Page 16 of Tis the Season for Tentacles (Tinsel and Tentacles 2.0)

Chapter Sixteen

“Tentacles and Torment: Body Swapped” by FeliXFiles

Fandom: “The Tentacular Tales of Captain Starblade” by KirklovesSpock4eva

Tags: Lord Vardox, Captain Starblade, body swap, tentacles, 18+

Part 7 of Tentacles and Torment

Stuffed full with Vardox’s cock and tentacle, Starblade could only gape as he tried to process this unexpected turn of events. How had he switched back to his own body?

“You look confused, darling,” Vardox drawled as he rocked his hips in time with his tentacle.

The sensations coursing through Starblade’s body were so overwhelming he could barely think.

“I’m glad my talent at fucking is so legendary it leaves even you tongue-tied, my sweet captain.”

Starblade struggled to focus. “H-how did we… switch… ahhh … back?”

Vardox smirked. “Well, if you must know. I suspect it was when the ship passed out of the Mirror Retrograde Nebula.”

Starblade balked. “We traveled through that dangerous territory?”

“It is a quicker route to my destination. I will admit, I never thought the rumors about it were true, but evidently they are.”

Starblade narrowed his eyes, nostrils flaring. “You planned this?”

“Not exactly. Let’s just remember it as a happy coincidence.”

“You—!”

“Now, let’s get back to fucking,” Vardox said, his forked tongue flicking out as he began to nail Starblade’s prostate with his tentacle and cock at the same time.

FELIX

“ T his is Cosmo,” I tell everyone once we’re settled back on the Sleigh Belle and starting on our ten-day route back to Earth.

Khephren’s pink tentacles do an excited Kermit flail in the air. “He’s so adorable and fluffy! May I pet him?”

I nod, and he and the others take their turns meeting Cosmo, who is a model foxhound. He sniffs them all, decides they are acceptable, and lets them pet him while giving everyone his precious puppy-dog eyes the whole time.

When they’re done, Cosmo snuggles contentedly in my arms and makes a happy sighing noise.

That produces a resounding “Awww!” from Khephren and Luna.

“Can you believe some asshole abandoned this sweet angel on that space station?” I say, unable to keep the lingering outrage I feel from my voice.

Khephren frowns. “It’s a common problem, unfortunately.”

I scowl. “I guess there are plenty of heartless folks among other species as well. Humans don’t own the market for that.”

Luna shakes her head. “It’s a terrible thing. Happens a lot at different space stations and most of them aren’t well equipped to deal with rehoming the poor animals.”

I rub Cosmo’s big ears. “Don’t worry, boy. You’re safe now.”

Sasha arches an eyebrow, studying me and then Najar. “How exactly did you two end up with this little fluffball?”

I enthusiastically launch into the tale, and when I get to the climax, I can’t help but beam at Najar. “Like a knight in shining armor, he swooped in and offered to adopt Cosmo. Isn’t he just the absolute best?”

Luna’s eyes go wide in disbelief as she stares at her friend. “Shut the ship door. You adopted Cosmo?”

Two of Khephren’s tentacles clasp together in front of him in a weird prayer-type pose. “I’m so proud of you, Najar! Look at how you’ve grown. I feel like I’m witnessing a true miracle right now.”

The big, sexy, golden alien I’ve fallen hard for looks distinctly uncomfortable under all the attention. Underneath it all, he’s a big softy but doesn’t like for others to know. Even I almost missed it at the start.

I selfishly want to keep this side of him—well, and just him really—all to myself.

By adopting sweet little Cosmo, Najar won the final piece of my heart—and my eternal gratitude.

But the thought of leaving Najar and Cosmo behind all too soon makes my heart ache so much it’s hard to breathe. I clutch the sweet little foxhound to my chest, my entire being rebelling against the idea of abandoning him yet again.

I don’t want to leave Najar behind, either.

The very notion feels wrong.

It’s almost like all of this—me ending up getting abducted and traveling with the crew of the Sleigh Belle—was meant to happen. And I fear that letting it all go could be the biggest mistake of my life.

But I don’t know how to reconcile my growing desire to stay with my lifelong need to be there for my sister.

Could we somehow make a long-distance sibling relationship work—especially when it might take me days to be able to travel back if she has an emergency?

That doesn’t seem realistic.

I rack my brain, trying to come up with a plan that could work, but all I end up with is a headache.

Once we reach our cruising speed, I give Cosmo some time to explore the ship, but he sticks close to my side and remains my shadow the entire time.

Jonesy and a couple of her kittens come out at one point to investigate, but they seem disinterested and rather unimpressed with the foxhound—pretty standard for cats in my experience. Cosmo also doesn’t show much interest in them and instead continues to stick to me like glue.

Again, my heart aches. The little foxhound is becoming attached to me.

Stray animals often develop strong, and sometimes fast, bonds with the people who rescue them. Cosmo is already showing clear signs of that. While I am confident that Najar will take excellent care of him when I’m gone, I find myself not wanting to hurt the precious little guy. I don’t know what to do.

Throughout our communal evening meal together, I wrestle with the conflicting desires weighing on me only to find no clearer solutions than when I began.

After eating, we all head off to do our own thing. As if in silent agreement, Najar and I head to his room, and Cosmo trots along at my heels, a goofy grin on his furry blue face.

When we get back to the room, I look up and realize I’m not the only one with something on his mind.

Paying closer attention, I can tell that Najar is an odd mixture of serious and nervous, the latter of which brings me up short. It’s not something I’ve witnessed with him before, but the way his tentacles are coiling and uncoiling tells me something’s wrong—especially since his tend to be far more controlled than Luna’s or Khephren’s.

I’ve started to realize tentacles often reveal the state of a Dravethian’s emotions. Najar keeps his tentacles close to the chest—or rather, technically, his back—than the others. But that fits his personality and the walls he has around his heart. For his tentacles to be moving around so much, something must be seriously bothering him.

“Are you okay?” I ask, worry growing inside me.

He startles, and one of his tentacles jerks a bit in the air. “Uh… yes. I just need to talk with you about something important.”

Well, that doesn’t sound ominous or anything. My stomach drops and I’m momentarily lightheaded.

We settle on the couch and I clutch Cosmo to me like a life preserver.

Cosmo gives a contented sigh as I start to pet him in an effort to soothe myself.

Najar’s body is rigid with tension and there’s a hint of wariness mingled with determined resolve in his eyes.

“Okay, what do you want to talk about?”

“I…” He swallows. “At the start of all of this, we agreed to a no-strings-attached, friends-with-benefits situation for the duration of this trip.”

Oh, God, does he not want to have sex with me anymore? Was I a bad lay? No, surely not.

He stalls for a moment, rearranging the pillow behind him until he continues, “The time we’ve spent together has been amazing, far more enjoyable even than I ever could have imagined. I’ve found profound joy in building our friendship, not just sharing our bodies.” Two of his tentacles begin to twitch nervously. “But in getting to know you better, and learning all your beautiful depths, I’ve also come to care for you more than I have for anyone in a long time.”

My heart thumps loudly in my chest, and there’s a strange ringing noise in my ears.

Najar cares for me . My feelings aren’t entirely one-sided.

He clears his throat and sits up straighter. “What I’m trying to say—poorly, I realize, probably because I’ve never said it to a partner before, but”—he fixes me with a steady gaze—“I’ve fallen in love with you, Felix.”

For a moment, I can’t breathe and I’m lightheaded again.

I want to jump for joy, cry, and scream all at once.

His tentacles sway in the air and he smiles. “I know the timing is horrible, and that it goes against what we promised one another. But I’ve discovered that, although there are many things in my life I can control, my feelings are not on that list when it comes to you.”

My heart aches. He has no idea how much harder he’s making all of this for me.

Najar’s voice grows hoarse. “I know we don’t have much time left together, and I hope me telling you this is not a burden, but I felt I needed to come clean and be honest—not only with you, but also with myself.” A trembling hand reaches out and cups my cheek. “When I think about my future, I see you in it, right beside me. Please, tell me truthfully, is there any chance that you could love me too?”

I carefully set Cosmo on a pillow and fling myself into Najar’s arms.

He catches me with a surprised grunt and has to steady himself so we don’t fall on the floor.

I don’t give him a chance to catch his breath before I kiss the daylights out of him, only pulling back when I need oxygen.

For the first time since I met him, Najar Mezdel looks stunned.

“Believe me, I love you, too. I’ve just been too scared to say anything. Considering how we first met, I didn’t think there was a chance in this universe that you might feel the same.”

His arms and two tentacles wrap around me, holding me tight as his features soften in awe. “You truly love me, too? I am not the only one who’s been made an emotional mess by all of this?”

I can’t help but laugh. “Are you kidding? I’ve been a wreck for days. I’ve been falling for you for quite a while and my heart decided early that there was no turning back. But I was prepared to stay silent and endure the heartbreak of leaving you all on my own.” Curled in his lap, I lay my head against his chest and let out a heavy sigh. “Najar, I want to be with you too. I’ve thought about my future a lot, and traveling the universe with you and all your friends seems so much more fulfilling than returning to my old life.”

“Then you should stay,” he whispers, squeezing me tight.

“I want to, I really do,” I reply, “but I can’t just leave my sister behind. We’re the only family we have left. If something terrible were to happen to Gemma while I was traveling light-years away, I’d never be able to forgive myself.”

He starts massaging my back with his hands and tentacles, and my tense posture gradually loosens. “This is indeed a complex conundrum, but not necessarily one that cannot be solved in a mutually beneficial manner.”

I lift my head. “What do you mean?”

“Give me time to think on this, and I swear I will formulate a plan that will make all of us happy.”

I search his face. “You honestly think we can make this work?”

“I do.” He reaches up and cups my cheeks tenderly. “I’ve lived a life of duty and responsibility ever since my parents died. After losing them, I never wanted to let anyone else into my life.” He gives me a wry grin. “Well, apart from Khephren and Luna, who basically forced their way in during childhood—the way they still butt into my personal life for my own good. But I never let myself even entertain the notion that I could have a life partner of my own.” He lovingly strokes my cheek with one of his tentacles. “Until I met you, that is.”

Oh, freaking hell. This is turning into the most swoonworthy moment of my life. I just pray my heart doesn’t explode from the emotional overload I’m experiencing.

“You make me want things I’ve never dreamed of before,” Najar says. “You make me need in ways no one else ever has.”

Damn .

“Me too,” I whisper. “I think we understand one another so well partially because we have similar backgrounds. We were both forced to become adults at an early age and didn’t have many people in our lives that we could rely on. We quickly learned that being self-sufficient was easier, less painful. When you only rely on yourself, no one lets you down.” I pet his tentacle. “We’re kindred spirits in that regard.”

“You speak sound words of wisdom.” Najar’s eyes are full of a tender affection that I want to bask in forever.

It’s a struggle, but I force myself to be an adult and ask the hard questions.

“So, how do you think this would work? Not even considering the question of Gemma, we’ve only just started dating. It’s been fast and overwhelming. Sometimes that can lead to everlasting love, but it can also flame bright and then fizzle out. If I leave Earth behind to be with you, what happens if, in a week, a month, or a decade, we break up?” I hate thinking of that but I have to. “Afterward, I can’t imagine we could stay together on the ship very easily, and trying to return to life on Earth would be a logistical nightmare for me if I’ve basically gone off the grid for an extended period of time.”

Najar considers this, digesting all of my concerns. “You are right. There is greater risk on your side of this equation. But I will do everything in my power to make you happy. There are no guarantees when it comes to love. So I can’t promise anything about our feelings. But I can prove just how dedicated I am to you.” He repositions me on the couch and kneels on the floor in front of me. “While I’m not an expert when it comes to Earthling customs, but I am offering myself to you, heart and soul, for the rest of our lives.”

I gape at him, and for a second, I think I might swoon—as in, literally faint. Najar is being so serious and so gentlemanly, it reminds me of how Gramps always treated Nana—and damn does that ever work on me.

Najar clears his throat. “I believe that, in the customs of your people, I am asking for your hand in marriage, Felix Taylor. This is a calculated risk for me too. You’re the first man I’ve ever given my hearts to. Who’s to say you don’t grow tired of me and want to end things? I could be the one left brokenhearted—and that scares the hell out of me. But I’m willing to take that risk because you are the one and only man in the universe that I want to spend the rest of my life with.”

It’s all too much. To my surprise, my vision becomes blurry as hot tears roll down my cheeks.

Several of Najar’s tentacles flail with worry. “I have upset you. How?”

I shake my head. “You haven’t. I’m just on a bit of an emotional roller coaster right now.” I sniffle. “You really want to marry me? You’re willing to risk your heart for me?”

His answering smile is breathtaking. “Yes, I am. I want us to be monogamous life partners until the end of our days. How do you feel?”

My rational brain tells me it’s too fast. Too soon. Too… reckless .

But I tell those thoughts to go to hell. For once in my life, I’m willing to take the risk and be a little reckless.

If not for love, then for what?

Besides, I’m rather certain there’s no other man quite like Najar out there and I won’t let him get away without a fight.

“I want to be your life partner too. Our feelings may have happened fast, but my instincts tell me I can trust you to protect my heart.” I lean forward and put my hand on his chest. “And I, in turn, will protect yours.”

He grins sheepishly. “Just so you know, I have three.”

I blink at him kneeling before me. “Three what?”

“Hearts.”

I sputter. “Y-you have three hearts? How did I not know this before now?”

“Well, it hasn’t happened to come up in conversation until now.”

I facepalm. “God, I feel like an idiot. I’m a veterinarian, for Chrissake. How many times have we been naked in bed together and I never noticed you have three freaking hearts!”

His lips twitch. “To be fair, we’ve usually been quite busy in bed with other things, and once done with our lovemaking, you tend to fall asleep right away. It’s only natural you wouldn’t notice.”

My cheeks warm. “Hey, I told you, that’s just how it is with me. No making fun allowed.”

He leans in and kisses my forehead. “I promise, but just so you know, I think it’s rather adorable.”

“Yeah, yeah.” My smile fades and I turn serious again. “Even marriages don’t always last. Being your life partner sounds amazing but there’s so many unknowns ahead of us.”

“That is true,” Najar agrees. “There is risk for both of us in making such a commitment. As Kheph often reminds me, nothing in this universe is guaranteed when it comes to love, but to have loved and lost is better than to regret never loving at all.”

“He’s surprisingly wise,” I say.

“You don’t even know the half of it. The stories I could tell.” He chuckles and then sighs. “I’m sure we will face challenges. Even I can admit, I’m not always the easiest man to live with. Being in touch with my feelings is not something I am naturally good at, but I am willing to do the work to be with you.”

“If things don’t pan out, what then?”

He clasps my hands and kisses my knuckles. “We would cross that bridge if we ever came to it. What I can promise you is that no matter what happens between us, my honor as a warrior would never allow me to rest until I made sure you were able to find a new life that would make you happy, whether that be helping you reintegrate into human society on Earth or perhaps settling down on another planet somewhere. I would do everything in my power to assist you, even if that meant asking others for help.”

I believe him. There isn’t a single doubt.

Besides, I also know that Khephren, Luna and Sasha would hold him to his promise to help me.

He gazes deep into my eyes, hope shining on his face. “If I can find a way to resolve the situation with your sister, will you stay and be my life partner?”

“Yes,” I say, my voice hoarse with feeling.

His entire face lights up, and it’s stunningly beautiful to witness.

“Trust me, Felix. I will find a way for us to be together no matter what.”

“And Cosmo,” I add with a wink.

He chuckles. “Yes, and Cosmo. We already have our own ready-made little family, don’t we?”

He’s right about that, and it warms my heart.

I’m not sure how we’re going to resolve the matter of Gemma, but for now, I plan to follow his advice and trust that Najar will somehow engineer a winning plan for us to be together.