Blood of the Neko (sequel to Tears of the Neko)

By Taylor Ryan

In the sequel to Tears of the Neko, Damien, the duke of Marsten must journey to the mines to deal with a problematic overseer. When his feline lover, Kayden, comes face to face with nightmares from his past, will he be strong enough to survive them, or will he fall prey to his fears and the hunters' resolve to draw the Blood of the Neko?

This is the sequel to Tears of the Neko (book 1 of the Neko series). It is best to have read that first story before reading this one. There is also a set of short stories called A Dash of Neko that precede this story as well (they happen in between the two stories). The Neko shorts are light-hearted vignettes into Kayden and Damien's lives, some of which are hinted at in the sequel. It is NOT necessary to have read them to enjoy The Blood of the Neko, however. They are simply fun, short stories involving the characters from the Neko Series.

Warnings: This book contains violence and sexual relationships between men. Please do not read if any of this bothers you.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Taylor Ryan
• Release date: Apr 19, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311800282

Taylor Ryan

Taylor Ryan's works are usually rather angst-ridden. As anyone who has read All In or Tears of the Neko can tell, stories delve into the emotional side of the characters and relationships are built over time. The genre of the story isn't as important to the story as the development of the characters; therefore, stories will fall into just about any genre-- modern, historical, fantasy, sci-fi, shifter, slave-fic, etc.

Book preview

Blood of the Neko

by

Taylor Ryan

Tears of the Neko Sequel

Text Copyright @ 2015 Taylor Ryan

(Craftingmom/Oh2Bwriting)

All Rights Reserved

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22--Epilogue

About the Author

Other Works

Coming Soon

Chapter 1

He hit the ground. Hard. He gasped as something sharp pierced his side. Damn fucking rocks. The air whooshed out of his lungs before he felt an arm press across his throat. He felt his heart racing. He swallowed and felt the harsh press of the man's arm against his Adam's apple.

Give up? the voice above him seemed to float amid the dust stirring around them.

Kayden grit his teeth, clenching his jaw as his pupils dilated and focused on the grinning face. His small, lean body was not much of a match for the bulkier strength of the man looming over him. Hissing, he threw his hand up into the man's throat as he yanked up his knee into the man's solar plexus.

The grunt of pain, along with the shock of the counterattack, was enough to allow the small neko to throw the man off and scurry out from under him. Kayden crouched on his toes, ready to spring, one hand on the ground in front of him for balance as watched the movements of the man a few feet from him.

The bigger man grinned, rubbing at a streak of blood at his neck and Kayden realized that he must have caught the man's throat with his claws.

I guess not, came the rumbling laugh.

Kayden didn't let the chuckle distract him, watching the man for any signs of impending attack. His feline side itched to dig his claws into the man, his sleek black tail flicked behind him in agitation. A black pointed ear twitched as a boot scuffed closer and his body went rigid, bright green eyes narrowing through the long strands of ebony hair.

His keen hearing noted the thundering of horse hooves approaching, but his opponent seemed unaware of them as he lurched forward, feigning to the right before diving to the left. Kayden managed to dart under the man's grasp, not falling for the trick, and the man stumbled past him.

The larger man was quick to recover and managed to whirl around in time to lunge for Kayden's ankle, his fingers closing around it. The neko hit the ground with a hiss, immediately tasting blood in his mouth as his fang bit down on his lip. He rolled quickly to kick the broad shoulder attached to the arm holding him, causing enough pain for the man to release his grasp.

Shit! the man gasped, grabbing his shoulder.

****

What the hell is going on here? the loud voice of Geoff Brenner shouted as he drew his horse to an abrupt halt. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. His own guard was attacking his master's lover. Was he a traitor? Shit, Damien would have his head if anything happened to the young neko.

He slid off his horse, dropping in front of the crouching neko protectively. His eyes narrowed on the man in front of him, his dagger sliding from its sheath.

Geoff Brenner aimed the weapon at his man, his eyes hot with anger. Back away, Nash!

Sir! The young blond straightened as quickly as he could, scrambling to his feet to get to attention, obviously fearful of what was about to happen.

From the corner of his eye, he saw Kayden scramble away from him, even though Geoff was just there to protect him. The young neko's past as a slave for hunters who tormented him into silence and obedience for years had made the poor thing rather skittish. When Lord Harrison bought the boy for his brother's birthday, the tiny thing was hardly worth anything--he was too skittish to be helpful and too small and weak to really do much work. The boy had been so malnourished and fearful, that he could do little more than sit in silence, trembling in fear if anyone came near him. It had taken his lord's patience and love, as well as the care and understanding of the entire household staff, to win the boy's trust. Brenner regretted causing the boy any additional fear, but Geoff would do what was necessary to protect the boy.

Nash, what the hell are you doing?

Geoff could see the young neko to his left rising fluidly to his feet, the lean body seemed to shake a bit at the harsh sound of his voice. The young, burly guard also cowered slightly under his glare. Good. While he didn't mean to scare the young feline hybrid, he was glad to see that his man appeared suitably chastened.

I-- Joseph Nash glanced uneasily over at Kayden.

You are supposed to be guarding him, not fighting with him, Brenner accused.

It's my fault, sir, came the meek voice next to him.

What? Brenner asked, not taking his eyes off Joseph Nash, just in case the man made a sudden.

I asked him to, Kayden explained, causing the captain to drop his blade to his side in shock.

What? Geoff rounded on the young kit. He glanced briefly back at Nash, who nodded emphatically, eyes wide with worry. Geoff saw Kayden's green eyes dart warily to the blade still in his hand, and with one last glare at his guard, he slid the blade back into its sheath.

What is going on? he demanded.

The neko's black ears flattened at his tone, but Geoff didn't care as he turned his whole attention to the boy. His eye caught sight of the crimson drops on the boy's lips.

Oh, shit, he cursed, his hands darting out to grab the young neko, pulling him closer.

Kayden flinched at the abrupt movement, and Geoff quickly regretted his gruffness. The boy was still anxious around big men with weapons, but he stilled as Geoff smoothed his hands over boy's face. He ran his thumb over Kayden's bleeding lip, his frown deepening.

He could feel Kayden trembling slightly under his hands. It had been a while since he had sensed so much fear in the boy. The last few months the former slave had become increasingly more confident and even adventurous. Kayden had to know that Geoff Brenner would never hurt him, but the captain realized that just his size and tone could inspire a bit of fear in anyone.

Kit, it's okay, he said, dropping his voice to a calming tone, letting the young neko know that he wasn't in trouble.

He shot a look over his shoulder at Joseph Nash, who was another matter entirely. He's bleeding, Nash, he growled. What the hell were you thinking?

I was teaching him to fight, sir, Nash said, having finally recovered some of his decorum, and straightened his vest.

Geoff froze, his hands hovering on the boy's jaw as he checked for more injuries. You were what?

He felt Kayden flinch under his hands and turned back to the boy. The bright green eyes gazed up at him.

I asked him to, sir, Kayden stated, and Geoff was impressed with how bold the words came out.

The captain dropped his hands, glancing over the lean body of the neko again, making sure there weren't any more injuries. Not that Kayden didn't get scratched and scraped practically weekly these days from his own explorations, like climbing the balcony or trees, standing on his horse, or running barefoot chasing squirrels--but this was different. One of his own men, Kayden's own guard, was responsible for hurting the boy. And that just wasn't acceptable.

Finally, Geoff was able to control his rising anger. How could the boy be so stupid? Learn to fight? He was only a little thing, he had his own guards, why would he need to fight?

And why would you ask your guard to do that? Brenner finally asked.

So I can protect my master, Kayden said, straightening, and Geoff had the sudden impression that the boy must have grown a couple inches recently.

Geoff Brenner's eyes softened, knowing how the boy felt for Damien. The neko had almost lost his life protecting the duke from an assassin over a year ago, and Lord Damien had been livid at the possible loss of his young lover. There was no way Geoff would ever let the boy risk his life like that again.

Kayden, you don't need to do that. That's my job, Geoff stated softly.

But the boy's sleek black tail twitched behind him, and Geoff knew that he was a little irritated.

I can help you. I can be a guard too, Kayden drew himself up even taller. I'm not a slave anymore. I can choose what I want to do.

I see, Geoff repressed the chuckle that threatened to escape at the thought of the lean little thing being one of his guards. And has your master approved of this new vocation?

Kayden glanced abashedly at the ground.

Of course he hadn't.

Look, kit, you are Lord Damien's companion, not his--

Geoff cut himself off at the fierce look that Kayden shot him. He could practically hear the growl rising from the boy's throat.

I am more than just a companion, Kayden snapped.

Again, Geoff saw the fierce little panther that occasionally rose up from depths of the feline hybrid. When it did, it was shocking. As Kayden was usually either so skittish--or more recently playful and cuddly--seeing the boy actually angry was still such a surprise that Geoff was speechless for a moment. The fire in the boy's eyes now made him wonder if he was seeing a glimpse of the ferocious determination that the assassin had seen when Kayden had gripped his throat and threatened a confession out of him.

I'm closer to the master than anyone, Kayden continued, I can protect him too.

Geoff finally sighed. Yes, yes, you are. And you've proven that you can protect him. You know we all love you for what you did when you protected him from his brother and the assassin, but it would kill Lord Damien if something happened to you again, especially if it had been meant for him.

The little kit just cocked his head, his pointed black ears perched forward. But which one of us is more expendable?

Shit. The kid had him there. Geoff didn't want to think about that. Because he knew the answer. It was the same answer for the neko as for anyone else. Everyone, short of King Eudon himself, was expendable if it meant saving the Duke of Marsten's life. Of course, Damien wouldn't see it that way, but Kayden obviously did.

It was an odd thing to watch the boy with the duke. He was so submissive and playful, sitting at his master's feet while Damien lazily pet the boy's silky black locks. When Kayden was with Damien, he melted under his master's gaze, curling against the broad man's body. Damien would wrap the boy up in his protective arms and kiss the boy breathless. The boy was his kitten, his love. They were beautiful to watch together.

If something threatened Damien, though, the kitten would suddenly morph into something more--claws and fangs bared aggressively. The feline hybrid instinctively protected what was his, even if that put him in harm's way.

The captain glanced back at Nash. I suppose you agreed with that.

Joseph Nash shrugged. It made sense to me. He's going to do it anyway--hell, he already has. Why not teach him some moves that might help?

Fuck. Geoff knew there was no arguing that. The question was: what should he tell the duke?

Chapter 2

Lord Damien Whitmore, the Duke of Marsten, sat back in his chair. He pinched the bridge of his nose as he blinked and rubbed his eyes. He hated days like this, when he had so much paperwork to read through and no time to be outside. Glancing at the window behind him, he felt a moment of sadness at seeing the bare window and floor under it.

His thoughts strayed to a sleek black tail thumping idly as its owner stared out the window or curled up in the warmth of the sun streaming in through the panes. For months, his young lover had always been there, never wanting to venture very far from him. With good reason.

Damien remembered when he'd first seen the little feline hybrid. His brother Harrison had presented the slave to him as a birthday gag. Neither of his brothers thought that Damien would tolerate having a personal slave underfoot all the time, and they had goaded him into a bet.

At first, Damien hadn't wanted anything to do with the boy, figuring he could pretty much just ignore the slave for the month of the bet, but Kayden wasn't like any slave he'd ever been around. The young man was terrified, and at first the boy's flinching at every movement and touch or darting off at a loud noise drove Damien absolutely crazy. He wouldn't even speak to anyone except for Damien for a long time. Slaves in Marsten were treated well, with respect and dignity. They chose to pledge their service for a certain term in return for food, shelter, and protection. He couldn't fathom why this slave acted this way--why he was so skittish of being owned if he had chosen to do so.

But then he'd seen the scars littering the smooth skin of the boy, how malnourished he was with his skin stretched over his ribs, and Damien knew there was more to this feline's past than most.

It was from Kayden that Damien learned of the hunters--outlaws who hunted and enslaved both humans and nekos and were selling them to the mines. For the last year, Damien had been trying to get the court to become more involved in the operation of the coal mines--especially knowing that Laos, the overseer, was involved in the buying of illegally obtained slaves. But the king and the court had been reluctant to assert more authority over the running of the mines. They'd given Laos practically free reign to do as he pleased. As long as coal was shipped out on time, the court didn't seem to want to be bothered to get involved in an operation that was so far removed, even if the overseer was engaging in the illicit activity of buying slaves from slave hunters--hunters who didn't care about the humans or hybrids they enslaved.

And Kayden had been owned by them for over five years--tortured, raped and tormented into silence, after having watched his mother and father get killed by the hunters. It was a wonder that the young neko even survived. The hunters hadn't been able to sell Kayden to the mines, though, as he was too young at the time and they had tormented the boy into such fear and kept him so underfed and weak the mines wouldn't take him once he was old enough.

They had finally sold the boy to the slave market, where he had remained for a year before Harrison had found him and purchased him. Damien had been nearly sick with the thought of what had happened to him there, attacked and used by larger hybrids in heat, nearly starving because he couldn't fight the others for food. The idea that the market owner had almost decided to put Kayden down brought him to tears when he thought about how loving and gentle his kitten had become.

It had taken a while, and his brother Roman hadn't helped, but Damien had slowly earned the boy's trust and love. Even after Roman's horrible betrayal, Kayden hadn't lost faith in Damien. It had been hard to accept that his own brother had plotted to kill him just to put himself in line for the crown. Kayden had known. But Roman was Damien's family, and it had shaken him to the core to finally accept that his own brother could be so evil.

But that was behind them now. Roman was dead, executed for the attempted assassination of the Duke of Marsten, heir to the throne, as well as plotting the eventual demise of King Eudon--his own uncle. Damien had pled for mercy for his brother, even after all he'd done, but the king and the court didn't take kindly to Roman's treachery. And after Roman revealed to Damien his rape of Kayden, Damien had felt the same way. Roman's betrayal still burned in Damien's heart, and Kayden still wore the scars of that past.

But that was over a year ago now, and Kayden wasn't the same skittish little, emaciated boy he had been. Thanks to Garin's cooking, Ysmenia's nurturing, and Ellis's friendship, Kayden was emerging into a formidable young man.

Damien had been the one to finally get his little feline to try new things.

Big mistake, he chuckled.

Maybe if he hadn't encouraged the boy to try new things, stretch his wings so to speak, he wouldn't find Kayden climbing the side of the house or perched on the roof of the guardhouse.

He sort of missed having his kitten curled up in his study with him all day.

Damien sighed as he wondered where Kayden had taken off to today. Hopefully, he wasn't stealing something from Garin's kitchen or chasing the peacock that Oliver, Damien's longtime friend, had given them as a gift. He supposed he'd hear if Kayden had gotten into trouble again.

He stared out the window at the beautiful sunny day. Kayden was probably out riding. Damien thought that if he didn't have so