OneThousandBrides SolangeAyre

ChapterOne Whatsadistputabakerynexttoabridalshop?Jantriedtoignoretheenticingaroma offreshbreadasshehurriedintoBevsBridalBoutique.Herrumblingstomach remindedherthatshedhadnothingbutsoupforlunch. ImJanisStone,shesaid,approachingthecounter.Idliketotrymydresson, please. Inthedressingroom,thesmilingattendanthelpedherintothelonglinecorset withitsbuiltinbra.Throughstrenuousexerciseanddieting,Janhadmanagedto losethirtytwopoundsoverthelastthreemonths.Shesaidalittleprayerasthe attendantloweredthecloudsofwhitesatinoverherhead.PleaseGod,makeitfit thistime. Imsorry,theattendantsaid.Ijustcantgetthelasttwobuttonsdonethe onesatyourwaist.Iwishyoudletmeorderthesizesixteen. Janshookherhead,thinkingofthedaywhensheandGaryhadchosenthedress. Allthatwhitemakesyoulookenormous,hedsaid,frowning.MyGod,Jan, mymotherhadfivechildrenandstillwearsasizesix. Shedcomeclosetocallingoffthewedding.Hedapologizedbuttheremark stillrankled.Sheddecidedtogoonadiet. Afterall,shewasthirtynineyearsold,ordinarylookingandalittletooheavy. Nowondershedneverbeenmarried.Garywasherlastchance. Shedpicturedherselfmarriedsinceageten.Whenshefinallyreceivedan engagementring,ithadbeensuchapleasuretoshowittotheotherwomenat work,toemailheroldcollegeroommates,tocallhermotherwhodcriedwith joy. Foryearsshedbroughtgiftstoherfriendsweddingshowers.Exclaimedover theirdresses.DancedattheirweddingswhilekeepingasharpeyeoutfortheMr. Rightwhoalwaysseemedtobepartneringyounger,morepetitewomen.

Finally,afteralltheseyears,itwasherturn.Shecouldhardlywaitforherbig day.Thecandlelitceremony,thefriendsandfamilyfromoutoftown,her attendantsintheirpalepink.Shewaslookingforwardtoeverywonderfully mundanedetail. EvenTheChickenDance. Janhummedalongwiththemusicbeingpipedthroughthestore.Surelythose lasttwobuttonswouldcloseifshewentonaliquiddietforthenextweek Aharshburstofstaticcameoverthespeaker.ThesoundhurtJanisearsandshe winced. PeopleofEarth.ThearrogantvoicesoundedmuchlikeaBBCannouncer.Iam PrimusTaddusoftheBlackStripedPelt,acouncilmemberofthecolonization shipEcstasyofGenerations. Janturnedtotheattendant,wholookedeverybitaspuzzledasJanfelt.Itsgot tobeajoke,Janwhispered. Thevoicecontinued,Necessityhascompelledustoseekyourhelp.Inthe fourthyearofoursevenyearjourney,ashortstayonaplanetarysatellite exposedustoanunknownvirus.Toourgreatsorrow,everyoneofourfemales perished. Werequirewives.Areviewofthepopulatedplanetsinyourregionrevealed thatEarthfemalesaretheclosestgeneticallytoourspecies.Thuswehave decidedtotakeonethousandhumanfemaleswithus. Wecarefullychosefertilefemalesunderageforty,childlessandnotpresently pairbonded.Donotbeconcernedforyourcompatriotstheywillhaverichand rewardinglivesinafarmoreenlightenedsocietythanyourown. Weregretthenecessityforouractionsandthankyoumostsincerelyforyour timeandtrouble. Assoonasthevoicecutoff,dizzinessfloodedJanissenses.Shetriedtocatch holdofthechairinthedressingroomasshefelltoherknees.Aseverything wentdark,shethought,IfItearthisdress,Illshootmyself.

***** Pleasuredanceddowneverynerve,fromthetopofherheadtothesolesofher feet.Janmoaneddeepinherthroat.Shewantedtostretchluxuriously,likeacat baskinginsunlightbutsleepheldherimmobile.Atinglingsensationpulsed throughher,arousinghernipples.Theygrewheavyandengorged,asthougha loverhadsuckledthemforanhour.Thesensualawakeningflewdowntoher pelvis,whichsuffusedwithheatasdelightrippledthroughher.Herclitswelled andherpussyachedtobefilled. Please,shebegged,pleasedontstop.Illdieifyoustop. Thewonderfultitillationwentonandon,varyinginintensity,increasingthe thrill.Theteasingconcentratedonherclit.Shewasabouttoexplodewhenthe stimulationswitchedtoherhot,slickchannel.Movinghard,likeavigorous lover,thesensationthenmutedtothetentativetouchofonefinger.Everynerve spikedtoattention,starvingformore. Suddenlyathousandtinytongueslappedather,stimulatinghernetherlips,her clitandthetightrosebudofherass. Aheadlongrushtowardorgasm,likespeedingdowntheworldslongest, smoothestrollercoaster.Everythingopenedatonce,herpussywelcomingall sensations,drowninginthem,overflowing.Shetumbledthroughhugewavesof pleasurethatlefthershudderingandswooningastheyreceded.Shedrewina greatgaspofairandhereyesflewopen. Shedjusthadanincrediblyintenseorgasmfromhermindalone.Noonewas closeenoughtotouchher,yetherpussypulsedasthoughtheworldsgreatest loverhadgivenhertheworldsmostintensefucking. WhereamI?Whatshappeningtome?Sheshivered,herheartpoundingwithfear. Thenarrowbed,thebright,recessedlights,thesmellofantisepticwereall familiar. Isitahospital?Thatguylooksalittlestrange,though.AmIonsomeweird hallucinogen?

Amanloungedagainstthedoorway,studyingwhatlookedlikeahandheld electronicdevice.Heglancedup.JanisStone.Youreawake.Smiling,he approachedwithcatlikegrace. Hewasslenderandtall,welloversixfeetinheight.Hislonghair,hanging slightlypasthisshoulders,wasamassofdarkbrownvariedwithlighterpatches oftan. Twofurrypeakspokedthroughhishairatthetopofhishead.Badhairday?she wondered.No,thosearehisears.Hesnotaman.Hesanalien. Thefogbegantoclearfromherbrain.Shestrainedtorememberthelastthing shedheard.Herbreathingquickened. SecondusDelosoftheTawnySpottedPelt.Yourphysician.Hispaleblueeyes studiedher.Janfocusedonthem,notingtheywererounderthanhumaneyes, withlong,narrowpupils.Still,theyheldakindlyexpression.Howareyou feeling?Hisdeep,richvoiceflowedoverherlikewarmcream,calmingand soothingher. HowamIfeeling?Afterhavingthebestorgasmofmylife?ButIdoubthesaskingabout mysexualhealth. Disoriented,shesaidatlast.Hervoicewashoarse,asthoughshehadnt spokeninalongtime. Notsurprising.Someofthatsthepainmedication.Restassured,youregoingto befeelingmuchbettersoon. Thedoctorworeasleevelessbluetunicthatrevealedthepowerfulmusclesofhis shouldersandarms.Sturdylegswereencasedindarkbluetights. Hesatcasuallyonthesideofherbedandtookherwristinhislargehand. Hesanalienandhestouchingme.Hertremblingincreased. Dontworry,Imjusttakingyourpulse.Hissmilegaveherawarmfeeling, untilshenoticedhisfangshapedincisors.

Inspiteofthefactthathehadtwoeyes,anoseandamouth,somethingabouthis facedidntquiteadduptohuman.Maybeitwashissmallnose.Orthestiff hairsunderhisnosethatweremorelikeacatswhiskersthanamansmustache. Ivebeenworriedaboutyou,hecontinued.YoutooktheTransitionhard. MostoftheotherBrideshavebeenawakefortwoorthreedays. OtherBrides?HowlonghaveIbeenhere?sheasked,heralarmgrowing. Sevenweeks.Hegraspedhershoulderwithacomfortinghand.Doyou rememberthebroadcast?Doyouknowwhyyourehere? Inthebackofhermindshedbeenawareoftheknowledgebuthadntwantedto faceit.Soitsalltruethen?Shewasntsurewhethersheshouldscream hystericallyorbreakintosobs. Noneofthatwilldoanygood.Juststaycalm.Shetookdeepbreathsandtriedto relax. Itstrue.Hiseyescontainedattractivelittleflecksofdarkerblue.Heleaned closerandshereceivedanenticingwhiffofhisscent.Someofitwasclean, healthymalebuttherewasanunderlyingadditioncocoa,maybe?Whatever thescent,shewantedtolickhimallover.Lickhim?Thatsgottobethedrugs. Imsureyouhavequestions.Goaheadandask.IvebeenappointedOfficial LiaisontotheBrides. Officialliaisonorkidnappingconspirator?Howniceforyou.Didyougetapay raise? AtwitchofDr.Delosmouthshowedthathedcaughthersarcasm.Our economicincentivesdontworkquitethesamewayasinyourculture.Anyway theanswerisno.Ivolunteeredsolelyforthepleasureofworkingwithbeautiful females. Toobadyougotstuckwithme,then.Thepersonwhospokeonthebroadcastsaid youwantedwives.Wasshereallyexpectedtomarryanalien?Someonelikethe doctor,withfurryears?

Tohershocksherealizedtheideaintriguedher.Maybeithassomethingtodowith thatunusualwakeupcall. Yes,youwereallbroughtheretomarryus.Wasthereanapologeticnoteinhis voice? Janstrovetoremembereverythingfromtheannouncement.Hesaidyour femalesdied. AllofuswereillafterthelandingonRinora3.Twothirdsofourmales recoveredbutourfemalesHeclosedhiseyesbriefly.Imsorry.Itsdifficult totalkabout. Inspiteofhisnonhumanfeatures,shewasabletoreadthepaininhis expression.Wereyoumarried?sheasked. Inourculture,alladultsaremarried.Iunderstandhumansaredifferent.We wereshockedtofindathousandlovelyfemaleswhowerenotyetpairbonded. Howdidyouknowwewerentpairbonded? InchoosingourBrides,weuploadeddataonmanyfemalesfromthemost technologicallyadvancedareasofEarth.Youretheresultofanextensive selectionprocess.Oneofathousand,chosenoutofmillions. Justlikehittingthelottery.Youknowwhat?Thatmakesmefeelsomuchbetter aboutbeingbroughthereagainstmywill. Hedidntrespondtoherjibebutansweredseriously.Iknowthisishardfor you.Youllunderstandmoretomorrow. Theresgottobeawaytoescape.IllthinkaboutitwhenImnotsotired.Whats happeningtomorrow? ThecouncilsplanningameetingwithalltheBrides.Idliketogetyouwalking aroundbeforethat.Areyoureadytositup? Shealmostansweredthatshewantedtogotosleepandneverwakeupagain. Butshedidntwanttolookweakinfrontofhim,soshenodded.

Good.Illhelpyou.Heputhisarmaroundhershoulders.Astrandofhislong hairbrushedagainsthercheek.Hiswonderfulscentdrewherlikecatnip attractingafeline. Asuddenvisioncametoherofcuddlingagainsthischest.Whatwouldhedo? Holdher,murmursoothingwords?Theideawassointriguingthatshealmost castherselfintohisarms. Morelikelyhedgivemeatranquilizer.Betterbehavemyself. Herewego.Heraisedhertoasittingposition.Herheadswamandtheroom spunlikerowsoffruitwhirlinginaslotmachine. Dizzy!shegasped. Dontworry,Ivegotyou.Takedeepbreaths. Graduallytheroomsteadied.Inspiteofherself,shedrewcomfortfromDr. Delossteadygrip.Althoughhewasanalienhealsoseemedtobeacaring doctor. Sheworeaplainyellowtunicthatwasembarrassinglysheer,consideringher nippleswerestillpeaking.Couldnthehaveprovidedadecenthospitalgown? Bedraisebacktosupportpatient,hecommanded.Thebedobeyedhimand thedoctorreleasedher.Jansuppressedaninstantfeelingofloss. Atwingeinhermidriffbroughtherhandtoherstomach. Itookthefeedingtubeoutyesterday,thedoctorexplained. Feedingtube! Myexaminationsrevealedthatyouweremalnourished.Hisvoicefilledwith prideasheadded,Youvegainedtenpoundswhileyouvebeenundermy care. Thanksawholehellofalot,shemuttered.Anotherquestionsurfacedinher mind.Howisitwereabletounderstandeachother?

MyteamandIimplantedbrainchipswhenyoufirstarrived.Wereactually speakingTerilian.YourbrainstranslatingitintoEnglish. Ifthiswasntsomehorriblyfantasticdream,shewasindeepshit.Unlesssheand theotherwomencouldconvincethealiensotherwise,noneofthemwouldsee Earthagain.Shedneverseehermotherorbrothersagain,neverseeher girlfriends. OrGary.ShewonderedwhythethoughtofneverseeingGaryagaindidntcause morethanatinypang. Staytough,Jan.Foldingherarmsacrossherchest,shesaid,Sothemass kidnappingwassuccessful.Whendoesthemassrapetakeplace? Concernfilledhiseyes.Rapeisimpossibleinourculture.WhentheSpring Runningtakesplace,youEarthianfemaleswilljoyfullyacceptyournew husbands. Dontcountonit.WhatisthisSpringRunning? Hestood.Dontconcernyourselfwiththatnow.Wellspeakmoretomorrow. Asheturnedtogo,headded,Justtellthebedtoreturntothesleepposition whenyouwanttoliedownagain.Anddontworryyoullattractoneofour highstatusmaleswithyourgreatbeauty. ***** Delosfrownedasherodetheshuttlebacktohisquarters.Twoyearswithouta matehadbeendifficult.Worsethandifficult.Almostimpossible. Still,thatdidntexcusehisunprofessionalbehaviorwithJanisStone.Hehoped noneofthecouncilhadbeenmonitoringSickBaywhenhedsatonherbed. Hedbeenoverwhelminglytempted,determinedtobreatheinmoreofher aroma.ThemultilayeredscentsofthenewBrideshadmadeitdifficulttotreat them.HerememberedhowHannus,oneoftheorderlies,hadfaintedduring Janisbrainchipoperation,overwhelmedbyhishormonalresponsetoher. Delossighed.HedbeenfascinatedbyJanisscentfromhisfirstdayofstudying herchemistry,administeringtheproperdrugstoguideherthroughthe

Transition.Shedbeenanenticingmedleyofinterestingaromas.Herhairhad smelleddifferentfromherskin.Someofitwasher,someanartificialoverlay. Astheweekspassed,hernaturalscentpredominated,adeep,woodsysmellthat belongedtoheralone.Itbroughtbackmemoriesofhishomeplanet,Teril.He recalledrunningthroughtheforestasayouth,thesundimthroughthemists andthegreenandredfrondsbrushingagainsthislegsashechasedhisbrothers. Butmostintoxicatingofallwasthedistinctivearomaofhersex.Heshivered, recallinghowgreatlyherscenthadintensifiedwhenhedtestedherorgasmic strengthwiththeelectronicstimulator.Ifhelickedher,wouldthatlovelyskin betweenherbreaststastedifferentfromthatsmoothskinjustaboveherfemale pelt? Hisorganhadhardenedandlengthenedwhilehespoketoher.Hadshenoticed? Probablynot,sincehistunicwaslooseandflowing.Ifonlyhecouldhaveherfor hisown,hewouldaskfornothingelseinthislife.Heimaginedheropening herselftohim,thesweet,glisteningfoldsreadyforhimtoplungeinto.She wouldscreamwithdelight Dontdothistoyourself,Del.Youknowverywellshecanneverbeyours. ChapterTwo ThenexttimeJanwoke,alarge,grufforderlynamedHannushelpedheroutof bed.Leaningonhisarm,shetooktentativestepsaroundthesmallroom.Her legsfeltrubbery,asthoughhermuscleshaddisappeared. Hannusbroughtheramealonatraytenminisculebowls,eachfilledwitha differentdeliciousfood.Mostofthemtastedmeaty,althoughonehada cornmealconsistency. SecondusDelossaystoeatallyoucan.Ifyouwantmoreofanything,youhave onlytoask,theorderlytoldher. Thoughtsofherdietflittedthroughhermind.Hell,whatdoesitmatternow?She finishedeverythingonthetray.

Hannusgaveheracleantunictowear.MuchlikeDelos,itwassleeveless,except thatitwasbrightredandreachedtoherknees.Accompanyingitweresoftred shoes,somewhatlikeballetslippers.Idontgettights? Hannuslookedshocked.Femalesneverweartights. Heheldupamirrorsothatshecouldseeherself.Janblushed.Herlargebreasts wereclearlyvisiblethroughthesheertop,aswellasthedarktriangleofcurlsat thejunctureofherthighs.Shefeltnakedandexposedandherembarrassment wasenhancedbytheaidesfranklyappreciativeglance. WhathappenedtotheclothesIhadwhenIwasbroughthere?NotthatIwantto runaroundinwhitesatin Instorage.Besides,SecondusDeloswasright.Hannuseyesglowedwith enthusiasm.Thiscolorenhancesyouruniquebeauty.Shefeltasthoughhe werestandingtoocloseashetookadeepbreath.Ishesmellingme? ThecouncilisaddressingtheBridesinafewminutes,hecontinued.IfIhelp you,canyouwalkfiftyfeettotheGreatHall? Excitementranthroughheratthethoughtofseeingotherwomenagain.She heldoutherarmandhetookitreverently,asthoughshewereaqueen. Theymovedslowlythroughalongcorridor.Jannarrowedhereyestolookatthe walls,whichshowedtwistedtreeswithredleavesandgreenandaquaferns.If theillusionhadntendedwithaplainvioletceiling,shewouldhavealmost imaginedherselfinaforest. MostoftheotherBrideswerealreadyseatedintheGreatHallwhenJancamein. Shestaredathundredsoffaces,notingthatallracesofEarthwererepresented. Thewomenworesheertunicsinagladrainbowofcolors,fromdeepestblueto sunshineyellowtopalepink. Noneofthemwereslender.Everyoneshelookedatwashersizeorslightly bigger.Couldthispossiblymeanthatthealiensprizedlargewomen? Theshrillsoundofathousandwomenchatteringtoeachotherfilledthe cavernousroomandforamomentJanhadtheimpulsetoputherhandsoverher ears.

 Funny,shednevernoticedbeforethateachwomaninacrowdhadherown particularscent. Jandroppedgratefullyontoapaddedstoolandlookedupatthefrontofthe room,wherearowofalienskneltonsimilarstools,murmuringtoeachother. Fiveofthemworegray.Theirbodiesweredecoratedwithcopperorsilverarm bracelets,anklebracelets.Severalofthemworenecklaces. Atthefarleft,alittleapartfromtherest,SecondusDeloslookedouttowardthe Brides.Cladonlyinadarkgreentunicandtights,heseemedyoungerthanthe otheraliens.Hecaughthereyeandsmiled.Relievedtoseeafamiliarface,Jan smiledback. Anearsplittingwhistlesoundedandoneofthemalesingraycametohisfeet.He wasatall,bigshoulderedfellowwithlongblackhairstreakedwithgrayatthe temples. Welcome,Brides.IamPrimusTaddusoftheBlackStripedPelt.Weresoglad youvejoinedusontheEcstasyofGenerationscolonizationship. Likewehadachoice?Janthoughtwryly. WhileIrealizeitsashockforyoutopartfromyourfamiliesandfriends,Im surethatleavingyourprimitive,pollutedplanetwillsoonbeseenasablessing. Inanotheryear,wellmakeplanetfall.Youllbeavitalpartofourexciting colonizationventure. Excitingordangerous? WechoseyouasourBridesbecauseyoucomefromthesameForerunnerrace asourancestors.Wealreadyshareninetyeightpercentofthesamegenetics.In addition,wefindyoualmostasbeautifulasourownfemales. Mostofyouhavealreadyreceivedexplanationsfromyourdoctorsbutletme quicklyreviewwhatsbeendonetoyou.Thedoctorshaveadministereddrugs designedtogiveyouacompletecellularoverhaul. Whatthehell?Jantensed.

ThechangesaresubtlebutyouarenowmuchmorelikeTerilianfemales.His cockyvoiceimpliedtheydbeengivenawonderfulgift.Yoursenseofsmellis enhanced,asisyourhearing.Youllfind,intheweekstocome,greatermuscular strength.Mostimportantly,youllbeabletobearhealthyyoungforyour destinedhusbands. Ignoringtheangrymurmuringthatswelledthroughthehall,PrimusTaddus continued,Alittlethought,alittlereflection,willsoonshowyouhowluckyyou aretobeliftedoutofyourprimitivelivesandallowedtoshareour gloriousTerilianheritage Jancouldntstanditanylonger.Shootingtoherfeet,sheignoredthedizziness thatassailedher.Howdareyou?Howdareyouspeakasthoughweshouldbe grateful?Youkidnappedus!OnEarth,thatsconsideredacrime. AsifheroutbursthadsetoffaRomancandle,ahundredotherwomenjumped totheirfeet. Wedontwanttobearyouryoung! Takeushome,youbastards! Wellnevermarryyou! DelosroselithelyandwenttospeaktoTaddus.Thetwomalesconversation seemedtogrowmoreangrybythesecond.Rising,Taddusstaredthreateningly intoDeloseyes.Delosleanedforwardandmadeachoppingmotionwithhis righthand. Delosmusthavewontheargument,forwhenthewhistlesoundedagain,he steppedclosertotheBridestospeak. PrimusTaddushasmadeaninspiringspeechbutheleftonethingouthow verybadlyweneedyou.Delosvoice,incontrasttoTaddus,wasfilledwith sorrow.Withoutwives,ourmissionisdoomed.Wecantcolonizeaplanetby ourselves,withmalesonly. Thengobacktoyourhomeplanet!afuriousblondeshouted.

Delosturnedhisheadslowly,hisglancetakinginalltheBrides.Thecouncil didntwanttorevealthistoyoubutIlltellyouanyway.Humanscangofor yearswithoutmating.Terilianmalescant. Wevebeenwithoutwivesfortwoyears.Wereattheendofourendurance.We cannotsurvivethefouryearjourneybacktoTeril.Wedallbedeadbeforewe arrived. Thefuriouswhispersintheroomceased. JanisStonesaidwecommittedacrime.Wedidbutonlybecauseourvery survivalisatstake.Peoplewilldoalmostanythingtosurvive.Thisistrueon EarthandtrueonTeril.Someday,perhapsyoullforgiveus. JanwasstillangrybutDelosapologetictonestirredsomethingwithinher.Yes, sheunderstoodthattheydwantedtosurvive. Butforgivethem?Shewasntsosureofthat. Deloscontinued,Inthemeantime,wehopeyoullfindhappinessinmating withusattheSpringRunning.Thecellularoverhaulhasmadeyourespond toTerilianmalepheromones.TheRunningisajoyouseventinTerilianlives,a greatpleasurethatallanticipate. Taddusstoodagain.Enough,Delos!Nomoretalkofsacredthings. Delosinclinedhisheadandchangedthesubject.IveheardquestionsasI tendedyouBridesinSickBay.Manyaskediftheycouldreturnto Earth.Althoughitwouldtakeonlyayearinspace,fortyyearswillhavepassed onEarth.Sowhileitspossible,Idontthinkthisiswhatanyofyoutrulywant. Adismayedmurmurbrokeoutfollowinghiswords. Fortyyears?Hermotherwouldbedead.Everyonesheknewwouldbeold. Janbitherliptoholdbackthetears. TherewouldbenoplaceforherortherestoftheBrides.Garywouldhave marriedsomeoneelse.Noonewouldwantherorneedher.

Weneedyou,Delosconcluded,andwewillcherishyouasourwives,our dearpartners.Brides,wellleaveyounowtotalkamongyourselves.Theoldest amongyouwillactastheBridesliaisontotheTerilians.Turninghishead,he gaveJanasignificantlook.IllmeetwiththeBridesliaisonlater. Silently,Delosandthecouncilfiledoutoftheroom.Thewomenwereleftstaring ateachother.ManylookedexpectantlyatJan. Sheneededtosaytherightthing.Ifshebrokedown,mostofthemwouldbe sobbinginminutes. Businesslike,thatwasit.Okay,whostheoldesthere?Janaskedandcalledout herbirthday.Anyoneolderthanthat? NoonewasolderthanJansthirtynine.Assoonasthatwasdetermined,a thousandquestionsbrokeout.Wavingherarmsandraisinghervoice,Jan suggestedthatthewomenformalineandasktheirquestions.Later,shewould sharetheirquestionswithDelos. Atallblackwomanspokefirst.Arewegoingtodowhattheywant?Orarewe goingtoresist? Howcanweresist?someoneelsecalledout. Theblackwomanglaredfiercely.Killourselves! Weneedalotmoreinformationbeforewemakethatdecision,Jansaid.AndI foroneamnotreadytodie. Theymessedwithourbodies!ayoungwomanwithcurlybrownhair exclaimed.Mysenseofsmellsonoverdrive!Havetheytolduseverything aboutthiscellularoverhaul? Thethirdwomaninlinespoke.Ladies,wheresyoursenseofadventure?Anew planet?Whatatrip! AmurmurofapprovalrolledthroughtheHall,indicatingthatalargenumberof theBridesagreedwithhercomment.

Wishingshehadanotepad,Jantriedtomemorizeeveryonesquestions.Hours passedasalmosteveryoneintheroomspoke.WhatweretheTeriliansbodies like? Imnotfuckingsomeguywithatail,oneoftheBridescalledout. YeahandIwanttogetalookattheircocks,someoneelsecommented. Iftheyevenhavecocks!athirdchimedin.Manyofthewomenhadbeen awakenedthesamewayasJan. Itwaswonderful!onewomandeclared,blushing.ThatsthefirsttimeIve everhadanorgasm. ThewomenaskedabouttheTransition,thenewplanetandwhatmarriage meanttotheTerilians.AndwhatwastheSpringRunning? Ayoungwomanwithshorthairsaid,Idonthaveaquestion.Ijustwanttosay thatIhadbreastcancerbackonEarth.DoctorDelossaysitsgonenow. Anotherwomanspokeeagerly.Hecuredmydiabetestoo!Nomoreinsulin shots! Sothealienshaddonesomegoodforthem. OneofthewomenbehindJanbegantosob. Janhesitated.Idontknowhowtodealwithpeople.Imjustacomputerprogrammer, damnit.Movingtotheredhead,Janawkwardlytriedtocomfortherbypatting hershoulder.Iknowitshard,Jansaid.Itshardforeveryone. ButIwasjustabouttogetmarried!Thewomanwipedtearswiththebackof herhand.Myweddingwasallplanned.Ihadthemostbeautifulwhitedress andandthecakewasorderedandwedputthedepositdownfortheband! Iknow,honey,Iminthesameboat. Anotherwomantookoverthecomforting.Atleastyouwereengaged,shetold theredhead.Ineverfoundaguytomarry.Iworkedasaweddingplannerbut Inevergottoplanmyownwedding!

 ThatgaveJananidea.PerhapsshewouldmentionittoDelos.Atinyshockof arousalwentthroughheratthethoughtofhim. Whatswrongwithme?Hesanalien! Thedoubledoorsslidopen.DeloswalkedthroughwithTaddus.Thebigprimus touchedtheredheadscheek.Dontcry,prettyfemale.Youllsoonhavea husbandwhowillloveyoudearly. Theredheadstaredupathim,sniffingbackhertears.Jangazedattheyoung woman,startled.Wastheredesireinhereyes? JanspulsequickenedasDelosjoinedher.Whydidhispresencesparkaninstant awarenessinher? Perhapsbecausehedbeennearbywhensheexperiencedthatsuperb orgasm.Hermindhadsomehowassociatedhimwithsexualpleasure.Maybe thatwaswhyshewantedtonestleclosertohim.Closeenoughtofeelhissmooth skinrubagainsthers. AreyounowtheofficialliaisonoftheBrides?heasked. Yes.Riggedthatelection,didntyou? Iknewyouweretheoldest,hesaid. Theimpulsetotouchhim,topressherbodyagainsthis,almostoverwhelmed her. Hisextraordinaryblueeyesstudiedherface.ButIcouldhavesaid,Choosethe wisest.Ortheloveliest.Theresultwouldhavebeenthesame. Jancouldnthelpherself.Shetookastepnearer.Whatwouldhedoifshe touchedhishair? Taddusgesturedandthewhistleforsilencesounded.Brides,Iinviteyouto returntoyourcabins.YoullbecalledforanothermeetingintheGreatHall tomorrow.AndletmejustsayhowpleasedandproudIamtohaveyouallwith us.

 Janthought,Pompousass. AsthewomenlefttheHall,TadduscametoJansside.Soyourethenew liaison,hecommented,takingherhand.Hehadadeep,darkodorthatwas faintlyattractivebutdidntstirherthesamewayDelosscentdid. Heraisedherhandtohismouthandturneditpalmupward.Washegoingto kissit? Hispinktonguedartedoutandhelickedherpalm.Jangaspedatthesensation, whichremindedherofwetsandpaper.Despiteherself,shetrembledatthe unusualfeelingsthegestureevokedwithinher. Thebigmalesaid,Letmeshowyoutoyournewcabin,mydear. Delostookastepforward.Ibelievethatsmyduty,Primus. Alownoiserumbledthroughtheair.Janblinked.Wasthecouncil membergrowlingatthedoctor? Thetwomaleslockedglances.Delosstoodhisground. Goahead,youngSecondus,Taddussaidatlast.TurningbacktoJan,hisvoice lowered.LovelyOnebeassuredIllfindyouattheSpringRunning. ChapterThree Jansnewquartersweresmall,eightbyeightfeetandseemedempty.Delos demonstratedthevoicecommandthatbroughtacomputerconsoletableoutof thewall.Drawerspulledoutaswell,containingseveralbrighttunics.Another commandandalargeroundbedopenedabovetheirheads.Janfrowned, wonderinghowshewassupposedtogetintoit. WillIsharethiscabinwithmyhusband,onceIhaveone? Deloseyeswidened.Liveinthesameroomtogether,youmean?Ofcoursenot. Peoplerequireprivacy.

 Shetiltedherhead,lookingathim.Shekeptpicturinghimnakedonthebed,his eyeshalfclosedwhileshetouchedeveryinchofhim.Shedneverfeltthisway beforecertainlynotwithGary.WhydoIfeelanirresistibleurgetotouch you? Hisstartledeyesmethersforamoment,thenheglancedaway.Ithoughtyou understood.TheTransitionhasmadeyoususceptibletoTerilianmale pheromones.Allofusareexudingthemtoagreatdegree,thisclosetotheSpring Running. Hewastryingsohardtobescientific.Couldnttherebeasimplerexplanation thatshewasattractedtohim? ButIdidntfeeltheurgewhenTadduslickedme.Thememorygavehera nervejanglingsensationunrelatedtopleasure. Whatdidyouthinkofhim?Sheheardjealousyinhisvoice. Taddusmadeaspeech.Youspokefromyourheart. Delosseemedpleased.Gazingathim,shewasdistractedbythewaytheendsof hishairfellsoftlytohisshoulders.MayItouchyourhair?Yourface,yourbody Goahead. Asshedrewnear,thecocoasmellintensified.Shewantedtorubhernipples againsthischest.Liebesidehimandentangletheirlegs. Shereachedupward,runningherpalmdownhishair.Itwassoft,likethefurof hertabbycat,backhome.Shewantedtostrokeitagainandagain.Shemoved herhandslowlyfromthecrownofhisheadallthewaydown,endingathisbare shoulder.Herpalmcaressedhisshoulderandmoveddownhisarm. Hiseyeswidenedwithapprehensionandhetookastepback.Whenyoutouch me,Iwanttomate.Immediately. Whyisthataproblem?Ithoughtwewerebroughtheretobecomewivesto maleslikeyou.

Heturnedaway,breathinghard.Thespicyodorintheroomincreased.She knew,withhernewlyenhancedsenses,thathewasstrugglingwithintense desire. Yes.Hespokewithdifficulty.Butwesworeallofusthatnoonewould haveintercourseuntiltheSpringRunning. Disappointmentshotthroughher,evenastheimpulsetotouchhimincreased. Shedesperatelyneededtothinkaboutsomethingelse. Shelookedaround,searchingforamoreneutralsubject.HowamIsupposedto reachthebed? Mostofuslikeourbedsneartheceiling.Butyouprobablycantjumpthathigh yet. Beforesherealizedwhatheintended,hescoopedherintohisarms.Sheshivered atthesuddenintimacy,evenasshewonderedhowaslendermalelikehimcould lifthersoeffortlessly.Hecrouched,thensprangintotheair.Inanothermoment, shewaslyingonthebed,Delosbesideher. Herheartracedfromtheleap.Evenmoredisturbingwashisproximity.Shehad tokeepfightingtheneedtostrokeherpalmsoverhisbody. Canyouallleaplikethat?sheasked. Yes.Andyouwilltoo,oncethecellularuptakeiscomplete. Janraisedhereyebrows.Nowthatshedlivedthroughit,sherealizedshed enjoyedthesensationalleapthroughtheair. Therewasadownside,though.SupposetheBridesdecidedtoresist?Ifthey eventuallyconvincedtheTerilianstotakethembacktoEarth,theydbefreaks. Hermindshyingawayfromthedisturbingthought,shebouncedlightlyonthe bed.Unlikethehardhospitalbed,thismattressfeltmalleable,almostasthough therewasjellyunderthewovencover.

Whatwouldhedoifshepartedherthighsandstrokedherself?Wouldhebe shocked,orwouldhewatcheagerly?Shewonderedwhyshefeltsuchastrange needtoteasehim,toprovokehim. ShedbetterstartworkingthroughtheBrideslistofquestions.Wereall curiousaboutwhatyoumaleslooklikenaked. Hisbrowcreased.Weremuchlikehumans. HaveyouseenanyoftheBrideswithoutclothing?Notthatourtunicsconceal much. ThatsdifferentImadoctor. Wellthen,doctor,youshouldntbeembarrassedaboutbodies.Shedidntwant torevealhowinterestedshewasinseeinghismostprivatefeatures,soshethrew achallengeintohervoice.OrareyouafraidtorevealwhatTerilianmale anatomylookslike? Raisinghischin,hekneltfacingherandliftedhistunicoverhishead.Although Deloswasslender,hisbodywasmuscular,fromhisshouldersandsculpted bicepstohisfirmabdomenandtaperedwaist. Yourmusclesarewelldeveloped.Shefoughttheurgetorunherhandsover hiscontours.Whatwouldhedoifshecaressedhissmoothchest?Lickedhisdark nipples?Howdoyoumaintainthatphysiqueinspace? Wererequiredtologinfivehoursofexerciseoutofeveryforty.Lifewillbe difficultonournewplanetforthefirstfewyears.Itsessentialtomaintainour physicalstrength. Heturned.Atwoinchwidthoffur,brownlikehishairwithvariegatedtawny spots,randownthemiddleofhisbackanddisappearedintohistights. Isthatfurwhatyoucallyourpelt?sheasked. Thatsright.Remainingwithhisbacktoher,heraiseduponhiskneesand pulleddownhistights.Hisslightlyroundedbuttockswerefirmandtaut.The furnarrowed,endingatthecrackofhisass.

Notail.Asidefromhislineoffur,hisbacksidelookedmuchlikeahuman mans.Onewithaparticularlyattractivebutt.Shedrewaquickbreathasshe imaginedherselfcaressingthosemuscularcheeks. Hediscardedhistightsandturned.Hereyesweredrawntohiscock,which stoodlongandstraightagainsthisstomach,muchdarkerthanhispalebrown skin. Instantly,herpussywentwetatthesight. Shestaredattheheadofhiscock.Insteadofthefamiliarmushroomshapeof humans,hiscockhadalong,cylindricalheadthatextendedseveralinchesback. Shestroveforadetachedtone.Iassumeyouresexuallyarousedrightnow? Yes.Mostofusstrugglewithconstantarousal,thisclosetotheSpring Running.Histone,preciseandscientific,wasbeliedbyhishugeerection.Like her,hewastryingtosounddetachedbutJanwasntfooled. Isntitpainfultowalkaroundlikethat? Itsbeentwoyearssinceourfemalesdied.Terilianswerentmeanttogowithout matingforsolong.Thedrugshelpbutonlytemporarily.Hemovedcloseron thebedandputhishandsonhershoulders.Sheshiveredathissensualtouch. AndwhenImwithyou,yourpresenceoverridesthedrugs. Shecouldnttakehereyesoffthatfascinatingcock.Shewantedtotouchit,feel theskinunderherpalm.Lickhimandtastehimasthoughshewerestarvingand hewasherfirstmealindays. Delosmovedhispalmsincircles,leavingatrailoftinglingwildfirewhereverhe touched.Garyshandshadneverthrilledherlikethis.Neverbeforehadshefelt suchintensedesire,suchadesperateneedforcouplingthattranscendedall commonsense. Icouldspenddaystouchingyou,hesaid,hisvoicesuddenlyhusky. Sheforcedherselftospeak,whenallshewantedtodowasthrowherheadback anddrinkinhiscaresses.TellmeabouttheSpringRunning.TheBridesare curious.

 Hefrowned,momentarilypressinghishandtoherlips.Shewastemptedtokiss hishandandsuckhisfingersintohermouth. Imforbiddentospeakofit.Youllbetoldwhattodoonthedayitself. Shepersisted,ButwhathappensthatdaywillpairoffBridesandhusbands? Yes. Ifyoucanwillyouchooseme? Hewrappedhisarmsaroundher,drawingheragainsthischest.Shesighedand putherarmsaroundhiswaist.Somehowshedknownthiswascoming.And nowthatithad,itfeltcompletelyright. Hisvoicelowered.Mysoledesireistofindyouthatday,thenmatewithyou overandoveruntilyouscreamwiththepleasureIgiveyou. Arousalwashedoverherathiswords.Andifthathappens,doesthatmakeme yourwife?Shepulledback,lookingupintohisface. Sorrowdarkenedhisexpressionandsheturnedcoldinside. Taddusmarkedyouforhisowntoday.HewillclaimyouashisBride,dont doubtit.Imasecondus,heisaprimus.Imustyieldtohim. AndIhavenochoiceinthematter? Thatsnotourway. Thenhowisthatdifferentfromrape?Jandemanded. Becauseonthatday,yourbodywontresisthim.DuringtheSpringRunning, ourbodiescravesexthewayourlungscraveair.Hellmatewithyouandyoull findgreatpleasureinit.JansensedthatDeloswastellingthetruthbuthe lookeddownasthoughthewordspainedhim.

Youcantknowthatforsure,sheargued.Maybethatshowitworkswith yourfemales.ButImfromEarth.AndifIdontlikeaguy,Idontmatewith him.Ikickhimtothecurb. Thegeneticoverhaulismakingyoumorelikeourfemaleseveryday.Dontyou haveasayingonEarth,biologyisdestiny? Notinmoderntimesitisnt,sheretorted. Hefrowned.Areyoualwaysthissarcastic?Ourfemalesneverspokelikethis. Toobadyoudidntkidnapsomeotherspecies. Foramomenttheirgazeslocked.ThenDelosmouthquirkedupinasmile.No, Imhappywiththewaythingsworkedout.Earthfemalesarefascinating creatures.WereallcountingthedaysuntiltheSpringRunning. Jantookadeepbreath.Itdidnthelptoclearherhead.Hisproximitymadeher feeldizzyandintoxicated.Thelongerhesatclosetoher,themoreherarousal increased.Temptedtograsphimaroundthewaistandpullhimdownontopof her,shedughernailsintoherpalm. Dontgetcarriedaway.Hesanalienandakidnapper.Evenifhesaystheyhadtodoit, evenifyoulikehim,whattheydidwaswrong. Ifyouhaveto,lethimgiveyoupleasure.Butdontgetemotionallyinvolved. TheBrideshavequestionsaboutwhatyouTeriliansarelikewhenyoumate. Yousaidintercourseisforbidden.ButonEarth,wedomanythingstoplease eachotherasidefromintercourse. Hegentlycuppedthesideofherface.Icouldtalkaboutthesemattersforhours. ButIdrathershowyou.Hegazedintohereyes,waitingforheranswer. Thenshowme.Hervoiceshookwithfearandanticipation. Lieonyourback.Ifyouthinkyoullenjoyit,Illdemonstratealovingpleasure thathusbandsdofortheirwives.

Trembling,Janstretchedoutonthebed.Imtheguineapighere.Imgoingtoletthis strangertouchmybody.Hesnotevenahumanman.Hesanalien. AndIcanhardlywait. Everybreathfloodedherwiththescentofhim,ascentthatmadehernipples tightenandherpussyswellwitharousal.Butshedidntwanthimtoknow.She didntwanttogivehimthatmuchpoweroverher. Withamockingnoteinhervoice,shesaid,Iguessyoupeopledontbelievein pillows. Delossmiled.Bed!hecommanded.Makeapillow.Andinclinethefemales backatatwentydegreeangle. Thebedshifted,themattressformingupunderneathhersothatherbackwas raisedandapillowformelevatedherhead. Muchbetter.Shelickedherlips.Herheartpounded. Heleanedoverher,passionblazinginthosepaleblueeyes.Whathaveyou donetome,Janis?Hisvoicewashuskywithemotion.NomatterhowhardI try,Icantstopthinkingaboutyou.Evenmydreamsarefilledwithyourscent. Itsjustbiology,Delos. Youthinkso? Yousaidityourself. Hebroughthisfacecloser.Shewonderedifhewouldkissherbutinsteadhe rubbedhischeekagainsthers.Hisscentfilledhernostrils.Shegaspedasher pussythrobbedwithsudden,desperateneed. Hishandstrokedslowlythroughherhair. Yourearsareunusual,hemurmured.Sofunnyandroundandhairless.He tookherrightearlobeinhismouthandranhistongueoverit.Herstomach quiveredassheenjoyedtheslightlywetroughness.Itwasntenoughtohurtbut enoughtoprovideapleasurablecontrastashesuckedonherearlobeandthen

lickedaroundthewhorlofherear.Shethrewherheadback,breathinghard, positioningherselftogivehimeasyaccess.Shedhadloverswhodkissedher earbeforeshedalwaysadoredthesensationbutnoonehadevertakensuch leisurelytimetolick,tosuck,totaste. Hebrushedherhairbackfromherface,hisfingerstanglinginthelongstrands. Blackhairlikeyoursishighlyprizedbyus.Itspartlywhatmakesyousovery beautiful. Wouldsheeverhavethenervetotellhimshewasntconsideredbeautifulon Earth? Heburiedhisfaceagainstherchinandagainhistonguecaressedherashelicked hiswaydownherneck.Histonguewassoftandslow,takinglonglicksas thoughhesavoredaparticularlydelectabledessert.Sheclosedhereyesin enjoyment,stretchingherneck.AsoftOh!escapedherasheexploredherright shoulderwithhiswarmmouthandtongue.Hishandsmovedsensuallydown herback. Shewantedtoliethereforhours,meltingunderhisfingers,thrillingtothe gentle,teasingscrapeofhistongueonhersensitizedskin. Heswitchedtocaptivatingsoftnibbles,lettingherfeeljustahintofhisteeth. Herpussyfeltheavy,slickwithliquid.Wouldhetouchherthere? Hedtalkedaboutdemonstratinglovingpleasure.Whatdidthatmeanto aTerilian?Didtheirfemaleshaveorgasmslikehumanwomen?Wouldhe continuelickingheruntilsheexpiredfromunfulfilledarousal?Orwouldhe satisfyher? Supposeshedidsomethingthatshockedhimoroffendedhim.Somethingtaboo. Janisissomethingwrong? Idontknowwhatsexpected,whatspermitted. Hegazedintohereyes.Theexpressiononhisfacewasseriousandconcerned. Dontworry.Ivelearnedagreatdealabouthumansexuality.Teriliansand humans,weremuchalike.

Thatwasreassuring.Andsofar,everythingheddonehadmadehershudder withdelight. Shewantedmoremorelicking,moretouching.Shewantedthatlovely sandpapertongueonherbreasts. Heflickedthenapeofherneck.Shemoaned. AmIpleasingyou?heasked. Yes!Shestaredupathim,enjoyingthedreamy,lustfilledexpressiononhis face.Whataboutyou? Whentheplanwasfirstproposed,Ineverimaginedfindingafemalewho smelledandtastedsowonderful.HowwillIeverbeartoleaveyourbed? Shedidntwanttothinkaboutiteither.Letsjustenjoythemoment.She touchedhischeek,watchinghiseyeshalfcloseinsatisfaction. Sheknewwhatshewantedandshewasgoingtoaskforit.Hedimpliedhe wouldntbeoffended.Soletsputittothetest. Delos?DidyourfemaleshavebreastslikeEarthwomen? Yesbutnotsoround. Didtheyliketobetouchedthere? Withpermission.Areyougrantingthattome? Oh,yes.Shearchedherbackandliftedhertunic. ChapterFour Weeksago,Deloshadbrainlinkedwiththeshipscomputerandabsorbed millionsofwordsuplinkedfromEarthcomputersabouthumananatomy. Intellectually,heknewwhatwouldsexuallystimulateJanis.Butwouldshe reallyrespondtoanonhuman?

 Hedrealizedayearagothathispeoplewouldntsurvivethejourneywithout wives.Afterhedmadehisreport,theastrogationteamwentintooverdrive, searchingforplanetswithfemaleswhocouldfulfilltheneedtomate. Theydallwantedtosurvive,tosavetheirlives.Theyhadntexpectedmorethan that. Theydneverthoughttofindenticingfemaleswhowouldstirtheirverysouls. Delosgazeddownattheachinglybeautifulhuman,entrancedbyhersoftwhite globestippedwithdarkpinkcircles.WhilehedseenmanyoftheBridesnaked, itwasonethingtotreatthemprofessionally,quiteanothertoliebesidehis chosenoneinbed. Hedbeenlongingtotouchherbreasts,feeltheirsoftness,strokethoseenticing nipples.Buthedheldback,notwantingtostartleher. Nowshedtoldhimshewantedhistouch.Excitementracedthroughhim. Hetookherrightbreastinhishand,caressingthenipplewithhisthumb.She murmureddeepinherthroatandhisorganstirred. Hesliddownonthebed.Stilltoyingwithherrightbreast,hetookherleftbreast inhismouth,savoringthewarm,slightlysaltytasteofherskin.Flickingthetip ofhernipplewithhistongue,hegrowledwithsatisfaction.Shegaveoutalittle crythatexcitedhimbeyondbearing.Helickedhernippleagainwhilehisthumb andforefingerrolledherothernipplebetweenthem. Yes.Thatsgood,shegasped. Heclosedhislipsoverherleftbreastandsucked,drawinghernippleintohis mouth.Itwashotterthantherestofherfleshandashelickedandteased,the tenderfleshgrewandlengthened.Heraisedhishead,fascinatedbythewayit haddoubledinsizeinafewmoments.Herengorgednipplewasasdeeplypink astheberriesonajoremplantandtastier. Areallhumanfemalesasresponsiveasyou?heasked.

Shestaredbackathimforalongmoment.Confusioncrossedherface.Ive alwaysenjoyedsexbutIveneverfeltthiswaybefore.Herfingersslidintohis hair,caressinghisscalp.Yourenotgoingtodothiswithanyoneelse? Dontworryaboutthat,hesaidfervently.Hehadthedistinctfeelingshed alreadyspoiledhimforanyotherfemale.EnticingassomeoftheotherBrides hadseemedatfirst,nowheknewhedfoundhistruemate. Andthatwouldbeaproblem,ifTaddusclaimedher.WhenTaddusclaimedher. Hedidntwanttothinkaboutthebigprimusnow.Hisonlyaimwastogive Janissuchpleasurethatshedneverforgethim. Helickedthesoftskinbetweenherbreasts.Dontstop,shegasped.She strokedhisneckandshoulder,herfingerstrailingdesirewherevershetouched. Heshivered. Rememberyourvow.NoonematesuntiltheSpringRunning. Buthecouldnthelpimagininghowitwouldeasehimtoplungehisthrobbing penisintoherslickchannel. Thisisforhertonight,notforyou.Buthedneverwantedtomatesobadlybefore. Doubtshookhim.Couldhekeephisvow? Hewantedtocaressherfemalepeltuntilshepartedherlegs.Hedbreathe deeply,inhalingmoreofherfragrantarousal.Thenhedrubtheheadofhis organagainstherlabia.Wouldshemoan?Beghimtomatewithher?Nothing wouldfeelbetterthanthatfirsthard,hotthrust. Stopthinkingaboutmountingher.Concentrateonpleasingher. DoyouenjoyitwhenIsuckyournipples? Yes,Delosmore! Heputhisarmaroundhershouldersandturnedhertowardhim.Thebed shiftedslightlytobraceherinthisnewposition.Heclosedhislipsoverherright breast,alreadyswollenfromthecaressofhisfingersandsuckedhard.Her breathingchanged.

 Shemovedherhipsrestlessly.Delos.Touchme. Helookedupfromthetenderfleshofhernipplelongenoughtogivehera curiouslook.Wasntthatwhathewasdoing? Shesteeredhisfingerstoherfemalepelt.Hewaseagertocaressthatpartof her.Terilianfemaleshadasmallcurveoffursurroundingtheirsexthatmatched theirbackpelt.Janispeltwasunique,ariotoftinycurlsthatmatchedtheblack haironherhead.Heranhisfingersslowlythroughhercurls,rewardedbyher moanofapproval. Sheraisedherkneesandpartedherlegs.Exactlyashedimagined.The intoxicatingaromaofherarousalthrilledhim.Hedesperatelywantedtobury hisfaceinhersex,breathedeeply,lapthesweetcreamthatwasalreadyflowing fromher. Nottoofast,Del.Dontfrightenher. Whatbeautifullegsshehadroundedknees,plumpthighs.Hestrokedthem, seducedbythesoftnessofherskin.Shewhimperedashishandsmovedupward, hisfingersteasingthecreasesbetweenherthighsandvagina. Muchlikehernipples,herlabiawerebrightpinkandswolleneagerforhis touch.Tentativelyhebrushedhishandlightlyagainsthersex.Shemoaned, raisingherhipswantonlyasthoughbeggingtobemounted. Hecaressedherslowly,hishandmovinginagentlerhythmthatsoonhadher archingtowardhimwitheverystroke.Enjoyingthehotwetnessthatdrenched hisfingers,heraisedhishandtohismouthtosavorthefascinatingtasteofher. Thewordsbrokefromhisthroat.IwishIcouldmatewithyou. Herfingersclosedaroundtheheadofhiserectorgan.Growlingwithstartled delight,hemovedagainstherhand,knowinghecouldntachievereleasefroma caressbutunabletostophimself.Herfirmtouchwasbothadelightanda torment.Ifonlyhecouldtakehernow.Hedgiveheramountingshednever forgetplungehisengorgedorganintoheroverandover,awild,passionate mating.Thememoryofitwouldfloodhermindwhenevershesawhimor inhaledhisscent.

 Butheknewwhatwouldhappentohimifhebrokehisvow.Thethoughtcooled himlongenoughtogentlyremoveherhand. Thisisjustforyou,hesaid.Letmegiveyoupleasure. Butyoulooklikeyoureallready. Ivebeenreadyforweeks.Eversinceshedappearedonthetransportslab,her massofblackhairstarkagainstherwhitegarment,hedachedforher.He rememberedthewayherdarkeyelasheslayagainstherpinkskin,herround breastshalfrevealedbythelownecklineofhergarment.Inthemiddleof directinghisorderlies,hedstoppedandthought,Mine. Hervoicecamelow.Areyousurewecanthavesex? Surprisemingledwithtriumph.Shewantedtomatewithhim. NotuntiltheSpringRunning.Heleanedforwardandrubbedhischeek againsthers,markingherwithhisscent.BeautifulJanis.Letmegiveyouan orgasm. Yes.Keeptouchingme Heknewwherethefemalehumanpleasurecenterresidedhighabovethe vaginalopening,inthesingleclitoris.QuiteunlikeTerilianfemales,whohadtwo. Conversely,manyfemalesdidntlikebeingtouchedtheredirectly. Hetouchedhervagina,strokinglightly,fondlingthehot,wetopening.Watching herreactionclosely,hesmiledwhensheshiftedonthebed,partingherlegs farther.Hecontinuedhiscaresses,lettingthebackofhishandbrushlightly againstherclitoriswitheverystroke. Herlovelysexwasopenandglistening.Invitinghisorganinside.Ifonlyhewere allowed,nowwouldbethetimetothrustinsideher. Woulditbetoomuchtemptationtorubtheheadofhispenisagainsther? Dontdoit,Del.Youllneverbeabletostop.

Insteadhepartedherlabia,enteringherwiththetipofhisfinger. Shethrustherhips,tryingtotakemoreofhisfingerinside.Hewithdrew. Liestill,heordered.Heloweredhisheadandlickedhernavel,feelingher tremble.Holdingherhipsfirmlyinhishands,helavedhistongueoverher stomach.Shewhimperedwithneed. Hecuppedhermoundinhishand,enjoyingherheat,whichincreasedeven morewhenhesqueezedlightly. Delos,stopteasingme.Hervoicewasedgy,ragged.Really,Icanttakeany more! Shewashisnow,hisfemale.Shelayopentohim,awaitingpleasure. Exquisitelyslowly,heenteredherwithonefinger,feelingherwetfoldsgiveway beforehisinvasion.Throwingherheadback,sheletoutacry.Hepushedin farther,sighingwithsatisfactionwhenherinnermusclesclenchedaroundhis finger. Leaningcloser,hewhispered,Isthatwhatyouwant? Shegasped,Yes!More! Hedrewhisfingerinandout,wishingitwerehisorganthattraveledbackand forthinherclingingpinkchannel,strokingandmilkinghim. Delos!Please! Headdedanotherfingerandmovedhishandfaster.Hercriesincreased,afrantic noteinhervoice.Shestaredupattheceiling,panting,jerkingherhipsevery timehisfingersplungedinside.Hegazeddownather,fascinatedwiththe enrapturedexpressiononherface. Hercheekswereflushed,herlipspinkandparted.Shedneverseemedmore beautiful.HiseyeswentoutoffocusasheimaginedthedayoftheSpring Running.Herdelightedcriesathispowerfulthruststhewayshewouldspur himon,beggingtobemountedagainandagain

Oh!Sogood! Comeforme,beautifulone.Takeyourpleasure.Hethrustdeepwithhis fingers.Shewriggledhardagainsthishandwhileherubbedhisthumbagainst herswollenclitoris.Shescreamedandhervaginaspasmed.Groaning triumphantly,hefeltherstrongmusclespulsearoundhishandoverandover. Whenthedaycameandhemountedheratlast,shewouldgivehimhisfull release.Hewassureofit.Andhisorganwouldprovideherwiththegreatestjoy shehadeverknown. Hethrustmoreslowlynow.Hestillfeltheropeningandclosingaroundhis fingersbutlessfrequently,lessstrongly.Hemovedhishandagainstherwetness andtookherbreastinhismouth,nibblinghererectnipple.Trembling,shaking, shepulsedaroundhisfingersagain. Atlastshelaystill.Sheturnedherheadandlookedathim.Delos.Thatwas wonderful. Thatwasjustthebeginning.AttheSpringRunning,Illtakeyouoverandover, giveyouorgasmafterorgasm,untilyoubarelyrememberyourownname. Hereyeswidened. Withdrawinghishand,hegatheredheragainsthischest,hischinrestingonthe topofherhead.Shewassosoft,sowarm.Herhandstoleintohisandheldit.He felthisheartturnoverinhischest. Mine. UntilTaddusclaimsher. No.Mine. Shestirred.Delos?Issomethingwrong? Hetightenedhishold.Nothingswrong.Sleepnow. Sheyawned.Willyousleeptoo?

Hesitating,hesaid,Illstayifyouwish.Hiswifehadbeenveryprivate,even foraTerilian,neverwantingtosharethebedaftermating.Hewasntusedto sleepingbesideafemale. Stayifyouwanttostay,sheshotback. Hehadnodesiretoleaveher.Andheknewassoonashereturnedtohisown cabin,thecouncilwouldcontacthim,demandingareport.HadJanisStonebeen receptive?Inhisopinion,wouldthehumanfemalesaccepttheirmatesatthe SpringRunning?Mostimportantly,wouldtheyorgasmstronglyenoughtodraw releasefromthemales? Letthemwait.Illstay,hewhispered,closinghiseyes. Theirsurvivaldependedonhisanswers.Butatthismoment,allhecaredabout wasJanis.Andallhecouldthinkaboutwashowmuchhewantedtokeepherfor hisown. ***** Janwokewiththefeelingthathourshadpassed.Deloswasstillwithher,turned onhissidefacingher.Hiseyelidstwitchedashedreamed. Howstrangethatshedbeenabletofallintoarestfulsleepbesidethisalienmale. Thatshedlethimtouchherpussy,fuckherwithhisskillfulfingers.Thathed said,Comeformeandshehad. HewaseverythingshedfoundlackinginGary.Handsometolookat.Strongand gentleatthesametime.Withhandsandamouththatfeltmagicalonherskin. Drawingnearer,shekissedhim.Hesighedbutdidntwake.Shekissedhim again,dartinghertonguebetweenhislips. Herolledontohisback.Hiseyesflewopenandfocusedonher.Whatdidyou dotomymouth?hedemanded. Shesmiled.Ikissedyou.DontTerilianskiss? No.Mouthtoskinisnormal.Mouthtomouthseemsverystrange.

Janraisedherbrows.Thisshouldntbeaonewaystreet.Everythingcantbe theTerilianway. Butoursistheadvancedculture. NowyousoundlikeTaddus. Iapologize,hesaidinstantly. Sheproppedherselfononeelbow,gazingdownintohisbeautiful,paleblue eyes.Breathingdeeply,shetookinhisscent.Allshewantedwastofeelhis sensualhandsonheragain. Whatwaswrongwithher?Shehadtostayincontrolhere.Shehadadutytothe restoftheBrides. Listen,Delos.ManytimesonEarth,twodifferentcultureshavecometogether. Notalwayssuccessfully.Whenitworks,itsbecausebothculturesarewillingto beflexible.Learnfromeachother. Idontknowwhattheothermaleswillthink. TheBrideswilllikeit. Hereachedup,pullinghercloser.Allright.Teachmehowtokiss. Atinyflameglowedinsideher.Hedlistenedtoher. Illpressmylipstoyoursandyoupressback.Thenwellopenourmouthsand letourtonguesstrokeeachother. Thecreaseinhisbrowrevealedthistroubledhim.Butwhensheputhermouth overhis,caressinghislipslightly,heresponded,movinghismouthunderhers. Thenshedrewhertongueacrosshisandhejerked,startled.Shepersisted, exploringthesweetcaveofhismouth,runninghertongueoverhisteeth.His curvedfangsmadekissinghimauniqueexperience.

Caressingthesideofhisface,sheslidhertongueinandoutofhismouth.She wasthrilledwhenhedidthesame.Theirtonguesdodgedandencountered, glidedandteased. Heflippedthemsothatshewaslyingonherbackandhewasaboveher. Kneelingbetweenherthighs,heloweredhisheadandtookhermouth,thrusting histonguealmostasthoughitwerehiscock. Jansbreathingquickened.Youlearnfast. Iveabsorbedmuchinformationabouthumanways.Itonlycomestomind whenIneedit.Hekissedheragain,thoroughlyexploringhermouth,then suckingonhertongue.Janshiftedherhipsrestlessly. Thatarousesyou?heasked. Shecouldntdenyit.Herpussywaswetandthrobbing.Yes.Doyoulike kissing? Itsunusual,butIthinkIdo.AlmostasmuchasIlikelickingyouallover. Slowlyhemoveddownherbody,lickingandsuckingherskin.Hespentalong timeteasinghernipples,rollingandflickingthemwithhistongue,thensoothing themwithgentlesucking.Anacheofwantingspreadthroughherpussy.Every timehismouthtouchedherbreasts,shefeltflameslickhercore. Hemoveddown,histonguedartingintohernavel.Ripplesofpleasurespread throughher.Hernipplestingledandburnedwherehisroughtonguehad touchedthem.Herhotchannelyearnedtobefilledwithhisbigcock. Readyformorepleasure?hemurmured. Yes,shegroanedinreply.Please,Delos. Hespreadherthighsapart,caressingthesoftskinwithhishands,thenburiedhis faceinherpussy.Suddenlypanicked,sheasked,Whatareyougoingtodo? Lickyouuntilyouhaveanorgasm. Sheshivered,excitedbyhiswords.Butshecouldnthelpasking,Areyousure youknowwhatyouredoing?

 Heopenedherlabiawithhisthumbs.Oh,Ithinkso.Shesmiledatthe confidenceinhisvoice.Heloweredhisheadagainandgaveheralonglickall thewayupherlabiatoherclit.Shegaspedandopenedherlegsfartherashedid thesameontheotherside. Yes,heknowsexactlywhathesdoing. Wetnessleakedfromherhot,swollenchannelashistonguedartedanddanced overherpussy,teasingtheopening,thenlingeringonherclitjustlongenoughto makehercravemore. Aseachtouchofhistonguethrilledher,shefeltherselfopeningtohim, anticipatingthenextcontact.Therewasnothingelselikethis.Deloswasdoingit exactlyright,exactlythewayshelikedandshewantedittolastforever.Every strokeofhistonguewasheavenly. Shedneverbeensowetinherlife,neverneededanorgasmsointensely.She raisedherhips,tryingtogetmoreofhiswonderfulmouth,hispleasuregiving tongue. Heswirledaroundherclitandshecriedout,archingup.Shewouldhave pleadedformorebutshedforgottenhowtospeak.Shewantedtostaylikethis, hoveringonthebrinkofcoming,experiencingshuddersofdelighteverytimehe lickedher. Hismouthfastenedoverherclit,suckingitgently.Atthesamemoment,he enteredherhot,swollenchannelwithhisthumb.Thetwosensationsatonce overwhelmedher,pushingherintostrongspasmsofincrediblepleasure.Her hipsbuckedagainsthismouth.Hegrowleddeepinhisthroat,thenhistongue swirledoverherclitagainandagainashefuckedherwithhisthumb.Wavesof delightrolledthroughher.Shethrashedagainsthim,unabletocontrolherself, unabletostopthehighkeeningissuingfromherthroat. Shedrewdeepbreathsasherorgasmslowlyreceded.Finallysheloweredher knees,stillfeelingthepulsing,ebbingwaves.Hemovedtolieatherside, strokingherbreasts.

Iveneverfeltthiswaybefore,Delossaid.IfIwereyourhusband,Iddothat foryoueveryday.SometimesIdgiveyouanorgasmthatwayandothertimes IdmakeyouwaituntilImountedyou. Typicalmaleexaggeration.Imsureyouwouldntwanttodoiteveryday. Hisbrowsroseinsurprise.OfcourseIwould.Nothingsmorehealthy.Wehave asaying,Anorgasmadaykeepsthedoctoraway. Sheputherarmsaroundhiswaist.ButIdontwanttokeepthedoctoraway.I wanttokeepthedoctorclose.Thisneartohim,shewasveryawareofhiserect cockagainstherbody.Delos?Letmedosomethingforyounow.Tentatively, shestrokedhislongshaft. Hegazedather,acreasebetweenhisbrows.Icantachievereleaselikethat. Heliftedherhandawayfromhim.Femalesareluckytheycanseekpleasure somanydifferentways.Butformales,thereisonemethodonly.Hismates orgasmiccontractionstriggerthemalesrelease. Jandrewinaquickbreath,awestruck.NowonderDeloswassoskilledinbed. AmongtheTerilians,theredneverbeamalewhodtakehispleasureandthen rolloverandgotosleep,leavinghiswifeunsatisfied. Youcantevenmasturbate? Femalescan.Malescannot.Hisvoicewasrueful.Thusourdilemma.Doyou seewhyweneedyousobadly?Notonlyforoffspring,forcompanionship,for yourlovelysoftness.Lyingagainsthim,shefelthimtakeadeepbreath. Terilianscannomoresurvivewithoutsexthanhumanscanlivewithoutfood. Withoutthereleaseofmating,welldie. Donttalkaboutdying,shewhispered. Hestrokedherbodyslowly,notinasexualwaynowbutlovingly.Asthoughhe caredabouther.Thewayshedcometocareforhim. Damnit,Jan!Whatafoolyouare.Delossaystheprimuswillclaimyou.Whyfallfor someoneyoucanthave?

Howcouldshehelpit?Deloswassocaring,sohandsome,sosexuallypleasing. Todistractherself,sheaskedquestionsaboutTerilianculture,abouttheplanet theywouldcolonize,aboutwhatmarriagemeanttothemalesontheship.He answeredindetailand,shethought,franklyandopenly. Finallyheaskedaquestionofhisown.DoyouthinktheBrideswillresist?Or willtheyagreetobeourwives? Shesighed.Shedbeenthinkingaboutthisandhadntyetreachedaconclusion. Idontknow. Whatdoyoufeel,inyourownheart?DoyouwanttoreturntoEarth? Fortyyearslater?WhenmostofthepeopleIknewwillbegone?Sheshookher head.No,Ihavenodesiretogoback.Especiallysinceyouandtheotherdoctors changedus.IfwewentbacktoEarth,wedbedifferentfromallotherwomen. Thatwaswrong,Delos.Youshouldhaveaskedourpermission. Thecouncilmadethatdecision.Anditstoyourbenefit.Itrulythinkyoull enjoyhavingclaws. ChapterFive Janpulledoutofhisarmsandsatuprightonthebed.Whatareyoutalking about?Taddusnevermentionedclaws. Delossatuptoo.Humansareweakanddefenseless.Wethoughtyoudbetter haveweaponsliketherestofus,especiallywhenfacinglifeonthenewplanet. Heraisedhiseyebrows.FromwhatIunderstand,theresalotofcrimeonEarth. PretendImacriminalcomingatyou.Hegrowledandlungedather. Instinctivelysheraisedherhandsup,goingforhiseyes.Inchlongclawsshotout fromunderneathherfingernails.Jangasped. Deloscaughtherwristsinhishands.Shestaredintohiseyesandhereleasedher.

Shebroughtherhandsuptoherface.Herfingersshookasshegazedatthese newadditionstoherbody. HowdoIputthemaway?Hervoicequavered. Theyllretractonceyourbodyunderstandsyoudontneedthemrightnow. Claws.Itseemedsooddtosuddenlyhaveclaws. Didyounoticetheroughstripsofmaterialonthedoorway?heasked.You cansharpenyourclawsthere.Alwayskeepthemsharp.Dullclawsare slovenly. Herclawshadapearlysheen.Perhapstheywereratherattractive. Andshecouldseehowtheymightbeuseful.Showmeyours,Delos. Hehelduphishands.Asfastastenswitchblades,hisclawsextendedtwo incheslong,shinyandasspotlesslycleanandsharpassurgicalknives. Herbrowsrose.Wow.AndIletyoutouchmewiththosehands? Noiselessly,hisclawsretracted.Janis!Hepulledherintohisembrace.Asane malecanthurtafemalewithhisclaws.Itsoneofourstrongesttaboos.Ifamale goesferalandhurtsafemale,allothermaleshunthimdownandkillhim. ThatsgoodtohearIguess.Doesithappenoften? No.MuchlessoftenthanonEarth.Hestrokedherskinsoothingly.Iknow howfrequentlydomesticviolenceisaproblemamonghumans.Itsextremely rareamongTerilians.TelltheBridesperhapsitwillhelpreconcilethemtotheir newdestinies. Shetiltedherhead.Delos,Ithoughtofsomethingelseanotherwaytohelp everyoneadjust.AftertheSpringRunning,wheneveryonepairsup?Isthere somekindofceremonytomarktheoccasion? Aceremony?Hedidntseemtoknowwhatshemeant.Matedcouplesreturn inpairs,boundtoeachotherbyscentandcord.Whywouldaceremonybe necessary?

 Shegavehimanexasperatedlook.WhatdidIsayearlieraboutsharingour cultures?IhaveawaytomakeallthismorepalatablefortheBrides. ***** Thenextday,JanandalltheotherwomenwereservedFirstMealintheGreat Hall.TheBridesweregivenashipsschedule,whichJanstudiedwithsome surprise.TheTeriliandayswerelongtwentyeighthoursofseventytwo minuteseachbuttheywerebrokenintomoremealsandsleeptimesthan humandays. Daysweredividedintosixmeals,twonapperiodsandtwoworkperiods. However,Terilianswererequiredtoworkonlyfourdaysoutofeacheightday week.Janwonderedifthiswouldbethestandardoperatingprocedurewhen theyarrivedatthenewplanet,whichwouldpresumablyrequireaheavierwork schedule. Aftertheyatedeliciousyellowberriesanddrankaspicyhotbeverage,Janrose andspoketotheotherwomen,tellingthemeverythingshedlearnedfromDelos. MarriageisacommittedpairbondinguntilthenextSpringRunning.Ifwe matewiththem,mostofuswillhavebabiesbythetimewelandonthenew planet.Threeorfourbabies,actually,becauseTerilianfemalesconceivein multiplesandsowillwe. Manyofthewomenintheroomlookedhorrified.Jancontinued,ButTerilian younggrowupmuchfasterthanhumanchildren.Bytheageofsixmonths, theyretalkinganddressingthemselves.Bytheageoftwelve,theyreteenagers, learningtheirprofessions.SecondusDelosisonlytwentyeightyearsoldbuthes beenadoctorforthelasttenyears. Donttheyhavebirthcontrol?adarkhairedwomandemanded. Janwrinkledherbrow,wishingshedbeenabletomakeaPowerPoint presentation.Thiswasalotforeveryonetotakein. Husbandsandwivescanmatewhenevertheywantjustlikehumansbut wivesdontgetpregnantwhiletheyhavechildrentotend.Whenthechildren reachtheageoftwelveandleavetolearntheirprofessions,anotherSpring

Runningisheld.Atthattime,matedcouplescanstaytogetherorchoosenew mates.Andthewiveswillconceiveagain. ShewentontotellthemaboutTerilianmaleanatomy. Theotherwomenwerestillwaitingexpectantly.Ihavetotellthemeverything.They musthaveallthefacts. Shedbeenacomputerprogrammer.Asolitaryonewhodhadfewboyfriends untilGary.Shewasntusedtospeakingofintimatedetails. Thisisdifferent.Youretheirliaison.TellthemwhatitwaslikewithDelos. TheHallwasutterlyhushedasshespokeaboutwhattheyddonetogetherin bed. Beth,theredheadedwomanwhohadcriedatthefirstmeeting,addressedJan whenshefinished.Sothedoctorisnice.Maybetherestofthemarebrutes! Janexplainedhowthemalescouldntachieveorgasmwithoutafemale.I thinkIthinkifwematewiththem,wellenjoyit.Therestofyouwill,anyway. IfonlyshecouldbeDeloswife.ButitseemedthatifTadduswantedher,hehad firstchoice. Itwasntfair.Allherlifeshedwantedtobebeautiful.Inthiscultureshewasbut itwasworkingagainsther. Thewomenseemedinterested. Igettocomefirst?Always? Theycantjackoff? Yousuretheydonthavetails? Janansweredeverythingshecould.Finally,Bethspokeagain.Idontcare!They madememissmywedding!NowIllneverhaveone!

Jandrewadeepbreath.SecondusDelosthinkswecandosomethingabout that. ***** TheBrideswantwhat?PrimusTaddusdemanded. Theywantaceremonytocelebratethemarriages.Raisinghisbrows,Delos added,Andifyoueverwanttobehappilymated,Primus,Ithinkwedbetter dowhattheywant. PrimusAsherlinkedwiththehandheldcomputerDeloshadgivenhim,then passedittoPrimusGoldus.ButDelos!Howcanwegrowflowersintime?And wedonthaveanyhorsesonshipboard! Golduschimedinworriedly,Therearenochildrenaboardtocarryaringona pillow.AndIdontunderstandthispartaboutgarters. Idownloadedsamplesfrommanydifferenthumancultures,Delossaid quickly.Idontthinkthedetailsareimportant.TheBridesexpect festivities.Musicandafeast. Ridiculous,snortedPrimusBardus.Youwantustoputalltheseresources intoaparty?Lookatthisestimateforcomputertime! IwantustoputourresourcesintomakingourBrideshappy,Delosretorted.Let meremindyou,iftheyresistus,wewonthaveagoodSpringRunning. Howcantheyresistourpheromones?Asherasked. Thehumanfemalesarestrongminded,Delosanswered.Iftheydecideto resist,Icantguaranteeahappyoutcome,pheromonesornot. Whyshouldwegivetheseprimitivestheupperhand? True,theircultureisnotasadvancedasours.Butthehumanfemalesarelittle differentfromTerilianfemales.Sighinginwardly,Deloswonderedwhythey wererefusingtoseewhatherealizedsoclearly.Youveallbeenmarried.Ive beenmarried.Diditeverdousanygoodtoopposesomethingourwivesreally wanted?

 Allfellsilent.Ashergrimaceddownatthehandheldcomputer.Barduscleared histhroat.Goldusrolledhiseyes. Finally,Hirdossaid,Wellperhapsyouknowbest.Ivotefortheceremony. Eventuallythevotecamedowntofourtoone,withonlyTaddusvotingagainst theothers.DeloscouldhardlywaittotellJanisthatherplanwouldbefollowed. Amomentofyourtime,Taddussaidastheothercouncilmembersdeparted. Thebigprimushelduphisrighthandandextendedhisclaws.Youregoingto Janisnow,arentyou? Ineedtotellheraboutthecouncilsdecision. Taddustookhimbytheshoulder.Delosstoodrooted,tryingtoignorethepainas longclawsbitintohisflesh. IcantstopyoufrommountingherattheSpringRunning.Butdontforget whosemateshellbe. DelosstaredintoTaddusyelloweyes.Youcanclaimher.Butyoullneverhave herheart. Yourenave,youngSecondus.Femaleslovemaleswithpower. Janisisntlikethat! ShellforgetallaboutyouonceIvetakenherafewdozentimes.Taddus broughthisfacecloser.Issheasripeandjuicyasshelooks?Haveyoulicked thesweetcreamfromhersex? SweattrickleddownDelosfacefromthepaininhisshoulder.Hetrembledwith theeffortofcontrollinghimself.Losingthebattle,heextendedhisclaws. Willyouraiseyourclawstome?Tadduswhispered.Youknowourlaw. Grittinghisteeth,Delosforcedhisclawsbackinside.

Ididntthinkyouwantedtobegeldedbythecouncil.Taddusrubbedhischeek againstDelos.AgrowlescapedDelosattheinsult. Taddussmirked.Gotohernow,withmyscentonyou.Laughing,heleftthe councilchamber. ***** DelosfoundJanisintheGreatHall,sharingThirdMealwiththerestofthe Brides.Helocatedafreestoolandpulleditupbesideher. Afternoongreetings,Dr.Delos,shesaidcoolly,asiftheyweremere acquaintances.Asthoughshedneverwrithedunderhismouthinthethroesof anorgasm. Thesametoyou,JanisStone,heansweredwithformalpoliteness,longingto dosomethingthatwouldestablishherashisowninfrontofeveryonepresent. HegavetherestoftheBridesageneralsmile.Manyofthemhadbeenhis patientsandwouldbeagain,oncetheyconceived.Hecouldnthelpnoticingthat somegavehimcovertlyinterestedglancesandhewonderedwhatJanishadbeen sayingabouthim. Didamaleeverknowwhatfemalesdiscussedwhennomaleswerepresent? TheBrideshadbeenservedagreatdelicacytregarthshootsbutapparentlyno onehaddemonstratedhowtoeatthem.Theywerechewingonthehardendsof thestalks,whichwereediblebutbitter. Istheresometricktoeatingthese?Janaskedhim. Heshowedherhowtoholdthestalkinherleftpalm,extendtheclawonher rightforefingerandrunthesharpedgealongthestalktoreleasethethickwhite creamwithin. Scoopitoutwithyourfinger. Shegavehimadoubtfullookbutdidashedinstructed,liftingadollopofcream tohermouthandlickingit.Herfacechanged.Thatsdelicious!

TheotherBrideswereeagertoexperiment.Soontheywereopeningthestalks, somesuccessfully,someawkwardly.Cuttingtoodeeplybroughtgreatgobsof thecreamdrippingout,provokinglittleshrieksfromBrideswithstainedtunics. Areyouhungry?Janaskedhim. Onlyforyou.IhadSecondMeal,hesaid,notreallyananswer. Lookingintohiseyes,sheskimmedherfingerthroughthecream,thenhelditto hislips.Havesome. Hisgazeneverlefthersashegraspedherwristandsuckedherfingerslowly intohismouth.Theoozingsweetnessinvadedhissenses,alongwiththe wonderfultasteofJanisskin.Histonguelavedherlongfinger,hislipscaressing herflesh.Heteasedthejuncturebetweenhersecondandthirdfingerswith short,quickstrokes.Shegavehimawideeyedlookandrepossessedherfinger. HewantedtotalktoherapartfromalltheotherBrides.Wouldyouliketosee moreoftheship? Sheagreedtothatandtheylefttogether.Assoonastheyreachedthecorridor, sheturnedtohim.Didyouspeaktothecouncilaboutthemarriageceremony? Yes.Hecouldntwaittotouchher.Heputhishandsonhershoulders.Give meakissfirst,thenIlltellyouwhattheysaid. Shesmiled.Theymusthaveagreedtomyplan.Youwouldntteasemeifit werebadnews.Sheraisedherfaceandpartedherlips. Thesweetnessoftheirkissalmostbrokehisheart.Tadduswillneverkissherlike this.Herecalledhowhedtoldthecouncilaboutthisfascinatingpremating technique.Taddushadsneeredanddeclareditperverted. Theprimuswillneverunderstandher.Hellmatewithherbuthewontcareabouther thewayIdo. Histonguestrokedhersastheirlipsmeldedtogether.Thekissturnedmore sensual,moreurgent.Heatbuiltinhisloinswhenhefeltherbreastspressing intohim.

Nowtellme,shedemandedwhentheirlipsfinallyparted. Foramomenthecouldntrememberwhattheydbeentalkingabout.Allhe wantedwastotakeherintoacabinanycabinandmatewithher.Or,since thatwasntpossible,pleasureheragainwithhishandsandmouth. Themarriageceremony?sheremindedhim. Oh,yestheceremony.Thecouncilagreedtoit. Imsoglad.Thankyou!Puttingherhandonhisshoulder,shegavehima quickkiss.Weretheyhardtopersuade? Hedidntsaythatherhusbandtobewastheonlycouncilmemberwhohad votedagainstherplan.Whytellhersomethingthatwouldsurelymakeher unhappy? TheyagreedtopleasetheirBrides.Illshowyouhowtoworkwiththe computertoorderwhatyouwant.Illhavetoapproveeverything. Shemadeaface.Ihopeyouregoingtobereasonable. Ifnot,ImsureIcanbecajoled. Werealotoftroubletoyou,arentwe?Areyousorryyouvolunteeredtobe theBridesliaison?sheasked. Hislipstwitchedasherecalledwhathedgonethroughtosecurethe appointmentthefavorshedcalledin,thepolitickingheddone.Itsalotof extraworkbutIdontmindit,hesaid,keepinghisvoiceserious. Whydoyousmellsodifferenttoday?Janisaskedastheycontinueddownthe corridor. Iaddedanartificiallayer,likehumanmaleswear.Itsmellslikezolicialeaves, Delossaid.AtleastitcoversTaddusfoulodor. Shewrinkledhernose.Ipreferyournaturalscent.

Thankyou.Nodoubtshewasunawareofitbutshedjustpaidhimoneofthe highestcomplimentsafemalecouldgiveamale.Yourscentpleasesmetoo,he said.Especiallywhenyourearoused. Atingeofcolorsuddenlyflamedinherpalecheeks.Fascinated,hestoppedand liftedherchin,thebettertoobservethephenomenon.Howdidyoudothat? What? Thelovelypinkinyourcheeks. Sheputherpalmstoherface.Imusthaveblushedwhenyoumadethatsexual remark. Heloweredhisvoice.SoifIsaidIlikethewayyournipplesswellwhenIsuck them,youmightblushagain? Sheturnedawaybutnotquicklyenough.Hesawtheenchantingpinkrise throughherface.Letskeepwalking,shesaid.Ithoughtyouweregoingto showmetheship. ***** JanwasamazedatthesheersizeofEcstasyofGenerations.Shedgoneonasingles cruiseonceandhadnoluckbutthisshipseemedtobemuchlargerthanthat oceantravelingEarthvessel. Delosexplained,Werecycleeverythingwecanbutsomeofitsinevitablylostto waste.ThereareonlytwostopsbetweenTerilandGazeem,ournewplanet.So wehavetocarryorgrowallofourfoodforthesevenyearvoyage. Gazeem?Itwasthefirsttimeshedheardthenameoftheplanettheydbe colonizing. ItsnamedafterPrimusTaddusfather.Hewasoneofourgreatestexplorers. Astheytooktheshuttletotheshoppingleveloftheship,Janasked,Areyour parentsstillalive?

MymothersonTeril.Helookedoutthewindowasthecorridorsflashedby. Myfatherwasontheship.Hewasoneofthosewhodied. Janknewhimwellenoughnowtoreadhisexpression.Hewastryingtokeephis faceblankbutshesensedhissorrow.Imsorry,shesaid,hervoicesoft.Ilost myfatherayearago.Itsverydifficult. Theillnesstookmyfather,mybrother,theirwives,twoofmysistersandmy wife.Hekepthisfaceturnedtowardthewindow.Itsthesameforallofus. Mostweretravelinginfamilygroups.Almosteveryonelostafather,a brother.Someofushadouryoungwithusallsuccumbedtotheillness.And everyfemalediedaswell. Hishandslayonhisknees,theknuckleswhite.Tentativelysheputherhand overhis.Hisfingersgrippedhers. Concernedmainlywiththekidnappingofherownkind,shehadntthought muchabouttheillnessthathadkilledsomanyTerilians.Now,suddenly,it seemedpersonal.Shetriedtoimaginegoingonacruisewithherwholefamily andlosingthemallatonce.Wouldshehaveevenwantedtogoonliving? Hisvoicewasmuchlowerasheadded,Itwasahardtimetobeadoctor.They keptdying.NomatterwhatIdid,theydied. Wereyousicktoo? Nooneescapedtheillness.ThereweredaysIcouldntwork.Couldntleavemy bedHelookeddownattheirentwinedhands,hisbrowcreasing. OnEarth,wehaveanameforwhatyourefeeling.Itscalledsurvivorsguilt, Jansaid.Imsureyoudideverythingpossible. Partofmeknowsthat,hesaidquietly.PartofmethinksIshouldhavedone more. Imgladyoulived. Hesqueezedherhand.Iamtoonow.

Theshuttlehalted.Deloskeptholdofherhandasheledhertothecorridorof shops. UnlikeEarthshops,withtheirbrightlylitwindowsfilledwithmerchandise, thesestoresconsistedofadiscreetlengthofplaingraycorridorwithsmall entranceseverytenortwentyfeet.Jandrewnearandreadthetinysign,Joyous Adornment.Restrictedtoprimusesonly. Icanreadthis!sheexclaimed. Delostookonasmugexpression.YoudontthinkIdhavefittedyouwithan inferiorbrainchip,doyou?Youvegainedbothspokenandwrittenlanguage. Heguidedhertoatinyviewingwindowateyelevel.Lookheretopreviewthe merchandise. Shepeeredinatalovelyblacktunic.Thedrapedmaterialwascaughtuponeach shoulderbyadecorativecopperbutton.AsJanwatched,thetunicturnedslowly, showingthegracefulfoldsofthefrontandback.Whentherotationcompleted, thepicturechanged.Nowsheviewedherselfwearingthegarment. Asalways,blackwasslimming.Jansaid,Iwouldntmindhavingatuniclike that. Delostookaquicklook.Underoursumptuarylaws,onlyprimusesare permittedtoweargrayorblack.Astheywenttothenextshop,headded,Of course,youllbeaprimusswife.Youllbeabletoshopanywhereyouwant. Shelookedupathim,caughtbythepainandbitternessinhistone. Ihavetokeepremindingmyself,hetoldher,hisvoicegrim.Idontdare imaginethatyoucouldbeminepermanently. Isntthereanywaythatwecanbetogether? Helookedintohereyesforalongmoment.Shefeltsurehewasgoingtotellher something.Thenhesaid,Theprimuseshavefirstchoice.Ineverything. Whydidshehavethefeelinghedalmostsaidsomethingquitedifferent? ChapterSix

 Delosgaveheranappraisinglook.Youreprobablynotreadytodothejumps betweenfloors.Wellusetheelevator. Hetookhertotherecreationandexercisefloor.Janimaginedthefloorwouldbe likeahealthclubonEarthbutitseemedthatTeriliansdidnotcareformindless, repetitiveexercise.Manyoftheirexerciseroutinesengagedthemindaswellas thebody. Heshowedheralargevarietyofvirtualrealitygames,usuallyplayedwearing fullbodysuits.Someofthemwereperformedinlowgravitychambers,which lookedespeciallyentertaining. Othergameswereplayedinlargegroups.Delostookhertoanobservationdeck wheretheywatchedfifteenprimuses,formedintothreeteams,playsomething thatresembledcapturetheflag. Doyoueverplaythat?Janasked. TheMedicalCorpshasfourteams.Imthecaptainofthedoctorsteam. Becauseyourethebestplayer? Imnotthebestplayer.Hegrinned.ButIamthebeststrategist. Whatothergamesdoyoulike? Delosledhertoasmallroomthathesaidwasaballcourt.AsJanwatchedfrom anupperbalcony,Delosstoodinthecenterofthecourt,unsheathedhisclaws andsaid,Ready!Small,fluffyballsinvariouscolorsbegantoraindownfrom theceiling.Spinning,turning,leaping,Deloscaughtthemwithhisclaws.A scoreboardonthefarwallchangedrapidly.IfIcatchablueoneitcounts againstme,unlessthelightsareblinking,hecalleduptoher,notpausinginhis quickmovements. Thegamelookedlikefunbutwhenheaskedifshewantedtotryit,Jandeclined. Shedneverbeenathleticanddidntwanthimtoseehowbadlysheddo. Perhapsshewouldtryitonherown,later.

 Heshowedhersparringpitswheremaleswearingglovestippedwithrubber clawsfoughteachother.Jancouldntfigureouttherulesasshewatchedtwo malesinafreeforallthatcombinedwrestling,clawingandbodyblows, sometimesstanding,sometimesrollingontheground. JandidntcareforeitherboxingorwrestlingonEarthbutthesparringheldher interestbecauseitwassoquickandgraceful.Theparticipantswereliketwo dancerswhohadrehearsedwitheachotheroftenandcouldanticipatethenext movement. Deloswatchedintently.Jan,startled,sawthathisclawswereextended. Somehowshedneverimaginedthedoctorasdangerousbefore. Goodone!heexclaimedasonemaleclawedtheothersface.Thatwouldve takenaneyeinarealfight. Janshuddered.Doyoueverdothat? NotforrealbutIsparwithHannusonceaweek. Sherememberedtheorderlywhohadhelpedherwalkaroundthehospital room.Hannus!Hestwiceyoursize. Delosgaveherawickedgrin.YesbutImmuchfaster. Astheyleftthesparringarea,Jansawaglassbulbonasilverstand,filledwith tiny,multicoloredspheres.SurelytheTerilianshadntdevelopedhumanstyle gumballmachines.Whatsthis? Illbuyacouple,Delosanswered,wavinghispalminfrontofthestand.A lightcameonbriefly,thenblueandgoldspheresdroppedfromthemachine.He handedhertheblueone.Theyrememoryballs.Twistopenandsniff. Watchinghowthegoldsphereseparatedunderhisgrip,shefollowedhislead. ThepungentodorofGarysmuskyaftershavefilledtheroom.Thepresent seemedtofadeaway.Garysbeigeandleatherlivingroomappearedinfrontof hereyes.Janheardherselfsaying,Imjuststartled.Weveonlybeenonwhat isit,sixdates?Ihadnoideayoufeltlikethataboutme.

Garysmiled.Iwouldntwastemytimegoingonallthosedateswithawoman whodidntinterestme.Besides,weveworkedtogetherfortwoyears.Iknow yourepunctual,conscientiousandanexcellentprogrammer. Shelaughed.Areyoulookingforawifeorabusinesspartner? Thosetraitsformasoundbasisforagoodmarriage,Garyansweredearnestly. Oneofhisfaults,Janhadalwaysthought,wasthathelackedasenseofhumor. Theotherthingis,Idontwantchildren.Ifigureatyourage,youdonteither. Shedbeenabouttoprotest,tosaythatshewasonlythirtynine,whenhetooka smallblueboxoutofhispocket.Janis,willyoumarryme? Thiswaswhatshedwaitedforallherlife,eversinceshedbeenalittlegirl playinggettingmarriedwithoneofhermotherslacecurtainsforaveil.Yes, shebreathed,leaningforwardtoseethesmalldiamond.Hegaveheraquick peckonthemouthasthepastfaded Diditwork?Delosaskedher.Hiseyeswereconcernedashelookedintoher face. Maybetoowell. Hetookherhand.Hiswarmgripwascomforting.Notallmemoriesaregood ones. Strange,shehadntrealizedhowveryunromanticGarysproposalhadbeen untilsherelivedit.Thethoughtseemedtoleaveabadtasteinhermouth.What memorydidyouexperience? Aconversationwithmywife.Acreaseappearedonhisbrow. Doyoumissher?Jantriedbutcouldntkeepthejealousyoutofhervoice. Idid.Hesighed.Itsbeenalongtwoyears.Weneverdreamedwedbe trappedinthismetalshellwithoutourmates.Hefellsilentastheywentdowna longcorridor. Wherearewegoingnow?Janaskedaftertheydwalkedforawhilewithout speaking.

 Iwanttoshowyouthemazeroom,hesaid. Ahologramoutsidethedoorofthemazeroomshowedthedaysprize,agold anklebracelet.Welltrythistogether,Delossaid.Idlikeyoutowearthat. Herubbedhischeekagainsthers. Youmayaswellforgetitrightnow.Imterribleatgames. Wellsee.Thedoorclosedbehindthem.Waitforamomentuntiloureyes adjust. Shealmostaskedhimtartlyhowtheywereexpectedtoseeinthedark.Toher surprise,shebegantomakeoutdimshapesinthecurtainofblackthatdraped theroom. Theprizeissomewhereinthecenteroftheroombutwecantgothere directly,heexplained.Ifwechoosethewrongpath,wellbedumpedoutof themaze. Hewalkedforward,leadingherbythehand.Suddenlythegroundslidbeneath herfeet.JanalmostfellbutDelossteadiedher.Careful!Wellgoslowly. Shebreathedasighofreliefwhenheputhisarmaroundherwaist,guidingher overtheshiftingground. Stop!hewarnedher.Shelookeddown.Thegroundhadended,leavingthem ontheedgeofavoid. Whatnow?sheasked. Wewait. Sheheardasoftsoundassomethingapproachedthem.Ahoveringplatform drewnearthenstoppedwhileitwasfivefeetaway. Nowweregoingtojump,hesaid. Yourekidding,right?

Youcandoit.YoureTeriliannow. Sheknewshestilllookeddoubtful.Hegrinned.IshouldknowImyour doctor.Illcounttofourandwellleap. Hecounteddownandtheyjumped.ToJanssurprise,herlegswerestronger thantheydeverbeen.Theshortleapwaseffortless.Shelandedontheplatform withafoottospare. SheclutchedDeloswaistastheplatformrosethroughtheair.Ittookthemtoa darkareawheretheyhadtoproceedsinglefile. ImnotsureIlikethis,shesaid,steppingbacktolethimleadtheway. Really?Teriliansoftenseekoutsmall,confinedspaces.Hewalkedforwardwith confidence.Theymakeusfeelsafe. Shefollowedhim,stayingcloseenoughtotouchhim. Theycametoaplacewherethreecorridorsbranchedoffinfrontofthem.He checkedouteachentrancethensaid,Thisway,headingtotheright. Toherrelief,theareasoonwidenedandtheywereabletowalksidebyside again.Shefeltmuchmoresecurewithhisarmaroundher. Tunnelcomingup,hewarned. Hesitantlysheenteredanevendarkerarea.Sheraisedherhand,feelingthetop ofthetunnelaboutafootaboveherhead. Delosstoppedwalking.Hadhesensedsomenewchallenge? Suddenlyhegrippedheraroundthewaist.Pullingherclose,hekissedher hungrily.Heatcoiledinherloins.Sheclosedhereyesandkissedhimback, caressinghisteethwithhertongue,movingherlipsunderhis. Shebaskedinhiswarmth,inhaledhisattractivecocoascentbutshecouldntsee himatall.Itwaslikebeingembracedbyaphantom.

Shefelthimlifthertunic.Thenhishandwasonhermound,hisfingerstangling inhercurls.Shelethimtouchher,enjoyinghowhestrokedandrubbedheruntil shegaspedwithdesperatearousal. Sheheardstepsinthedistance,stepsthatdrewnearer,thenstopped. Whatifsomeonecomesin?sheaskedbreathlessly. Hellenvyme.IgettotasteyourbeautifulnippleslikethisHismouthwas onherbreast,histeethnippinghergentlythroughthefabricofhertunic.She threwherheadback,panting. Eyeswerewatchingthemfromthedark.Lustfuleyes.Sheopenedhermouthto askDelostostopbutallthatemergedwasalongmoanofpleasure. Hemurmuredintoherbreasts,tellingherhowbeautifulshewas,howmuchhe longedtomounther,howthearomaofhersexexcitedhim.Sheachedforhimto touchherharder,deeper. Eyesshoneoutofthedarkattheentrancetothetunnel.Yelloweyes.Didshe recognizethescent?Shecouldntthinkaboutit.Allshewantedwasmore pleasure. Hejerkedhertunicopenattheshoulder.Hismouthclosedoverherrightbreast. Hedrewthenippleintohismouth,flickingitagainandagainwithhistongue. More,Delos!Shesquirmedagainsthishand. Delosenteredherwithonefinger.Sheputherhandsonhisshoulders,bracing herselfandpartedherthighs. Ilovetouchingyou.Ilovefeelingyourcreamonmyhand,hewhispered. Yes!Youmakemesowet. Hethrustdeeper.Shegaspedandmovedagainsthim. Shecouldntbelieveshewaslettinghimdothistoherinpublic.Anyonemight benearby.Buthistouchwassostimulating,sopleasurable

Hemovedhishandfaster.Shebuckedagainsthim,frantic.Whatkindofwoman hadsheturnedinto,todothishere? Awomandesperateforsex.Desperateforhishands,hismouth. Whenshecame,itwasquickandsharp.Shewantedsobadlytomakenoisebut thethoughtofthatwasembarrassing,sosheburiedhercriesinDelosshoulder. Heheldhertightly,hischeekagainstherhair. Youremine,Janis,Delossaid.Doyouunderstand?Mine. Washespeakingtoher,ortotheunseenwatcher? Afaintgrowlemergedfromthedarkness.HadDelosheard?Ifso,heignoredit. Quickly,Janpulleddownhertunic.Letsgo.Iwouldntwantanyoneelseto knowwhatwedidinthere.Ithadbeentoodarkforanyoneelsetoreallysee anything,shetoldherself. ShethoughtsheheardDeloschuckleastheymadetheirwayoutofthetunnel anddownthenextcorridor.Toherrelief,thisonewaswelllit.Whatsso funny?sheasked. Yourestillthinkinglikeahuman.Werenotinthetunnelanylongerbut scentslinger.Hesmiled.Youreblushingagain. Shedidntanswer,justkepthurryingalongthecorridor.Whenitbranchedfour ways,Delosletherchoose.Unfortunately,herchoiceledtoanexitdoor. Welost,Delossaid,histonedisappointed.Iwantedyoutowintheprize. Shestoppedtokisshim.Ididwinaprizeinthetunnel. ***** ThedayafterDelosshowedheraroundtheship,JanisannouncedtotheBrides thattherewouldbeaweddingceremony.TheBridesdividedintocommittees. ComputerinterfacesweresetupintheGreatHallandeachcommitteeuplinked withthemastercomputertoplanclothing,music,thefeastandthevows.

Severaldayspassedwhilethecommitteesworked.Thefoodcommitteecameup withamenuandtheninteractedwiththecomputertofindTerilianequivalents. Thevowscommitteesquabbledendlesslyaboutthewording.Themusic committeefacedproblemstoo,aseveryonehaddifferentideasastowhatwas suitableandnooneseemedtoknowallthewordstotheChickenDance. ArgumentsaboutliquorrageduntiltheydiscoveredtheTeriliansdidntdrink. Insteadtheyfilledlittlebagswithafragrantherbandinhaled.Janrequested thatniphelabebroughttotheGreatHall.Manywomendoubtedthatitwould affectthembutitturnedouttheydbecomesufficientlyTeriliantogetapleasant buzzfromtheherb.Halfadaywaswastedinexperimentingwiththesubstance. EverythingtheyrequestedhadtobeoverseenbyDelosbutthatwasnta problem.ApprovalscamethroughsoquicklythatJansuspectedhehadnteven listenedtothemwhereverhewaskeepinghimself.Hehadntbeennearherin severaldays.Shewonderedwhathewasdoingandwhyhehadnttriedtosee her. Oneafternoon,Janwasenjoyingahotchocolatelikebeverageandsmall,meat filledrollswiththerestoftheBrideswhenarollingmessengerenteredtheGreat Hall.Thetinymachinestoppedatthedoorway.JanisStone,youare summoned,itannounced. Shefolloweditoutintothecorridor,hopingthesummonshadcomefromDelos. Wherearewegoing?sheasked. ToPrimusTadduscabin. ChapterSeven Jansapprehensiongrewasshepacedafterthemessenger.Deloshadsaid everyonehadswornnottohaveintercourseuntiltheSpringRunning.Didthat includetheprimuses?OrwouldTaddustrytoforcehimselfonher? Rapeisimpossibleinourculture.Deloshadsaidthattoo.Buthergrowingfear madehisearlierstatementdifficulttobelieve.

Tadduswasstandingimpatientlyinthedoorwayofhiscabinassheapproached. Hesmiledwhenhesawher.Hisyelloweyesseemedtosearcheveryinchofher body,lingeringonherbreastsandherpelvis. Janis,pleasecomein.IthoughtweshouldhaveatalkbeforetheSpring Running. Shehesitated.OnEarth,womendontenterthehomesofmentheydont know. Themessengershallstay,ifyoulike.Hebentandaddressedthemachine. BearwitnessthatIwilldonothingtothehumanwomanwithoutherconsent. Witnessfunctionactivated.Themachinerolledintoacornerandextendeda blinkingglasslens. Janenteredhiscabin.Itwasthreetimesthesizeofhers,withheavy,wooden furniturethatwaspermanentlyaffixedtothedeck.Oneentirewallshowed changingpictures,likethecorridors.JanassumedtheywerescenesfromTeril. Pleasebeseated,Taddussaid,bringingoutastoolforher. Jansat,arranginghertunicoverherknees.Shewasveryconsciousofthesheer materialshewore. Hestaredathernipples.Yoursoftbreastsenticeme,Janice.Perhapsyoulllet melickandsuckthem. Shetossedherhair.Icameheretotalk.Thatsall. Heturnedandpacedtowardthebed.Youvebeenspendingmuchofyourtime withSecondusDelos. DelosandIhavebecomegoodfriends,Jananswered. Notsurprising.EveryonelikesDel.Hesconsideredquitebrilliantinhisfield, youknow. Ididntknow.Hedoesntspeakofhimselfmuch.

ThecreamofTerilwaschosenforthiscolonizationventure.ThebestTerilhadto offer.Comingcloser,heputhishandonhershoulder.Sheinhaled,tryingto decidewhatshethoughtofhisscent.SoIunderstandyourlikingfortheyoung doctor.ButprimuseshavefirstchoiceandIhavechosenyouasmyBride. Perhapsthiswasherchance.YoumayhavechosenmebutIhaventchosen you. Helaughedindulgently.Butyouwill,mydear.WhenIcomeforyouatthe SpringRunning,youllbehappytomatewithme.AndIwillbeproudtobe marriedtothemostbeautifulEarthwomanontheship.Now,letustalkandget toknoweachothersessences.Onceyouknowmebetter,Imsureyouwillbe pleasedtobemywife. Shetiltedherhead,consideringhiswords.Goahead.Talkallyouwant.She alreadyknewthatnothingcouldmakeherchoosehimratherthanDelos. Hesmiled,entirelymissinghersarcasm.Notonlybeautifulbutafemaleof sense.Hebroughtanotherstoolclosetohers. Hetoldherofhisfamilysgloriousheritage,theexploitsofhisexplorer father,Gazeem,thebeautyandwitofhismother,Alora,thefameand intelligenceofhissiblings.Hespokeatlengthofhisyearsatschool,histraining ingovernance,theprizeshedwonforhiscarefullyreasonedpapers.Hetalked aboutthewifehedbroughtonboardwithhimandhowhappyshedbeen, marriedtoaprimusandacouncilmember. Janfeltlikeshewasonabaddatewithamanwhowouldntlethergetawordin edgewise. Atlastherose,sayinghehadsomethingtoshowher.Shetooktheopportunity tosay,Taddus?WouldntyouliketohearaboutmylifeonEarth? Turningbackquickly,hesaid,Janis,youreTeriliannow.Ibelievethesooner youforgetyourold,primitivelife,thebetter.Heopenedametalchestandlifted outacoppernecklace.Idlikeyoutowearthis.Consideritthefirstofmany giftsyouwillreceive,asthewifeofPrimusTaddus. Perhapsyoushouldwaituntilweremarried.Panicshotthroughherashe loweredtheheavynecklaceoverherhair.

 No,Iwishtoseeyouwearingthislavishgift.Takingherhands,hehelpedher toherfeet.Itenhancesyourbeauty,mydear.Keepingholdofherhandwith hisleft,hestrokedhercheekwithhisright.Asmywife,youllenjoythebest quarters,thebestfood.Youllberichlydressedatalltimes.Youllneverhaveto work. Imightwanttowork,Jansuggested. Butyouwont,mydear.Yourdayswillbespentinleisure.Allmaleswillenvy meeventheotherprimuses. Hishandmoveddownherneck,stroking,caressing.Sheshivered.LikeDelos,he wastouchinghergently,tryingtogiveherpleasure.Butshefeltnoresponse. Letmetouchyourbreast,hemurmured. Shehesitated.Butafterall,whynot?Ifshehadtomarryhim,shemightaswell seewhathewaslike.Youmaytouchme,shesaid. Herubbedhischeekagainsthersaffectionately.Whydiditmeansomuchmore whenDelosdidit?Hisfingerswenttoherbreasts,circlingthenipples, attemptingtostimulateherthroughthesheerfabric. Taddushandswereskillfulbuthemightaswellhavebeenadoctorgivinghera breastexamination.Shewasntinterested. Tostophim,sheputherhandstohisface.Heturnedhishead,lickingherpalm. IfDeloshaddonethesamething,shewouldhavetrembledwithdelight. WhenTaddusdidit,shewantedtowipeherpalm. Taddus,Idontwanttomarryyou. Hissmilewaspatronizing.AllfemalesarenervouspriortotheSpringRunning, Janis.Oncewevemated,youllbecontentyoullsee. TherearealmostathousandotherBridesontheship.Chooseanother.Choose someonewhowillbeproudtobeyourwife.Shetookadeepbreath.Letme havethehusbandIwant.

YouonlythinkyouwantDel.YoullforgetallabouthimaftertheSpring Running.Gloriousbeautylikeyoursmustnotbewastedonameresecondus. Hepattedhercheek.Ayearfromnow,welllookbackonthisconversationand laugh. Yourenotlisteningtome.Doyoureallywantanunwillingwife? Butyouwontbeunwilling,sweetJanis.Youllenjoyourmanymatingsatthe SpringRunning. Shebitbackbitterwords.Therewassimplynothingshecouldsaythathedhear. Imleaving. Heglancedatthesilentlywitnessingmachine,thenstoodbacktoallowher accesstothedoor.Ofcourse,mydear.Hefollowedhertothedoor.Hishand wasonhisgroin,rubbingtheheadofhiscockthroughhistunic.Leavenowif youwill.TherewillbenoleavingonthedayItakeyouagainandagain.Ill makeyoubegandpleadforeverythrustofmypenis. Jansvoicewentdeepandlow.Shehadneverspokenwithmoretruthfulnessin herlife.Primus,IwilldiebeforeIbegyouforanything. ***** Deloswasworkingatthecomputerconsoleinhisquarterswhenthedoor announcedthatJanisStonewishedtoenter.Jumpingtohisfeet,hecommanded thedoortoopen. Shewalkedin.Hewasfamiliarwithherexpressionsnowandknewthatshewas angry. Hertunicwaspinktoday,acolorthatemphasizedherpaleskinanddarkhair. Thenhenoticedtheheavycoppernecklacesheworeandfrowned. YouvebeenwithTaddus.Hesmelledtheprimussodoronherneck. Shetossedherheadandhergloriousblackhairrippledinwaves.Hecalledme tohiscabin.Whyshouldnthe?IfImhisdestinedBride,Illsoonbespendingall mydayswithhim.

Rageshotthroughhimatthethoughtoftheprimustouchingher.Hestepped closertoherandreachedaroundherneck.Graspingtheclaspofthenecklace,he brokeitwithonesharptugandthrewthenecklacetothefloor. Shestaredathim,eyeswide.Inanothermomenttheywereineachothersarms. Hismouthtookherssavagely.Hewantedtodevourherlipsandtongue.He wantedtolickhereverywhereherneck,hernipplesandmostofallher arousedsex. Whentheyfinallybrokeapart,gasping,shegazedupathimfiercely.Where haveyoubeen?shedemanded.Ihaventseenyoufordays! Shemissedme.Shelongedforme.Herwordsweresomeaningfultohimthathehad tokissheragain. Ivebeenworkingtripleshifts,hesaid.Everymaleontheshipneedsextra antierectiondrugs.Thepresenceofsomanyunmatedfemalesisdrivingusall mad. Sheputherhandonhiserectpenis.Physician,healyourself. Helaughedattheaptphrase.Itookdrugstwohoursago.Theydonthelp whenyouresoclose.Hecalledthebedoutanddowntothefloor.Evenifwe cantmate,letmeholdyou.Hestretchedoutonthebed,waiting. Shehesitated,thenlaybesidehim.Really,whatstheuse?Ifwecantmarry, arentwejusttorturingourselves? Sweettorture,hegroaned,lickingthesideofherface.Herskinwasfreshand soft.Hecouldntthinkaboutthefuture,onlythejoyofholdinghernow.Lets enjoyeachotherwhilewecan. Itsfoolish. Itsnotfoolish.Helickedhernipplethroughthesheermaterial.Itslove. Shegazedathim,abeautiful,softlookcomingintohereyes.Really,Delos? Youloveme?

FromthedayIfirstsawyou.Hegaveheranotherkiss.Herlipspartedandher tonguestrokedhis.Kissinghadfeltsostrangeatfirstbutthemorehedidit,the morehelikedit.Whatelsewouldsheteachhim? LovingthewayIlookisntlovingme,shesaid,hervoicelow.Youdontknow verymuchaboutme.Howcanyoutalkaboutlove? Iknowplentyaboutyou. YouknowImunderforty,childless,fertileandnotpairbonded,shesaid, quotingfromTadduscriteriaforthekidnappedfemales. Hesmiled.Andyouenjoysarcasm.IlltellyouwhatelseIknowYoulivedin severalmultiunitdwellingsuntilthreeyearsago,whenyouboughtyourown livingquarters.YouhadtwooftheEarthanimalscalledcatsaspets.Lastyear youtookaneveningclassinsomethingcalledCeramics.Youspentmorethan onepercentofyourcompensationlastyearonreadingmaterialandmusic. Shestaredathimforamoment,lookingpuzzled.Thenherbrowsmoothed. Ohthatsright,yousaidyourpeopleuploadeddataonalltheBrides.You musthavereadmycomputerrecords. Readthem?Hedpracticallymemorizedeverytinydetailthedatayielded.Every aspectofherfascinatedhim. Hewishedhedknownherforyears.Hecouldhavelovedherwhentheywere gawkyadolescentstogether,beforeshegrewintothebreathtakingbeautywho hadattractedPrimusTaddusnotice. Ifweweremarried,Idhaveyoutellmesomethingdifferentaboutyouevery day.Wedrecorditonthecomputersoouryoungcouldhearaboutyourlife. Soyoudactuallywanttohearaboutmyold,primitivelifeonEarth? Iwanttoheareverything.BecauseIloveyou. Shesnuggledagainsthim,rubbingherfaceagainsthisneck.Letmedo somethingtopleaseyou.Pleaseletmetry,shebegged.Maybeitwontwork. ButIdlovetogiveyouanorgasm.

Heraisedhiseyebrows,wonderingwhatshewasthinking.Goahead. Lieonyourback. Hestretchedout. Openyourlegs,shetoldhim.Whenhedid,shekneltbetweenthem.As alwayswhenhewaswithherforanylengthoftime,hisorganwaserect. Holdinghispenisbythebase,sheloweredherheadandtookitinhermouth. Sheclosedherlipsaroundthehead.Heraiseduponhisshoulders,watchingas shepumpedherhandupanddown.Herlipstraveledoverhisshaft,sucking hard. Thesensationwasincredible.Heknewhewouldntbeabletoexperiencean orgasmthisway.Butherhandandmouthonhispenis,bothatthesametime, wasoneofthemostpleasurablethingshedeverexperienced.Heshookand gaspedasherhandmovedfasterandherhotmouthtookhimdeeper. Herlips,slickandwet,strokedhislongshaft.Hefelthimselfgrowing,swelling evenlarger.Shewasdoingherbestandthepleasurewasintensealmost unbearable. IfonlyIcouldmountyounow,hegasped.Janisstop.Icanttakeany more. Sheraisedherhead,sorrowinhereyes.IwishIcouldgiveyouanorgasm. Hesaidsadly,Itsnotyourfault,beautifulone.Terilianmalesjustarentmade thatway.Asshemovedupclosetohim,hestrokedhercheek.Iveneverhad suchpleasurefromafemalesmouthbefore. IcanhardlywaituntiltheSpringRunning.Iwanttohavesexwithyou.Iwant youtohaveanorgasmwhileyoureinsideme.Shekissedhim,thenmurmured againsthismouth,Iwanttomakeyouhappy. Hecaressedhernipplesthroughhertunic,rollingthembetweenhisfingersuntil herbreathingchangedtoshortgasps.Thentellmeyouloveme,hedemanded. IIdontknowwhattosay.Hereyesavoidedhis.

 Tellme. Itstoosoon.Dontpressme. Hestrokedherfaceagain.Turnonyourstomachandraiseuponyourknees andelbows.Iwanttogiveyoupleasure. Shesatup,shakingherlonghairback,gazingathimdoubtfully. Trustme. Shedidasheasked.Hungrilyhestaredather.Insidehertunic,herbreastshung freely.Inthisposition,theylookedripeandluscious,likepolchoireadytodrop fromthetree. Heraisedthehemofhertunic,exposingthedarkening,swellinglipsofher vagina. Hisorganquivered.Shewasintheprimepositiontobemounted. Comingupbehindheronhisknees,hesaid,Rememberthisposition.Whenwe meetattheSpringRunning,Illtakeyouthiswayfirst.Heputhishandsonher buttcheeks,rubbingthem,squeezingthemuntilshemoaned. Herlovelyanusseemedtobegtobetouched.Hecircleditwithhisthumb, teasingthetenderfleshatitsperimeter. Delos! Dontyoulikethat? Imnotsure.Noonesevertouchedmetherebefore. Illstopanytimeyousay. Shewassilent,sohecontinuedrubbinghisthumboverthepuckeredhole.Then heslidhisfingersupherlabia.

Yourewetforme,hesaid.YourealwayssoftwhenItouchyou.Andso wet. Hervoiceshook.Iloveitwhenyoutouchme. Hefondledheranusagain,histhumbpushingagainstit.Shewhimperedashalf aninchofhisthumbpenetratedher.Isthatallright? Ithurtsalittle.Hervoicewasbreathy.ButIIkindoflikeitanyway. Keepinghisthumbinthetighthole,hesoftlystrokedherlabiaoverandover. Whenshebeganmovingagainsthishand,hedecidedtotryadifferenttypeof stimulation. Reluctantlyhetookhishandsoffherbodytorepositionhimself,smilingwhen shegaveasoft,Oh!ofdisappointment. Hush,youlllikethis,hemurmured. Hekneltlower,bringinghisfacetohersex.Thescentofherarousaldrovehim mad.HowwouldheeverwaituntiltheSpringRunning? Helappedatherhot,swollenlipswithhistongue,thenreachedaroundand brushedherclitoriswithhishand.Thetinybudwasalreadyhardandswollen. Shepushedagainsthim,wordlesslydemandingmore.Hemassagedherpeak withtwofingers,smilingwhenshejerkedherhipsandmoaned. Holdingherlipsapartwithhisfingers,heplungedhistongueintohertight,hot channel.Hethrustagainandagain,pushingdeepinsideher.Herbodyshook andtrembled.Lappingherfreelyflowingjuices,hegloriedintheknowledge thathecouldevokethisresponsefromher.Wasanythingbetterthangivinga dearonepleasure? Shecriedout,convulsingagainsthismouth,rockingherhipshard.Herexcited criesfilledtheroomasherorgasmpulsed,anearthquakefollowedbytremors andaftershocks. Whenitwasfinallyover,sheturnedandstretchedoutonthebed.Hefollowed herdown,satisfiedwiththejoyhedgivenher.Shenestledagainsthimand strokedhischest.

 Hewashalfdozing,enjoyingherstimulatingtouch,whenshewhispered, Delos?Iloveyou. Hisarmtightenedaroundher.Shelovesme.Elationbrimmedwithinhischest. Heknewthenwhathehadtodo. ***** Inevitably,thereweresetbackswiththeweddingplans.TheBrideswere dismayedtofindtherewerenoflowersontheship,norwastherewaxfor candles.Theclothingcommitteewasbitterlydividedoverwhetherwhiteshould beworn,somesayingthatwhitewasforvirginsonly,otherssneeringandsaying thatwasanoldfashionedidea. MostwomenwantedringsforbothBridesandgroomsbutJanhadlearnedthat onlyprimusmaleswereallowedtowearjewelry. Onewomanproposedthattheprimuseshaveaseparateweddingfrom theseconduses.Theirwholesocietyisstructuredlikethat.Whynot?sheasked. Weshouldmaintainsolidarityashumanwomen!anotherwomanargued.I sayonewedding! Avotewastaken,withthedecisionnarrowlyfallingonthesideofonewedding. JanaskedthatallthewomensbelongingsbebroughttotheGreatHall.Anhour later,sixburlycrewmemberscarriedinlargemetalpallets.Thecomputerchose eighteenwomenatrandomandtheywentthroughthepallets,laughingand chatteringasthoughitwereaseventyfivepercentoffsaleatMacys. WhenJansweddingdresswasheldup,everyoneintheGreatHallfellsilent.Jan gazedatthelovelygown,wonderingifGaryregrettedherdisappearance.Had hefoundanotherwomantomarry?Perhapshissecretarythatbitchhadalways beenafterhim. Youllhavearealweddinggown,Bethsaidenviously.Theonlyone. Althoughtheyoungredheadhadntcriedindays,Janknewtheyoungwoman stillmournedthelossofherweddingonEarth.YouresoluckyIhearyoure

goingtomarryPrimusTaddus.Hestheheadhoncho,soyoullbelikethe queen,right? IfImarryhim,Janmurmured.Shewalkedpastthepilesofclothing.An amazingarrayofitemshadcomeoutofthewomenspursesnovels,candy bars,makeup,brushesandcombs.Someonehadbroughtperfumesamplesin smalltearablepackets.Jantookseveral,tuckingthemintohershoes. Shewastheonlywomanherewhowasassuredofmarryingaprimus.Asshe watchedtheotherslaughingandchattering,shethought,Imtheonlyonehere dreadingtheceremony. ***** JandreamedthatDeloswaswithherinbed.Hismouthwashotandurgenton herbreasts.Hiscocknudgedherentranceashelaybetweenherlegs.Herpussy swelled,beggingforhistouch.Shestrokedhisbeautifulsofthair,sohappyhe waswithheragain AllBridesreporttothefourteenthfloor.Followtheblinkingcorridorlightsto thecentralelevators.AllBrides Desolated,Jantoreherselfawayfromthedream.Thedulcetvoiceofthe computercontinuedassheroseandthrewaflameredtunicoverherhead. TheBridesbabbledquestionsastheymetupinthecorridors.ManyaskedJanif sheknewwhatwashappening.Sheansweredthatsheknewnomorethan anyoneelse. Butinherheart,sheknewthishadtobetheSpringRunning. YouwouldntbelievethedreamIwashavingjustnow,onewomangiggled. Metoo! JansawBethnearby,adreamyexpressiononherface.Theyoungwoman reachedupandfondledherownbreastsasshehurriedtotheelevator. Janlookedaway.Shewouldhavelikedtotouchherselftoo.Hernipplesached andherpussywasdrenchedwithneed.

 Stopthinkingaboutsex. Shehadusedsomeofhertimewiththecomputertolearneverythingshecould abouttheship.Thefourteenthfloorwastheagriculturallevel.Herethecrops weregrownthatfedeveryoneaboard.Therewasalsoaparklikeareawith grasslandsandtrees. Thewomengaspedinwonderastheyemergedfromthecentralelevators.After thenarrowmetalcorridorsoftheshipsresidentialarea,theacresofredand greenplantswerestartling.Janbreathedintheintoxicatingscentsofgrowing things,tilledsoilandrainwater. Thecouncilwaspresent,kneelingontheircustomarystools.Thesecondusmales werealreadygatheredtogether,theireyeshungrilydevouringtheBrides.Jan lookedforDelosbutcouldntfindhiminthecrowd. CouncilmemberGoldusrosetoaddressthem. BeautifulBrides,welcometooneofthemostimportanteventsoftheTerilian people.Youmayhavenoticedyourselfexperiencingintenseeroticlongings recently.Youremerelyrespondingtoourmalepheromonesandtoyourown desirestomateduringtodaysSpringRunning. Whenthewhistlesounds,rundeepintotheparkandconcealyourselves.Atthe endoftwentyminutes,thesecondusrankedmaleswillsearchforyou.Dont makeittooeasyforthem,Brides!PartofthejoyoftheSpringRunningisthe challengeoffindingyoubeforemating. Afteranotherhour,thefiftyprimusrankedmaleswillbeallowedintothepark. Beawarethatprimuseshavefirstchoiceamongfemales,soevenifyouve alreadymatedwithasecondus,youmaystillbefortunateenoughtogaina primushusband. JanisgazestrayedtoPrimusTaddus.Hiseyeswerefixedonher. BehindhimsherecognizedHannus,theaidewhohadhelpedherinthehospital. Astheylockedglances,helickedhislips.

Thesecondusmaleswouldseekthemfirst.Butwhatifanothersecondusmale reachedherbeforeDelos? Herbodywasripeforpleasure.Shewantedsexfarmorethanshedeverwanted foodduringherlong,miserablediet. Butshedidntwantjustanymale.ShewantedDelos. Goldusconcluded,MaytheGreatFurMotherblessusalltoday.Brides, goodRunning. Thewhistlesounded.TheBrides,lookinghesitantlyateachother,movedinto thepark. Run,ladies!Janshouted.Somehowsheknewwhattodoalmostbyinstinct. Thiswouldbeajoyousgame,ahideandseekspectacularwithmatingasthe gloriousprize. Throwingherheadback,sheran.Warmartificiallightbeatdownfromthe violetpaintedceiling.Shemovedeffortlessly,headhigh.Surelyherlegshad neverbeensostrongbefore.Shelaughedinsheerdelightandheardthesame fromotherwomen. Theyrantirelessly,spreadingoutastheymovedfartherintothepark.Jan searchedforaplacetohide.Thereweremanycopsesoftallgrassesbutshe wantedtofindsomeplacewhereshecouldwatchforDelosarrival. Atlastshespottedatreewithalowhangingbranch.Certainshedbeableto reachit,shetookarunningleap.Breathlesslyshecaughtthetrunkwithher clawsasshesteadiedherselfonthebranch. Sheddoneitandwasnowsixfeethighinthetree. YourebecomingmoreTerilianeveryday.Thethoughtdidntbotherherthewayit hadatthebeginning.Shedgrownaccustomedtoherenhancedsenseofsmell, herincreasedstrength,evenherclaws. And,justlikeaTerilianfemale,shewasreadytomate.Withoutconscious thought,sheraisedhertunicandmassagedhermound.Herhandslipped

againstherslickjuices.Hadsheeverbeensowetbefore?Shedcertainlynever wantedtocomesobadlybefore. Balancedonthetreebranch,shecouldnttouchherselfthewaysheneeded. Couldntopenherlegsfarenough. God,shewantedDeloscockinsideher,movinginandout,fuckingher.Deep andhard.Sohard Thescentschanged.Shepeeredouteagerly,notinganumberofshapesmoving throughthegrasslands. Themalesareenteringthepark. Shetookadeepscentingoftheair,hopingtofindDelos.Thethreadsofother scentsunraveledinhermindandsheidentifiedHannus. Whatwouldshedoifhereachedherfirst? Inthedistancesheheardabreathlesslaughandadeepergroan.Thenthehigh, excitedtrillsofawomanenjoyingthehardthrustsofamaleslustycock. Oneofherfellowhumanshadalreadyfoundamate.Janenviedher. WhereisDelos? Yes!Harder!Awomansvoicecamefaintlytoherears. Shestrokedhernetherlipswithonefinger.Shewasgushingwitharousal, shakingwithanticipation.SheclosedhereyesandpicturedDelosbigcock. Wouldthecylindricalheadfeelstrangeinsideherpussy?Orwoulditgiveher evengreaterpleasurethanahumanmalespenis? Hernipplestightenedwithdesire.Heatignitedthroughherpussy. Themaleswerecloseenoughtoseenow.Theywerenakedexceptforredcords aroundtheirloinswhichkepttheirerectionsclosetotheirbodies,supporting theircocksastheyran.

Hannusdrewnear.Janis?hecalledinhisgruffvoice.Iscentyou.Letme mountyoursweetsex. Hereyeswidenedasherpussypulsed.Hisscentwasirresistible.Shegazed downathislargeerection.Howwonderfulitwouldfeelashepumpedinand outofher. Janis,Iwanttospreadyouopenandthrustintoyouoverandover.Ipromise youllenjoyit. Sheknewshewould.Shewantedtojumpdownfromthetree,throwherselfinto thesoftgrassandopenherlegswantonly. Shehadtomate. WherewasDelos? ChapterEight WaitforDelos.Shestayedquiet. Hannuspeeredupintothetree.Janis!Hefumbledwithhiscord,staringupat her.Shelookeddownintohisyelloweyes,abirdcaughtinasnakesgaze. Arustlecamefrombehindher,breakingthespell.Jansnostrilsweresuddenly fullofadistinctcocoascent. Findanotherfemale.Delosvoicewasquietbutfirm.Janisismine. Hannusturnedbutdidntbackaway.Goaway,Del.Iwasherefirst. Delosleapedathim.FasterthanJaniseyescouldfollow,Delosraisedhisarm.A momentlater,bloodranfromalongscratchonHannuschest. Firstcut,Delossaid.Hannusgrowledandslunkaway. Dontmakeittooeasyforthem.RememberingGoldusadvice,Janisjumpeddown fromthetree.Abubbleofhappinessswelledinsideherassheran.

 Shegiggledasshebrushedbylongleavesofgrass.Delosfollowedswiftly.She glancedbackonce.Theeagerlookonhisbelovedfacemadeherheartskipabeat. Whatwouldhedowhenhecaughther? Noonehadeverwantedherlikethisbefore. Herheartpoundedashegraspedheraroundthewaist.Shestumbledorhadhe trippedher?andtheyrolledtotheground. ShewantedhimGod,howshewantedhimbutaTerilianfemalealways fought.Sheelbowedhimandrolledaway,breathless,tryingtogettoherfeet. Swiftly,hecaughtherfrombehind.Hispalmscapturedherbreasts. Hishandswererough,squeezing,groping.Hernippleswereinstantlyerect.She openedhermouth,temptedtoshamelesslybeghimtofuckher. Shemadeonelasteffort,jerkingawayandtryingtoflee. Hecaughtherlegandpulledherdownunderneathhim.Wriggling,she struggledtofreeherself.Hesubduedhereasily,hisarmslikesteelbands.She endedupfacedown,panting,whilehestraddledherbutt,pinningherdown withstrongthighs. Imhelpless.Hecandowhateverhewantstome.Thethoughtwassostimulatingthat herpussythrobbed. Movingherhair,helickedherneck.Shemoaned,allthoughtofresistance disappearing. Shewaswildwitharousal,pulsingwitheagerness.Sheddieifhedidntputhis cockinsideher. Shefelthimshiftasheunwoundhiscord,freeinghisorgan.Hisexcitedgrowl rumbledthroughtheair.Heraisedup,givingherroomtomove.Spreadyour legs. Shehurriedtotakethematingposition,raisingherhips,openingherlegs.He cameupbehindheronhisknees,handsgrippingherhips,pushingthebig,

cylindricalheadofhiscockagainstherpussylips.Shewasreadyandwetand eager. Janis,hegroanedandslidhiscockinsideherwithonepowerfulthrust.Her vaginathrilledattheinvasion.Shemoanedasherslickchannelpulsedaround hissizeandheat. Heplungeddeep.Hewassobig,fillingherinawayshedneverknown.Her pussygushedwithliquid,welcominghim. Hepulledallthewayoutandthatbackstrokewasevenbetterthanhisfirsthard thrust.Everynervepleadedformore.Heplungedintoheragain,franticallyand shehadtocryout.Leaningforward,hebithershoulder.Painmingledwith pleasureasherpussycontracted. Hethrustfastandhard,poundingherwithhisthickorganasherjuicesspurted againsthim,easingthetightpassage. Pleasurebuiltandbuilteachtimehemoved.Shehadonebriefthoughtthat othersmightbenearby.Thenshelostallworryaboutthat.Everyoneofhisfierce thrustsdemandedthatshecryoutinresponse.Shegaspedand moanedmindlessly,waitingfortheorgasmsheknewhewouldgiveher. Hiscockwasburieddeeplyinsideher.Hereachedunderneathherandtookher nippleswithhisfingers,rollingandrubbingthem. Theextrastimulationwaseverythingsheneeded.Rackingwavesofpuredelight floodedherpelvisandsheclenchedagainsthissteelhardcockoverandover. Herorgasmradiatedthrougheveryinchofhersensitizedpussy. Mine!hegrowled,triumphfillinghisvoice.Hishipsjerkedandheshouted aloud.Allhersensestoldherthathedcome. ***** DeloswatchedJanisslumpforward,pantingwiththeforceofherorgasm. Hesankintoakneelingposition.Neverbeforehadsexsatisfiedhimso completely.

Hegazeddownathishalferectcock,coatedwithherjuices.Janishadbeeneven moreincrediblethanhedhoped.Theirmatinghadbeensoulsatisfying.When heachievedorgasm,hefeltasthoughsheddrainedeverydropfromhim. Shewashuman,hewasTerilian.Yetwhenhedfilledherwithhispenis,hedfelt thathewaspartofher.Orasthoughtheywerebothpartsofonebeing,finally whole. Herdarkhairwasdisheveled.Hertunicwaspusheduppastherwaist,leaving herlovelynakedbuttocksexposedtohisgaze. Hisorganstiffened.Urgencyfilledhim. Janisagain.Hewaitedwithatouchofapprehension.Hadheshockedher? Yes!Sheroseupandpartedherthighs.Thescentofherarousedsexmadehim mindlesswithlust.Hisorganwashardandthrobbing,morethanreadyto plungeinsideheragain.Ittookeverybitofcontrolhehadbuthedelayed, rubbingtheheadagainstherlabia. Shemoaned,tryingtothrusthersexagainsthisorgan.Delos!Iwantyou! Whatdoyouwant?Heteasedher,lettinghisorganslipaninchintoherwet channel,thenwithdrawing.Sheraisedherhips,desperatelytryingtotakehis penisinsideher. Mountmeagain.Now,Delos!Icantwait! Hethrustintoher,movingwithfast,shallowstrokesthistime.Thetightwallsof hervaginaclungaroundhisorgan,caressingandmilkinghimuntilhethought hecouldntbearthesearingpleasure. Shemovedwithhisquickrhythm.Harder!shegasped. Insteadhestoppedmoving,hiseyeshalfclosing,drinkinginthesensationofher tightchannelclutchedaroundhisorgan. Dontstop!shepleaded. Moveforme,heorderedher.

 Hesitantly,sherockedbackagainsthim,thenforward.Thatsright,thats good,hegasped,encouragingher.Shemovedagain,harderthistime.Heheld still,lettingherplungeagainsthisstiffpenis,takingitashardasshe wanted.Takingitdeep. Hegroanedasshethrustfasterandfaster,ruttingagainsthimwildly,her channellikeahot,wetpleasuredevicemadeforhisorganalone. Hispalmsmassagedherbuttocks,heighteningtheirexcitement.Shescreamed andclampeddownaroundhim.Whitehotcumshotfromthebaseofhispenis anduphisshaftlikeliquidfire.Hedneverfeltsuchpure,wholesensation before. Finallyhisorganreceded.Shepulledforward,breathinghardandlayonher side.Hestretchedoutbesideher,strokingherflushedcheek,thengaveheroneof thosewethumankissesshelikedsomuch. Ilikethemtoo,hethoughtashertongueglidedlanguidlyagainsthis. Hehadtotakeheragain.Maybefromthefrontthistime,sohecouldwatchher beautifulbreastsquiverashethrustintoherdeliciouslyhot,clingingsex. Hecuppedherrightbreastinhishand,enjoyingthesoftnessagainsthispalm. IthoughtofawaytodefeatTaddus,shesaid. Hiseyesflewopen. Shepulledawayfromhisarmsandgrabbedoneofhershoes,liftingsomething outofit.Look!Shehelditunderhisnose.Eventhoughthepackagewas sealed,hesmelledthesweetaroma.Ifwerubthisonourskin,itllchangeour scents.Tadduswontbeabletofindus. Whatanincrediblefemaleshewas.Notonlybeautifulnotonlyhisperfect matebutwonderfullyclever. Apityherplanwouldntwork.

Tadduswonttrackyoubyscent,thewayIdid,heexplained.Theprimuses followcomputerlinkstotheirchosenfemales. Thatseemslikecheating. Itsourway. Troubledarkenedhergaze.Thentheresnoescapefromhim? Hedidntanswer,justpulledherbackintohisarmsandkissedheruntilthey werebothgaspingwitharousal. Idontknowwhatsthematterwithme,shemurmured.Iwantyou again.Now. Thenmakemehard.Herosetohisfeet.Suckme. Eagerlyshekneltinfrontofhim,graspingthebaseofhisorgan.Herbeautiful rosylipsclosedaroundtheheadandshestrokedhimwithhertongue. Shegentlycuppedhistesticles,rollinghissacashermouthcaressedhim.She suckedhim,devouringhimashispleasurebuilt.Hisorganstiffened.Hecried outhoarselyandshemadeadelightednoiseinherthroat. Lieonyourback,hesaid.Shelayinthegrass,herthighsparted.Thesmileshe gavehimfilledhisheartwithjoy.Strokinghishardpenis,hegazeddownather. Shedalwaysbeenbeautifulbutnow,withherskinflushedwithpleasureand hernipplesandvaginastillswollenfromtheirmating,shewasbreathtaking.He kneltbetweenherthighs.Hisinflamedorgandemandedthathethrustintoher againbuthepausedtokisshermouthandherbreasts.Shewhisperedhisname, stimulatinghimfurther. Heraisedherlegsontohisshouldersandthrustdeep.Hishard,hotpenisslid easilyintoherwetchannel.Herockedbackandforthinsideher,watchingher whitebreastsquiverashethrustandwithdrew,thrustandwithdrew. Ineverknewitcouldbelikethis,shewhispered.

Ididnteither.Hispalmstraveledupanddownhersoftthighs.Iwanttogive youmorepleasure,beautifulone. Imsoclose!shegasped. Hemovedhishandtowheretheywerejoinedandfondledherswollenclitoris withhisthumb.Hereyesflewopen.Shecriedout,herbackarching,herhips bucking.Hefelthertightspasmsclenchingagainsthisorgan.Pleasurewrenched ashoutfromhisthroatasshescreamed. JanislayhalfdozingagainstDeloschest,wornoutfromthethreeorgasmsthat hadfilledherwithunbelievablepleasure.Theirmatinghadbeenso beautifulbutsoonitwouldbeover.Shedbeanothermaleswife.Deloswould neverholdheragain,orkissher,ormakelovetoher. Hesnear,Delossaidquietly. Shejumpedtoherfeet,extendingherclaws. Putyourclawsaway,hetoldher.Hiseyeswereshadowed. Areyouleavingnow?Desolationfloodedher. Heroseeasilytohisfeetandrubbedhisfaceagainsthers.Whateverhappens, rememberIloveyou. Suddenlyalarmed,sheasked,Whatareyougoingtodo? TherewasnotimetoanswerasTadduslopedupbeforethemandreleasedhis cord.Hisdarkorganwasswollen,theheadpurplewitharousal. Inafewminutes,theprimuswouldusethatorganonher.Sheshudderedwith dread. Theprimusstonguepassedoverhislips.Helookedather,slowlystrokingthe headofhispenis.Mywife.Taddustonewasformal.JanisStone,Iamhereto claimyou.

Delostonewasequallyformalashetookonestepforward.PrimusTaddus,I refusetoyieldhertoyou. Jangasped.Sohewasntgoingtomerelyhandherovertothehigherranked male.Helovedherenoughtofacedownthebigprimus. Athrillranthroughher. Taddusstaredathim.Areyouchallengingme,Delos?Youreinsane!Seek anothermate! Youknowourlaw.Itsmyrightasasecondustofightforthisone. Taddusloweredhisheadandgrowled.Janshandflewtohermouth.Slender DeloshadtoweighfiftypoundslessthanTaddus.Howcouldhepossiblydefeat theprimus? Delosgrowledback,aterrifyingrumble.Statetherules,Primus. Clawspermitted,nobiting,noforeignobjects,Taddussaid.Wefightuntilone ofusyields. Agreed.Thetwomalesglaredateachother.Delosplantedhisfeetandraised hishands,palmoutward.Taddusdidthesame.Theylockedfingersandcounted together,Fourthreetwoone! Theyunsheathedtheirclaws.Agonywashedoverbothmalesfacesastheir clawsdugintoeachothershands. Jansheartgallopedwithfrightastheytumbledtotheground.Delos,ontop,got hisrighthandfree.HeswipedatTaddusface.Theprimusthrewhimselfclear androlled,switchingtheirpositions. Nofemaleisworththis!Taddushissed.Yield,Delos! DelosclawedTaddusback.Firstcut! Fool!RagebellowedfromTaddusthroat.Ihavetwiceyourstrength!The twomalestwistedandstruggled,theirgrowlsgrowingmorefierce.Theyrolled

overandover,kickingandclawing.Janwatched,afraidtomakeasound,fearing todistractDelos. Taddusbackwasbleeding.DelosdidntmakeasoundasTaddusscrapedthree clawsdownhischest. Taddus,ontopnow,achievedaholdonbothofDeloswristsandforcedDelos handstotheground. Jansheartsank.Taddussneered,YieldandIwonthurtyou,littlesecondus. Delosremainedsilent.Sweatbeadedonhisbrowandshoulders.Blooddripped slowlyfromthewoundsonhischest. Taddusbroughthisfacecloserandthreatened,Illnotchyourear. Delosearstwitched.Rules!hegasped.Nobiting! Tadduslaughed.Hislipspulledback,revealinghissharpfangs.Yield!he commanded. Nottoacheater!Delospanted. Thebigprimusloweredhishead. WouldTaddusreallymutilateDelos?Unbidden,alowgrowlemergedfromJans throat.Sheleapedforward,grabbingTaddusaroundtheneck.Herclawssank intohisflesh.Bloodwelledandheshoutedinpain. Foramoment,thetwomalesstaredatherwithidentical,shockedexpressions. ThenTaddushandsshotupashetriedtofreehimselffromherclaws.Delos, suddenlyloosenedfromTaddusgrasp,slashedtheothermaleacrosstheface. Myeye!Taddusshrieked,hishandcoveringit. Yield!Delospanted.GotoSickBaysaveyoureye!Hejumpedtohisfeet, standingoverthekneelingprimus.

TaddusglaredatJan.Youbrokeourlaw!Femalesdontinterferewith challenges! Guesswhat?Sheloweredherfacetohis.Humanfemalesdo. Theirgazeslocked.Janraisedherhandsagain.Herclawswereslickwithhis blood. Iyield.Taddusvoicewassullen.Keepyoursavagefemale,Delos. DelospulledJancloseandpossessivelyrubbedhisfaceagainsthers.Iintend to. ***** TheBridesstraggledbacktotheGreatHallwiththeirnewhusbands,each coupletiedtogetheratthewristwiththeredcords,malesrighthandtoBrides left.TheBridesreluctantlylefttheirmatesjustlongenoughtodressintheir weddinggarb.AnanxiousJantalkedtomanyofthewomen,relievedwhenit becameclearthattheywerehappywiththeirnewhusbands. Iveneverhadanorgasmwithaloverbefore,onewomanconfidedinher. Terilianmalesreallyknowhowtopleasetheirmates. DontIknowit,Janansweredwithasmile. BethstrolledintotheHallbyTaddusside.Thebigmalehadbandagesonhis eyeandneck. Iwaitedforever.Ithoughtnoonewouldchooseme,BethwhisperedtoJan.I wassopleasedwhenTadduscame!Shelinkedherarmthroughhis.Iknow weregoingtobehappytogether.ShegazedatJan,awistfullooklingeringin hereyes. ShelovedherbridegroombackonEarth,Janthoughtsadly. Taddustouchedhisbandagedneck.Wellbeveryhappytogether,dear. GlaringatJan,headded,Ilikesweet,gentlefemales. Areyoulookingforwardtotheceremony?JanaskedBeth.

 Bethsvoicewaslow.Everyonesworkedsohard.IjustwishIwishitcould bearealEarthtypewedding.Ihadsuchabeautifuldresspickedout JantouchedBethsshoulder.Honey,howwouldyouliketowearmygown? ***** Tohaveandtohold Insicknessandinhealth Fromthisdayforward, UntilthenextSpringRunning Delosarmwastightaroundherwaistastheywaitedtosaytheirvows.And dontthinkweregoingtopartatthenextSpringRunning,hewhispered. Illneverletanothermalematewithyou. Jansmiled,breathinginhisintoxicatingscent.Sheknewshedneverwant anyoneexcepthim. Anhourlater,shenestledclosetohernewhusband,sharingdelicacieswithhim astheyatefromthesamebowls.Hecouldntseemtostoptouchingher.His handscaressedherface,hershoulders,herthighs. Jandriftedinapleasantstateofarousal.OtherBrideswerenuzzlingtheir husbandsnecks,rubbingcheeks,stroking,touchingandbeingtouched. Themusicstarted.Somecouplesrosetodance.Janiswastoocomfortableto move.Shesmiledasshelookedacrosstheroom.Bethsyoungfaceglowedasshe dancedwithTaddus. Althoughitwasfuntohaveanactualwedding,Janrealizedthatnoneofthe detailsmattered.Shedidntcarethatsheworeaplaintunicinsteadofsatin,that therewerenocandlesorflowersandthatthecaketastedlikefish.Allthat matteredwasthatshehadtherightbridegroom. Delosbenttowhisperinherear,Wedidntmateenoughtoday.

 Herpussygrewwetassheimaginedhimthrustingintoher.Threetimeswasnt enough? Notnearly.Iwanttomountyouagain.Iwanttohearyouscreamwith pleasure. Herlipswentdryasshepicturedthescene. Illlickyoufirst,though.Illenjoythrustingintoyouwhenyoursexisslickand wetafteranorgasm.Hechoseamorselfromabowlandheldittohermouth. Shelickedthemeat.Holdinghisgaze,shesuckedhisfingerintohermouth, caressingitwithhertongueasthoughitwerehiscock. Yourcabinormine?Janasked. Whicheverscloser. Raucousmusicfilledtheroom. Delostookherhandandtheythreadedtheirwaythroughthecrowdasa thousandBridesandgroomsdancedtogether,flappingtheirarmsinThe ChickenDance. Theearlierpartoftheday,theSpringRunning,hadbeenallTerilian.Butthis weddingwasallhuman. Janhopedtheblendingoftwocultureswouldcontinuesuccessfully.Inthe meantime,shehadherweddingnightaheadofher. Shecouldhardlywait. AbouttheAuthor SolangeAyre,galaxyhoppinginvestigativejournalist,alsoservesasapolicy advisortotheUnitedConglomerationofPlanetaryJurisdictions.Shemakesher

homeonAyriana,herprivateislandrepublicintheWestCaribbeanregionof Earth. AfterawhirlwindchildhoodlivinginthecapitalsofEurope,SolangemarriedSt. GeorgesAyre,oneofthewealthiestmenintheworld.Thecrystalpalacehe boughtheronAyrianaistheprimarytouristattractionintheareaatleast,for thosewhocanfindit.St.Georgesmysteriousassassinationisstillmournedby hisgrievingwidow. DirectlydescendedfromKingLouisXVIandMarieAntoinette,Solange graciouslysupportsthedemocraticgovernmentofFranceandrelinquishesher claimtothethrone.UndernocircumstanceswillsheanswertothetitleYour Highness. Inhersparetime,Solangeenjoysbreedingandshowingherprizewinning miniaturedragonsaswellasresearchingandwritingeroticromance. Solangewelcomescommentsfromreaders.Youcanfindherwebsiteandemail addressonherauthorbiopageatwww.ellorascave.com.