Primal Bond (Warlords of Vasz #4)

23. Chapter 23

Chapter twenty-three

F inn glanced at Zanik as they walked back to the Ironclad. "What did you get?"

Zanik met his gaze, his voice steady. "An old friend."

He stepped into the docking bay, Finn trailing closely behind. Once the docking door was closed again, he unsheathed the blade, the polished metal glinting in the overhead lights. He held it out, the hilt gripped firmly in his hand.

Finn’s eyes widened, a mix of awe and curiosity flickering across his face. “Looks cool. What is it?”

“This is my clan blade,” Zanik said, his voice low. “It’s a weapon of honor.”

"How is that different to the blade you already have? I saw you kill Rivek's man on that station with that one. It seemed to work just fine."

Zanik nodded, stepping back to give himself room. He began to move, flowing into the first form — a sweeping arc that cut through the air. He felt the rhythm of the blade in his hands, each movement precise and controlled.

“This is the first form,” he explained, his voice steady. “It’s called the Wind’s Embrace. It symbolizes freedom and the flow of life. We learn these forms to connect with our heritage, to honor those who fought before us.”

Finn watched intently, his eyes fixed on Zanik’s movements. “Looks... graceful,” he said, a hint of admiration in his tone.

Zanik continued with the next form, a quick thrust forward. “This is the Lion’s Strike. It represents strength and courage. In our clan, every warrior is taught to wield a blade from a young age.”

Finn’s expression shifted, a mix of intrigue and something softer as he watched Zanik move. “What was it like growing up in a clan?” he asked.

Zanik hesitated, the memories flooding back. The warmth of kinship, the laughter around the fire, the stories shared under the stars. “It was... fulfilling. We trained together, fought together. There was a sense of belonging.”

“That sounds nice,” Finn said softly, his gaze lingering on Zanik. “What about Borraqs who aren’t like Urlek? What’s Borraq life like, if you're not a pillaging scumbag?”

Zanik felt a tightness in his chest. “We live by honor, respect. We protect our own. We value strength, but not in the way that slavers do. They use fear; we use bonds of loyalty.”

Finn nodded, absorbing the words. “I wish I could know that side of your world.”

Zanik paused, meeting Finn's gaze. There was something raw and genuine in the boy's eyes, an understanding that stirred something deep within him. He hadn’t talked about his past in years. Would it be so bad to share?

“It’s... complicated,” Zanik finally said, feeling the weight of his own walls. “But it’s worth it.”

Zanik resheathed his blade, his mind still lingering on Finn’s intrigued expression. The boy had an endless curiosity, one that both fascinated and unnerved him.

“Tell me about your village,” Finn said, his eyes bright with interest. “What was it like growing up there?”

Zanik leaned against the wall, feeling the cool metal press against his back. “It was a jungle village. Trees taller than any building, thick vines hanging everywhere. We lived in harmony with the wild. Hunting, gathering...”

Finn's eyebrows shot up. “Hunting? Did you ever bring down a big beast?”

“Of course,” Zanik said, a smile creeping onto his lips. “Once even a large Kraal. We feasted for days.”

Finn leaned closer, his tone teasing. “I bet you were the hero of the village, right?”

“Something like that.” Zanik chuckled. “Though, it was more about the clan than one individual.”

“Still, I can picture it... A young warrior, muscles rippling as he brings home dinner.” Finn's voice dropped, a hint of flirtation coloring his words. “Sounds like quite the sight.”

Zanik felt heat rise in his chest. “And what about you, Finn?”

Finn shrugged, the lightness in his expression fading slightly. “Just a regular kid until… well, you know the rest. It's not even worth talking about. Too boring.”

“Doesn’t sound boring to me at all.” Zanik’s eyes locked onto Finn’s.

Finn smiled, a soft blush creeping across his cheeks. “You’re just saying that.”

“No,” Zanik replied, his voice low. “I mean it. I want to know more about human life. Your life.”

Finn shifted, clearly pleased but trying to play it cool. “Maybe later. So, what else is there about traditional Borraq life? Anything... romantic?”

Zanik’s pulse quickened. “Romance is different among Borraq. It’s about finding your mate.”

Finn asked, leaning forward, curiosity sparking in his eyes. “What’s that like?”

Zanik inhaled deeply. “You catch their scent, feel your instincts rise. Something inside you knows it's them before you even do. It’s primal, compelling. You want to claim them.”

Finn's breath hitched slightly. “Claim them?”

“Yes.” Zanik’s voice dropped lower. “It’s about connection, about wanting to protect them.”

“And… what if you’re both guys?” Finn asked, his tone deliberately casual.

“It doesn’t matter,” Zanik said, feeling the heat rise in his cheeks. “Mates can be any gender. With the war, there’s no lack of orphans. If you want a pup of your own, it can be arranged.”

Zanik’s fingers traced along Finn’s arm, feeling the human’s shiver under his touch. The docking bay was quiet, the hum of the ship a distant murmur. Zanik’s gaze was intense, fixed on Finn as he spoke, his voice low and gravelly.

“When you find a mate,” Zanik began, his fingers trailing up to Finn’s shoulder, “it’s like your senses become sharper. Their scent fills your head, driving you to distraction.”

Finn’s breath hitched, his eyes locked onto Zanik’s. “And then what?” he asked, his voice a mix of curiosity and something deeper.

“You claim them,” Zanik continued, his hand sliding to the back of Finn’s neck, pulling him closer. “It’s about marking them as yours. Letting everyone know they belong to you.”

Finn’s eyes fluttered shut for a moment, his body leaning into Zanik’s touch. “Show me. I'm a hands-on learner.”

Zanik’s restraint crumbled. He locked the docking bay door with a swift motion, the click echoing in the quiet space. His hands moved to Finn’s clothes, stripping them away slowly, revealing the human’s pale skin inch by inch. His hunger was palpable, his touch both reverent and possessive.

Zanik's breath came hot and fast as he closed the distance between them, his lips crashing onto Finn’s with a savage hunger. Finn responded instantly, his hands tangling in Zanik’s hair, pulling him closer. The taste of Finn, sweet and intoxicating, drove Zanik to the edge. He couldn’t get enough.

Without breaking the kiss, Zanik hoisted Finn up effortlessly, pinning him against the cold metal wall. Finn's legs wrapped around Zanik's waist eagerly, drawing a deep growl from Zanik's chest. He felt Finn’s heartbeat racing against his own, their shared breath mingling in the heated air.

“Zanik,” Finn gasped, his voice a breathy whisper, filled with need and anticipation.

Zanik’s hands roamed over Finn’s body, feeling the lithe muscles beneath his skin. His lust surged, nearly overwhelming him. He undid his fly with a rough yank, freeing his twin cocks. One cock, thick and pulsing, slid against Finn’s entrance while the other pressed against his own abdomen, leaking precome.

Finn’s eyes widened as he felt the size and heat of Zanik's twin members. “You’re... so big,” he groaned, a mix of awe and desire in his voice.

Zanik’s lips curled into a grin. “Can you handle it, Finn?”

Finn’s response was immediate, his legs tightening around Zanik’s waist. “I want you. All of you.”

Zanik’s cockhead pressed against Finn’s tight entrance, the sensation electrifying. The slick precome dribbled down, easing the way as Zanik’s breath hitched. Finn’s body tensed and shivered under his touch, his breath coming in ragged gasps.

“Zanik,” Finn whispered, his voice barely audible, filled with need and urgency.

Zanik’s grip on Finn’s waist tightened. The human’s skin was soft, yielding beneath his rough hands. He could feel the heat radiating from Finn, mingling with his own. The jungle of his home village flickered in his mind’s eye — vivid and alive. He imagined the dense foliage, the scent of earth and leaves, the sounds of wildlife surrounding them. It felt right, primal, like they were connected to something ancient and untamed.

The head of Zanik’s cock rubbed against Finn’s hole, the slickness making the glide easier. He could feel Finn’s muscles tense and relax, a dance of resistance and surrender. Finn’s eyes locked onto his, dark and dilated with desire. Zanik could see the challenge and the plea in them, urging him to take what was his.

“Show me,” Finn breathed, his voice a mixture of desperation and command.

Zanik’s instincts roared to life. The pressure and heat of Finn's body in his arm drove him wild. He couldn’t resist the call of his mate, the need to claim and possess. Finn writhed against him, the teasing pressure making him squirm. Each movement sent shivers through Zanik’s body, heightening his arousal.

He imagined them hidden away in the jungle, the world around them a blur of green and shadows. The rough bark of a tree at Finn’s back, the leaves rustling with their every movement. The idea of taking Finn in such a wild, natural setting sent a jolt of raw desire through him.

Finn’s fingers dug into Zanik’s shoulders, his body arching, seeking more. “Zanik, I need—”

Zanik’s restraint snapped. He pushed forward, the head of his cock breaching Finn’s entrance, the tight heat enveloping him. Finn’s gasp echoed in the docking bay, his body trembling. Zanik growled, the sound low and primal, as he began to claim what was his.

He pushed in slowly, his eyes never leaving Finn’s face. The sensation was incredible, the tight heat of Finn enveloping him. Finn’s breath hitched, his fingers digging into Zanik’s shoulders.

Zanik thrust deeper, feeling Finn’s body stretch to accommodate him. The pleasure was almost too much to bear. He started moving, each stroke sending waves of ecstasy through him. Finn's moans filled the air, his head falling back against the wall, exposing the vulnerable line of his throat.

Zanik couldn’t resist. He leaned in, pressing hot kisses along Finn’s neck, tasting the salt of his skin. “You feel so good,” he growled against Finn’s ear.

Finn’s hips bucked against him, urging him on. “Faster, Zanik. Don’t hold back.”

With a primal roar, Zanik picked up the pace, his movements becoming more urgent, more desperate. His second cock, slick with precome, rubbed against Finn’s own erection, creating a delicious friction that made Finn cry out.

“Zanik,” Finn moaned, his voice breaking with pleasure. “I’m close...”

Zanik’s hand wrapped around Finn’s cock, pressing it against his second member. He pumped them together, the slick heat driving them both mad. “Come for me, Finn,” he commanded, his voice rough and demanding.

Finn’s body tensed, his legs tightening around Zanik’s waist as he cried out, his release spilling over Zanik’s hand and cock. The sight and feel of Finn’s orgasm pushed Zanik over the edge. He thrust deep, his own release flooding into Finn, filling him completely.

They stayed like that for a moment, panting and clinging to each other, the aftershocks of their pleasure rippling through them. Zanik slowly pulled out, careful not to hurt Finn. He lowered Finn to the ground, their bodies still pressed close.

“Are you okay?” Zanik asked, his voice softening with concern.

Finn nodded, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. “Better than okay.”

Zanik pressed a gentle kiss to Finn’s forehead, his heart pounding with a mix of emotions. He had never felt this way before — so connected, so protective. He knew this was more than just lust. It was something deeper, something that scared and thrilled him in equal measure.

He leaned back against the wall, breathless, his heart still racing. He watched Finn, sprawled across the floor, a satisfied grin stretching across his face. The boy's chest rose and fell rapidly, his skin glistening with sweat.

Finn's eyes sparkled with mischief as he broke the silence. “So, that’s how claiming a mate goes, huh?” He feigned an academic tone, lifting his eyebrows in exaggerated curiosity.

Zanik felt a growl rumble in his chest. “You’re a brat, you know that?” He smacked Finn’s hip lightly, a playful punishment for his audacity.

Finn yelped, then laughed, the sound bright and infectious. “Hey! Just trying to learn the ways of the Borraq.” He shrugged, feigning innocence.

Zanik shook his head, a smile creeping onto his lips despite himself. “You feel safe enough to be a pain in the ass now?”

Finn leaned back on his elbows, his grin widening. “Guess so." He pushed himself up to sit, a spark of challenge in his eyes. “I think I could get used to this whole ‘claiming’ thing.”

Zanik’s thoughts raced. Finn’s teasing brought a sense of warmth that he hadn’t expected. The boy’s spirit was infectious, drawing Zanik out of his own darkness.

“Careful,” Zanik warned, a hint of amusement in his tone. “You keep that up, and I might just take it personally.”

Finn laughed, the sound light and carefree. Zanik realized then how much he had missed laughter — how long it had been since he felt this relaxed.

“Is that a threat?” Finn asked, leaning closer, a playful glint in his eyes.

“Don’t push your luck.”

Finn smirked, clearly unbothered. “No promises.”