and working partners) that are capable. However, it is still important to know how they work, so that they can be properly repaired or periodically recharged as needed.

We’ll start with some of the items that you already know about: magical phalluses. These are plug and dildos made from polished wood or stone, in all sorts of shapes and sizes. They can be made to vibrate, and can change size, shape, or texture, even remotely. Of course, the more a toy can do, the more difficult it can be to apply the enchantments, and the more expensive the toy gets.

Some of his more popular items are the costumes and accessories enchanted to enhance roleplaying scenarios. They may appear as silly childrens costumes at first glance, but once worn, transform into the real thing. It’s not merely an illusion for the eyes, but one you can feel firsthand. More than just clothing, there are even some that can give you fur, fangs, or scales. A swashbuckling pirate, a magical princess, even a hairy monster - all are possibilities! 

Next, we have Brull’s line of special lubricants, though unlike the other objects, these are not enchanted. Instead, they are created in a manner similar to potion brewing - magical ingredients are added to a base lube. This includes lubricants that can do things like warm, cool, even tingle on contact. Then you have those that can act as an aphrodisiac, help to maintain erections, or even cause a slight burn for all those masochists out there. Brull is constantly testing new ingredients, even in his personal life!

Bondage is always a popular choice for people seeking thrills in the bedroom, so of course Brull has developed a set of equipment to enhance that. First is a set that can be “attached” to anything, rather than having to be wrapped around or locked to something. The enchantment glues the restraint to any solid object, and can only be released by a small enchanted stone that acts as the “key.” That object led to the development of blindfolds and earplugs that each truly block out all sight and sound. Currently in development is a set that can cause the wearer to see or hear specific images or sounds, though it hasn't quite reached the full testing phase yet - strange sounds and images keep leaking through..

Floggers, whips, and paddles are all very popular among the kinkier of Brull’s customers. and he has designed an entire line of objects to cater to them. They can be enchanted to increase or decrease the feelings of pain, change their temperature, or even cause a small electric shock when someone is struck. However, these do need to be used with caution, both in regards to force and where they are being used; as the enchantments affect the body, they can also trick the mind into what is actually happening.

For the chastity enthusiasts out there, Brull has designed a series of cages and belts that can be scheduled to unlock after a certain amount of time has passed, or even when a person enters or leaves a certain geographical area. He is also working on some that will only unlock after a specific task or tasks are performed, but those once again require personal calibration and are still in the testing phase.

Of a similar (yet different) subjects, Brull also specializes in making a type of magical cock that can be worn by an individual who might otherwise be lacking one. Through very, very extensive testing, Brull was able to map the sensations of pleasure experienced by a real cock to an artificial one, allowing the user to feel everything. They are not cheap, largely because they have to be mapped individually to the wearer’s mind, which itself can be a bit of an embarrassing ordeal given the stimuli required to produce accurate results.

Finally, among his more involved and pricier objects, you have a “mage’s glove” - a glove that allows the wearer to touch things - or a person - from a distance, with both of the users feeling the sensations. There are also items of clothing that when worn by two people, causes the physical sensations that one of them experiences to be passed to the other, allowing someone to “share” their experience with a partner at home.

Business at Brull’s shop, Flamemaul’s, is booming. As long as there are horny people in the world, there will be sex toys, and Brull is more than happy to provide them. Especially when he gets to try them all out himself first.

Ours, Chapter 1

“Nic, dude, you suck. Just give up and go get me a drink.”

“No, Derek, you suck. I’m about to stomp Cory into the ground.”

“Are you high? I’ve been kicking both of your asses all night.”

It was a typical Friday night, and Derek, Nic, and Cory were spending the weekend alone at Derek’s family’s cabin the same way they had for the past three years. They’d been coming out here a lot longer than that, but it was only after their first year of high school that Derek’s parents started letting them use it alone.

The three of them had been friends for almost ten years, meeting in the third grade and quickly bonding over a mutual love of cartoons, video games, and superhero movies. Over the years, their interests began to differ when things like girls and sports entered the picture, but through it all, they remained close. Now in their last year of school at Hartford Heights High School, though the boys seemed to run in different social groups, they still found time to spend together.

Derek Rothfield was the oldest, though only by a few months. Not quite a jock but still athletic, at 5’10” with dark brown hair, he had his pick of girls at school. Nic Herrera was even taller at 6’0”, and being on the football team meant he also rarely had to look far for a date. His Latino background gifted him with tan olive skin and jet-black hair—hair that went everywhere. People often expected a much louder and brash personality, but he largely preferred keeping his emotions in check and to himself. Finally, the youngest of the group was Cory Davis. Just a little chubby, any interest he had in sports went out the window as soon as his mom got him his first computer. Now he spent most of his afternoons indoors, his curly brown hair growing shaggy and the lack of sun not doing his pale skin any favors.

All three of them were eighteen, with Cory technically being the youngest, his birthday only a month prior. For the last three years, they’d spent a couple of weekends a month in this cabin together, talking, watching TV, playing video games, and on the rare occasion even studying. Whenever one of them was having a rough time with something, they’d all head out here together, and everything just seemed better.

“Aaaaanndd done,” Cory announced to the room as the sound of an explosion and a spoken “Game!” came from the TV. Cory stood, ready to go to the kitchen. “Still want a soda, D?”

“Actually, I brought something special this time,” Derek called behind him as he walked into the kitchen’s pantry himself, exiting with a case of beer. He set it down on the kitchen counter and opened it, handing a can to Cory and Nic. “A gift from Tommy for starting senior year.”

“Man, I wish I had a cool older brother instead of two annoying little sisters,” Nic whined before taking a swig. “Gabby caught me sneaking a beer last Christmas, and she turned right around and told mom.”

Cory chuckled and popped open his own can, taking a sip. Blech. He never quite got used to the taste, but he liked the warm feeling of getting tipsy.

“Ready for another round?” Derek asked.

“Gimme a sec. Gotta pee.” Cory set his drink down and walked to the bathroom.

Nic watched, waiting for the bathroom door to close. “You sure you still wanna do this, D?”

“Yeah. Why? You having second thoughts?” Derek asked in response.

“No, no, I’m still totally in but… once we do this, there’s no turning back,” Nic was warning himself as much as he was Derek.

“That’s the idea. We’ve been talking about this almost every day since we found out, and that was weeks ago. Things might change, but they’re changes everyone wants,” Derek reassured him.

____________________________

Three weeks ago, Derek and Nic were having a very different conversation. They were at Derek’s house, where Cory was helping the two of them with a history presentation the two were due to give. He brought his laptop which they used to type up their notes and put together a slide presentation. By the end of the night, Nic and Derek were almost done, but it was getting late.

“I gotta get home before my mom kills me, guys.” Cory started packing up his bag. “You’re almost done though, right?”

“Yeah, just need to run through it a couple of times, I think,” Derek answered.

“Then you can hang onto my laptop and bring it to school tomorrow.” Cory zipped up his backpack and headed toward the door. “I’ll get it from you in the morning. I really gotta go!”

“Thanks,  Cor. We’ll see you tomorrow,” Derek told him as he walked to the front door, watching as Cory mounted his bike and rode away. When he returned to his room, he saw Nic on his bed hunched over the laptop. He had a weird look on his face.

“Dude. You need to see this,” he said without ever taking his eyes off the laptop.

“What is it? I swear if it’s another one of those stupid jump scare videos, I’m gonna punch...” Derek trailed off as he stared at the screen. Staring back at him were a pair of men. A pair of men in leather gear and little else. “What the hell are you looking at?”

“I’m not looking at anything!” Derek cast Nic a withered look at his response. “I swear! I was trying to find a few more pictures for the presentation, closed the window by accident, and when I went to reopen it ... that came up.” He gestured to the laptop screen.

Derek took the laptop from Nic and set it on his desk where they could both see. “So… that means that Cory was … looking at this stuff.”

“Cory’s gay?”

“Or bi. And into some pretty kinky stuff, apparently,” Derek reasoned. He clicked through a few of the other tabs. “Really kinky.”

There were a lot of open tabs, all of them carrying a similar theme: domination. Videos of guys being tied up, spanked, or fucked. Online sex shops selling things like cock cages and collars. Stories about guys being overpowered and used by their friends, bosses, teachers, cops—anyone with authority. It was like they had a full roadmap to all of Cory’s desires.

“We shouldn’t be looking at this,” Derek decided even though his hand was still moving the mouse to the next tab.

“I just can’t believe Cory… I mean, I guess the gay thing isn’t that big of a leap, but shit.” Nic pointed at an image of a guy strapped to some sort of bench. There were two other men with him, one at either end, cock inserted. “This is the kind of stuff he’s into?”

Even though they knew they shouldn’t, the two boys spent the next few hours scouring Cory’s laptop, curiosity urging them to learn more about their friend’s proclivities. They didn’t know it then, but something had been awakened in them both, something they never knew existed. New doors were being opened, whether they wanted them to or not.

Many, many hours later and far further into the night than either of them intended, Derek made the call. “Okay, that’s it. We gotta stop. We need to finish the project and go to bed.” He paused. “We cannot tell Cory about this.”

“Yeah, man. I don’t even know what to do with this info.” Nic was more than a little confused, and the half-boner he was trying to hide in his shorts wasn’t helping.

“Nothing. He’s still Cory, still our bro. He just likes dick. Rough, kinky dick.” Derek half-laughed. “We pretend this never happened.”

Nic returned Cory’s laptop the next day after making sure to scrub any evidence of their snooping or discoveries. As the days went on, neither Nic nor Derek could get the images from that night out of their heads. The more they thought about it, the more the idea of having someone on hand to sexually service them appealed to them. Not that they told each other. 

At the same time, this led to more than a few weird interactions with Cory, who was becoming increasingly concerned about his friends’ mental wellbeing. The normally eloquent Derek started stumbling over his words when a girl brought up Fifty Shades of Grey at lunch, and Nic nearly spat out his milk when Cory taunted his friend Stephanie with a “Why, gonna spank me?” Finally, after a week full of this, both boys were pushed to the edge—and Nic was the first one to break.

[Nic: Dude, are you up? I need to talk to you.]

The text notification chirped from Derek’s phone, who was still awake and lying in bed, preoccupied with his own thoughts of bondage and domination.

[Derek: Yeah what’s up?]

[Nic: Nah, in person. Can I come over?]

It was late but Derek’s parents were out of town, so they would be none the wiser.

[Derek: Sure man, text me when you get here.]

He grabbed a pair of shorts and waited for his friend’s arrival.

About fifteen minutes later, they were both back in Derek’s room, speaking in hushed tones despite the house being empty.

“It’s Cory. Or the stuff about Cory,” Nic started. “I can’t stop thinking about it.”

“Me neither, man,” Derek reassured his panicky friend. “I can barely even look at him sometimes, not without imagining him in those ... situations.”

“Are we gay?! Am I gay?!” Nic’s voice nearly cracked, puberty be damned.

“Calm down, dude, seriously. I don’t think it’s a gay or straight thing. In like half those stories, the guys doing the dominating were straight.” Derek knew this of course because he had gone back to reread some of them on his own. “It was about control, power. Replace any of those guys with a girl, and we’d still be into it.” Not that he had tested that theory out yet.

“So what do we do?” Nic sat next to Derek on his bed. “I just want things to get back to the way they were before.”

“I’m not sure they can ever get back to that, bro.” Derek wrapped his arm around Nic’s shoulder. “But maybe there’s something else we can do…”

____________________________

The flush of a toilet preceded Cory’s return.

“Just follow my lead like we talked. I’ve got a plan,” Derek reassured Nic.

Cory rejoined them on the couch in front of the TV, taking the center spot. “Alright, what are we doing?” Cory asked, taking another sip of beer.

“We do another round of Smash Bros., but this time we make it a little more interesting—we make it a drinking game,” Derek responded.

“I dunno…” Cory started, sounding worried before smirking. “I wouldn’t wanna give you guys alcohol poisoning.”

“Nah, that’s way too easy. Instead of the loser drinking, the winner does,” Derek explained. “Every time you win a round, you take a drink. Think of it like a handicap to help the losers catch up.” They had played drinking games before, mostly when watching bad movies together, but never against each other like this.

“You guys saying the only way you can beat me is if you get me drunk?” Cory challenged.

“Why? You not good enough to do it a little tipsy?” Nic taunted from Cory’s other side.

Cory narrowed his eyes at Derek. “Let’s go.”

By the end of the third match, Cory was halfway through his can while Nic and Derek had barely started on their first. By the end of the eighth match, Cory had started on his third beer, and Nic and Derek had only just opened their second.

“You guys suuuuuuuuuck,” Cory jeered, the alcohol causing him to draw out his words just a little too much. Then he stood suddenly. “Dammit, I have to pee again.”

Nic waited until the door closed before turning to Derek. “I don’t think we should let him drink much more. He’s gonna get sick.”

“Yeah, I know. Don’t worry. This is going better than I hoped. Time to cinch this,” Derek reassured him once more before Cory rejoined them.

After losing the next round in a rather spectacular display of inebriated coordination, Derek put forward the next step of his plan. “Alright, wow. I think we can say the playing field has been sufficiently leveled.” Cory narrowed his eyes as he took a non-mandated sip of his beer. “No more drinking game for you. Let’s switch to something else.”

“Like what?”

“Strip poker. Or Strip Smash Bros., I guess.” Nic spat out his drink at hearing Derek’s suggestion. After giving his choking friend a strange look, Derek continued, “Since you’re sufficiently drunk now, ‘normal’ rules: You lose a match, you lose a piece of clothing.”

Nic had moved to the kitchen to finish his beer induced coughing fit, though it wasn’t him that Derek was worried about accepting. He watched as Cory pondered the suggestion for a moment, the alcohol-lubricated gears turning in his head.

“I’m in.” As Derek suspected, it didn’t take much.

“You finished choking so we can get back to playing? Are you scared of someone seeing your dick?” Derek shouted toward the kitchen, Nic shooting him a glare as he walked back to the sofa, tossing the beer-soaked shirt at his face. “Well crap. If you were gonna take it off for free, I wouldn’t have gotten the beer.”

“Just shut up and play,” Nic grumbled as he grabbed his controller.

As the night wore on and the beer cans were emptied, the clothing started coming off. A few rounds in and Cory was only in his jeans and underwear while Derek had only lost his socks, and Nic was still only missing his shirt.

“Nooooo not again,” Cory groaned as he lost his 4th match in a row. “Guys, come on. You don’t want to see me in my underwear, do you?”

“Drop ’em bud,” Derek ordered, arms crossed over his chest. Nic looked at him expectedly.

With a dramatic sigh, Cory undid the fly on his jeans. Shoving them down to his ankles, he stood in front of his best friends, arms stretched out in classic, sarcastic “ta-da!” fashion.

“Happy? Weird-ooohhhshit!” Cory tripped over the jeans bunched up at his ankles, toppling unceremoniously to the floor. He angrily kicked off his jeans from around his feet as Nic and Derek laughed from the couch.

“You doing okay there, Cor?” Nic asked.

“Just shut up and play,” Cory grumbled.

Luck was still not with Cory as he proceeded to lose yet another match, this time to Nic. Derek removed his shirt and looked at Cory for his turn.

“But I’ll be naked,” he protested.

“Yeah. That’s what the ‘strip’ stands for. Lose ’em!” Derek ordered.

Cory stood still for a moment, clearly considering whether to grab his jeans and make a run for it. Then he remembered he was currently only in a pair of white briefs, stuck in the middle of the forest. Eventually and reluctantly, Cory quickly shucked off his underwear, dropping to sit on the floor and cover his cock and balls with his hands.

“There. You win. Can I put my clothes back on now?” he asked.

Derek smiled and took another swig of beer. “Who said we were done?”

“But I don’t have anything else to take off,” Cory reasoned.

“Guess me and Derek will have to think of something for you to do when you lose again,” Nic chimed in, finally catching on to the plan.

“Like what?”

“I dunno. What about some of the things those leather daddies you like watching so much have their boys do?” Derek deadpanned, looking Cory right in the face.

Cory was sure he didn’t hear that correctly. “Wha-What are you talking about, dude?” Fuck. How did they find out? They didn’t find out. Did they? Fuck.

“That was your laptop you left at my place, right? The one with all the videos of guys in bondage and leather, the one with all the stories about boys like you being tied up and spanked? Pretty kinky stuff, man,” Derek continued.

“I…”

“Cory.” Nic put his hand on Cory’s shoulder. “He’s just fucking with you. It’s okay, man. We don’t care, really.”

“Kinda the opposite. We actually think this could be a great thing. For all of us.” Derek put his hand on the opposite shoulder.

“What… What are you guys talking about?” Between the alcohol and having his best friends reveal one of his deepest secrets, Cory’s head was spinning. “How did you even…”

“Reopened a few too many browser windows when we were working on that history project. Sorry about that,” Derek explained. “But as I was saying, there’s nothing to worry about. You’re still our friend, our brother. If anything, this opens up new stuff for us.”

“What do you mean ‘new stuff’?” Cory, red faced and on the floor, still didn’t understand what was going on.

“I think you know exactly what we mean, Cory. Nic and I have been talking about it since that night. Let’s just say what this is: you’re not just gay; you like the idea of a guy telling you what to do, throwing you around, right?” Derek and Nic were circling their prey, and Derek was going in for the kill.

“I-I don’t know… I’ve ever done anything with a-anyone. It started with looking at porn, then I read a few stories…” Cory was unable to meet either of their gazes, trying to burn a hole in the cabin’s rug with his mind. “I don’t know what I like.”

“Then why don’t you let us help you figure it out?” Nic offered.

“W-What the hell are you talking about?” Cory’s head shot up.

“Well… you’re gay, and as far as you know, you like being ordered around to do sexual stuff to other guys.” Now it was Derek’s turn. “Last time I checked, Nic here and I both really liked blowjobs, and it’s not like we’d get to try any of this stuff with our girlfriends. You get to lose your virginity and get in some practice before college, and we get our dicks sucked. Everybody wins.”

“Isn’t that kinda … gay though?” Cory reasoned.

“If you think either of us are gonna return the favor, you’ve had more beer than I realized,” Nic answered, stone faced.

“But I think we all know that’s how you want it,” Derek added. “So what’s it gonna be, Cory? You in?”

Cory sat in silence on the floor, contemplating his situation. He was feeling about a million things at once. The alcohol was making his head fuzzy, and he was starting to sweat. He was scared that his secret was out, but at the same time, he was relieved to not have to hide it from his best friends anymore. He was angry at them for having gone through his computer but also at himself for stupidly lending out his laptop without thinking to clear his history first. But even more than any of those things, he was horny.

Neither of them could tell, but half the reason he was still hiding his cock with his hands was because his erection had been steadily growing since he first got naked. How many times had he imagined something like this happening? Maybe not with his best friends (that he would admit to), but Cory had jerked off while imagining this exact scenario countless times. A strong, hot, guy dominating him and taking what he wanted. And now he had not just one, but two guys willing to do that. Maybe it was the beer talking, maybe he would regret it later, but right then, Cory could only say one thing.

“Okay. Yes. I’ll do it.”

“Yes, sir,” Derek’s correction surprised him for a moment.

“Yes, sir,” Cory tried again.

“Good boy.” Derek smiled as he turned to Nic. “So who gets the first blowjob?”

“Rock, paper, scissors?” Nic suggested.

“Let’s go.”

Cory couldn’t believe his two friends were deciding which dick he would suck first with rock-paper-scissors like he wasn’t sitting on the floor naked in front of them… Actually, it seemed exactly like something they’d do.

His cock was hard as a rock.

“Ha! I win!” Derek exclaimed gleefully. He spread his legs wide on the couch and patted the space between his thighs, smirking cockily. “Why don’t you get comfortable down there, boy?”

Hesitating for a moment, Cory walked on his knees toward Derek, hands still attempting to conceal his very obvious erection. Once he was seated, he looked up for instruction. Even with all the porn he’d watched, he had no idea how this was supposed to go.

“Unzip me” was the first order.

Reluctantly revealing his crotch, Cory reached slowly toward Derek’s zipper. He was so nervous his hand was shaking. Any moment now, he was sure they were both gonna jump up and say this whole thing was a prank.

“Well, looks like you were right that he’d be into this, D.” Nic chuckled at Cory’s hard cock.

Cory’s face—and body—burned red with embarrassment at Nic’s joke, and he hesitated while reaching for Derek’s zipper.

“Hey.” Derek was gently holding his wrist, not allowing him to pull it away. “It’s okay, Cor. He’s just messing with you, like always. We know you like this stuff. That’s why we’re doing this.”

With a gentle smile on his face and Cory’s wrist still in his hand, he drew Cory’s hand up his thigh until it rested on the half-hard cock bulging through his jeans. Cory was breathing heavily, eyes glued to the mound under his hand. He gave a tentative squeeze, feeling Derek flex involuntarily. Growing bolder, he gripped it a little more confidently, stroking his hand up and down the length through the fabric as Derek continued to smile down at him.

“Good boy. Now, unzip me,” he repeated his earlier instruction.

With a bit more confidence, Cory released Derek’s cock and moved to his fly. After a little fumbling with the button, he managed to open the fly and get the zipper down. Derek was wearing a pair of green boxer briefs, his cock producing a sizeable bulge in the center. Cory once again grabbed and stroked it through the fabric, seeing a small wet spot form as it leaked precum.

“Now, pull my cock out of my boxers,” Derek continued his instructions.

“Yes, sir.” The words were out of Cory’s mouth without thinking.

Swallowing his nervousness, Cory reached for the waistband of the boxers with one hand and pulled them down. With his free hand, he reached in and grabbed the first cock he’d ever touched aside from his own. It was warm. Like, really warm. And fuck, it was big too. Cory figured he was average sized himself, nothing to be upset about, but holy crap, this was bigger than he was for sure. He tucked the waistband underneath Derek’s big, hairy balls before giving them a grope and squeeze too, causing Derek to inhale sharply.

“Shit, careful. My nuts are sensitive as hell,” he warned. “Ball play always gets me going. Don’t worry, boy. We are gonna teach you exactly what we like.”

Cory could only nod, transfixed by the cock in his hands. Derek was content to let him play with it for now, slowly stroking it up and down. He definitely owed his brother for that beer after this. After enough stroking, another bead of precum gathered on his cockhead, and Derek saw an opportunity to move the training along.

“Now, Cor,” he started, “I want you to put my cock in your mouth. Just the head.” He made sure his tone was gentle. He’d been imagining what it would be like to train Cory to suck his cock all week.

Cory’s mouth had never felt drier, but he was still so fucking horny. Grabbing the cock firmly in his hand, he pointed it toward his face and lowered his mouth, making Derek hiss as the warm mouth enveloped his cock head.

“Good boy.” He rubbed Cory’s head like a pet. “Now, move your tongue around. Get a real feel and a taste of me.” He leaned his head back and enjoyed the sensations of a tongue on his cock. It had been a while since he had gotten a girl to do this.

Cory was having as much fun as Derek. As the first bit of precum hit his tongue, he moaned around the cock in his mouth. The taste was unexpected, but knowing what it was just drove him to want more. He sucked gently as he swirled his tongue around Derek’s head, hearing the words of encouragement coming from above him. Inhaling through his nose, Cory let Derek’s musk fill his senses. Holy fuck, this smells amazing. Why didn’t I do this sooner? He moaned again, feeling Derek’s hands move to his head as he sucked.

“Okay, now try to take more, as much as you can before you start to gag.” This was more instruction than Derek had ever given to any of the girls he’d fucked, but they were also pretty bad at it, so maybe he should start. “Then pull back, and do it again.”

Cory complied as best as he could, managing to take about half of Derek’s cock in before he pulled off, suddenly coughing.

“Heh, gotta go slower than that at first.” Derek petted his head again. “Don’t worry. We’ll get that gag reflex trained right out of you.”

“Starting to feel a little left out over here,” Nic said impatiently from his spot on the couch.

“He’s only got one mouth, Nic,” Derek pointed out.

“Yeah, but he’s got two hands, D,” Nic fired back.

“Dude, fine, whatever. Just quit ruining my blowjob.”

With a gleeful snicker, Nic quickly undid his own pants before scooting down the couch to sit right next to Derek, their thighs touching. Derek sent him another withering look before turning his attention back to Cory.

With one of his hands, Cory fumbled along Derek’s thigh until he found Nic’s. Not one for patience, Nic moved the hand directly to his cock, already pulled out of his underwear. Cory groaned a little as he felt the heat in his hand.

Cory continued to practice swallowing down Derek’s cock while simultaneously attempting to stroke Nic’s. Luckily for him, neither of these boys had all that much experience and seemed pretty happy with the job he was doing so far. He was still gagging on occasion but was now able to take much more dick than when he started. Derek’s hand hadn’t left his hair, never quite pushing him down but letting him feel its presence. Unable to see past the crotch in his face, he could only assume that Nic was alright with what he was doing from the lack of complaints.

“Alright, time to switch. My dick is starting to chaff,” Nic said with perfect timing as always.

“Fiiiiiiine. Just stop whining,” Derek said with a groan. He looked down at Cory, who looked back with a dick in his mouth. “Boy, now move over to him, and keep using your hand on me.”

“Yeththir.” Cory spoke with his mouth still full before releasing Derek’s cock and shuffling over to Nic, looking up at him expectantly. His cock was just as large as Derek’s, maybe even a little longer. And it was uncut.

“Get to it, boy.” Nic nodded toward his dick wearing a cocky smile, leaning back with his hands behind his head.

“Yessir” was Cory’s reply before taking the second cock of the night—and his life—into his mouth.

Now that he knew some of what he was doing, it was easier this time around. He bobbed up and down on the first few inches, wrapping his hand around the part of the shaft that he couldn’t reach without gagging yet. The foreskin was different, and when Cory ran his tongue along it, a burst of precum shot into his mouth. Without needing to be told again, he took his remaining free hand and moved toward Derek’s crotch with some assistance.

Still buzzed from the beer, Cory seemed to almost zone out as he sucked and jerked his friends. If they were talking to him, he wasn’t hearing it. The scents surrounding him only served to intoxicate him further, pushing any other thoughts and the rest of the world away. Nic smelled and tasted different than Derek. With both being athletic teenage boys, there were some similarities, but Nic tasted just a little saltier, or at least not as sweet as Derek. Maybe it’s their diets.

“Wow, he’s really into this,” Derek mused, watching Cory swallow down Nic. “He’s a natural.”

“Ehn, he’s doing alright.” Nic, ever the impatient one, was ready to move things along. “Time to really kick start his training, don’t you think?”

Derek gave a puzzled look as Nic placed one hand on the back of Cory’s head and pushed down. Not expecting the sudden manual guidance, Cory gagged as the cock hit the back of his throat and pulled off coughing. Nic chuckled as he regained his composure.

“Sorry about that. Just trying to help.” Cory shot Nic a glare. “Hey, watch it, boy. Back on your knees.” His tone was almost daring him to say no.

“Yes, sir. Sorry,” Cory apologized and moved back to his spot between Nic’s legs. He didn’t want this to stop either.

“Okay. I want you to try to take as much of my cock as you can and then hold it.” As Nic spoke, he placed his hand back on Cory’s head. “We start with just a few seconds and then have you work up to going longer and longer. We’ll have you swallowing our cocks in no time.”

Cory looked at Nic, annoyed, cock still lodged in his mouth.

“Let’s go, boy.” With a push, his head was lowered further. Cory went as far as he could go before stopping, feeling the head of Nic’s cock tickling the back of his throat.

“Alright Cor, I’ve trained tons of girls to deep throat my cock. I gotchu,” Nic lied a little. It was maybe two, but that was still more experience than Cory had. “Breathe through your nose and try to keep your throat relaxed.”

Easy for you to say. That was Cory’s final thought before having his throat stretched around a dick for the first time. It started out so fine, Cory almost hadn’t realized anything had happened. He felt the cock in his throat alright; it was just more pressure really.

Then he tried to swallow.

 “I told you not to swallow.” As Cory coughed and hacked his lungs up on the floor, Nic could only look down on him and sigh.

“No you didn’t!” Cory choked out between coughs.

“Oh. Well, I meant to. Don’t swallow. You’re not at that skill level yet.” Nic spoke as though this was very obvious information that Cory should have known.

With another glare, Cory resumed his position in front of Nic. Nic was very tempted to point out he did so without being asked, but he bit his tongue. Instead, he put his hand back on Cory’s head and guided him back to the now spit-slick cock.

Cory fared better this time around. Soon, he was able to take just over half of Nic’s dick without gagging. He learned to time his breathing, zoning out as he methodically bobbed up and down, the smells and tastes once again clouding his senses.

“Fuck, see? He is a natural,” Derek said from his spot on the couch, transfixed by the scene next to him.

“Oh yeah, you definitely pegged him for this,” Nic agreed with a sigh. Cory seemed to not hear any of them, content to continue swallowing down more dick.

The longer Cory sucked, the more attuned to the tastes of his friend he became. Nic was steadily leaking precum directly onto his tongue every time his dick passed over it, and the thought was causing Cory to subconsciously salivate even more, some escaping around his lips and down Nic’s cock as he would pull back. Cory either didn’t notice or didn’t care, content to continue doing this all night…

Which is why the second hand on his head, suddenly forcing him all the way down was more than a little surprising. As was the way Nic’s cock seemed to grow thicker for a moment before it began shooting his load directly into Cory’s throat. After only two spurts, Cory pulled back, once again violently hacking and coughing onto the floor. A single shot landed on Cory’s face as he fell on his ass, Nic’s remaining load spilling out onto his thigh.

Cory again glared up at Nic, who was cracking up on the couch at his reaction, dick still in hand. Derek attempted to maintain his composure but was unable to stop a few snorts escaping over Cory’s predicament.

“Sorry, Cor! Shoulda warned you I was about to shoot, but I didn’t want you chickening out and pulling back!” Nic explained through laughs. “A good cocksucker is supposed to swallow, especially the loads of hot straight studs like me.” He flashed his teeth in a cocky smile.

Cory continued to glare, looking for his discarded shirt to wipe his face. He coughed a few more times, each time tasting a little more of Nic’s load as it exited his airway, swallowing it back down without thinking about it. Now that he wasn’t choking to death, he didn’t mind the taste. But Nic didn’t have to be such a dick about it.

“Come here, boy.” Derek patted his thigh. “I’ll treat you better than that dumb asshole.” He wiggled his hard cock with his other hand.

With one final glare, Cory moved back over to Derek. He liked him better, he decided. And to prove that, he lowered his mouth to Derek’s cock without being told and began repeating the skills he had just finished practicing on Nic.

Derek was thicker than Nic, so finding the right rhythm took a second. Cory could feel his throat being stretched even farther than before as he made a few experimental test bobs. Once he had it set though, he felt confident in his skills.

Partly because he wanted to show Derek thanks for his relative kindness, largely because he wanted to stick it to Nic, and entirely because of the alcohol, Cory decided to try a few things. Just with his hands, for now. He started by gently running them up and down Derek’s thighs. Then he brushed one hand against his balls in time with the bobbing of his head, eliciting a gentle sigh from Derek’s mouth. He gripped onto the warm sack a little more firmly and allowed his remaining free hand to roam higher, against Derek’s stomach and chest.

“Shit, I didn’t get that kind of treatment,” Nic whined.

“Well I’m not a dick,” Derek replied without ever looking up. Cory’s eyes were closed, either in concentration or because he had once again zoned out, but either way, he looked almost peaceful. Happy, even. Derek could feel his own load building up, nearly ready to rise to the surface.

Not wanting to repeat Nic’s behavior, Derek spoke up as he got closer. “I’m getting close, Cor. I want you to swallow my load, okay?” Cory opened his eyes and looked up as he continued to suck. “I’m gonna pull back so most of it lands in your mouth, but you’re gonna need to swallow fast—I cum a lot.”

Cory nodded as he continued to suck, now determined to see this through to the finish. He could feel the weighty sack in his hand as it started to tighten and draw up. Cory could easily believe that Derek shot massive loads, and he was about to find out first-hand—no, first-mouth.

“Fuuuuck boy, here it comes.” Derek gripped his cock as it slid most of the way out of Cory’s mouth, whose lips were still clamped tightly around his head. Grabbing his cock, he jerked himself steadily, unloading directly into Cory’s mouth.

Cory felt the first few spurts land on his tongue, his mouth immediately filled with the salty and musty taste of cum for the second time that evening. It wasn’t as salty as Nic’s, maybe even a little sweeter if he could call it that. He didn’t exactly have a lot to compare to. He did have a mouth that was filling up quickly though, so he swallowed down what he could as Derek continued to squeeze out every last drop with his hand.

“Suck out anything left and then swallow, Cor,” Derek ordered, taking a deep breath and letting his hand fall to his side

“Yes, sir.” Cory did as he was asked, and after emptying his mouth, looked up at his friends. “Thank you, sir?” That last part came out like a question.

“Fast learner,” Nic announced.

“Told you. A natural. Practically born for this,” Derek said, looking down at Cory with a hungry gaze. Cory looked back, a little afraid and very turned on. “And the weekend is just getting started.”

Pin-up Art for May 2024

Here we've got David, just after he's lost the Ritual of Steel & Thunder and about to have his clothes ripped off, and then he and Khazak together in the shower just after the orc has claimed him. 😈

Art by Oxford Craik!

Ours Cover Reveal, Preorders, & Patreon Changes

Hello everyone! It’s been a busy spring, and we’ve got a lot of news to cover this month, so let’s get right into it!

First up, I would like to officially announce my next novel: Ours. Ours was actually the very first full story I ever wrote - some of you may have even been introduced to me through it when I was still posting chapters every other week on AO3. I’ve wanted to have it published for a while now, and It’s been edited and touched up and is finally ready! You can see the cover art above, drawn by my usual artist, Oxford Craik. Here is the full synopsis:

If growing up is hard, becoming an actual adult is even harder, and the transition between the two can, at times, seem like a minefield.

Cory is just an average 18-year-old nerd who plays video games and reads comic books. Well, mostly average. He’s also gay, in the closet, and into some pretty kinky stuff. Sure, his only outlet is the internet and his left hand, but with college right around the corner, he figures his secret is safe… Right?

Except Cory’s two best friends, Derek and Nic, recently found out about that secret. And just like a lot of teenage boys, they decide to think with their groins and take advantage of the situation. With the internet as their guide, they formulate a plan to train Cory into being their personal submissive plaything.

As they learn more about themselves, each other, and the kinky world of BDSM, Cory, Derek, and Nic may also discover that romance can bloom in the most unexpected of places.

You can find the book at all the usual sites and bookstores, or if you go directly through my publisher, you can get 15% off your preorder! While you're there, you could also pick up any of my other books (or any books at all, in fact) and get 10% off your entire order if you use the code DOM10 at checkout!

The other bit of news I have for you all is updates to my Patreon tiers! You may have noticed some of the names have changed, but what this really means is new and extra rewards for my existing subscribers, on top of the new basic tier that I am adding.

So first, the new tier: For just $1, you can subscribe to the “Khazak’s Storytime” tier and get access to the monthly short story and preview chapters that are posted at the start of the month. That also includes access to the full story archives. My stories are the main reason you all are here, and I wanted to give people who wanted to support me and read a little extra content an easy entry point.

Now the changes: In addition to the monthly worldbuilding articles and maps, subscribers of the $2 Terran Explorer tier will now also get access to the monthly short story/preview chapters and archives. If I am going to offer that for $1, there’s no reason not to give it to the next tier up as well.

Now I know that makes it seem like the $3 tier, now known as Brull’s Workshop, isn't getting anything out of this, so I am happy to announce a brand new monthly reward: pinup art! The same type of art you saw me posting during the month of January, though in higher resolution. Subscribers will get two new images a month!

The $4 “Just Here for the Porn, Sir” tier will continue the function the way it does, giving you access to all my story updates and archives, but no worldbuilding or maps, and now no pinup art either.

The $5 tier, now called Nylan’s Bookshop, will continue to be the all-access tier, meaning short and long story updates & archives, worldbuilding articles & maps, and the now the new monthly pinup art. And the $10 “Dom’s Lil Jockstrap” tier will do the same, on top of being added to my beta reader list.

I know some of you may actually choose to downgrade your pledge, and by all means, if that suits you better you should! That’s why I'm making these changes! I do hope you'll continue to stick with me though, one way or another, as I continue to write the sweet and kinky love stories you have come to know me for.

Until next time, Happy reading!

This Month on Patreon

Here’s what’s coming in May on Patreon:

• 5/13: The first preview chapter of Ours! We join our main characters, Cory, Derek, and Nic, in the middle a night filled with fun and debauchary in a cabin in the woods. 

• 5/20: Brull's Workshop: Brull makes a lotta toys, magical and otherwise - who wants to learn more?

• 5/27: The first chapter of Masterslave - A man who has always considered himself a Dom learns he might not be all that dominant after he meets a Dom of his own
  

Short Story for Spring/Summer 2024

Sorry to say but I've only got two choices for ya for now, but I'd love to hear what you'd like to read in the comments!

Worldbuilding Articles for May-July 2024

Time to vote on my next few worldbuilding articles!

Always looking for ideas and suggestions for more of these, so leave me some in the comments!

Longer Story for 2024

And now for the longer story that will replace Caged Among the Stars in the update schedule. These are just working titles.

Caged Among the Stars, Chapter 13

“Alright, I need to head out or I’ll be late.”

“Wait, where are you going?”

It’s been about four months since Kaylin’s day before the tribunal. Since the two of us were thrown together. And even in the aftermath of all of that, I have to say it’s been pretty great.

Kaylin and I have shared a room since the night of Malprin’s attack. He tried to go back to his own, a few times, but just never quite felt comfortable being in that room again. Though he wouldn't admit it, I think part of him was worried about something happening again. He’s been talking to a therapist about it.

To be clear, it wasn't like I asked him to move in - it just sort of happened. He started spending the night with me and then never stopped. After a month of doing that in my old single room, we made it official and put in a request for a larger, shared room. Seeing as Len approved me to act as Kaylin’s dominant in his absence, there were no arguments against it.

So yeah, I guess you could say things are getting more serious between us. I haven’t put a collar on him yet or anything, but... I might have looked at a few online. Just to get an idea of what’s out there.

“Did you forget that I’ve got the CSS meeting tonight?” Kaylin asks, waiting by the door.

“I thought that was tomorrow.” I really gotta check my calendar more often.

“You need to check your calendar more.” He shakes his head at me.

“C’mon, it was a long day,” I complain, stepping over and putting my hands on his waist. “I had a field test that was brutal.”

“I know, because I took the same field test.” He gives me an unimpressed look. “And I’m doing just fine.”

“That’s why you're the top of our class.” I give him a peck on the lips. 

“Only for another month.” I swear he’s gotten worse at accepting compliments.

He’s referring to our upcoming graduation, which gets closer every day. aAylin is of course blowing everyone else out of the water, and has already been asked to make a speech during the ceremony. I’m not sure he’s really looking forward to it, but knowing him, he’ll rise to the occasion.

There’s been more attention on Kaylin since his “coming out,” which has also meant more attention on me because of our relationship. I’d like to think we’ve been handling it pretty well. There were lots of whispers and stares at first, especially right after Malprin’s attack and expulsion, but I only got into one other fistfight after hearing some talk shit about him.

Malprin was officially expelled the day after our meeting with the disciplinary board. Len wouldn’t give us all the details, but I know the dickbag’s family at least tried to put up a fight at first. I was really getting worried that me and Kaylin might have to deal with another courtroom scene.

But then some rumors started to fly around the academy about what exactly he had done to get expelled, and it turns out most people aren’t fans of attempted rapists. Though they were never confirmed or commented on publically, Ithe Malprins had to shift their strategy to save their family name as much as they could. Haven’t heard their name in months.

Eventually all the whispering died down and we were able to return to some semblance of normalcy for the rest of the semester. Even the teachers went back to normal, some seeming to forget that Kaylin was a sub entirely. Not that he went back to hiding or anything.

“You’re anxious about our ship placements, aren't you?” I circle back to his current mood. He’s been stressing out about them since we turned in the paperwork.

“...What if they don’t put us on the same ship?” he all but admits that is indeed the problem.

“Why, you gonna miss me if they don’t, Zekram?” I joke.

“I’m being serious,” he says, just a little too whiney for me to take seriously.

“They literally have no reason not to,” I try to assuage his fears anyway. “We work well together, we’re an established couple, and we even submitted a letter from your brother requesting it.”

“I wish I could be as sure as you are.” He sighs. “I dont think I’m going to stop worrying about it until we actually get our placements.”

“Next week,” I remind him.

With graduation right around the corner, it's time for the existing class to become full fledged members of the GU. Normal students will start out as crewmen, working their way up to their way up through the ranks with everyone else. Those of us in the officers program though - those of us who actually complete it, that is - will start out as junior officers. Ensigns. And with Kaylin’s grades, he stands a shot at landing a really great spot somewhere, and he’ll be taking me along with him.

Of course, that could also mean I’m going to end up dragging him down to a worse placement, which is why I’ve been trying to really step up my game academically. The first time I turned down a game of Reqball with Tuck to study, he looked like a Ramfort had just bitten my head off. But I can’t help it, I want the best for my boy!

Because of our unique biology and need to interact with the opposite dynamic, it’s standard to place Cabrian pairs on ships together. It only applies to legally recognized relationships though. There are even instances of a crewman’s spouse being admitted on board as a civilian. And given the attention Kaylin has received, I can’t imagine they’d try and split us up. Wouldn’t look good after everything else he’s been through.

We’re not even the only species with special placements needs. Partnered Nublats have to share certain biological proteins at least once a day via osmosis, and male and female Greshas can go into aggressive rages if kept away from their mate’s pheromones for too long. And there have to be at least three Meerks if you’re going to have any on board, something about psychic dream sharing and energy.

So, no, I’m really not worried about me and Kaylin not getting placed on a ship together. I’m more worried about us getting on a ship with a bad captain or old engines or some other problems. You know, places they usually send the less achieving recruits or the ones they want to keep out of the spotlight.

“Maybe something to talk about at your meeting tonight?” I suggest to Kaylin, because maybe talking to some other submissives will help.

“Yeah, let me stress out and depress half a dozen other cadets before their own graduations,” he complains instead.

“I mean, it's something they’d need to think about, isn’t it?” I point out, trying to be helpful.

“I know.” He sighs. “But it’s not like I’m some kind of expert. Half of them have this stuff more figured out than I do. Sometimes I wonder why I even go”

“Because you’re the one who started it, boy,” I remind him with some side eye.

“Well maybe someone should have told me what a stressful thing to do it would be and then ordered me not to, sir,” he fires back, though I know he’s far from serious.

“You love it and you know it.” I roll my eyes.

“...I hope they keep it going after I graduate,” he admits.

“I’m sure they will,” I respond. “But you could always just tell them that a dom ordered them to, too.”

He does love it. After being approached by several different submissive Cabiran recruits in that first month, Kaylin started a small support group, Cabrian Submissive Support, or CSS, for other submissive cadets to get together and talk about the things they are dealing with at the academy. Even though he won't admit it, I know it's an accomplishment Kaylin is very proud of, and I’m proud of him for doing it.

“Alright, I really gotta get going,” he tells me as he breaks our embrace and starts looking for his shoes.

“Not so fast: cage check!” I quickly order.

He’s only caught off guard for a moment and quickly straightens his posture. Turning to face me, he unzips the front of his pants, opening it wide and putting his caged cock on display for my approval. And I do approve.

I got him the chastity cage a few months ago, though it was only recently that he’s been wearing it long term. What better way to take Kaylin’s cum denial kink to the next level? Now he doesn't just beg me to cum, he has to beg me to let his cock out at all. His current record for wearing it without taking it off is a full week!

The cage checks are new too. I've taken a lot of pleasure in calling for them when we’re out in public together, forcing Kaylin to find a nice quiet area to prove to me that he’s still caged. Not that he could take it off without me knowing. He loves grumbling about it, but I see his  cock straining to be let out every time.

“Hmmm, might be time to go down a size,” I threaten after stepping forward and taking his package in my hand.

“You say that every time.” He rolls his eyes, but thrusts his groin into my grasp.

“I mean it every time.” I give his very full balls, now swollen a deep purple from their lack of release, a good squeeze.

“Mmmf.” He bites his lip, stifling a small smile of pleasure. “Was there anything else, sir, or can I leave for my meeting?”

“Just one more thing.” I put my hand on his chest and push him back against the wall.

I attack his mouth with my own, taking him by the wrists and slamming them against the wall above his head. While I plunder his mouth with my tongue, I press my body against his groin, making sure to trap his caged cock between us. He whines, struggling in my hold even though we both know he could break it if he wanted to.

I hold him in place while we kiss, my mouth moving to his neck and ears. He turns his head to the side without protest, giving me a nice canvas to work with all while continuing to press himself against me as much as he can. I grab him by the hip, sliding my hand to give his ass a good squeeze.

Then as quickly as it started, I release him and step back. I look over my handiwork, Kaylin’s flushed face, the way he seems out of breath, his cock clearly straining the cage between his legs. A masterpiece.

“Anything... else, sir?” He says, still panting.

“Nope.” I shake my head and smile. “You’re free to go.”

“Thank you, sir.” Kalyin starts to tuck himself away and get on his shoes before letting out a frustrated growl. “Dammit, now I have to go to the meeting all horny. I’m gonna have a wet spot!”

“I mean that seems like your own fault for going commando.” I point  out his lack of underwear.

“Because someone won’t let me wear underwear while I’m in this cage,” he complains, glaring at me.

“Huh, whoever that is sounds like a real jerk.” I grin and step forward, giving him a quick peck on the lips. “Have a good meeting.”

“I will, sir.” He sighs and gives me a reluctant smile. We’ve been easing Kaylin into more public stuff, which judging by the way his dick wants to be let out has been working.

“Don’t forget we’ve got lunch plans with Tuck and that new girl he's been seeing,” I remind him as he heads for the door. “Luri or something.”

“I know. She’s actually been coming to our meetings,” he informs me. “Can’t wait to tell her all about Tuck.”

“Oof. Go easy on him.” I want my bro to still have a shot.

“I won’t say anything you wouldn’t want me to,” he promises, blowing me a kiss and stepping outside, the door sliding shut behind him.

With a happy sigh, I fall back onto my bed. Our bed. Life is good. And hopefully it continues to be good.

I don’t know what the future holds, that Kaylin and I will get on a good ship, that we’ll end up in the positions we want. If we’ll even stay together. But right now, I feel like one lucky dom, and I hope Kaylin feels like my lucky sub.

Map of St. Kizis, Litkalaa

Another map from The Crown and the Collar for you this week! We only get to see the city for a little bit on the first book, but you can spot a few of the locations our boys visit on here. You can bet there will be more adventures in the city as the series continues!

Nylan & Ragnar, Chapter 5

Hi everyone. So, I know I said before that I only had those two stories for you but well... Something big just happened. Something so big I have to tell you about it right now!

It started this morning. Well, it started a few days ago (apparently), but I only found out about it this morning. And I wasn’t happy (at first).

“What do you mean you’re going fishing with Arik?” I complained over breakfast. “We’re supposed to go see that play later today!”

“I know, I know,” Ragnar replied guiltily over his own bowl. “I completely forgot that I promised him last week that we’d go out today.”

“So tell him you can't go!” I protested. “I asked your dad for a half-shift at work today and everything!”

“I’m sorry boy, but I can't cancel on him now,” he replied, though he didn’t seem all that sorry.

“But it’s fine to cancel on me instead?” My emotions were starting to bleed into my voice. “This is fucking elk-scat.”

“Enough boy,” Ragnar said in his “we’re done talking about this” voice. “The play is playing for another two weeks. I can take you tomorrow.”

I didn’t respond to that, just sat there pouting over my oatmeal. Ragnar was technically right, we wouldn’t miss out on seeing the play, but that’s not what I was upset about. I was upset because we had plans!

I was still silently stewing when I walked into work about half an hour later. And I must have been doing a terrible job of hiding it, because Lenas gave me a look after he saw me walk in.

“Is everything alright?” my fellow elf asked, concerned.

“No. Your son is a jerk,” I censored my language, feeling uncomfortable cursing out the man's own offspring.

“What did Ragnar do now?” He sounded like a weary parent.

“He blew me off,” I complained. “We were supposed to go see the new play at the arena after work today, but then this morning he suddenly remembered he had plans to go fishing with Arik. But instead of canceling that, he canceled our date.”

“Ah, yes...” Lenas reacted a little oddly. Like he knew something. “He might have mentioned something about that to me yesterday.”

“Yesterday?” My annoyance quickly turned to suspicion. “So he didn’t forget about it until this morning?”

“Uh, I mean...” I could tell Len realized he had just said something he shouldn't have.

“I’m gonna kill that man,” I immediately declared. “Sorry, but I’m gonna need the rest of the morning off.”

“Ah, Nylan, maybe you...” He started to try and stop me but I was already on my way out the door. “Oh dear...”

I fumed all the way to the northern gate house, which is the one closest to the rivers and lakes Ragnar usually fished in. I’d need a badge so I could venture outside the city without setting off any of the ranger’s alarms while I caught up with them. While collecting my badge, I could ask the guards for a more precise location, not wanting to wander from pond to pond trying to find them.

“I need to find the captain,” I started, speaking through clenched teeth. “He left to go fishing about an hour, right?” I asked one of the guards, who hesitantly nodded yes. “Where?”

“Uhhh...” The first guard shared a look with the second, both clearly reluctant to rat out their captain. I’ve never been a quiet or demure avakesh, but the

 other rangers still weren’t used to seeing me like this.“I’m going to find him one way or another,” I told them, with a slight glare, before softening my expression and tone. “But if he asks, I promise not to tell him who told me.”

“Lake Ulgan,” guard #2 told me as he handed me my badge.

“Thank you,” I accepted politely. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some yelling to do.”

Lake Ulgan is one of the more frequented local fishing spots, a nice sized lake just along the northeastern border of V’rok’sh Tah’lj’s territory. It’s not too difficult to find either; you just head north until you reach Trou-gah Creek, and then follow that east to the lake. I hadn’t been there a whole lot, but enough that I wouldn’t get lost.

The walk through the forest and along the creek did nothing to calm my anger. Kind of the opposite actually: the longer I walked, the more upset I got. I just kept pictureing Ragnar with Arik, laughing and relaxing around the lake while I sat at home sad and alone. Ragnar probably wouldn’t be happy that I was coming there intent on ruining things, but I didn’t care. Let him spank me or ground me.

I spotted the lake maybe twenty minutes after I left the city, the trees on either side of the creek giving way to its calm blue-green waters. It’s honestly a beautiful site. I came out once when I was younger with my mother and father, though not much since. It doesn't take me long to spot Arik on the shore looking out over the water, though instead of Ragnar, it’s Glasha I see at his side.

“Where is he?” I was surprised when Glasha and Arik both jumped. With those big and almost prehensile ears, it’s not usually easy to sneak up on an orc without intentionally trying. Something had them occupied.

“Nylan?” Arik was shocked to see me. “What the hell are you doing here?”

“Looking for your lying jerk of a captain.” I crossed my arms as I tried looking around for him. “So where is he?”

“You shouldn't be here,” Glasha said next, sounding worried. “Come on, we need to get you--”

A sudden splash had all three of us turn towards the lake, where who else but Ragnar surfaced. Which seemed like a weird way to fish. In fact, I didn’t see any rods or nets or fishing equipment anywhere. All I saw was a set of discarded armor - which must have been Ragnar’s, since Glasha and Arik were wearing theirs. What exactly was going on here?

“Alright, I think the bomb your sister made should-- Ny?” Ragnar did a double take as he headed to the shore. “What are you doing here?”

“I should ask you the same thing.” I looked between him and the other two rangers. “Not sure why you’d go fishing without any gear.”

A rumble in water behind Ragnar, followed by a rush of bubbles had him turning around. “Arik, get him out of here, now.”

“What? What are you--”

“Come on, troublemaker.” Arik scooped me up bridal-style, despite my protests.

“What’s going on?!” I asked when I noticed that the two of us, Ragnar, and Glasha were all running in the opposite directions.

Suddenly, a huge beast shot out of the water, landing with a large and loud splash. Water rushed up the shoreline as it swam towards land, eyes locked on Ragnar.

“Utanigator!” I screamed in fear.

If you’re unfamiliar, an utanigator is a relative of the alligator, a really, really big relative. They can grow up to thirty feet in length, and a third of that is just their jaws! On top of all that, their scales are as hard as steel and a tail strong enough to crack a boulder. They normally live further south, though I guess it’s not unheard of for them to move further north as close as we are to the east coast.

This one only seemed to be maybe around twenty feet long, which really wasn't making me feel better. Neither was the way my scream managed to draw the beast's attention, and it turned from Ragnar to me and Arik and started to charge, far faster than you’d think its stubby legs could move. Still looking over Arik’s shoulder, I started patting him on the back, encouraging him to run faster as it gained on us.

“No you don’t!” And that was Ragnar, shouting as he pulled back the string of his bow and fired the first of several arrows at the creature.

Most of them just bounced off of its scales like pebbles, but one managed to land right in its left eye. The gator roared, writing in pain as it circled around towards the direction of its attacker - Ragnar. Meanwhile, Glasha stood further back, her bow in her hands but for some reason making no attempt to attack. No longer interested in us as its snack, it started tumbling towards him.

“No!” I cried out, not liking that turn of events any more than the previous.

When we finally slowed down a moment later, instead of setting me down like I expected, Arik actually lifted me higher, against a tree.

“Climb up,” he told me. “As high as you safely can - and stay there.”

“What!?” I asked, not believing him even as I did as I was told. “What about you!? What about Ragnar and Glasha!?”

“I am going to see if the captain needs any help,” he said as he adjusted his armor and pulled the axe from his back. “You are going to wait here until we’re finished.”

“Finished?!” I screeched as he walked away. “But what if it finishes by eating everyone?!”

“Then I guess it’s having half-elf for dessert!” he joked grimly, already focused on the monster.

I watched, filled with worry as the beast and Ragnar seemed locked in a staring contest. As Arik approached from behind, Ragnar held up his hand to signal for him to stop - why wasn’t he letting Arik and Glasha help him!? At that simple gesture, the utanigator opened its maw and let out a low hiss, right before it rushed at him. 

Ragnar let loose several more arrows at its face, dodging to the side at the last minute as the gator continued past him, forcing it to stop and turn around again. He repeated that strategy again, and then again, but after the third time the gator stopped falling for the trick. So with that no longer an option, he tossed his bow to the side and pulled out his sword.

What is he doing? I was terrified, more for him than myself. The utanigator opened its mouth, letting out a loud, rumbling bellow, before it dashed towards Ragnar. Eager to meet it in the middle, Ragnar ran right for it, his figure disappearing behind the utanigator as it lifted its jaw. 

As the gator slammed its mouth shut, time seemed to slow down. This is it. Ragnar is going to be eaten by this monster, and the last thing you did was yell at him. You deserve to be this things next me--

The blade of a sword emerged from the top of the gator's upper jaw, slick and red with blood - Ragnar’s sword. As the mouth continued to slide shut, the beast stopped moving entirely. He did it! Ragnar saved us! ...Why can’t I see him?

I dropped from the tree as fast as I could and ran over, though Glasha and Arik both beat me to the creature's head. A still alive and exhausted Ragnar sits half on the ground and half in the things mouth, holding it up with the grip he has on his sword.

“Thanks,” he told the other orcs as they carefully grabbed hold of the creature's snout and lifted it for Ragnar to pull himself out of.

“You’re hurt!” I note the bleeding scratches Ragnar had on his arms and legs from the thing’s teeth.

“I’ll be fine,” he tried to assure me as he gingerly stood.

“You’ll be fine?!” I started yelling, angry again but for an entirely different reason now. “What were you thinking fighting that thing!? You said you were just fishing! You could have been killed!”

“Slow down, Ny,” he said with a grin as he pulled his sword out of the monster before Glasha let its jaw fall closed.

“We came out here specifically to kill this thing,” Glasha explained. “It’s dangerous having a monster like this so close to the city, especially in a place where people regularly visit with their families?”

“So why weren’t you helping to kill it?” I pointed to Glasha and Arik before turning to Ragnar. “And why did you lie instead of just telling me you had to work?” I would have understood something like this.

“Well, I was supposed to be off today,” Ragnar started. “But when someone came in a few days ago and reported seeing the utangator, I volunteered to take care of it.”

“That doesn’t explain why you told me you were fishing,” I crossed my arms.

“Well, you weren't supposed to find out about it yet,” was his answer. “But since you're already here...”

“What?” I’m confused as he turns back to the creature.

Sword in hand, he jams one of it into its lower jaw, using the blade to pry out one of the creature's sharp teeth. Then after wiping the gore off with his still-wet shirt, he tossed the weapon to the side and kneeled at my feet. As he took my hand in his, everything clicked together.

“Nylan, for the last twenty years, you have made me unbelievably happy.” He started, and I could already feel tears welling up in my eyes. “We've been together through so much, first as friends, and then as more and we've always supported each other, and I can still feel us growing closer every day. I was so happy when you became my boyfriend, and then my avakesh. I would be even more honored if you would also become my husband.”

“I... yes. Spirits, Ragnar, of course, yes,” I answered, already crying as I took his face in both my hands and kissed him. “But I am not touching that thing until you’ve washed it at least three times.”

Like every other part of the world, V’rok’sh Tah’lj has its own traditions when it comes to marriage. Historically, someone would prove to their lover that they would make a good spouse by presenting them with a trophy from a hunt - claws, fangs, or hide. The larger and more dangerous the beast, the more capable a provider the person was. But that was a long time ago - most people just buy them these days instead of stupidly risking their lives!

“Shit, you’re still bleeding,” I said after seeing the deep scratches on his arm.

“We’ve got some bandages, I’ll be fine,” he tried to wave off as Arik pulled out a first-aid kit.

“We should still get you back to town so these can be better taken care of,” Glasha said as Arik applied some ointment. “Then we can get a cleanup crew up here to take care of the corpse.”

“Bet you could make some good armor from that hide!” Arik suggests.

“You still haven’t answered why you weren’t helping him,” I pointed out as he wrapped Ragnar’s wounds.

“Believe me, we wanted to,” Glasha defended dryly. “But our captain ordered us to stand down.”

“What?” I immediately glared at Ragnar, who at least had the decency to look sheepish.

“Someone had to make sure they got the kill.” Arik stared directly at that someone as he worked. “We weren’t to jump in unless things got really bad.”

“Are you an idiot?!” I slapped Rangar on the shoulder. “‘Got really bad.’ All it would have taken was one bite from that thing and you’d be gone!”

“It wouldn't count if I had help!” Ragnar shared his incredibly stupid logic. “Besides, I wasn’t worried. I knew I could do it. For you.”

“You should have seen how excited he was when he told us his plan,” Glasha explained “And then how Arik and I both told him he was crazy.”

“But  you still just let him?” That’s two against one!

“As I said, we were ordered not to.” Glasha was clearly still unhappy about that. I knew I liked Glasha.

“I figured he'd have it handled.” Arik packed away the first aid items. “Now let's get back.” 

Thankfully Ragnar was able to walk back unassisted, beaming a proud smile the entire way. He was so proud of himself it actually made it hard to stay angry at him for being so reckless. I also couldn't help but be excited myself - we just got engaged!

Instead of a healer, Ragnar insisted that he was fine enough to go to his parents house. His father had access to some low level healing magic which would do the trick. So somewhat reluctantly, Glasha and Arik left us to get to the station to finish handling the gator cleanup while we returned to his father’s bookstore - his parents home was right above it.

“Hello, welc-- Ragnar!” Lenas’s head went up when he heard the door’s bell, and then rushed from around the counter when he saw the state of his son. “What happened to you? You said this wasn’t going to be dangerous!”

“You knew about the hunt then?” That was why he acted strangely earlier that morning.

“Yes, he told me and his mother about it yesterday.” Lenas sighed as he started to heal Ragnar's wounds. “And he assured us this wouldn’t be unsafe. What did all of this?”

“An utanigator,” I answered before my orc had a chance to downplay anything.

“A what?!” Lenas gave his son’s left ear a sharp tug, making him wince. “What in spirits name were you thinking?!?”

“What is all the yelling about?” Vixra, Ragnar’s mother asked as she came downstairs from their home. She worked in construction, often with fairly late shifts.

“Your son nearly got himself killed is what!” Lenas answered his wife.  “Did you know the creature he was hunting was an utanigator?”

“I did not.” Vixra looked at her son, surprised and then thoughtful for a moment, before smiling and taking him by the shoulder. “Great work, son, I’m so proud.”

“Thanks, Vima.” Ragnar’s anxiety softens at his mother’s praise and the two hug.

“Don’t encourage him!” Lenas argued. “He could have been killed!”

“How big was it?” Vixra asked Ragnar.

“About twenty feet,” he responded, a little proud.

“Twenty feet?!” I thought Lenas might have a heart attack then and there.

“Oh come on, Len.” Vixra turned and wrapped her large arms around her husband. “Don’t you remember us at that age?”

“We were never that reckless,” he argued.

“I doubt that.” She laughed. “We were even younger than he was when I proposed.”

“It's not the same thing.” Lenas struggled to stay stern as his wife cuddled him.

“Like you aren’t still wearing the bracelet with that bear claw around your wrist.” She stroked her hand over the item in question, making the man blush. “Now stop being so sour - our son is not just alive, but engaged! We need to celebrate!”

And celebrate we did later that day with a nice big meal, all of our friends invited. Afterwards, I watched Ragnar wash the tooth a few times before I finally accepted it. He’s taking it tomorrow to have it made into a necklace! I’ve already wrote a letter to my dad sharing the good news, and after that is when I started writing this. So, if you’ll excuse me - I need to go have sex with my fiance!

Service Duty Cover Reveal & Preorders

Hello readers! I can’t believe we’re already three months into the year, but hey, that means spring is finally here and my floridian ass can finally get back in the pool. Afterall, most of Steel & Thunder was written out there.

I know it’s been a while since y'all have gotten a full Steel & Thunder fix, and though most of you have already read it, I might have a temporary fix for that. As you can see from the cover reveal above, preorders for Service Duty are on sale now! The chapters have been edited and updated, so feel free to go back and read now if you want! 

The Crown and the Collar is still doing well, but I could always use more reviews. If you’ve ever enjoyed reading my stuff, it only takes a minute to write a few nice words about it on your website of choice. And don’t forget, the first two chapters of all of my novels are available for free on my website!

Until next time, happy reading!

This Month on Patreon

April on Patreon:

• 4/9: Nylan & Ragnar, Chapter 5: I know I said the last chapter was the finale... but there’s one more story about these two that I’ve been wanting to tell.

• 4/16: A full-color map of the city of St. Kizis, home to the Litkalaan Royal Family.

• 4/23: Caged Among the Stars, Chapter 13: We catch up with Kaylin & Vaiken a short time into the future, and see how things have progressed - in and out of the bedroom.

• 4/30: Polls to determine the next short story, long story, and worldbuilding articles for the next few months!
  

Caged Among the Stars, Chapter 12

“Thank you gentlemen for meeting with us this morning, though I do wish it was under different circumstances.”

“You and me both, Commandant.”

It’s late in the morning and Kaylin and I are back in the administration office, this time with Len and the rest of the disciplinary tribunal. We met with Len a few hours early to give him a more complete rundown on what exactly happened yesterday. I hate to admit it, but it felt good to see him as filled with rage as I was.

We quickly came up with a plan for what we wanted to happen today. Namely seeing that Malprin is expelled from the academy. Actually, Len and I both wanted to push for more, for an arrest, but Kaylin was more reluctant about that. Having to go through yet another court scenario might be too much for him right now.

“In light of these events, I hope you can understand why some of us feel that allowing Cadet Zekram to continue in the officer’s program is a mistake,” Admiral Ranock says condescendingly behind the desk he and the other’s are sharing.

“I’m sorry, but are you seriously trying to blame my brother for what happened yesterday?” Len counters, and I’m about ready to get up and punch this asshole too.

“You cannot deny that none of this would have happened were he not here,” Ranock continues.

“I’ll be sure to note that when I file my lawsuit against the academy later today!” Len shouts angrily.

“Gentlemen, please, let's all remain calm,” Admiral Halshu (or at least his hologram) attempts to keep everyone cool.

“Of course no one here blames Kaylin for being attacked yesterday,” Comendant Lurza says, fixing Ranock with a stern look. “However, Cadet Urmatin has made things... difficult by retaliating and attacking Cadet Malprin.”

“Retaliating? I stopped him from nearly raping someone!” I don’t love the way Kaylin winces when I use the r-word. “What was I supposed to do? Let it happen while I ran for help?”

“You didn’t have to beat the boy senseless!” Admiral Milok shouts forcefully. “His jaw was dislocated! He is still in the infirmary!”

Good, I want to say, but I know that’s not gonna help anything right now so I keep it to myself.

“Cadet Malprin’s parents are threatening to sue Cadet Vaiken for the attack,” Admiral Yit-Ded says with a sigh and a frown. “They want him arrested, and have threatened to sue the academy as well should we not comply.”

“Ha!” Len actually laughs. “Well then you can tell them to expect their son to be arrested his attempted sexual assault. And I can assure you that not only do we have a much stronger case, but I will be sure to note to both the court and the Galactic Union that the academy was responsible for allowing it to happen.”

“Obviously the academy would like to avoid any additional attention and litigation at the moment,” Lurza says, talking about how half the GUY is watching their every move now. “po what can we do to... assuage your concerns.” That sounds like fancy talk for “how can we kiss your ass and make this go away?”

“I want Malprin and his two accomplices expelled immediately, with no chance for future readmission,” Len responds without missing a beat. “And I want notes on their records explaining exactly why, so that any future administrations are also aware.”

“Malprin’s family will never agree to that!” Ranock argues. “You expect them to concede to those demands over one submissive?”

“Admiral Ranock, may I remind both you and the Malprins of my brother’s submissive ranking,” Len states cooly to Ranock with a glare. “So not only is assaulting him already a serious offense, but the attacker was my brother’s dominant. A man who at the sight of his submissive being attacked, flew into a dominance rage, and I’m not sure there’s a Cabrian court on the planet that wouldn’t take one look at this situation and accept that defense.”

“You think you’re so smart, don’t you?” Ranock shakes his head and narrows his eyes.

“Yes, I do.” Len says with a flash of his teeth - I’ve never seen this level of dominance from him before. “So, you can tell the Malprins that if this is truly the path they want to take, I will not only make sure that their son spends the left of his life in a prison cell, but I will rag their family name through every inch of mud and dirt on the planet - and I’ll take you down with them.”

“Are you threatening me?!” Ranock stands angrily, his own dominance threatened.

“You’re damn right I am, you bigoted self-satisfied prick!” Len stands as well, and I’m ready to throw down with him.

“Gentleman, Please!” Halshu again tries to calm the room.

“Lurza, are you seriously going to allow him to speak--”

“Ranock, if you don’t sit down and shut up I will shove my gavel down your throat,” Lurza warns, gripping said gavel tightly in her fist.

“What are you--”

“I propose to remove Admiral Tython Rannock from this disciplinary board,” Lurza says in anger. “His actions over the past two weeks have proven to me that he is incapable of looking out for the best interests of all of our students.”

“Halshu, you cannot seriously--”

“All in favor?” he continues.

“Aye!” That’s Halshu.

“Aye!” That’s Yit-Ded.

“Aye!” and shocking everyone (especially Ranock), even Milok goes along with the group.

“And the motion passes.” Lurza finishes, satisfied

“This is ridic--”

“Open your mouth again and I will ensure you are transferred to an outpost so far from home you’ll never see your wife or mistress again,” she warns, clearly as tired of him as we all are.

That shuts him up, and after realizing none of the others are going to stand up for him, he storms out of the room in a huff. God, that felt good. Watching that was almost better than sex.

“Now then, Mr. Zekram,” Lurza returns her attention to us. “I have no arguments against your request. I will ensure that Cadets Malprin, Gommim and Dun’vat are removed from the academy immediately. I will also pass along your message to the Malprin family and do what we can to ensure no litigation is brought against Cadet Urmatin.”

“Thank you,” Len sounds much more calm.

“In return, I would ask that you do your part in minimizing the exposure of the academy to any additional risks,” Lurza continues. “As you know, we are currently being watched by several different arms of the GU, and could frankly do without any further bad press.”

“We agree to those terms,” Len says, finally cooled off. “And I’ll pass along my personal information should the Malprins wish to discuss this with me personally.” He flashes his teeth again.

“Understood.” Lurza nods her head. “This council thanks you for your cooperation. And Cadet Zekram, we are truly sorry for failing you. I swear, we will do better.”

“See that you do.” Len stands, and so do we. “Have a good day.”

“That was pretty great, Len,” I tell him once we’re out of the office.

“Our dad’s not the only one good at tearing pricks a new asshole,” Len says a little cocky, but after that I don't blame him. “Now, I’ll make sure the rest of this Malprin situation goes smoothly and keep tabs on what he does after he’s expelled, but... Are you sure this is where you want to leave it, Kay? Because we have enough to get this guy thrown behind bars for a good long while”

“Yes,” Kaylin answers with a nod, the first time he’s spoken since walking into the office. “I just... I don't want to deal with this anymore, please. I just want things to go back to normal.”

“I understand, little bro.” Len pulls Kaylin in for a hug. “Alright, I’m gonna call the office and get some paperwork ready just in case I need to. I’ll be in touch about what happens okay?”

“Okay.” Kaylin nods.

“And you.” He turns to me. “Take care of him, okay?”

“You go it.” I smile at the unsaid approval of our pairing.

“See ya.” With a wave, he turns and heads off campus.

“So, what do you wanna do now?” I ask Kaylin once we’re alone. “I’m kinda hungry.”

“Me too,” Kaylin agrees. “Haven’t eaten since yesterday.”

“Alright, we could head off campus for some--”

“Nah, let’s just hit the cafeteria,” he offers instead.

“Are you sure?” I’m confused because I didn't expect Kqylin would want to spend a lot of time in public right now, especially on campus.

“I’m sure,” he says and reaches for my hand.

“Alright.” I smile as I take it. If this is what he wants, I’m not going to say no.

The walk to the cafeteria is slightly awkward, if only for all the looks we get. People have already started talking about what happened yesterday, and I'm sure there’s already a million rumors and untruths flying around. That's part of why I was surprised Kaylin wanted to eat here - and also probably why he's holding my hand on the walk - both to make a statement, and for support.

A weird silence falls over the cafeteria when we walk in, and I feel Kaylin squeeze my hand tighter. I keep my poker face strong, not wanting to give anyone the satisfaction. I spot an empty table over in a corner and walk us over, deciding to have a seat before getting our food.

“How are you feeling?” I check in, noting that Kaylin is ignoring the people obviously staring at us.

“I’m okay.” He says with a sigh as he looks around. “Though I could do with less staring.”

“What do you wanna eat?” I look up at the different statons to see what's on the menu. “Geefa burgers? Or maybe some--”

“Excuse me,” I'm drawn away from the food by a Cabrian cadet coming by our table. I don’t know him. He’s young, probably only a second or third year, so we wouldn’t share any classes.

“What’s up?” I ask warily as Kaylin lets go of my hand.

“I just wanted to say... Thank you. For everything you've been doing,” the cadet nervously continues, more to Kaylin than to me. “I’m applying to the officers program next year.” He's a sub!

“I...” Kaylin isn’t sure how to answer. “I’m just trying to do the right thing... Good luck on the entrance exam.”

“Thank you,” the cadet responds a little bashfully. “Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt but just... thanks.” and then he scurries away.

“That was...” Kaylin starts. “Weird?”

“Not that weird,” I tell him. “I think now you’re officially someone that other subs are going to look up to around.”

“That's not a lot of pressure or anything,” he complains, but there's no real bite in his words and he’s smiling.

“So what about food?” I get us back on topic.

“Burgers sound good,” he suggests. “I'm kinda tired. Maybe after this we could head back to your room and take a nap?”

“A nap sounds good.” We slept alright last night but we’re both still mentally exhausted.

“Would you get my food for me?” He asks, leaning his head on my shoulder and I'd be lying if I said I didn't love the public displays of affection. “We could, uh, split a plate.”

“Really?” I try not to sound excited. I know it might not seem like much, but in Cabiran society, a dom and sub couple sharing food like that is a bigger deal than you'd expect.

“Yeah.” He tells me, looking at the younger sub cadet now sitting at his own table.

“Alright.” I smile and stand. “I’ll be right back.”

I’m wearing a goofy smile as I wait in line for food, not even caring that a few people start to whisper when I get closer. Even with as awful as yesterday was, between Malprin getting expelled and Ranock being removed from the disciplinary board, it's been a pretty great day. Sharing a nice meal with my sub will just be the cherry on top.

I return to the table with a large plate carrying two burgers and a heaping helping of green pokila fries. Kaylin gets a small burst of energy after he eyes the burger, reaching for it and taking a bite before I've even sat down. My boy is hungry!

He finishes his burger first, before I'm even halfway through mine, letting out a loud satisfied burp. Then, while I continue to happily munch, he goes back to laying his head on my shoulder. Feeling brave, I grab a fry and tap it against Kaylin’s mouth. He pokes an eye open, and then once he sees what it is, opens his mouth and lets me feed him by hand - and boy is that doing something for me and my dominance.

We continue our meal, with him occasionally allowing me to feed him a fry while I finish my burger. The longer we’re here, the fewer people stare and whisper, and I think Kaylin’s point has been made. After this, I’m looking forward to getting back to my room. Kaylin hasnt wanted to go back to his yet, a topic I'm not sure how to broach.

“Almost done? I think I'm ready for that nap,” he asks as I swallow my last bite of burger.

“Almost done,” I tell him, running my hand across his back. “Then we can do whatever you want.”

“Right now, I just want a nap,” he says, leaning against. “A nap, and you.”

Map of Weston, Litkalaa

I have had this map done for like half a year, but posting it before the book came out wouldn't have made much sense. Like all my maps, this was included in the print editions of The Crown and the Collar, but this full-color HD version is exclusive to Patreon! I've got another map for you next month, too!

Nylan & Ragnar, Chapter 4

“Good morning, criminal.”

“I don’t believe I’ve been found guilty of anything yet, officer.”

I grinned slyly on my cot as Khazak approached my cell, keys in hand. Sitting up and stretching my arms over my head, I could see that the morning sun was a little too bright. My bed wasn’t very comfortable last night, but it’s not as though they build jail cells for comfort.

“Yes, and everyone is certain you must be innocent.” Khazak rolled his eyes as he unlocked the cell door. “Ready for your trial?”

“Since yesterday.” I noticed him reaching for a pair of manacles attached to his belt. “Are those really necessary?”

“It is tradition, I am afraid.” His voice sounded like an apology, but he didn’t look very sorry. “But we both know this is far from your first time in these things.”

I sighed dramatically and held out my wrists for him to cuff. We were both just joking around, I was feeling great. This was a day I had been looking forward to for a while now, years even, and knowing that afterwards I’d get to relax in my much nicer apartment with my new owner made it even better.

I walked with my head held high as Khazak led out of my cell and through the ranger station. Outside, the streets were filled with people starting their days, which meant plenty of looks my way. And even if word somehow hadn’t gotten out yesterday (which I was sure it did), given my attire and the direction we were headed, everyone had a good idea of what was going on. Some even looked excited.

Even though he hadn’t helped with the move the day before, me and Ragnar owed a lot to Khazak. We might not even be together without him. I also knew that the very thing he was leading me towards was something he’d wanted for himself for such a long time. Even longer than us. I couldn’t help but wonder how he felt then. I needed to make sure to do something nice to thank him afterwards.

Khazak kept us at a steady pace all the way up to the arena, meaning I didn’t have time to wave to any of my new adoring fans. Once we were inside, he guided me down the hall until we reached the avakesh preparation room, where we would meet the curators, the Brightdrum sisters. I’d done my research on how this worked.

“Here you are,” Khazak said after knocking on the door and handing me over.

“Thank you, Ranger Ironstorm,” the first curator said as she beckoned me towards her. “Come with us dear.”

The two women led me into a large, plush bathroom. I mean, it was nice. The giant tub at the center of the room was filled with steaming water, and next to it was a table covered in plates of cheese, bread, and fruit. There’s a huge mirror with perfumes and creams of all kinds. Overall a very romantic picture, except for the wall of shiny and sharp weapons on one side of the room.

“You have about an hour to relax and prepare yourself,” the second of the curators told me as her sister unlocked my cuffs. “You will hear the bell toll when it is time for you to enter the battlefield.”

“When that happens, select a weapon from the wall and then proceed outside.” The first woman smiled. “Other than that, everything in the room is yours to enjoy.”

“Just one last thing.” I braced myself as the second woman stepped forward and placed her hand on my stomach, casting a cleansing spell. “There you are.”

“May the spirits bless your union,” the first curator said as they both gave me a bow, and then I was alone.

I had been playing it cool so far, but the truth was, I was very excited and nervous about what I was about to do. I even got a few butterflies in my stomach when I thought about how right then, Ragnar was in an almost identical room of his own. I wondered if he was thinking about me too.

The first thing I did was eat - I skipped dinner, as the food they served to prisoners at the station was horrible, and probably still is. Once my belly was comfortably full, I stripped off and let myself sink into the nice warm bath. I didn't sleep well, so I closed my eyes to rest, just for a minute...

*BONG*

I was startled by the sudden noise, waking me from the nap I had apparently decided to take while in the bath. Shit, I had to get out on the field! I was in such a panic when I scrambled out of the tub I nearly slipped on the wet stone floor.

I reached for a towel and quickly dried off, though my hands were still wrinkly and waterlogged from the bath. Nothing I could do about it though, so I threw on my clothes. Dammit, there was no time to do anything with my hair, so I scanned the wall for a suitable weapon. That dagger will do fine, probably. It wasn't like this was a real fight!

You see, what I really wanted was to turn this whole event into a real theatrical production. Costumes, choreography, everything - but Ragnar of course said no. “It’s not the tradition.” Whatever. With my weapon hand, I checked myself in the mirror to make sure my clothes were on straight, fixed my hair as best I could, and then headed out the door.

I marched proudly down the passage to the arena center, waving to the gathered crowd  once I exited the gate. I saw more than a few friendly faces in the stands, including Arik, Brull, and a very eager looking Yogik. I hoped that little perv would enjoy the show. Thankfully I didn’t see any family - it should be obvious that this wasn't a family event.

Across from me was Ragner, entering from his own preparation room. He looked good, wearing one of his sleeveless shirts and a tiny pair of shorts that really drew your eyes to the business. Perfect for moving around. He smirked when he caught me checking him out, and I cursed to myself because I should've thought to have someone smuggle me in a cute outfit of my own.

“I hope you weren't up too late moving everything back, sir,” I half joked, worried that he actually might have.

“Nope, I slept like a baby in that nice big bed,” he answered with a shake of his head. “I'm saving that for you to do when we’re all finished here.”

“Gonna have to win first,” I challenged him, as if there was another way this was going to go.

“Better be ready to put on a good show.” He smirked and got into a fighting position.

“Uh, we’re just fooling around here, right?” I asked nervously, because I was starting to get nervous again.

“I told you before, if we were going to do this, it was going to be real.” Shit, he wasn't joking.

“ Uh... Okay... Then maybe I just gonna throw myself down and give up.” My eyes went from him to the ground between us.

“You could do that.” He grinned. “But it might end up making things so much worse for you.”

My eyes go wide just as the starting bell rings - what did he mean by “so much worse?!” - and I turn and run in the opposite direction. That was better than just giving up, right? Not that I had anywhere to go - and a quick look over my shoulder showed that Ragnar was right behind me, and gaining fast.

He chased me for a few minutes, but I could tell he wasn’t really putting in much effort. The crowd would cheer every time there was a close call, his hand nearly grabbing me, but I knew he was letting me get away. Toying with me, the jerk.

When he was finally ready, he got more direct and started to crowd me towards the arena’s perimeter. With my back literally against the wall, he approached me with an evil smirk on his face. I tried at the last second to run for it, but it was no use; he leapt forward and grabbed me, pulling me to his body as he rolled us both onto the ground, with me underneath him.

“I still think you coulda done better than that,” he gloated, his face inches above mine. “But I'm glad you didn’t just give up.”

“My parents didn't raise a quitter.” I looked up into his eyes defiantly. “So... What happens now?”

“Now it's time for the first part of your punishment.” He sat up over my body..

“My punishment? For WhaAAHHAHA!” Noooooo! He was tickling me!

“Don’t play dumb,” he warned, his fingers still digging into my armpits.

“I’m n-not!” I flailed helplessly, trapped under his thick thighs. “I-I’m suh-sorry! F-for yesterdaaaaay!””

‘Hmm.” He paused for a moment and I caught my breath. “Nope, not good enough.”

“No!” I cried out as his fingers sought out new areas on my body to torture. “P-please! You’re gonna make me pee!”

“I dunno, our audience might enjoy that.” He looked mockingly towards the stands.

“P-pleeease! I’ll do anything!” I begged, any pride I had was long gone.

“Oh, I know you’ll do anything, because as of today, you're officially mine.” He stopped, taking another moment to gloat. “But I guess we can get on with the next phase of your punishment.”

“Yes... sir...” I replied as he climbed off of me.

“Alright.” He offered me a hand up, giving me a moment to compose myself. “Strip.”

He stood with his arms crossed over his chest, waiting expectantly as the entire arena watched. I suddenly felt very nervous. It wasn’t my first time being naked in public, but I was never the focus of everyone's attention like this.

Settling the nerves rattling in my stomach, I stripped off my shirt, pants, and underwear, because I knew he meant everything. I even folded them and placed them in a neat little pile to my side before getting on my knees, which triggered the crowd to start making all sorts of suggestive noises. Some even shouted suggestions to Ragnar. How helpful.

“Good boy.” He took a step toward me and leaned down to finally kiss me.

“Thank you, sir.” I tried not to beam at the attention.

“Looks like you didn't hate that as much as you pretended.” He pressed the toe of his boot against my erection, which had been there since he first caught me.

“That's not from the tickling!” I tried to defend as a blush spread over my body.

“Sure it’s not,” Ragnar replied while mockingly petting a hand over my head before standing up straight. ”I think you know what comes next.”

“Yes, sir.” With a sigh, I stared forward at his crotch - where I could see he was already hard.

Knowing he expected me to do it myself, I reached for the buttons on his shorts, letting them slip down to his ankles. For a second, I got a sudden urge to take off and let Ragnar trip over himself as he chased after me, but I held back. I already knew I would be getting my ass thoroughly spanked for the move, no need to make it worse.

Ragnar had decided to wear a loincloth today, really taking the whole “tradition” thing seriously. As I undid the ties at his sides, his familiar green cock sprang into view. I licked my lips as I took it in hand, smelling his musk (and a little soap) as I leaned my head forward. Tired of waiting, the crowd actually cheered when it finally entered my mouth.

The noises of the outside world faded away as I took a trip to my happy place - Ragnar’s crotch. I took the thick cock down my throat to the base with ease - I had been doing it for years at that point, I knew exactly what Ragnar liked. And it just so happened to be a lot of the same things I liked.

With one hand cupping his heavy green sack, I started to bob my head. I hummed happily as I worked, my lips stretched wide around Ragnar's shaft. I could do this for hours without my jaw getting tired. My own cock was hard between my thighs, pointing almost straight up, which was certainly noticed by at least a few people in the crowd.

Above me, my (official) new owner groaned. I looked up to see him grab the bottom of his shirt and pull it up over his head, just before he moved a hand to grip my hair. He started to hump his hips forward, meeting my mouth halfway as he fucked my face. He needed to reestablish who was in charge, of course, and I didn’t fight as he took over.

After pumping into my mouth for a few minutes, he pulled my lips off his cock with a wet pop. I looked up questioningly when he released my hair, watching him reach down into a pocket before kicking off his shorts. He stood before me as naked as I was, and began to walk backwards toward the center of the arena, beckoning me to follow him with a finger.

By now, I was ready to show just how good of a boy I could be, and I sensually crawled my way to him, which wasn’t easy because this hard ground was absolutely killing my knees. When I finally reached him, he surprised me by sitting on the ground - tossing me a small bottle of lube that he must have grabbed from his shorts.

“Since you were so eager to do all that heavy lifting yesterday,” he started, taking his hard cock in hand and wagging it in my direction. “I thought you wouldn’t mind if I gave you even more of a workout today.”

“Of course not, sir,” I managed to say without gritting my teeth. Just remember, it’ll all be worth it when you’re back home, Ny.

I knelt over his thighs, opening the bottle of lube and dribbling some over his dick. I stroked my hand up and down his shaft, slicking up every inch before bringing my still wet fingers behind me to my hole. I carefully pressed a finger into myself, wincing and wishing I had remembered to wear a plug yesterday.

Once I was stretched enough, I shuffled forward and lifted myself up to take a hold of Ragnar and aim him at my hole. I lowered myself very carefully, the head pressing against my entrance, the pressure increasing until it finally popped inside. I tensed up at the sudden stretch, but then forced myself to relax and I slowly continued to sink down Ragnar.

Seeing this, the audience began to chant, encouraging me to take “more, more, more!” It helped more than I expected it to, and when I was finally seated flat on Rangar’s lap, they actually cheered and applauded. I took a moment to flex for my admirers, only stopping when Rangar gave me a firm slap on the thigh to get me moving.

I raised myself up, letting the last few inches of Rangar slip out of me before falling back onto his thighs. I started to ride him in a slow but steady rhythm, feeling his thick cock as deep as I possibly could in that position. My prostate was being massaged expertly, and my own cock was still hard and now slapping against my stomach.

Beneath me, Ragnar wore a cocky grin, his arms tucked behind his head. He really was going to make me do all the work. Fine. Bracing my hands on his chest, I gave it my all. I started to bounce on his lap, the sound of our thighs slapping together almost as loud as the crowd. Which of course just increased the pressure on my prostate and hole and I was soon fighting not to cum.

“You fighting me, boy?” Shit, he noticed.

Rangar sat up, grabbing my ass with his two large hands and began forcibly bouncing me on his cock. My eyes went wide and all of the moans and groans I had been holding back  burst out all at once. I had to throw my arms around his neck to steady myself, whimpering into his chest.

And just like that, the dynamic shifted and he once again made it clear to everyone who was in charge here. Looking at us, no one would question who was the dominant. The audience sure didn’t, especially not with the noises I started to make. It took barely two minutes of that before I was finally pushed through the dry orgasm I had been fighting before.

“There, sir,” I managed as Ragnar slowed down for a bit. “Happy?”

“Oh no.” He shook his head. “That's not what I wanted. You know what I want. And the faster you give it to me, the faster we can get home and collar you, and then we can do this all over again.”

Oh spirits, I did know what he wanted. And what he was offering sounded like heaven, or torture - I hadn’t decided. He did though, and was right back to bouncing me up and down like a rabbit on his cock. Each time he pushed back inside of me, it was like my organs were being rearranged - but in a good way. I could feel every solid inch of him, stretching me to my absolute limit, the same way he always did.

I could feel it coming, and by it I mean me. It was going to be a big one too, something that Ragnar sensed as well, making him redouble his efforts at destroying my poor ass. When my hole started to clamp down and pulse round him, he knew what was about to happen, and with one final slamming of me on his cock, I cum. He quickly laid back, showing the massive spray of cum erupting from my cock, landing far behind his head. That had to be a record.

The crowd cheered at my orgasm, making me blush in my post-orgasmic haze, but Rangar wasn’t finished yet. He quickly shifted us, placing me on my back with his cock never leaving my hole. He began to aggressively pound into me, bending me in two as he captured my mouth with his, growling into it loudly as he finally cums. Thank the spirits he hadn't lasted much longer, because after that orgasm I wasn’t sure I would have been able to take it.

As we laid there and rejoined the rest of the world, our audience once more cheered, celebrating our new union. Feeling shy, I nuzzled into my orc’s neck, feeling safe cradled in his arms. I couldn’t wait to get home and get that collar on.

“So, what did you think?”

“I think I remember some of that happening a little differently,” Ragnar starts and I roll my eyes. “I didn’t fight you that much on moving into your place.”

“What are you talking about?” I narrow my eyes at him. “You made a huge deal over it.”

“Nah, I was always planning on moving into your place.” He waves me off. “It was bigger, and nicer, and closer to work.”

“Then why did you fight me so hard on it?” My fists are squeezed tightly in annoyance.

“So you'd respond the way you did.” He grins. “I really, really hate moving.”

“Spirits, you are so lazy.” I shake my head.

“What was that, boy?” he warns.

“Spirits, thank you for gifting me my amazing owner,” I quickly recover.

“That’s better.” He nods.

“...You still never answered what you thought about the story.” I bite my lip

“I loved it.” He smiles and pulls me into a kiss.

“Really?” I feel warm at the praise. “Are you happy that you finally got to be the subject of one of my stories?”

“Maybe.” He says coyly, putting my journal to the side and pulling me onto his lap. “Are you gonna write another one about me?”

“Maybe.” I tease back.

“Come on.” He says, standing and carrying me with him towards the bedroom. “Let’s give you something good to write about.”

The Crown and the Collar Released!

Hello patrons, and welcome to March! The Crown and the Collar released just last week, and it already hit #1 on the LGBTQ+ Erotica New Release chart! As always with a new book, I am here to beg you to leave me some reviews if you’ve had a chance to finish the book. And if you haven’t, don’t forget that you can read the first two chapters for free on my website!

Happy to report that the audiobook of Before the Storm is also available, including on Audible! As of right now the rest of my audiobook catalog is largely available on other platforms, but Audible has been slow to re-add them itself. As soon as they are up, I will make an announcement.

I’m back in the writing saddle, a little over halfway through Steel & Thunder Book 5. After taking a few months off, it was a little harder than I expected it to be. Had to re-read some of the last things I wrote a few times before I was in the right headspace - but I should have it finished by mid Spring!

I’ve got a few changes in the works coming to Patreon, but don’t worry, it only means more content for all of you!

Until next time, happy reading!

This Month on Patreon

What March is bringing to Patreon:

• 3/12: Nylan & Ragnar, Chapter 4: In our big finale, Nylan and Ragnar finally settle their fight over where they’re going to live - in the V’rok’sh Tah’lj arena.
• 3/19: A map of Peter’s home town of Weston, which I have been sitting on for what feels like forever!
• 3/26: Caged Among the Stars, Chapter 12: Still reeling from Malprin’s attack, Kaylin is at a crossroads as he wonders what the future holds for him, and if it was all worth it in the end.

Caged Among the Stars, Ch. 11

Sorry for the late post everyone, but had a busy day with The Crown and the Collar's release! The book is out right now and ready for you to read! Onto the story!

_________________________________________________________________

“Nice job today, Zekram.”

“Not too bad yourself, Urmatin.”

As the holofield around us returns to normal, Kaylin and I compliment each other at the end of a successful field training session. His squad beat mine to the target, but it was close right up until the end. It’s been a pretty good day. A pretty good week, actually.

“Tuck and I were gonna hit the rec room for a few rounds of Geonomic Extraction. Wanna come with?” I ask Kaylin as I aim myself toward the showers.

“Actually, I think I'm gonna hit the gym for a bit,” he informs me, ready to head in the opposite direction. “If that’s okay with you, sir?”

“More than okay, boy.” I smile at his public use of sir - something he's only recently gotten comfortable with. Not that he has to ask me permission to go to the gym.

“Maybe you could swing by my room later, and we can get dinner?” he asks me next.

“Sounds like a plan.” I smile. “I’ll see you later boy.”

“See you later, sir.” He hesitates, then leans forward to give me a quick kiss on the lips before turning on his heel and heading for the gym. Public displays of affection are also new for him.

After Kaylin’s day before the tribunal, things around the academy slowly started to return to normal. Or at least as normal as they can be. Kaylin and I are both still receiving the occasional funny look from people, but a few people have actually come up to congratulate Kahimylin. Some of the other submissive students have even thanked him for what he did. The officer’s program is going to get some long overdue submissive recruits next year.

Our classes have mostly gotten back to normal as well. The professors are actually paying Kaylin attention again, for the most part. It seems like there might still be a few people determined to knock Kaylin down a peg, like when Cmdr. Geeta still put Kaylin in my group on our field test at the start of the week. Thankfully, after we helpfully reminded her that the Academy’s got a lot of eyes on it right now, he was back in charge of his own squad today.

See, someone (*cough* Len *cough*) leaked to some of the local Cabrian media exactly what’s been going on between Kaylin and the Academy for the past few weeks, and the story spread like wildfire from there to the rest of the Galactic Union. Turns out most people in the GUreally don’t like hearing about discrimination, especially not when it’s happening in one of the GU’s own academies. As a result, some “observers” are being sent to monitor the Cabrian branch’s policies and ensure Cabrian submissives are being treated fairly.

Sure, they’re mostly just doing it because they want to avoid any more bad PR, but it works in our favor, so we’ll take it. A few reporters have contacted Kaylin directly, hoping for an interview, but he’s turned them all down. He’s happy things are improving, but he doesn’t exactly want to be the face of the issue.

As for our relationship, if that kiss earlier wasn’t enough of an indication, that’s still going pretty great too. Other than our relationship being public knowledge now, not much has changed between the two of us.  I’ve gotten a few unwanted comments from other cabrian doms, congratulating me for “putting such a rowdy sub in his place,” but I’ve been quick to shut assholes like that down. Kaylin’s a stronger person than all of them.

“I’m telling you man, the buttons on that controller stick sometimes,” Tuck makes excuses as we head for the dorms a few hours later.

“That was your excuse last time, too,” I remind him of the last time he lost to me.

“Because I was using the same controller!” he insists.

“Uh huh. Well maybe grab a different one next time,” I roll my eyes as we approach Kaylin’s door.

“Get the fuck off me!” a voice cries from behind the door. Kaylin?

I don’t bother knocking and open the door with my OCID, already keyed to grant me entry.

“Hold him still.” I see the back of someone - Cadet Malprin - and over his shoulder is Kaylin, struggling as Cadets Gommi and Dun’vat, Malprin’s flunkies, hold him in place by the arms. They push him to his knees as Malprin reaches for his zipper. “Think that you're better than us? That you belong here? Time to show a bitch like you his proper place.”

“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” I shout as I explode into the room. Relief washes over Kaylin’s face as Gommi and Dun’vat quickly release him.

“Who-AHH!” Malprin isn’t even finished turning around when I throw myself at him.

“You piece of shit!” I pull my arm and swing, before everything I see goes red.

“Unbelievable.” Admiral Milock shakes his head at us from across his desk. “Not even a week later and you’re already causing trouble.”

“Excuse me?” I get offended on all three of our behalfs. “We didn’t cause any trouble. Malprin and his goons did.”

“And I’m sure that once Cadet Malprin regains consciousness, he will disagree,” Milock fires back, unimpressed

Kaylin, Tuck and I are sitting in Admiral Milock’s office not an hour after I walked in on the scene in Kaylin’s room. After getting in a few good licks on Malprin, his buddies jumped in to try and help him - but then so did Tuck and Kaylin. Students called for security once the fight spilled out into the hallway.

It was an ugly scene. They had to pull me off Malprin, his face bloody and swollen. He was out cold. He’s in the medical wing right now with a broken jaw, and I’d be lying if I said it didn’t feel good giving it to him.

“I don't even understand why we're here,” Tuck complains next. “Why aren’t you talking to Gommi and Dun’vat?”

“Because the three of you started the fight in the dorms!” Milock exclaims from across the desk.

“Bullshit, we didn’t start anything!” I’m ready to start yelling. “Those two were literally forcing Kaylin to his knees while Malprin unzipped his pants!”

“And you’re sure this wasn’t consensual?” Milock sneers.

“It wasn’t.” Kaylin finally speaks, quietly shaking in his seat. “Those three followed me back to my room from the gym without me noticing. They forced their way inside as soon as I opened the door. If Vaiken and Tuck hadn’t come when they did...”

“You do understand that it's your words against theirs?” Milock offers with false sympathy on his face.

“And do you understand what all this is going to look like to the public and the GU observers?” I challenge myself as I stand and lean over Milock’s desk. I'm so sick of this dick. “Not even a week after proving how discriminatory this academy is, your most high profile submissive cadet is nearly raped in his own dorm room - which you then try to blame on him.”

“I-- I-- I was not attempting to blame... I will need to speak to the other academy heads about--” Milock stammers, his face turning white.

“Yeah, you do that,” I don't let him finish. “Since we clearly can’t trust you to do the right thing, maybe we go directly to the media and GU observers ourselves. Come on guys.”

“Wait!” Milock cries as we stand and walk from the room, but of course we don’t.

“Can you believe that guy?” I start as I lead the way out of the admin building. “You’d think they’d learn after last week.”

“Vaiken...” Kaylin says from behind me.

“I don’t exactly know how to get in touch with the GU observers, but your brother probably does,” I continue without turning around. “And I still have the contact info of one of the reporters you talked to a few days ago.”

“Vaiken,” he says again.

“We can call him after we talk to Len.” I keep walking, feeling full of righteous fury. “We are not going to let that prick get away with--”

“Vaiken!” Kaylin shouts, forcing me to stop and turn.

“What’s--” I get a look at Kaylin’s upset face and cut myself off. “What’s wrong?”

“Can we please just go back to your room right now?” he asks, sounding tired.

“I’m not going to let that prick get away with this!” I declare heroically. “I’m going to make sure he--”

“That’s what you want to do.” He doesn’t let me finish. “A dom rushing into a fight without bothering to ask his sub what he wants.”

“What?” I ask dumbly, hurt by the insinuation. “I’m doing this for you.”

“I know that, and it’s not that I don’t appreciate you coming to my defense,” he starts, taking my hand. “But are you sure the reason you’re so fired up isn’t because your pride is hurt?”

“I... Okay, maybe.” I sigh and try to reel my emotions in. “So, then what do you want to do?”

“Right now? Go back to your room,” Kaylin repeats his earlier request. “Please, sir.”

“I’ll catch up with you two later,” Tuck, who has been standing awkwardly at our side, makes a graceful exit.

It’s a silent walk back to my room, though thankfully I’m not sensing any anger from Kaylin. Mostly just sadness. I understand some of why he reacted that way - it was stupid of me to not think about taking a moment to talk to him - but I’m worried, because he just sounded so defeated.

“I’m sorry,” I say once we’re back in my room, the door sealed. “I should have stopped and talked to you before just making decisions like that.”

“Thanks,” he says with a small smile as we both take a seat on my bed.

“So then... What do you want to do?” I ask hesitantly.

“I don’t know,” he answers with a sigh. “I’m just tired. Tired of hiding, and fighting, and none of it ends up mattering.”

“What do you mean?” His words surprise me. “Of course it matters.”

“Does it?” He looks over, his eyes bloodshot. “Even after all of that, even with practically the whole fucking system watching, Malprin still felt like he could get away with... with...”

“Fuck Malprin.” I slide off the bed and stand in front of Kaylin, lifting his chin. “You are so much stronger than that dickhead.”

“No I’m not.” He looks away to the side. “I’m stupid.”

“You’re not stupid.” I drop to one knee and try to refocus his gaze.

“Yes, I am.” He sounds determined to hate on himself. “I should have noticed someone following me.”

“Why would you even think you would be followed like that on campus?” I try to reason with him.

“It doesn’t matter!” His hands start to shake as he lifts them. “Because I didn’t, I let that asshole follow me all the way back to my room. If you and Tuck hadn’t come by when you did, h-he would have... He would have...”

“But he didn’t,” I reassure him.

“But if--” He stops, though the tremors have spread to the rest of his body. “Shit.”

“What is it?”

“Len’s calling me.” He stares into space at the incoming call he sees on his OCID. “I... I don’t want to talk to him right now.”

“Forward it to me,” I tell him confidently. “I’ll talk to him, for now.”

He looks as though he wants to ask if I’m sure, but then wordlessly swipes the call over to me. I see Len’s contact picture in my OCID a second later. I accept the call as I retake my seat next to Kaylin.

“Vaiken?” Len is confused to see that it’s me answering. “Where’s Kaylin? I just got a call from the admin office. He was attacked today?”

“Yeah, by a cadet in our officer’s program,” I confirm. “A cadet currently recovering from a broken jaw and concussion in the medwing.”

“Shit,” Len curses. “Is Kaylin okay?”

“He’s fine, or as fine as he can be,” I answer and squeeze the trembling sub at my side. “I stopped them before anything serious went down.”

“How’d it happen?”

“They followed him back to his room and forced their way in behind him.” I hear Len suck in a breath. “And then one of the admirals from the tribunal tried to blame the whole thing on him.”

“What?!” Good, Len’s angry too. “Unbelievable. Well, not only is that little shit of a cadet not going to get away with this, I’m gonna get those damn dickeads on the leadership board fired.”

“I figured you’d say something like that.” I try not to smirk.

“I’ll get started right now.” He sounds confident. “Can I talk to Kaylin? Just so I have all of the info.”

“Actually...” Between the trembling and the way he insulted and blamed himself... “I think Kaylin is about to drop.”

“Shit, really?” Len is back to being worried. “Do I need to--”

“No, I’ve got it.” I squeeze Kaylin again, not wanting him to feel like I’m talking about him like he’s not here. “We’ll probably be MIA the rest of the night.”

“...Alright.” That’s as close to a blessing as I’m going to get from him. Then I’ll talk to you both in the morning.”

“Talk to you then. Goodnight, Len.”

“Goodnight.” He ends the call.

“ ‘m not about to drop,” Kaylin mumbles, leaning against me.

“Don’t you start bratting on me now, Zekram.” I kiss the crown of his head.

I help Kaylin to stand and then carefully help him disrobe, stripping him down to just his tight pair of boxer briefs. Then I do the same with myself, and pull us both onto the bed. For a few minutes, I just hold the trembling boy in my arms, hearing the occasional sniffle. It’s time for me to take care of my boy.

I climb off the bed, returning a moment later with a glass of water that I make Kaylin sit up and drink. While he does that, I turn to my toy drawer to grab the items I’m going to need for the evening. Nothing major, just some massage oil and a pair of metal claws that I can wear right over my knuckles. To top it off, I start some soft music playing over my room’s speakers.

With my boy hydrated, I have him lay on his back at the center of the bed. Then, with the massage oil in hand, I straddle his waist and get to work. I pour some oil into my hand, warming it as best I can before dribbling it over Kaylin’s chest. I begin to slowly massage it into his skin, starting with his pecs and then moving to his shoulders, and then arms.

Some doms might not see giving their subs a massage as a very dominant thing to do, that they should be the ones on the receiving end. And while that’s certainly true sometimes, I disagree that that’s the only way this works. I’m clearly the one in charge here, and besides, sometimes subs need a little pampering, especially when they’ve been good.

When I’m finished with his arms, I move further down Kaylin’s body, stripping off his underwear as I go. I watch his face carefully as I pass over his stomach to work on his thighs and legs, pleased to see that he’s relaxing with my touch. But that’s just the beginning. I flip him onto his stomach and straddle him again, ready to work my way down his back.

“You’re amazing, you know,” I tell him softly as I dribble oil on his shoulders. “One of the strongest people I’ve ever known.”

“I mean, I always knew you were smart and talented, but as far as I knew you were also kind of a loner asshole before,” I continue, pleased when I get a small huff of laughter beneath me. “I know you were hiding, and doing it well, but I’m almost mad at myself for not seeing this sooner. For missing out on this part of you.”

“What happened today was not your fault.” I move down his back. “I know you logically know that, but there’s a part of you that wants to blame yourself. There’s no excuse for what Malprin tried to do today. It’s monstrous. You didn’t deserve that. No one does.” I hear a few sniffles. That’s good. Crying is good.”

“Should’ve fought harder,” he mumbles, his head turned to the side. “Look at me, I’m not strong. He’s already won.”

“You're not weak for feeling the way you do now,” I correct him. “For not wanting to keep constantly fighting for your right to be here. And he hasn’t won anything yet.”

“You may not see it, but even if you don’t want to continue this fight ... someone else will.” I work on his glutes, sitting over his thighs. “You’ve inspired a lot of other subs all over the school to do the same thing. You did that.”

“I didn’t do--”

“Sshhh. This isn’t ‘arguing with sir’ time.” I give him a quick spank. “Just relax, and feel, and let me do the worrying for a little bit, boy.”

“...Yes, sir.”

I finish massaging his lower half, using a towel to wipe any excess oil from my skin. Then, after grabbing my claws, I restraddle his thighs, just below his ass. Time to take this boy to subspace.

“This might be cold and tickle at first,” I warn as I lower the claw in my left hand. “But just try and relax. I just want you to feel.”

He jumps slightly when he feels the first blunt claw tip against his skin, the cold metal giving him goosebumps as I trail it down his back. I repeat that a few times, barely pressing it to his skin as it moves. As he gets more used to the feeling and less ticklish, I start to use all four claws with more pressure.

I gently scrape up and down his back with the claws on both hands, tracing patterns, shapes, anything along his skin. And after the massage he just got, Kaylin seems to be enjoying the change in sensation. He’s relaxing more and more, but I also have a feeling that if I checked under his groin, I’d find a small wet spot.

But it’s not that kind of evening, which is why my underwear is still firmly on. I’d really love to do this after a spanking of flogging one day, but right now I’m not trying to get him off. I continue to praise my sub gently as I work, enjoying every shiver I pull from his body. I continue to work as the soft bass of the music plays and the body beneath me relaxes.

When Kaylin feels like a boneless puddle, I climb off of his back and put down my tools. I crouch down, checking his eyes to see that his pupils are blown wide: he’s for sure in subspace right now. My perfect boy.

I clean myself up quickly, not wanting to leave Kaylin on the bed for too long. After making sure there’s some water in reach during the night, I turn him on his side and climb back on the bed, pulling him back to my chest and cuddling him.

“You’re such a good boy,” I say against his neck. “I’m so lucky to have you.”

I stroke my hand over his arms as I spoon him from behind, listening as his breathing gets softer and softer until I know he’s asleep. It takes me a little longer, even though I know I should get to sleep. I have a feeling tomorrow is going to be another tough day.

The Early Years of Litkalaa

By joining forces, the humans and werewolves of Litkalaa managed to repel any remaining attempts at invasion. However, the immediate aftermath of that victory was turmoil. The island was safe, but many of its inhabitants were bitter over the cost that it took to achieve that.

Many of the humans were terrified of the “monsters” that now ruled over them. And who could blame them, given that at the time werewolves were thought to be exactly that and little else. So one of the first things the newly crowned King Wyman Blackclaw did was ensure that the populace was properly educated on their true nature. Though of course, his detractors saw this as indoctrination.

At the same time, the werewolves now had to learn the ins and outs of running a kingdom. They had been satisfied with their previous isolationist way of life, and thought the idea of openly revealing their location and histories was dangerous and foolish. The idea of establishing diplomatic relations with other nations was entirely foreign to them, scoffing at the idea that they might need outside assistance.

The first order of business was rebuilding the parts of the island that had been destroyed by raiders. Werewolves were placed as guards along the shores and other critical points, ensuring their safety. In the event the attackers returned, King Blackclaw wanted to be ready.

Heads of the werewolf pack were appointed as wardens and governors of the island's districts. The old territory lines were largely respected, with the exception of two of the large districts being split in order to make them easier to manage. Over time, about half of these would be returned to the humans, though fast enough for some.

Eventually, relations with other nations were bridged. Many of the allies of the previous king were shocked at the sudden takeover, with several refusing to normalize relations for years. And many of their new allies largely underestimated them, and were swiftly proven wrong when the werewolves did not respond kindly to their attempts at cheating them into trades.

Even as the country prospered, many citizens saw the treatment of their former king and queen as an insult - and some began to devise a way to fight back in secret. Not even all of the werewolves were happy with the situation, feeling as though they received little to nothing in return for their sacrifices in defending the island.

If you asked the family themselves though, you’d find that they were happy. Not at first of course, it took time for the former rulers to adjust to their new stations in life. Queen Carlotta was first, falling for the charm of her new husband over countless dinners. For Consort Andrew, it took months to move past the feeling of humiliation for having lost his birthright - but eventually, with the love of his wife and new husband, he was able to overcome... but that is a story for another time.

Over many, many years, the royal family slowly but surely built their small island into a proud and strong nation. All three worked hard to make their home proud, though they did not know the tragedy that would await them. Even today, they are remembered fondly by the Litkalaan citizens, and the tradition of a werewolf taking a consort continues. Why, I heard the young Prince Makeseka Blackclaw may have even taken his own consort only recently...

Nylan & Ragnar, Chapter 3

“And you are set on it being today?”

“Yep. I’ve been planning this out for months. It has to be today”

It was early in the morning - way earlier than I would normally be up, but it was the only time I knew I’d be able to talk to Khazak without Ragnar finding out. Today was the big day - we were going to be moving in together. Only Ragnar didn’t really know it yet - and I had a short window to pull it off, so I needed all the help I could get.

“You know I am unable to offer any direct assistance,” Khazak clarified with a raised eyebrow. “I cannot exactly be an accomplice to the... crime.”

“I know,” I told him with a nod. “Which is why all I need you to do is make sure Rgnar doesn’t come home early.”

“Do you think you will be able to finish in time?” he asked, reasonably skeptical.

“Nope, which is why our other friends will be helping me,” I admitted. “But the later you can get him to stay, the better.”

“I will do my best,” he responded with a nod and a wry smile.

“Thanks, Khazak.” I stood and gave him a quick hug before heading for the front door. “Gotta get moving!”

I set off from Khazak’s new home (he only moved in a few months ago) and headed for his family’s. Even if he couldn’t help me directly, I still owed Khazak a lot. Ragnar and I both did. If it weren’t for him getting us together, we’d probably still be stuck making awkward eyes at each other. That was almost five years ago.

And what an interesting five years it had been. Things were a little awkward at first, trying to figure out our new dynamic after having been friends for so long. But that only lasted a few weeks, maybe, and then we were basically inseparable. Even more so than before - it didn’t take long for our friends to get disgusted with our constant public displays of affection.

Thankfully we moved past that stage of our relationship fairly quickly, and things had only been getting stronger since. We spent basically all our time together, with one of us sleeping over at the other’s place almost every other night. Which is why we talked about it and both thought that it was time for us to move in together.

The problem was, we couldn’t agree on which of us would move in with the other. Which was incredibly stupid, because my place was obviously the nicer of the two. He’d been living in the same bachelor apartment for the past six years, which was fine, but it was also very small. I know I'm not a big guy, but I wouldn't even want to live there on my own. Khazak used to live in the same building, and even he couldn’t wait to move out.

My place, however, was not only at least twice the size, but also closer to both of our jobs. It was more like a small house than an apartment, just attached to three other houses, one on each corner. There was even a small yard - it should have been a no brainer! I just wish I could get him to see that. It had been a sticking point for the last few months.

Ragnar was still a member of the V’rok’sh Tah’lj rangers, now a lieutenant in charge of a small group of other rangers. Khazak, now a full-fledged ranger, wasted no time in climbing the ranks to catch up to him, and together they are known as two of the most reliable rangers on the force. I’d never seen Ragnar looking so fulfilled.

I was still working at the bookstore, almost running the place alongside Lenas, Ragnar’s father. He hadn’t officially stated as much, but he had practically been training me to take over for him one day. Our families had always been close, Ragnar’s father being one of the only other elves in town, but me and Ragnar’s relationship only seemed to bring us closer. My own dad had asked me more than once when we were going to make it official.

While I wasn’t quite sure we were ready for that type of commitment, there was something else me and Ragnar had been discussing for a while - me becoming his avakesh. For outsiders, taking someone as an avakesh is a sort of public declaration about their relationship... a very kinky one. It involves a ritual called the Nagul Uzu’gor, and would essentially make Ragnar my owner - and the whole city would know it.

Khazak happens to be something of an expert on the subject, and has been more than happy to talk about it in depth with his two best friends. I don’t mind telling you that me and Ragnar’s sex life has always been on the kinkier side of things - I mean that’s half the reason you’re even reading this - and we’ve basically been pretending that he owns me for the last few years as it is. It was about time to make it official.

This “tradition” is actually a holdover from a more... brutal period in V’rok’sh Tah’lj’s past, when a prisoner could use it to wager his freedom. These days though, it’s all ceremony, and usually a lot of fun at that. First, the avakesh to be (me) has to, well, commit a crime against their proposed kavan (which means owner - so in my case Ragnar). Then, after I’m arrested I’ll issue a challenge to Ragnar - the Nagul Uzu’gor - and instead of my offense being settled by a judge, we’ll settle in the arena - in a fight that I will most certainly lose in seconds.

I know it sounds very dramatic, but it’s supposed to be. People like to have fun with it, even getting their friends involved. Some keep things small, their crime being something silly like stealing their partner’s clothes, or “assaulting” them with a public smack on the ass. Other people though, they like to go big - and I have never been someone to go the simple route.

Which is why I was meeting my friends Brull, Arik, and a few others that were going to help me get everything moved that day. Ragnar was going to come home to an empty house, after which I would expect him to show up at my door with a squad of rangers ready to arrest me. And after I’m led away in cuffs, he’ll look around and finally see how much more sense it makes to have his things in my place, and that will be the end of that. I was a genius.

“There you are,” Yogik, Khazak’s younger brother said as he opened the door after hearing me knock. “Come on, everyone else is already here.”

“Already? That’s great.” I responded, following him inside. “And thanks for helping, and tell your parents I said thank you for letting us use your place to meet up.”

“They said it was nothing, and wished you luck,” he told me with a very self-satisfied look. “And what can I say? I love love.”

I’d known Yogik basically his entire life. Beyond the standard annoying little brother stuff, he was a nice enough kid, though also kind of a... horny little perv. I’m not in any place to judge, but I wasn’t surprised when he jumped at the opportunity to help me with this, especially if it meant getting to witness the ritual in the arena when it was all said and done.

He led me to the living room, where the rest of the friends I requested help from were waiting; Brull, Arik, Usha, and Va’kar. Brull was an orc I had first met through Khazak. He had recently opened up a shop selling, well, sex toys, and Khazak quickly became one of his best customers. Arik was a ranger Ragnar and Khazak knew through work, though it wasn’t until a run in at Brull’s shop that cemented them as friends.

Usha and Va’kar were Khazak’s (and Yogik’s) cousins. They were technically his half-siblings, with their same-sex parents having “assisted” each other in starting a family. Usha was a year behind us in school, with a silent-but-deadly disposition. Va’kar was two years younger than her and basically her exact opposite - a boy with a bright bubbly personality, who like me loved to gossip and had a flair for the dramatic.

“There he is,” Arik greeted as I entered, directing everyone’s attention

“Hi everyone,” I told the gathered group. “Thanks for agreeing to help me today. I wasn't expecting everyone to get here so early.”

“Of course!” Va’kar said with a small cheer. “Who doesn’t love seeing two friends shacking up?”

“I brought all the empty crates from the shop, as requested. Can’t wait to see how Ragnar reacts when he realizes what you’ve done,” Brull added with a chuckle, pumping shoulders with Arik to his right.

“Well we’ll have to finish first,” I responded, honestly looking forward to it myself. “He should be headed to work right about now, so we’ll head to his place in just a few minutes.”

“How are we getting inside?” Usha asked.

“With this.” I hold up the copy I made of the key to Ragnar's apartment.

“Does he know you have that?” Yogik asked next.

“Nope.” I answer. “Which is why he’s not going to find out about any of this until he gets home for the day.”

“This is gonna be good,” Va’kar said with glee.

After waiting another fifteen minutes, I led our group of six through the city streets to Ragnar’s home. The only person I was worried about seeing us was Ragnar himself - I actually wanted his neighbors to see me doing this. By the time word gets back to him, we’d be finished and long gone. I boldly marched up to his door and unlocked it, letting everyone inside

“Wow,” Usha commented flatly as she looked around. “This place is...”

“This place sucks,” Va’kar got right to the point. “It’s so small. How are two people supposed to live here?”

“That’s what I've been saying!” I responded, setting down some of the empty crates on Ragnar’s wobbly excuse for a coffee table. “My apartment is twice as big!”

It wasn’t even just about the size - though really, it was barely more than a kitchen, bedroom, and the supposed “living room” we were currently standing in. Everything about that place was awful, from the loud neighbors (not Ragnar’s fault) to the total lack of any sort of art on the bare walls (absolutely Ragnar’s fault). The kitchen had a stove that was barely functional, and Ragnar was not great at keeping his icebox stocked - if we were going to be cooking, it would usually be at my place. It was just depressing.

It wasn’t all bad though, because thanks to Ragnar’s bachelor lifestyle, there wasn’t a whole lot of stuff that needed to go in the crates. Aside from a few pictures and some books, it was mostly clothes and stuff from his kitchen. I wasn’t planning on throwing any of his stuff away... yet. I’d just get him to see that we wouldn’t need these things when my things are so much nicer!

“Hey, Nylan?” Usha asked me, putting down a full crate next to the others ready for moving. “There’s something in there you might want to take care of yourself.”

“Huh?” I looked in the direction of the bedroom before heading in.

Nothing seemed out of the ordinary at first. Then I noticed Yogik kneeling down facing the closet, packing. Then I noticed that he wasn’t packing - as he lifted a large wooden dildo from the sex-toy-chest I forgot Ragnar kept at the bottom of his closet.

“Shit, can he really take this whole thing?” Yogik muttered to himself.

“Give me that!” I snatch the toy from behind, surprising him. “Go help the others in the kitchen.”

He stands, holding his hands up in feigned innocence as he exits the room. I return the toy to its chest, along with some of the other toys that have somehow ended up on the closet floor. Once everything is away, I latch the lid shut and pull it out of the closet myself.

“You know, you never answered the question,” Brull points out, having silently been watching the whole exchange.

“...No, not yet.”

“How angry do you think he’s going to be?” Arik asks as we take a break for lunch.

“Honestly, probably a good amount,” I responded. “But that’s kind of the point.”

“You always did like going out with a bang,” Usha added.

“Oh, someone’s gonna be getting banged after this,” Brull said with a chuckle.

We had been very productive that morning, and had already finished moving over everything that wasn’t furniture to my place. I’d still need to put most of it away - or at least hide it - but now all that was left were the big things. Which is why I had five able-bodied orcs to help me out.

“So what are you going to do if he makes you move it all back?” Usha asks next. “I mean, he is going to be your kavan, if all goes to plan.”

“I’m counting on him seeing reason by then,” I told her honestly. “Size, location, even nicer neighbors - everything about my place is better.”

“Okay, but what if he still makes you move back?” Va’kar asked again.

“Then he can move it all back himself,” I half-joked, really hoping it wouldn’t come to that.

“I know he doesn’t have much, but are you sure you’ve got room for all of his furniture?” Brull asked, looking over the mostly empty living room.

“Yep.” I nodded my head. “We’ll need to move a few things around, but it should all fit.”

“Are you really going to keep all of this?” Va’kar questioned as Arik and Brull each lifted one end of Ragnar’s ratty old couch.

“Nope, but I don’t want to toss it without him knowing.” I didn’t need to give him yet another reason to punish me before we even got started. “At least, except for his bed.”

Ragnar’s bed is one of his apartment’s few selling points. It’s huge, even by orc standards, with a mattress that feels firm and soft at the same time. And his bed frame is also perfect, with all sorts of bars and other spots you can tie things to... All sorts of things.

It only takes us three or four trips (some of us are more delicate and take a little longer to recover than others) to get all of Ragnar’s furniture moved over. Between the second couch and the crates covering every surface, my place is currently overcrowded, but we finished. I made sure some of Ragnar’s neighbors saw me as we were taking the last few things out. As a finishing touch, I left a small note on the center of Ragnar’s now-empty living room floor: “You know where to find me.”

“Thanks again, everyone,” I told my five friends back at my home after we finished. “Couldn’t have pulled this off without you.”

“I’d say the pleasure was all ours, but knowing what’s gonna happen to you tomorrow, we all know that’s not true,” Brull jokes with a lecherous grin.

“After everything has settled, you can all expect a nice thank you dinner,” I continued. “...Assuming Ragnar is finished punishing me by then...”

“Speaking of...” Arik looks out the window at the setting sun. “As much fun as this has been, I’m not sure I want to be here when Ragnar arrives.”

“I was thinking about hiding in a closet to watch firsthand... but you’re probably right,” Va’kar says with mock disappointment.

“I’m with Arik, probably best to get moving,” Brull stated, turning to Usha as they make their way to the front door. “We’ve still gotta bring that bed down to the temple.”

“You’re sure about donating your old bed?” Usha asked me as I led everyone towards the front door.

“Positive.” Seriously, sleeping in that big bed every night is something I am very much looking forward to. “I’m sure High Priest Azkosot can find someone who needs it more than me.”

“We’ll see you tomorrow, Nylan.” Yogik waved goodbye as he exited, and then I was alone.

I knew I should hopefully have about an hour or two before Ragnar arrived, so I did what I could to unpack a few of his things. Not too much though, as sappy as it sounds, I was actually kind of looking forward to us doing it together. It’s not like I’m going to make him give away everything.

It was about two hours later when I finally heard the expected (and very stern-sounding) knock on my front door. Already knowing who it was, I put on my best innocent face before I unlocked and opened it, finding Ragnar, Khazak, and two other rangers on the other side. As I feign surprised, I stepped to the side, making sure that Ragnar’s couch and other belongings were clearly visible inside.

“Dammit, Ny,” Ragnar cursed under his breath as he took in the scene behind me.

“Good evening, Mr. Adcaryn,” Khazak started with a formal introduction.

“Good evening, Ranger Ironstorm.” Two could play at that game! “Is something the matter.”

“We’re investigating a robbery,” he continued, shaking his head at the absurdity of our game. “Ranger Rockfang’s home seems to have been broken into, and all of his belongings taken. Would you happen to know anything about that?”

“I might,” I kept playing coy. “I’m not sure.”

“Are those Ranger Rockfang’s belongings I see behind you, right now?” he peered over my shoulder with an almost weary look.

“Oh, are they?” I turned around, playing dumb. “I have no idea how those could have gotten there.”

“Very cute, Nylan.” Ragnar rolled his eyes. “Don’t think that this means that argument is over.”

“Oh, I think we both know who the winner here is,” I fired back cockily.

“Nylan Adcaryn, you are under arrest for theft,” Khazak cuts in before we can argue further. “You will be able to speak with a legal advocate - and issue out and challenges once you are booked at the station.”

“Aww, guess I’ll see you tomorrow,” I told Ragnar as Khazka cuffed my arms behind my back. “Love you.”

“...Love you too,” Ragnar said with just a hint of annoyance as I was led away.

All according to plan.

The Crown and The Collar Releases

And we’re back! Or I am, at least. I wanted to say thank you to everyone for all the well-wishes and support, they really meant a lot to me. Taking the time off to grieve and process everything really helped, and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate everyone being so understanding. Time to move forward.

Love is in the air, and what better way to celebrate than by picking up a copy of The Crown and the Collar when it releases in just three weeks? It has been far too long since my last novel was released, and I am sooooo excited to get this book into everyone’s hands already. Get your preorders in while you still can! Ebooks, Paperbacks, and Hardcovers are all available, and the audiobook is in the works.

Remember that the first three chapters are here on Patreon for you to preview before the release. Normal updates will be resuming this month, and you can find the new schedule below. I’ll be starting with the items I originally missed in December.

It feels good to be back. Happy reading!

This Month on Patreon

February on Patreon:

• 2/12: Nylan & Ragnar, Chapter 3: we jump forward in time, to just before Nylan became Ragnar’s avakesh - and the plan the elf came up with to make it happen.
• 2/19: The Early Years of Litkalaa - In the transitionary period that followed the ascension of their new werewolf rulers, many things changed.
• 2/26: Caged Among the Stars, Chapter 11 - Things begin to return to normal for Kaylin around the academy - but not everyone is happy to still see him in class.

Last Month on Patreon

• Steamy images of David and Khazak for a special project! 

Reminder

Just a reminder that normal updates - and subscription charges - will resume in February!