by Marla Monroe
He knew it might end up being a futile search, but Coreg would still ask. He had the drawing of the machine and the area in which it would have been housed. They would also bring back anything more that might be of need to the humans. It was one of the things that might appeal to the leaders to allow such a trip.
“Coreg, you have audience with our council. You may enter now.” The guard at the door to their chambers opened the door to allow him entrance.
He approached the males and bowed his head to them. They were mostly made up of the elders of their race who were wise beyond their years, and who saw to the health, happiness, and general safety of their planet.
“Coreg. What do you wish to ask of the council?”
“I would like to lead a small team back to the crashed spaceship of the humans. One of the females is a seamstress and wishes for her machine so that she can make clothes for her friends. When I pointed out that we have those here who can make whatever she wants, she saddened and said that sewing made her happy. I wish to see this female happy.”
“She likes to work making clothes for others?” one of the council males asked, his face mirroring his obvious confusion.
“Yes. She enjoys creating things and said it was what made her happiest when on the spaceship.”
“You are hoping to join with this female?” Another council member asked.
“It is too soon to know, but yes. I would like her to be my female. She already has a human male she is bonded to, but since it has been agreed that there should be two males to each female, I’m hoping they will allow me to join with them.”
The males on the council all conversed among themselves. After a few moments, the council’s leader spoke up.
“Why can’t she use the machines we have here?”
“They are far too large and different from what she is used to. She said she’d never understand them and they wouldn’t give her the happiness that her own machine can give her. I must admit that the machine she had described and drawn on paper looks nothing like ours. It is much smaller.”
“Then we will allow you and four others to make this trip. You can also bring back anything you believe the humans would value to help them better assimilate into our culture.”
Coreg couldn’t stop the smile that their words gave him. He bowed and backed out of the room. Next, he had to pick some males to go with him. One had to be a soldier with experience fighting the Aragus, a creature that was nearly impossible to kill with its hardened skin and ability to scamper off on four legs. It was deadly to most Levassians. He planned to leave early at the sun’s rise.
Since the eros scourge, there were only a handful of females left on Levasso. It had killed most of the females and many of their males. Now the few who were left were sequestered with their males and very old. They’d looked for females who were compatible for many years, but had just about given up, believing their race would die out.
With the crash of the Earth ship, they had new hope. There had been many females who they hoped would mate with Levassians, producing young. Already, Veran, Gressen, and Sabin had mated with human females and young were expected within the year. Everyone was patiently waiting their births. No one much cared what they looked like as long as they were healthy.
Corag wanted a mate and young of his own. He would pursue the beautiful female and hopefully convince her and her partner, this PJ, to accept him as their third. To be a part of a family unit, Coreg was willing to do most anything.
So early the next morning, almost before the sun had risen, he and four other males took a transport as far as they were able, then guided small hover carts the rest of the way. They would be able to haul most anything using the carts. He hoped they’d find Andrea’s sewing machine to bring back. Even if it was damaged, he would return it in hopes that one of their craftsmen could repair it with her guidance.
Once they arrived at the craft, he noted how the vegetation had already begun to claim the massive ship. If it wasn’t for the dangers outside the city walls, they would have long since harvested whatever they could from the craft, but it was dangerous in the jungles of Levasso. Many animals roamed the unguarded area. They’d had no need to expand and tame some of the area since they had few left in their home.
The five males entered the cargo area of the ship where they’d first found the human survivors. He began searching among the cargo bins for the numbers to the carton that held Andrea’s machine. The other males opened crates that hadn’t been opened before and stacked as much of the cargo as they could onto the hover carts while Coreg continued his search.
After nearly an hour, he found the bin that held Andrea’s things. He popped open the lid and found the box-like contraption that housed her sewing machine. The decal of human clothes alerted him to the machine right away. He hauled it out and placed it on the hover cart he’d claimed as his, then gathered the other boxes she’d asked for. Then he looked for other things that he thought would please the other humans.
“We’ve filled our carts, Coreg. Are you ready to return?” one of the others asked.
“Yes. I’ve found what I came for. It is a good trip. Let’s return to the city now.”
The entire trip back, while he thought about Andrea and her beauty, the soldier kept a constant vigil for dangers that lurked in the trees. Coreg should have been more diligent, but he was too excited to pay much attention. Luckily, they made it back to the transport without trouble. They loaded the carts onto it and hurried back into the city.
Coreg couldn’t wait to return to Andrea and see her face when she realized he’d brought back her sewing machine. The thought of her face lighting up made his dick hard.
He’d just pulled up in the small transport when Andrea and Lettie burst out of the door of the house, followed by a strong looking human male with light colored hair of brown and red. He stood about six feet two inches and had light brown eyes. At this moment, those eyes looked cautious as he moved between him and the two females.
“Did you find it?” Andrea asked, wringing her hands.
“I did. It looks to be unharmed as were the cartons it came in. I will carry it inside for you.” He stepped off the transport and picked up the sewing machine.
“I can handle it.” The human male stepped forward to take the machine.
“I would be most grateful if you’d carry in some of the other things she asked for,” he said, moving to one side to avoid the male.
“Coreg, this is PJ. He’s um, my male. You’ve already met Lettie.” Andrea indicated the human male standing just in front of her.
“It is an honor to meet Andrea’s male.” Coreg nodded at him.
“Thank you for bringing back her sewing machine and supplies. She’s been pretty depressed over not having them. I would have gone to get them but no one would let me, saying it was too dangerous.”
“It is very dangerous, but I took a soldier and three others with me to obtain her things. I wished to see her happy and the pretty smile back on her face.” Coreg hoped he could convince the male to allow him to court his female.
PJ sighed. “Come on in. I have to admit that Andrea has been really excited that she might get her machine back. Thanks for getting it for her.”
Coreg let out a quick breath. He was inside at least. That was a start.”
* * * *
PJ watched the tall, silver-toned man carry the box sewing machine case into the house as if it weighed nothing. He picked up two of the boxes off the transport and followed him and the women inside where they set down their boxes, then returned outside to bring in the remainder of the boxes.
“Thank you for allowing me to help with carrying these inside. I realize you are Andrea’s male and don’t have to allow me entrance,” the big man said.
“Andrea likes you and you did make her happy by bringing her that damn machine. I would have gotten it for her if they’d have let me.”
“I’m sure you would have. A good male will do anything to m
ake his female happy.”
Yeah, I will.
PJ drew in a deep breath and let it out. “I get the feeling you’re wanting more than just to see Andrea smile.”
Coreg stopped just outside the door to the home they’d been given for their use. “It is probably too soon, but I’d like to approach Andrea and you about being the third in your family unit. I would work hard to make her happy and help you in any way to make sure she is.”
He looked up then back down at the boxes he was carrying. He’d been right. Coreg wanted his Andrea. He couldn’t blame the big man. She was lovely and sweet. Plus, she was a female and the men of Levasso would do just about anything to capture the heart of one of their women. They were all a little desperate.
“I’m sure you would. You’ve gone a long way to capturing her heart already. If she’s really interested, I’ll think about it. I just want her happy and we were already supposed to form ménage relationships before we crashed, but I don’t know you like I knew our third that died. If you push, I’ll push back.” PJ watched the other man’s face for his reaction, but he only nodded.
“I understand. Andrea’s happiness is as important to you as it is to me. I will not push, as you say.”
PJ followed Coreg inside where they set the remainder of the boxes on the floor in the large communal living area. Andrea and Lettie were looking over the machine, which she’d set up on the table in the living space.
“Is it okay?” PJ asked.
Andrea looked up with a broad smile on her face. “It’s perfect. We’re just threading it and getting it oiled up. I can’t wait to start sewing. Maybe we can go back to that shop Coreg took me to and get some of the pretty material.”
PJ nodded. “No problem. We’ll go tomorrow. I’m off tomorrow.”
“That’s fine. I have plenty in these boxes to get started on. I want to make Lettie a pretty dress so she can impress Tegrig and his brother at the communal food court.”
“Andrea. They aren’t interested in me. They were just being nice talking with us the other night.”
“I am sure that any male would be interested in your beauty, Lettie. They would be a fool not to be,” Coreg said.
Lettie’s sweet face reddened as she looked away. PJ liked the Levassian more for his kindness to the young woman. She’d been so young to have ended up on a spaceship bound for another planet, and expected to take on two men. He could tell that Andrea had latched on to her in an effort to alleviate some of the poor woman’s fears. It was one of the reasons he cared so deeply for Andrea. Could he share her with the Levassian? Coreg seemed nice enough.
I’m going to have to face it sooner or later. It was decided when we were taken in by the inhabitants here that every human female would take at least two males whether they were Levassian or human. I was going to have to share her regardless. Coreg isn’t all that bad.
At least he seemed straightforward so far. PJ would wait to cast his vote until he learned more about the man. Andrea would be the one to make the final decision, but he was sure she would consider how he felt on the subject when she did.
“Perhaps you would allow me to accompany you all when you return to the commune for last meal next?” Coreg asked.
Andrea’s quick smile told PJ that she was pleased that the man had asked. She looked over at him.
“If Andrea and Lettie would like that, I’m fine with it,” he finally said.
“Do come,” Andrea said as her mouth blossomed into a wide smile.
PJ’s heart skipped a beat like it always did when she did that. His cock reacted as well by stiffening in his jeans. He wanted to adjust it but didn’t want to draw attention to it.
“I would be honored to attend with you. When do you plan to go again?” Coreg asked.
Andrea looked over at PJ with a questioning look.
“We thought to go the day after tomorrow. Andrea and Lettie has cooked several meals of late that we are finishing up,” he told him.
“I will arrive after my shift and walk with you,” Coreg said. “I should leave now and allow you to rest and have your meal. Thank you again for allowing me to attend with you.”
PJ walked the man out, offering his hand to shake. To his surprise, Coreg took it and shook it, though they rarely did that. He could tell that the man was trying to gain PJ’s support. He’d reserve judgement until he had spent more time around the man.
PJ watched Coreg return to the transport, then pull away from the house to disappear down the clean sparkling streets. When he returned to the living area it was to find the women had abandoned the machine and the communal living area. He located them in the meal prep room.
“I’m sure you’re hungry. You’ve been working all day. Food should be ready in about fifteen minutes, PJ,” Andrea said.
“No hurry. You like this Coreg, don’t you?” he said.
Her face turned a light shade of pink as she busied herself at the sink. “Yeah. He’s nice. He went out of his way to get my sewing machine.”
“He did. You know he likes you and wants to be one of your men.”
“I know. It’s too soon to think about that, but I do like him. He’s kind and treated Lettie here just as well as he treated me.”
Lettie’s face heated again as if the man had just paid another compliment to her. PJ thought she was the cutest thing but much too young for him. They’d need to watch out that she ended up with men who would treat her carefully.
“He seems pretty nice. I’m glad he was able to find your machine. I know how much you love to sew. It won’t be long until you’ll be making clothes for everyone here if you’re not careful. I saw some of the things you’d made back on the ship. They were amazing,” he told her.
“Thanks. I’ve always loved to sew. My grandmother taught me before she died. I was only seventeen,” she told him.
“Did your mother sew?” he asked, desperate to learn all he could about her.
“No.” Andrea laughed. “Granny said she was too impatient and couldn’t sit still as a child. She liked to garden and spend time outside with her dad.”
“Did you enjoy gardening?” he asked.
“Some, but not like my mom.”
“What about your brother? Did he like spending time outside?”
“Mike was just like my mom. He’d rather be outside hunting or fishing than anywhere else. He and Dad used to go hunting or fishing almost every weekend. Mom would mess around in the yard or garden, and Granny and I would sew.” Andrea’s eyes grew distant as if she were remembering those times.
“I’m glad he got to go on one of the ships. You know he’s out there somewhere making a new life,” PJ told her.
She laughed. “And doing what he loves to do most. Hunting and working outside.”
“Do you think you can be happy here, Andrea?” PJ asked.
“I already am, PJ. I have you and Lettie, and now my sewing machine.”
It was more than he’d hoped for. She’d included him in one of the things that made her happy.
Chapter Three
Andrea hummed as she cut out the pattern for the dress she was making Lettie. She wanted to have it ready by the next night. The initial piecing it together wouldn’t take long, she’d fit it to the other woman’s body then sew it up so that it fit her perfectly. She loved seeing a finished garment on the person she’d created it for. It gave her a sense of accomplishment and pride.
“It’s so hard to believe that you’re going to make one of those beautiful dresses out of those pieces of material. I can’t even see how they go together,” Lettie said.
The other woman had been watching her all morning from the couch. She’d been like a giddy teenager when Andrea had measured her and written down everything to use when she put the dress pieces together.
“I can’t wait to try it on.”
“Just remember that you have to be careful in it when it’s just pinned together. You could stick yourself or rip the material,” Andrea cautioned.
<
br /> “I will.” She stood up. “I’m going to go sit outside and enjoy the fresh air while it’s not so hot out. Once the suns get directly overhead it’s too hot to do anything.”
Andrea smiled as Lettie walked across the room and opened the door. The bright light from outside could be blinding if you weren’t careful to keep your eyes averted. She’d have to check on the other woman in a little while to be sure she didn’t fall asleep sitting under the outside covering and overheat.
She’d noticed that if they spent any time out in the heat of the suns they got tired much faster and had to drink copious amounts of water to keep from dehydrating. She’d limited her time outside to early morning or late afternoons when the suns were nearly behind the distant mountains or the dense jungles. It severely limited the time any of them could travel around the city.
Once she’d pieced together the dress with pins, Andrea stood up and stretched. She started toward the door when Lettie walked inside fanning her face.
“It’s so hot out there. I’m going to fix some of that flavored drink they have. Do you want a glass?” she asked.
“Please. When you finish and have cooled off, I’m ready for you to try on the dress. It’s just pinned together, mind you, but you’ll see what it’s going to look like.” Andrea couldn’t help but smile at the excited brightness in Lettie’s light blue eyes.
“Will it be ready in time to wear to the community meal tomorrow night?” she asked.
Andrea nodded. “I’ll have it ready. It won’t take all that long to sew it together. The most time-consuming part will be hemming it. I do that by hand so that the stitches don’t show.”
“I can’t wait. Everyone will be so jealous that I have a human dress to wear while they’re all having to wear those tunic dresses they made for us,” Lettie said.
