Space Bride

Galactic Nuptials 1

Space Bride Galactic Nuptials finds mates for species living in the Federation of Planets. They offer monetary incentives to lure young women into leaving their home planets to find love. Each prospective mate has ninety days to decide if their new home is right for them. Caleigh Davis is struggling to raise her younger brother alone. The last thing she expects is for him to sign her name to a contract with a mail-order bride agency. Andon and Tarik of the Castir Clan have tried to lure a mate to their home on Kilara twice before. Tarik doesn’t want to risk his heart a third time, so Andon doesn’t tell him when he contracts with Galactic Nuptials for a wife from Earth. With so much deception, can the three of them find love before Caleigh’s trial period runs out? Note: There is no sexual relationship or touching for titillation between or among siblings. Genre: Futuristic, Ménage a Trois/Quatre, Science Fiction Length: 59,921 words

SPACE BRIDE Galactic Nuptials 1

Missy Martine

MENAGE AMOUR

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

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A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK IMPRINT: Ménage Amour

SPACE BRIDE Copyright © 2012 by Missy Martine E-book ISBN: 978-1-62241-053-8 First E-book Publication: September 2012 Cover design by Jinger Heaston All cover art and logo copyright © 2012 by Siren Publishing, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

PUBLISHER Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

Letter to Readers Dear Readers, If you have purchased this copy of Space Bride by Missy Martine from BookStrand.com or its official distributors, thank you. Also, thank you for not sharing your copy of this book.

Regarding E-book Piracy This book is copyrighted intellectual property. No other individual or group has resale rights, auction rights, membership rights, sharing rights, or any kind of rights to sell or to give away a copy of this book. The author and the publisher work very hard to bring our paying readers high-quality reading entertainment. This is Missy Martine’s livelihood. It’s fair and simple. Please respect Ms. Martine’s right to earn a living from her work. Amanda Hilton, Publisher www.SirenPublishing.com www.BookStrand.com

DEDICATION This book is dedicated, in part, to Susan White who graciously entered one of my contests and came up with the name “Fidelius” for this story, and to my husband and best friend, Nigel. His devotion and unconditional love gives me the strength to try new things.

SPACE BRIDE Galactic Nuptials 1 MISSY MARTINE Copyright © 2012

Prologue “Are you sure you should be doing this?” Eoin asked. He watched over his best friend’s shoulder as they looked through the catalog from Galactic Nuptials. “We’ve been over this a hundred times.” Andon glared up at Eoin. “You want us to be happy, don’t you?” “Of course I do, but to choose one’s mate from a book just seems so clinical.” “It can’t be helped. You know as well as I do, the chances of getting a Roderian mate are practically nonexistent.” Eoin pulled out a chair and sat down at the table. “They are as long as you’re living here.” He cleared his throat. “How do you think Tarik will feel about this?” Andon and Tarik were brothers. They were part of a special project developed by the Federation of Planets. Their home planet Roderia was extremely overcrowded and in desperate need of food supplies. Together with other planets in the same situation, they’d begun searching out habitable, deserted planets capable of growing food. In each case, four family units would move to the planet and plant crops. The families that produced a substantial crop after a year’s time earned the right to stay on the planet indefinitely. It was a great honor, and many signed up for the chance

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to try their skills. Conditions could be harsh, and any family that failed three years in a row lost their place permanently. “Tarik wants a mate just as much as I do,” argued Andon. “You’ve already tried to take a mate twice. You know how much it hurt Tarik when the females wouldn’t stay.” The isolation and loneliness had driven both women back to their home planet. “That’s the beauty of using Galactic Nuptials. The women they provide are as desperate for mates as we are.” “But the catalog you’re looking at has Earth women.” “So, what’s wrong with women from Earth?” “After you showed me the book I did some research on their culture.” He shrugged. “There isn’t much known since they’ve only been a member of the Federation for a few years, but what I read wasn’t promising.” “What do you mean?” “They’re not very technologically advanced. Their space travel is still pretty limited, and their normal relationships are one man and one woman. Hell, you’d only be able to reproduce with them if they take a drug so they don’t reject your offspring. How are you going to get one of their females to agree to be mates to both of you? This is costing you a lot of credits, and you certainly can’t afford to just throw them away on a whim.” “Don’t worry, my friend. I’m not taking any chances.” He handed Eoin a stack of papers. “What are these?” he asked. “The application forms from Galactic Nuptials.” Eoin read down the list of questions and froze. “You can’t do this, Andon. Tarik will have your head.” Andon snorted. “By the time he finds out it’ll be too late to stop the process.” “And what about the female?” Eoin handed the papers back to Andon. “What’s she going to say when she arrives and finds two mates instead of one?”

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Chapter 1 “Son of a bitch!” Caleigh groaned and kicked the door closed, dropping her purse and the mail on the hall table. She had to blink back tears as she surveyed the empty food containers and soft drink cans strewn around the living room of the small apartment she shared with her brother. “Where the hell did he get the money for all this?” she mumbled. Kevin hadn’t held a job for more than a couple of weeks at a time, and those had been part-time. He hadn’t worked at all in over a year. Once he turned sixteen it had been all she could do to keep him from quitting school. Sighing, she walked over and began picking up the trash. A small white paper lying on the floor caught her attention. “Kevin!” When he didn’t answer she dropped the empty containers onto the table and started down the hall. “Kevin, get in here.” Continued silence told her he wasn’t home. For the past six years, since her mother’s death, she’d had the responsibility of raising her younger brother. Their father had walked out before Kevin was born, and they hadn’t heard from him since. She’d given up her plans for college and settled into a receptionist’s job to support him. Taking a deep breath, she turned back toward the living room and grimaced. She was tired of coming home to chaos. The day Kevin turned eighteen she was going to make some hard decisions. Caleigh was closing up the garbage bag when she heard the front door open. Grimly, she tied off the bag and hurried to confront her wayward sibling. She found him in the living room where he’d collapsed onto the sofa and switched on the television. Stubbornly, she walked over and turned off the movie he’d begun to watch.

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“Hey, I’m watching that.” “Did you have a party here today?” she asked. Kevin snorted. “No, I’d hardly call having Benny over a party.” “You told me you were going on a couple of job interviews today. What happened?” “We went, and then we got hungry so we came here for some lunch.” He shrugged. “Nobody ever hires you the same day you apply. They always say they’ll call you.” “I cleaned up quite a little picnic here. Who bought lunch?” Kevin looked over at the dark television screen. “Benny treated us.” Caleigh narrowed her eyes. “You’re lying, baby brother.” She pulled the receipt out of her pocket and threw it toward him. “You forgot to get rid of this.” Her fists clenched at her sides as she watched him grab for the small white paper. “How dare you use my credit card without asking?” “You told me to use it if I needed it. Wasn’t that why you left it in the kitchen drawer?” “For emergencies only, Kevin. I hardly think feeding your deadbeat friends falls into that category.” She held the credit card up in her hand. “Don’t bother to look for it again because I’m keeping it with me from now on.” “Fine, take your damn card. I’ll get my own.” She smirked, shaking her head. “I think you’ll find a job is a prerequisite for getting credit.” Sighing, she moved away as he turned the television back on. Ignoring him, she walked over and picked up the mail. Flipping through the envelopes her heart sank. There were so many bills and so little money. Her salary barely covered the payments and their small apartment. She pulled one of the envelopes out that caught her eye. “Galactic Nuptials,” she mumbled. “What the hell is this?” Frowning, she checked again to make sure her name was on the front before she

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ripped it open and scanned the letter inside. Smothering a laugh, she read through it a second time more thoroughly. “What is it?” Kevin asked, turning down the volume on the television. Shaking her head, Caleigh grinned at him. “A mistake.” She glanced down at the letter. “Dear Ms. Davis. It’s our pleasure to inform you that your application to Galactic Nuptials has been approved, and a possible mate has been found. All that is necessary to move forward in meeting your life-mate is to schedule an interview and the mandatory medical physical. Please call our office at the number listed below to set up an appointment as soon as possible. We look forward to working with you to place you with your ideal life’s mate. Sincerely, Tarooka Meekers, Galactic Nuptials.” She tossed the letter in the trash pile. “What a screwup!” “They approved it,” Kevin cried. He jumped off the couch and rushed to grab up the letter. Caleigh narrowed her eyes. “What do you know about this?” “We’re gonna be rich, sister dear.” He threw the letter down and grabbed Caleigh up in a bear hug, swinging her around. “Put me down, right now.” Caleigh struggled to get free. “What have you done, Kevin?” “Brought us in a load of money, for starters.” He picked up the envelope the letter came in. “Did you see this?” He pulled out a small card she’d overlooked. “They even sent a picture of your ideal mate.” Caleigh ignored the picture in his hand. “What do you mean you’ve brought us in a load of money?” She could feel a knot forming in her stomach and knew that she wouldn’t like whatever he had to say. “I mean a load of money. This place offers cash incentives for women to travel to other planets and marry guys.” He gave her a big grin. “They give a down payment and then you get the balance of the money after you spend three months with the guy.”

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“I’m supposed to marry some alien so you can get a bunch of money?” she asked, incredulous. He slapped his hands together and rubbed them back and forth. “That’s the beauty of this deal. You only have to stay the three months. After that, if things don’t work out, you can come home and keep the down payment. You just don’t get the extra payments. It’s like a dowry.” He took her by the shoulders and stared into her eyes. “It’s twenty-five thousand credits, Caleigh, just for three months of your life.” “Are you insane? You want me to be a space bride?” Kevin snorted. “Space bride? What a term. You make it sound like I’m marrying you off to a little green man.” She growled. “Hello? You want me to leave Earth on a spaceship and travel to another planet to marry an alien man, green or not. No matter how you look at it, it makes me a space bride, and I’m not doing it.” “Don’t be too hasty, Caleigh. That money would almost pay us out of debt, wouldn’t it?” “That’s not the point, Kevin. You’re talking about me leaving Earth. What part of that don’t you understand?” “Look at it like an extended vacation. You’ve been working your ass off since Mom died. Wouldn’t it be great to take off and relax for a few months knowing that the bills won’t be waiting when you come home?” “There’s so much wrong with this I don’t even know where to start.” She ran her hands through her hair. “Kevin, I’m not naïve, even if you are. Men that would order a woman from another planet are going to expect certain things.” “Oh, for God’s sake.” Kevin pulled out a chair and sat down. “You’re talking about sex, right? I’m not that naïve. Hell, you’re not a virgin.” “How the hell would you know that?”

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“Because your birth control pills are in the bathroom drawer, and I figure you wouldn’t need those if you weren’t having sex.” He looked down at his hands. “Besides, you wouldn’t have to do anything you didn’t want. This place checks out their applicants really well. You could just say you wanted to wait until the three months are up to make sure things are gonna last before you do anything.” He gave her a beseeching look. “They’d respect your decision.” “This discussion is pointless. I’m not doing it. Since you started this, you can just call them up and tell them you made a mistake.” “That could get tricky, sis.” “What are you talking about now? Just tell them I wasn’t interested.” “Technically, you’ve already signed a contact.” “What!” she screeched. “They don’t take the applications without a contract. The only reason you’ve gotten this far in their process is that you’ve signed an agreement to give them at least ninety days.” “I think I’d remember if I signed a contract, Kevin.” “Well, I admit I signed it for you, but it’s a legal document.” He gave her a wicked grin. “I even filled out their psych profile so they could match a guy to your personality.” Caleigh closed her eyes for a moment and then leveled her gaze on Kevin. “I’ll tell them that you signed it instead of me.” He stared at her silently for a moment. “I guess you don’t care that I’d go to jail.” “What are you talking about?” “The document’s legal, and they’d have the right to throw me in jail if it comes out that I signed your name when I submitted the application.” He shrugged. “I’m sixteen, and that makes me legally responsible.” “Eighteen is the legal age, brother dear.”

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“Not for signing a contract. I can be legally held responsible after my sixteenth birthday according to my Human Affairs teacher.” He gave her a wide grin. “I asked.” Caleigh sat down and put her head in her hands. It felt like a nightmare she couldn’t wake up from. She’d been cleaning up Kevin’s messes and getting him out of trouble since he turned fourteen years old. She would never be able to have a life of her own. “Even if I was agreeable, which I’m not, I can’t just go off and leave you alone.” She raised her gaze to his. “Or did you plan on coming with me?” “Hell, no, I’m not going with you. They’re looking for mates, not ready-made families. Benny’s folks have invited me to spend the summer with them up at their lake cabin. I was gonna tell you tonight. Would it really be so bad to spend three months with this guy?” She looked up at the picture Kevin held in front of her face. For a moment, everything around her stopped. The man was beautiful. He certainly didn’t look alien with his dark hair and bright-blue eyes. She took the picture from Kevin’s hand and studied it closer. “He’s not bad looking, is he?” Kevin asked. There was something about his eyes. They were mesmerizing, drawing her in against her will. She felt pulled, as if he could see down into her soul and call her to him. If an image of him was this potent, what would the man be like in person? She turned the picture over and read the name. “Andon Castir of the planet Roderia.” She looked up at Kevin. “Did you keep a copy of whatever you signed with my name? He grinned. “Does that mean you’re willing to do it?” She looked back down at the picture. Something told her she had to do this. “Yes, I’m willing to go along with it on one condition.” Coming to her feet, she swallowed hard and raised her gaze to Kevin’s face. “You can spend the summer with Benny.” She took a deep breath for courage. “But I want you to see a counselor while I’m

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gone. I’ll make arrangements with his family to bring you back here once a week for the sessions.” “I don’t need a shrink,” he argued. “I want you to see a counselor and take some kind of job training down at the center.” He frowned. “Anything else?” he asked sarcastically. “Yes, I want you to stay away from your friends. I don’t want them in our home while I’m away. Benny’s okay, but the rest of them are a bad influence.” “There’s nothing wrong with my friends. You just need to get to know them better.” “This is not negotiable, Kevin. You want my compliance, those are my terms.” “You know, this could be just the beginning for us.” He gave her a look she couldn’t decipher. “Now, what are you babbling about?” “Just think about it, Caleigh. If this works out, we’ve made twenty-five thousand credits for three months of nothing.” His grin turned feral. “Think of what we could bring in over a year’s time with you taking on a new mate every three months.” He really was crazy. There was no doubt in her mind. She blamed herself since she’d been his only role model for the last six years. “Let’s see how we get through this first ninety days before you start filling out more applications.” “All right,” he said, giving her a big hug. Caleigh felt her heart break. It was time for a change. She’d done her best, but now she wanted to get on with her life. She stared down at the picture in her hand. Maybe fate was giving her another chance to be happy. She’d go and meet Mr. Castir, but not with the idea of coming home in three months. Maybe he’d make a good husband. Sitting down, she picked up the phone and dialed the number on the letter.

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**** “Jess, who’s your first appointment with this morning?” Jess looked up into the bright-green eyes of her boss and sighed. Tarooka Meekers was, without a doubt, the most handsome man she’d ever known. His muscular frame towered more than a foot over her own five feet nine inches. His eyes could mesmerize almost effortlessly. She’d met him on her home planet, Calata, some years back. Though they’d become friends, there was still a lot she didn’t know about him, including his own origins. He was reputed to be psychic and telepathic with an uncanny sense to know compatible mates when he found them. That ability had led him to open Galactic Nuptials. Although he had offices on several planets in the Federation, he spent most of his time in their newest facility on Earth. “Are you listening, Jess?” “Sorry, I’m just getting my schedule straight in my head.” She gave him a smile. “This morning I’m expecting Caleigh Davis.” He scanned the documents lying on her desk. “Her profile went out in the catalog two weeks ago and we’ve already had an inquiry.” “Yes, from the Roderians.” Jess frowned. “You’ve already seen the file?” “Of course. All mate requests come across my desk first.” He walked over and sat on the edge of her desk. “What did you think of her psych profile?” Jess cleared her throat. “Well, for a twenty-four-year-old woman she seemed rather immature to me.” Tarooka snorted. “Immature, yes, that’s a good word for it.” Jess narrowed her eyes. “What do you know that I don’t?” “What makes you think I know anything?” “Puhleese, spare me. You always know something I don’t. Hell, you put her picture in the catalog before we even interviewed her, based on her application alone.” She thought for a moment. “You don’t think it’s her profile, do you?”

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He sighed heavily. “It’s a profile about her, but not done by her. If I had to wager a guess, I’d say someone in their mid- to late teens wrote it.” “I don’t understand. Why would anyone have someone else fill out a psych profile for them?” “Could be any number of reasons, but I’d guess that someone set this up for Ms. Davis without her knowledge.” “Oh, dear.” She looked down at the file. “I guess I need to wait before I set up any physicals.” “No, go ahead with the process. I want to fast-track her application and try to get her on the next shuttle to Kilara. The Roderian is anxious to have his mate.” “But shouldn’t we—?” “Jess, there’s a Ms. Caleigh Davis to see you.” Jess looked up at her coworker, Korona Casteel. “Thanks, Koro. Could you get her a cup of coffee and ask her to wait just a moment?” She waited until the door closed and then turned her attention back to her boss. “Are you sure?” He grinned. “Absolutely! She belongs with the Roderians.” He stood and walked over to the door. “See if you can get her to tell you who filled out her application. My money’s on a teenage boy.” Chuckling, he pulled the door shut behind him. **** Caleigh sipped her coffee and watched the young man fidgeting at the desk. When he’d first come in, she’d thought he was a woman. There was a fragile grace and elegance to his demeanor. That combined with his long, silky hair and luminescent complexion screamed feminine. He’d dropped off some paperwork and it was impossible not to overhear his conversation. “Ms. Casteel, do you think I’m wasting my time?”

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“Meredith, I’ve explained to you that I can’t guarantee that we’ll find you a mate, but I can say that many of the species we deal with take males as mates. Some even prefer them.” She reached out and patted him on the arm. “It’s not out of the realm of possibility. You just have to be patient.” “Ms. Davis?” Caleigh’s eyes darted to the inner office door and the woman standing there smiling. “Yes, I’m Caleigh Davis.” “I’m Jesselina Rona, Ms. Davis. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Caleigh stood and shook the woman’s hand. “Please, call me Caleigh.” “Very well, Caleigh. Please call me Jess.” She motioned toward the open office door. “Would you come into my office so we can talk?” “Sure.” Caleigh followed her inside, taking a shaky breath when the door closed behind her. It seemed like some kind of final omen, trapping her into a fantasy. She watched as Jess took her seat behind the desk. “I have all your completed paperwork.” She shuffled the papers around. “The next step is to get a medical exam and answer any questions you have about your proposed mate.” Caleigh felt her face flush and laughed nervously. “That would be just about anything you can tell me since all I know is his name.” “Fair enough. Andon is from Roderia and currently living on Kilara.” “Okay, you’ve lost me. I’ve never heard of either place.” “They’re both in the Fileta Galaxy, just a few light-years from each other.” “Wait, the Fileta Galaxy? How am I supposed to get to another galaxy? I thought you just put people on nearby planets.” “No, most of our business is done between galaxies. Many of the species we work with are dying out without enough females to increase their population.”

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“Is that what’s happening on Roderia?” “No, actually the reverse. Roderia is overpopulated and running out of food. Kilara is strictly a farming planet used to grow food that’s shipped back to the mother planet.” “If it’s overpopulated, why is he looking for a wife from Earth?” “It’s a matter of necessity, Caleigh. The women on Roderia don’t like the isolation that comes with spending your life on one of the farming planets, plus there are ten males to every one female. The men who choose to live on these planets are dedicated to providing for their people, but at the same time they don’t want to be lonely.” “Okay, that sounds very ambitious.” Caleigh thought for a moment. “If it’s in another galaxy, how long will it take to get there? I mean, will I have to be put to sleep, or in stasis or something?” Jess laughed. “You’ve been watching too much late-night television. The ships travel through the Kolladian wormhole, and you can be at your destination in less than a week’s travel time.” “Shit, oh, sorry. I forgot about the wormhole. There’s not much about it on the news anymore. It’s safe, right? Supposed to be constantly stable?” The astronomical anomaly had been discovered by accident about five years earlier. “Absolutely, we wouldn’t dream of sending ships through if it weren’t proven reliable.” “Okay, that answers the how question. What can you tell me about Andon?” Jess pulled out one of the papers from the file. “He’s approximately thirty Earth years old.” “Huh?” Caleigh asked. “Each planet has a different year based on their revolution around their sun, or in this case, suns.” “Suns, as in more than one?” Caleigh felt the beginnings of a migraine at the vast amount of information thrown at her. “Yes, Kilara has two suns and two moons. It’s one of the reasons it’s so good for crop growth. Their days of sunlight are much longer

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than Earth.” She consulted the papers again. “He has black hair and blue eyes. It says here he’s six feet, eight inches tall and weighs approximately one hundred fourteen kilos.” “Wow, that’s—” “Two hundred fifty pounds, give or take.” Caleigh’s breath caught as she pictured him in her mind. She squirmed a little in the chair as she felt the dampness seeping between her thighs. He sounded like a dream come true. “What else can you tell me?” She didn’t believe that embarrassing squeaky sound could be her voice. “It says that his specialty is animal husbandry.” “How does that work into a farming planet?” “It doesn’t say.” Jess gave Caleigh a warm smile. “Technically, we just provide the basic information. You can rest assured our agency has screened all applicants physically, mentally, and morally to ensure your safety. The only species we deal with are ones that are members of the Federation of Planets. The planet also has to have a regular shuttle service available in case you decide you want to leave. The shuttle stops on Kilara every three weeks.” “Okay.” Caleigh thought for a moment. “Do they speak English?” She couldn’t imagine being stuck on a planet where she didn’t understand the language. “All species have their own form of communication, language, if you will. You’ll be fitted with a translator before you leave Earth. It’s the size of a microchip and it’s placed under the skin behind your right ear. It’ll allow you to hear only English no matter what’s being spoken. Well, as long as it’s a language that belongs to the Federation of Planets.” “You’re going to stick something behind my ear?” “I promise you’ll never know it’s there.” She gave Caleigh a sly grin. “You can’t see mine, can you?” Caleigh looked closely at her right ear. “No, I don’t see anything.”

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Jess leaned forward and took Caleigh’s hand. “Rub your finger behind my ear, and you’ll feel a tiny ridge.” Caleigh reached and ran her finger along the smooth skin. “There, I feel a little bump.” Jess smiled. “That’s my translator.” “That’s so cool. Where are you from?” “I’m from Calata, also in the Fileta Galaxy.” “When do I get mine?” Caleigh blushed. “My translator, I mean.” “Does that mean you’re accepting Andon’s contract?” Caleigh took a shaky breath. What she agreed to next would change her life in ways she couldn’t even imagine. “Yes, I wanna go forward with the contract.” “Excellent! If we can get you processed within a week, there’s a shuttle leaving next Friday. The next one after that is three weeks out. If you’re willing, we can get the physical exam done this afternoon and your implant and first dose of meds in the morning.” “Meds?” “We give you one dose of a substance that will prepare your system for life on another planet. The gravitational pull is different there, and the atmosphere is a little heavier. One dose is all you need in order to function normally. Then we give you another medication to take in case you decide to stay and want to procreate.” Caleigh choked and sputtered. “Procreate?” “Roderians and humans are compatible to reproduce with the help of a certain drug. The doctor will explain more about it when he gives it to you. It’s my understanding it just makes it so you don’t reject the sperm when it’s introduced, and then you’re able to deliver a healthy baby. You should be aware that any children you birth will have Roderian characteristics because their DNA is dominant.” “Wow! I don’t have to decide that now, do I?” “No, we tell you everything up front and give you the necessary facts to make the choices you’ll need to make.” Jess stood behind her desk. “Do you have any more questions?”

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“No, I think you’ve covered all my questions and then some.” She giggled. “I can’t believe I’m gonna be a space bride.” Jess laughed. “That’s one way to put it. I want to make this as easy as possible, Caleigh. If you’re still agreeable, I’ll call and set you up with the doctor today.” Caleigh rubbed her damp palms against her thighs. “Yes, I’m still wanting to go forward.” “Excellent.” She handed Caleigh a card. “This is the address I want you to go to. It’s just a few blocks from here. Dr. Xavier Jtsar will be doing the exam.” She cleared her throat and glanced briefly at the window before continuing. “I should probably warn you that Dr. Jtsar is Calatan. He’s not what I would describe as warm and fuzzy.” “Calatan?” Jess smiled. “He’s from Calata, the same as me. He tends to be a little brusque. You should be prepared because we forwarded him your psych profile you filled out.” Her eyes narrowed, and she seemed to be waiting for Caleigh to say something. Fidgeting in her chair, Caleigh felt herself blush. She’d never been very good at deception. “Okay, I didn’t actually fill the papers out myself.” She offered up a timid smile. “My brother helped me do the paperwork.” “Is he a teenager?” Caleigh frowned at the question. “Ah, yes, he’s sixteen.” “Well, that figures,” Jess muttered. “Excuse me?” “Oh, nothing.” She handed a large manila envelope to Caleigh. “Inside are shuttle flight schedules, luggage guides, and a detailed booklet on the planet you’ll be visiting as well as one on Andon’s home world.” She walked around the desk and took Caleigh’s hand. “I wish you good luck, Caleigh. If you give this an honest chance, it could change your life for the better.” “Don’t you need to wait for the doctor’s report before you give me all this?”

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“No, I’m not worried.” She gave her a light hug. “You’re going to do just fine.” She walked her to the door. “You just have to get through the physical exam now.”

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Chapter 2 Twelve days later Caleigh settled into her seat to prepare for landing. Hard metal ridges rubbed against her hips and dug into her shoulder blades. Chaos surrounded her, people scrambling as consoles on the overhead panels flashed a warning sign to fasten your seat harnesses. For three days she’d been the only female passenger on what was essentially a cargo ship. The crew had been friendly, pointing out the correct walkways whenever she’d gotten lost, and making sure there was always something familiar to eat. She’d spent hours studying the book on Andon’s home planet. Roderia’s population divided into four clans responsible for growth and food production, reproduction of their species, and planetary relations. The fourth clan consisted of members of the ruling family. “Sounds like they have a better system in place than Earth,” she mused. It was the details on Kilara that had Caleigh worried. “How am I gonna survive the heat?” She’d read the normal day temperature peaked a little over a hundred degrees Fahrenheit daily and then plummeted down to near freezing each night. The planet boasted forests with plant growth that included over a hundred different species of flowers as well as fruits similar to grapes and apples. An almost-daily rain kept their plants watered, feeding the abundant lakes and rivers. There was even a small ocean of fresh water on the planet. Caleigh giggled when she thought about the chapter on animals. There were a few indigenous species, but most of the ones she’d find came from their home planet. “I guess that makes them space cows.” She scratched at the healing cut behind her left ear. “The damn thing

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must be working. I’ve understood everything that’s been said to me so far, and I know some of these people aren’t from Earth.” Embarrassed, she glanced around to see if anybody could hear her. Engines whining, lights buzzing, and electronics chirping had thwarted her attempts for a restful sleep, while the presence of canned air and citrus sanitizer combined to give her the worst headache she’d ever endured. Caleigh took in a deep breath of the slightly metallic air and smiled, imagining the greeting she’d receive from her chosen mate. Her breath caught at the slight jolt as the craft touched down. Finally, they’d landed. Caleigh kept her facial expression calm as the glass airlock whooshed open and a tall, burly man with gray skin walked in. He motioned everyone toward the open door and then stepped outside. Exhausted, Caleigh followed the crew members. There was a brief walk to get to the main building, the heat seeming relentless. Robotic cargo loaders blocked the doors, so Caleigh went to peer through the windows, her hands pressed against the surprisingly cool glass. Skylights highlighted the gleaming surfaces, while people of different species wandered back and forth. Piles of luggage adorned one corner while plastic and metal crates were stacked neatly along the wall. She turned her attention to the people and felt a chill run up her neck. She’d never been off-world, and never seen so many different aliens in one place. Many of them looked almost human, except for the different colors of their skin or eyes. She let her gaze settle on a group of men. At least she thought they were men. They looked almost robotic, more machine than man. She let her gaze travel leisurely up their herculean bodies, stopping on their black, glassy eyes. Startled, she realized those glassy stares seemed focused directly on her. Embarrassed, she quickly looked away. Stepping back, she stretched her muscles, rolling her shoulders back and forth. A gentle breeze stirred her long blonde hair. She could

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feel the vibrations of the loaders through the soles of her shoes. The air seemed so fresh and free of pollutants. **** “Andon of the Castir clan, how did you know I would be arriving today?” Andon turned at the sound of his name and smiled. “Zin, what are you doing here?” He held out his hand and grasped the forearm of his long-time friend. “I thought you and your brothers were hiding from your father on Khera.” Their father had very specific ideas regarding the appropriate behavior of his sons. Zin laughed. “I’m afraid the little cottage on our moon is no longer a safe haven for us. Father discovered it some time back and now is a frequent visitor to check up on what we’re doing.” He swept his arm out to the side. “This is to be our home, at least for a few years. We’ve been awarded one of the dwellings for our planet by the Federation.” Andon frowned. “And you’re moving here yourself?” “Well, you do remember Father, don’t you? This is what he considers a useful contribution to our people.” He shrugged. “We’re not due to arrive for another few weeks but I thought I’d make the trip to check things out before we pack up everything to move.” He motioned to a pair of men standing nearby. “Come, I want to introduce you to some friends.” Andon followed Zin, focusing his attention on the two men. Their facial features resembled an Earth creature called a cat. He’d seen pictures of the small, furry beasts in the research Eoin had pulled together. “Andon, these are my friends, Delsin and Etu, from Linnaeus.” Both men reached forward to grasp his arm in greeting. “Greetings, friends of Zin. Are you planning on settling here as well?”

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“No, we are only stopping while our craft refuels.” He nodded toward the upstairs level. “We travel with our brother and five small cubs from our Pride.” He frowned and motioned toward the door where three gray men stood listening to their conversation. “Do you know these men?” “Their ship landed right before yours did,” Zin said. “They’re cyborgs from Dragna.” “Cyborgs! What are they doing here? I didn’t think the station allowed anyone to land that wasn’t part of the Federation.” Andon studied the robotic men. “I’ve heard they’re more machine than living tissue.” “I heard they were having trouble with their ship. I can’t imagine the station turning down anyone sending out a distress call.” He turned his attention to Andon. “You never did tell me how you knew to meet me here.” “I’m not meeting you, fool. I’ve come to greet our bride.” “What? Congratulations, my friend. When did this happen?” Andon chuckled. “Thank you, but it hasn’t actually happened yet. I’ll be meeting her for the first time today.” Delsin growled softly. “I don’t understand. How can you say she’s your mate if you haven’t met her yet?” “We ordered her from Galactic Nuptials.” He pulled a small booklet from his pocket. “This is the catalog they put out. You can find one of their brides that looks promising and set up a contract for a mating. This is our mate.” He handed the book to Zin. “Maybe you can find a woman for you and your brother.” “Bite your tongue.” Zin glanced at the picture and then passed the book to Delsin. “She’s very beautiful, but I’m not ready to tie myself to a mate just yet.” He glanced up at the sound of an announcement. “That’s the ship from Earth landing on pad six.” “Damn, wait here. I want to introduce you to her.” Andon hurried toward the front doors of the station.

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**** “Caleigh?” Caleigh turned and caught her breath. The most handsome man she’d ever seen stood a few feet away. The picture hadn’t done him justice. Over a foot taller than Caleigh, he towered over her petite frame. Bulging muscles filled out his shirt, making her want to run her hands up and down his sinewy chest. He was every dream she’d ever had all rolled into one sexy body. “Are you Caleigh Davis?” he asked hesitantly. She felt her face flush. “Yes, I’m sorry. I’m Caleigh, and you must be Andon.” She walked closer and held out her hand. Andon took her hand and pressed it to his cheek. “Ahhara,” he whispered. Caleigh frowned. “I’m sorry, I didn’t understand.” She thought her translator would interpret anything spoken to her. He smiled. “Forgive me. It’s an ancient Roderian greeting reserved for our chosen mates. It doesn’t have an English word equivalent, so it doesn’t translate.” “What does it mean?” “It’s a form of welcome, and a blessing on your coming union.” He bent and pressed his lips to the corner of her mouth. “You’re most welcome here,” he whispered. **** Andon breathed in Caleigh’s scent and felt his cock harden instantly. The desire to lick along her lips and discover the secrets of her taste nearly overwhelmed him. Reluctantly, he pulled away. He didn’t want to frighten her on the first day. Her long blonde hair fell in gentle swirls down her back while her green eyes reminded him of the spring grass in the high pastures. Never had he thought such a beautiful woman would belong to him and his brother.

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Caleigh pulled away slowly and gave him a timid smile. “This is a little awkward, isn’t it?” “I’m sorry. It wasn’t my intention to make you uncomfortable.” “No, you haven’t,” she assured him. “It’s just strange meeting you for the first time and knowing that we’re supposed to go home together.” As he watched, fascinated, a dull red worked its way up her neck into her cheeks. “You have nothing to fear, Caleigh. No one will hurt you or make you do anything you don’t want to do while you’re here.” Caleigh relaxed her shoulders and smiled. “Thank you. That means a great deal to me.” She looked around in confusion. “The brochures they gave me described this as a farming planet with only four families living here.” She nodded toward the spaceport. “I hadn’t expected anything this large.” Andon sighed. “Yes, it’s unfortunate. The Federation gave permission for them to build a station here as a last stop before going through the wormhole.” He shook his head. “I just learned today that they’re going to have a small inn here as well as a tavern for the travelers.” “What will that do to your farm?” “It’s not supposed to affect us because they’re not allowed to build outside this enclosed area.” His glance cut back toward the station. “They can’t control the ones that drink too much. We’ll have to wait and see what damage they cause. My government will not be happy to learn of these changes.” Caleigh sighed. “I’m sorry, and I hope it doesn’t cause you any problems.” “No worries, dear one. Shall we collect your luggage and head home?” he asked. Caleigh smiled. “Lead the way.” “First, come. I want to introduce you to a friend, someone who will be our neighbor in a few weeks.” He took her arm and led her

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into the station. He smiled when he saw the openmouthed stares of the three men. Caleigh was breathtakingly beautiful. “Friends, allow me to present Caleigh Davis, my mate.” Fascinated, he watched as the red flush of her cheeks darkened. “Caleigh, this is my friend and future neighbor, Zintssar from Arridia. And this is Delsin and Etu from Linnaeus.” “Pleased to meet you, gentlemen.” She nodded her head but did not reach out with a hand. “I’m sorry, Zin, but the hour is getting late. I want to get Caleigh home before the afternoon rains come. I’m pleased to know we’ll be neighbors, my friend. When you and your brother come back, you must visit our home and take dinner with us.” He bowed formally to Delsin and Etu. “It’s been a pleasure. If you’re ever on this planet again, please don’t hesitate to visit our home. You’ll be most welcome.” Before they could say anything else, he took Caleigh’s arm and led her toward the door. He needed to get her out of there before Zin mentioned his brother. **** Andon took a deep breath as he pulled his cruiser up in front of the home he shared with his brother and tried to imagine seeing it for the first time. He glanced over at Caleigh and marveled at her delicate beauty. The drive to their outlying land had been long and tedious, and she’d succumbed to sleep some distance back. He’d wanted to show her the countryside, but had rejoiced when her fatigue kept any questions at bay. The house was relatively new, with as many modern conveniences as you could expect from a farm home. They’d not been the first family to live in it. Two other groups had tried their hand at raising suitable crops there and failed. It was a hard life, but one filled with rewards for the right men.

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He turned in the seat when Caleigh groaned and began to struggle against her shoulder harness. “Shh, relax, dear one. No harm will come to you.” His fingers pressed the release on her restraint as her eyes slowly opened. “Where are we?” she asked, her voice husky with sleep. “Welcome home, Caleigh.” He gestured out the window. “This is the awenosa, your new home.” Caleigh sat up straighter in her seat and looked toward the house. Her gaze moved across the fields and then returned to settle on Andon. “It’s beautiful here.” “It pleases me that you like it. Would you—?” The sound of the front screen door crashing against the side of the house had both their heads turning. Andon cursed silently as Eoin came walking out onto the porch. He felt Caleigh tense beside him. “Who’s that?” she asked, trepidation clear in her voice. **** “That’s my good friend, Eoin.” Andon got out of the cruiser and came around and opened her door. He held his hand out to Caleigh. “Come on, and I’ll introduce you.” Caleigh took the offered hand but wondered why Andon seemed to be nervous. Was there animosity between the two men? She followed him to the porch and smiled at the handsome stranger. “Caleigh, this is my best friend, Eoin.” Andon took her hand, kissed her fingers, and then placed it in his friend’s hand for a traditional greeting. “Eoin, this is Caleigh.” “Welcome, beautiful lady.” Eoin brought her hand to his mouth and pressed a kiss against her wrist. “You are most welcome into this home and our lives.” He motioned toward the door. “Please, come inside your new home.” Caleigh felt confusion at the predatory way Eoin rubbed his thumb back and forth across her knuckles. She didn’t like the way his

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touch made her feel, especially since she was about to become his best friend’s wife. She tried to pull her hand away only to have him tighten his grip. Not wanting to be the cause of problems between the men, she allowed him to draw her into the house. “What do you think of your new home?” Andon came and took her free hand in a firm grip. “You can let us know whatever you want changed, and we’ll take care of it.” Eoin bent to look directly into her eyes. “We want you to be happy here, Caleigh.” Caleigh determinedly pulled both her hands free and walked farther into the room to look around. The smells indicated they were standing in a large kitchen. An island counter stood in the center of the room, its top chipped and littered with scratches while large pans hung from a rack in the ceiling above it. She moved closer to a shiny metal chest and saw a pan of baked cookies on the top. At first she thought it was a stove but she didn’t see any burners on the top, or any doors that would lead to an oven. She leaned closer to get a better look and grimaced when her fingers encountered a sticky surface. At least one reason Andon needed a wife was pretty obvious. Her nose twitched at the slightly burnt smell hanging in the air. “Sorry about the mess,” Eoin apologized, a red flush moving up his neck. “That’s okay.” Caleigh grinned and nodded toward the cookies. “Baking experiment gone wrong?” “What have you done?” Andon demanded to know. “I tried to bake some cookies. I researched Earth recipes and wanted to make something to welcome Caleigh.” He shrugged. “Who knew baking could be so hard?” Caleigh smothered a giggle, and glanced around the room. There were two bowls sitting on the wood floor near the door. Muddy paw prints led from the door to the bowls and then across the kitchen into another room.

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Andon groaned and pulled out a chair from the table. “I never meant for you to come into a mess like this.” “It’s okay, Andon.” She looked down at the floor. “You have a dog?” Eoin touched her hand and nodded toward the bowls. “They belong to Fidelius.” “Fidelius?” Caleigh pulled her hand away. “Who’s Fidelius?” Andon grinned. “You’d probably call him a dog, but our people call him a doellma.” He stood up and whistled loudly. Caleigh took a step back as a thumping sound came from the depths of the house. She squeaked in alarm when a large animal came bursting through the door and launched itself toward Andon. “Hey, buddy,” he crooned, kneeling to run his hands across the excited animal’s back. “Did you miss me?” It had to weigh at least fifty pounds, with long golden-red hair. It looked like a large, shaggy golden retriever except for the long, slender tail. Andon stood and pulled the animal over to Caleigh. “Come on, boy. I want you to meet your new mistress.” He grabbed Caleigh’s hand and held it in front of their pet’s nose. “Fidie, this is Caleigh.” Caleigh gasped when Fidie’s tail came up and wrapped securely around her wrist. He looked up at her with soulful yellow eyes and whined. “Wow, I’ve never seen anything like him.” Tentatively, she reached out with her other hand and patted him on the head. The animal sighed heavily and lay down over her feet, tightening his grip on her wrist. “See, he loves you already.” Eoin gave her a big grin. “Tarik will be surprised.” She took a deep breath and uncurled the tail from around her wrist. She smiled, and took Andon’s hand before turning to Eoin. “Who’s Tarik?” He froze in place, his eyes darting almost desperately to Andon. “Uh, he’s, uh.” “Tarik is one of your mates,” Andon declared.

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Caleigh dropped his hand, her eyes widening in shock. “Excuse me?” Andon sighed and pointed to the table. “Could we sit down so I can explain?” Without a word Caleigh took a seat at the table. “What’s going on?” she asked, her voice barely discernible. Andon sat down and picked up her hand. “On our planet families are called clans. We’re members of the Castir clan.” “That’s where you get your last name?” Caleigh asked. He shrugged. “Yes and no. Earth, and many other planets, refers to it as our last name but we don’t make that distinction. I don’t sign my name Andon Castir. I’m known only as Andon.” “Okay, I understand that. But what’s that got to do with me having more than one mate?” “You just have two,” Eoin added. “Two,” she squeaked. “Eoin, would you keep quiet for a minute.” Andon turned back to Caleigh. “Yes, there are two of us. My brother Tarik is the younger. He’s away on business but should be back in a day or two.” He gripped her hand with both of his. “The clans of our world have always shared their wives.” She glanced at Eoin. “You don’t get to share me, too, do you? Why would you want to share one woman when you could all have a wife of your own?” Andon frowned and moved closer. “Eoin is not part of our family. He’s only visiting from my home world. Women are precious and scarce on our planet. There are many people, but mostly male. The clans find their female and cherish her, protect her, and love her with everything they are.” Eoin reached for her other hand. “That’s what they want to do with you, Caleigh.” He gave her a small smile. “They want to cherish and protect you.”

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“Mostly we want to love you, Caleigh, and have you love us.” Andon took one of his hands and gripped her chin, raising her gaze to his. “Could you give us a chance, dear one? Stay with us the three months and let us show you what kind of life we can give you.” Eoin cleared his throat. “I’m going to leave the two of you now so you can begin to learn about each other.” He grinned and moved toward the door. “Don’t worry, Andon. I’ll see myself out.” Caleigh had to bite her lip to keep from laughing. They’d deceived her to get her there, pretty much the same as her brother. She’d already decided to give Andon a chance before she arrived. Would it be so difficult to consider staying with both men? Just the thought of being with them had already made her panties dampen. Taking a deep breath, she met his gaze. “I’ll stay and see where this takes us.” Andon smiled and then pulled her up from her chair and covered her lips with his own. She stiffened for a moment and then relaxed to the feel of his searching kiss. There was nothing tentative about it as his tongue plunged between her lips to bathe the inside of her mouth. His taste and scent filled her senses. “You’re so galilahi, my wikimak,” Andon whispered into her ear as his hands smoothed their way up her abdomen. Caleigh pulled from Andon’s arms. “Please, I don’t understand what you’re saying.” Andon leaned forward and licked a path from her chin down her neck. “I’m sorry, dear one. Some of our words have no specific meaning so they have no direct translation.” He took her earlobe between his teeth and bit lightly. “The closest translation would be beautiful wife.” Caleigh gasped when Andon’s hands slid up and closed over her breasts. There was no way he could miss the hard thrust of her nipples through her blouse. At the same time he slid his knee in between her thighs. “Wait,” she cried. Her hands came up and pressed firmly against his chest. “It’s too soon.” She gasped.

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Andon eased her back but didn’t let her out of his arms. He took her chin gently in his fingers and raised her gaze to his. “Do not be afraid, dear one. “We would never harm you, or make you do anything you don’t want to do.” He gave her a small smile. “I’m moving a little fast for you?” “A little,” she whispered. She took a small step away from the heat of his body. “I’d just like a little time to get used to being around you.” She swallowed hard. “Can you understand that?” “Absolutely! I didn’t mean to rush you. There’s plenty of time to get to know each other. You’re just so beautiful I couldn’t help myself.” Caleigh frowned and took another step back. His compliments made her uncomfortable. Nobody had ever told her she was beautiful. “You must be tired after your long journey. Why don’t I show you the rest of the house and especially your room so you can rest up before dinner?” Andon held his hand out in invitation. He smiled when Caleigh placed her hand on top of his. She let him lead her through the house, not really paying much attention to the various rooms. Fatigue had settled in, and she needed a place to lie down and just be alone. She sighed in gratitude when he finally showed her to her bedroom. She turned just as she walked through the door, effectively blocking him from walking in after her. “I think I’d like to look around on my own, if you don’t mind. I’m tired and a little overwhelmed, and I just need a little nap.” “Of course, love.” Andon bent and kissed her cheek. “Do you want me to bring your bags in first?” “No, that’s okay. I won’t need anything right away. Could you just leave them outside the door here, whenever it’s convenient? I’ll get them later.” “No problem,” Andon promised. He leaned forward and kissed her cheek again. “I’ll be in the kitchen if you need anything.” “Okay, just knock to wake me about an hour before dinner.” She took a step back and began to close the door. “I’ll see you later.”

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Without waiting for him to reply, she closed the door. For a moment she contemplated turning the lock and then decided against it. She didn’t think a locked door would keep Andon out if he really wanted in. And frankly, she wasn’t sure she wanted to keep him out. She’d never responded physically to anyone the way she did to him. She giggled and then clamped her hand over her mouth to stifle the sound. “He’s gonna think I’m crazy,” she whispered. Turning, she stopped and looked around carefully. The largest bed she’d ever seen dominated the room. It could easily hold five or six adults and still have room for them to toss and turn. The white vertical bars of the headboard contrasted nicely with the azure blue of the walls. The coverings and pillows on the bed were all shades of blue and pink. “It looks too feminine for a house full of males,” she mumbled. Caleigh wandered over and ran her hand along the dresser on the closest wall. It feels like some kind of hard plastic. There were tables on each side of the bed as well as a chest sitting at the foot. They all appeared to be made of the same white material. Caleigh tightened her grip on the dresser as she swayed tiredly on her feet. “God, I need to get some sleep.” She kicked off her shoes and walked over to the bed. She spared a brief glance at the door before pulling her shirt over her head. She stopped, listening for any sounds from the hall, and then dropped it to the floor. Her bra and jeans quickly followed before she pulled back the covers and climbed onto the bed. She groaned softly at the feel of the silken covers sliding over her sensitive skin. “Man, I could get used to this.” Grinning, she stretched, and thought briefly of her brother. “Thank you, Kevin,” she whispered before closing her eyes. **** The suns radiated heat through the window, warming the room, when Caleigh woke. She stiffened for a moment, not recognizing anything, and then relaxed as memories came flooding back. She

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looked around but didn’t see a clock anywhere. A pressing need for the bathroom had her reluctantly leaving the comfort of the bed. She pulled her T-shirt on, not bothering with her bra or jeans, and went over to stand in front of the door. She was covered to midthigh so she felt safe in leaving her room. She listened carefully but didn’t hear anyone. Moving quietly, she pulled the door open and peeked down the hall. The house was totally silent. Caleigh hurried across to the bathroom, shutting and locking the door behind her. They’d shown her how everything worked during the tour of the house, so she quickly took care of her business and washed her hands. Using her hand as a cup, she rinsed out her mouth. Glancing in the mirror, she finger-combed her hair and decided to go in search of her future husbands. Future husbands, wow! She left the bathroom and headed in the direction of the kitchen, the house still eerily silent. The lights were on, and she saw a huge stack of boxes next to the door that weren’t there earlier. There was no sign of the brothers, so Caleigh began searching the cabinets for a glass to get some water. She frowned at the stack of dirty dishes littering the sink. “I hope they don’t think I’m gonna be their maid.” **** Tarik of the Castir clan stacked the last of his plants by the back door. He sighed as exhaustion settled over his mammoth frame. It had taken him almost two weeks, but he’d finally achieved his objective. He winced when he thought about how many credits he’d spent obtaining the paladda plants. There were enough for the field behind the house. If he succeeded, the plants would multiply quickly and his family would be allowed to make this their permanent home. This was their last chance. Failure this time would mean going home in disgrace. The Federation of Planets gave each race a chance on one of the growth worlds to raise crops and send food back to their home planets. The Castir clan’s farm was one of four on Kilara, the others

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promised to families from different planets. It was a combination of providing food for people with shortages and making cultures live together in an attempt to maintain galactic peace. Tarik frowned when he thought about the previous two years. His home planet, Roderia, allowed each clan three years to produce a successful crop. The Castir clan was the third family from Roderia given this honor on this planet. Conditions were harsh with thunderous heat, high winds, and surprisingly frequent hailstorms. Like their predecessors, the Castirs had failed the past two years. His brother contributed their failure to weather and ground conditions, but Tarik knew there was more to it than that. Twice they’d tried to bring a mate into their lives. The Roderian women did not like the solitude or the hard work involved in bringing their efforts to fruition. He and his brother had spent entirely too much time trying to soothe their tender feelings and not enough time working the farm. It had been almost a relief when the women had opted to leave. He looked around at the messy kitchen and sighed. It would appear Andon had let things slide in his absence. Tarik turned quickly at the sound of toenails on the floor and smiled. “Hello, Fidie. Did you miss me?” He knelt and rubbed the golden-red head as a silkysmooth tail wrapped around his wrist. “Did he treat you right while I was gone, old friend?” He spent a few moments more comforting the large animal and then rose to his feet. “Come on, Fidie. Let’s get a little sleep before we have to start a new day.” Grinning, he followed the animal down the hall to his bedroom. Tarik removed his shirt and then slid his pants down his legs, stepping out and leaving them where they dropped on the floor. He’d just sunk into the mattress when he heard someone in the kitchen. Anxious to tell his brother about the plants, he got back up, not bothering to dress, and padded out into the hall and headed toward the kitchen. When he rounded the corner, he froze. There was a halfdressed woman leaning up on her toes, getting a glass out of the cabinet above the sink. Anger like he’d never known rocketed through

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his system. He’d warned his brother about bringing prostitutes to their home. Eoin had always been a bad influence on Andon. He didn’t care what he did at the relay station, but he wouldn’t have him soiling their home with his appetites. “What are you doing, rellspea tadita?” he snarled. The woman shrieked, dropping the glass as she wobbled on her toes. She grabbed for it as it crashed against the water spigot, shattering into a thousand pieces. He could see red bloom across her fingers as she gripped the broken piece, turning her head to stare at him with wide, pain-filled eyes. There were pieces of glass all over the counter and the floor, decorating the area around her bare feet. Tarik strode forward quickly, intent on saving her further injury. He reached out his hands and watched in surprise as she flinched away from his touch. “Who do you belong to, rellspea tadita? Who brought you here?” Ignoring the shocked look in her eyes, he placed his hands on each side of her waist and plucked her off the floor. Ignoring the stirring in his groin, he carted her across the room, away from the glass, and placed her next to the table. “Tadita, who are you with?” he demanded to know. The woman took a shaky breath and raised tear-filled eyes to gaze at him. “I don’t understand what you’re saying. The translator’s not picking it up.” She thought for a moment. “If you’re asking who brought me here, then it was Andon.” “Andon!” Tarik bellowed. He might expect such behavior from their friend Eoin, but Andon had always been the levelheaded one in the family. “What’s going on?” Andon asked as he rushed into the room followed closely by Eoin. “You dare to bring your rellspea tadita into our home and then ask me what’s wrong. Have you no shame? How could you do this?” “What the hell is rellspea tadita?” Caleigh asked. Andon glared at Tarik before turning his attention to Caleigh. “What happened to you?” He rushed over and took her bleeding hand

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into his own. “Eoin, bring me the medical kit right away.” He pushed her down into the chair and went to wet some towels at the sink. “I’m so sorry,” she said shakily. “I wanted some water and I was getting a glass out of the cabinet when this man startled me. I guess the glass slipped out of my hand.” She stared up at Andon and scowled. “Who is he, and what is that word he keeps using?” Andon wiped the blood off her hand. “He’s just asking who this woman is, Caleigh. It doesn’t translate well.” He shot his brother a glare. “Caleigh, this is my brother, Tarik.” He glanced up at his brother. “Tarik, this is Caleigh Davis. She’s from Earth, and she’s our prospective mate.” Tarik watched the color rise in the young woman’s neck. Fascinating! “Wait! Did you say mate? How the hell is that possible?” “You didn’t tell him?” Caleigh tried to stand, Andon’s hand pressing down on her shoulder. “Explain yourself,” Tarik demanded. Andon sighed as Eoin brought him the medical kit. He opened it and began laying supplies on the table. “I contracted for a mate through a company called Galactic Nuptials. They matched Caleigh to me from the profiles I filled out. She’s supposed to be compatible in every way, both mentally and physically.” He smiled up at Tarik. “She just arrived last night, and we’re beginning a three-month trial period to find out if we’re really a suitable match.” “You did this without my agreement?” Tarik could barely control his anger. “We agreed, the two of us, that we’d never do this again.” When Caleigh gasped he looked at her with pity. “He shouldn’t have subjected you to this, Ms. Davis. We’ve already tried to take a mate twice, and I’m not going through that again.” He looked at his brother and clenched his hands into fists. “I’m holding you responsible for this debacle. Find a way to send her home and fix this.” “We’re not sending her home, Tarik. She’ll be here for the next three months, and there’s nothing you can do about it.”

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Chapter 3 Caleigh watched as the large man stormed from the room. His green eyes had been so compelling, and his body! Wow, the boxerlike shorts he’d had on barely covered him. It was too bad he didn’t want anything to do with her. She watched as Andon pulled something out of his case that looked like some kind of a ray gun. When he pointed it at her hand, she felt a trickle of fear. “What are you doing?” She tried to pull her injured hand away. “Relax, beautiful Caleigh. This will heal your injury.” Andon pressed a button on the handle, and a type of steamy mist was emitted from the end. He aimed so the mist would coat the cut on her hand, and she felt immediate relief from the pain. “Wow! That feels pretty good.” As she watched, the red line slowly disappeared from her skin. “It’s healing the cut?” “Yes,” he explained. “It’ll be completely healed in just a moment.” After a couple of minutes Andon turned off the machine and rubbed his fingers over her hand. The injury was completely healed with only a faint redness left behind. “Thanks, Andon.” She watched as he packed up the medical kit and then gazed into his eyes. “You shouldn’t have brought me here under false pretenses.” “I didn’t.” “Yes, you did. You didn’t tell me about your brother, and you didn’t tell your brother about me.” She sighed in disgust. “You can’t get any more false that than, Andon.” She blinked back her tears. “I can’t stay here now.”

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“No!” he shouted. “You’re not leaving. You promised to stay the three months and give us a fair chance.” He pulled her from the chair into his warm embrace. “We’re holding you to that promise, Caleigh. Tarik and I are not letting you go so easily.” “But Tarik—” “Will come around, I promise. He’s been hurt in the past and is afraid to risk his heart again.” Andon took his hand and raised her chin. “We just have to prove to him that you’re not like the others.” “What others?” Andon sighed and indicated for her to sit down. “Go on back to bed, Eoin. Your transport leaves early in the morning.” “Okay,” Eoin said. “I’ll say good night.” Bending, he placed a kiss on Caleigh’s hand. “It’s been a great pleasure, Caleigh. I’m heading home to take up a new post in the morning so I won’t be seeing you again until you visit our home world. You take care of these two and they’ll take care of you.” Grinning, he turned and left the room. Andon raked his hand through his thick black hair. “Twice before we’ve brought women here to be our mate. Each time they have become dissatisfied and gone back to Roderia.” “I don’t understand.” Caleigh frowned. “Why would they be dissatisfied here?” Andon covered her hand with his own. “It’s a hard life here, Caleigh. We spend long hours in the fields, which leaves you alone much of the time. Both women were unhappy to be sharing the two of us. They wanted each of us to take a wife so they would have the undivided attention of one male even though that is not normal for our people. They agreed to come here because they thought we could ignore tradition living away from home. My brother and I are not willing to do that. We need a woman who’s willing to share the work as well as the good times. Someone that can be happy with both of us sharing her equally.”

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He looked up at the ceiling for a moment and then stared into her eyes. “What we need is a mate who wants to be here as much as we do. This place can offer us a good life if we all work together to make it happen.” “I’ve never been afraid of hard work.” She thought for a moment. “It doesn’t matter, Andon. Tarik already said I had to leave.” He chuckled. “It doesn’t matter what he wants. The transport is not due back here for three weeks, so you couldn’t leave until then anyway. So, you see, beautiful Caleigh, we have three weeks for you to work your wiles on Tarik and make him like you.” “Oh, my God.” Caleigh laughed heartily. “You’re crazy. I’ve come all this way to be a space bride to crazy men.” “Space bride?” Andon looked at her with a question in his eyes. “Yes, space bride. When you get on a spaceship and travel to another planet to marry someone, that automatically makes you a space bride.” Caleigh decided to ignore his smirk and looked at the stack of boxes by the door. “What’s all that?” Andon walked over and peered inside the top box. “He got them. Tarik got the paladda.” “What’s a paladda?” Caleigh asked. She walked over for a closer look. “It’s a food plant. One that’s reputed to be nearly impossible to kill.” Andon grinned at her. “It’s said that if you can get it to produce just one season of crops, you’ll never have to worry again. It’s almost invincible after the roots take hold.” He put his arm around her shoulder. “That’s not even the best part. It’s considered the perfect food source. It contains all the nutrients our bodies need for health, and its roots automatically replenish the soil at the end of each harvest season. Each year your crops are bigger and stronger.” Andon dropped his arm and moved away. “The trick is getting past that first season.” He frowned. “You have to get to the point it creates the underground bulb before it’s considered infallible.” He

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glanced at the boxes. “It shouldn’t be that difficult with all of us working. It’s engineered to produce fruit in the first ninety days. “I don’t understand.” Caleigh touched one of the leaves, surprised at the gritty feel of the plant. “I’m not sure I understand it either. It produces some type of chemical that makes it impossible to kill. It’ll produce acres of food for a lifetime if we can get the plants to start in the fields here.” “Where did the plants come from?” Caleigh asked. “They were developed on Khera. I’m guessing that’s where Tarik purchased them.” Andon looked at the paperwork lying on top of the boxes. “And it looks like he spent all his savings to buy them. Damn, that’s a lot of credits. If this little venture doesn’t work, we’ll be finished.” He gave Caleigh a grim smile. She thought for a moment, studying Andon’s face. Then she remembered the credits they’d paid to get her to travel to meet them. An uncomfortable feeling of guilt washed over her. She took a deep breath. “Then we’ll just make it work.” She smiled at her proposed mate. “Does anybody know anything about the plants?” “Like what?” he asked. She shrugged. “Like how deep to plant them? How much water and sunlight do they need? What type of care do they need while they’re growing? Do they need fertilizer?” Andon gaped at her. “You sound like you’ve planted crops before. I don’t have a clue how to grow them, but you can bet Tarik has studied everything possible before he put out the credits.” Andon’s lips melded together into a frown. “I’m afraid we’re going to have to let him take the lead to get this project off the ground.” “Oh, great,” Caleigh deadpanned. “I can’t wait to work closely, side by side with Tarik.” Andon laughed and hugged her close. “It’ll be fine, dear one.” He pushed the hair away from her face. “I’m going to make breakfast. You must have been exhausted because you slept through dinner last night.” He bent and touched his lips lightly to hers. “I’ve got to

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deliver supplies to our neighbors after breakfast. Would you like to go with me and see some more of your new home?” “Do I have time to take a shower first?” “Of course.” He turned her toward the door. “I’ll show you how the shower works, and then you can come back and give me a hand.” Caleigh followed Andon to the bathroom and watched as he activated the water shower. “Okay, I’ve got it now. Thanks!” “Let me just show you these.” He pointed to a group of jars on the counter. “Until you’re more familiar with the choices here, I recommend this.” He picked up a jar of crystals. “You can pour some of these on your bathing cloth and it’ll formulate a scent based on your skin’s oil content.” “So it’s a unique scent to everyone that uses it.” “Exactly.” He opened the closet and pulled out two large towels. “I’ll leave these on the counter for you.” “I’ll be right back. I need to grab my shampoo and razor from my bag.” “No need.” Andon pulled two bottles from a shelf in the closet. “This is a really good shampoo for your hair.” He handed her a yellow plastic bottle. “And this is a depilatory. Just rub it over the area you want to make smooth and wipe away with a cloth.” He snickered and gave her a saucy wink. “Just be sure you don’t mix them up, beautiful lady.” “Ha, ha, very funny.” She motioned toward the door. I’ll see you in the kitchen in just a little while.” He took a step closer. “You sure you don’t need any help?” She took a hasty step back, throwing up a hand against his chest. “No, thanks, I think I can handle things from here. She could hear him chuckle as she shut the door in his face. “Damn, he’s gonna be hard to resist,” she whispered. Sighing, she peeled the T-shirt over her head and then glanced around the room with interest. She’d been in too much of a hurry to check it out earlier. Windows circled the ceiling, letting in warmth

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from the morning suns and circulating a pleasant breeze. A large square sunken tub, big enough for six people, took up one side of the room. The tiles around it were littered with dozens of differentcolored jars. The mirrors over the sink sparkled, their chrome frames shiny in the morning light. Everything was spotless. How can they keep such a clean bathroom when their kitchen is such a pigsty? Caleigh shook her head and climbed into the shower chamber. Chamber was the only way to describe such a large enclosure. Multiple showerheads pelted her with warm water in a relaxing full-body massage. “God, I could get used to this.” She groaned. The shower was plenty big enough for four people. “But do I want two husbands?” she mumbled. Caleigh snorted. I’d be a fool not to want to get up close and personal with Andon and Tarik. Her eyes closed as she ran a shaking hand from her shoulder to her hip and then up again, cupping one breast and squeezing gently. It could be their hands, their fingers, their lips and tongue. Her fingers glided over the slick skin, tracing the tips of her breasts, pinching and tugging the distended nubs. Teasingly, her thumb ran over the sensitive point while her other hand brushed inside her thighs. A harsh groan escaped her lips as she spread her legs wider to probe her slick folds. Her fingers reached for her throbbing clit and circled it, rubbing tiny circles before sliding into her. “Yes,” she cried out and then clamped her lips shut. She wouldn’t put it past the men to come barreling into the shower to check out any noise they heard. Biting her bottom lip, her fingers began pumping in and out of her hot sheath while she tugged and pulled on her nipples. She could feel the need build deep inside her body, her breathing quickening, her fingers moving faster and faster. Suddenly, her body stiffened, her inner walls clutching as her orgasm hit hard, stealing the breath from her body. Weakened from her climax, she sank down on one of the two benches that ran the length of the shower.

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“Oh, no.” Tears welled in her eyes as she let the warm water wash over her. When her climax hit, she’d been imagining two sets of hands on her fevered body. “Kevin,” she whispered, “what’ve you gotten me into?” **** “It really is beautiful here.” Caleigh smiled briefly at Andon and then turned her attention back to the colorful scenery. “I want to paint you, Caleigh.” “What?” Her eyes widened in shock. “You heard me. I want to paint a portrait of you.” “I didn’t know you were a painter.” Andon grinned. “I’m the romantic, artistic brother.” He frowned when Caleigh giggled. “Are you making fun of me?” For a moment, Caleigh was afraid she’d gone too far in her teasing, and then she caught a glimpse of his sparkling blue eyes. “No, I’m not messing with you.” She playfully slapped him on the arm. “Tell me more about your painting.” “There’s not much to tell. Since we moved here to make a name for our family, it’s become more of a hobby than anything else.” He grimaced. “A hobby I don’t have much time for.” He slowed down their transport as they made their way over a series of small streams. “We’re very lucky. Our passions fit right in with the challenge of this place.” “What do you mean?” Andon shrugged. “Tarik’s passion is growing things. Doesn’t matter whether it’s flowers or crops, he’s happiest when he’s elbow deep in the dirt. I’m practically obsessed with animals. Even as a young boy, I’d bring home a stray doellma at least once every fortnight. I have an affinity with them. They respond to me in a manner I’ve never witnessed anywhere else.” “Is that how you acquired Fidelius?”

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Andon laughed. “Actually, Fidie ended up bringing me home.” He glanced at her with a smile before turning his attention back to the trail. “Back on Roderia, I’d been attempting to rescue a cholena.” “A what?” “A cholena. I think you would call it a type of bird. Its mother abandoned it for some reason, and I was determined to bring it back to the house so we could feed it.” He shook his head. “They build their nests high up in the trees of Roderia, and unfortunately, I’m afraid of heights. I climbed up as far as I could, and then my own fears caused me to lose my balance and fall.” “Oh, my God. Were you hurt?” “My leg was broken in two places, and my pride was shattered.” “So how did Fidie figure into that?” “We can only speculate that Fidie was tired of living in the wild. He found me at the base of the tree and took an instant liking to me. He wrapped his tail around my ankle and literally dragged me close enough to our parents’ home for me to yell for help. Since then, he’s been a constant companion to my family.” Caleigh watched Andon from the corner of her eye. “So, you want to paint a picture of me?” He gave her a wide smile. “Very much so.” “Well, you just tell me when and where, and I’ll be there.” “Excellent.” He pointed toward the side window of their transport. “That’s the Kenta clan’s dwelling.” “Wow, it’s huge.” “They’ve been here for seven seasons. That makes them permanent residents of Kilara. I think you’ll like their woman, Freya.” “Are they from Roderia, too?” “No, they come from Errydenia. I don’t know much about their home planet, only that it’s poor and needing food stores badly.” As Caleigh watched, two huge men came out of the house and stood on the porch. “Who are they?”

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“They’re Freya’s mates. The one on the left is Aldo, and the other is his brother Chaim.” Caleigh kept silent while Andon maneuvered their transport in front of a small building and stopped. After a whirlwind of introductions, she found herself sitting at a kitchen table having a glass of something similar to tea with Freya Kenta. The woman was intimidating, over six feet tall and extremely beautiful. Her waistlength blonde hair and blue eyes would make her the center of attention wherever she went. “We’ve got a little bit of time to talk while the men unload our supplies in the barn. It’s going to be so wonderful having another female living here.” Freya held out a small plate of biscuits. “Would you like a nehwe?” “No, thank you.” Caleigh took a sip of her drink. “How long have you lived here, Freya?” “Almost eight seasons. We came here right after our joining.” She ran a finger lightly around the rim of her glass. “How did you come to meet Andon and Tarik?” “Uh, well—” Caleigh wasn’t sure the brothers would want their neighbors to know the details of their relationship. “It’s kind of complicated.” Freya cleared her throat. “Andon told Chaim he ordered you from a catalog.” Caleigh coughed, spraying the sweet tea all over the table. “Oh, God, I’m so sorry.” She could feel her face flushing as Freya grabbed a towel and cleaned up the spill. “What the hell, guess my secret’s out.” She laughed. “Yes, I’m what you might call a mail-order bride.” She snorted. “Except you’d have to say a space-order bride.” Freya barked out a laugh. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to embarrass you. I think it’s very interesting to have met that way. You must be an incredibly brave woman to have traveled so far to meet men of a difference species to mate with.”

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Caleigh suddenly had the need to confide in someone, and Freya was beginning to seem like more of a friend than a new acquaintance. “There’s nothing brave about me. I ended up here because my baby brother pulled a fast one on me.” “I’m sorry. I don’t understand.” “He sent in an application for me without telling me first.” Caleigh spent the next several minutes confiding the truth to Freya. “So basically, he sent me here to earn some extra money.” Freya frowned. “So, you’re planning on leaving at the end of your three months just so you can keep the money this Galactic Nuptials is paying you?” “No, not at all. That’s just what I let Kevin think. My life on Earth isn’t good or happy. I’m hoping this can be a new start for me.” She shrugged. “I just didn’t wanna let my brother know he might have done me a favor.” “That’s wonderful!” Freya cried. “He’ll be regretting his hasty decision when you bring him to live here and the brothers put him to work.” Caleigh laughed. “That’s something I’d pay real money to see.” Freya glanced toward the open window and then moved her chair closer to Caleigh. “So, tell me, Caleigh. What’s it like to be with a Kuhma?” “Uh, sorry, what’s a Kuhma?” Caleigh watched a bright red flush spread up Freya’s neck. “Oh, dear. You haven’t been, um, you haven’t been intimate with the brothers yet?” “Hell, no. I just arrived yesterday.” Caleigh narrowed her eyes. “You know something I don’t, so tell me already.” “I’m sorry. It’s not my place to say anything.” “Screw that, I wanna know what you’re talking about.” When Freya moved to get up, Caleigh grabbed her arm. “Please, tell me. I feel like we’re becoming friends, so we shouldn’t have secrets.”

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Freya sighed. “How much do you know about the Roderians’ sexuality?” Caleigh choked back a laugh. “Absolutely nothing.” She frowned. “Well, that’s not entirely true. The doctor that gave me my physical for Galactic Nuptials told me that I’d be perfectly compatible with Andon.” “Just Andon!” Freya’s voice rose to a squeak. Caleigh rolled her eyes. “I guess I forgot to tell you that he didn’t exactly tell the truth on his application when he filled it out.” “He lied?” “I’ll say. He forgot to mention there were two brothers.” “Oh, dear.” Freya shook her head. “Why do men behave so stupidly?” “Come on, you’re trying to get out of telling me what you know.” Freya’s head dropped down, her hair hiding her eyes. “Okay, I’ll tell you what Aldo explained to me.” She took a deep breath. “Tarik is a Kuhma and Andon is a Quha.” “Whatever that is must not have an English equivalent because it’s not translating.” “Their species requires three parties to procreate.” “What?” “Yes, I was quite surprised myself. Aldo says it’s the only species he knows that reproduces this way.” She took a long swallow from her glass. “The Kuhma are the egg givers. They’re able to deposit an egg into the womb of their mate when they both decide it’s time to reproduce.” “Wait, the men produce the eggs for the babies and not the women?” “That’s right. The egg is introduced during the sex act, already fertilized. It’s a viable child at that point.” “And you said Tarik is a Kuhma.”

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“Yes, that’s right. They’re distinguished by the bright-green eyes they have. All other males of their race have blue eyes.” Her gaze drifted away. “They’re also, um, well, anatomically different.” “Excuse me.” “They’re bigger and longer than the other males.” Caleigh watched Freya’s face for a moment. “You seem pretty sure that Tarik’s a Kuhma. Are you sure because of his green eyes?” She watched as the red flush on Freya’s face spread. “Truthfully, I’ve seen the anatomical difference.” She flashed an apologetic look at Caleigh. “It was by accident. When the brothers first moved here, they were swimming in the lake just south of here.” She raised her eyebrows. “They were both unclothed, and the difference was pretty noticeable. I asked my mates about them after they’d dressed and hurried off.” She laughed. “It was a toss-up who was more embarrassed, them or me.” “What about Andon?” “He’s a Quha. They provide an enzyme during intimacy that actually feeds the fetus until it’s born. I’m told the baby can’t live without it.” Caleigh blinked back the tears she could feel forming in her eyes. “So if what you’re telling me is right, any children we have won’t really be mine. I’ll be like some kind of walking incubator.” Freya rushed over and put her arm around Caleigh. “No, that’s not true. I thought the same thing, but Chaim explained to me that the egg takes on the mother’s essence when it’s implanted in her womb. It is as much your baby as theirs.” “I don’t know what to think.” Caleigh wiped at her eyes with the back of her hand. “Seems like there’s a lot about becoming a space bride that nobody told me.” “Don’t be upset, please. Together we’ll find out everything you need to know.” She hugged her, placing a kiss on top of her head. “Don’t fret, my friend. I’ll be here if you need to talk to someone.” “Do you think I—”

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“Caleigh, are you ready to go?” Andon walked into the kitchen and picked up Caleigh’s hand to press a kiss against her wrist. “We need to get back. I have the afternoon free, so I thought we could start on your portrait.” “Sure.” Caleigh took Freya’s hand as they walked outside. “Thank you. I’m sure I’ll have a lot more questions for you.” “I’m happy to have met you, Caleigh. I’ll convince my mates to bring me for a visit in a couple of weeks, after you have time to get settled.” “That’ll be great.” Caleigh let Andon help her into the transport and then waved good-bye as they drove off. “Did you enjoy your visit with Freya?” Andon gave her a brief smile and then turned his attention to the winding road. “Yeah, she’s great. How many other people live here?” He shrugged. “Right now they’re the only ones. There are two more empty settlements to the west. Eventually they’ll both be awarded to different planets in the Federation. The treaty stipulates that no two families from the same planet dwell here at any given time. One of the farms has been awarded to my friend Zin. You met him at the station when you arrived.” Caleigh thought for a moment. “Oh, yeah. He was from, um, let’s see.” “Arridia.” “Yes, Arridia.” She frowned and looked up at Andon’s profile. “Does he have a wife?” Andon laughed. “No, and it’s not likely they’ll be getting one anytime soon.” “They?” “Zin will be living here with his brothers. All the Arridians, just like us, live in clan groups. Zin is the oldest of their group. Kernz is his second, and Xortz is what you would call the baby of the family.”

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Caleigh thought back to her conversation with Freya and took a deep breath. “Does it take three of them to have children like it does you?” Andon froze for a moment and then swallowed hard. “How much do you know about our procreation?” Caleigh spent the next several minutes telling him everything Freya had told her. “Is that why you wanted a wife? Did you just want someone to carry your baby for nine months?” “No.” He cursed softly and quickly turned off the main road. “I’m going to find a place to park where we can talk.” “Okay.” Caleigh sighed and watched out the window as the river came into view. “Wow, how beautiful.” “Yes, this is one of my favorite places.” He glided the transport to a stop and turned off the engine. “Will you walk with me?” “Sure, I’d like that.” She waited for him to come around and open her door and then jumped down to the ground. Hand in hand, they walked toward the winding, lazy river. “This is so amazing.” Andon looked around and frowned. “What’s amazing?” “Everything’s so different here.” She moved away and walked down to the water’s edge. Wildflowers and gravel lined the shore, while the bank resembled sandy, cracked mud. She could smell the dank and musty scent of wet earth mixed with the pungent aroma of wildflowers and leaves. Reeds, grasses, and floating petals traveled the languid sage-green water. “What are you thinking?” asked Andon. She knelt and let the cool water pull at her fingers. “I’m thinking you should have been more honest when you ordered your bride.” “I’m sorry, Caleigh. I didn’t mean any harm. There’s so much about our species that’s different. I was afraid of scaring you off if you learned everything up front.” Caleigh stood and wiped her hands on her pants before turning her gaze to Andon. “What makes you think I won’t walk away now?” Her head tilted to the side as she studied his expression. “What else

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haven’t you told me, Andon? What other surprises lie in wait for me?” He sighed and motioned for her to join him on a fallen log. “I don’t honestly know if there are more surprises ahead. I’m sure there are things that we take for granted that are going to be new and foreign to you.” He reached over and took her hand in his, twining their fingers together. “You’re not the first Earther to mate with a Roderian. The healers on our planet determined that we are compatible sexually and reproductively.” He swallowed hard. “You asked if all we wanted was someone to carry our baby. That’s just not true. Neither of us is even ready to have children. We wanted a mate, a woman to share on the cold nights and hot summer days. We want to love and be loved, and to laugh and be happy.” Caleigh fidgeted, remembering the reasons she’d gone to Galactic Nuptials. “Okay, well, tell me what I can expect during the nine months I carry your baby.” Andon grinned. “You don’t exactly carry a Roderian baby for nine months.”

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Chapter 4 “Oh, my God. Don’t tell me it’s like an elephant or something. I don’t have to be pregnant for a couple of years, do I?” Andon burst out laughing and then tried to cover it with a cough. “No, beautiful lady. Our gestational period is equal to about six of your months.” He smoothed the hair away from her face. “The good news is you don’t have to worry about birth control. We have to consciously release the fertilized egg when we’re ready to procreate. It can’t be done accidentally like the births on your home planet. So when and if we decide to have children, it will completely be your decision.” Caleigh looked up in time to see Andon lowering his head. She let her eyes close at the first tentative touch of his kiss. Cool, firm lips nibbled lightly at the corner of her mouth before his damp tongue pushed past her teeth. Caleigh stiffened for just a moment, and then allowed her tongue to slide along the rough surface of his. She lost herself in his unique flavor, scooting closer to the warmth of his body. A strangled groan echoed from deep in her throat when his hand closed around her aching breast. His thumb flicking back and forth across the tip had her hand flying to grip his wrists, pulling them away with regret. She tore away from his kiss. “Wait, Andon, wait.” Her breath came in pants. “It’s too soon. I’m sorry. I’m just not ready for anything this intimate.” She glanced up at him through lowered lashes but couldn’t read anything in his expression. Andon closed his eyes for a moment and took a shaky breath. Then, he smiled. “It’s okay, Caleigh. There’s no hurry. We have all

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the time in the world.” He stood and pulled her to her feet. “Why don’t we head back, and I’ll start on that portrait of you?” Caleigh gave a shaky nod, and followed him back to the transport. Damn, it was all I could do to say no this time. What am I gonna do if they both gang up on me? She let him help strap her into the seat and then settled back, determined to enjoy the scenery on the drive back. “Doesn’t look like anybody else is home. Come on, I’ll show you the studio.” Andon took Caleigh’s hand and led her down the hall. He stopped at the last door on the left. “Tarik and I share this room. I use it as a studio, and he has his office in here.” He opened the door and motioned for her to go in first. Caleigh walked in and looked around. An easel stood near the window, a blank canvas propped on its rim. Books and papers lined the dusty shelves along one wall, while brushes and containers of paint cluttered a table. Windows spaced around the ceiling allowed for plenty of light, and she could feel a cool breeze filtering through the room. “This is Tarik’s office.” Caleigh turned and focused her attentions to the other side of the large room. Andon stood beside a massive desk. The top was bare except for a large monitor. “Is that a computer?” “This is a communications terminal. We can receive and send messages to our home world with this.” He gave her a wide smile. “You can even contact Earth when the wormhole is open.” “You mean I can talk to my brother?” “If there’s communication equipment where he lives, sure.” “There is. He’s staying with the parents of one of his close friends. I didn’t think it would be fair to uproot him from his friends for three months.” Andon frowned. “I thought you were going to give us a serious chance to convince you to stay here after the three-month period. Aren’t you planning on bringing him here to live with you?”

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Caleigh’s mouth dropped open. “You’d be willing to take my brother in?” “Of course we would. He’s family now, just like you.” Before Caleigh could respond, a loud beep and then a whirr sounded from the desk. She watched as Andon pulled out a drawer filled with electronic equipment and touched a few buttons. “What is it?” she asked. “We have a message coming in.” He watched the screen and then smiled broadly. “It’s from my father.” Andon read for a moment and then laughed. “It says he enjoyed Tarik’s visit and hopes that I will come see him soon.” “Does he know about me?” “No, not yet. I wanted to wait until we could all tell the family together.” He shrugged. “I didn’t want to announce it on a vid screen.” “Is he gonna be unhappy that you’ve taken a wife that’s not Roderian?” “No, it won’t matter. He’s just anxious for us to settle down.” He gave her a saucy wink. “He’ll be thrilled when we introduce you.” Andon pointed toward a chair near the easel. “Take a seat, and we’ll get started.” Caleigh wanted to say more, but opted to let things ride for the present. She walked over and flopped down into the chair. “So, where are all the finished paintings?” “I have a couple of them hanging in my room.” He grinned wickedly. “I’d be happy to take you on a tour so you can see my work.” “Uh, I’ll pass for now.” She ignored his quiet laughter. “How long will this take?” “Be silent, woman. You can’t rush artistic excellence.” Caleigh sighed, and listened to the tapping of his pencil on the table as he studied her. “I don’t think I’m gonna be very good at this, Andon.”

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“Sit still for me, please. I promise I’ll hurry through this preliminary drawing and then we can do the rest in stages where you don’t have to sit for very long.” “Okay, I’ll give it a shot.” Andon stood and crossed to a panel on the wall. He reached out and pressed a button, flooding the room with muffled music. “Maybe this will help you relax.” Caleigh took a deep breath and focused her attention out the window. The smell of paint and some kind of chemical assaulted her senses, while the rough, scratchy leather of the chair abraded her palms. The warmth of the suns on her face combined with the hushed tones of the mellow music made the room seem almost reverent. “You’re not gonna make me look fat, are you?” Andon barked out a laugh. “God, Caleigh, you’re going to be such fun.” What seemed like hours later, Caleigh was getting ready to voice her complaints when Andon looked up. “Are you doing okay?” “No, you’ve had me sitting still here for hours.” Andon snorted. “It’s been an hour and a half, Caleigh. And believe me, you’ve been anything but still.” “Well, it seems like hours.” She grinned at him. “Would you like to help me make dinner? It would give us some time to get to know one another, and let you learn a little about what we have to eat here.” “Are you sure it’s okay for us to stop? I don’t wanna mess up your work.” He smiled. “Yes, my little Earth wiggle worm.” He crooked his finger to motion her closer. “You may be excused if you pay a price.” Caleigh grinned. “Yeah, how much is it gonna cost me?” She got up and stretched her stiff muscles. “One kiss, beautiful lady. One really good kiss.” Andon held out his arms.

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Obediently, Caleigh crossed the room and then surprised herself by sitting down in his lap. She let her arms slide around his neck and leaned in close to press her lips against his. Immediately his arms closed around her, pulling her tight against his hard chest. “You’re so beautiful,” he whispered against her lips. Sealing his mouth over hers, he explored her with his tongue, sliding sensuously over every surface. His hands slid down to grip her hips, sliding her across the growing bulge in his pants. “I want you so much.” Andon tweaked her nipples before rolling them between two fingers. His erection pressed firmly against her hip. Regretfully, Caleigh broke away from his kiss and pushed against his shoulders. “Okay, you’re taking my breath away. Maybe we should start on dinner, Andon.” He gave her a look she couldn’t decipher as his hands tightened on her body. Then, he sighed and released her. “You won’t always be able to run away.” Caleigh bit her lip. “I know, but for today, this is what I want.” Andon helped her to stand. “Come on then, pretty one. Let’s go see what we can put together in the kitchen.” **** Tarik settled back on the couch with a heavy sigh. Dinner had been a noisy affair with his brother trying to garner Caleigh’s attention. It was amusing listening to her trying to pronounce the names of some of their foods. “I’m telling you, your tenndrat is what we call chicken.” Caleigh walked in and collapsed into a wide cushioned chair. She tensed, and then relaxed when Fidie walked over and settled beside her. She jumped, letting out a tiny squeak when his tail wrapped around her wrist.

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“Does this chicken give you eggs that can also be eaten?” Andon used his hands to scoot her over and snuggled in next to her, balancing a glass of wine in one hand. “Absolutely.” “Then we should adjust the translator to use the word chicken.” Tarik leaned back on the couch and crossed his leg over his knee. “What were the other names you said?” “Your peenat is called a carrot, and the seena is a potato.” She glanced up at Andon. “Actually, our potatoes are a lot like the paladda you’re going to plant. They pretty much grow anywhere, and they can feed a lot of people.” She frowned. “They’re not as nutritious though, potatoes, I mean. They wouldn’t be good for a full-time diet.” Andon rubbed his cheek on Caleigh’s head. “What did you think of our stove?” She grimaced. “It’s okay, but a little confusing. I’m not sure I’m ready for any solo efforts.” “You’ll do fine.” Andon pulled her close and kissed her cheek. “I expect you to watch her if she attempts to use the stove. We certainly don’t need nootau.” Tarik took a sip of his wine and pushed the jealousy he felt at watching the two of them snuggle to the back of his mind. “What does that mean?” Caleigh asked. “Nootau is the word for fire.” Tarik got up to pour himself another glass of wine. Andon choked, barely stopping from spraying the room in red wine. “It’s a bit more intense than just fire, more like firestorm.” Caleigh narrowed her eyes. “Well, I’ll certainly be careful if I decide to try my hand at cooking.” “Tell us about your brother, Caleigh,” Andon said. Tarik watched as she launched into a series of amusing quips about her sibling. Her green eyes glistened with obvious affection, her long blonde hair falling softly around her shoulders. His gaze settled on the thrusts of her firm breasts against her blouse. He could just

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make out the pointed tips where they pressed against the thin material. Slowly he shifted on the couch in an effort to hide his growing erection. Why the hell does she have to be so alluring? I can just picture those plump, pink lips wrapped around my cock. Doesn’t mean I want to bond with her permanently, though. “You’ve told us all about your brother, but what about you?” Andon asked. “What about me?” Caleigh tossed her hair over her shoulder and gave the brothers a teasing smile. “Come on, fess up. How many broken hearts did you leave on Earth when you came here?” A pink flush spread across Caleigh’s cheeks. “I didn’t leave anybody back on Earth. I haven’t dated anyone in a really long time.” Tarik choked back a snort and stood. “I’m going to bed.” There’s no way she didn’t have men drooling all over her. She’s just like all the rest. She’ll tell them what they want to hear whether it’s the truth or not. He quickly headed down the hall toward his room. “Tarik, wait up.” “What do you want, Andon?” “What the hell is wrong with you? I’m just trying to get to know Caleigh better. Couldn’t you have spared an hour to sit and talk?” “And listen to that ridiculous bevy of lies?” Andon’s mouth dropped open. “What are you talking about? What lies?” Tarik barked out a laugh. “Don’t tell me you’re buying into her sob story about not having any suitors back on Earth? Do you really think that someone like her hasn’t had dozens of men in her life?” “Tarik, you can be such an ass. The woman has spent most of her adult life raising her young brother. How much time do you think that left for dating?” Tarik ran his fingers through his hair. “I don’t know, and I don’t care. I already told you I don’t want a mate. It wasn’t my idea to bring her here, so that makes her your responsibility. Keep her out of my

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hair and out of trouble. I’m expecting to see her leave for the shuttle in three weeks.” Without another word, he disappeared into his bedroom, slamming the door behind him. **** Caleigh watched Tarik’s jaw tighten right before he stormed out of the room. “Sorry. I don’t know what his problem is.” Andon walked over and ran a hand soothingly over her knee. “Me,” she said, her voice almost a whisper. “What?” “Me, I’m his problem. The man hates me.” “Oh, honey, he doesn’t hate you.” Andon dropped to his knees and pulled her into his arms. “He’s just cautious with his feelings. He doesn’t want to be hurt or disappointed again.” “I wouldn’t hurt him, at least not on purpose.” She laid her head on Andon’s shoulder. “What am I gonna do, Andon? I can’t stay here if he doesn’t want me.” “You’re not leaving, Caleigh. I don’t want to hear you talk like that.” His hands caressed up and down her back. “Dear one, I’ve already reached the point where it would kill me to let you go.” He pulled back and raised her chin. “I’m beginning to feel love for you, Caleigh. Please don’t leave us.” She sighed, and laid her hand against his cheek. “Andon,” she whispered and gave him a gentle kiss against his lips. “I need some time alone, please?” Andon hesitated and then released her from his embrace. He scooted back and pulled her to her feet. “Come on, I’ll be a gentleman and walk you to your door.” Caleigh sighed, and allowed him to guide her down the hall. When they reached her room, he pulled her to a stop and pushed her

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back against the wall. He moved forward until her breasts pressed against his chest, his knee sliding sensuously between her thighs. “You’re so beautiful.” He buried his face in her neck and inhaled deeply. “I want you so much.” “Andon, I—” Andon lifted his head and fastened his mouth over hers. Ruthlessly, his tongue delved between her lips, giving her no chance to refuse him. Overwhelmed with a need she didn’t fully understand, Caleigh tangled her fingers in his hair and let her inhibitions go. She savored the feel of their tongues sliding together as his hands fastened firmly on her breasts. When his thumbs flicked the hardened tips, she groaned, thrusting her chest toward his playful fingers. Shamelessly, Caleigh rubbed her clit against his knee, wanting, needing more. She gasped in pleasure when Andon broke their kiss and yanked her shirt up. His tongue traced a line across the top edge of her bra right before he pulled the lace-covered satin up, freeing her breasts to his warm gaze. “God, Caleigh, you’re even more beautiful than I imagined.” Bending close, he licked a circle around a swollen tip right before he sucked it deep into his mouth. One of his hands skimmed down her abdomen and popped open the button on her pants. Deftly, he slid his fingers down beneath her nylon panties and teased at her slit. “I want you,” he whispered. “Oh, God, I—” The slamming of a door brought Caleigh painfully back to her senses. What am I doing? “Please.” She pulled frantically at his hand, trying to push him away. “I’m so sorry, Andon. I never meant for things to go this far.” Andon sighed, and pulled his hand out of Caleigh’s pants. He laid his forehead against hers and rocked her gently side to side. “Shh, it’s okay, little one. I didn’t mean to let things go so far. I’d never hurt you, Caleigh. Neither of us would.” He leaned back to gaze into her eyes. “When we make love, it will be because we all want it. You

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have nothing to fear from us. We’d never force you to do anything you didn’t want.” Caleigh swallowed hard and nodded. “Thank you, Andon. I’m so sorry. I never meant to get you all worked up. I’m not some kind of tease.” She looked away in embarrassment. “It’s just been a really long time since I was with anybody, and what you were doing felt so good.” He chuckled. “Just imagine how good it will feel when we’re all together.” Caleigh’s breath caught. The two of them together might just kill me. What am I saying? There’s never gonna be the two of them. Tarik can’t stand me. She pulled away and opened the door to her bedroom. “I think I’m gonna turn in now and remove all the temptation.” She smiled. “Good night, Andon.” Without waiting for a response, she shut the door. “Damn, I’m not gonna survive this trip.” She giggled. “But what a way to go! Wonder if I could convince Andon to have a fling with no strings attached before I go home?” Sighing, she rubbed her hand across her forehead. It would be better if she just kept her distance until time for her to go. It wouldn’t just be a fling to Andon. Something tells me he’d be playing for keeps. There could be no future for her here if both the brothers didn’t agree. “What I need is a good night’s sleep.” The next morning Caleigh woke with the suns warming her face. The house was quiet, and she couldn’t hear anyone stirring. I need to prove to Tarik that I could be useful to have around. She thought for a moment and then grinned. “I’m gonna make breakfast.” She threw back the covers and hurriedly dressed. “I’ll just take a shower later,” she mumbled. After securing her hair with a rubber band, she headed for the kitchen. She glanced around the room. The dishes from dinner were exactly where she’d left them on the drying rack. “At least I’m starting with a clean field.” She bit her lip. “How hard can this be?” Hesitantly, she pulled down one of the skillets hanging on the rack

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and set it on the stove. Taking a deep breath, she walked over and opened their cooling unit. “Okay, now we’re getting somewhere.” A bowl of eggs were sitting on the top shelf. She reached in and pulled one out. “Holy shit! That must have been one hell of a chicken that laid this.” The egg was at least double the size of the ones back home. But an egg’s an egg, right? I mean, it ought to scramble up okay. Frowning, she pulled out several more, placed them on the counter, and then went back to her perusal of the cold foods. Her gaze fell on a package on the bottom shelf. “Okay, that looks a lot like bacon.” She took it out to examine it closer. Strips of meat ought to go with the eggs just fine. Working quickly, she laid several pieces of the meat in a pan and placed it over the heat source on the stove. She studied the controls carefully, trying to remember how Andon turned it on the night before. Hesitantly, she turned a couple of the knobs, jumping back when a flame burst forth under the pan. “Okay, I’m on a roll.” She giggled. After turning the flame down, she went to search though the cabinets for a bowl to break the eggs into. “What the hell have you done?” Tarik’s voice echoed through the house. Caleigh started, and turned to see Tarik grab a towel and run toward the stove. “Oh, no.” A steady, towering flame burned from the inside of the pan. She watched as Tarik beat at the flames with the towel. “Damn it, nootau iye. You stupid rellspea.” He glared down at her and cursed again. “Are you trying to kill us all?” “What’s wrong?” Andon barreled into the room. “What happened?” “She tried to burn the house down.” Tarik picked up the charred pan and threw it into the sink. “I warned you, but you wouldn’t listen to me. She’s a useless human. She’ll never be the kind of mate we need.” He glanced around and frowned at the broken eggs on the floor. “Damn, more fallout from her attempt to cook.” He walked

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over to the door and threw it open hard enough for it to bang against the wall. “We don’t have supplies to waste, Andon. You’re to do all the cooking from now on and keep her out of trouble.” He glanced briefly at Caleigh and then turned his gaze back to Andon. “I’m going to eat a cold breakfast while I set out the paladda. Keep your eye on your guest.” The dishes in the cabinet rattled from the force of the door slamming. “Oh, God, I’m so sorry.” Caleigh grabbed up a rag and knelt beside the broken eggs. “It’ll never happen again.” She frantically scooped up the broken shells while tears streamed down her face. “Hey, it’s okay, Caleigh. No harm done.” Andon grabbed her by the arms and pulled gently. “I’ll take care of this.” “No, it’s my mess, and I should have to clean it up.” She wiped furiously at her wet cheeks with the back of her hand. “I should’ve been more careful. I’m so sorry.” She let out a strangled cry when Andon swept her up into his arms. “What’re you doing? I need to get this mess up.” “No, you don’t.” He pressed a kiss against her cheek. “You’re going to sit down at the table while I get you some juice to drink. It won’t take me a minute to clean this up.” He let out a loud whistle. “What are you doing?” Caleigh’s breath caught when Fidie raced into the room. He made a beeline for the broken eggs on the floor. “You’re not gonna let him eat that, are you?” Andon laughed. “Sure, why not? He’s the next best thing to a housekeeper. The floor won’t even be sticky when he’s done.” “That’s just wrong in so many ways.” Caleigh crossed her arms on the table and lay her head down. “He’s never gonna forgive me.” I never should have come here. It’s not bad enough they paid a fortune to Galactic Nuptials for a mate. They get a defective one in me. Hell, I’m still costing them money. “He’ll forget all about this by lunchtime. He’s always grumpy in the morning.” Andon ran his fingers through her ponytail. “It’s worse this morning because he’s stressed about the plants. He’s got a lot

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riding on their success, and it’s making him irritable.” Andon pulled out a chair and sat down beside her. “Sweetheart, I promise it isn’t you.” He pulled her into a hug. “I’m going to make us some breakfast, and then I’m going to introduce you to the animals we keep.” “Uh, I’m not hungry, but you should just go ahead without me.” “Nonsense, you have to eat.” Andon kissed her on the cheek. “It’ll just take me a few minutes to get something thrown together.” A half hour later, Caleigh watched as Andon finished off the last of the scrambled eggs. She’d managed to eat a few bites at his insistence. “You ready to go meet the livestock?” He gave her a wide smile. “Um, sure. That’ll be great.” She’d never spent any time on a farm, so she wasn’t sure what to expect. “How ’bout I meet you outside in a few minutes. I’d like a chance to wash my face.” “Sure thing, honey. Take your time.” He tweaked her nose and then left out the back door. Caleigh shook her head. “What have I gotten myself into?” She grinned and went to wash her face. Ten minutes later she stood outside a large building that looked more like a warehouse than a barn. It had a definite prefab look to it. The sound of Andon whistling drew her toward the huge double doors. “There she is.” Andon held up a small animal that looked a little like a cat. “I’ve just been telling Cuddles all about you.” He rubbed his cheek against the tiny creature. Caleigh moved closer and peered down at the small bundle of fur. “Is it some kind of cat?” “It’s called a viztka. They’re great to have around because they keep unwanted infestations out of the barn and the animals’ feed.” “He’s so cute.” Caleigh reached out to run her fingers through its fur and jumped back in alarm when it growled, displaying the largest teeth she’d ever seen. “Holy crap! What big teeth you have, Grandma.” She laughed when Andon raised his brows. “It’s just an old Earth saying, kind of like a joke.”

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“Okay, whatever you say.” He pointed toward the stalls. “We have shallets, mllannas, tenndrats, and a mennkart.” “Huh?” Caleigh laughed. “I hope I’m not supposed to remember all those names right away.” She walked over to a stall. “Okay, these look like horses to me.” “Yes, from what I know of your culture that would be an accurate comparison. They’re completely tame and we use them for hauling and plowing. Here, give him a treat.” He held out a peenat. Caleigh took the orange treat and placed it on her palm. She held it out toward the shallet’s mouth and giggled when hairy lips nibbled at her skin. “Come on. I want to teach you how to milk the mllanna. It has to be done daily, and it’s going to become one of your chores.” Caleigh followed and took a long look at the ugly animal. Larger than a cow, it had a small head with a very large black body decorated with white spots. “Ugh, I hope they taste better than they smell.” Andon pulled up two stools and sat down beside the large animal. “We don’t eat them, Caleigh. They’re only good for the milk they give.” He pointed to the empty stool. “Come on, and I’ll show you how it’s done.” Reluctantly, Caleigh took a seat and stared at the twelve hanging teats. “Definitely not a cow,” she murmured. Gingerly, she followed his lead and put both her hands around the warm skin. Taking a deep breath she squeezed with a downward motion. Other than a brief squeaking sound, nothing happened. Narrowing her eyes, she tightened her hands and tried again. “Hey, watch it.” Andon jumped back when a brief stream of milk shot out over his shoes. Caleigh giggled, and aimed the teat toward the bucket. “Sorry.” “You don’t sound sorry.” He laughed and pushed his stool back and walked over to the shallet’s stall. “How did you and your brother come to live here?”

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“Roderia has extreme food shortages. I’ve been told it’s a lot like your planet with blue skies, green trees, and oceans. But we’re a lot more overcrowded. Like a lot of other planets, we’ve been forced to find alternative food sources.” “I remember you telling me about the Federation of Planets. How many different worlds take part in this program?” She watched him throw a saddle over the animal’s back as she continued the rhythmic pumping of the animal’s teats. “They’re ten, right now. This is actually one of the largest food planets. We’re the only one that’s set up for four different clans to live on. Most of the others are only big enough for two farm sites.” “So, if Tarik’s plants grow, you’ll get to stay here permanently?” She stopped, and twitched her nose at the stench coming from the large mllanna. “Um, I think ole Bessie here has run dry.” Andon snickered. “Luckily, it’s not a permanent condition.” He nodded toward a cabinet against the wall. “Put the bucket inside there. It’ll keep it cool until we get back.” Caleigh hurried to stow the milk. “Where’re we going?” Andon smiled. “I thought you might like to see a little more of the farm. We can go for a ride.” He turned to tighten the cinch. “And to answer your question, yes, if Tarik’s plants take off, we’ll be staying here permanently.” He led the shallet out of his stall. “Come on, Caleigh. Let’s see what kind of rider you are.” “We’re going to ride together?” “Yes, it’ll be fine. There’s plenty of room.” He held his hand out. “Come on. Don’t be afraid.” Swallowing nervously, Caleigh took his hand and moved to the side of the animal. She let out a startled yelp when Andon grabbed her around the waist and unceremoniously planted her in the soft leather saddle. Before she could muster a complaint, he’d climbed up behind her, pulling her tight against his warm chest.

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“There, see, I told you there was plenty of room.” With an arm around her waist, he pulled her snugly into the cradle of his spread thighs. “Oh, God,” she murmured. She could feel his erection against her ass. “Are you sure this is a good idea?” Andon leaned forward and licked the lobe of her ear. “I think this is a very good idea.” He nudged the animal forward and tightened his grip on Caleigh’s waist when she jumped. “Steady, love. I’ve got you.” It wasn’t fear that had Caleigh trembling. She could feel her panties getting damp. She held her breath when his hands slid around her hips, gripping her tighter, his fingers coming to rest against her lower abdomen. She could feel her sex throbbing, almost begging for attention. Please, just slide your fingers down a couple of inches. That’s all it would take. Her eyes closed when her wish came true. Both Andon’s hands tightened and began to slide down.

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Chapter 5 “Where are you off to, Andon?” Caleigh’s eyes flew open at the harsh sound of Tarik’s voice. She nearly groaned when Andon’s hands slid back up to her waist. “I thought I’d give Caleigh a tour of the farm. Maybe take her down to the river.” Tarik frowned and pulled off his hat to rake his fingers through his hair. “See that you don’t tarry. These plants need to be in the ground as soon as possible, and I could use some help.” Without waiting for an answer, he stalked off toward the field. “Wow, he’s really a charmer, isn’t he?” Caleigh said wryly. “Don’t be too hard on him, Caleigh.” Andon nudged the shallet into a slow walk. “You have an expression on your planet. Three strikes, and you’re out.” “Yeah, we do. What’s that got to do with Tarik’s personality?” “This will be our third try. If we don’t succeed this time, our planet will lose its place in the program.” “You’ve been here for two years now?” “Someone from our planet has been here for two years. There was another clan before us that failed. We’re just starting our second year.” “What happened last year? Why didn’t your plants succeed?” Andon sighed. “It was a lot of different things that happened. We weren’t prepared for the harsh agricultural conditions here, and we were trying to take on a mate at the same time. The two proved to be incompatible.” “You said you’d tried before for a mate.”

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“Two of them actually, although not at the same time. When we first arrived we brought Keerna with us. We’d known her all our lives and thought she would make a perfect life-mate.” “What happened?” “We learned you can’t mix romance and friendship. She was too much like a sister and not enough like a lover. Neither of us could bring ourselves to make love to her.” He laughed, but the sound wasn’t humorous. “She lasted three months and promptly told us off and went home to Daddy. Neither of us really blamed her, and I think we both breathed a sigh of relief when we put her on the shuttle.” When Andon remained quiet for a long moment, Caleigh glanced over her shoulder. “What about the other woman?” “Ilysinia was different.” “Different how?” “She wasn’t Roderian.” “Come on, Andon. It’s like pulling teeth to get information out of you. Where was she from?” “Sorry. She came from Calata. We thought it would be a good match. The people there are—” He cleared his throat. “Well, let’s just say they’re pretty uninhibited. Tarik and I figured a woman from there would be open to a mating between both of us.” “And she wasn’t?” He snorted. “No, she definitely was not willing to settle for both of us as mates. She zoned in on Tarik and constantly nagged him to find me a wife of my own. She thought he was the oldest, and she wanted to be queen bee. I think she pictured herself having another female around to wait on her. It lasted two months, and then Tarik packed her bags for her and forcibly put her on a shuttle.” “No wonder he’s so determined to send me packing.” “Exactly. He doesn’t want to risk his heart again. It doesn’t really have anything to do with you, Caleigh. He’d reject anyone I brought into our home.” “So what do you think I can do to change his mind?”

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His arms tightened around her. “Just be yourself. I already feel a connection to you, so it’s just a matter of time before Tarik feels it, too. You’re so much more than either of those women were, Caleigh. So much more.” He gripped her chin and turned her face toward his. “You’re so beautiful,” he whispered right before he covered her lips with his. Andon’s tongue probed delicately, and then slid into her mouth. Caleigh groaned loudly, relishing the erotic sensation. His hand slid up to cup her breast, squeezing gently. “You’re the one, Caleigh. I know it in my heart. You complete us.” He pressed a tender kiss against her forehead and sighed. “I’m not going to make love to you on the back of a shallet.” “You’re not?” Caleigh asked breathlessly. “No, I want our first time to be special. You deserve for it to be in a nice, comfortable bed with wine and candles.” Caleigh didn’t know whether to be relieved or disappointed. “Don’t look so sad, pretty lady. Tonight, I’ll give you a taste of what being mated to us will be like.” Andon urged the shallet into a faster trot, leaving Caleigh to wonder what the night would bring. **** Tarik watched Andon ride off with Caleigh pressed close against his body. “Damn, why the hell did he have to bring her here? She’ll never stay.” He’d lashed out in anger when she’d allowed the pan to catch fire but in truth, he’d been terrified for her. She was such a delicate creature. Her porcelainlike skin called to him in ways he’d never experienced before. The idea of harm coming to her made his chest tighten in pain. “What has you so deep in thought, Tarik?” Chaim bent down to pick up one of the plants off the ground. “It must be pretty important for you not to notice me walking across the field.”

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Tarik cleared his throat, trying to think of a plausible lie. “Just going over everything I’ve learned about the paladda.” He shrugged. “It’s got to be done just right, or we stand to lose everything.” “The paladda?” Chaim folded his arms across his chest. “That’s what you were thinking about?” “Yes, Chaim, the paladda.” He bent to place one of the tiny plants in the hole he’d dug. “They’re the most important thing in my life right now.” “You’re pannowau. I saw the way you stared at Caleigh when you thought she wasn’t looking.” Chaim grabbed Tarik’s shoulder and pulled him around. “You want her every bit as much as Andon does.” His head tilted to the side as his eyes narrowed. “What’s keeping you from trying to get closer to her?” Tarik sighed, raking his arm across his sweaty brow. “Didn’t you learn anything from Keerna and Ilysinia?” “Don’t use them as your excuse. You never looked at either of them the way you just stared at Caleigh. Your heart was never involved, although I suspect it is now.” Tarik stiffened and then turned away. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.” “Lie to yourself all you want, my friend. But make no mistake. Your brother plans to take her for a mate. You can join him, and let your life be richer, or wallow in self-pity and die a lonely old man living on the outskirts of his life.” Tarik squared his shoulders, his muscles rigid, as he watched Chaim stride away. He’s wrong. I don’t have feelings for the Earth woman. She’s just another female that needs looking after while she’s here. We’ll all be better off when she leaves on the next shuttle. He glared toward the house. “And she will be on that shuttle, Chaim,” he shouted. ****

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“It’s so beautiful here.” Caleigh watched Andon fill his arms with mossy-looking plants growing near the gentle-flowing stream. “What are they for?” He smiled. “They’re good for cooking. You might refer to them as herbs. They add wonderful flavor to meats and vegetables when you cook them.” “How do you know what I can or can’t eat? Are there things here that could be dangerous for someone like me to eat?” “Someone like you?” He smirked. “Are you asking if we have plants that are poisonous to beautiful women?” “No, smart-ass, humans.” Andon frowned and then put down the plants. He walked over and wrapped his arms around Caleigh. “We’d never do anything to hurt you, Caleigh. Before I even looked through Galactic Nuptials’ catalog, I consulted our healers. There are already a couple of women from Earth mated to Roderians, so they have extensive medical files on humans. There are a few plants here that could cause skin reactions but nothing lethal.” “Good to know.” Caleigh glanced toward a group of bushes near the water. Something didn’t look quite right. “Do you see something moving over there?” She pointed when Andon turned around. He shrugged. “There could be some small animals around. This is the only water source for several miles.” Seeming unconcerned, he went back to gathering his plants. Curious, Caleigh moved closer to the water’s edge. A movement in the bushes had her peering closer. As she watched, a fat creature resembling an overweight skunk came lumbering toward her. It had long, black, silky-looking hair with a wide white stripe down its back. It looked so cute and cuddly she couldn’t stop from moving closer. As soon as she took her first step, the hairs on its back puffed out, and an evil grin displayed an impressive set of sharp-looking teeth. When it rose up on its hind legs and hissed, Caleigh screamed and turned to run.

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“Stop, don’t run.” Andon began to walk toward her. Before Caleigh could respond, she felt something liquid spraying across her arms and legs, and a foul stench permeated the air. She glared at Andon when he burst out laughing. “What the hell is so funny?” Angrily, she watched the animal scurry away. “You are, lovely lady. I’m afraid you’re going to be very unhappy for the next few minutes.” “I’m already un—” Her skin began to burn everywhere the liquid touched. “What’s happening?” she cried. “Damn!” Andon rushed over and scooped her into his arms. “You’re having a reaction to the kolichiwah.” Holding her tight against his chest, he began running along the bank. “A reaction to the what?” Caleigh held tight to his neck as they sped along the uneven ground. “Where are you taking me?” “Have to neutralize the spray.” Andon panted as he pushed his way through the brush near the river’s edge. When he broke through the branches, a wide grin spread across his face. “That’ll work.” Caleigh turned her head to look and squealed when she felt herself falling from his arms. “Andon,” she screamed. A loud “oomph” escaped her chest when she landed on her butt in a large, squishy mire. Before she could protest, Andon dropped to his knees and began to rub the thick, wet mud over her exposed skin. “What the hell are you doing?” “Relax, Caleigh. This will remove the sting.” He wrinkled his nose. “And believe it or not, it’ll take away the smell.” He glanced down at her pants. “The material’s soaked through. They’ll have to go.” “Wait!” Caleigh grabbed his hand when they began pulling down her jeans. She could feel her face flush when he yanked them down to her ankles. Cursing, he removed her shoes and tossed them, along with her jeans, over his shoulder into the grass. “Trust me, please. This will stop the pain. There won’t be any permanent damage.”

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Caleigh watched his long, sinewy fingers rub the cool mud up to her knees. Her breath caught when he passed for a moment, and then trailed his fingers farther up her thighs. “Uh, Andon?” “Hmm.” He continued his sensuous massage. “I didn’t get sprayed that high.” “Uh huh,” he mumbled. **** Andon swallowed hard and let his fingers glide up Caleigh’s thigh. He could hear when her breathing changed, turning into shallow gasps. Crawling closer, he put one finger under her chin and lifted her gaze to his. “I need to touch you, Caleigh. Please don’t send me away.” Slowly, giving her time to decide, he lowered his lips to hers. Tentatively he nibbled the corner of her mouth, and then licked her plump bottom lip. “You’re delicious, girl.” Her lips parted on a sigh, and he took full advantage, thrusting in to taste her deeply. Scooting closer, he pressed her back until she was lying fully on the damp ground. Breaking off their kiss, he raked his eyes down her body. He could see the outline of her breasts through the fabric of her top, the points of her nipples tenting the front of her tight T-shirt. “I want to touch you, Caleigh, all of you.” Without giving her time to object, he grabbed hold of her top and pulled it up as high as he could, exposing her pink-tipped mounds. She wasn’t wearing a bra. Andon shuddered as a feeling of possession flooded his senses. Glancing up, the flame of desire in Caleigh’s eyes took his breath away. He cupped her face in his hands and brought his lips down to hers, coaxing her to open. Gently he took her bottom lip between his teeth. He licked and then softly bit before pushing his tongue inside. Cupping the back of her head to hold her in place, he devoured her mouth, flicking his tongue against hers. Blood and lust coursed through his veins as he absorbed her taste.

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“Touch me,” he whispered, dipping his tongue into Caleigh’s ear. His lips moved to her neck, sucking lightly at first and then harder, leaving a small mark. His erection pressed painfully against his trousers. “We shouldn’t be doing this, Andon.” Caleigh’s hands slid up his chest, belying her words. She seemed hesitant at first, and then began to unbutton his shirt. She pulled it free and then unfastened his pants. Andon’s cock, bulging and erect, pressed into her thigh. Her nipples went taut when he pulled her close, her soft breasts pressing into his chest. He let his hands run up her torso to the outside of her breasts and then cupped one of the soft mounds, slowly thumbing the nipple back and forth. “You’re so lovely, girl.” Caleigh gasped as his hand grazed the hypersensitive nipple, and he reveled in the fact it was his touch that aroused her. She was soft and pliant as she melted against him with a sigh. Leaning closer, he swept his tongue along her collarbone and down to the tops of her breasts, covering her cleavage with wet kisses. He fingered her nipples, causing her to arch her back and purr like a viztka. “So beautiful,” he whispered. “I need to taste you.” He covered the tip with his mouth, teasing the sensitive tight flesh, letting his teeth drag lightly over the nipple. Slowly he let his thumb rub lightly back and forth against her neglected bud. “Andon,” she cried out, digging her fingers into the skin of his shoulder. He licked her nipple, driving her higher as his hands roamed her supple body. Latching onto one hardened tip, he suckled, his mouth tugging firmly at her breast. Her hands moved to his stomach and then skated upward, clutching his shoulders with quick, fluttering motions. She leaned closer and took his earlobe between her teeth and gave it a small tug. Andon groaned harshly and took her lips in a deep, probing kiss. Suddenly, he pushed her away and turned her onto her side, facing away from him.

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“Wait, what’re you doing?” His tongue snaked into her ear, flicking the delicate skin. “I’m removing temptation, love. I can’t make love to you covered in mud, not our first time.” “You’re gonna leave me like this?” She pulled away frantically. “Hush, little one.” He moved behind her and ran his hands over her back and around to her belly. “I’m going to take care of you, I promise.” Caleigh groaned and backed into him, pressing her butt against his crotch. His hands slid around and squeezed her butt cheeks before settling on her hips, gripping them almost bruisingly. “I want to be able to touch inside you, but it’s not sanitary with all this mud.” One of his hands tightened on her buttocks while the other slid sensuously over her soaked panties. “You’re so wet you’ve soaked through your clothes.” The soft cheek of her butt rested in his hand, tempting his thumb to trace the lower crease. “I’m going to take you here one day soon.” Caleigh stopped moving when he slid his fingers over her anus. “Relax, it won’t be today.” He leaned forward and nipped her shoulder. “I promise you’ll be begging me to take you there before we’re through with you.” “I’m probably going to regret this.” Andon pulled her over onto her back, placed one knee between her parted thighs, and covered her body with his. Caleigh trembled when he pushed her legs farther apart and settled between them. She dragged her nails down his back as he nibbled her neck, working his way down her body as she squirmed in pleasure. Grabbing the sides of her silky panties, he pulled them slowly down, letting his tongue trail through the curly hair covering her mound. Her panties were soaked with her cream, her scent filling the air around them. “You’re so wet, Caleigh. Is it all for me?” “Yes, Andon, all for you.” Caleigh panted, thrusting her hips toward his lips.

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Using his thumbs, Andon held her open and teased her clit with his tongue, gently rubbing the slick flesh between her thighs. “You taste even better than you smell.” He smiled when he felt her pussy flood with cream, and then drilled his tongue as deep inside as he could get. He explored her moist folds, wishing he could absorb her into his very soul. Extending his tongue, he lapped slowly at the bundle of nerves at the top of her slit while she moved restlessly beneath him, caressing his arms, shoulders, every part of him that she could reach. Suddenly, her body stiffened under his hands. “That’s it, feel the pleasure, Caleigh. Come for me.” Keening, Caleigh let her head fall back as she arched upward. She let out a cry as she came, bathing him in her liquid heat. For a few moments he continued to lap at her lazily, feeling her body shudder as the convulsions inside her slowly died. I can’t take any more. Tonight, I will make love to her whether Tarik agrees or not. Caleigh pushed against his shoulders, rolling him over to his side. Without a word she slid down and took his aching shaft in her soft hand. “Stop, Caleigh.” Andon pulled her back up his body and placed a soft kiss against her lips. “Please, I wanna make you feel good.” Andon sighed, running his fingers through her hair. “You will, love, very soon. But I want my brother to join us.” He kissed the top of her head. “Be patient, just until tonight, when we can all be together.” “All?” She snorted. “Well, that’s my hope.” He pulled back so he could see her eyes. “I want our first time to be romantic, and special. Not with me covered in mud.” He grinned and winked. “I want you to be able to put your lips all over me, and you sure can’t do it now.” Caleigh blushed. “Okay, we’ll do it your way.” She glanced down. “But if I’m not allowed to touch, you need to put that thing away.”

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**** Tarik pulled a rag from his back pocket and wiped the sweat from his brow. The suns were nearing their zenith, the temperature rising rapidly. “Are you planning to work through lunch?” Andon watched Aldo walk across the field. “Watch where you put those big feet of yours, neighbor. I can’t afford for you to be crushing the new plants.” Aldo frowned and slowly shook his head. “And a bright good afternoon to you, too.” “Did you come out here to help, or just to annoy me?” Tarik bent down to set another plant into the loosened soil. “Do you know when Andon and Caleigh are going to be back?” “Not a clue.” Tarik shrugged. “I would’ve thought they’d already be back. He knows how much work there is to do.” He narrowed his eyes. “Why? Is there something wrong?” “No, nothing’s wrong, at least I don’t think so.” Aldo shaded his eyes from the bright sun rays. “The wormhole’s open, and a message came in from her brother. No one answered at your home so they forwarded the message to us.” Tarik dropped the trowel and took a step toward Aldo. “Is something wrong with him?” “I don’t think so. He looked fine to me. He just asked if he could speak to Caleigh. I told him I’d try and find her.” “How much longer before the wormhole closes?” “Not sure, we might have another hour before we’ll lose the Earth signal.” He sighed. “I guess I should go look for her. Did Andon say where he was taking her?” “To the lake. Why don’t you saddle up—” Tarik froze at the sight of Andon and Caleigh coming out of the woods. They were walking side by side, leading the shallet behind them. “What the hell?” His

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eyes widened. “Where the hell are your clothes?” A blanket was wrapped around Caleigh’s frame, her bare shoulders gleaming in the sunlight. “I’ve got them right here.” Andon held up a bundle that looked like muddy rags. “Caleigh tried to make friends with a kolichiwah.” He chuckled. “The poor thing didn’t take kindly to her disturbing his morning routine.” “And the two of you felt the need to parade around naked.” Tarik took two steps closer to the trail, clenching his fists at his side. The sight of her satiny skin made his mouth water. He wanted to rip the blanket away and explore every inch of her. “We’re not naked.” Caleigh glared at Tarik. “Near enough,” he argued. “Andon’s only wearing his pants, and you don’t appear to have anything on.” “I have a blanket covering almost every inch of me.” Caleigh clenched her teeth as they drew near. “Would you rather I stayed in my muddy clothing?” “The animal sprayed a warning to run Caleigh off. Her clothing got soaked, and she had a reaction to the toxin. I had to remove her clothing and soothe the skin with mud. It took the sting as well as the stench out pretty quickly.” Andon shrugged. “The blanket was the only thing I had with me to preserve her modesty.” “You removed her clothing?” Tarik’s voice rose in anger. “You’re parading her around like a strumpet. What if you’d run into someone from the spaceport who decided to go exploring?” “Stop yelling at your brother. He didn’t do anything wrong.” Caleigh walked closer, clutching the blanket tight across her chest. Tarik groaned, the pressure in his trousers almost unbearable. “I’ll not have you running around like some tart. You will take yourself to the house and get dressed immediately.” “Listen, you pompous, arrogant ass—” “Caleigh, you really do need to get back. Your brother is trying to reach you on the vid-com.” Aldo pointed toward the house.

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“What? Is he okay? Is something wrong?” Caleigh pulled up the ends of the blanket and started hurrying across the field. “I’m sure everything’s fine,” Aldo called out. “I left the line open. Just press the green key, and if he’s still there it will automatically connect.” “What the hell was that?” Andon moved closer. “How could you talk to her that way?” “Why would you accuse her of acting like a tart?” asked Aldo. “Are you trying to drive her away?” “Yes, he is.” Andon snorted. “He’s determined to do everything he can to send her running back to Earth.” He released the steed into the paddock and turned to face his brother. “It’s not going to work, Tarik. Caleigh is already developing feelings for us, and nothing you can do is going to change that. She’s a beautiful woman, inside and out. She has a beautiful soul, and I’m determined to make her our mate.” Andon turned his gaze to Aldo. “Do you think he’s right? Do you think Caleigh’s the right woman for us?” Aldo swallowed hard, his gaze going back and forth between Tarik and Andon. “Yes, after everything Freya said about their talk, we’re all convinced she’s the right woman for your family.” “So, you’re prepared to take a mate without me.” Tarik held his breath waiting for their Andon’s response. “Yes,” Andon said quietly. “I don’t want it to be that way, but if it’s the only way I can keep her, then so be it.” “Give her a chance, Tarik. Spend some time with Caleigh, just you and her. You’ll see she’s nothing like those other women.” Andon nodded at Aldo. “Let’s go make sure she gets to talk to Kevin.” Tarik watched his brother walk away. “Why can’t I let the past go?” he whispered. Caleigh’s so beautiful, so vibrant. All this is new and fascinating for her. What happens when the newness wears off? He picked up his tools and headed for the barn.

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“Maybe Andon’s right and I’m not being fair.” He sighed. “I guess it wouldn’t hurt to get to know her a little better.” **** Caleigh rushed through the kitchen on the way to the office. “Pompous ass! Who the hell does he think he is?” she muttered. She walked into the office and sat down in front of the monitor. “Let’s see, I’m supposed to press the green button.” She squealed when something warm and furry wrapped around her ankle. She looked down into mesmerizing yellow eyes. “Fidelius, you scared the crap out of me.” She reached down and ran her fingers through his long reddish-blond hair. “You shouldn’t scare a girl that way, Fidie.” She giggled when his long tongue raked down her bare calf. “Okay, I need to find out what Kevin’s up to.” She pressed the button on the keyboard and watched the screen come to life. For a moment, everything was distorted, only dark shadows visible on the monitor. Then, slowly, Kevin’s thin frame came into focus. She frowned, her heart skipping a beat as she studied his image. He looked too thin, his pallor alarming, and she could swear the boy was trembling. “What’s wrong, Kevin?”

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Chapter 6 “Nothing,” Kevin responded, his gaze centered somewhere on the floor. “Look at me,” Caleigh demanded. Slowly Kevin raised his eyes to stare into the camera. His gaze flicked back and forth between the monitor and somewhere off to the side. “How are things going, Caleigh?” “Everything’s great, Kev. Now, what’s wrong with you?” “Nothing, nothing at all.” He visibly swallowed hard. “I just wanted to make sure you’re okay. You know, since I kind of tricked you into going.” “Not to worry, little brother. It’s really nice here, and the guys are great, at least most of them.” “Guys?” Kevin frowned. “You sound like there’s more than one.” Caleigh laughed. “Yeah, well, you weren’t the only one to trick their sibling. Instead of one prospective husband, I have two.” “Two!” “Yeah, they do things a bit differently here. It’s normal for their people to have multiple males and one wife.” As Caleigh watched, a look of relief passed over Kevin’s face. “Well, that’s okay. Just remember you can come home soon. You only have to be there ninety days to fulfill your part of the contract.” “Well, we’ll talk about that at a later date. I’m not entirely sure I wanna come back. I kind of like it here.” Kevin clenched his fist, his eyes widening. “You can’t mean that, Caleigh. You don’t wanna move off to some strange planet. This is our home. You have to come back to me.”

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Caleigh frowned. “Kevin, what the hell is the matter with you?” “Nothing, I just want you to say you’re coming home when the ninety days is up.” “Are you okay? Are you in some kind of trouble?” “No, of course not. I’m back in school, and everything’s fine.” Caleigh narrowed her eyes. “Where’s Benny’s mother? I wanna talk with Mrs. Winters.” Kevin glanced around the room, clasping and unclasping his hands. “You can’t. Uh, I mean she’s not here right now.” “Where is she?” “At work. She’s not due home for another hour. Benny’s at football practice.” He shrugged. “I was lonely so I thought I’d give you a call.” He raised his gaze to the camera. “Mrs. Winters said I could call you whenever I wanted.” “All right, I believe you.” Kevin sounded almost desperate. “I’m glad you called. I miss you, more than you could possible know.” Kevin smiled. “Yeah, you’re just saying that. I know you don’t miss all the trouble I’ve been causing you.” She laughed. “Truthfully, I even miss the trouble.” “What is that?” Kevin was staring avidly at the monitor. Caleigh turned around and then smiled. “This is Fidelius. He’s a doellma, or at least the closest thing they have to a dog.” She reached up to pat Fidie’s head and smiled when his long tail wrapped around her wrist. “That is so cool,” Kevin cried. “Is he tame? He looks tame.” “He’s gentle as a kitten and very playful.” She glanced at the screen and grinned. “Maybe you’d like living here. A new start for both of us.” Kevin’s gaze darted away. “No, I don’t wanna leave my friends, Caleigh. You have to come home when your time is up.” He looked up, an almost pleading look in his eyes. “Promise me, Caleigh. Promise me you’ll come back in three months.”

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“Kevin, what’s going—” The monitor went dark. “What the hell?” Suddenly, a message rolled across the screen. The Kolladian Wormhole is now closed. We apologize for any inconvenience. The aperture will be available again in twelve hours. Thank you for your patience. “Something’s going on with him,” she muttered. “I need to talk to Mrs. Winters.” “Who you talking to, beautiful lady?” Andon walked over and sat in the chair in front of the desk. “Nobody now.” Caleigh pointed to the screen. “I lost my connection to Kevin.” Andon jumped up, came around, and pulled out the keyboard. “Let me see if I can fix it.” “No, there’s nothing wrong. I got a message the wormhole closed.” He glanced up at the clock. “Right, I forgot to warn you about the time limit on the signals.” He ran a hand soothingly over her hair. “Don’t worry, love. You’ll be able to get a message through late tonight if it’s important.” “Yeah, that’s probably a good idea. I think there might be something wrong.” “Is he all right?” Caleigh sighed. “I’m not honestly sure. He looks okay, but something’s not right. He’s acting even more strange than usual. “Maybe we should bring him here.” Caleigh gasped, and raised her gaze to his. “You want me to bring Kevin here?” “He’s your family, and we’re going to be your family. What better place for him?” She looked down at her hands. “He says he doesn’t wanna leave Earth.” “I thought he was too young to make such a decision.” She nodded. “He’s only sixteen. An immature sixteen at that.”

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“So, let me arrange passage on a shuttle for him. He can be here, and it’ll put your mind at ease.” Caleigh stared deep into his eyes. “You’d do that for me?” Andon reached for Caleigh’s hand and pulled her from the chair. He chuckled when she had to grab the blanket as it slipped down. “That’s quite an outfit you’re wearing,” he teased. His grip on her hands tightened when she tried to pull away. “I’d do anything to make you happy, Caleigh. I want this relationship to work. I want you to be happy and content here.” “How can you be so sure I’m the right woman for you and your brother?” Andon released her hands and cupped her head. He leaned down and pressed his lips lightly against her own. “I feel it, Caleigh. Your soul speaks to mine.” He licked across her lips, nibbling softly at the corner of her mouth. “The minute your eyes met mine, I knew you were meant to belong to us.” “Andon, I—” His mouth closed over Caleigh’s, his tongue stroking against her own. “Sorry to interrupt, guys.” Caleigh jerked away at the sound of Aldo’s voice. “You’re not interrupting.” She pulled the blanket tighter and moved back a couple of steps. “It’s okay, Caleigh. Aldo knows you’re going to be wife to both Tarik and me. It’s perfectly natural for you to make love to both of us. He’s not surprised or embarrassed.” Caleigh felt her face flushing. “I wasn’t, I mean, I didn’t.” She bit her lip and headed for the door. “I need to get the rest of this mud off. I’ll see you guys later.” She hurried past Aldo, refusing to meet his eyes. There’s no way this is going to work. I feel like I a harlot wanting both men. Hell, I shouldn’t be wanting Tarik at all. He’s being such an ass. What am I going to do?

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**** “Your timing really needs work, Aldo.” Andon dropped down into the chair and rested his chin on his hands. “Couldn’t you have given me the courtesy of some private time with Caleigh?” Aldo winced. “Sorry, friend. It honestly didn’t occur to me that the two of you would be in a clinch here in the office. I thought she was talking to her brother. I actually came in because I wanted to meet him. He didn’t say anything when I answered his call.” “Hmm, well, you missed your chance either way. The wormhole closed, cutting off the signal, before I came in.” “That’s too bad. Did she seem happy to talk to him?” “More upset than happy. She thinks something’s wrong with him.” He glanced up and grinned. “I told her I’d arrange passage on a shuttle if she wanted to bring him here.” “That’s a great idea. If you get him here, and he’s happy, she’ll never want to leave.” Andon shook his head. “I think the only thing that’s going to convince her to stay will be Tarik’s acceptance.” He cocked his head to the side and glared at Aldo. “What am I going to do about my dear brother?” “Kick his ass?” Andon snorted. “If I thought that would bring him around, I’d let you hold him while I kicked the crap out of him. Something’s got to show him how much Caleigh would bring to our life. I’ve got to do something soon. I don’t want to see the light in her eyes die. She’s perfect for us, Aldo. I can’t just let her walk away in three months.” “Then let’s come up with a plan to make Tarik see things your way.” ****

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Caleigh smiled as she set the roast on the table. She’d made a special dinner to celebrate her one-month anniversary of living with the two brothers. It had been difficult, adjusting to their ways and learning new things. Even cooking had been a challenge, with new types of food and a kitchen that was totally alien. But her perseverance had paid off, and every day she felt more at home. Life would be perfect except for two things. She really missed Kevin, and Tarik still kept himself aloof, despite his brother’s flagrant attempts to bring the three of them closer. The past few weeks they’d pulled every trick in the book to make Tarik spend time alone with Caleigh. “It’s too bad he just hasn’t taken the bait,” she whispered. She’d tried to entice him, but it was painfully obvious that she just wasn’t his type. They’d settled into a kind of truce, each one giving the other a wide berth. For the last three weeks, Caleigh had fought her attraction to Andon. She’d kept her distance so she didn’t give him false hope. If it wasn’t for Tarik’s indifference, Caleigh would have happily signed the marital agreement. She’d developed strong feelings for Andon, and dreaded when their time together would end. “Hello, love. What’s that wonderful smell?” Andon walked over and placed a kiss on Caleigh’s cheek. “I made a roast for dinner.” She walked back over to the cooking unit and grabbed two bowls and brought them back to the table. “I wish we had access to flour and sugar. I’d love to be able to make desserts for you guys.” “I did make a request with the supply master at the depot, but so far he’s not been able to import anything like that from Earth. I think they’re afraid of some kind of contamination getting loose on the planet.” “I sincerely doubt that flour or sugar would hurt this place, but I guess I can see their concerns.” She placed glasses of water on the table. “Can you let Tarik know dinner is ready?” “Don’t bother, brother.” Tarik strolled into the room. “The wonderful aroma of this feast practically drew me from the barn.”

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Caleigh watched the men take a seat at the table. She grinned as they eagerly dug into the food. “At least I’m good for something,” she whispered. “What was that, love?” Andon asked. “Nothing.” Caleigh smiled. “Just enjoy your dinner.” “The paladda are all in the ground now. I’ve staggered their planting so they’ll be ready at different stages through the year.” Tarik laid a letter on the table. “I received a communiqué from Father. He needs me on Roderia for a couple of weeks.” “What about the plants?” Andon reached for the note. “We just need to keep them watered and safe for the next three weeks. This is the crucial time. They’ll either take root and begin to grow, or they’ll die out. I need you to make sure they stay watered. We’ve been getting rain, but the winds are making it difficult to get the moisture directly to the roots.” He put down his fork and frowned. “We’re also going to have to watch the weather carefully. One good hailstorm could wipe us out.” Andon laughed. “There’s not much we could do about the weather, Tarik.” “I know, just do what you can.” He glanced at Andon. “Do you need any supplies from home?” “I could use some more paintbrushes.” “All right, brother, I’ll see what I can do.” Tarik rose to his feet. “You’re leaving?” asked Caleigh. “Yes, I’m going to take the late shuttle.” He turned and started down the hall. “Have a safe trip!” Caleigh called out. She watched Tarik carefully when he turned and glanced in her direction. For a moment she thought he was going to say something, and then he frowned, nodded his head and walked off. “Don’t worry, love.” Andon placed a hand on Caleigh’s arm. “He’ll be back before you know it and in a much better mood.” Caleigh sighed. “We’ll see.”

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Five days later, Caleigh strolled slowly toward the barn, Fidelius dogging her steps. She watched his long hair billowing in the wind. “Fidie, I don’t know what I’m gonna do.” The frisky animal stopped, cocked his head sideways, and gave her a toothy grin. “Something’s wrong with Kevin.” She sighed. “Maybe I should let Andon get him a ticket on the next shuttle.” She dropped to her knees and pulled the doellma close. “He looks miserable, Fidie,” she whispered. “He wouldn’t even look me in the eye last night, and it looked like he had a bruise on the side of his face.” Her fingers trailed through the silky strands of his hair. “I talked to Benny’s mother, but she’s even acting strange. They said it was just a shadow and not a bruise.” She barked a short, strained laugh. “He still wants me to promise I’ll come home at the end of my three months.” Her laughter echoed out into the wind when Fidie’s long pink tongue washed her face. “What do you think, Fidie? Think we could make him happy here? Could he think of this as home? I know I do,” she whispered. Giggling, she fell over when the huge animal tried to crawl into her lap. “Get off me, you big oaf.” Pushing to her feet, she gave Fidie a final pat on the head. “Come on, my friend. We need to go check on Tarik’s plants.” With quickened steps, she turned toward the fields. Caleigh watched the automatic sprinkler system with dismay. The winds were fierce, and the water was blowing across the top of the plants and pooling at the far end of the field. “Great, it’s flooding some of the plants and leaving the others dry as a bone,” she mumbled. “So, what can we do about it?” Andon had gone to help Freya’s mates dig up some huge stumps to clear a field. He wasn’t due back until dinnertime. Caleigh went into the barn to look for something she could use to haul water. In one corner she found a stack of small wooden boxes. When she examined one closer, she found traces of dirt on the sides. “Looks like it had plants in it at one time.” She turned it over and felt along the bottom. “It seems solid enough.” She looked up at the stack

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and smiled. She could fill several of them with water and roll them out to the field with a wheeled cart. “Okay, Fidie, let’s get started.” **** “Did you check the messages this morning?” Chaim pulled off his hat and swiped a hand through his sweaty hair. “Yeah, Tarik said he’d probably be home in a day or two.” Andon pulled off his shirt. The noonday suns were searing. “I thought he was going to be gone a couple of weeks.” “So did he. Apparently, Father’s business didn’t take as long as he thought it would.” “Did he ever tell you what your father wanted him to do?” Andon grimaced. “No, and frankly, it’s got me worried.” “Why?” “I’ve got an uneasy feeling that it has something to do with Caleigh.” Chaim stopped and grabbed Andon’s arm. “Why would you think that? A father wouldn’t interfere with the choosing of a mate.” “You know how dead set Tarik is about sending Caleigh home.” Andon shrugged. “I have no way of knowing what he’s told Father about the situation here.” Chaim snorted. “I don’t think you have anything to worry about. Your father’s anxious for you to take a mate. He’s made no secret of the fact he wants grandchildren. I don’t think Tarik could tell him anything that would turn him against Caleigh.” He grinned. “You saw the way he reacted when you introduced her on the vid.” Andon laughed. “Yeah, he was practically speechless for a minute.” “And we all know how seldom your father is speechless.” “Yeah, he—” Andon’s mouth dropped open.

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“What’s wrong?” Chaim turned to see what had caught Andon’s eye. “What the hell?” He could see Caleigh in the field. Even from a distance he could see the exhaustion in her posture. “What’s she doing?” Andon asked. Chaim watched for a minute and then swore silently. “She’s watering the paladda.” **** “In this heat? She’ll kill herself. Doesn’t she understand how the sprinklers work?” Andon broke out into a run. He could hear the pounding of Chaim’s feet behind him. The closer he got, the angrier he became. Caleigh’s tank top and shorts were soaked with either sweat or water from the small boxes she was carrying. As he watched, she took another box from the wheeled cart and poured the water directly onto the ground at the plant’s base. She quickly picked up another container and moved to the next plant. He glanced back over the field. “Damn, has she done the entire crop that way? She must have been at it for hours.” “Caleigh, stop,” Chaim yelled. She turned quickly and smiled, waving her arm in greeting. “Hey guys, did you get the field cleared?” “What the hell do you think you’re doing, woman?” Andon watched in astonishment as Fidelius lumbered to his feet and took up a protective stance in front of their stubborn woman. “Is he baring his teeth at you?” Chaim asked. Andon laughed. “Seems man’s best friend is now woman’s protector.” “It’s okay, Fidie. He’s not mad at me.” She reached down to pat his head and laughed when his tail wrapped around her wrist. “Hate to contradict you, dear one, but I am most certainly mad at you.” Andon watched the frown spread across her beautiful face. “Why, what did I do?” Caleigh took a step toward the two men.

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“What are you doing out here, woman? Don’t you realize how dangerous it is to be out this time of day?” Andon’s fingers itched to turn her over his knee. Caleigh crossed her arms across her chest and narrowed her eyes. “I have a name, and I’d very much appreciate you using it. I’m watering the damn plants like Tarik wanted.” Andon took a step forward. “Honey, that’s why we have sprinklers. You didn’t have to do it by hand.” Caleigh rolled her eyes and pointed toward the road. “Your sprinklers aren’t exactly doing the job, Andon.” Chaim turned and walked a few rows in the direction she’d pointed. “Damn, Andon, she’s right.” Caleigh walked up and put her hand on Andon’s arm. “On a windy day like this, it just sends all the water to one side.” She nodded toward the house. “Everything on that side was getting too dry so I decided to make sure each plant got direct water today.” Her hand tightened on his arm. “You know how Tarik feels about these plants. I just can’t let anything happen to them while he’s away.” **** Caleigh laid her head against Andon’s arm and sighed. She wouldn’t admit it, but she was exhausted. She hadn’t realized how tired she really was until she stopped to talk to her man. My man! It’s getting harder and harder to think about leaving here. Andon’s arms closed around her, pulling her close. She felt his lips press against the top of her head. “Damn, woman, you’re not even wearing a hat.” She laughed. “I started off wearing one, but I gave it up after the third time I had to chase it down. The wind just kept taking it away.” Andon let his arms slide around her. “You should have told Fidie to fetch it for you. He loves chasing things down.”

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She snorted. “You’ll be happy to know he thinks just like the rest of the Castir family. He’s grabbed my arm half a dozen times and tried to pull me back to the house.” Andon laughed and hugged her closer. “Good boy, Fidie. You’re going to get an extra helping of meat in your bowl tonight. Umph!” He grunted when her elbow connected with his side. “You’re not gonna reward him for disobeying me.” Caleigh looked up and saw small dots of light flashing across her eyes. Suddenly, she felt weightless as she swayed. “Hell, catch her, Andon. She’s going to faint.” Chaim moved closer. “I am not gonna faint. I never faint,” Caleigh argued. She swayed slowly, and then gasped when Andon swept her into his arms. Her vision wavered as a wave of nausea rolled over her. “What’s wrong with me?” “You’re suffering from slight heat exhaustion.” Andon started toward the house. “Chaim, I’m glad I could help today, but now I need to get her in a cool shower.” “I understand, neighbor. We thank you for your help. If you need us, just send a message.” Chaim turned and headed toward his land. “I ought to tan your backside for doing this to yourself.” Caleigh looked up into Andon’s eyes. “You and what army?” she asked weakly. “I wouldn’t need an army, girl. Look at you. Your cheeks are rosy red, and your nose is sunburned against that pale complexion of yours. Your hair’s wet with sweat, and you’re as weak as a newborn viztka.” Caleigh frowned. “A what?” Andon laughed. “A newborn kitten, Caleigh.” Caleigh held on tight, her arms wrapped around Andon’s neck, as he carried her through the house right into the bathroom. She’d never admit it, but the blessed cool interior of the house felt like a little slice of heaven.

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Andon slowly lowered Caleigh’s legs to the floor, letting her slide down the front of his body. “You still feel dizzy, honey?” Caleigh bit her lip and swallowed hard. She gazed into his blue eyes and felt her face flush when the proof of his desire prodded her abdomen. Tearing her gaze away, she tried to step back. “I’m fine now. Thanks, Andon.” A second later she froze when he reached for the hem of her top. “Wait, stop! What’re you doing?” Andon rolled his eyes and chuckled. “Relax, your virtue’s safe, at least for the moment.” He tried to tug the garment up. “Come on, Caleigh, relax. You’re exhausted, and I’m just trying to get you into some cool water.” He pressed a kiss against her forehead. “After you get in the tub, I’ll get you something cold to drink so we can replace some of the fluid you’ve lost.” “I can undress myself, Andon. I’m not a baby.” Caleigh tried to push his hand away. “Really, I can manage fine from here.” She squealed when she lost the battle and he yanked the thin cotton top up and over her head. **** Andon’s breath caught in his throat. Her body was even more beautiful than he remembered. He cupped the back of her head and threaded his fingers through her hair, tilting her head. He kissed her eyelids softly and then drew her chin upward and rubbed his lips against hers, enjoying their softness before pressing his tongue against her mouth. She quickly warmed to his probing tongue, breathing raggedly into his open mouth. Deepening the kiss, Andon ran his other hand down her side to her bottom and hauled her closer. He let his tongue rub sensuously, possessively, along the tender inner flesh of her mouth. He lifted away from the kiss and buried his lips in the curve of her neck. “You smell so good,” he mumbled against her silky skin.

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“Andon.” She groaned, the fingers of one hand threading through his hair. “We shouldn’t be doing this.” He rubbed his cheek against the silkiness of her hair, and then trailed his kisses along her cheek to her ear. “Don’t be afraid, love. I need to touch you right now. I need to make sure you’re okay.” Leaning against the vanity, he pulled her gently between his legs, sliding his hands around to cup her buttocks. He nuzzled her hair, breathing in the feminine, musky aroma of her skin and sex. “I want you so much, Caleigh.” Her hands settled on his shoulders and then slid down, unbuttoning his shirt along the way. “If you get to play, then so do I.” Her hands fumbled with the fastening of his pants. Andon quivered as a fiery sensation whipped through him. Her warm fingers against his cool skin had his breathing quickening. His eyes drifted shut as she fisted his erection in her hand. “You can’t do too much of that, woman.” “Why?” Caleigh squeezed the base of his cock, pumping her hand up and down its length. Before he could answer, her mouth was back on his. Her tongue slid over the seam of his lips for a second before he parted them, allowing her to explore the depths of his mouth. His cock twitched in her grip, his hands coming up to undo the front fastening of her bra. “Your skin is like silk, warm silk.” She shivered when he pressed featherlight kisses against the skin of her shoulder. “I want to feel it all.” Andon lifted her breast in his hand and circled her nipple with his tongue before he sucked it deep into his mouth. He felt her hands pushing his pants down past his hips. He leaned back and let his gaze roam her torso as a blush crept over her face. “Will you let me love you? I only want to show you pleasure.”

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Chapter 7 “What about Tarik?” Caleigh lowered her eyes, her breath coming in shallow pants. Andon leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on her lips. “I’m just going to give you pleasure now. We’ll wait to mate when Tarik can be with us.” He captured the tip of her breast between his thumb and fingers and squeezed gently. Her fingers dug into the muscles of his arms when he pulled the small nub into the moist cavern of his mouth. Caleigh’s breath quickened as her knees buckled, and she began to sink to the floor. He turned her, leaning her against the wall while he peeled her shorts and panties down her legs, letting them drop to the floor. She gasped and dug her fingers into his scalp when his hands moved slowly up her thighs, his tongue tracing a path from her ankle to the inside of her knee. He pulled her fingers away as he stood, kissing the tip of each one. Andon cupped her ass and pulled her against his hard frame. Lifting her up, he climbed into the tub with her in his arms. His hands caressed her butt, his fingers brushing lightly over the delicate sphincter causing her to moan, her body stiffening in his arms. “Relax, love. Soon, you’ll have to get used to me touching you here. Tarik and I will want to take you together to seal our mating.” “I’ve never. I mean, nobody’s ever.” “Shhh, it’s okay, love. We’ll be gentle when the time is right.” His fingers slid into the cleft of her buttocks as her hand cupped his sac, her thumb brushing over the broad mushroom-shaped head. He groaned. “That feels so good.” He brought her hand to his cock,

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placing her palm against the veined shaft. “Firmly, up and down, love.” Caleigh pressed closer and rubbed her taut nipples against his chest. Her tongue flicked back and forth across one male nipple a couple of times. She cupped his full length in her palm, slowly caressing from base to tip, alternating between sucking and flicking his nipple with her tongue. Holding his breath, Andon grabbed her wrist and pulled her hand away, laying it against the hair on his chest. He bowed his head to one breast and laved the nipple hungrily with his tongue while kneading the other one between his fingertips. She groaned harshly when he licked slow circles around the peak. Opening his mouth, he sucked her nipple deep inside. Andon rubbed circles on her belly before his fingers sought the moist heat of her clit. He played with the soft curls at the top of her mound and then slowly lowered her to sit on the side of the tub. Gently, he spread her knees apart. Caleigh’s eyes opened. “What’re you doing?” “I need to taste you. I can smell your arousal and it’s calling to me.” He placed his hands on her bare thighs and pulled them apart to move closer to her heat. His hand drifted up her thigh and found its way to her moist pussy. A whimper escaped her when he slipped a finger down her drenched slit. “I want to make you come. I want you screaming my name.” He gently slid one finger inside her, sliding it in and out, sending her closer to the edge. He found her clit and rubbed it before pushing a second finger inside her core. She moaned and arched into his touch when he pinched the swollen flesh sensuously between his thumb and forefinger. Bending closer, he clamped his lips over her clit and sucked gently, continuing to pump his fingers in and out of her pussy. She groaned slightly and then stiffened. Her voice echoed in the small room when she cried out his name, writhing in pleasure. “That’s it. Come for me, love.” He lay his head on her shoulder as her body

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shook from her release. I’ve got to make her our mate. I don’t care what Tarik wants, I’m not letting her get away. **** Caleigh struggled to catch her breath, her pussy continuing to spasm against Andon’s fingers. She lifted her hands tentatively to his chest and trailed her fingers through the hair spreading across his chest and narrowing down past his navel to a thick mat cradling his long cock. His lips covered hers in a harsh kiss. She opened her lips wider, mating her tongue against his. She buried her face in the damp skin of his neck and throat while her fingers closed around his twitching erection. Firmly, she caressed up and down, pausing to gently brush the swollen, purple head. His breathing quickened, his hands tightening on her waist, when he cried out. Thick ropes of white cream shot from his cock, coating her hand and his stomach. Rubbing her cheek against his chest, she brought her hand to her mouth and tasted his warm essence. “Well.” His voice vibrated through his chest against her ear. “How do I taste?” She giggled and gazed up at him through her lashes. “Salty and something I can’t identify.” His arms closed around her tightly as he pressed his lips against her head. “Does the taste please you, because you tasted like heaven to me?” Caleigh held in her laugh. “You taste wonderful, Andon. I expected it to be more musky, but instead you’re almost sweet.” He rubbed his chin back and forth against her hair. “Just goes to show you that we’re meant to be together. You belong here with us, Caleigh. You’re destined to be our mate.” He cleared his throat, and leaned back to gaze into her eyes. “I want us to make love, more than you know. But it would be better if we waited until Tarik can join us. That way, the bond will be complete for all of us.”

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She sighed, twisting her fingers through the hairs on his chest. “Andon, we’ve had this conversation already. I don’t wanna give you any false hopes. If Tarik doesn’t change his mind about me, then I can’t stay. It wouldn’t be fair to him or me.” “Caleigh, he’ll come around in time.” “No.” She pulled away from the warmth of his body. “We can’t trick him, or go merrily forward in hopes that he’ll come around. I think if he had any feelings at all for me they would already have surfaced.” She sighed, running her fingers through her damp hair. “Hell, half the time he acts like he can’t stand me.” She cupped the side of Andon’s face. “And there’s the not-so-small matter of my brother. Kevin was pretty damn adamant about not wanting to leave Earth. I don’t know if I could force him to leave everything he knows and loves.” “Not everything, Caleigh. He loves you, doesn’t he?” “Of course he does. I’m the only family he has left.” “Then you wouldn’t be forcing him away from everything he loves. You’ve be bringing him into a home that’s filled with love. It would be a way to show him what a loving family is like so he can have one for himself one day. He doesn’t have to stay here forever. He can always go back to Earth when he’s older and more mature.” She snorted. “He’s never seen any kind of a normal, loving family life.” Andon pulled her down into the warm water of the tub, settling her between his legs, her back to his chest. “You didn’t have a loving family?” She relaxed back into his embrace, letting the water soothe her aching muscles. “My mother loved us. I thought my father loved me, but he disappeared right after my mother told him she was pregnant with Kevin.” “Did he ever come back?” “No, we never heard from him again. I don’t even know if he’s alive or dead. My mother worked two jobs to keep us clothed and fed,

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and it killed her. She wore herself to a frazzle and couldn’t fight back when she got sick. She made me promise to watch after Kevin and raise him to be a good, decent man.” She raised her hand, letting the water trickle through her fingers and trail down her arm. “He’s a good kid, but he’s been prone to getting into trouble.” Andon scooped water into his hands and let it trickle over her shoulders. “What kind of trouble?” She stretched out her legs, wiggling her toes above the water. “Silly things that didn’t mean much. He’d skip school for days at a time. I found out he’d made some new, not so desirable friends, and they were influencing him. They were caught breaking windows in the old courthouse downtown. Nobody was using it, so the police let him go with a warning.” She felt Andon’s cock twitch when she ran her hands up and down his hairy thighs. “He used my credit card a while back to buy a bunch of pizza and soft drinks for his new best friends. I came home from work to find the trash from their impromptu party.” Andon chuckled. “He sounds quite precocious.” She laughed. “I can think of a lot better words to describe him than precocious. He’s the real reason I’m here.” He grabbed her shoulders and turned her so he could see her face. “What do you mean?” She told him how Kevin had filled out the application in her name. “So, you see, if he hadn’t been precocious, I might never have had the chance to meet you.” Andon took her chin in his fingers and gazed into her eyes. “Are you sorry he tricked you?” She smiled, and pressed a kiss against his palm. “I’m not sorry at all. In fact, I owe the little monster a big treat because this was the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” She leaned forward and licked across his lips, groaning when he pulled her into a fierce kiss. “We need to get you washed off so I can make you some dinner. You must be starved.”

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Sighing, she leaned back against his chest. “No, I’m not hungry at all. I am tired, though. Will you lay down with me and hold me while we sleep?” Andon grabbed the soap and began rubbing it up and down her arm. “I’d like nothing better than to fall asleep with you in my arms.” **** Tarik struggled through the kitchen door and dropped his large box on the table. The house was quiet, the suns barely beginning to rise. He wasn’t due home for another few days, but his business with his father had been settled quickly, and he couldn’t wait to get back to see how the paladda plants were doing. Thoughts of Caleigh’s smile passed through his mind, but he quickly dismissed the idea that his early return had anything to do with the Earth woman. “Guess I’m going to have to light a fire under Andon. He’s usually the first one up and making breakfast in the morning.” Fidie padded into the room. He walked over to his empty bowl and cut his gaze over to his master. Tarik laughed, and walked over to rub behind his ears. “Is that a not-so-subtle suggestion, Fidie?” He reached into the cupboard and pulled out the bag of food they kept for their doellma. “Here you go, old friend.” He filled the bowl and stepped back to watch Fidie devour the small nuggets. “Enjoy your breakfast, boy. I’m going to go wake my lazy brother.” He walked down the hall and tapped lightly on Andon’s door. When there was no response, he tiptoed inside and then stopped when he spotted the empty bed. “Where the hell would he have gone so early in the day?” He glanced toward the hall. Maybe Caleigh will know where he is. He moved to her door and pressed his ear against the wood to listen. He didn’t hear anything, so he knocked lightly. After a moment, he slowly turned the knob and opened the door. He moved forward two steps and then froze. His fingers touched his

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parted lips as a heavy feeling settled in his stomach. Andon and Caleigh were asleep on the bed, wrapped in each other’s arms. I can’t believe he’d actually bond with her without me. I know he had the right, but I never thought he’d really leave me out. I just wanted time to make sure it was really what she wanted. Was that too much to ask? I’d planned on getting closer to Caleigh when I got home. Hell, I even brought her a gift as a peace offering for the way I’ve been acting toward her. He’d gotten his father to use his connections to get the baking supplies she wanted from Earth. Now you’ve ruined everything because you couldn’t wait for it to be right for me. Damn it, Andon. Can’t you think of anyone but yourself? Tarik took a deep breath and moved back to the opened door. His glance fell to her long golden hair spread out like a blanket over her creamy shoulder. The covers on the bed hugged her curves faithfully, making his mouth water and his arms ache to join her in the soft sheets. Clearing his throat, he gripped his fists at his side. “It’s time for the two of you to get up. It’s morning, and there are chores to be done.” He cringed at the harsh sound of his voice, and watched as the pair on the bed jerked awake. **** Andon’s eyes flew open at the sound of a loud voice and inhaled sharply at the sight of Caleigh curled up next to him. For a moment, he didn’t remember why she was there, and then his memories came flooding back. He glanced over at the door and saw Tarik, his face a mask of fury. His fingers combed through his hair, his glance touching on Caleigh’s bare shoulders. “It’s not what you think, Tarik. We didn’t do anything but touch and kiss.” He sat up and moved to the side of the bed. “I’d never bond with a mate without telling you.” He got to his feet and reached for his pants. “But make no mistake. I will bond with Caleigh soon.”

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Tarik glared at his brother. “Did you take care of the crops, or have you played all the time I’ve been away?” Andon walked toward Tarik and pushed him out into the hall, pausing in front of his imposing figure. “Everything is fine in the fields.” He glanced back to the bedroom at Caleigh, trying to put on her robe under the covers. “Caleigh watered the plants by hand when she realized the wind was keeping the sprinklers from doing their job.” He turned back to Tarik. “She exhausted herself in the midday heat to keep our precious plants alive. I had to carry her in the house and put her in a cool bath when she suffered heat sickness. We touched, and gave each other pleasure, but I did not mate her. That’s how I ended up here, just to comfort each other after a trying day. It took her over a half day to bring water to the half of the field that was being neglected.” Tarik frowned. “Why didn’t you help her?” “Chaim had called and asked for my help to remove a large stump. I wasn’t aware of what she had planned or I would never have gone.” “It’s impressive that she would go to that much trouble. None of the other women we’ve had living here would have done that.” “Yes, well, Caleigh is one of a kind. She’ll make us a perfect mate.” Tarik sighed, rubbing his hand across his face. “I’ve brought back some specialized fertilizer that Father obtained for the paladda plants. I’d like to get it applied as soon as possible, but I’ll need your help. We can discuss Caleigh when the work is finished.” Andon grabbed his arm. “No, we need to talk now. She’s not willing to stay unless you change your opinion of her. She’s upset because her brother is saying he doesn’t want to leave Earth. I want her to be happy, Tarik, and she won’t let herself be happy if she thinks you don’t want her here.”

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Tarik looked away. “I will give it serious thought, Andon. I have to admit she’s showing signs of being able to handle life here. I promise we can discuss this later today.” “Very well, brother. I’ll hold you to that promise. I’m going to get some work clothes on and I’ll meet you in the kitchen for breakfast.” Tarik nodded and walked away. **** Caleigh slowly walked down the hall toward the kitchen. She’d been too mortified to say anything when Tarik had confronted them in her bedroom. He must be thinking I’m some kind of slut! “Good morning, love. Did you sleep as well as I did?” Andon smiled at her from where he sat at the table. “Yes, I slept really well.” She glanced around the room. “Where’s Tarik?” “He’s already gone to the fields. He brought back some kind of special fertilizer from my father that’s supposed to help the paladda grow.” He nodded toward a box on the table. “He brought you a present.” She stared at him, incredulous. “And he still wants me to have it after that embarrassing display in the bedroom?” Andon laughed. “He was just a little surprised, Caleigh.” She snorted. “Surprised, yeah, I’d say that was an understatement.” Andon sighed and put his glass down on the table. “Give him a break, please. He wasn’t expecting anything to happen between us while he was away. After I explained how we came to be in the bed together, he was fine. He knows I didn’t mate you without him being here. That’s all that really upset him.” “It looked like a lot more to me.” He grinned. “He’s coming around, Caleigh. He even said that you showed promise in the way you were handling life here.” He nodded

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toward the box again. “He wouldn’t have gone to that kind of trouble if he didn’t care about you.” Caleigh raised an eyebrow, rising up on her tiptoes to peer at the box. Andon laughed. “You could just go over and look inside.” She gave him a slow nod and moved toward the box. She took a slow breath as she peeled back the cardboard flaps, her breath catching in her throat when she unveiled the contents. “Where did he get this?” She eagerly pulled out a large bag of flour, and then squealed when she discovered the sugar and yeast in the bottom. There were packages of cocoa and bottles of different kinds of flavoring. “He said he got Father to use his diplomatic position to have it brought back from Earth. That was one of the reasons he took this last trip.” Caleigh couldn’t stop the tears that spilled from her eyes. “Hey, none of that now.” Andon got to his feet and pulled her into his arms. “He thought this would make you happy, not sad. What’s wrong, love?” She sniffed, hiccupped, and then laughed. “They’re happy tears. I can’t believe he did this for me. I’m gonna make him a special cake to thank him.” His hand rubbed up and down her back. “That’s a great idea, love. It might make him see you in a more favorable light, like more of a homemaker.” She raised her gaze to his face. “He doesn’t think I’m a homemaker?” Andon sighed. “The other women we brought here didn’t want anything to do with creating a home. They just wanted attention and to spend our credits. We’ve always wanted someone to make life easier, to share the good times and the bad.” He wiped the tears from her cheek. “We’ve both been impressed at how you’ve mastered cooking since you’ve been here. I remember when you set fire to the

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stove when you first arrived. Now you’re cooking entire dinners by yourself. That’s very impressive to my younger brother.” Caleigh sighed, and pulled out of his arms. “Then I’ll definitely make him a cake to thank him for his generous and thoughtful gift.” **** Tarik smoothed a finger over the delicate leaf of the paladda and sighed. So much of their family’s future tied into the deceptively fraillooking plants. A movement off to the left had him glancing toward the house. He watched Caleigh stroll across the field, her blonde hair billowing out behind her in the stiff breeze. Dressed in shorts and a tank top, her breasts swayed seductively back and forth as she walked. She’s so damn beautiful, so graceful and feminine. I want to be close to her, but I still can’t believe she’ll agree to stay here. When winter sets in and she’s confined to the house, she’s going to want to go back to Earth. I don’t want to let her in my heart only to have her rip it out when she wants to leave. “Welcome home, Tarik.” She walked up to him, grabbed his arm and pulled him down until his face was even with her own. “Thank you for the wonderful present.” She pressed a kiss against his cheek. “You couldn’t have gotten me anything nicer. I love to bake, and I’ve missed it.” He swallowed hard and straightened to his full height. “I’m glad you like it, Caleigh.” She glanced around the field. “What’re you doing?” Tarik looked down at the plants and cleared his throat. “I brought back some fertilizer to help things grow faster. I’m just applying it before it gets too hot.” Caleigh smiled. “Can I help?” He blinked twice and used his hand to shade his eyes from the glare of the suns. “Sure, that’d be great.” He dropped to his knees and motioned for her to come closer. When she knelt down, he pointed to

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the stem of the plant. “The fertilizer is in the form of small pellets. You just press the pellet into the dirt about an inch from the stem. Once we’re done I’ll set the sprinklers and make sure the ground is saturated.” “Like this?” Caleigh picked up one of the small yellow balls and placed it on the dirt near the stem. “No, you’re a little far out.” Tarik placed his hand over hers and moved it closer to the plant. “Right here would be good.” “Thanks.” She pushed the pellet down into the dirt and looked up at Tarik and smiled. His breath caught in his throat as he leaned forward and covered her lips with his, the fingers of one of his hands threading through her blonde tresses. He let the silky mass slide from his hand and fall softly over her shoulders. He cupped the back of her head to hold her in place and then hungrily slanted his lips over hers, invading her mouth with his tongue, tasting her deeply. She seemed hesitant at first, and then her lean hands framed his face, her mouth opening wider as she sucked his tongue inside. Tarik made a groaning sound deep in his throat and lifted away from the kiss, burying his lips in the curve of her neck. He dragged his mouth along the smooth skin of her neck and shoulder. His lips locked on her pale skin, sucking strongly and leaving a mark for everyone to see. Caleigh moaned when his arms slid around her, pulling her hard against his body. She pressed closer, rubbing her cloth-covered taut nipples against his chest while he ground his aroused shaft against her belly. His hands came up and fingered the hard buds through her shirt while she arched her back and purred like a viztka. Tarik groaned harshly and pulled his shirt over his head. “Touch me,” he demanded. Caleigh lifted her hands to his chest and settled them on his shoulders. She caressed down his brawny torso, pausing to pinch the flat nipples before moving down to his hard stomach.

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Tarik pulled her top over her head and threw it to the side. His fingers traced the tips of her breasts right before he bowed his head and laved the nipple, taking the small bud in his mouth and sucking gently. He bit lightly and sighed in pleasure when he felt her fingers delve under the waistband of his pants. He pushed her to her back in the row between the plants and covered her body with his own. He groaned, the muscles of his chest tightening, when her fingers cupped him intimately. “Stroke me,” he whispered, guiding her hand up and down his rod. Pulling her closer, he caressed her stomach and then dived under the waistband of her shorts to rake through her curls and spread her feminine lips apart. He could feel the area between her thighs flood with cream as she melted against him with a sigh. “Caleigh, where are you?” Tarik froze when he heard Andon’s voice. Groaning, he buried his face in her neck and slowly pulled his hand from her shorts. He grabbed her wrist and brought her hand to his chest. “We have to stop for now, little one. I’d rather our first time not be here in the dirt.” He raised his head and gazed into her passion-filled eyes. “I’m sorry if I’ve embarrassed you.” Caleigh grabbed her top and got to her feet. She quickly pulled it on and gave him an impish smile. “I’m not sorry, and you didn’t embarrass me.” She winked and then scurried away before he could say anything else. Tarik picked up his shirt and smiled at her retreating form. **** “Are you looking for me?” Caleigh spotted Andon standing in the barn. “Yes, I was. Where were you?” He pulled one of the shallets out of his stall and threw a saddle on his back.

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Caleigh felt herself blush and looked out toward the field. “I was helping Tarik with the fertilizer. Did you need something?” He chuckled and tightened the cinch on the saddle. “I wanted to let you know I was leaving.” “Where’re you going?” “Aldo called and needs some help with the birth of their newest mllanna.” “Mllanna? That’s a cow, right?” He rolled his eyes and laughed. “Yes, it’s our version of a cow. They’ve never helped in a delivery, and they don’t want anything to go wrong. I’m heading over there now, and I wanted to know if you can feed the animals for me?” “Sure, no problem. I’m happy to help any way I can.” “Thanks, love. Be sure and spend some time with our baby mllanna. She’s only a few days old, and she needs a lot of personal contact if she’s going to remain tame.” “I promise I’ll spend some time with the ugly little sucker.” Andon frowned and shook his finger at Caleigh. “She’s not ugly, she’s just beautifully challenged.” Caleigh smirked. “Right, you’ve been listening to me too much.” Andon walked over and took her in his arms. “You be careful, and if you have any problems, you call for Tarik. I’m going to stop on my way across the field and let him know I’ll be gone.” He pulled her closer and took her lips in a heated kiss. “Damn, now I wish I could stay.” He reached down and adjusted his erection in his pants. “That saddle is not made to accommodate a man in need.” She gave him a quick kiss on the lips and stepped back. “Then you’ll just have to hurry and get home so we can do something about it.” Andon groaned, and placed his foot in the stirrup, settling himself into the leather seat. “Take care, love. I’ll be back as soon as I can.” He turned the animal and urged him into a lope across the field.

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Caleigh sighed and went to pick up the bucket beside the grain barrel. After scooping out a large measure of orange feed, she wandered over to the tenndrat pen. “I don’t care what they call you. You’ll always look like an oversized chicken to me.” **** Tarik carried the empty containers toward the barn and smiled. The plants had all been fertilized, and everything was looking good. He’d worked through lunch since it was important for all the plants to get the treatment, and it looked like the weather could turn bad at any time. It would have been easier with Andon’s help, but Chaim and Aldo must have had problems with the birth of their livestock. “Oh, well, now I can spend some time alone with Caleigh.” He walked into the darkened barn and stopped. Caleigh was curled up on a bale of hay sound asleep. There were smudges of dirt on her cheek, her hand still clutching the handle of a rake. The poor girl has worked herself into exhaustion. He moved to her side and knelt down. Bending closer, he nuzzled her cheek. “Come on, little one. It’s time to wake up.” Caleigh mumbled something and brushed at his face with her hand. Her eyes came open, and she blinked twice. “Where am I?” “You’re asleep in the barn, pretty lady. I think you might have worked too hard.” He put an arm around her shoulders and helped her to stand. “I think what you need is a nice shower, and then a hot dinner.” His fingers closed on her chin, tilting her face up to his. “Seems to me I heard something about my brother helping with your last bath. I think maybe it’s my turn to help you clean up.” He looked deep into her eyes. “What do you say, Caleigh?”

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Chapter 8 Caleigh swallowed and let her gaze wander up and down Tarik’s body. She took a deep breath and then nodded. “Yes, I’d like that.” Tarik grabbed her hand and started toward the house. Fidie raised his head to watch their progress as he pulled her through the kitchen. Once they were in the bathroom, he turned on the shower and stripped out of his clothes faster than she’d thought possible. His cock jutted out proudly from the junction of his thighs, looking so big and hard. “Undress,” he whispered hoarsely. Caleigh moistened her lips with the tip of her tongue and pulled her tank top over her head, dropping it on the floor beside her. Slipping her fingers under the waistband of her shorts, she slid them down her thighs, dropping them to pool around her ankles. Tarik’s gaze slid down her body, his green eyes smoldering with heat. He held out his hand. “Come here, Caleigh.” She placed her hand in his and lowered her eyes as he pulled her into his arms. Without a word, he led her into the shower. Bending, he placed his lips against her neck and nibbled at her throat as the warm water from several showerheads cascaded over their bodies. She buried her fingers in his silky hair when he slanted his mouth over hers, pulling her closer and murmuring her name against her lips. His tongue swept inside into the hollows of her cheeks and over her teeth, swirling languorously back and forth, moist and hot, finding all her sensitive spots. Her legs trembled, and her muscles went weak when he pulled her head to his shoulder, rubbing his hand up and down her back.

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**** Tarik put a hand under Caleigh’s chin and forced her to look at him, his dick twitching between them, begging to be buried in her heat. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her breasts against his chest as he licked and sucked around the outer edges of her mouth, feeding off her. His hands skimmed along her spine, curled over her neck, and tangled in her hair. Her nails bit into his shoulders as she clung to him. Grabbing the bottle of liquid soap, Tarik poured a generous amount into his hands and let them roam down her stomach and over the swells of her hips and buttocks. His hands swept slowly down the silky length of her body while his mouth moved to her shoulder and back up her throat to her mouth, licking his way inside. Caleigh took the bottle of soap and poured a thick layer onto his chest. His legs trembled when her hands splayed out and slid across his pebbled nipples. She leaned forward, the hot water and steam caressing his back while her gorgeous, wet, naked body pressed against his front. His arms flexed as his hand caressed up her shin, over her knee, and down her thigh. They slid against each other’s soap-slicked bodies, her breasts fused wetly against his chest. Tarik stroked his hand over her bare flesh, down her back to her bottom, his hand slipping into the crevice between the cheeks of her ass. Slowly he rubbed his aching cock back and forth against the smooth skin of her abdomen. “Move forward and lean toward me.” When Caleigh pressed closer, he smoothed his hand up her leg, easing his way to her core. His fingers tangled in the curls between her legs. “Have you ever thought about getting rid of this hair?” Caleigh nodded against his shoulder. “I’ve thought about it, but never really got inspired enough to do it.” “Would you let Andon and I take care of it for you?” She groaned when he stroked over her puffy lips. “I can’t think when you do that.”

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His hands moved to cup her bouncing breasts, massaging, even as he plucked gently, rhythmically at her nipples. Bending down, his mouth fastened on one breast, his teeth gently closing over the turgid tip. He reached out and touched the other erect pink bud, rolling it reverently between his fingertips, while Caleigh ran her hands over his shoulders and down his chest. “Touch me, Caleigh. Take me in your mouth. I want to feel those sweet lips.” **** She cupped his sac and rolled his balls between her fingers. Her eyes locked onto his cock, which stood erect from his body. It was longer than Andon’s, but not as thick. She leaned closer and inhaled his personal aroma straight from his crotch, filling her senses with his scent. Putting her hands on his thighs, she slipped her tongue around his shaft, flicking across the head to taste his sweet, salty essence. He trembled when she wrapped her hand around his erection and pumped it up and down. Tarik threaded his hands through her hair and drew her closer, thrusting deeper into her mouth, the head of his cock touching the opening of her throat. She whimpered, trying to breathe around his massive shaft. “By the Gods, stop, Caleigh.” Tarik slid from her mouth and pulled her to her feet. He nudged her legs apart and used his fingers to spread the lips of her sex, penetrating her slick channel with one finger. “You’re so tight.” Her thighs squeezed together, trapping his hand inside. “I’ve got to taste you.” He dropped to his knees and pushed on the inside of her thighs to spread her legs even farther apart and licked her from top to bottom. She moaned and arched into his touch. ****

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Tarik probed her with his thick forefinger for a moment and then reached for her clit, circling it. His fingertips glided easily over her swollen nub while her hot juices poured over his hand. He plucked and teased at her clit, slipping his index finger deep inside of her, moving it slowly in and out before he traced her cleft again. When she rocked her hips against his hand, he replaced his fingers with his tongue, flicking at the center of her pleasure. That was all it took. Her body seized, and she screamed, her hands tightening painfully in his hair. Unable to stop his own release, his cock shot his seed over her ankles and feet, the pleasure exploding in his balls and spiraling upward. Tarik slowly got to his feet, keeping Caleigh in the cradle of his arms. She collapsed against his chest, her eyes closed, a small smile on her face. Andon is right. She’s definitely the right pick for our mate. I don’t know why I didn’t see it sooner. We’ve got to find a way to keep her here. Caleigh groaned and let her hand wander down his side. “What about you?” she asked huskily. Groaning, Tarik caught her hand. “You don’t have to worry about me, pretty lady. Just the sight of you had me shooting my release.” “Really?” Caleigh leaned back and glanced down. “Damn, I’ve never had that effect on a man before.” She giggled. “That’s so hot.” Tarik rolled his eyes and sighed. “Woman, you’re almost more than I can handle.” He pulled her back into the warm spray and grabbed a bottle of shampoo. “Let’s finish cleaning up and see about starting some dinner. Andon will probably be home soon.” He felt Caleigh stiffen and glanced down to see her biting her lip. “Don’t worry, pretty lady. Andon would be happy to find us together. We are that much closer to a permanent mating.” Caleigh closed her eyes and let the water run over her face. When she pulled away, she looked up at Tarik. “I don’t want you to get the

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wrong impression, Tarik. I wanted this to happen between us. It was wonderful. But I still have other problems to work out.” Tarik watched her for a moment and then nodded. “Your brother.” “Yes. He doesn’t wanna leave his home, and I’m not comfortable telling him he has to move here. I need to find a way to make him wanna live here with us or it’s not gonna work.” “I understand.” He cupped her cheek and pressed a brief kiss on her lips. “We’ll think of something together, Caleigh, the three of us.” He motioned for her to turn around. “I’m going to wash your hair, and then we’ll see about getting something to eat.” **** Caleigh cut the tenndrat into small pieces, dipped it in egg and dredged it in some flour. “The damn thing lays eggs so it ought to fry up nice, just like chicken.” “Did you say something, love?” She looked up and smiled. “Andon, you scared me. We’ve been wondering where you were.” He shrugged. “It was a difficult breech birth.” “Is everything okay?” “Yes, both mother and son are resting comfortably and already eating. Chaim and Aldo are ecstatic.” “That is good news.” Andon glanced around the kitchen. “What have you been up to?” She laid the floured meat on a plate and turned to wash her hands. “After I finished in the barn, Tarik and I got cleaned up, and I’ve been getting things ready for dinner.” “What are you making?” He walked over and peered over her shoulder. “It’s my version of fried chicken, so I guess you’d say we’re having fried tenndrat.” He chuckled and moved away. “Okay, what else?”

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Caleigh nodded toward the counter. “I made a fresh salad from the back garden.” Andon glanced around. “Where’s my charming younger brother?” “He took a vid message awhile earlier, and he’s been doing some paperwork in the office. I told him I’d let him know when dinner is ready.” She placed a skillet on the stove. “Are you hungry?” “I’m starving. Freya sent out some sandwiches earlier, but it was quite some time back. How long before we eat?” “My brother is always starving.” Tarik came strolling into the kitchen, Fidie following close on his heels. “Did everything go well at the Kentas’?” “Absolutely. They have a new bull.” “Excellent. You’ll be pleased to know Caleigh and I have been getting better acquainted this afternoon.” Andon glanced at Caleigh, his eyebrows raised. “Is that so?” Tarik came up behind her and put his arm around her waist. “Yes, we had a wonderful afternoon.” Andon pulled out a chair and sat down at the table. “Well, I have to say, that’s surprising.” “Caleigh, what on earth are you doing?” She glanced over her shoulder at Tarik and frowned. “I’m making dinner. What does it look like?” “If you don’t know how to prepare some of our food, you should just ask. It’s wasteful to just go off on a tangent and try something that’s not right.” Caleigh frowned and laid down the spatula. “What are you talking about?” He pointed to the skillet. “The meat will not be fit to eat if it’s cooked in that manner.” He reached into the cupboard and pulled out a pan for the oven. “Everyone knows the meat will only be tender if it’s baked for some time.” Andon stood and walked over to the counter. “Tarik, Caleigh and I talked about his. Our tenndrat is just the same as an Earth chicken.

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She says this is a tried and accepted way of cooking this meat on her planet.” Tarik snorted, and stepped back. “Just because they accept inferior cooking methods doesn’t mean we have to allow it in our home. I want her to learn to do things right.” Caleigh practically saw red. “You’re not going to allow me to cook my way in your home. Is that what you said?” Andon moved to stand between Caleigh and Tarik. “Come on, guys. There’s no reason for anyone to get upset. I say we try it Caleigh’s way and see if we like it.” Tarik moved over to the cooling unit and opened the door. “She’s already covered the meat with the flour I brought. It won’t be fit to eat now. I’ll see what else we have that could be prepared quickly.” “Why you pompous, sanctimonious ass.” Caleigh reached into the bowl on the counter, picked up one of the eggs, and let it fly across the room. She smiled grimly when it hit Tarik in the middle of his back, cracking the shell and splattering the egg down the back of his shirt. “What the hell?” He whirled around and felt behind his back. “What happened?” Wrinkling his nose, he brought his hand back around, his fingers covered in the sticky raw egg. His gaze flew to Caleigh. “You threw an egg at me?” “Now, Tarik, I’m sure she didn’t mean it.” Tarik’s eyebrows shot up into his hairline. “She accidentally tossed food at me?” Caleigh snorted. “Oh, I meant it. You should thank your lucky stars I didn’t aim for your hard head.” “Guys, please. This is getting out of hand.” Andon handed Tarik a towel, and then gave a little cough that sounded suspiciously like a laugh. Tarik yanked his shirt over his head and dropped it on the floor. He pushed Andon away when he tried to swipe the towel across his

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back. “Let’s see how funny you think this is.” Grinning, he turned to the cooling unit and reached inside. Caleigh moved around the counter, trying to see what he was doing. When he straightened, she gasped, and moved toward the door. “Oh, no, you don’t.” Tarik moved toward her slowly, his lip lifted in a smirk, his hand clutching the berry custard she’d made for dessert. “Come on now, pretty lady. You’re not afraid of a few soft berries, are you?” Andon moved to block the door, pulling Caleigh against his chest. “Seems only fair, love. If you can dish it out, you should be able to take it.” He bent and traced the rim of her ear with his tongue. “Let him get back at you,” he whispered. Caleigh stilled, and watched Tarik through lowered lashes. He moved slowly, as if enjoying every second of suspense. “Well, big guy. What’s it gonna be?” Tarik reached out and began unbuttoning Caleigh’s shirt. She looked down and bit back a giggle. “What’re you doing?” He continued to unfasten her top. “Wouldn’t want to mess up your clothes the way you did mine.” His fingers went to the front fastening of her bra, his knuckles cold against her skin. “I’m just saving you on some extra laundry.” Her breath whooshed out when she barked out a laugh. “You’re so thoughtful.” She stilled when he peeled back the lace-covered cups. Andon leaned down, his chin resting on her shoulder. “You’re so beautiful, Caleigh.” Tarik’s fingers dipped into the custard, and then moved toward Caleigh’s bare breasts. She struggled, trying to wrest from Andon’s hold. “Do not put that cold stuff anywhere near my boobs.” Andon chuckled. “Come on, Tarik. Decorate her good and we can take turns cleaning her up.” Pink goo-covered fingers descended on the erect nipples of Caleigh’s breasts. She gasped, her eyes closing, her head falling back

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on Andon’s shoulder when the cold, thick custard made contact with her skin. “Damn, that’s cold.” “Won’t be for long.” Her eyes flew open when she felt the warm glide of Tarik’s tongue. He lapped lazily at the sweet mixture, flicking the distended tip of her breast over and over. “Hey, what about me?” Tarik’s fingers spread more of the custard on her other breast. “I’d never forget you, brother. We’re meant to share.” “Yes!” Andon slid his arms from around her waist and moved to stand next to his brother. Together, they leaned forward and took her breasts into the heat of their mouths, sucking gently. Tarik leaned back and gazed into Caleigh’s eyes. “Okay, pretty lady. It’s time for you to make a decision.” She frowned and worried her bottom lip with her teeth. “I don’t understand. Make a decision about what?” “We want to make love to you, together. Andon and I want you to be our mate. Will you accept us?” Caleigh sighed, pushing away from Andon. She pulled the edges of her blouse together, covering her naked breasts. “I want you, both of you, more than you can even imagine.” She walked two steps away and turned to face the men. “I’m pretty sure I wanna stay here forever and be your wife, but I’m not sure I’m ready to sign the final contract that makes me your legal mate.” When they both looked away, she moved forward and took one of their hands into her own. “I’m still trying to work out a solution about my brother. I can’t plan any kind of future unless I know he can be happy, too. Please try to understand and give me the time I need. I’ve still got some time left on the trial period. Can’t you give me that time to make things right for everyone?” Tarik stepped closer and put his hand on her cheek. “We can’t fault you for wanting to make sure your family is taken care of. It’s part of what we love about you. But make no mistake, we want you to

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be our mate, in every way. It won’t be legal until you sign the mating agreement and send it back to the council, but we can consummate our relationship if you’re willing.” Caleigh’s shoulders relaxed, and she moved close enough to lay her head on Tarik’s bare chest. “I’m very willing. I want the two of you to make love to me.” Andon crooked his finger. “Time to get naked.” He cupped her other cheek and rubbed his thumb tenderly back and forth across her skin. “Let’s take this somewhere more comfortable.” Tarik bent, placing his shoulder against her stomach, and stood. “Hey, this isn’t fair.” Caleigh dangled upside down, her gaze centered on Tarik’s firm ass. She became dizzy as he strode down the hall toward her bedroom. Thoughts fluttered through her mind when he set her on her feet. “Come here, love.” Andon guided his hand down her body and began unfastening her pants, while Tarik slid her shirt and bra over her shoulders and down her arms. He paused, moving the elastic aside, and slipped a finger into her pussy. “She’s already wet for us.” He didn’t hesitate to rip the fragile nylon, tearing her panties from her body. Caleigh slipped her hand under Andon’s shirt, drawing little circles on his heated skin, while Tarik pushed his pants to the floor. She delved beneath the waist of Andon’s pants to curl her fingers around his hardened flesh. “Oh, no. Brother, she thinks she’s going to be the one in charge here.” Andon openly adjusted the hard ridge inside his pants and pulled Caleigh’s hand away. She stroked her hand up his thigh and skimmed her fingers over the large bulge between his legs. Tarik stepped in close and strummed the edge of his thumb back and forth across her erect nipple, letting his fingertips trail over the tops of her breasts.

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Andon invaded her mouth, twining his tongue with hers until her mouth felt consumed by his. She felt a fist in her hair, holding her where she couldn’t move and an arm around her back anchoring her against his chest, his mouth grinding over hers. Tarik took her hand and pulled her away. He leaned in for a kiss, licking across the seam of her lips. Her arms lifted up, wrapping around his neck, pulling him down into a scalding, claiming kiss with lots of tongue. She let her lips trace along his jaw, down to the hollow of his throat and along the thick muscles of his chest. She kissed him openmouthed, her tongue flicking over his salty skin. **** Tarik ran his hands down her back, letting them rest on the curve of her ass. She sucked his earlobe between her lips, nipping at it gently with her teeth. He pushed her against the wall, anchoring her wrists above her head with one of his hands, her breasts flattened against his chest. She moaned and arched, rubbing her taut breasts against his hair-roughened skin. Her body trembled when he squeezed her nipple hard, brushing it back and forth with his thumb. He shifted lower on her body, then circled her tight nipple with his tongue, leaving a wet trail on her skin. He raised his head from his feast on her breasts and grinned at her wickedly, rising quickly to take her lips. His hand slowly stroked her breast, pinching and tugging the rigid tip. Tarik scooped her up into his arms, Caleigh holding onto him tightly, and carried her to the bed. He laid her on her back, coming over her, sheltering her with his warmth. His hand moved to her hip, turned her to her side, and then slowly inched downward to curve over her butt, pushing her body into his. ****

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Andon watched his brother pleasuring their mate and smiled. He climbed onto the bed and lay down next to her warm body. Leaning forward, he ran the flat of his tongue up the curve of her spine, and buried his lips in the curve of her neck. “I want you, Caleigh, so much.” Tarik pushed up onto his elbow. “Change places with me, brother. You’re firstborn, and it’s your right to take our woman first.” “You don’t have—” “Yes, I do.” Tarik smiled and pushed Caleigh to her back. She grinned. “Don’t I get a say in the order of things?” “Not this time.” Andon crawled over her legs, settling his upper body between her thighs. Her legs parted as he placed both knees inside of hers. His large palm easily held both her wrists above her head, his belly clenching painfully with long-denied desire. He cupped one breast in his hand and rubbed the nipple with his thumb. “Oh, that’s a weird feeling.” Caleigh moaned, arching her back. “I’ve never felt three hands on me at one time.” Andon watched as Tarik played with her other breast, opening his mouth over the tip of one undulating globe. “God, it’s too much. I’ve never felt anything this good.” She groaned, struggling to free her hands. Tarik’s touch receded from her breast, his hand slipping around to her back. Andon slid lower in the bed, his hands tightening on her buttocks. He licked her knee and then inched his mouth a little farther up her thigh. Caleigh groaned, lifting into his touch. “I wanna touch you guys.” Andon continued his downward journey, dipping his tongue into her navel. Catching her legs, he parted them more and covered her mound with his mouth. He laved her most intimate place with his tongue, stroking down her slit and back up. Moving his face up, he swirled his tongue around her tiny clit, taking it into his mouth, and sucked gently.

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Caleigh stiffened, crying out. “Yes, oh, God, yes.” Her legs trembled, her pussy quivering with her release. Andon gazed over at Tarik. “Come, brother. Taste how wonderful she is before we make her ours.” **** Tarik moved a hand up her leg and met naked, soaked flesh. He coated his finger with her slick excitement and traced her slit from top to bottom. His hand parted the curls above her mound, and his fingers slipped into her folds while she squirmed. She instinctively spread her legs wider to give him better access and moaned when he found her clit and rubbed the slick flesh slowly in tiny circles. He used his thumbs to pull apart her feminine lips and breathed in her scent. Extending his tongue, he licked up her slit once, and then withdrew and blew on her clit, watching her muscles clench. “She is delicious, brother.” Probing her folds with his tongue, he teased her clit, taking it between his lips and sucking, nipping lightly with his teeth. When Andon’s fingers slid past his face to slip into her channel, Caleigh groaned. Her hips bucked, and her fingers tangled in his hair as she climaxed. Tarik continued to lap and suck until her tremors quieted down. Panting heavily, she pushed away, scooting up in the wide bed. **** Struggling to catch her breath, Caleigh glared at her two lovers. “This is a little one-sided, don’t you think?” Andon glanced at Tarik and shrugged. “What do you mean, love?” She struggled to her knees and smiled. “I mean, it’s my turn now.” She nodded to the bed. “Both of you lie down. One on each side of

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me.” She watched as they got into position, and then she turned to Andon. Leaning forward, she placed a kiss in the center of his chest. Glancing down, she stared at the differences in their erections. Tarik’s was a good two inches longer, while Andon’s was a good two inches thicker. “Wow.” She cleared her throat. “I knew that you were different because of the whole procreating thing, but I never imagined you’d be this different.” Tarik jerked, his hips moving toward the side of the bed. “Does it make you uncomfortable?” She snorted and scooted over next to his hip. “Not hardly.” Softly, she rubbed her cheek against the velvety skin of his cock, and watched it grow even harder. “Stroke me,” he whispered, guiding her hand up and down his rod. He shuddered when she swiped her tongue across the shiny tip. She could see the tightness in his sac, the veins prominent on his thick shaft, as his salty, sweet taste burst across her tongue. The feel of his erection pulsing against her tongue renewed the throbbing in her pussy. Caleigh glanced up over his well-developed, lightly hairy chest and gazed into his eyes as she hollowed her cheeks and began sucking him in earnest. She maintained eye contact as she took him deeper and deeper into her throat. “Stop, Caleigh.” Tarik’s fingers curled into her hair, pulling her head up gently. “No more or I’ll be done. Give some of this attention to my brother, please.” Caleigh turned to Andon and grinned. “You ready for me, big guy?” He groaned. “Always, love.” She moved her hand to the hard head of his shaft, palming him. “Suck me, Caleigh. Take me in your mouth.” She took the tip in her mouth and swirled her tongue around it. Andon shook as she held his erection tightly between her lips.

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“Suck my cock, love. Please, I want to feel your lips sliding over me.” Her hand stroked his thick cock as it rose up from a nest of black curls. She rested her body on bent arms while her fingers fondled his balls, his stomach muscles quivering as she licked her way down the massive shaft. As she took more of him into her mouth and sucked harder and harder, he grasped her head in both hands. Her nails raked down his thighs as her teeth scraped lightly along the underside of his cock. Sucking, she wrapped her hand around his shaft and pumped up and down. “You’re killing me, love.” He clenched his hand in her hair, holding her still. “I need to be inside you, Caleigh. Right now.” Andon urged her to straddle his hips, and lowered one hand between her legs. “You’re more than ready, love.” He lifted her onto his erect shaft and pushed down, slowly impaling her. “Look how perfect my cock fits your pretty pussy.” Caleigh groaned as she lowered herself over the rigid shaft slowly. She felt Tarik’s thick, hard shaft bump against her leg. “Oh, God. Are you both gonna take me together?”

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Chapter 9 Tarik leaned forward and plunged his tongue into Caleigh’s mouth. She could still taste her own essence on his lips. “Not this time, pretty lady. We’ll wait until after our official mating to take you together.” Andon caught her hips, urging her to rise up. In one smooth thrust, he was buried balls deep inside her pussy. He held her legs tight against his hips, hard enough to leave bruises. Caleigh moaned as he speeded up his strokes, angling his thrusts higher so his shaft rubbed against her clit. Flexing his hips, he continued to pound into her, grunting with pleasure as he withdrew and thrust deeply inside her again and again, almost a frenzy of deep, stabbing thrusts. Caleigh’s inner walls clutched at his cock when she came, crying out with her peak. Groaning harshly, Andon’s eyes closed. His fingers tightened on her hips as he thrust one final time and then froze, his legs shaking behind her. He released her hips and rolled, tumbling on top of her sated body. He scooped her into a tight embrace and covered her mouth in a deep kiss. “Come on, brother. It’s my turn.” **** Andon pulled out of her and rolled to the side. Tarik climbed between her legs in his place. He knelt and took one of her feet in his hands and began to suck each of her toes in turn. Caleigh giggled. “Don’t tell me you have a foot fetish.”

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Tarik grinned. “Quiet, pretty lady.” His fingertips worked tiny circles on her inner thighs. “I have a Caleigh fetish. All of you fascinates me.” Catching her ankles, he jerked her hips free of the bed, and holding her legs against his chest, aligned his body with hers and rammed into her in one hard thrust. His shaft slid into her with ease, her channel wet and welcoming as he stretched her walls. “Tarik,” she cried out when he caught her hips, urging her higher. Her legs rose to wrap around him, her heels digging into the small of his back. Catching her buttocks in his hands, Tarik arched upward even as he bore down on her, sinking more deeply still. His shaft rubbed her slit with each rhythmic stroke. Caleigh’s fingers dug into his thighs as she arched toward him eagerly, aiding his descent with each stroke. He could feel her inner walls clamping around his shaft as he pounded into her. Groaning, she lifted her arms, looping them around his shoulders, spearing her fingers through his hair. Her hips flexed, and she cried out, her legs tightening around him almost painfully. Tarik plunged his thick cock into her again and again, gripping her hips, straining for a release. Then, a sharp tingle spread outward from his balls sending him over the edge. His orgasm tore through him like an explosion when his body seized, spilling his seed within her tight depths. Satiated, he collapsed into the wrinkled sheets, pulling her into a tight embrace. Andon moved onto the bed, behind Caleigh, and handed Tarik a warm, wet towel. “To clean up with. I’ll take care of Caleigh.” Tarik took the towel and pushed Caleigh to her back. “Thank you, brother.” He watched Caleigh blush as Andon cleaned between her thighs thoroughly. He swiped the damp cloth over his spent cock and tossed it to the floor, and then cradled Caleigh in his arms. “We want you to be a part of our family, Caleigh. Stay with us and let us show you how good a life we can have together.” ****

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Caleigh smiled as Andon snuggled up to her back, and Tarik pulled her head to rest on his shoulder. It would be so easy for her to say yes to these men. I don’t wanna go back to Earth. I don’t know how I’m gonna convince Kevin, but he’s just gonna have to do what I want for a change. She moved her head around on Tarik’s shoulder and sighed. I wonder if I’ll have any trouble getting him off-world. Technically, I don’t really have legal custody of him. Her mother had died unexpectedly, not leaving any kind of a will. Caleigh had just taken over raising her young brother, not bothering to get any legal paperwork done. Hell, it shouldn’t be a problem. I’m his only family, and I’ve been raising him all this time. I’m sure the courts would give me custody papers if I need them. She let one arm slide across Tarik’s abdomen, while her other hand closed over Andon’s arm where it encircled her waist. Content, she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep. **** “Boy, I’m not gonna ask you again. Where is your sister?” Kevin tried not to stare at the man claiming to be his father. He’d seen pictures in the books that Caleigh kept hidden in her closet, but this man didn’t look anything like those images. The man in Caleigh’s albums had kind eyes and a bright smile. This man looked old. Nearly six feet tall, he was thin and almost emaciated. His brownish-gray hair was oily and looked like it could use a good wash. The eyes were the biggest difference of all. No longer kind, they were black, nearly devoid of life. You could almost feel the evil emanating from him. “Boy, are you listening to me?” He moved to take Kevin by the arm, his fingers digging into his tender flesh. “The manager at her apartment told me she’d moved out temporarily and gave me this as a forwarding address. Where the hell is she?”

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Kevin swallowed hard against his dry mouth. He held back a scream, letting out a small whimper when his father’s fingers tightened against his skin. “I’m not telling you anything.” His hands clenched into fists in an effort to stop their trembling. “You got no respect for your elders, boy.” He let go of his arm, his hands going to his belt buckle. “Maybe a few good licks with my belt will loosen up your tongue.” Kevin watched as he pulled the belt from his waist, curling the leather around his palm. It felt like his flesh was trying to crawl off his body. What could it hurt to tell him? It’s not like he can do anything to her when she’s so far away. “She’s somewhere you’ll never get your hands on her.” He cocked his head, glaring at the young boy. “She’s my daughter, boy. She’s got no reason to fear me.” Kevin snorted. “I’m your son, and you’re threatening me with a belt.” “Where is she?” “She’s on another planet.” Kevin screamed and tried to run to the bedroom when the hand with the belt raised high in the air. Tears flooded his eyes when the burn of the leather streaked across the upper part of his legs. “I’m telling you the truth.” His father stopped, leaning back against the arm of the couch. “What planet, and why’s she there?” Kevin straightened and put a few feet between him and the old man. “She’s on Kilara, and she went to get married.” “What are you talking about?” He smirked. “She’s a lot smarter than you ever were. She’s taken care of me all her life, and now she’s making a pile of money to make our life easier.” “Is that right?” An evil grin crossed his face. “Tell me more about how well she’s provided for you in my absence.” Kevin glanced toward the door, wishing Benny’s mother would come back inside. She’d answered the knock on the door when

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Kevin’s father had showed up. He’d introduced himself and showed her identification papers proving he was Edward Davis. She’d let him in to talk to Kevin, but she’d been adamant that he would not be allowed to leave with the boy without Caleigh’s permission. Her eyes had narrowed when she told Kevin she’d be out in the back doing some gardening if he needed her. “I’m waiting.” “She signed up to be a mail-order bride.” Edward laughed. “A what?” “There’s this agency called Galactic Nuptials, and they advertise for women who’re willing to become brides to people from other planets.” “And your fool sister agreed to this?” Kevin shrugged. “Not at first. But they’re giving her a lot of credits to at least give it a try.” Edward stroked his chin. “A lot of credits, you say. How many?” Kevin pressed a hand to his stomach and licked his lips. “They’ll give her twenty-five thousand credits if she stays the whole threemonth trial period. They paid fifteen up front, and she gets the other ten in a couple of weeks.” **** “Is that a fact?” Edward Davis sat back against the couch and smiled. So, my little girl found a way to bilk some agency out of some money. She’s a lot more like me than I thought she could be. He hadn’t really expected anything when he went to his daughter’s apartment. But he’d been on a real losing streak for over a year and he hadn’t thought it could hurt to ask for a little help. “When’s she due back, boy?” “My name is Kevin.”

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Edward shrugged. “I know what your name is. Now answer my question.” Truthfully, he hadn’t known what his son’s name was. He’d left before he was born. “She’ll be home in a few weeks, if she comes home at all.” “What’s that supposed to mean?” “I talk to her every couple of days, and she’s been telling me she wants to stay there. She likes it and the men she went to marry.” “Men, as in plural?” “Yeah, she says it’s normal for their people to have two males with one female in a marriage.” “Shit, is she some kind of slut?” Kevin flew at him, knocking into his jaw with his fist. “Don’t you dare say anything bad about Caleigh. She’s a better person than you’ll ever be.” “What’s going on in here?” Mrs. Winters walked into the room, stopping just inside the door, a baseball bat in her hand. Edward smirked. “Nothing at all, ma’am. I’m sorry, Kevin. I didn’t mean anything bad about your sister. I’m sure she’s done real well raising you since your mom died.” He picked up his jacket and moved toward the door. “I’m gonna head out, but I’ll be back in a few days.” He walked over and pulled Kevin close, like he was going to hug him. “Don’t you say one word to your sister about me,” he whispered. “I’ll be back to talk to her when I’m ready. If you tell her about me, I’ll make sure your little friend and his family have a really bad accident.” He smiled down in Kevin’s white face, and nodded to Mrs. Winters. Whistling, Edward heading down the walk toward his car. I’ve got to come up with a plan for Caleigh to help me get a little payday. **** Caleigh poured food into Fidie’s bowl and giggled when his long tail wrapped around her wrist, preventing her from taking the bag of

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nuggets away. “Sorry, boy. You can’t have the whole bag.” He whined softly, rubbing his soft head against her thigh. “It’s not gonna work, Fidelius. I’m immune to your tricks.” Sighing, Fidie released his hold and buried his face in the deep bowl. A loud beeping sound echoed from the back of the house. She glanced down at the gentle pet and grinned. “Sounds like we’ve got a message coming in, Fidie.” She dropped the bag on the counter and turned toward the hall. “You enjoy your breakfast.” She walked into Tarik’s office and sat down at his desk. “Where did I put those notes?” Opening the drawer, she rifled through the papers. “Here they are.” She pulled out a table, looked over her notes, and then turned her attention to the keyboard. Let’s see. First, I press the yellow key to open communications, and it should tell me who’s calling. Her eyes widened when she saw the identity of her caller. “Okay, press the green button and I should be connected.” She watched as her brother’s image slowly came into focus. “Kevin, is anything wrong?” “No, can’t I just call because I miss you?” He was sitting back in the shadows, keeping her from getting a clear picture. What she could see alarmed her. “Kevin, you look like you’ve lost a lot of weight. Have you been sick?” “Of course not.” He lowered his gaze, not looking directly at the camera. “I guess I just don’t like the food here as well as what you cook for me.” He looked up, his eyes bright and shiny. “I miss you, Caleigh. When are you coming home?” She took a deep breath, and stared directly at the screen. “I’ve decided to stay here, Kevin. I like it here, and I’ve developed some pretty strong feelings for Tarik and Andon. I think we can have a really good life together, and I really want you to join us.” “Caleigh, I—” “No, you listen to me for a minute. I know you’re nervous about leaving Earth and your friends. But, honey, it doesn’t have to be forever. You’re only sixteen years old. In two years you can legally

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make your own decisions, and if you wanna go home then, I won’t stand in your way. You could learn so much in a couple of years, Kev. The guys are great, and they could teach you all about their operation. I can homeschool you so you’d be eligible to get your diploma when you go back. We could be a family, honey, a real family.” Kevin glared at the screen. “I thought we already were a family.” Caleigh sighed and put her elbows on the table, leaning her chin in her palm. “I thought so, too, until I spent time here. Families work together, Kevin. They love each other, no matter what. They look for ways to spend time together and work toward common goals. We’ve always loved each other, but neither of us had any idea what a real family should be like.” He brushed his hand across his eyes and leaned toward the screen. “Please, Caleigh, I need you to come home. I can’t make it here without you.” “I wanna have a life, too, Kev. I want a husband and children. I can have that if I stay on Kilara. Can’t you see that? Couldn’t you do this for me, put me first for once in your life?” Kevin jumped up so fast the chair behind him fell over on its back. “You’re being selfish as always, Caleigh. You don’t care about me as long as you’re getting what you want. Fine, stay there, I don’t care. But I’m damn sure not coming with you.” Caleigh stared openmouthed at the blank screen. He’d disconnected their call. Quickly, she pulled out her notes and attempted to reconnect to the communications terminal at the Winterses’ home. After three failed attempts, she jabbed the button to disconnect her system. “I’m selfish, always getting what I want. What the hell’s the matter with him? I’ve bent over backward for the last six years putting all his needs before mine. Don’t I deserve to have any happiness of my own?” She kicked the leg of her chair, the tension in her neck seeping down into her shoulders. “Fine, then. Be a little brat and see if I care. Pursing her lips, she yanked open the bottom drawer in the desk and

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pulled out a stack of papers. “This time, we’re doing things my way, Kevin.” Slowly, she read through the documents that would make her officially the wife of Tarik and Andon. “This is what I want.” A sense of calm, like everything was going to be okay, fell over her when she picked up a pen. “This is the right thing to do because I love them, both of them.” Bubbling laughter escaped, leaving a feeling of breathlessness as she signed and initialed each page of the mating contract. “With this pen, I thee wed.” She giggled, and leaned back in her chair. Now, I’m gonna plan the biggest celebration these guys have ever seen. Grinning, she put the contracts back in the drawer. “I’ll have to ask Andon where I send them to make everything official. And then, we’ve got to talk about making a trip to Earth so I can fetch my things, and my wayward brother.” “Caleigh, where are you?” “Hey, Andon. I’ll be right there.” She hurried down the hall and found Andon and Tarik in the kitchen. “What’re you guys doing back so soon?” “We’re heading over to the Kenta farm to help move another stump.” Her eyebrows rose. “Another one?” Andon chuckled. “Yeah, they have a lot of problems on their tract of land. I think they got the worst of the four divisions.” “But it works out in the long run.” Tarik stopped to run his hands over Fidie’s back. “When harvest time comes, they’ll pitch in so we get the crops in faster.” “That sounds fair.” Caleigh looked up when there was a knock at the door. “Hey, guys. Am I interrupting?” Freya stuck her head around the door and smiled. “Hey, Freya,” Caleigh said. “Come on in.” “Thanks. Chaim told me your men were coming over to help them pull another stump, so I thought I’d come see if you wanted some company.”

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Caleigh smiled. “I’d love some company. Can I get you something to drink?” “Sure, juice if you’ve got it.” She turned to smile at Tarik and Andon. “We really appreciate your help with the fields. Chaim said they’d be months behind in the planting if it wasn’t for the two of you.” “It’s our pleasure, Freya.” Andon slapped Tarik on the back. “Besides, we plan on taking advantage of their help when it’s time to dig the ripe paladda in a few months.” She laughed. “They’ll be ready, don’t worry.” Andon walked over to Caleigh and took her in his arms. “Be careful today, love. We’ll be gone for a while, so you might want to stick close to home. I’ve seen evidence of people from the station wandering around even though they’re not supposed to. I don’t want you running into any strangers outside when we’re not around.” She put her arms around his neck. “Don’t worry, Andon. I’ll stick to the house or the barn, I promise.” She kissed him briefly, and then turned and put her arms around Tarik. “You guys be careful. I don’t want you getting hurt.” She pushed up on her toes so she could whisper in his ear. “You’d spoil all my plans for tonight if you threw your back out.” Tarik threw back his head and laughed heartily. He kissed her quickly and swatted her behind. “I’m going to hold you to that, pretty lady.” “What?” asked Andon. “Are you guys leaving me out?” “No, I’d never leave you out.” Caleigh kissed his cheek and pushed him toward the door. “Come on, brother.” Tarik grabbed Andon’s arm and opened the door. “I’ll tell you what our naughty mate has planned for us.” Andon was still pouting when Tarik closed the door. “I’m guessing things are going well for the three of you?” Freya grinned and then took a long drink of her juice. “Things couldn’t be better.”

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“Then have you decided to stay?” Caleigh couldn’t stop the grin from spreading across her face. “Yeah, I’m staying. But I haven’t told the guys yet.” She got to her feet. “Come on, I wanna show you something.” Freya followed her down the hall, into the office. “Wow.” She walked over to Andon’s easel and gazed at the unfinished portrait of Caleigh. “Which one of them is the artist?” “Andon’s been working on that picture since the first week I arrived.” She walked over and looked over Freya’s shoulder. “He’s good, but he’s taking a little artistic license if you ask me.” “What do you mean?” Freya frowned, cocking her head as she studied the canvas. “Oh, come on.” Caleigh waved her hand toward the portrait. “I don’t look anywhere near that good. He’s made me thinner, my hair color more vibrant, and my skin tone more even. It’s good, but it’s not the real me.” Freya grinned. “It’s being painted through the eyes of a man in love.” Caleigh sighed. “You really think so?” “Yes, my friend. I’m sure those men are head over heels in love with you. Chaim and Aldo say they talk about you constantly when they’re working together in the fields.” Caleigh walked over to the desk and pulled out the signed contract. She handed it to Freya. “Take a look at these.” Freya read through the first page and looked up, a radiant smile blossoming across her face. “This is wonderful, Caleigh. Have you sent copies to the Federation council yet?” “Not yet. I wanna have a big celebration with the guys, and then we can send them in together. Kind of ceremonial, like a wedding.” “You know, you could still have a traditional Earth wedding.” “How do you know about Earth weddings?” “Many of my people have found their life-mates with Earthers. “They told me where you’re from, but I can’t remember now.”

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“We’re from Errydenia. When our world was awarded one of the spots on this planet, many wanted to come. Your men belong to a family of diplomats so there was no question that they would be allowed to come here.” “What about your men?” “There was a type of raffle to determine who could come, and Chaim’s family won. He and his family chose me as a mate, and here we are.” “Do you have other family on Errydenia?” “No, I was an only child.” Caleigh sighed. “I have a brother back on Earth, and he’s not too happy with me at the moment.” “Why not?” “This morning I told him I’m staying here and not coming back to Earth. I want him to come and live here with us.” “Your men are okay with that?” “It was Andon’s suggestion, and Tarik was all for it.” Caleigh sank into the chair behind the desk. “Unfortunately, Kevin wants no part of it. He says I’m being selfish and only thinking about myself, and he’s not leaving his home.” Freya sat down and leaned against the desk. “What will you do?” “Make him even more angry. He’s only sixteen, and by Earth’s standards, that’s not old enough to be on his own, making his own decisions. Technically, I can force him to come here, although it’s not the way I wanted things. I think he’d be happy here, if he lets himself.” “When will you tell Andon and Tarik the good news?” “I’m gonna tell them Friday. I plan on making a special dinner and baking them a chocolate cake to celebrate. They never work early on Saturday so Friday night will be a perfect time for a big celebration.” Freya clasped her hands on the table and smiled at Caleigh. “Well, my new friend, I’m especially glad of the news that you’ve decided to

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make your home here. I’m pleased to have another female living close by during the coming months.” Caleigh frowned and laid a hand on Freya’s arm. “Why? What’s going on, Freya?” “I, too, have news to share. I’m going to have a baby in a few months.” “Freya, that’s wonderful!” Caleigh jumped to her feet and rounded the desk, pulling the tall, blue-eyed woman into a hug. “Do your men know?” “Of course. They knew before I did.” “How is that possible?” “The males of my species have enhanced senses when it comes to smell. They told me they could smell the difference in my scent the morning after I conceived.” “Wow, that’s better that EPT.” “I’m sorry, what’s EPT?” Caleigh laughed. “Early Pregnancy Test. They sell them on Earth, and they’re supposed to be able to pick up an enzyme in your urine just days after you conceive or some nonsense like that.” “What about you, Caleigh? Do you plan on having children with Tarik and Andon?” “Hmm, well, I haven’t given it a lot of thought. The Galactic Nuptials doctor that did my physical gave me a couple of syringes of some kind of fertility drug. If I want children, I’m supposed to inject both of them into my thigh. They’re supposed to make my body accept the sperm from another species.” She snorted. “Of course they left out the part about them sticking an egg in me if they want a baby.” “Maybe they didn’t know, or they didn’t want to frighten you. If you’d have known about their procreating practices, would you have refused to come?” Caleigh thought for a moment and then shook her head. “No, I’d have come anyway, especially after seeing Andon’s picture.”

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Freya laughed. “Yes, he is a handsome man.” She shrugged. “You have plenty of time to decide if having children is right for you. I’d wait and spend a few years getting to know your men better. Give your brother time to adjust with him still being the center of your focus. He might not like getting upstaged by a baby.” “Good point. I hadn’t thought of that.” “Did you hear about our new neighbors arriving soon?” “What are you talking about?” “Chaim told me the third farm on this planet has been awarded to the Arridians. I can’t wait to meet them. I’ve heard such interesting and somewhat scary stories about them.” “I met one of them at the transport station the day I arrived. I didn’t see anything different about him. He just looked like a regular guy to me.” Freya shook her head. “Not regular at all. I’ve heard they can transform their bodies into anything.” “Excuse me?” “Yes, they can change form at will. They could be hiding around you, and you’d never know they were there.” Caleigh couldn’t stop her gaze from wandering around the room. Then, she laughed. “Okay, good one. When’s your baby due?” Freya frowned but sat back in her chair. “In about five months, give or take a week. We gestate for around six of the months on this planet.” “Thought of any names yet?” “It has been the central subject of at least three arguments in the last two weeks. Both of my men have relatives they want to honor.” “Nothing wrong with that.” “They both want to honor different relatives. Unless I am carrying four separate babies, someone is going to be disappointed.” “Where are you gonna have the baby? There’s no hospital on this planet.”

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“My babies will be born at home, and I was hoping you’d be there to help me.” Caleigh froze, her heartbeat racing. “Me, help deliver a baby?” “What was that?” “Huh?” “I heard a door open and shut.” “I didn’t hear anything. Let me go check.”

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Chapter 10 Tarik walked through the kitchen door and turned to Chaim. “The women are probably back in Caleigh’s room, making plans for your coming baby.” “It’s too early to make plans. She’s only a month along.” Aldo snorted. “You’re dreaming if you think she hasn’t already planned out his delivery and first year of his life.” “No, Aldo.” Caleigh walked into the kitchen followed closely by Freya. “We were only planning the birth. We thought we’d leave his first year for another visit.” Chaim threw back his head and laughed. “You tell him, Caleigh.” She smiled. “Congratulations on your coming child, gentlemen. May he be healthy and beautiful. I already know he’ll be well loved.” Chaim walked over and kissed her cheek. “Thank you, Caleigh. Your friendship means a great deal to Freya. I hope you’ll be around for many seasons to come.” “Okay, okay, get your lips off my woman, Chaim.” Andon moved close and pulled Caleigh into his arms. “Come on, Freya.” Chaim moved toward the door. “The stump turned out to have shallow roots, so we have a lot of daylight left to work on planting another field. It’ll be late when we finish, and I don’t want to have to come back for you.” Freya turned and hugged Caleigh. “I enjoyed our visit.” She glanced over at Tarik and grinned, then turned back to Caleigh. “Keep me posted on any news.” Caleigh laughed. “I will, I promise.”

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Tarik watched as Chaim and Aldo guided their woman out the door. He turned and walked down the hall to his office while Caleigh and Andon saw their guests out. Frowning, he sat down and looked at the active vid screen. “Caleigh’s been talking to someone.” “So, the stump didn’t take much time.” Caleigh walked in and sat down in the chair. “Do they have much more land to clear?” “A couple more fields and they’ll have almost as much land planted as we do.” He nodded toward the screen. “Did you leave the vid on?” She shrugged, scrunching up her nose. “I couldn’t remember how to turn it off after I disconnected from the call. I’m sorry.” “No reason to be sorry.” He cleared his throat. “Is everything okay?” Caleigh hesitated, biting her lip and lowering her gaze. “Yeah, I was just talking to Kevin.” Tarik studied her closely, but she wouldn’t let her eyes meet his. “Is he okay?” “Sure, just the same old Kevin. He still says he doesn’t wanna leave Earth, but I’m working on him.” She stood and stretched her arms above her head. “I think I’m gonna start on some lunch.” Without waiting for him to say anything, she hurried from the room. Something’s wrong. She’s being too evasive. Her brother’s trying to convince her to come back to Earth, and she’s considering it. He got up and walked over to the easel. I shouldn’t have trusted her. She’ll leave just like the others, and there’s nothing I can do about it. He thought for a minute and then smiled. “Or is there?” Tarik strolled into the kitchen and scooped Caleigh up into his arms, laughing when she let out an undignified squeak. “Where’s Andon?” he asked. “He said he was gonna catch up with Chaim and go check on their new bull.” Her arms tightened around Tarik’s neck. “He said he’d be back in time for dinner.”

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He grinned and started down the hall. “Then he’s going to miss out.” “What are you up to?” His face closed in on her neck. “You smell good.” He nuzzled her hair, breathing in the feminine, musky aroma of her skin. “I want to make love to you, Caleigh.” She groaned, tightening her arms around his neck. “What about Andon?” Tarik sat her on her feet beside the bed, letting her slide down his body. “There will be plenty of times for Andon to be alone with you.” He crushed her to him, pressing his hardness against her stomach. “Don’t you want to be alone with me?” Caleigh licked her lips and cupped him intimately. “Yes, I do, very much.” He threaded the fingers of one hand through the hair falling softly over her shoulders. “This feels like silk against my skin.” “Tarik,” she said breathlessly. He licked across the seam of her lips and then gently took her bottom lip between his teeth before capturing her mouth in a hot kiss. She opened her mouth wider, her tongue sliding against his. Tarik made his way along her jaw to the side of her neck, nibbling kisses along her smooth skin. His fingers slipped beneath her shirt, kneading her breasts through the silky material of her bra. “Let’s get you out of these clothes.” Caleigh smiled, and moved back a step. “That goes for you, too.” He began to unbutton his shirt as Caleigh pulled hers over her head. His gaze locked on her chest when she peeled her bra away from her full breasts. Cupping one of the soft globes in his hand, he thumbed her nipple back and forth. Caleigh leaned forward and pressed her hard nipples against his chest. “I love the way you feel against me.” Her hand slid down, dipping beneath the waist of his pants. “Take these off.”

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Tarik yanked his pants down, kicking them across the room. His hands went to Caleigh’s shorts. “You, too, pretty lady.” When she was naked, he swept her up and deposited her on the rumpled bed. “You’re mine now.” Reaching out, he dragged his fingertips across her hardened nubs, capturing the tips between his thumb and forefinger and squeezing gently. “I love how responsive your body is.” Caleigh blushed. “I’ve never been that way before.” “I don’t care about before. From now on, you’ll only be with us.” Tarik scraped his teeth softly over her nipple and then sucked it into his mouth. He smiled against her soft skin when Caleigh groaned harshly. His hands cupped her ass and pulled her against his hard frame. He could smell the moisture pooling between her legs. Taking her wrists in his hands, he pressed them to the headboard. “Keep your hands there, Caleigh.” “Why?” “Because I’m going to pleasure you, and I don’t want your hands getting in the way.” She frowned, her lips forming a pout. “But I wanna touch you.” He placed a soft kiss against her lips. “Not this time. This time is just for you, pretty lady.” He watched as she took a deep breath, and closed her fingers around one of the slats in the headboard. “Good girl.” He skimmed down her body, licking a trail down to her feminine curls. His hands spread her pussy lips apart, and his tongue delved inside. Her legs jerked, closing tightly against his shoulders. “I can’t keep still if you do that.” He chuckled, blowing softly against her clit. His tongue licked the length of her slit and then moved in on her clit, flicking the tiny nub back and forth. Caleigh giggled. “Your tongue tickles.” Her laughter turned to moans when he sucked her clit between his lips.

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Tarik gently pushed two fingers inside her core, while he continued sucking on her pleasure center. He glanced up at her face, his thumb rubbing her clit while his fingers slid in and out of her warmth. “I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of you, Caleigh.” “Tarik, please.” “Please what, love?” “I need to come. Make me come, Tarik.” He took her clit between his lips and turned his fingers, stroking to find the secret spot high inside her that would make her burn with fire. “Oh, God!” she screamed. Her legs tightened, her hips bucking hard as she climaxed. Tarik’s mouth was flooded with a fresh supply of her honey. “That’s it, love. Come for me.” Before her body stopped quivering, Tarik moved up, positioning himself between her spread thighs. “I need my cock in you now, Caleigh.” In one swift motion, he plunged forward, sinking into her wet pussy with one thrust. “Tarik.” She gasped. “You make me feel so full.” He released a ragged breath and drove deeply, grinding his hips against hers. His hand cupped her full breast, tweaked the nipple, and then trailed down her body to where they were joined. His thumb pressed against her clit as he rode, keeping his pace slow and steady. Tarik leaned down and growled into her mouth. “I want you to come screaming my name, Caleigh.” Holding her hip steady with one hand, he rammed into her, riding her harder and harder. He could feel her inner muscles clenching, her breath becoming shallow. Feeling his balls tighten, he scraped his nail lightly across her clit and breathed a sigh of relief when she screamed, her voice echoing through the house. Her hands left the headboard, her nails digging into his arms. Tarik thrust two more times and groaned, his own body convulsing in exquisite pleasure, his essence shooting into her warm depths. He stayed poised over Caleigh, locked in her fiery heat for a

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moment, and then slid from her body, falling to the bed and gathering her in his arms. **** She took a deep breath, her arm sliding over his side. “You guys are gonna be the death of me.” She licked some of the sweat from his chest and looked up at him through her lashes. “I’ll have to start taking vitamins to keep up with you.” Tarik’s arms tightened as he nuzzled the top of her head. “Will you sign the bonding papers now?” Her breath caught, and she lowered her eyes. “I thought you guys had agreed to give me a little more time.” She wanted to tell them together, and make a big celebration out of the signed contract. Surely they’ll be okay to wait until Friday to hear my news. “Hey, guys. You’ve been partying without me.” Caleigh looked up to see Andon standing in the doorway with a large smile on his face. “Am I too late to join in the fun?” She started when Tarik pulled from her arms and got to his feet. “Where’re you going?” He grabbed up his clothes and started toward the door. “Andon will want to spend time with you. I’ll see you both later.” He brushed by Andon and turned toward his bedroom. A moment later, she heard a door slam. Andon came and sat on the side of the bed. “What happened?” Caleigh sighed. “He wanted me to sign the commitment papers, and I asked for a few more days.” She gazed at Andon and shook her head. “Is that too much to ask? I’ve still got some time on my trial period, and I’m still trying to work things out with Kevin. Can’t the two of you just believe I’m trying to make everything right?” Andon sighed and pulled her onto his lap. “Don’t worry about Tarik, Caleigh. He’s always in a depression this time of the year. It’s not your fault.”

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She pushed back so she could see his face. “What are you talking about?” “He gets depressed on his birthday each year.” He laughed. “Actually, I think it gets worse each year, the older he gets.” “I don’t understand. He’s only twenty-five years old. Why would that be depressing?” “He sees life passing him by. He has no mate, no children, and a future on a farm that’s not stable yet. Everything’s just getting to him.” Caleigh played with the collar of Andon’s shirt. “When’s his birthday?” He grabbed her hand and pressed a kiss to her fingers. “Tomorrow.” He sighed and laid his chin on her head. “That’s why he’ll be a bear to be around today.” Caleigh snuggled her cheek against the soft cotton of Andon’s shirt and grinned. She’d move up her celebration to tomorrow. She’d make them a big dinner, with a huge chocolate cake for dessert. And for a gift, she’d wrap up the signed mating papers. She peeked up at Andon. “Don’t worry. I’m gonna give him a birthday he’ll never forget.” Andon’s hands rub up her naked back. “As much as I’d like to join you, I promised to take some of our new fertilizer over to Aldo.” He gripped her hair gently and pulled back her head. “And he’s waiting on me now.” She leaned up and kissed him on the lips, letting her tongue tangle with his. Before he could stop her, she moved off his lap and grabbed her robe off the chair. “You go ahead and get your chores done. I’ve got some plans to make for tomorrow.” Andon stood and gave her a hug. “Nothing too elaborate, love. He won’t like a big fuss.” “Oh, I’ll be careful not to go overboard.” She watched as Andon smiled, and headed toward the kitchen. Tomorrow’s gonna be the first day of our life together.

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Caleigh licked the chocolate icing from the spoon and groaned. “That’s so damn good.” She ran her finger around the inside of the bowl and held it out toward Fidie. “You wanna taste, boy?” He struggled to his feet and wandered over to the counter. He sniffed at her finger cautiously and then took an experimental lick. She laughed when his mouth closed over her chocolaty digit. “I’m guessing that means you like it.” Her laughter exploded when his tail wrapped around her hand holding the bowl. “Come on, Fidie. You can’t have the bowl.” She eyed the cake and frowned. “Maybe I better find a safe place so you don’t get your paws on my cake.” The animal growled softly when she dumped the bowl in the sink and moved the cake to a shelf inside the oven. “Sorry, boy. The cake’s to make Tarik feel better, not you.” Caleigh sighed and sat down at the table. Her fingers glided through Fidie’s hair. “What am I gonna do about Kevin, Fidie? I tried to get him on the vid this morning, but nobody’s answering at the Winterses’ house. I don’t know what to say to make him wanna come live here.” She leaned down and rubbed her chin across the animal’s head. “I love him, Fidie. Even though I love the guys, I can’t leave Kevin behind to fend for himself. I’ve gotta find a way to get him here.” She groaned and got to her feet. “I’ve gotta go feed the animals, boy. You wanna come along?” Fidie got to his feet and walked to the door, glancing back over his shoulder with a soulful look. “Guess that’s a yes.” She grabbed her hat and opened the door. “Let’s get the chores done, boy, and then we’ll get cleaned up for our party.” **** Tarik frowned at the strange transport parked in front of their house. They’d finished clearing the outer field and discovered a stray shallet carrying the Kentas’ brand. Andon had volunteered to take the sturdy animal home and told Tarik to take the rest of the day off to

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celebrate the day of his birth. Tarik snorted. “Like I want some damn celebration telling me I’m another year old with nothing to show for it.” He looked at the transport and groaned. “I hope Father hasn’t done something stupid like deciding to come for a visit.” He started toward the house and then froze. “Damn, Caleigh’s been alone with whoever it is. This could be really bad.” He hurried toward the kitchen door, rushed inside, and stopped before he’d taken three steps. “Hello, lover. Happy birthday.” Tarik’s mouth dropped open at the sight of the woman standing in his kitchen. “What are you doing here, Ilysinia?” She shrugged, and moved a step closer. “I knew it was your birthday, and I wanted to celebrate with you.” “Then I guess you don’t remember that I don’t celebrate this day.” “Come on, Tarik, loosen up. I’ve come back.” “What?” “I’ve changed my mind. I want to be your mate, yours and Andon’s.” He laughed and sat down at the table. “You don’t even like Andon, Ilysinia. Why would I believe you’ve suddenly had a change of heart?” She sighed, leaning against the counter. “I never disliked Andon. I just wanted your attention more. I realize now how important it is to you for you to share with him, so here I am. I’m ready to be a wife to you both.” He shook his head, rubbing his hand across his face. “Too little, too late, my dear. We’re no longer in the market for a mate.” Ilysinia laughed. “That’s not true. I saw your mother less than a month ago, and she said the two of you are still lonely.” She smiled slyly. “And I know you’re lying about not wanting to celebrate your birthday.” Tarik frowned. “What are you talking about?”

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She bent and opened the oven door. When she stood back up, she was holding what appeared to be a cake. “Happy birthday, love.” “You baked me a cake?” She looked down at the cake and then back at Tarik. “I wanted your birthday to be special, and I have a really good idea how I can make it even better.” “You should just go, Ilysinia. My family will be home soon.” “Not until I give you your treat.” Ilysinia put the cake down on the counter and began unbuttoning her coat. “What are you doing?” She grinned, moving her hips provocatively. “Just wait.” When the last button released, she pushed the coat off her shoulders, letting it slide to the floor. She was naked in their kitchen. “Have you lost your mind?” Tarik ran to pick up her coat. “No, darling, I’m just hungry for you.” She reached out with a finger and dragged it through the icing of the cake. Then, with a sultry look, she wiped the dark cream across her nipples. She turned to face Tarik, licking the icing from her finger. “Come on, lover. I know you’re dying for a taste.” **** “Come on, wake up, sleepyhead.” Andon gently shook Caleigh. He’d returned home from his morning chores and found her sleeping on a hay bale. They’d been keeping her up nights, making love to her sweet body, and she wasn’t getting enough rest. “Come on, love. It’s time to get up.” Caleigh groaned, and put her hand in front of her eyes. “It’s daylight?” Andon laughed. “Yes, but it’s late afternoon. Have you been here all day?” She sat up and stretched her arms above her head. “No, I spent the morning in the kitchen making a surprise for Tarik’s birthday and

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then I came out to feed the animals. I must have dozed off when I was putting the bucket back in the tenndrats’ food.” He took her arm and pulled her to her feet. “Well, come on. Tarik’s probably back in the house. He came home almost an hour before I did.” He led her toward the door. “Whose transport is parked out front?” “Huh? What’re you talking about?” “There’s a transport parked in front of the house. Have you had any visitors?” She looked out the barn door and frowned. “No, it wasn’t there earlier. You think Tarik’s got visitors?” He shrugged. “Maybe. It would be just like my dad to visit on his birthday.” He took her arm and started across the yard. “Let’s go find out who’s here.” Andon opened the kitchen door and stood back to let Caleigh go in first. He had to push her forward when she stopped right inside the door. “What’s the matter?” Caleigh’s head shook as if in denial, her hand coming up to cover her trembling lips. “No, it can’t be,” she whispered. Andon focused on his brother and cursed viciously. “What the hell is going on here?” Tarik had his arms around Ilysinia’s naked body. She had something dark spread across her breasts, and a sickeningly sweet scent filled the air. Tarik jerked back and reached for Caleigh’s arm. “Please, honey, let me explain.” Caleigh flinched away from his touch, moving away, pressing a hand against her stomach. She tripped over Fidelius on the way out of the room as she ran down the hall. “Damn it, Tarik. What the hell is she doing here?” Ilysinia picked up her coat and slipped it on. “I came back, Andon. I’ve decided I do want to be your mate.” She started toward him with a smile on her face.

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Andon barked out a laugh, raising his hand to ward off her approach. He took a shuffling step back and crumpled into a chair. “What have you done, Tarik? Did you see her face?” Ilysinia frowned and moved to stand next to Tarik. “Don’t blame Tarik for the way he feels. Your little friend will just have to go back to wherever she came from.” “Is that what you want, Tarik? You want Caleigh to leave and for this bitch to come back?” “Don’t you dare call me a bitch. I’m prepared to be a mate to both of you because that’s what Tarik wants.” Tarik scowled, sneering at Ilysinia with eyes that were cold and flinty. His fists clenched at his sides as he moved toward his former lover. “What I want is for you to get the hell out of our house. You’re never going to be our mate, Ilysinia, never. We love Caleigh, which is more than we ever felt for you.” He walked over and opened the door. “You have five minutes to get off our property or I’ll call the landing station and have them send someone out to drag you off.” Her eyes narrowed, her lips moving to form a pout. “I can’t leave, and you know it.” Tarik frowned and looked at Andon. “I have no idea what you’re talking about now.” Ilysinia crossed her arms over her chest and narrowed her eyes. “You don’t remember that my license doesn’t allow me to drive after dark. I had to rent the transport at the landing station, and they know the restriction. If I arrive back after the suns go down, they could take away my license permanently.” She lifted her chin sharply. “I’d planned on spending the night here and one of you would take the transport back tomorrow.” Andon sighed, rubbing the area between his eyes with two fingers. “We’ll have to take her back. She can’t spend the night here.” Tarik growled and opened the door. “Fine, you drive her transport and I’ll follow and bring you back.”

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“Wait.” Ilysinia stepped toward the living area. “I need to clean up before we go. I can’t drive back with this icing on me.” Andon groaned, running his hands through his hair. “Make it fast, Ilysinia. Do a quick washup and get back in here.” He looked over at Tarik standing in the doorway. “I’m going to see if Caleigh’s okay and let her know we’ll be out for a while.” Tarik nodded. “I didn’t plan this, Andon. I had no idea she’d be back.” “I know. It’s okay as long as you don’t want her to stay.” He snorted. “Not likely. I want her gone so I can make things right with Caleigh.” “Okay, go get the transport out, and we’ll join you in a minute.” Andon walked down the hall to Caleigh’s door and listened. He couldn’t hear anything. “Caleigh, are you okay?” He tapped lightly on the door. “Go away, Andon. I need to be alone for a while.” He sighed, leaning his forehead against the cool wood. “Don’t be angry with us, love. We didn’t invite her here, and we’re taking her back to the station.” He tapped on the door again. “Caleigh, can you hear me?” “Yes, just get rid of her, Andon.” “Okay, love. We’re going to have to drive her back.” The door flew open, and Caleigh glared at him, her eyes reddened from crying. “Why? She drove herself here.” “It’s a long story, but her license doesn’t allow her to drive after dark. She doesn’t have time to make it back to the station before the suns set, so we’ll have to take her. I’m going to drive her transit and Tarik will follow in ours. We’ll be back in a few hours. Will you be okay? Do you want to come with us?” She sniffed, and wiped her hand across her eyes. “I’ll be fine and no, I have no desire to come with you while you take that bimbo home. Just hurry back.” She reached up and kissed his cheek. “I need

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some time alone. Tell Tarik I’ll talk to him when you get back.” She stepped back and closed the door. “Well, hell. That didn’t go very well.” Andon joined Tarik in the kitchen. “Is she ready to go?” “She hasn’t come out of the bathroom.” Andon walked to the kitchen door and yelled. “Ilysinia, get your ass out here. We need to be leaving.” “Take a look outside, Andon. There’s a storm heading this way.” He walked over and stepped out onto the porch. The air was heavy with a hint of electricity in the breeze. Heavy, dark clouds blanketed the sky. “Damn, we’re in for a good one.” “Okay, gentlemen, I’m ready to go.” Ilysinia walked out and pulled her coat more closely around her body. “Let’s get moving.” Tarik walked away without a word and got into their transit. Andon took her arm and led her to the passenger door of the rented unit. “Let’s go. I don’t want to be gone any longer than we have to.” **** Tarik sighed when Andon jumped into the cruiser and buckled his restraint. “Let’s go. The weather’s getting worse. I’d like to be home before the storm hits if we can.” Andon nodded, and leaned forward to look at the sky. “We’re probably going to get some hail with this one.” “I can’t keep doing this, brother.” Andon cocked his head, giving Tarik a long look. “Doing what?” “Dealing with Caleigh. She took one look and assumed the worst and ran away. She’ll keep nitpicking, looking for reasons to keep us apart, and I don’t want to live like that.” Andon groaned and leaned his head back on the seat. “Don’t talk like that. If you’d just tell her you love her, everything would fall into place. Hell, she likes you enough to plan a birthday surprise for you. I think you can cut her some slack after her finding you holding a

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naked woman in your arms that was covered in the icing for your birthday cake.” He laughed. “Hell, she worked so hard to get ready for tonight she wore herself to a frazzle. I found her asleep in the barn when I got home.” “Come on, Andon, face facts. She’s not right for the rigorous life on a farm. Finding her asleep in the barn is proof of that. When it finally gets to be too much, she’ll take off on us, leaving us high and dry.” “You’re wrong, Tarik. She’s got what it takes to be a farmer’s mate, and she’s exactly what we need to be happy.” Tarik shook his head and took off without another word.

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Chapter 11 Caleigh jumped when thunder rattled the foundation of the house, huge lightning bolts streaking down from the sky. She gripped her hands together in an effort to keep them from shaking. Her pulse hammering, she held her breath, waiting for the next loud sound. She stroked Fidie’s head when he pressed against her leg. “I don’t know what to do, boy. The wind’s blowing so hard the plants are lying over. At this rate, they might break off.” “What the hell?” Tiny white balls bounced merrily around on the porch. “Shit, it’s hailing.” She grabbed Tarik’s hat, opened the door and ran for the barn, Fidie close on her heels. The hail would crush the plants if she didn’t do something. “Okay, Fidie, they should work.” She ran to the stack of boxes in the corner. “These had plants in them originally, Fidie. If we use them to cover the plants now, we can save them from getting crushed.” Looking around, she spotted the wheelbarrow and brought it over, loading as many of the boxes as she could. “Okay, boy. You stay here where it’s safe, and I’ll hurry back.” Caleigh pushed the boxes toward the field and began covering the plants. The boxes were long enough to protect six plants in a row. She hurried to get them in place, skipping over the ones that were already crushed. When she ran out of boxes, she rushed back to the barn. “What else can I use?” Stacked in another corner were empty flowerpots and some washtubs. She made her way back to the garden, small pellets of ice pummeling her arms and shoulders. “No!” She screamed as her hat sailed away in the breeze. Trembling, she placed

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the last of the containers over the plants and turned back to the barn. The hail was getting larger, and falling more rapidly. She cried out, her hand moving to cover her scalp, when several of the large, hard balls of ice hit her forehead. Tears welled in her eyes when her fingers came back covered in blood. She raised her arms for protection and raced for the barn, tripping as she reached the door. Dizzy and disoriented, she dragged herself inside the warm enclosure. Fidelius licked her cheek, his tail curving around her arm tightly. Caleigh smiled at the animal as blackness closed in around her. **** Tarik cursed, slamming his hand against the dashboard of the transit. “This is going to kill us.” He looked out at the balls of hail pounding into the transport’s paint and grimaced. “The plants can’t withstand this yet. The roots haven’t taken hold.” Andon placed his hand on Tarik’s arm. “Be calm, brother. Losing your temper won’t help. Maybe the storm hasn’t reached the farm yet. We might still be able to salvage some of the plants.” “Don’t be a fool, Andon. You saw the clouds before we left. It probably hit the farm first.” He shook his head. “If Ilysinia hadn’t shown up, we could have been prepared for this.” “Hold it together, Tarik. We’re almost home. I just hope Caleigh stayed in the house.” Tarik pulled the transit up in front of the house and was out the door before the engine stopped growling. He raced toward the field and stopped. The ground was blanketed in small melting balls of ice. But what caught his attention were the rows and rows of boxes in the field. He moved closer and lifted one from the ground. “Well, I’ll be damned.” Underneath the box were six healthy paladda plants. “What the hell are the boxes doing in the field?”

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Tarik motioned for Andon to come closer. “She’s protected the plants from the ice.” He looked out over the field. “Looks like she managed to save about a third of the crop.” Andon looked around, his mouth dropping open. “You mean Caleigh did this?” Tarik nodded and picked up another box. “Who else would have covered them?” Andon laughed. “The woman you said would never withstand the rigorous life on a farm saved a third of your crop from a freak storm.” Tarik laughed, and ran his fingers through his hair. “Okay, I’m man enough to admit when I’m wrong.” He turned and motioned toward the house. “Let’s go thank our woman.” Not waiting for Andon, he raced toward the house, calling her name when he barreled through the door. “Caleigh, where are you?” “Maybe she’s in the bathroom.” Tarik rushed down the hall, throwing open the bathroom door. “She’s not here.” Andon snapped his fingers. “She’s probably still in the barn and didn’t hear us drive up.” “Right.” Tarik tore out of the house, racing across the yard to the barn. “Caleigh.” He turned to the side door when Fidelius barked. “No,” he screamed, racing toward the prone figure. He dropped to his knees beside Caleigh’s body. “Is she alive?” Tarik nodded, gently turning her to her back. “She’s got some bruising on her legs. The damn fool woman didn’t even take time to put on long pants.” “Look at her head.” Two large gashes near her hairline oozed blood, the area around them turning dark with bruising. Tarik softly smoothed back her hair. “The cuts aren’t deep.” “Why isn’t she awake?” Tarik trailed his fingers over her scalp. “She’s got several bumps on her head. She probably got knocked out by the ice.” Sliding his

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arms under her back and legs, he lifted her off the ground. “Let’s get her cleaned up and then we can pick up all the boxes in the field.” “Okay, I’m right behind you, brother.” Tarik carried her into her bedroom and placed her on top of the spread. “Andon, get a pan of warm water, some soap, and a few clean towels.” “I’m on it.” Tarik bent close to Caleigh’s ear. “Wake up, love. You need to wake up and see that we’ve come back to you.” He looked up when Andon came in carrying a large washbasin. “What do you want me to do?” “Get on the vid and call the doctor back home. He’ll be able to tell us what to do.” “What do I tell him?” “That she’s got evidence on her head of getting hit by the hailstones and two open cuts on her forehead. Let him know she’s not waking up, and that she’s warm to the touch and breathing okay.” “Okay, I’ll be back in a few minutes.” Tarik watched him go, and closed his eyes. “God above, take care of our woman.” “Tarik, what happened?” Caleigh’s voice was weak and choppy. She struggled to sit up. “No, love, don’t try to move.” Tarik sat beside her, holding her shoulders to the bed. “You had an accident out in the barn. It looks like the hail knocked you out.” He leaned down and kissed her lightly on the lips. “You saved us, love. You saved enough of the plants to ensure we have a good crop.” He bent his head, closed his eyes, and sighed. “I can’t tell you how much that means to us.” “Is she awake?” asked Andon. “Yes, she just woke up. What did the doctor say?” “He wasn’t overly concerned as long as she keeps breathing and wakes in the next hour. He wants us to watch her tonight, and he’ll be here in the morning to check her over. If she worsens, call him

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immediately and he’ll have an Earth doctor brought on a special shuttle.” “I don’t think that’ll be necessary. Do you hurt anywhere, Caleigh?” She shook her head slowly. “Nothing except a killer headache, but that’ll go away soon enough.” “Just lie back and let us take care of you, please.” Andon took her hand and held it to his lips. “It would kill us if anything happened to you.” Tarik took one of the towels and dampened it in the water. “Relax, little one. This may hurt a little, but I need to get rid of the dirt around the wounds.” He began to gently cleanse the area.” “How many?” she asked. “How many what?” Tarik cringed when she winced. “How many did we lose?” “Oh, love.” He cupped her cheek in his hand and smiled. “It’s not how many we lost that’s important. You saved a third of our crop. As hearty as the paladda is, the healthy plants left will spread all over the field by next year. What you did was amazing, Caleigh.” He raised her hand and kissed her wrist. “You have saved the farm for our people. We can never thank you enough.” “He’s right, love.” Andon came over and sat on the side of the bed. “What made you think to use the boxes?” She shrugged. “They were the first thing I saw when I ran to the barn. I just knew something had to be done or we’d lose everything.” “I like the sound of that.” Tarik smiled at her, tweaking the tip of her nose. She frowned. “The sound of what?” “The word we. I like that you’re thinking of this as your home, too.” Caleigh blushed, and lowered her gaze. “I’m awfully tired now. Do you think we could talk about this tomorrow?”

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“Sure, honey.” Tarik threw the damp towel into the bowl and fluffed the pillows behind her head. “Do you need anything else?” She held out her arms. “Could you both lie down with me and just cuddle for a while?” “Absolutely.” Andon stripped off his shoes and lay down on one side, while Tarik shucked all of his clothes but his briefs and curled up next to her warm body. Caleigh sighed. “Did you get your guest returned to wherever she came from?” Tarik rose up on his elbow and studied her face. “She’s gone, and she won’t be back. I never invited her here, love. I swear to you I had no idea she would show up.” She put her fingers over his lips. “Shhh, it’s okay, Tarik. She’s gone, and that’s all that’s important. I know you didn’t invite her, so she doesn’t matter. As far as I’m concerned, it’s forgotten.” She caressed his cheek and gave him a weak smile. “I am sorry she messed up your birthday dinner. I wanted it to be something you’d never forget.” Andon snorted. “I don’t think he’ll ever be able to forget this birthday.” Tarik grimaced, while Caleigh smacked Andon on the arm. “Okay, enough jokes at my expense. You’re right, love. It’s a subject best forgotten now, and we’ll move on. Thank you for trying to give me a birthday celebration.” He cleared his throat. “What did you do with the cake?” She groaned. “I couldn’t bear to look at it after seeing my icing smeared all over her fake boobs, so I tossed it.” Andon frowned. “You threw it somewhere?” “Tossed it. It means I tossed it into the trash.” “Ah, good plan.” Tarik trailed his fingers up her arm. “Fake boobs?”

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Caleigh rolled her eyes. “I know you’re not dumb enough to argue with me about whether her boobs were really that great. I’m saying they had to be fake, and you’d better agree with me.” Tarik looked at Andon and frowned when he winked. He sighed. “Right, she had fake, awful boobs.” Caleigh laughed, and then yawned. “Snuggle in, guys. I’m ready for some rest, and it feels good to be curled up in your warmth.” Tarik snuggled closer, his arm across her middle. He lay his head next to hers on the pillow and closed his eyes. **** “But I’m telling you, I feel much better.” Caleigh sighed and watched Tarik pace back and forth in the large kitchen. “I promise I won’t do anything while you’re gone.” “Damn it, it’s just not fair.” She sighed. He’d been ranting for the past two hours. They’d received a vid message from one of the board members of the Federation of Planets. The Arridians were arriving in the afternoon to take up residence, and each of the current families living on Kilara was required to attend the welcoming party. There were no exceptions made to the summons. “The doctor said you aren’t injured, but you show signs of exhaustion. He told us to make you take it easy for a few days so you would heal back to full strength.” “Yes, I was sitting right next to you when he told you.” Caleigh rolled her eyes. “I promised I would take it easy, and I meant it. Besides, your friend would be hurt if you didn’t show up to say hello.” Tarik frowned. “What friend is she talking about?” “Zintssar was passing through on a transport at the station when Caleigh arrived. I introduced them when I picked her up.” Andon set a glass of lemonade down in front of Caleigh. “Drink up, love.”

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“I’m just gonna rest, maybe read a little, and call my brother while you’re gone. I promise not to do anything that will cause me to break a sweat while you greet the new neighbors.” She blinked at them flirtatiously. “I might even have a surprise waiting for you when you get home.” Tarik sat down and pulled her chair close to his. “What kind of surprise, pretty lady?” She laughed, shaking her head. “Nope, I’m not that easy. You’ll have to wait until you get home.” Andon stood and pointed to the clock. “We’d better get moving, Tarik, or we’ll be late.” He took Caleigh’s hand and kissed her palm. “I don’t know how late we’ll be. Sometimes the welcoming speeches are a little long-winded, and we can’t leave until the entire celebration is over. It would be considered a grave insult to walk out.” “No problem. I’m gonna take my book into the office and read while I wait for the call to go through to Kevin. I haven’t talked to him in a couple of days, and you know how worried I’ve been about him.” Tarik kissed her head. “Don’t worry, love. He’ll come around in time.” He walked toward the door. “Come on, brother. You can drive while I nap.” Andon frowned, walking behind him. “Shouldn’t I be the one giving orders? I am the oldest.” Tarik laughed. “Only in years. In maturity and strength, I’m years older.” Caleigh was still laughing when they slammed the door. She glanced at Fidie. “They’re quite a pair, aren’t they, boy?” She stood and placed her glass in the sink. “I’m off to the office, Fidie. If you get bored, come and join me.” He closed his eyes and buried his snout between his paws. “Guess you’re gonna rest, too.” She sat down at the desk and pulled out her notebook. Checking the time, she frowned. “If I’m right, it’s about two in the afternoon at home on Earth.” I better give him another hour or so. He’s always

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out with his friends until dinnertime. Picking up one of the romance novels she’d brought with her, she settled back in Tarik’s comfortable chair and began to read. She yelped and dropped her book when the vid started beeping, signaling an incoming message. She quickly connected and smiled when Kevin’s face appeared on her screen. Her smile quickly turned to a frown when she got a good look at his face. “What’s wrong, Kev?” His skin was pale, his eyes red-rimmed and puffy. A dark shadow on his cheek looked suspiciously like a bruise. His hands fisted at his sides, his posture rigid and unyielding. “Answer me, Kev. What’s wrong?” “I need you to come home now, Carleigh. You need to come today.” She sighed. “Honey, I told you I’ve decided to stay and marry Andon and Tarik.” “That’s quite a little scam you have going, daughter dear.” Caleigh gasped when a man took Kevin’s place on the screen. She hadn’t seen him in almost seventeen years, but there was no mistaking his identity. “What are you doing there, Daddy?” He laughed and pulled a resisting Kevin closer. “I think it would sound a little more mature for you to call me Father.” She crossed her arms across her chest. “All right, Father. What are you doing there?” He ruffled Kevin’s hair. “My boy here told me what a good scam you got going to get money out of these Galactic folks, and I want in on the action.” “There’s nothing left.” She glanced at Kevin and then back at her father. “We only got the down payment, and all of it went to pay off the bills left over from Mother’s illness and funeral.” She shrugged. “I won’t get anything else unless I marry them.” She’d give him the remaining money when she married, if she’d thought he would take it and go. It would be worth any amount to keep him out of Kevin’s life.

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He shook his head, tightening his grip on Kevin until the boy cried out. “I’ve got a better idea, girl.” “Leave him alone, Daddy.” She narrowed her eyes. “I’m not gonna listen to anything you say as long as you’re hurting him.” He laughed and pushed Kevin into a chair. “I got me a friend that can make up papers for you in different names.” “What are you talking about?” “I checked. Galactic Nuptials has multiple offices on Earth, as well as other friendly planets. We get you some fake paperwork and you can visit different offices and sign up to be a bride. If they’re giving twenty-five thousand credits as a down payment for just three months of your time, we could be rich inside of two years.” “You mean you’d be rich.” “Always knew you had some smarts.” She snorted. “How the hell would you know? You didn’t stick around long enough to know anything about me.” “Watch your mouth, missy. You’re gonna get your ass back to Earth, and then you’ll go on a few of these bride gigs several times a year for me.” He glanced down at Kevin and winked. “We’ll be partners.” “You’re crazy. I’m not gonna work for you. I’m staying on Kilara and getting married.” He chuckled, the sound cold and flat. “You’ll work for me, or I’ll disappear with your little brother.” “What?” she cried. “You heard me, girl. I’ll take him, and you’ll never see him again.” “Don’t listen to him, Caleigh. I won’t go with him.” He turned around and raised his hand, laughing when Kevin raised his arms to block the hit. “I’m still the boy’s father, Caleigh. I did my homework, girl. You never had yourself appointed his legal guardian, which means he’s mine to take anywhere, anytime I want.” He turned

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back to the screen and gave her a wicked grin. “What’s it gonna be, girl?” Caleigh clasped her hands together to keep them from shaking. “I’ll come back right now. There’s one docked at the station here today. If I hurry, I can be on it and home within the week.” “Hold up, missy. Don’t be telling them men you’re whoring around with why you’re leaving. You make up some excuse they’ll believe so they won’t come looking for you.” He shook his finger at the screen. “Don’t just up and disappear without telling them anything. You want them to think you’ve changed your mind and decided marriage is not for you. Do you understand?” Feeling cold inside, Caleigh nodded. “I understand.” “Then we’ll be seeing you soon. I’ve rented me a little place on the south side. Take down this address.” She pulled a pen out of the drawer and wrote his address on her tablet. Taking a deep breath, she looked up into Kevin’s tortured face. “Be good until I get home, Kevin. I promise I’ll take care of everything.” “Don’t you worry none about Kevin.” He pulled the boy from the chair and hugged him under his arm. “It’s time I got to know my son, so he’s coming to live with me until you get home.” He laughed. “I’m sure that’ll give you incentive to hurry.” He moved closer to the screen. “You get home right quick, Caleigh. The faster you get home, the healthier your little brother will be.” “No!” she cried out as the screen went blank. He’d disconnected the call. “Damn it. I should’ve known things couldn’t last.” She didn’t have any doubt that her father would harm Kevin if she didn’t do as he said. Sitting at the desk, she wrote a quick note to Andon and Tarik, telling them how sorry she was, but she just didn’t think life on a farm suited her. “Sorry, guys,” she whispered. “I can’t think of anything to tell you that will make it easier.” She wiped a tear from her cheek and ripped the sheet with her father’s address from the tablet.

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Crying, she pulled the directory from Tarik’s desk and made a call to the stationmaster. She watched as the screen connected to a short, portly man. “Hello, I need to order a transit from the Castir farm to the station as soon as possible. I’d like to leave on the afternoon shuttle.” “Just a moment.” He ruffled through the papers on his desk and then turned his attention back to Caleigh. “We have one in your area that took some tourists on a sightseeing ride around the planet. Can you be ready in twenty minutes? I can have him swing by and pick you up on his way back.” She nodded. “Yes, that’ll be perfect.” “Keep watch then. He’ll be in a bit of a hurry if you’re to make the shuttle.” “I will, and thank you.” She sighed when the screen went black and went to pack a small bag. She was going home. **** Tarik came running into the kitchen. “She’s not in the barn either.” They’d been home for about twenty minutes and had been searching for Caleigh. “She’s not here.” Andon handed Tarik a piece of paper. “What’s that?” “She left us a note.” “A note?” He reached out and grabbed it out of Andon’s hand. “Where the hell is she?” He glanced at the paper, reading it quickly, and then took a deep breath and read it again. “Damn it.” His foot kicked the kitchen chair when he crumbled the note and tossed it across the room. “She lied to us.” Andon sighed, sitting in a chair at the table. “What are you talking about?” “She lied to us. Telling us how happy she was, and that she had some surprise for when we got home.” He yanked open the fridge and

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pulled out a bottle of wine. “She was never going to stay with us. She let us build our hopes up and then yanked them out from under us.” Turning up the bottle, he took a healthy swig. “I told you she wasn’t cut out for life on a farm, but you wouldn’t believe me.” “We could still catch her,” Andon said quietly. “What are you talking about?” “The shuttle doesn’t leave for a while. We could still make it to the station and bring her back.” Tarik slammed the bottle on the table so hard some of it splashed over his fingers. “Forget it. She’s made her choice to go home, and we don’t need her. The crops aren’t going to fail, and we’ll be granted permanent status here without a mate.” “But I love her, Tarik. Hell, we both love her.” “It doesn’t matter. It’ll pass.” He turned and moved toward the hall and then stopped when someone knocked. “Maybe Caleigh came back.” Andon jumped to his feet and opened the door. “Hey, guys.” Chaim walked in, followed by Aldo and Freya. “We’ve been talking with Zin and his brothers, and they want to take a look at your paladda plants.” Andon nodded to the three Arridian brothers when they walked through the door. “That’s great. We’d be happy to show you around.” Freya peeked around the living room door. “Where’s Caleigh?” “She’s gone.” Tarik got out some more wine glasses and another bottle. “Would everyone like a drink?” Freya frowned. “Gone where?” Andon sighed. “She went back to Earth. She said she wasn’t happy here.” Freya’s eyes widened. “She told you she wasn’t happy here?” Tarik laughed. “No, she left us a note telling us.” ****

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Freya could barely believe what the men were saying. There’s no way her friend would have left willingly. She put her hands on her hips and advanced on Tarik. “Are you crazy? Did you at least look for her?” “Freya!” yelled Chaim. “You’ve no business talking to our neighbor that way.” He took her arm and pulled her to stand between him and Aldo. “You apologize immediately.” Freya glanced at the Arridians when one of them snickered, and then turned her gaze to Tarik. “No, I won’t apologize. Caleigh loved it here and had decided to stay. She wouldn’t have left on her own unless you did something terrible to her.” “Freya, stop this right now.” Chaim turned her toward the door. “We’re taking our little troublemaker home, Tarik. I’m sorry if she’s added to your grief.” “Wait.” Freya pulled her arm from Chaim’s hold. “I know all about her brother tricking her into coming here. She originally planned to leave after her three-month trial period so they could keep the money, but changed her mind when she fell in love with the two of you. She wouldn’t have walked away from you without a really good reason.” **** Tarik sighed, and picked up Caleigh’s note. “Freya, the fact that she thought about staying here for only three months to get the money just proves that we’re right. She wasn’t cut out to live her life on a farm. She was too delicate, too much a city girl. She wasn’t happy being away from her brother, and Kevin refused to come here to live with her.” He handed her the note. “See for yourself, Freya.” She scanned the note and shook her head. “You’re wrong about her, and I can prove it.”

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Chapter 12 Tarik watched as Freya marched down the hall toward his office. He and her men followed along behind her. “What the hell do you think you’re doing, Freya?” Chaim stepped behind the desk when she started rifling through the drawer. “Here it is.” She pulled a stack of papers out and handed them to Tarik. “This is how much she loved you.” Tarik took the papers and studied them, with Andon reading over his shoulder. “I don’t understand.” Freya sighed. “What’s to understand? She loves the two of you so much, she signed the mating contract.” “Did she send it to the council?” asked Andon. “I don’t think so. She told me she was making you a nice dinner, and baking a cake to make it a big celebration. She said she wanted you to tell her where to send the signed papers, and you could make it into a ceremony like the Earth weddings.” She frowned, and looked toward the hall. “Did she pack all her clothes?” Andon raced down the hall, and a moment later came back, his face frozen in a scowl. “It doesn’t look like she took anything with her.” “Where the hell could she be?” Tarik sat down at the desk, looking at her signature on their mating contract. Why did you leave, love? “She has to be at the transport station. The shuttle hasn’t left yet.” “What is that noise?” asked Freya. Tarik listened and realized the vid was on. He looked at Andon. “Did you get a message before we left?”

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“No, I haven’t talked to anyone except the doctor in over a week.” Tarik pulled the keyboard out and typed in his access code. He brought up a list of calls and frowned. “This shows Kevin called her a couple of hours ago.” Chaim leaned over the desk. “Does your vid automatically record each call like ours does?” “Yes, it does.” Tarik brought up the correct file and pressed play. Everyone gathered around the screen while they listened to Caleigh’s conversation. “Damn it to hell.” Andon pushed his easel to the floor. “We should have been here to stop her. We could have found a way to help Kevin.” Zin moved forward. “It’s not too late to go get her.” Tarik shook his head. “When we were at the station for your welcoming party, we heard the stationmaster letting his people know the shuttle would be leaving a couple of hours early today because they weren’t picking up any passengers. They should’ve taken off about fifteen minutes ago.” “That’s not a problem, friends.” Zin moved forward and placed his hand on Tarik’s shoulder. “We have our own shuttle.” Tarik blinked twice, gazed at Andon, and then turned back to Zin. “You have your own shuttle.” He smiled. “Yes, and it’s much faster than the commercial carrier. If we leave now, we can be on Earth before your lady arrives.” “Then what are we waiting for?” Chaim clapped Andon on the back. “I’m coming with you, neighbor.” “Yes,” Freya cried. “That’s a wonderful idea. You may need help with her nasty father.” Tarik turned to Aldo. “Are you okay with that?” “Absolutely. You go and bring your woman back.” Tarik bowed his head and then turned to Andon. “Let’s go bring our woman and her brother home.”

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**** Caleigh walked down the street looking for the apartment where her father was staying. The rough bricks of the building felt gritty beneath her hand as she made her way around an overturned garbage can on the sidewalk. She shuddered at the litter crunching under her feet, the grime sticking to her shoes. Empty liquor bottles and broken glass lined the walkway, the smell of mildew and urine heavy in the air. The far-off sound of a siren wailing had her quickening her steps. A flickering streetlamp highlighted the number of the apartment she sought. Making her way carefully around the cracked pavement, she took a deep breath and knocked on the door. She grimaced when some of the peeling paint came off on her knuckles. “It’s about damn time you got here.” Edward Davis grabbed Caleigh’s arm and jerked her into the apartment. “What the hell took you so long?” She sighed. “It took five days to get here by shuttle, Daddy. I came straight here from the station.” She glanced around the filthy room. “Where’s Kevin?” He nodded toward a closed door. “He’s asleep in the bedroom.” Grinning, he walked over and sat down on the couch. “Did you have any problems getting away from your lovers?” Caleigh clasped her hands together to control her trembling and moved closer to the bedroom door. “No, they were away on business when I left.” Edward frowned. “You left them a note like I told you? I don’t want them searching for you.” She sighed. “Yes, I left them a note saying I’d changed my mind about marriage. They won’t come after me.” With a sinking heart, she realized her words were true. She knew when Tarik read the note, he’d be sure he was right about her all along. “Don’t worry, missy. I’ve got everything planned out. Tomorrow, we’ll rent us a car and head north. Galactic Nuptials has another

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office about three hundred miles from here. We can pick up the papers for your new identity on the way.” “Fine, then I’ll take Kevin home, and we’ll meet you here in the morning.” She took another step toward the bedroom. “Is he okay?” Edward shrugged. “He’s fine, but you’re not going to relax until you see for yourself, so go ahead.” Caleigh nodded. “Thanks.” She walked over and opened the door, squinting to make out his form on the bed in the dark room. She cried out when her father grabbed her from behind, his hand clamping firmly over her mouth. “You didn’t really think I was gonna let you leave with the little brat, did you?” He pulled her roughly to the bed and forced her to sit on the mattress. Her eyes widened when she saw Kevin clearly. He was handcuffed to the bed, a cloth of some kind tied around his head as a gag. A large purple and black bruise covered the right side of his face. She turned her gaze to her father in time to see him drag her hand toward the headboard where another handcuff awaited. “Listen to me, Caleigh.” He leaned in close and looked into her eyes. “I don’t wanna hurt you, but I will if you put up a fuss. I’m willing to leave the gag off because I know how much you love your brother. So, this is the deal. If you behave, and do not make any noise, baby brother will stay safe and well. Disobey me in any way, and he takes your punishment. Do you understand?” Caleigh gritted her teeth and nodded. She gasped and breathed in deeply when he removed his hand from her mouth. “Why are you doing this?” she sobbed. “He’s your son. How can you hurt him this way?” Edward laughed. “Is that what your mother told you?” He walked over and looked down at Kevin. “He’s not my son, Caleigh. Your mother tried to pull a fast one on me, but it didn’t work.” “You’re lying. My mother wasn’t like that.”

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“Like what? A whore?” He walked around the bed, his nostrils flaring, his fists clenched at his side. “Do you remember your Uncle James, Caleigh?” She frowned. “Of course. Uncle James is your brother, although he hasn’t been around since you ran off.” He laughed. “No, he wouldn’t have been. Your mother decided she liked James better than me, and your brother is the result of their affair.” “You’re lying.” “No, honey, I’m not. James admitted it.” “Then where is he? If what you’re saying is true, he’d never have left Mom.” “He wanted to marry her, but I wasn’t about to let the two of them ride off into the sunset together.” Caleigh’s breath caught. “Where is Uncle James, Daddy?” “He ain’t coming back, girl.” He walked over to look out the window. “I couldn’t let them be together. It just wasn’t right.” He shrugged. “I couldn’t hurt your mother, though. I still loved her no matter how she betrayed me.” His glance went to Kevin. “I just couldn’t make myself raise my brother’s child, and your mother refused to get rid of the little bastard. So, I left before he was born.” Caleigh’s world seemed to slow down as a heaviness settled over her chest. Her eyes filled with tears, one escaping to trickle down her cheek. “You really are insane.” He laughed. “Maybe, but I’m gonna be the center of your world for the next few years. We’ll hit every office this Galactic place has and collect their down payments, and then maybe I’ll let you and your little brother get back to your lives.” She sighed, blinking back her tears. “I’ll do whatever you want, but please, promise me you won’t hurt Kevin. Even if what you say is true, it’s not his fault. He didn’t get to choose who his dad was.” Edward studied her for a moment and then turned his gaze to Kevin. “Maybe you’re right, but I can’t help but see my brother’s face

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every time I look at him. You do what I say, and keep him in line, and he’ll stay safe. That’s all I can promise.” He walked toward the door. “Get some sleep, Caleigh. You’ll need to look your best tomorrow.” He walked out, closing the door behind him. Caleigh turned her head to look at Kevin. He glared at her, the cloth gag digging tightly into the skin of his cheek. “Are you okay?” Her heart ached when he shook his head, a single tear sliding down and absorbed by his gag. “Don’t be scared, Kev. I’m gonna do everything I can to get us out of this. I won’t let him hurt you anymore.” Her heart broke when he shut his eyes and turned his face toward the far wall. “I know you don’t believe me, but try not to give up. I swear I’ll get us out of here.” She looked around the room, struggling to pull her hand from the metal cuff. Tarik, Andon, I wish you were both here. **** “Damn it, how could we have missed her?” Tarik studied the map they’d purchased at the transport station and cursed viciously. Zin pulled the map from his hand and sighed. “I’m sorry, friend. Her shuttle is public transportation and cleared the customs agents rather quickly. They were a lot more suspicious of my private ship.” It’s not your fault, Zin.” Andon laid his hand on the Arridian’s shoulder. “We’re grateful for your help.” “Let’s hire one of their cabs.” Zin held the map up, pointing to a spot near the corner. “I’ve found the address we’re looking for on the map.” Tarik moved toward the street. “Then let’s go. She’s got a good two-hour head start on us.” Tarik curled his lip, watching a pair of dogs digging through the refuse lying on the ground in the dark alley. The smell of urine and vomit carried on the light breeze. Shouting followed by the sound of

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glass breaking drifted over from the next street. “This is the type of place he’d bring his children?” Andon shook his head. “Let’s just worry about getting them out safely, brother.” “You’re right.” Tarik moved farther down the street, the smell of rotten garbage almost overwhelming. He stopped when he spotted the street number of her father’s home. Looking up, he smirked. “What’s so funny?” asked Zin. Tarik nodded at the No Loitering sign above them. “Seems like a good idea to me.” Andon moved closer to Tarik. “Okay, what’s the plan?” “We need to know more about what’s inside before we take action. We don’t want to do anything that might get Caleigh hurt.” Tarik studied the building carefully. “There’s a window on the side that’s only partially covered by a curtain. It would be really helpful if we could get a look inside.” “So who’s going to be our Peeping Tom?” asked Chaim. Zin stepped forward. “Leave it to us.” He glanced at his brothers. “We have special abilities that will let us get all the intel you need at no danger to us.” Tarik frowned. “What are you talking about?” “I’m sorry, Tarik, but I can’t tell you. It’s something we guard with our lives. It would be harmful to our race if anyone found out.” “He won’t repeat anything you say or do, Zin.” Andon reached out and laid his hand on Zin’s shoulder. “You have my word.” Tarik stared at his brother. “You know what their secret is?” He nodded. “Yes, Zin and I have been friends for many years. I learned about it by accident.” “Will your special ability bring danger to our woman?” “No, this I swear to you. No one will ever know we were there.” Zin turned to Andon. “We’re going to go behind the building. You go ahead and explain to Tarik what we’re doing. I’ll trust that he’ll keep our secret.”

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“Are you sure?” asked Andon. “Yes, I’m sure.” Zin turned to his brothers. “Come on and follow me. Let’s find out what’s waiting for us inside.” Tarik watched the three large men disappear behind the dismal building and then turned to Andon. “Okay, so what’s their big secret?” “Chaim, do you swear to keep secret what I tell you tonight?” “Absolutely. You have me very intrigued.” “Okay, Zin and his brothers are shapeshifters.” Tarik was quiet for a moment and then shrugged. “That’s not terribly exciting, Andon. We know many such races. What do they shift into?” Andon shrugged. “Anything they want.” “Excuse me?” Tarik moved closer to his brother. “What are you saying?” “They’re like chameleons. They can change into anything they’ve touched. And if that isn’t enough, they can change to a pure gaseous form for a full five minutes.” “Are you kidding?” Chaim’s brows shot up into his hairline. “No, I’m deadly serious. I’ve seen Zin change into gas one time, and it was awesome. He just kind of turned into this gray fog and then drifted away on the wind. I’ve never seen anything like it.” “So they’re going to slither in and check out the place.” Tarik smiled and leaned against the sign. “Things are looking more promising by the minute.” Several minutes passed before Tarik saw Zin and his brother sneaking back around the building. “Well, did you see Caleigh?” Zin nodded. “Yes, she’s there. He has her and a young man shackled to a bed in the back bedroom.” “Is he the only one there?” “Yes, there’s no one else in the apartment. But he does have a gun. He’s in the living room watching television, and the gun is

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beside him, within reach of his hand, on the couch. He seems pretty relaxed like he’s not expecting any kind of trouble.” Andon moved forward. “Then let’s just go get her. There are six of us. He won’t stand a chance.” Zin glanced at his brothers and then back at Tarik. “We can’t go in with you. We can’t afford to let anyone know how we got you information from inside and sometimes we shift involuntarily in stressful situations.” Tarik frowned. “Why are you so afraid of people knowing you shape-shift?” “Because we can shift into anybody or anything, or even be invisible. It makes people nervous and nervous people are dangerous. Our people pride themselves on peace, and we want to keep the relations we have with other worlds. They wouldn’t be our friends for long if they knew we could take over their military, and even their heads of government, and no one would be the wiser.” “Makes sense.” Tarik turned to Andon. “So, do you think you and I and Chaim can take him?” Chaim slapped Tarik on the back. “Of course we can.” “Do yourself a favor, Tarik.” Zin pointed toward the corner to a phone booth. “Call the local authorities and let them know what’s going on. You don’t want to create any galactic incidents if things do go wrong. Let them be here to pick up the pieces after you storm the place and get your mate.” Tarik thought for a moment and then nodded. Zin pointed to his brother. “You go make the call. You have the address to give them. Just say that you’re a concerned neighbor who saw a young woman taken against her will. Then hang up the phone. That should be enough to get them here.” He turned to Tarik. “Your woman is in the back bedroom. I recommend one of you go in through the window to set them free, while the other two storm the front door.” His grin spread across his face. “While we were inside

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we made sure to unlock the window and the door to make things easier for you.” Tarik laughed. “I think I’m going to like having you for a neighbor.” He looked up at the building. “Chaim, you go in through the window and try to get Caleigh and Kevin out. Andon and I will take the front door. Are we ready?” “Absolutely,” said Chaim. “Let’s do it.” Andon moved to stand next to Tarik. “Let’s go get our family.” **** Caleigh gritted her teeth as she tugged on her metal bracelet. The only thing she’d managed to do was break the skin on her wrist. She pushed the hair out of her face and glanced at Kevin. “At least he only cuffed one hand.” The boy grunted, pulling hard on his own wrist. “Don’t hurt yourself, Kev. Just relax. I’ll think of something.” She scooted around until she could see the window. “I could scream if we knew somebody was outside listening.” Closing her eyes for a moment, she sighed. “We might be worse off if anybody in this neighborhood found us tied to a bed.” Her gaze turned to Kevin when he began groaning, thrashing his arm out to strike her side. “What is it, Kev?” His finger pointed toward the window at the same time she heard a low squeak. “Oh, my God,” she whispered. When the window started sliding up, she quickly looked around for something to use as a weapon. She was about to scream for her father when Chaim stuck his head through the dark opening. He grinned, and stuck his finger to his lips motioning for her to be quiet. Caleigh nodded and blinked back her tears. They came for me. Tarik and Andon are here! She glanced over at Kevin and gave him a small smile. “We’re gonna be okay now,” she whispered. “We’re about to be saved. This man is a friend from Kilara.” Kevin visibly relaxed, tears pouring out of his eyes.

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Chaim struggled through the small window and approached the bed. He fingered the metal cuffs and frowned. “Do you know where the key is?” Caleigh shook her head, and then turned to Kevin. “Have you seen the key?” When the boy nodded, Chaim walked around the bed and removed his gag. Kevin coughed, and looked over at Caleigh. “He keeps the key in his pants pocket on a little round key ring.” He choked on a sob. “He’s never without it.” Chaim lay his hand on Kevin’s head. “All right, son. Caleigh’s mates are coming in through the front. We’ll have you out of here in just a few minutes. I need you both to stay really quiet. Can you do that?” “We’ll be quiet, Chaim. Go see if you can help Tarik and Andon. My father’s crazy. There’s no telling what he might do.” Chaim nodded and tiptoed over to press his ear against the door. After about a minute a loud crash came from the front room. Chaim threw open the door and rushed out. “Do you think they can get us out of here?” asked Kevin, his voice weak and trembling. “If anybody can save us, my men can.” “You’re really gonna marry some alien guys?” She turned to look at her young brother. “Yes, I am. If they still want me.” “Of course we still want you.” Caleigh turned and smiled. Tarik and Andon stood in the doorway. “Where’s my father?” “He’s out cold. Andon took a chair to his head. I don’t think he’ll be bothering you anymore. The police are on their way.” Tarik stepped aside when Chaim walked in, a key dangling from his fingers. “Give me that.” He took the key and hurried over to the bed. He smiled, and ran his hand over Caleigh’s head before he unlocked the

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cuffs holding her to the bed. When she was free, he tossed the key to Chaim and pulled her into his arms. “We thought we’d lost you, Caleigh.” She trembled and pressed her face into his chest. “No chance of that. I’m afraid you’re stuck with me.” She looked up when Andon pressed against her back. “How did the two of you find me?” Andon chuckled. “To make a long story short, the vid records all calls. We just listened to your father and got the first transport back to Earth we could.” Caleigh frowned. “But I was on the first shuttle out of Kilara.” “You weren’t on ours.” She turned and saw Zin standing in the doorway. “I remember you. You’re Andon’s friend from the transport station.” He smiled. “That’s right. I have my own shuttle and offered your mates a ride.” “Wow, your own shuttle. You must be somebody pretty important.” The large man blushed, and looked down at the floor. “We were happy to help.” “Caleigh?” She turned to see Kevin standing at Tarik’s side. “Guys, this is my little brother Kevin. Kev, this is Tarik.” She nodded to Andon. “And this is his brother Andon.” “Hello, young man. Are you all right?” Andon placed his hand on Kevin’s shoulder. “Do you need a doctor?” Kevin shook his head. “I’m fine except I’m a little hungry. What’s gonna happen now?” Tarik cocked his head. “What do you want to happen, Kevin?” The boy looked at his feet, wringing his hands together. “I’d like to come and live with Caleigh on your world, if you’ll have me.” Caleigh frowned. “Why were you so adamant about me coming back here, Kevin? You said you’d never be willing to move to Kilara with me.”

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Kevin shrugged. “I was afraid. Being so far away, with aliens, didn’t seem right. I kept having nightmares about what might be happening to you.” He wiped his arm across his eyes. “I just want us to be a family again, Caleigh.” Tarik smiled, and pulled Kevin into a group hug. “You’re more than welcome to come home with us. We’re going to be family now. We’ll be your new brothers, and we’ll watch out for you and keep you safe.” “Tarik,” Chaim said. “The police are here.” Caleigh looked over her family and smiled. “Let’s go tell the police what we know and then grab some dinner. I’m starved.” “Cheeseburgers?” Kevin asked. Andon laughed. “Not sure what a cheeseburger is, but if it makes your eyes light up like that then I’m game to try it.” Tarik grinned and turned toward the door. “That’s it then. Cheeseburgers all around.” **** Tarik walked into their kitchen and breathed a sigh of relief. They were finally home, together, the way they should be. It had taken two days, and several meetings with members of the state department, but they’d finally convinced the authorities of Edward Davis’s guilt. Technically, they’d only found enough evidence to hold him over for trial. Caleigh would have to wait for a jury of his peers to find him guilty to receive her justice. “Are you sure Kevin will be okay with Chaim and his family?” Tarik put his arm around her shoulders. “He’ll be fine, love. Chaim knew we needed to seal our bond as soon as possible.” He pressed a kiss on her head. “I don’t know about you, but I’d rather not do that with a teenager in the house.” She looked up at him, biting her lip. “You’re talking about both of you making love to me at the same time, aren’t you?”

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He nodded. “Yes, it’s the way our people bond. It will infuse you with our essence, making your body more susceptible to us.” “You’re talking about having a baby.” “No, love.” Andon walked over and slipped his arm around her waist. “The bonding is more than preparing you to receive our baby. Our essence will change your scent and mark you as belonging to us. Others that come in contact with you will automatically know you belong to the Castir clan.” Tarik put his hand under her chin and raised her gaze to his. “Having a baby will always be your decision, Caleigh. I will withhold depositing any eggs in you until you tell me you’re ready.” “Okay, how does this work?” She walked over and pulled out a chair and sat down at the table. “I will make love to you and enter your pussy, while Andon takes your beautiful ass. His essence contains an enzyme that will change your scent. When you decide to have a baby, that same enzyme will keep the baby healthy and safe until his delivery.” “And I get the egg from you.” “That’s right. But it’s something that I consciously do. It can’t be done accidentally.” “What about my own eggs?” Andon sighed. “I talked to our doctors when I decided to place the ad with Galactic Nuptials. They said you would still ovulate and produce eggs, but our sperm is not compatible, and we could never fertilize any of them.” He took her hand between his own. “If we have a baby, it will still have part of you in him.” “How is that possible?” “Once the fetus is seated, he gets nourishment from your body. He picks up your essence through the blood cells. He or she could even end up looking like you. It will be as much your baby as ours, but with inherent Roderian characteristics. The males will be the most notable because they will be born either a Quha like me, a giver of enzyme. Or he will be a Kuhma, a giver of eggs.”

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Tarik groaned. “Can we please get past all the talking and get on with the bonding?” Caleigh giggled and put her hand on Tarik’s arm. “I’ll wanna have a baby eventually, but for a while, let’s just keep it the four of us. I’ve got a lot to learn about being a Roderian.” “Enough talk.” Tarik pulled Caleigh to her feet and tossed her over his shoulder. “There’s a time for talking serious, and a time for loving.” He smacked her on the ass. “I’ll give you one guess what time it is now.” “Come on, brother.” Andon started down the hall toward the bedroom. “Get her sexy ass in here.” Tarik lowered her to her feet, sandwiching her between him and Andon. “Are you ready for us, love?” **** Caleigh felt Andon press his cock against the small of her back while her tongue twined with Tarik’s. He shoved his hand up her top and cupped her breast. “I want your clothes off, Caleigh.” Andon reached around and unbuttoned her blouse. Together, they slid it off her shoulders while Tarik suckled and tugged hungrily on her lower lip, kneading her nipples through her bra into hard peaks. Andon’s fingers crept to the waistband of her slacks and slipped inside, sliding them down her thighs to drop to the floor. His hands caressed up her sides and then slid around to unfasten her bra, releasing her bare breasts to Tarik’s gaze. “You’re so beautiful, Caleigh.” Tarik licked across the seam of her lips and then thrust inside to explore her intimately. Caleigh stepped closer and pressed her lips to his chest. He hissed in a breath when she sucked the small brown nipple between her teeth.

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Andon pressed in close until she could feel their hearts beating against her back and chest. Their heartbeats thundered against her own, the rapid beating of all three mixing and mingling until she wasn’t sure which was theirs and which was hers. Using his thumbs, he dug into the tense muscles of her neck, nibbling little bites across her shoulders. Caleigh pinched Tarik’s flat nipples before dipping lower to touch him more intimately, grasping his erection through the thick cotton of his pants. Her fingers moved to his buttons and began tearing them open. Warm breath kissed her neck, and she jumped at the sensation of feeling trapped between the two handsome men. Andon pulled her back and scooped her up, depositing her on the fresh sheets of the bed. Her hand drifted down his chest, pausing to caress the flat nipples. His lips brushed hers once, twice, and then settled, moving gently until the passion flared between them. Reaching up, he fondled her breast, rolling the nipple under his thumb. Tarik moved close and traced around her areola with his tongue. He took one of her pebbled nipples into his mouth, biting gently. Andon nipped her shoulder, laving the small bites, lightly running his thumb over the hardened tip of her breast. His mouth moved downward until he could cover one of the aching tips and suckle. “That feels so good.” Caleigh lay a hand on each of their heads, her fingers combing through their hair. With each pull on her nipple, she felt it deep inside her pussy. Andon pulled her to her side, skating his hand down her back, cupping her ass. Behind her, Tarik’s erection nudged the crease between her cheeks, while his hand reached around to her breast, squeezing the already hard nipple between his thumb and forefinger. ****

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Andon smiled when Tarik held her breast up like an offering. He lowered his head and lightly bit the erect nipple, soothing it with his tongue. Reaching out, he cupped her other breast, fondling and pinching the tightened nub while he pressed his cock against the inside of her thigh. Catching Tarik’s eye, Andon nodded, and both men moved to the foot of the bed. They pulled her lower on the mattress and each grabbed a thigh and coaxed her legs wide apart. “What’re you doing?” Caleigh raised her head off the mattress. Andon rose over her nude form and nestled his shoulders between her creamy thighs. He was trembling from the anticipation of claiming her with Tarik. Leaning close, he flicked her clit with the end of his tongue, the taste of her causing his cock to harden even more. Flicking the little nubbin back and forth, he thrust two fingers into the damp heat of her pussy. He began to fuck her slowly with his tongue, her fingers tangling in his hair. She began thrusting her hips, urging him to press harder. “No, brother. Don’t let her come yet. I want to get my taste. Tarik slid down and pulled at Caleigh’s leg. “Let me get a taste.” **** Tarik kissed her deeply, almost savagely, as he slipped a hand between their bodies and traced the cleft of her sex, parting the flesh. He moved between Caleigh’s thighs when Andon moved away and opened her folds with his fingers, circling her clit once before he sucked it into his mouth. Two of his fingers slipped easily into her tight passage. “Please, Tarik. I need to come. Harder, I need it harder.” He continued to pleasure her with his fingers and tongue, taking her to the brink of her orgasm before pulling back. He could feel her inner muscles clenching when she swore softly. “Patience, love. You’ll get there.”

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“Don’t tease me, Tarik. Andon, make him let me come.” Tarik laved her pussy with the flat of his tongue, and licked and sucked on her clit. He pushed one and then another finger into her wet core, smiling when her inner walls clamped down around them. “She tastes sweet like honey.” She tried to squeeze her thighs together, but his shoulders held her open. **** Andon watched Tarik rub a circle around Caleigh’s clit. “Come on, Tarik. I want to feel her mouth on me.” He lay down beside her on the bed while Tarik curled up on her other side. “I want to feel your touch, love.” He took her hand and placed it on his cock. Pushing Andon flat on his back, Caleigh caught his cock in her hand and ran her tongue around the head, sucking and licking. “Yes, love. That’s it.” His breath caught when her thumb swiped across the head, spreading the pre-cum, and her tongue licked it off. When he looked down, her face flushed as she stared at his throbbing cock. He closed his eyes and moaned at the feel of her fingers wrapped around his shaft. Caleigh raised up and looked at Tarik. “You lie down next to me.” Her hands settled on Andon’s hips, pulling him close as she opened her mouth wide enough to take his erection fully inside. Flicking her tongue out, she dragged it slowly over the rounded tip of his cock while her hand fondled his balls. He sucked in a breath at the feel of her cool fingers. “Hey, what about me?”

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Chapter 13 Tarik held his breath as Caleigh shifted on her knees and scooted close to his hips. He watched as her head descended on his cock where it stood erect from his body. Her hand stroked up and down the hard length. His fingers threaded through her hair as she drew closer. “Touch me, Caleigh. Please. I want to feel your sweet lips.” He trembled when she rubbed the bead of pre-cum she found there into his skin, and then reached out with her tongue and swiped the tip. Rubbing his length against her cheek, he gritted his teeth in an effort to maintain control. She teased him, running her tongue down into the slit, palming his balls with her warm hand. “I can’t stand any more of this. Come on, Tarik. Let’s get to the main event.” Tarik groaned and flipped Caleigh to her back. He positioned himself between her legs and sank easily into her wet pussy with one thrust. **** Caleigh groaned when Tarik sunk into her throbbing pussy. “You feel so good.” “Hold on, love.” He gripped her hips and turned them both on the bed, leaving her straddling his muscular body. “Wow, what a ride.” “You haven’t seen anything yet, love.” Andon moved in behind her and began to squeeze her ass cheeks with one hand while he explored her crack with the other. She tensed when he gripped her

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hips, running his finger down the cleft of her buttocks. “You have to relax, Caleigh. I won’t hurt you.” He massaged her cheeks, separating them with one hand. “I’m not sure I can relax for this.” “Help her out, Tarik.” Tarik held one hand around her waist, holding her still, and let his fingers trail across her stomach. She writhed against him when he licked his way across her chest to her breasts, lightly biting the erect nipples. She took a deep breath when Andon ran a finger around her puckered opening. “Relax your bottom, love.” She moaned when his tongue slid down her crack, teasing and prodding her hole. “We got something special for you, Caleigh.” Andon reached out and grabbed a tube from the table beside the bed. “What is it?” she asked, trying to peer over her shoulder. “It’s a special lubricant my people use. It’ll make this practically painless.” She widened her eyes and glared at him over her shoulder. “The cream in that little tube is gonna make it not hurt when you stick your dick up my ass?” Tarik laughed. “Crude, but accurate.” He grabbed her chin and turned her face toward him. “Trust us, Caleigh. We’d never hurt you on purpose.” She took a shaky breath. “Okay, let’s give it a try.” “Good girl.” Andon smoothed some of the cream over his cock and then coated one finger. He held the cheeks of her ass apart and pushed the tip of his finger against her opening until it slipped past the outer muscle into the heat of her forbidden hole. A few seconds later, he slipped in a second finger, scissoring them to start opening her up. “Are you in any pain, Caleigh?”

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She glanced back and grinned. “Not really. It feels a little tight, but there’s no real burning or pain. It kind of hurts and feels good at the same time.” “Good.” He eased a third finger inside her, spreading the lubricant, stretching her tight muscles. “Won’t be long now, love.” His fingers pulled out, and Caleigh felt something cold against her anus. “What’s that?” She squealed and turned her shocked gaze to Andon when something cold squished up inside her body. “Sorry, love. I know it’s cold, but it’ll warm up soon. I squirted some of the cream inside you to help deaden any pain you might feel.” He ran a hand tenderly over her head. “Are you ready?” She looked at him and bit her lip. “Okay, I’m ready.” She turned back and smiled at Tarik. “Okay, then here we go.” The head of his cock probed between the cheeks of her ass and then slowly pushed through the tight ring of muscle. “You’re doing great, love.” Sweat beaded on Caleigh’s forehead as he worked his cock into her ass. With several small, firm pushes, he slid into her, sheathing himself until his stomach pressed firmly against her back. A slight burning sensation gripped her as he slowly forced the length of his shaft into her body. “Tarik.” Andon groaned. “She’s so tight.” He withdrew and pushed in again in rough jerky motions. “Her pussy is even tighter than before.” Tarik reached down and flicked her clit with is finger. “Take your mind off your ass, love. Just think about pleasure.” “Oh, God. I’m so full.” Andon pulled out again only to slide back in. Then, he released a harsh breath and drove deeply, grinding his hips against her ass. “Let’s go, brother.” Tarik began pumping his hips. The two of them set up a rhythm penetrating and withdrawing, sliding in and out, making her wonder if they had done this before.

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Gripping her legs tightly to Tarik’s hips, she squeezed her inner muscles and smiled when both men groaned. “You could both feel that?” Tarik struggled to catch his breath. “I can feel Andon’s cock creeping along with mine. There’s only a thin tissue separating them. It’s a very strange feeling. Both of us can feel every move you make.” He slid into Caleigh harder, coordinating his rhythm with Andon, keeping everything slow and steady. “I’m not going to last, Tarik. She’s squeezing the life out of me.” Caleigh tightened her inner muscles, squeezing Tarik’s cock as hard as she could. Andon began to move a bit faster, working his thrusts against Tarik’s movements. They thrust in and out of her, almost in slow motion. Then, Tarik’s hand slipped down her body and flicked her clit. She tightened around his cock, bringing a groan from his throat, and exploded in pleasure. Bright-colored lights swam in her vision when she heard Andon cry out, and a sudden, liquid warmth filled her ass. Tarik continued to pump for several seconds and then groaned harshly. She could feel the pulsing of his climax as he came inside her. “It’s done.” Andon grunted as he withdrew from her ass. “You’re ours now, and we’ll never let you go.” He pulled her off of Tarik and laid her on the mattress beside him. Tarik breathed raggedly and turned to pull her into his arms. “We won’t be cleaning you up this time, pretty lady.” Caleigh took a deep breath and gazed over at his twinkling green eyes. “Why not?” Andon traced a finger across her chest and rubbed her nipple. “It’ll be better for the bonding if our seed stays in you overnight. You don’t mind, do you?” She grinned and leaned over to place a kiss on his cheek. “Not if we can have a group shower tomorrow.” Tarik rubbed her back. “Anything you want, love.”

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“We’ll have to go back to Earth for your father’s trial. If you want, we could ask Zin to take us and you could bring back all your belongings in one trip and not have to mess with the public transport.” “That would be great. I’ve been trying to figure out what to bring and what to give away because I didn’t think I could afford to bring it all on the shuttle.” He hugged her close. “This is your home now, Caleigh. Bring as many of your things as you want. With the pallada doing so well, we’ll be here for many years.” Tarik cupped her cheek. “We love you, and we want to make you happy.” She grinned and put her hands behind her head. “I can honestly say I’ve never been happier. I’m gonna have to do something really nice for Kevin.” “Why’s that, love?” asked Andon. “Because he made me a space bride.”

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Epilogue “Edward Davis, you’ve been found guilty of kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon, and malicious endangerment of a minor. This court sentences you to fifteen years in a federal prison. Sentence to begin immediately. Bailiff, you may remove the prisoner and call the next case.” Zintssar watched them lead Caleigh’s father from the courtroom and sighed. He found Earth’s customs confusing. On his home world of Arridia, a man who endangered his children would soon forfeit his life. He glanced over at his new neighbors and smiled as Andon and Tarik hugged their mate. He envied their happy family unit. “Are you ready to get out of here?” He looked at his brother and sighed. “Be patient, Kernztssar. We do not understand their customs. There may be more to this hearing than we know.” It had been three Earth months since they’d helped their friends and neighbors free their mate from her father. The Earth officials had insisted they all come back to testify at the man’s trial. In his opinion, it had been truly a waste of time. He reached over and touched Tarik’s shoulder. “Are we ready to—” A sweet smell unlike any he’d ever experienced before flooded his senses. “Our next case is the people versus Jenilyn Montgomery.” Zintssar looked up as they brought a young woman into the courtroom. Her dark-brown hair curled sensuously down her back, while her green eyes stared daggers at someone sitting in the front row of the room. “What are the charges, bailiff?” “Embezzlement, Your Honor.”

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“Is the defendant represented by council?” “She is, Your Honor. Jeffrey Landers for the defense.” “How do you plead?” Zintssar growled when the young attorney bent toward Jenilyn’s head. “What’s the matter with you?” Kernztssar whispered. “Silence,” Zintssar ordered. He strained to hear the young woman’s response. “Not guilty, Your Honor.” “She’s telling the truth, Kernztssar. I can feel she’s not lying.” “What does this have to do with us?” He turned to look at his younger brother. Only the eldest brother in their clans could recognize a mate by scent. He put his hand on his brother’s shoulder and smiled. “She’s our mate, Kernztssar. We’re going to find a way to take her back to Kilara.”

THE END WWW.MISSYMARTINE.COM

ABOUT THE AUTHOR I was born and raised in the great southern state of Tennessee. In my youth, I studied nursing and spent several happy years working in the hospitals there until I branched out into medical management in 1980. In 1998 I was managing a medical supply house in Chattanooga, when I met the love of my life. The only problem facing me then, he lived way out in Oklahoma. You see, we had met in a chat room! He romanced me daily with love letters, flowers, and phone calls. It wasn’t long before I uprooted myself and moved west to join him. We married in 1999 and then continued our fantasy romance all over the world. Together we have traveled in almost all of the Continental United States and taken trips to Canada and China. I retired from working in 2002, and it wasn’t long before my husband was encouraging me to find some kind of outlet to occupy my time, something that was challenging and rewarding. I was already obsessed with reading about romance, and I began to think I could probably write a good romantic story. My husband heartily agreed with me. With that encouragement, I began writing my first book. I wasn’t really convinced that anyone else would find it interesting, but he pressed me to take a chance and send it in to a publisher. To my surprise, it was accepted, and now I’m able to share it with readers everywhere who like a “happily ever after” story. Today, I’m living in California with my still romantic husband of twelve years and our boys. Our boys consist of Beau, Midnight, and Bubba, three male cats that allow us to live with them and serve them at their leisure. I continue to write almost daily, hoping that someone, somewhere will get the same enjoyment from reading my stories that I get from writing them.

For all titles by Missy Martine, please visit www.bookstrand.com/missy-martine

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