Cherished by Two Read online

  Nary wrapped his arms around Chris from behind, nuzzling his neck as he whispered soft words of love to him. Lasar caressed his cheek, smiling.

  “Beautiful Chris, you are our treasure. We would never harm you and would die to protect you. You are allowed to feel whatever it is you do, but as your Ahnas, we are here in every regard. We will take care of you, keep your worries so that you don’t have to.” Lasar framed his face with both of his large hands, but the touch was so gentle, Chris wanted to chastise himself over ever being afraid of them. “Give it all to us, boy. I believe that was part of what the Soul Healer meant when he said that we’d be here to help you through the trials ahead.”

  “Thank you.” His words came out softly as he accepted the truth behind what Lasar had explained. He twisted in Nary’s embrace. “I’m sorry that I’m taking some of that away from you.” Before Chris had come along, Nary had been the sub, had enjoyed a perfect balance with Lasar as his Master.

  Nary vehemently shook his head, his expression one of distress. “Oh no, Chris, please don’t ever think that! Nothing has been taken away, it’s only been added. I still have my Ahna, but now I get to express what must have been dormant in me all this time. I get to enjoy the dynamic of having a Nasha, as well.”

  Chris’ emotions that had been running wild ever since he had first known of aliens invading the planet wreaked havoc with him again. He became weepy, even though he wasn’t sad.

  Lasar spoke behind them, his words traveling over Chris’ shoulder. “Does he have tears, Nasha?”

  “Yes, my Ahna. But I will kiss them away.”

  Chapter Two

  After Chris and his mates quickly showered with only minimal fondling, they’d headed to the kitchen to eat. Chris had argued, then been reprimanded by Lasar, for trying to help with the food preparations after Lasar had specifically requested that it be done by Nary. Nary had then ordered Chris to bring out the dishes and utensils instead, the newness of being an Ahna likely as challenging for Nary as being a Nasha was for Chris.

  While he performed his task with a strange thrill that he’d be pleasing both Lasar and Nary with his actions, he noted that his mates had their own larger set of crockery. A flash of Goldilocks and the Three Bears passed through his mind as he laid out the plates and arranged his own human-sized place setting. This one is juuuust right. He let out an unbidden snort.

  Lasar glanced up from the hand-held device he’d been studying, and straightened in his chair. He narrowed his large eyes, the brilliant and faceted teal-colored orbs as stunning as Nary’s sapphire-blue ones. “That was a happy sound, like laughter. Correct?”

  Chris gave him a smile. “Yes, Master. I was thinking about a story for kids and how it…” Hmm. He didn’t want them to think he was making fun of their size. “Well, it’s about a little girl—a child—and she sneaks into a home where three bears live, but they’re not there and she’s really hungry, and let’s see, there’s this uh, soup…wait, porridge? I think…”

  Lasar tilted his head as he regarded him. “Are you sure you’re very familiar with this story?”

  Chris scratched his head. This is where I could really use Morgan’s help. His cousin was a voracious reader and had started writing his own stories too. Chris held in a sigh. Well, at least he had before the invasion.

  “No, I’m probably not.” Chris set down the last dish then perched himself on the chair next to Lasar. He cleared his throat. “Um, so, I need to talk to you guys—” He shook his head in frustration. “I mean, Master and Sir, I’d like to discuss something with you regarding my family. That’s what startled me awake this morning.”

  Chris gasped, his lip trembling as he grabbed his chest. Behind him, the sound of a glass shattering rang out. Nary was instantly at his side, stroking his back. “Such pain in your spirit, pet. Let us help you.”

  Lasar took his hands. “Tell us. I have an idea, but need more information. Remember, part of your submission is to give us your troubles so that we can carry them.”

  Chris nodded. “Yeah, okay. I think I understand and I’ll try.” He chuckled with no humor. “I’ve always been the fixer for my friends, and sometimes with Morgan and my sisters. Then, when we all ran, when we were hiding…” Chris shuddered. “Everyone looked to me, relied on me to make all the decisions and tell them what to do. Well, except for our asshole neighbor, but that’s another story.” Chris gave himself a mental shake. “Anyway, I’m just used to being the one who takes on the worries for everyone else.”

  Lasar pressed his lips together, shaking his head. Nary hugged him from behind and spoke next to his ear. “And that’s not your natural state, is it?”

  Chris frowned as he considered Nary’s words. He wasn’t sure he agreed with his mate’s assessment. After all, he was the one who’d always stepped in to help solve issues for others. How was that not a natural response? Plus, his dad had always taught him that part of caring about others was being there for them when they needed help. It was what a responsible, strong man did.

  “I don’t want to contradict you, but…” How to say this without offending them? “I don’t mind… Well, okay, I guess sometimes I’d rather not be the one who has to make all the decisions or figure out the best way or…” Chris growled in frustration. Maybe that’s why being dominated seems so alluring to me. “Look, I don’t see myself as being incapable and I almost always have a pretty definite opinion about things.”

  Lasar interjected. “Of course, you do, Chris. I believe that’s part of why you’re a good soul match for us. We are both formidable and proficient warriors. I am a High Commander of many, a Rahna. Within that, Nary freely gives me his submission, and it’s precious to me. It doesn’t mean that I don’t care about or take his opinions or wishes under consideration.” Lasar smiled at him warmly. “The Soul Healer of our entire race wouldn’t have come to meet with you instead of me if your thoughts and ideas weren’t very valuable. I believe in my heart that Nary has been chosen to be Ahna to you in addition to me because of what lies ahead, my sweet boy. More than any other being right now, you will need to be kept safe and free from as much worry as possible. That is the role that both Nary and I must assume.”

  A tingling ran up Chris’ spine. Like someone walking over my grave. His breathing picked up a quicker pace as the weird hum he’d experienced with the Healer earlier insinuated itself throughout his body. A flash of concern passed over Lasar’s features as Nary gripped Chris tighter.

  “I don’t understand.” Nary’s words held a slight tremor. “I know something is upsetting Chris, but I can’t tell what it is. It’s blocked.” Nary’s hold increased to the point that Chris could barely breathe, yet he didn’t want Nary to let go. Nary’s voice edged on panic. “What is it Ahna? Help me understand.”

  Lasar’s frown deepened. “I don’t know, Nasha. I don’t think we’re supposed to, though. I believe whatever it is belongs only to Chris.” Lasar framed Chris’ face with his hands. “Boy? Do you have any understanding of this?”

  Chris nodded shakily. “I think so. Maybe?” He swallowed hard, his throat much too dry. “For those few minutes I met with him, he reached out to me with…” I can’t believe I’m about to say this out loud. Who knew I’d turn all New-Agey. “His spirit, or soul, or whatever. It’s totally different from the soul match hum, but it’s a similar type of sensation.” Chris locked on Lasar’s gaze. “Remember when you said he wouldn’t give me the answers directly? That he’d give me the essence of them?” Lasar nodded. “I think that’s what this is, but more…” Chris struggled to explain something that had him so perplexed. “Intuitive? Like I have a direct line to him even though he’s not here.”

  “Dearest heavens.” Nary’s words came out barely above a whisper.

  “This is remarkable, Chris.” Lasar considered him. “Such a phenomenon is completely unknown to the Alasharians. I can only surmise that the Healer was very surprised by it as well.”

  Chris bit his lip. “He said it was
‘interesting’. I suppose that’s one way to describe it.” Chris scrunched his brow. “You didn’t catch that part when you were listening?”

  Lasar shook his head. “No. We only dared approach toward the end of his visit. That’s when we heard him tell you that we’d be there for you through the trials ahead.” Lasar drew his eyebrows together as a thought seemed to come to him. “Perhaps that’s why we felt compelled to eavesdrop at that moment. I’ll confess it was out of character for us both. He must have wanted us to hear that we should support you, that we should believe in your insight.”

  Chris blinked repeatedly as Lasar’s remarks sank in. “Wow. That’s… Wow.”

  Nary nuzzled him, the act done with affection rather than seduction. “Yes. That is the perfect word, pet.”

  Lasar appeared intrigued. “Do you know what that sensation you just had might mean? You seemed quite afraid from it. Was it the feeling or a vision? I want to do whatever we can to help you.” Lasar pressed his lips together. “And yes, I do believe this is why you were given two Ahnas.”

  Chris nodded. “Yeah. I’ll need all the help I can get with the wild things happening to me, to all of us.” He sighed, resolving to himself to accept the bizarreness of everything that was occurring. I can’t keep questioning every single thing or I’ll go nuts. “So, on that note, yeah. You can both have as many of my worries as you want. I’ll apologize in advance because I’m willing to bet there’ll be a shitload.”

  Lasar offered him another warm smile. “Then give us one right now. Whatever it is that you sense the Healer is telling you, or you’re being directed toward, how can we help?”

  Chris didn’t have the slightest idea how to do all the mystical stuff Nary and Lasar did, but he had the basic concept. He closed his eyes and tried to bring up the memory of what he’d just experienced. It was difficult to push aside the fear attached to the sensation, but he attempted to ignore that part and focus instead on the direction the odd hum had pulled him.

  Mom. The girls. They’re alive, but we have to get to them very soon or… Someone has them but they…? “Dammit.” The dark area, like the same blackness that had hidden a part of his dream from before, kept him from getting the full message. What the fuck?

  “What is it, boy?” Lasar stared at him intently, almost as if he might be able to psychically glean some of what Chris was experiencing.

  “It’s seriously frustrating. It’s like this dream I had the other night where I could totally see something, like a vision of the future or whatever, but the most important aspect of it was blocked out by this all-encompassing darkness.”

  “The void!” Nary cried out. “Ahna, remember when the Healer first warned us all that he had perceived a blackness, but couldn’t tell what it was at first? Then he warned us of the void about to swallow Alashar.”

  Lasar winced. “I’ll confess, it does sound like that. Chris? Are you worried about the planet we’re all on now?”

  Chris took a moment to consider what Lasar had asked, whether that seemed the right explanation. “No, that’s not it exactly. It’s more like all of us as beings, or… Like we’re the ones who will destroy ourselves, not the actual planet that’s the danger.”

  “Then what next, Chris?” Lasar stroked his arms, soothing him as Nary rubbed his shoulders.

  Chris’ breathing began to slow down, to level out. “Okay, yeah. That’s helping.” He took in a few more deep, slow breaths. “It’s too much for me all at once, I think. The only thing I know for sure is that we have to find my mom and sisters as fast as we can. It’s important for some reason.” He shrugged. “I’m sorry. That’s all I have.” Chris swallowed hard. “But, my mom… You said you’d go look for them, like, today?”

  Lasar clutched Chris’ shoulders and held his gaze. “I made you a promise, Chris, and it holds true. Morgan will be protected as you are. Your mother and sisters will, as well. I have a meeting later with the warriors who serve under my command and I will figure out a way between now and then to launch a search for them without anyone suspecting my true motives. I swear to you and to the task you’ve been given that I will find them as quickly as I can without putting you or Morgan in danger because of my efforts.”

  “Don’t worry about me. I’m more concerned about something happening to them.”

  Lasar growled. “Don’t argue, boy. Do you think the Healer would want you to be placed in danger?”

  Nary spoke next to his ear. “Or that me or our Ahna could bear it if something bad were to happen to you?”

  Chris let out a sigh of resignation. He nodded. “This is gonna be a bitch.”

  Keeping their soul match bond a secret would be a huge challenge. Since no Alasharian had ever matched as three, and certainly never with a human, they had no way of knowing what would happen were they to be found out. Especially since something troubling had happened between Lasar and the Nall, the Alasharian’s leader and Supreme Commander, only a couple days before.

  “Are you in danger, Lasar?” Chris’ heart was being pulled in so many directions he thought he might come apart. “I mean, that whole thing you said about there being something weird you’d discovered regarding the invasion. Is it tied into what the Healer said to me?”

  Lasar sighed, the sound filled with melancholy. “I can only assume that it is. When I went to see my sister to ask for her help in seeking out the Healer, when the Nall arrived…” Lasar appeared to be searching for the proper explanation. “The more I dwell on it, the more I believe that my sister’s soul match, our Nall, has been swayed by some dark intent.”

  Nary gasped. “No, Ahna, please don’t say such a thing, it’s treason! Even your position as a Rahna, as brother to the Nall’s soul match would not save you!”

  Chris glanced between them, the terror inside Nary seeping inside and gripping him with fear. “Yeah. What he said.”

  Lasar regarded them with dismay, the sentiment worming its way into Chris alongside Nary’s dread.

  “My Nashas, we all heard what the Healer told Chris. And yes, there is danger and the outcome is uncertain, but more than any other consideration, we must do what is right. Whether we were meant to come to Earth or not”—Lasar held Chris’s gaze—“and I honestly believe we were—it wasn’t carried out properly.” Lasar clasped both Nary’s and Chris’ hands. “The Nall confessed to me that he intentionally misled us by saying that the humans were vicious, that there was no choice but to attack. That was the lie I was referring to before. In reality, we invaded because he didn’t want to take the time to negotiate a peaceful settlement, wanted to simply take this planet because it was the quickest and best solution to our problems.” Lasar lowered his head. “All the death, all the suffering it has caused. I will never forgive myself.”

  Chris dropped to his knees, but still held on to Lasar’s hand. “I believe that you didn’t know, that you did what your leader commanded because you thought it was the right thing. I forgive you, Master.”

  Nary also dropped to his knees. “And I as well, Ahna.” Nary turned to Chris. “Am I forgiven for the lives I took, Chris? Only your acceptance matters or will comfort me.”

  Chris’ heart broke for them all. If only it could’ve been different. If only his father, Morgan’s parents, so many humans hadn’t been killed. All for one Alasharian’s greed.

  “Yes, absolutely.” Chris took Nary’s hand so that all three of them were joined. No hum was resent, though. It was a moment of sadness and their mating pull had no place between them right then.

  “So…” Chris angled his head to try to see if he could catch Lasar’s eyes. His mate still had his head bowed. “What happens next, Master? Do you have any ideas what might’ve happened to your Nall to make him act this way? Did he used to be cool? I mean, he’s matched to your sister and everything…” Chris frowned. “How do you guys decide who gets to be in charge, anyway?”

  Lasar lifted his eyes. “The chosen male or female is decreed by the Healer. A precious gem, the only one
of its kind, is taken from the Supreme Commander upon death and then given to the one who must assume rule as the new Nall. It’s rarely someone within the same family unit to help guard against nepotism or negative alliances.” Lasar let out a mournful sigh. “But now, nothing makes sense to me and I greatly dislike it.” Lasar held Chris’ gaze for a moment before straightening. “My head pounds. We need nourishment to rejuvenate our bodies, then we can talk some more before I have to leave. We will have a balancing session when I return.”

  Chris helped Nary to clean up the broken glass while Nary finished preparing their meal. Chris had wanted to do the whole task since, even though Nary had dropped it, Chris was the one whose emotions had upset Nary. Finally, Nary’s logic that they both played a part won out and they’d done it together.

  As soon as they’d finished eating, Chris with his human food and Lasar and Nary with their Alasharian cuisine, Chris and Nary tidied up the kitchen. Lasar then summoned them to the main sitting area. He’d apparently been poring over his communicator and Chris hoped that meant he’d come up with a plan to find his mom and sisters. Chris let out a startled squeak when Nary pulled him onto his lap.

  Lasar chuckled. “That was a funny noise, very cute.”

  Cute? He didn’t want to talk back to his new Master. He still wasn’t so sure about the whole spanking thing and he was very unsure about the punishment with the rod that Nary had received Chris’ first night there. He’d splat like a bug if Lasar accidentally used that thing too hard on him.

  “Uh, thank you, Master?” Until he got some badly needed sub training, he thought he should opt for thanking as opposed to arguing. Then there’s the whole stars thing, trying to figure out what that Healer dude wants me to do next, learning their culture and language, going to see Morgan… “Oh, that reminds me. Can I visit Morgan today?”