Jacesar and Beaudeen each dropped to one knee and thumped a gloved fist against their hearts in salute.
“Rise.” The being had a soft, feminine voice. “The Hathors recognize and respect you both. We’ve been expecting your request to emigrate for some time, and we wish to let you know… it will be granted.”
Jacesar bowed his head before rising. “Thank you, Your Eminence.”
Beaudeen rose and stood silent at Jacesar’s side.
The Hathor flickered a brilliant shade of gold. “Certain conditions will apply.”
“We understand and accept that.” Jacesar drew a tense breath. He glanced at Beaudeen.
“The Hathors have chosen a distant planet that is greatly varied in climate. It has a young sun. The middle latitudes are continually hot and bathed in bright sunlight, but you can escape to cooler northern climes should this prove to be disagreeable to you.”
“Continually hot?” Jacesar asked in wonder. “I can’t imagine such a luxury.”
“The Hathors recognize some physical adaptations will have to be made, and many will come gradually over several generations, but you can survive the changes. There are even a few advantages to the new world.”
“Like what?” Jacesar asked cautiously.
“Food is plentiful. You’ll be the largest predator in the sky. Nothing will challenge you. It’s a smaller planet than Draca, with less gravity, so you will find flight far easier. Under specific conditions your usual life span of thirty-five years could be greatly extended.”
Jacesar and Beaudeen exchanged hopeful looks.
“We’ll need a mate.” Jacesar stepped closer to the altar. “Will there be females like us?”
“No.” The Hathor’s glow flared brighter. “This is a new land and fresh start. The race we have chosen is on the rise and shows great promise. They too are in evolution and will benefit from this pairing. In many ways they are ideally compatible with the Marduko. They are warriors too, strong in mind and spirit, but physically far inferior to you.”
A look of growing concern spread across Jacesar’s and Beaudeen’s faces.
“They are smooth-skinned, single-form creatures. They are also flightless, possess no telepathic communication, and are extremely vulnerable to the elements.”
Jacesar raised a hand in protest. “Your Eminence, with respect I ask, how could this possibly work?”
“It is the Hathors’ opinion that human frailties will encourage what was best about the Marduko. You’ll have to curb your warring tendencies and learn to be more caring of your mates and offspring. Rape and brutality will not be allowed. You will be expected to take an active part in raising the young. If a chosen mate rejects the trio, you must let her go, no matter the cost to you.”
“This is a fool’s errand,” Beaudeen hissed. “If we are so different, certainly the females of wherever this strange place is will be repelled by us.”
“Not necessarily.” The Hathor’s voice rose. “You’ll be allowed your Marduko swoop spells and early-phase enchantments. You’ll have a chance to win her over, and if you’ll allow us, the Hathors will enhance your humanoid DNA so you will be better suited to the new planet.”
“We would not be fully Marduko?” Jacesar crossed his heavy arms and adopted a defensive stance. “What kind of creatures would we be?”
“Would you like to see?” The Hathor flickered and stretched taller.
“Yes.” Beaudeen appeared leery.
“Very well.” The Hathor’s tone softened. “This is just a preview. No actual changes to your bodies will be made until you agree to travel through the portal.” A shimmering gold light passed over Jacesar and Beaudeen. Two handsome, solidly built men who had refined features similar to Jace and Beau appeared. Their skin was smooth except for a silky dusting of hair where it belonged. Their thick cocks were half-risen between the sweeping muscles of their strong thighs.
Jacesar glanced down at himself in alarm. “By the gods of the Holy Grotto—we’re hideous! What female would want this?” He flexed a rounded, scale-less bicep and sneered. “My family’s house has served the Hathors for generations with loyalty and respect, and this is our reward? Is this a cruel joke?”
“Are you questioning the Hathors’ judgment in this matter?”
“Yes, I am,” Jacesar blurted. “This will be a disaster. We are sure to perish!”
The Hathor morphed into a shimmering, white crocodile woman. “We are the masters of life in this galaxy. Our kind was fully evolved long before the first seeds of the Marduko race were formed, and you dare to question our judgment? We’ve paired far stranger couples with great success. You’re looking at exteriors and missing the point. What you do not understand is that the human heart and the Marduko soul are so alike. You both have strengths the other lacks. You would be good for each other, but if this bargain is not for you, say no. You are free to reject this pairing. Nothing will be forced upon you.” The Hathor dismissed them. “We’re finished here. You’re welcome to stay on Draca and die with the rest. We will not force compliance.”
“Wait.” Beaudeen raised his palm. He turned to face Jacesar. “It would be so easy to stay and die. Perhaps it takes more courage to accept the challenge and change.”
Jacesar sounded incredulous. “Did you see the bodies the Hathors were offering? We’d be naked, defenseless, without so much as a protective hide to deflect a sharp blade. We are warriors! Such a life would be madness. Do you really want to try this? Think carefully. Our chances are poor.”
“Our chances on Draca don’t exist at all,” Beaudeen said. “This world will slowly perish and consume itself as it dies. The worst in our race will surface. I don’t want to be part of it.”
Jacesar looked saddened. “As your alpha, I’m pledged to protect you, not lead you into a death trap. Don’t make a decision out of fear. Do you honestly believe we can adapt to new bodies and new ways and survive? If you follow me, our lives may not end in glorious battle, but failure or injury.”
“What our cousins are facing is worse. They will turn on each other until the last man dies alone.” Beaudeen bowed his head. “I pledged to follow you, Commander, wherever you choose to go, and I will face whatever I have to while standing beside you.”
Jacesar placed a broad hand with thick claws on Beaudeen’s shoulder. “You continually surprise me. Are you game for a strange world, a new form, and an entirely different life?”
“Yes.” Beaudeen thumped his fist to his chest.
“Be certain of your decision.” The Hathor’s form wavered like a silk scarf in the breeze. “The portal opens one way. Genetic changes are permanent. There is no going back.”
Jacesar saw the determination in Beaudeen’s eyes. Beaudeen wanted to live. The choice was simple. “We’re ready.” He grasped Beaudeen’s hand. “Open the portal for us.”
“Wise decision,” the Hathor whispered. “By the way, we wouldn’t allow just any Marduko to cross. This portal was always intended for the two of you. If this works, we might allow more Marduko to emigrate at a later date.”
A spiraling whir of energy spun near the altar. For a moment the golden, glassy surface appeared to melt and swirl. A tunnel opened before them that led toward a starry void.
“You take only what’s in your hands.” The Hathor motioned for Jacesar and Beaudeen to step inside.
Jacesar clutched tightly to Beaudeen’s hand and stepped past the boundary of the spinning portal. The moment their boots breached its edge, it crackled with energy.
“Don’t bite your tongues,” the Hathor warned.
“What?” Jacesar was poised to take the next step but was seized by the titanic force of the portal and violently flung into the void instead. Devon’s consciousness followed, witnessing the event through Jacesar’s eyes.
Jacesar flew through space at tremendous speed. Racing streaks of light surrounded him and Beaudeen and vibrated them so harshly their teeth rattled. The portal spat them out as swiftly as it had grabbed
them. They were flung into a pool of bubbling warm water, and rose to the surface gasping.
“By the gods, that was rough!” Jacesar floundered in the pool as he struggled to stand on a jagged little ledge. He squinted around the dark cave. The Hathors had sent a single faint glowing orb to light the way. “I can barely see. We’ve been tricked! This planet is even darker than Draca. Where in the underworld are we?” He stilled. “There is no young sun burning bright in the sky. It is warmer, but this place looks no different from Draca. I think the Hathors have made a mistake.”
“Look at us!” Beaudeen shrieked in horror as he studied his forearms. “Where are my scales? There are golden strands growing on my arms! It’s horrible.” He traced his fingertips along the ridge of Jacesar’s elegant human profile with a look of trepidation. “The adaptations are far greater than I was expecting. It was one thing to glimpse it, and entirely another to be it. How can we survive in this form? Are you sure there’s no going back?”
“Damn the Hathors. I thought they were trustworthy, but in a crisis, they’ve turned on us.” Jacesar pulled himself from the pool. His leather armor cascaded torrents of water to the ground, and his boots squished loudly. “I’m not amused by this deception. This is not the act of noble beings. I thought them better than this.” He offered his hand to Beaudeen. “Let’s find out exactly where we are. I refuse to lie down and die in a dank cave for the Hathors’ entertainment.”
Beaudeen hauled himself from the pool, and his armor sheeted water. His hand felt for the leather pouch on his hip. “We still have the dragon eggs.”
“Little good they will do us.” Jacesar took a few sloshing steps forward. “Come with me. I feel the slight movement of air above.”
The glowing orb floated in front of them, leading the way to an ascending path. They climbed the twisting subterranean trail until they reached a domed chamber with a baffled entrance that partially protected them from the outside world. A bit of light leaked past the cave’s entrance. The orb flickered out and disappeared.
Jacesar covered his eyes with his hands. “By the gods, it’s bright in here.”
Beaudeen gazed toward the light with startled awe. “What do you think is out there?”
Jacesar crept toward the cave’s entrance and peered outward. “Holy Hathors! Come and look at this!”
Beaudeen joined him, squinting against the sun. “It’s too bright!” He covered his eyes. “I can’t look at it without being blinded. Where are we?”
Jacesar stepped onto the cave’s narrow outer ledge. The beating sun had warmed the stone. He scanned the vast horizon of golden-green grass alive with roaming herds of animals. The sight was both shocking and awe-inspiring. “There’s so much here!”
“What is all this?” Beaudeen asked cautiously.
“Our new home.”
10
Devon woke in the pool with a jolt and bumped hard against Jace’s chest.
Jace immediately wrapped his arms around her. “It’s all right.” He smoothed her hair. “We’re with you.”
She fully opened her eyes and looked around the cavern. “That was amazing!” Her voice cracked at the sheer wonder of what she’d seen. “Is it really true there are beings like the Hathors sending others all over the universe?”
“It’s true.” Jace kissed the top of her head.
“Will the Hathors ever open a portal for humans to cross?”
Jace laughed. “I’m sure that’s already happened.”
“How long was I out?”
“Just a few minutes.” Jace reached for Devon’s hand. “See? Your fingers aren’t even pruny.”
“That’s good.” She chuckled. “It felt like I was so far away.”
“It was far away and long ago.” He paused. “What did you think of the first earthly Marduko?”
She looked directly into Jace’s eyes. “I think they were handsome devils.”
Beau opened his eyes and smiled at Devon. “You’re back.” He leaned forward and kissed her lips. “Sit with me.” He reached for Devon and drew her onto his lap, facing him. “It’s my turn to hold you.” He brushed a few wet strands of hair from her neck and kissed the side of her throat.
Devon tipped her head back. Beau’s kisses felt extra sweet, and she loved the feel of his hands gliding across her shoulders.
Beau drew her close and turned away from Jace. The action was subtle but unmistakably acquisitive. Sensing how much Beau needed her complete attention, if only for a moment, she kissed his lips with loving abandon and allowed him to hold her as the secondary effects of the tea kicked in. A highly sensitized, fully alert feeling crept over her. She pressed against Beau as a red-hot buzz of sensation built between her thighs. “Can you tell what I’m thinking? I’m not going to be polite and wait to be asked.” Summoning her courage, she glanced toward Jace. “Can I have you both at once?”
Beau looked toward Jace. His gaze traveled toward the backpack. “Would you?”
A faint smile curled Jace’s lips. “It would be my pleasure.” He leaped out of the pool and walked toward the backpack. He opened the pack and rummaged around until he found a packet of condoms and a clear plastic bottle of lubricant. He returned to the pool and handed a condom to Beau.
“Is it possible that…?” Devon’s gaze fixated on the condom in Beau’s hand. “How easily can our two species…?” She stalled. “I’m not on the pill. Could I get—”
“Pregnant?” Jace finished her thought. “Very easily. The Hathors made sure we were compatible. Remember, Beau and I are half human. You should also know that as the bond between mates grows stronger, Marduko sperm counts skyrocket.”
“Holy crap!” Devon recoiled. “Maybe you should have brought these out sooner. I’m not ready for anything like that.” She grew tense. “Please don’t tell me I’d have to lay leathery eggs in the damp sand and sit on them until they hatch. Trust me, that ain’t gonna happen.”
“No.” Beau laughed. “It’s a normal nine-month pregnancy. The baby’s born fully human and always a boy. The child may never develop any Marduko traits at all. No one knows until the child reaches adulthood and does or does not successfully make the first shift.”
“How common is that?” Devon was astonished.
“It happens.” Jace’s chin dipped. “The Marduko bloodline is very diluted. For better or worse, we’ve become earthlings who, for the most part, live human lives. The dragon in us is fading.”
As flawed as the original species was, it was sad to know such intriguing creatures were becoming extinct. “The Marduko bloodline is dying out? Dear God, that’s a tragic thought.”
“Your own reaction was so telling.” Jace straightened and stepped away. “Not many women can handle a situation this unconventional. Add to that, there have been many times in not-so-distant history when Marduko children were hunted, persecuted, and slaughtered before they reached dragon-shifter status and would have been able to defend themselves. In that way the world has been unfair. Any woman who accepts us has to run the gauntlet at our side. That much uncertainty, especially for the children, is not appealing to most women.”
“All this is a bit more than I can handle in one fell swoop.” Devon smoothed her wet hair with her palm. “I care for both of you, but I need to get my bearings in all this. The ultimate destiny of the Marduko bloodline is a little more than I can cope with at the moment. We need to slow the conversation down and just find out how or if we fit together.”
Jace grew serious. “We understand. There’s no pressure.”
The little voice in her whispered, Why me? You’re nothing special. “Who else have you approached or revealed yourselves to?”
“No one.” Jace’s gaze sharpened. “Only you.”
“I do want you.” Devon traced her fingertips against Jace’s chest. “Both of you. Let’s find out if we make sense as a trio before we discuss anything else.” She paused. “Just to be sure, no one comes near me unless they’re already tearing a condom open wit
h their teeth, okay?”
“Okay.” Beau immediately tore the condom open with his teeth. He glanced at Jace. “I’m not saying no to a beautiful woman.”
“Neither am I.” Jace ripped a condom wrapper too. “I’m going to give her whatever she wants.”
“I’ve been dreaming of this.” Devon bent over the edge of the pool, displaying the lush curves of her ass, and provocatively gazed over her shoulder. “Who’s going to be the first to take me?”
“I will.” Beau immediately reached for Devon’s hips. “Jace, you can take me.”
Jace grinned. “I’d love it.”
Beau rolled the condom over his cock with a brisk stroke. The latex made a faint snapping sound as it stretched. He reached for the lube, opened the cap, and drizzled a generous amount on himself, gliding his fist along the shaft until he was thoroughly slicked. “Lean forward.”
Devon rested on her elbows. Her heart raced with a little tingle of fear. Anal was a favorite fantasy, but something she rarely indulged in real life. It required a lot of sensitivity and self-restraint on the man’s part, and frankly she hadn’t met anyone in a long while who seemed worth it. Beau and Jace were big exceptions. Both men turned her on. She loved what they had already shared with her and she sensed it was going to be good.
Beau planted his palm firmly on Devon’s lower back, pinning her in front of him and trickled lube between the cleft of her buttocks. He swirled the pad of his thumb in light circles over the tight ring of muscle. “I won’t make you beg or wait. I’m just going to give it to you.” He gently pressed his thumb against her, breaching the ring.
Her breath hitched as Beau positioned himself behind her and stretched her. His thighs brushed against the backs of hers as he guided the head of his cock to her ass, rubbed against it until he was slippery with lube and pressed downward. “Relax, push out, and don’t panic.”
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