Love at First Clutch : A Gay Tentacle Romance Read online

  Gideon laughed. “You know me too well.” He lifted her other leg and gently set it down on the floor. After assisting her with the seat belt, Gideon shut the door.

  “Yes, I do. All right well, thank you for helping me. Make sure you grab that coffee.”

  “I will.” Gideon patted her hand. “Take good care of her, Rosalda.”

  “Of course, Doc. See you soon.”

  As soon as Gideon stepped back onto the curb, they drove off.

  Gideon watched the car, envious of their bond. If only he had someone to get him or at least be at home when he got there.

  Just because he was lonely, he’d thought about getting a dog, but then again, he was too busy to give it the care it needed. Then there was that problem with pet dander. Unfortunately, Gideon was allergic and couldn’t handle being around pets for a long time.

  Although tempted to spin on his heel and go back to his office, Gideon sprinted to his car. The cool breeze nipped at his face and fingers, making him speed instead of taking the leisurely stroll.

  When he arrived, he hopped in, threw his bag onto the passenger seat, and closed the door. Again, the guilt rose in his gut, saying he should go back to his office and do more research.

  Her symptoms aren’t severe, yet she’s still having chest pains. Why can’t I figure out what’s wrong with her?

  The questions plagued Gideon’s mind. He slapped the steering wheel, mad at himself for leaving.

  “I’ve gotta go back in there, but…”

  Janet will kill me.

  If only Gideon had a way to sneak past the front desk without being seen. Surely the night staff would snitch and berate Gideon for coming back. They’d seen how tired he’d been, so of course they’d be on team Janet.

  “I’m tired. Maybe I’ll come in after a nap.” Gideon said to himself. He released a breath, confident in his decision. Being a doctor, he was used to being on instead of off. Besides, after he met with the specialist, he could enjoy the rest of his short staycation. At least if he talked with the guy, it would calm his anxieties.

  Yes.

  Gideon nodded, then shifter the gear. His car that he liked to call, Ernest, had been with him ever since med school. Honestly, the old Volkswagen should’ve gone out on him, but the thing kept on trucking. Friends, family, and co-workers had teased Gideon about having such an old vehicle, but he couldn’t see himself getting another to replace Ernest.

  After he turned on the lights, Gideon backed out, then righted the car into drive. He made a left turn to leave, but that was the opposite way.

  “Shoot.” Gideon shook his head, attempting to re-focus. He put the car in reverse, then when he turned the right way, he shifted back and drove.

  Unfortunately, Gideon’s foot slipped off the brake. Before he knew it, his car started driving itself. Just as he tried slamming his foot on it, he didn’t notice someone walking in his path. He heard something thump against his bumper. “Oh my…” He quickly yanked the emergency brake. Immediately, the car jolted. Gideon unbuckled his seat belt, almost tripped getting out to check on the person. His heart pounded, hoping this pedestrian was okay.

  Oh God, I should’ve taken that ride with Janet and Rosalda. Or taken an Uber.

  Gideon knelt on the ground, looking at an individual dressed in jeans and a t-shirt with a long sleeve button down wrapped around his waist. He had curly brownish blonde hair. From what Gideon could see he was stunning. “Sir, are you, all right? I’m so sorry, I…I didn’t see you.”

  “It’s okay, hu…ahem, Mister, I’m fine.” The man lifted his hands up to further his point.

  The man’s foreign accent was thick. He sounded European, but Gideon didn’t want to make assumptions.

  “Are you sure? Let me check on you. I’m a doctor. I could take you in the hospital if you need attention.” That would get Gideon in a lot of trouble, but this guy’s health was more important than his reputation.

  “No, no…” The man clasped Gideon’s collar. His eyes widened as he shook his head.

  Gideon inched back to get out of the guy’s hold and stood. He fixated on the man, not understanding why he didn’t want medical attention.

  “I’m sorry I shouldn’t have touched you, but, really, I’m okay. See?” The man rose and jumped up with a smile on his face. “No harm no foul.”

  Miffed, Gideon scratched his head.

  How is he moving like that? I hit him. Heard the thump on my fender. He’ll probably feel it later.

  Gideon surmised he might’ve been in shock. “Um, really you should go get checked out.”

  “No, I don’t need anyone, maybe…” The guy stepped closer, licking his lips, grinning like a Cheshire cat. “Since you’re a doctor and you’re so worried about me, why don’t you assure my care?”

  “I… how? It’s better if you go to the emergency room. Plus, I need to report this accident.” Gideon’s stomach churned just thinking about it. He might lose his license, get reprimanded by the hospital board.

  Damn. Why didn’t I just take Janet’s offer?

  Gideon rubbed the back of his neck, already seeing his short but illustrious medical career fade before his eyes.

  “You don’t need to do anything. I’m totally fine. Look… shit, maybe we should introduce ourselves before we get to know each other’s… erm, shall we say quirks.”

  “Quirks? Like…”

  “I’m Kiernan Frasier.” He interrupted thrusting his hand out in front of him.

  Gideon’s cocked an eyebrow. The man’s delirium had to be setting in. “Doctor…”

  Might not be for long.

  “Doctor Gideon Watts.” He gently took his palm into his own. Despite the cool weather, his fingers felt a little weird, clammy. He searched his memory banks for how a patient might react after a stressful event. The experience in the emergency room had to count for something.

  “What a wonderful name, and you are… quite gorgeous.” Kiernan moistened his lips in a flirtatious manner, not letting Gideon’s hand go. “So, again, let’s just… forget about the hospital because, really, I don’t need to go.”

  “Why not?” As much as Gideon enjoyed the man’s touch, he forced himself to pull away.

  Why the heck am I lusting after a guy I just hit?

  Gideon lifted his nose, smelling an interesting scent. A faint odor, almost flowery. He couldn’t put his finger on it, but it seemed to be coming from the man.

  “Why not?” Kiernan fingered his blondish locks and exhaled. “Because I’m an alien, that’s why.”

  “Huh?” Gideon’s mouth dropped open, trying to process what Kiernan just said.

  Did he just say he was an alien?

  Kiernan must be more delirious than he first thought.

  “An alien. Look I’ll show you.” Kiernan stood back and shook his shoulders. He closed his eyes, then reopened them, revealing red irises. As his clothes fell from his body, his skin changed from the tan color to light blue. His hair retracted into his head and it morphed into a bigger oval shape with a large mouth.

  Gideon heard screams and cars whizzing out of the lot. He tried to make a move for his phone, but his arm wouldn’t work.

  “Oh my, what the...” Gideon tried stepping away, but suddenly his feet felt as if they were glued to the ground.

  What the hell am I seeing? Am I dreaming? Am I blacking out?

  “I… what the… are you?”

  “What is that? Call the police, fire department!” A person shouted from a distance.

  “Ggggrrrlllllgghhh…” The monster that used to be Kiernan growled, then screeched loud enough to shake everything around them.

  “Ohh, I…” Gideon’s shook, feeling his strength leave him.

  Within seconds he went numb and everything went black.

  Chapter Two

  “Well that didn’t go over so well.” Kiernan said, closing the door of Gideon’s vehicle. He gripped the steering wheel, staring at the control panel as he gathered information about how
to operate the machinery. Although complex, this was a lot simpler than running through the lot and the hospital’s first floor, gawking at individuals to make them forget what they’d seen or felt during his change. Luckily, it seemed Kiernan didn’t have to do a large amount of people. He’d have to pay a visit to the ones that exited later.

  “Taking the human was much easier.” Kiernan shifted the gar and put his foot on the brake before going in reverse. He used his alien eyes to make sure he wouldn’t repeat the doctor’s action. Since the coast was clear, he slowly drove out the hospital’s lot.

  “Okay. When I scanned your mind, it said you lived in some kind of compound with gates?”

  With Doctor Gideon out cold, Kiernan was talking to himself.

  Although this situation was sort of a mess, it would work out in his favor because he had no place to go.

  No wonder Boorongi, or Elijah as he was called now, planned his trip. Kiernan had no idea it would be this difficult, assuming he could walk around in his host’s body without an issue. That was until he decided to swim from the French coast to England, then shrink himself small enough to hide in the baggage compartment of an airplane.

  Kiernan had to practically blind one of the workers with his stare to get off the aircraft before they tossed him on the belt with the suitcases. The ride was bumpy and long to say the least. He was just freaking glad to get out of there.

  “Alright, Doctor, we’re close to your home I suppose.” Kiernan used his alien eyes to peer through the darkness. How the man drove with so little visibility he didn’t know, but maybe he was used to it.

  Kiernan must confer with Elijah as soon as he got settled.

  As Kiernan pulled up to the gate, he pressed in the numbers into a keypad then drove through as the door slid open. “Whoa, Doctor, you’re living high on the hog as they say.” He pulled up to the large white house. This building had a small lawn that lined the front while a large door was off to the side. He assumed this was for the vehicle.

  Kiernan tapped his transmitter to get information. It confirmed his suspicion.

  “Snazzy. You humans are a lot smarter than I thought.” Kiernan always had his reservations about the Earthlings, especially since they did nothing but ruin the waters surrounding their lands. Good thing his planet was far out of man’s reach.

  “So how do we get in?” Kiernan asked after parking inside the vehicle’s hub. “Is there a door leading from here to the house?”

  “Oh, gracious leader, Weshinwa, the human has a key in his left pocket. Use that to get inside.” The transmitter said to him.

  “Ah thank you. Where would I be without you and my mind scan capabilities. Thank you for recognizing that too because I need rest. Everything I’ve done the last few Earthly days has drained all my energy.”

  “You are quite welcome!”

  Kiernan grinned and opened the vehicle’s door. He jogged to the other side and opened it. “Okay, come on.” Kiernan lifted Gideon from his seat onto his shoulder. “You’re not heavy at all.” He closed the door with his foot and strolled to the opening leading to the house.

  When he stepped across the threshold, Kiernan peered at the place like a tourist. White walls with blue and gray trim, all the furniture matched. A small set of stairs led to the second level, which Kiernan assumed was where the bedrooms were.

  “Well, well, Doctor. I struck gold when you hit me, hmm?” Kiernan ambled to the sofa and gently put Gideon onto it.”

  “Transmitter, please tell me what I can do to make the doctor get up. Should I spray him with water, or…”

  “No, oh great one. Let him rest and he should come to soon enough. Just make sure he makes no fast movements, or it could make him a candidate for a head injury. He fell quite hard.”

  “I’ll say. Alright, will do. I’ll just look around and familiarize myself with the surroundings. Maybe call Elijah too?” Kiernan continued his leisurely stroll through the home. Seemingly, the doctor had collected pieces of wall art and photographs from every place in the world. He’d also gathered copious amounts of media, which particularly interested Kiernan.

  When does he have time to watch these?

  Kiernan picked up some titles, scanning each one to find out the plotlines. “These all sound amazing. Even better than the ones I’d already seen. No wonder Elijah had such a fascination with coming here.” He put them to the side, thinking he’d convince the doctor to relax and watch movies. From the mind scan, Kiernan figured Gideon would need it. Perhaps Kiernan could offer some assistance once he was well enough.

  As Kiernan continued walking, he tapped his transmitter again. “Please contact Boorongi.” Although Kiernan was fascinated with everything, he was quite bored talking to himself

  “What do you want, Weshinwa?” Boorongi’s voice sounded gruff.

  “Ah, hello to you too, my friend. You won’t guess where I am.”

  Silence.

  Kiernan smiled smugly, knowing his former mate was trying to scan his brain.

  “You’re trying to read me? Why not guess?”

  “I…” Wait.

  At that moment, Kiernan heard them tapping the keys on his device.

  “You’re cheating.” He dragged his fingers over the bookcases and mantles filled with figurines. Apparently, the doctor had an affinity for superheroes.

  “I, um… don’t have the mental capacity for that. Me and my mate were… well that’s none of your bloody business.” Boorongi scoffed.

  Kiernan laughed heartily. Although every part of him wished to find out more about Boorongi’s coupling, he’d hold off for now.

  Boorongi gasped. “Weshinwa, you’re…” Their voice changed to a softer tone. “You’re here.”

  “I am. I, um… swam up and took a host in Europe as you did. I had to see this place for myself.”

  “And I thought you’d never come up. That’s what you told me anyway.”

  Kiernan shrugged. “It’s true, but… I’m getting older, Boorongi. I might as well enjoy my last year or so while I can.” Suddenly the emotion hit him. He bit his bottom lip, pondering what his next moves would be. If he didn’t get pregnant soon, he would die.

  “It doesn’t have to be that way, Weshinwa. The longer you keep this host, you can stay alive.”

  “Not if I don’t lay my eggs.” Kiernan sighed aloud. He dropped in the recliner close to the fireplace.

  “But… isn’t that what you’re here for?”

  “I’m here to see Earth, not get pregnant.” Kiernan snapped. “I only wanted eggs with you.”

  “But I’ve moved on, Weshinwa. I’m mated and happy with a wonderful man who’s already helped me bear children.”

  “Yes, don’t remind me.” Kiernan hated that Boorongi found their so-called forever love. He should’ve been the one to satisfy Boorongi. They would’ve raised the kids until they set them free and grown old together until they took their last breath.

  Although Kiernan didn’t believe in love, he had feelings for Boorongi because they were so gorgeous, smelled good, and were fearless. Many of Necetune’s residents didn’t have a strong back bone. Kiernan always wanted someone to match his wit. Boorongi was just that individual and no one else matched up.

  “Weshinwa.”

  “Don’t tell me anymore about your love story, Boorongi.”

  “It’s Elijah.” He corrected him.

  “Oh, so now that you’re here, you’re completely shedding all ties to Necetune?”

  “Why shouldn’t I? Not even my siblings have inquired about my departure. They could’ve contacted me by now.”

  “While that’s true, you should never forget where you came from.”

  “Didn’t you turn everyone against me?”

  “No… I… I didn’t. Those were idle threats, but as you’ve proven so many times, none of that phases you. When it comes to getting what you want, you won’t let anything stop you.”

  “It’s true, but… well, I’m quite happy here. I keep in touch
with Ugele and my kids, so, that’s all the ties to Necetune I need.”

  “Ah yes, Ugele. Well, while that’s true you shouldn’t completely cut ties with your home.”

  “Isn’t that what you’re doing?” Boorongi interjected.

  Kiernan leaned back and stared at the ceiling. “No. Like I said, I’m here to enjoy the fruits of the earth, then I’ll return to Necetune to die. Since I don’t want children it’s the right thing to do.”

  “But, Weshinwa…”

  “Kiernan.” He said sternly. In human form he wouldn’t use his royal name. He couldn’t believe he was disgracing it for pleasure, but as Boorongi said, why waste away without living their existence to the fullest?

  “Okay, Kiernan. There is a way to enjoy this existence on Earth.”

  “Without bearing children? No such thing.”

  “I know, but why not do it to live. You don’t have to raise them.”

  “I know, but…” Kiernan didn’t want to admit that he felt like Boorongi about letting offspring go after they’re born.

  Since when did I become such an emotional sap?

  “Nothing wrong with being sad about losing your kids.” Boorongi said.

  Kiernan sniffed and wiped away the tear threatening to run down his face. “Yes, it is, Boorongi. I… I shouldn’t have come here.”

  “Wait, please, Kiernan, I can…”

  “It was a mistake to call you and come to Earth, but I’ll make the best out of it. I must go.”

  “But, but…”

  “Goodbye, Boo…Elijah.” Kiernan smacked his transmitter and closed his eyes.

  Thinking of his mortality, Kiernan couldn’t stop the moisture from filling under his eyelids. While a part of him wished to live the other couldn’t help but feel as if he’d betrayed his planet.

  And he had.

  Essentially, he left them to have a good time.

  Why in the Goddesses name had he betrayed his people for fun?

  Chapter Three

  “Oh God.” Gideon blinked and put his hand on his head. He couldn’t open his eyes all the way. He rubbed his temples, trying to alleviate the pain, but it did little to help. “What happened?”