by Ivy Barrett
“There’s half a bottle of wine left,” Zilrath told them. “Why don’t we drink it on the deck? The night is cool, but the stars are beautiful.”
“Sounds wonderful.” Jasmine set her digi-sheet aside and stood. “I’ll go grab a sweater.”
Kellan followed Zilrath into the kitchen and they split up the remaining wine. By the time Jasmine joined them at the patio table, they’d already begun to plan. Zilrath handed her a wineglass as she sat down, then continued the conversation.
“We need to prepare for anything, but make it appear that Vikrin and I are alone,” Zilrath suggested as he fiddled with his wineglass.
Kellan shook his head. “Ram’s too smart for that. He’ll know you brought backup, which means he’ll do the same.”
Clearly frustrated by the fact, Zilrath shoved his glass aside. “That’s the wrong approach. Ram’s natural aggression must be deescalated, not fueled.”
“If you explain that to the chancellor, will he keep things simple?” Jasmine asked, her gaze luminous in the moonlight.
“Unlikely,” Kellan said firmly. He understood Zilrath’s concerns, even agreed with most of them. But he also knew Bron, could easily predict how the chancellor would react. “This is the closest we’ve ever come to Ram. Bron cannot squander the opportunity. If Ram refuses to cooperate, Bron will swoop in with the Brokvata and arrest him.”
“This cannot turn into a pissing contest.” Zilrath pushed back from the table and stood. “The Yashonty are even more hot-tempered than the Ventori. If Ram feels threatened at all, he’ll attack.”
“That’s why you’re negotiating rather than one of us,” Kellan stressed, hoping to calm his agitated podmate. Zilrath crossed to the railing and gazed out across the yard. The view out here wasn’t significantly different than what Kellan had seen out the front window, shadows and silhouettes. He glanced up and amended his assessment. The night sky was lovely, majestic and tranquil. Kellan took a sip of wine, not sure he should bring up the next topic. Clearly, Zilrath was already upset. But any successful relationship was built on honest communication and mutual trust. “How well do you know Vikrin?”
“Not well,” Zilrath admitted as he turned around and leaned back against the railing. “Why do you ask?”
“Both Bron and I feel there is something... off about him.”
Zilrath nodded. His expression was lost in shadow, but his voice was noticeably tense. “I feel it too. I’m just not sure what to do about it. The gatekeepers seem loyal to him, but they’re so damn secretive. It’s hard to be certain of anything. I know Vikrin has been in direct contact with the rebels, yet I’m not sure what that proves.”
“Plan for the worst while hoping for the best,” Jasmine suggested. “That’s really all we can do.”
Zilrath nodded, seeming content by the railing, so Kellan moved on. “We know the Yashonty have camouflage shielding on some of their ships. Unfortunately, they know the same about us. It’s safe to assume we’ll both have ships nearby that we don’t reveal to the other side.”
“If you can’t see or sense them, and they can’t see or sense you, what’s to keep your ships from smashing into each other?” Jasmine wanted to know.
“Proximity detectors,” Kellan explained. “They’re the only scanners sensitive enough to alert us to the danger, but their range is extremely limited.”
“I know Ram will take precautions. Still, he gains nothing by turning tomorrow into an armed confrontation.” Zilrath returned to the table, his thumb lightly tapping the glass tabletop. “He’ll either accept our offer or storm off. I don’t foresee it becoming any more violent than that.”
“If Ram won’t deal, Bron will arrest him. Somehow, I don’t think Ram will go down without a fight.”
Zilrath’s chin lifted and determination filled his gaze. “Then I’ll have to make damn sure Ram agrees.”
Kellan was much too realistic for such optimism. Bron would likely summon half the Protectorate fleet to ensure their control over the situation, and there wasn’t much Kellan could do about it. “I hope to hells you’re right,” he told Zilrath. “As our lovely mate suggested, I’m going to hope for an alliance while I plan for a battle.”
There wasn’t much left to say. Ram’s actions would determine most of what took place tomorrow. All they could do was react.
Kellan finished his wine as he contemplated the possible outcomes. There were too many variables and not enough specific information to draw a definitive conclusion. Conflicts always had some element of surprise to them. This wasn’t any different. They needed to be cautious, without being paranoid. And they must remain focused on the ultimate goal, destroying the Skarilians.
A cool breeze wafted across Kellan’s face, rippling his unbound hair. Countless stars dotted the ink-black sky, a silent reminder of the vast universe and all its mysteries. How could such tranquility exist surrounded by the destruction of war?
“I’ve made a decision.” Jasmine’s voice was soft, yet her tone was firm, confident.
Kellan looked at her, as did Zilrath. Both simply waited for her to explain.
“Tomorrow is extremely important to all of us,” she began. “I don’t want either of you distracted by me.”
“You’re the best kind of distraction,” Kellan insisted. “You remind us what the fight is all about.”
“Thank you, but I’m also an unknown, an uncertainty. I’d like to help you focus on recruiting Ram, so we can shut down the Skarilians once and for all.”
Zilrath’s gaze narrowed and his head tilted. Clearly, he was as confused by her convoluted offer as Kellan. “Are you saying... what exactly are you saying?”
“I know we’re only halfway through our courtship, but I’ve learned all I need to know. You two are the best thing that ever happened to me. I’d be foolish to let you slip away. I care deeply for both of you and would like to accept your claim. If you still want me as your mate.”
Reality blurred and all Kellan could hear was the rushing of blood through his ears. It was actually happening. His wildest dreams were coming true. Jasmine was accepting their claim. He would have a mate, and hopefully children to love and protect, and carry on his name.
Zilrath rushed around the table and pulled Jasmine to her feet. Rather than attempting to find the right words, he closed his arms around her and kissed her deeply.
Encouraged by his podmate’s example, Kellan shook away the shock and rounded the table. The second Zilrath came up for air, Kellan pulled Jasmine into his embrace and kissed her just as passionately. “Are you absolutely sure? This is a permanent decision.”
“I know.” She stared up at him, eyes shimmering in the dimness. “That’s part of what appeals to me. Everything is so uncertain. I long for stability. Something, or someone, I know I can count on. You two have been that for me, and so much more. I’m ready to offer security and true affection in return. I want to be your mate.”
“You’re a strong, independent female,” Zilrath said quietly. “Will you be content as the mate of two dominant males? Think carefully about what that really means.”
She licked her lips and offered Zilrath a warm smile. “I’m not afraid to surrender control because I know you’ll never harm me. You want my happiness more than anything. The world is very different now. It requires leaders who are equal to our harsh, often brutal enemies. Nicer, more civilized people would be devoured by such conflicts.”
“If you are truly ready to submit yourself body and soul to this joining,” Kellan began in a deep, solemn tone. “Show us.”
She looked around nervously, absently licking her lips. “Here? Now?”
“Yes,” Zilrath said firmly, standing side by side with Kellan. “If you wish to belong to us body and soul, start by offering your lovely body.”
Chapter Eleven
Jasmine’s hands trembled as she unbuttoned her blouse. Public displays were part of Ventori culture. Ventori males loved to show off, to demonstrate their dominance or skill
at pleasuring their females. They also punished their females in public if the wrongdoing were particularly severe. Jasmine had witnessed several such demonstrations while she was assigned to Camp Accord. But this was a human military base, and most humans frowned on such displays. Hell, many humans disapproved of sexual interaction between humans and aliens.
No. Fort Benning was now Camp Confluence. And she was about to bond with the camp’s commander and the Tavorian minister, an esteemed member of the High Command. If she was going to mate with a Ventori, then she needed to align her thinking and behavior with Ventori norms. Earth was no longer controlled by humans. This was the new normal.
“What’s the matter, mate?” Challenge hardened Kellan’s tone and accented the harsher lines of his rugged features. “Are you ashamed of your body?”
“No, Sir. This just feels strange out here in the open.” She looked at him then lowered her gaze as she worked a few more buttons free of their holes.
“Are you ashamed of your mates?” Zilrath’s voice reinforced the challenge, leaving her no avenue of escape.
Jasmine shrugged out of the shirt and let it slip down her arms before she looked at Zilrath. “I will never be ashamed of you or Kellan. You’re brave and honorable males. I’m honored to be your mate.”
Zilrath moved closer, skillfully unfastening her pants so she could push them past her hips. “And you’re a rare and amazing female,” he told her when she stood before them naked.
Kellan moved behind her and they both ran their hands boldly over her body. She stood perfectly still, allowing them to touch, penetrate, and pinch anywhere they desired. She was theirs to caress, to discipline or fuck. Her body belonged to them, as did her pleasure. They would use her as they saw fit, and she would revel in the absolute freedom of being controlled by the males she adored.
With one hand tangled in her hair and the other squeezing one of her breasts, Kellan drew her head back and sharply to the side. “What are we going to do to you? How is a willing mate claimed?” His gaze gleamed in the moonlight, making him look particularly savage.
“You’re going to take me together, both deep inside me at the same time.”
“Zilrath is going to fuck your tight little ass while I fuck your soaking wet pussy.” The detailed description made her shiver as heat unfurled in her core. “Say it, mate. Tell me exactly what you want us to do.”
Kellan pinched her nipple, twisting slowly until she cried out. “Together,” she said. “You’re going to fuck my pussy while Zilrath fucks my ass.”
“That’s right, mate. But it won’t end there,” Kellan explained, his mouth hovering over hers. “We’ll keep at you, fucking you every way possible until our cum drips out of every hole and we’re too exhausted to move.”
She trembled, thrilled yet intimidated by his graphic words. Is that really what she wanted? To be fucked senseless and covered in cum? The concept was so animalistic, so savage that part of her resisted. Yet a stronger, darker part, a more honest part understood the appeal.
Kellan’s hand slid from her breast to her throat, his long fingers forming a living collar. “Offer us your mouth.”
She parted her lips and surrendered her breath, knowing her scent pleased and excited him. His lips sealed over hers, then his tongue surged inside, exploring and caressing, filling her with his taste. Her nipples tingled and her core clenched as desire twisted through her body. This was happening. She was about to be claimed, bonded with two extraordinary males—forever. She would never be alone, never be unprotected. She would have two wonderful males to share her life, to make her laugh, and give her children.
Kellan’s mouth lifted and Zilrath was there mixing his taste with Kellan’s. Her mates. They were the missing pieces to her puzzle, the other sections of her soul. She kissed Zilrath eagerly, while both stroked her squirming body with possessive hands.
“On your knees,” Kellan directed as Zilrath released her mouth. “Take out Zilrath’s cock and suck him nice and hard. Show us how much you want this claiming.”
The cool breeze and rhythmic chirping of unseen crickets reminded Jasmine that they were on a deck, fully visible to any of their neighbors. Kellan moved to stand beside Zilrath, so both were in front of her now. They angled their bodies and she smiled. If anyone looked now, they would know what she was doing, but they wouldn’t actually be able to see. Pleased by the compromise, she unzipped Zilrath’s jeans but left the waistband buttoned. She reached inside and pulled his cock out, stroking the shaft and teasing the tip with her thumb. Zilrath pushed both hands into her hair, but didn’t jerk her forward. He let her explore, let her play, let her decide when she was ready to take him in her mouth.
Pre-cum dripped onto her tongue as she encircled Zilrath’s cock head with her lips. He groaned and lightly fisted her hair. “Suck me, love. Suck me now.”
She tightened her lips around him and slowly drew him into her mouth. His skin felt soft against her lips, yet the shaft was hard and incredibly hot. Grasping his hips to help steady herself, she pushed forward, taking him deeper. His tip hit the back of her mouth and she tilted her head back, offering him more. He hesitated a moment, then accepted the invitation and pushed his entire length into her mouth.
She timed her breaths to his outstroke, remaining still and open as he took his pleasure. His taste spread across her tongue, the oil making her dizzy. The gentle, floaty euphoria swept her deeper into the sensations building all over her body. His cock slid in and out, his rhythm smooth and steady. She curled her tongue and swiped his tip, craving more of his intoxicating essence.
With a muffled groan, Zilrath pulled out and stepped aside. She protested, reaching for him blindly, but Kellan was there to fill the emptiness. He drove his thick length steadily forward, pushing clear into her throat with his first long stroke. She gagged for a second, then calmed herself, going nearly slack as she submitted to his need.
They were her mates, her masters, her everything. Her mouth was for their pleasure, her pussy for their use, and her ass would accept them whenever they wanted a tight hot hole to fuck. Her hands rested palms up on her thighs and her knees slid apart as her bottom lowered to her heels. Only with her body open and on display was she able to completely relax and enjoy the feelings swirling through her mind and body.
“That’s right, sweetheart,” Kellan whispered. “Take all of me.” He framed her face with his hands and held her head at just the right angle. He needed her desperately and she generously gave, finding joy in the offering.
Zilrath knelt behind her and drew her arms to the small of her back, holding them there with one hand while the other stroked her breasts and belly. “So beautiful,” he whispered in her ear as his free hand slid lower. “Does it make you wet when we fuck your face like that, so deep you can’t even breathe?” He covered her mound with his hand, easing one of his fingers into her slit. “Oh, yeah. So very wet. So ready for a nice hard cock.”
He rubbed her clit and she moaned, jerking slightly with each firm pass. Sensations built quickly, the spasms in her pussy echoing the rhythmic slide of Kellan’s cock.
“Come for us,” Kellan ordered. “Show me your pleasure.”
Zilrath’s fingers caught her clit and plucked on the sensitive bud, smearing the already slick nub with his oil. She cried out around Kellan’s cock. He wasn’t really moving now, just filling the empty space inside her open mouth. Zilrath squeezed a little harder and she came, pleasure sweeping through her in pulsing bursts. For one sweet moment nothing existed but the pleasure and the males touching her. She wanted to remain there, surrounded by bliss and endless affection, but all too soon reality returned.
Kellan pulled out of her mouth then covered her lips with his, replacing his cock with his tongue. She returned the kiss, tugging against Zilrath’s hands until he released her. Then she stood and wrapped her arms around Kellan, her mouth never leaving his. Finally Kellan fisted her hair and turned her head, offering her mouth to Zilrath. She didn’t care
which of her mates she kissed as long as lips slid over hers and their tongues tangled. She loved them equally, needed each just as badly.
They pressed her between them and brought her down from the high with slow, deep kisses and tender caresses. Gradually, her oil-muddled mind cleared and she remembered where they were. “Can we go inside now?” she whispered as a cool breeze brushed her side.
“We’ve both had all the foreplay we can stand,” Kellan warned. “As soon as we walk back into the house we’re going to claim you. I doubt we’ll make it to the bedroom.”
“Fine by me,” she insisted, boldly meeting his gaze. “Let’s go.”
Kellan swept her up into his arms and turned toward the sliding door. Zilrath flung the barrier open and they went inside. True to Kellan’s prediction, they only made it to the living room, before their need for her overwhelmed them again. Kellan placed her on the floor and claimed her mouth as Zilrath knelt between her thighs.
Lost in the sensual storm, Jasmine let them position her to their liking. This was what she wanted, what she needed most, to pleasure both her mates. She wrapped her arms around Kellan’s neck and Zilrath draped her legs over his shoulders. Her tongue dueled with Kellan’s while Zilrath’s tongue quickly found her clit. She was so turned on already that she came with the first sensual swirl of Zilrath’s tongue.
Zilrath chuckled, his warm breath teasing her wet folds. “Do it again.” He sealed his mouth over her slit and pushed his tongue right up into her rippling core.
Then they were fucking her with their tongues, Kellan in her mouth, Zilrath in her pussy. It felt wonderful, carnal and wild, yet it was still a pale imitation of what she really wanted. Zilrath slipped his thumb between his mouth and her pussy, stroking her clit as he continued to penetrate her core. Another orgasm built, drawing tighter with each caress. She moaned into Kellan’s mouth and rocked her hips, pushing herself on to Zilrath’s tongue. Suddenly Zilrath moved his hand and caught her clit between his lips. He sucked and she screamed, coming hard and fast as his lips drew on the ultra-sensitive bud.