Chapter 11: We Got Married in a Fever
Rafe McCawley waved his shotgun menacingly at the Lawkeeper, leaving no doubt that he was serious.
"Get out of my way, Nolan!" Rafe shouted.
"Wait," Datak yelled, stepping boldly in front of his lover. "At least, have the decency to tell me what I have done to deserve this, Rafe?"
"Get back, Datak," Nolan commanded.
Datak stared Rafe McCawley down stubbornly. "No, Nolan, we have to get to the bottom of this. Give me an answer, McCawley, what did I do to deserve such wrath?"
"As if you didn't know, you miserable, murdering piece of Castithan shtako," Rafe growled, pointing the shotgun directly at Datak's head.
"Don't make me shoot you, Rafe. Put the gun down or I'll blow your head off," Nolan ordered.
"Do it, Nolan, but I'm pretty good with a gun, and I bet I can get off a shot before you do."
"Rafe, may we please talk about the situation? Honestly, I do not have any idea why you are so angry. Our children just married and I harbor no ill will toward you."
"Oh Please, do you think I'm stupid, Tarr? The only reason you allowed your son to marry my daughter is so that you could take over my mines. You'll never guess who paid me a visit last night?"
"I could not begin to guess, Rafe. Who paid you a visit?"
Rafe laughed bitterly. "You can imagine my surprise, when I came home last evening, and found a member of a mercenary group standing on my doorstep. He seemed pissed off too. He told me a little story, about how you hired his group to kill me and take control of the mines. He said that his boss went to meet with you and never returned."
"Rafe, you do not know what you are talking about?"
"Shut up, Datak, I'm not finished," Rafe snarled. "The mercenary said that he thinks you killed his boss, so you wouldn't have to pay him, then the man made me a deal. He said that he and his band would kill you in exchange for the same amount of scrip that you offered his boss. Count your blessings, Tarr, that I turned him down. I told him that I didn't need help killing the likes of you. Does any of this ring a bell, Datak?"
"Rafe, put the gun down…now," Nolan ordered again with a bit more emphasis. "It's not what you think. Do you realize that this is our wedding day?"
"That's your fucking insanity, Nolan. Have you taken leave of your senses?"
"You do not understand, Rafe, if Nolan and I are late for the bonding ceremony, the Castithan Order will kill us. They will also kill Stahma and Kenya Rosewater. Are you willing to take responsibility for the deaths of four people?"
"What the hell is he going on about?" Rafe asked as the wind gradually started to go out of his sail.
"Rafe, listen to me, Datak and I have to get married. The Castithan order granted Datak a divorce, so that he could marry me. His wife is having an affair with Kenya. Castithans are funny about that sort of thing. I understand that you're angry, but you don't know the full story."
"Then, I suggest you enlighten me quickly, before I start shooting."
"Tell him, Datak. Tell him everything. We can't afford to arrive late for our own wedding."
"Please, Rafe, will you let us get dressed? If you follow us upstairs, I promise I will tell you exactly what happened?" Datak implored.
Rafe McCawley thought for a moment, but finally nodded his agreement, as he raised his shotgun and pointed it at the stairs. "All right, go, but don't do anything crazy. Nolan, if you put your blaster away, I give you my word that I won't shoot until I hear what Tarr has to say."
Nolan slowly lowered his blaster, never breaking eye contact with Rafe, as he put himself between McCawley and his lover. "Go on up, Datak, I'll be right behind you. Rafe you follow me."
"Protective, aren't you," Rafe said with revulsion. "I still don't know what the fuck is wrong with you, Nolan. Why would you want to marry a sociopath? He doesn't care about anyone but himself."
"Nolan looked back at Rafe, mumbling over his shoulder. "I can't help it, Rafe, I love him."
"You're a fucking idiot, Nolan," Rafe replied as he followed the Lawkeeper and Datak up the stairs and into the bedroom.
Once inside the bedroom, Datak handed Nolan his clothes off the rack by the bathroom door. "Go get ready, Nolan. I will talk to Rafe."
"Leaving you alone with him is not an option, Datak. There is no fucking way."
"Nolan, we do not have time to debate the subject. Please, go get dressed. I will explain everything to McCawley."
"Nolan, if it makes you feel any better, I promise not to kill Datak, until after I've heard the entire story."
"That's fucking comforting," Nolan groaned.
"Please, we are rapidly running out of time."
Nolan sighed. His lover seemed determined to get himself killed, by either McCawley's hand or the Castithan Order. When Irisa told him that they'd have a shotgun wedding, this wasn't exactly what he'd pictured.
"Fine," Nolan relented, but he handed the blaster to Datak for insurance. "Rafe, if you kill Datak, it will really upset me. Do you understand?"
"My word, Lawkeeper, I won't kill him just yet."
"There now, everything is under control, Nolan, so hurry up."
Nolan turned warily, watching the two of them from the corner of his eye, as he entered the bathroom to prepare for his 'possible' wedding.
"Start talking, Datak," Rafe said impatiently. "You don't have all day."
"Rafe, I am sorry for any undue stress that you have suffered, but I did not try to kill you, at least, not after thinking things through."
"So, you did hire a mercenary to kill me and take over the mines?" Rafe asked as his anger intensified once more.
"Yes, but it was a long time ago. I went to meet with Shane Colbert recently to call off the attack. I did not intend to let him kill you, but I was too late. Colbert was the man who Nolan found in the crushed rover. He died in the Hellion attack, and never reached our meeting place. I brought a large amount of scrip with me to compensate Colbert for his time, but once I found out about his death, I thought the incident over."
Rafe McCawley's face seethed with rage as he fingered the shotgun's trigger. "You scheming, sorry ass, mother fucker," Rafe said, keeping his tone low, so as not to alert the Lawkeeper.
"Wait, please, Rafe, I am sorry. I apologize for my actions, but I have changed, honestly. Everything is different now. When I learned of my wife's affair with Kenya Rosewater, I realized that I was in love with Nolan. I want a life with him, but we cannot have that unless we make it to the wedding on time."
"You expect me to believe that your murderous impulses just suddenly went away?" Rafe asked incredulously.
"Yes, absolutely, I need you alive, Rafe."
"And why is that, Datak?"
"Well, the truth is, if you get killed, Alak will not have protection in Defiance. Should anything go wrong at the wedding, and the Castithan Order decides to kill us, who would take care of my son?"
Rafe snorted. "That makes more sense, Datak. You only want me alive to take care of Alak."
"In the event your death, Rafe, I know you would want someone around to look after Christie."
"Yes, I would, but I doubt that you'd be the person to do it."
"I give you my word, Rafe, I will never let any harm come to your daughter. Alak loves Christie and his heart would break if he ever lost her. Look, Rafe, I just want is to marry Nolan and forget about the past. I believe that we can all have a fresh start. I do not want to fight with you anymore. Please, Rafe, may we put our old hostilities to rest?"
"I don't know, Tarr. You're not exactly trustworthy, so why should I believe you?"
"I'll keep him in check, Rafe," Nolan answered as he came out of the bathroom dressed to the nines. "I promise there'll be no more shenanigans, or underhanded dealings, involving you or any member of your family, for as long as Datak and I stay married."
"I give you my word as well, Rafe," Datak replied, looking his lover up and down. "Mm, you look delicious, Nolan."
"Don't be a smartass, love. Rafe still has a shotgun pointed at you."
Rafe gagged. "I think I might be sick."
"That makes two of us," Nolan replied, looking very uncomfortable in a suit and tie. "Datak, I'll take over, if that's okay with Rafe? You need to get ready fast."
"Yeah, yeah, go ahead. Nolan and I will keep each other company. I'll try to talk him out of the biggest mistake of his life."
"You may try, but it will not work. Nolan is committed," Datak responded, as he handed the blaster back to Nolan, and left to get dressed for the ceremony.
"Uh huh, he should be committed to a mental ward," Rafe replied, shaking his head at Nolan.
Nolan smiled self-consciously. "Sorry, Rafe, but I'm not going to change my mind. I refuse to let Stahma and Kenya die because of this."
"That's confusing, Nolan. I don't get it. Why would the Castithan Order kill two innocent women?"
"Castithans won't grant a divorce to a woman. Only a man can release their spouse, so Datak had to petition the Council of Elders for a formal dissolution of the bond. Grudgingly, the Castithan Order approved the petition, but only after we agreed to get married. I had to proclaim my intentions to bond with Datak in front of the Council of Elders."
"So, they'll really kill the four of you, if you don't go through with the wedding?"
"Yes, Rafe, the Castithans are not playing around here."
"Jeez, Nolan, that's fucking messed up, but still, do you really think you can keep that maniac on a short leash?"
"Probably not, Rafe," Nolan replied, rolling his eyes.
"That's what I thought."
"However, I will do my best, and Datak is not out to get you anymore. He knows that you'll take care of Alak if anything happens to him. Please, Rafe, we only have ten minutes left to get to the town square. What's your decision, Rafe?"
"I suppose that I don't have a choice, now do I? I can't let the Casti's kill Amanda's sister. She would never forgive me."
Nolan smiled. "Nope, she wouldn't, and I know you don't want that. I've seen the way you look at our lovely Mayor."
"Hmm, we're not going there, Nolan. Let's just leave well enough alone. We both know that I'm way too old for Amanda."
"Maybe you should ask her how she feels. You won't know unless you ask."
"Forget it, Nolan. Just worry about your own love life, because it's fucked up."
"Still trying, Rafe?" Datak asked upon exiting the bathroom. "I told you that Nolan would not listen. He loves me."
"His mistake," Rafe said, watching with fascination, as the Lawkeeper stared at Datak.
"You look beautiful," Nolan said softly, seeing his partner dressed in white, from head to toe, and glowing like an ethereal vision.
Datak looked into his Nolan's eyes, love shining brightly within their blue depths, as he reached for the Lawkeeper's hand. "Thank you, I am happy that you approve."
"Oh, I do, most definitely."
"That's it, I'm going to puke. I can't take it anymore. You two are positively nauseating, but who am I to stand in the way of true love? You have eight minutes and counting, so let's go. I'll even ride shotgun, pardon the pun, to make sure you get to the town square on time."
"Does this mean that I am forgiven?" Datak asked.
"No, but it's somewhat better. I'll refrain from shooting you until I see how things go."
"Thanks, Rafe," Nolan grinned as he holstered his blaster and rushed his lover out the door.
"Yes, thank you, Rafe," Datak echoed, letting Nolan guide him down the stairs.
Grumbling loudly, Rafe chastised his judgment. "I know I'm going to fucking regret this."
"Face it, Rafe, you're a fool for love, just like the rest of us," Nolan replied, laughing as they got in their rover and sped off toward the town square.
"I don't know," Kenya said for the umpteenth time. "It's not looking good for any of us. Nolan and Datak only have a few minutes left."
Stahma watched the road for any sign of her former husband and his bride-to-be, but they were nowhere in sight. Worry lines deepened in her forehead as time kept ticking away. Amanda and Irisa tried desperately to raise Nolan on his hailer, but there was no response. Irisa couldn't imagine what was keeping her father. She knew he wouldn't falter this close to the wedding. Something was wrong… terribly wrong, or Nolan would've arrived by now.
"I'm going after him," Irisa whispered to Amanda. "This isn't right."
"Yeah, I'm coming with you," Tommy said over her shoulder. After all, he was the best man, or maid of honor, he wasn't sure which at this point.
"Okay, let's go, because we need to find them in a hurry. That Castithan Priest is looking a bit agitated."
"He does look rather angry," Stahma agreed as the group huddled together in conference.
Breaking ranks, Tommy and Irisa headed for their rover just as two Chargers rounded the corner and came to a screeching halt.
"It about time," Irisa sighed.
Nolan climbed out of the Charger, waving to the crowd, as he and Datak walked over to where the Priest was standing. Tommy and Irisa took up their places next to the bride and groom, giving the couple a raised eyebrow.
"Where have you two been, and why is Rafe McCawley with you? Irisa asked in exasperation.
"I'm sorry we're late, honey, but our vehicle wouldn't start, so Rafe jumped us."
"Literally," Datak added.
Nolan gave his lover a hard stare. "Not now, cupcake, save the jokes for the bathtub antics. We might need a few laughs then."
"Have it your way, sweetie, but you may appreciate my sense of humor later," Datak drawled sarcastically.
"May we begin now?" The Castithan Priest roared above the crowd, glowering at the happy pair as they stood before him.
"Of course," Datak replied, cowed by the forcefulness of the Priest, as the wedding ceremony commenced in earnest.
"Don't we even get a party?" Nolan asked perturbed as the crowd of people shook their hands and congratulated them.
The Castithan Order and the Council of Elders stood waiting for the newly bonded couple, on the steps of the league hall impatiently, with arms folded across their chests.
"I am afraid not, Nolan. It will have to wait until tomorrow. We must go to the bathing area now. Will you be all right?" Datak asked nervously.
"I suppose so, Datak, but I still think you should have let me get drunk."
Datak smacked Nolan on the back of his head affectionately. "No drunkenness allowed, love. You know the rules. Come now, we cannot keep the Elders waiting any longer."
"Fine, let's get this over as fast as possible," Nolan huffed as he followed his new husband to their fate.
The water shimmered eerily, as they entered the room, lit only by a few strategically placed candles. Nolan squinted, but he couldn't see anyone else.
"Where are they?" Nolan asked.
"They are here, Nolan, bathed in shadow, but never the less, watching our every move."
"What happens now?"
"We undress and get into the bath."
"I'm still not sure that I can make love to you knowing that other people are in the room. I'm so nervous, Datak."
"Hush now," Datak soothed, as he started unbuttoning Nolan's shirt. "I will do all the work. The contract states, as head of the household, that I must make love to you. The Council of Elders will always see me as the dominant partner."
"In your dreams, Datak," Nolan whispered.
"We will argue over it another day, Lawkeeper, but for now, we must finish undressing."
Nolan kept his eyes trained on his lover as they removed the rest of their clothing and slipped into the bath. He felt subconscious as a shadow detached itself from the back wall and came forward to ring a small gong.
"It has begun," Datak said softly, wrapping his arms around Nolan's neck, and leaning in to kiss his new husband.
His lips were warm and soft, his tongue wet as it slid into Nolan's mouth. Nolan suddenly found himself backed against the sidewall of the Castithan bath as Datak continued to kiss him. An irresistible heat sprang to life between his legs, and Nolan responded, pulling Datak close, while kissing him feverishly.
Datak's fingertips glided across bare flesh, warm and smooth. Nolan felt himself shiver as he rubbed against Datak with delicious friction. Vaguely aware of Datak's mouth leaving his, Nolan tilted his head back, a moan escaping him, as Datak's lips moved to his throat. "Oh", Nolan moaned, as the teasingly gentle touch of Datak's fingers sent wild sensations running through every nerve in his body.
Datak smirked, as he sank to his knees, and licked the tip of Nolan's bobbing member before taking it fully in his mouth.
"Please, Datak, I need you," Nolan begged.
"Turn around, Nolan," Datak replied, pulling off his lover's cock.
Nolan eagerly obeyed, lifting his butt in the air to give Datak better access to his puckered opening. Datak graciously accepted Nolan's offer, rimming him while reaching a hand between his legs, and stroking his cock at a maddeningly slow pace.
"Damn, please, Datak, I want you to fuck me."
"Soon, my love, soon," Datak promised. "We must make it last for a while."
Nolan trembled as Datak loosened his entrance with his tongue. His cock pulsed in Datak's hand as his husband ran a thumb over the engorged tip. Passion built inside the warm cocoon of the bath, as the shadows rescinded, making him forget about everything except the long slide of tongue, dancing in and out of his ass.
Nolan bucked against Datak's wicked tongue until the Castithan finally pulled it out. His husband chuckled as he stood up and dipped his fingers into a small bowl sitting on the ledge of the bath. Stroking the crack of Nolan's ass, Datak gently inserted one slick finger into Nolan's tight pucker. A flame, the size of bonfire, burst inside of him as he arched his back and thrust his ass higher in the air.
Nolan moaned and threw his head back, as Datak worked two fingers into him, closely followed by a third. The sensation rippled in the pit of Nolan's stomach and rose to the surface in a full-body flush. Datak removed his fingers and placed something wet and fleshy against Nolan's quivering entrance. When Nolan felt the head of Datak' cock push through his tight ring of muscles, desire flooded his veins in waves of pleasure.
Nolan's nerve endings prickled as Datak held perfectly still, his hot breath drifting over his shoulder, as his husband waited for the burn to fizzle out. Datak ran a gentle hand over Nolan's body, whispering nonsense in his ear, until he adjusted to the intrusion. However, Nolan's patience wore thin quickly and he thrust back on Datak's rigid member.
Datak set a steady pace, gradually increasing in force and speed, as he plunged deeply into Nolan's tight passage. Datak rolled his hips and wrapped his hand around Nolan's cock. He slid in and out smoothly, causing Nolan to moan with each thrust. Lost in the sensations, Nolan became aware of his aching need to come, as Datak stroked his cock harder, and pumped into his ass frantically. The candle light bathed the lovers in a soft golden glow as they raced swiftly toward completion.
The Lawkeeper cried out, his muscles locking in massive convulsions, as he spilled his seed over Datak's fist. His husband thrust deeper, until Nolan felt Datak shudder against his back, as his cock lost all rhythm, and warm spunk spurted inside him.
They remained joined, for some time, clinging to each other like two desperate souls. Then gingerly, Datak eased out and turned Nolan around, as his sweat-glistening body and flaccid, but still swollen cock, twitched between his legs. Datak pulled Nolan toward him for a gentle kiss, brushing the sweat from his forehead, as he leaned against him. Nolan sighed breathlessly, and pulled Datak close, wrapping him in the warmth of his body.
Nolan and Datak floated on a cloud until they heard the ringing of the gong once more. "It is over, Nolan. We are official now," Datak said with a smile, as a breeze rushed past them, and he knew they were finally alone.
"Did the Council of Elders just leave?"
"Yes, husband, they are gone, and we have the council's seal of approval. That was the meaning of the second gong. We passed the test, Nolan. You did very well," Datak praised.
"Uh, thanks," Nolan replied, smirking at his lover. "And may we never have to go through that again. I think we should go home now, so I can show you who the dominant partner really is. Don't you agree?"
"Hmm," Datak glowered, "we shall just see about that, Lawkeeper."
Nolan laughed. "How about we share the power as equals?"
Datak stuck his nose in the air. "Oh, I suppose it's all right, since you seem so adamant about the damn thing."
"Datak, trust me, I think you'll like it better that way."
Datak smiled at Nolan, knowing that his husband was probably right. Things could get dull quickly, if he was in control all the time.
"Shall we go home then?" Datak asked as he pulled Nolan from the bath.
"Sounds like a winning idea to me," Nolan said grinning. "I knew you'd see things my way eventually."
Datak snorted. His husband was in for a few surprises, especially if Nolan thought that he would just roll over and play dead. Datak Tarr did not take a backseat to anyone, not even his new mate.