Page 4 of Abducting the Alien

CHAPTER 2

The sound of the party increased as more Earthlings gathered outside the building before them.

“New plan,” August said. “We’re not going back to the party.”

Clay’s chest fluttered. He liked the idea of August making a plan that involved the two of them. Maybe it was a chance to get to know each other better.

After the fear that flashed across August’s face when he touched Clay’s tail, he’d worried their bond might be at risk. Disgust was surely a dangerous emotion when it came to bonding, and the possibility of August feeling it about him left a hollow ache deep in his core.

“What is the plan?”

“Just trust me, okay? Stay put.”

Clay nodded. Of course, he trusted August. August would never hurt him. The bond forbade it.

August disappeared behind him, and a moment later something heavy and warm settled over his head and shoulders. Thick, wooly fabric slid down his back until he was covered from his head to his hips. The scent of August clung to it, and Clay breathed in, purring.

“You okay in there? Can you breathe?” August asked.

“Yes,” Clay said, grinning to himself. He dragged his hands over the wool, letting the fabric run between his fingers as he thought of August’s body touching the same places.

“Okay, keep your arms inside, actually. And, here…” August picked up Clay’s tail and tucked it into the back of his pants. “Not because I don’t like your tail, but… people might notice.”

Clay glanced through the wool, spotting August with his tongue peeking between his lips as he pulled the fabric around Clay’s face, hiding him. The top of the wool flopped in front of his eyes and August reached out to pull it back up. The slow drag of his skin against Clay’s velvety, virgin horns lit up every nerve in Clay’s body.

Time slowed as Clay breathed in—his lungs filling with the bonding scent of humus and soil—and his body answered before his mind could catch up. Clay knew what these feelings were. Hallmarks of bonding. He had only heard stories of them, and he’d wondered if he’d recognize them if they ever came. The irresistible pull between two souls, something settling in his chest and burning through his body when a highly compatible mate touched his horns.

Heat pulsed lower with the instinctive response of his body recognizing his mate. His tail curled tighter beneath his clothes, swelling and pressing against his thigh.

“You look ridiculous. I’m not sure what I can tell people you are. A cotton swab, maybe.”

“Is that good?” Clay asked.

“It’s enough to get you inside. Don’t move too much, most of you is hidden. You’ll be safe, as long as you stay that way.”

Clay’s ribs squeezed with affection. August had a plan. August wanted him close, and to keep him safe.

He ducked his head obediently and let August guide him by the arm. Every gentle nudge from August’s body sent another pleasant warmth through Clay’s chest. He didn't know where they were going, but it didn’t matter. They were going together.

Clay could make out only vague shapes through the wool, but he knew they were getting closer to the house. As they stepped out of the woods, the music grew louder, followed by bursts of laughter and conversation.

“August! There you are!” someone yelled.

August kept walking, tightening his grip where his fingers tangled with Clay’s. “Hey, Jason. Glad you made it! This is just a guy in an alien costume I found in the woods. He got a little too drunk and he’s chilly. Gonna take him inside to get warmed up.”

Clay frowned beneath the fabric. Drunk? Why did August choose that explanation rather than the truth, that they’d found each other in the woods and wanted to learn more about each other to begin their bonding?

But Clay trusted August, so he followed.

“Is he okay?” someone else asked. “His skin is gray. Like, hypothermia gray.”

“He’s all good! Just a great costume.”

“Okay. Right on,” Jason said. “See you in a bit? We’re gonna play Stump.”

“Sweet. Yeah, just gonna get this guy home. Or into bed. Whatever.”

Understanding laughter erupted from the people standing around. Jason’s voice got louder, and he yelled, “I bet you are!”