Unexpected Taydelaan

Unexpected Taydelaan Declan loves Luke. Born on Earth, Declan spent most of his life believing he was human—and gay. Luke is Sesturian and happy to explain the mating practices of their people. But learning they have another mate out there—a woman who might one day come between them—has always overshadowed Declan’s happiness. Until they meet Keira. Keira thinks she’s falling in love with a gay couple. She knows it’s silly but can’t seem to pull back the emotional attachment to the two men. Obviously it’s her fevered imagination playing tricks on her. She cannot possibly be developing a mental link with Luke’s thoughts and emotions—no matter how many times Luke explains his alien status. But even if that were true, what about Declan? What happens if he learns of the intimate mating link he doesn’t share? Genre: Contemporary, Ménage a Trois/Quatre, Science Fiction Length: 20,668 words

UNEXPECTED TAYDELAAN

Rachel Clark

MENAGE AMOUR

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

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A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK IMPRINT: Ménage Amour

UNEXPECTED TAYDEELAN Copyright © 2011 by Rachel Clark E-book ISBN: 1-61034-755-2 First E-book Publication: August 2011 Cover design by Jinger Heaston All cover art and logo copyright © 2011 by Siren Publishing, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

PUBLISHER Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

Letter to Readers Dear Readers, If you have purchased this copy of Unexpected Taydelaan by Rachel Clark from BookStrand.com or its official distributors, thank you. Also, thank you for not sharing your copy of this book.

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

DEDICATION For my Aunt Trich

UNEXPECTED TAYDELAAN RACHEL CLARK Copyright © 2011

Prologue Five years ago… Luke glared at the steam rising from under the hood of his truck. The vehicle had been in perfect working order before he’d left home, but of course that had been nearly fifteen hundred miles ago. The worst part was that Luke wasn’t even certain why he was traveling. Something inside him said “go west,” and so he did. It wasn’t like him to do something on a whim, but his father had slapped him on the back and told him to bring his woman home once he’d found her. Having lived on Earth most of his life, the instincts and mating rituals of his own people were vague fairy tales rather than solid fact in his mind, so Luke still felt kind of silly driving aimlessly across the country. But considering that he was sitting on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere with his truck overheating and probably ready to fall apart, he wasn’t feeling so confident that his Sesturian mating instinct had been correct in the first place. The nearest town was about an hour’s drive back the way he’d come, and he had no idea how far it was to the next one. He didn’t fancy walking sixty miles in this heat, so he levered the seat back and settled in to wait. Finally a vehicle came into view, and he stepped out

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of the truck to wave them down. It irked him to ask for help from a stranger, but it was pretty much his only choice. The vehicle slowed and came to a stop not far from where Luke stood. The man who climbed out wore a friendly smile, a battered cowboy hat, and dusty work clothes. He was quite good looking, and Luke stared at him so long that the man was practically standing in front of him before Luke realized he was being rude. “Do you need some help?” the man asked with a grin. Luke nodded and reached over to shake hands with the handsome stranger, but the moment their hands touched sensation forked through him like lightning. The other man seemed shocked by the contact and tried to pull away, but Luke dragged the man into his embrace and held on tight. “Who are you?” the man asked, his voice filled with wonder as he gave up trying to pull away and instead snuggled into Luke’s arms. “I’m the man you’ve been waiting for,” Luke said. Okay, it sounded really stupid when he said it like that, but he hadn’t been expecting the question. He could sense the man was Sesturian, so the confusion he was displaying seemed quite strange. “What’s your name?” “Declan,” the man answered, sounding content, even if he was unsure why he was cuddling a stranger. “I’m Luke.” He ran his hand up and down Declan’s spine and tried to decide how to proceed. He wasn’t sure what he’d expected when he found his mates, but he was fairly certain this wasn’t it. If Declan had been human Luke could understand why he’d be confused, but Luke knew for certain that the man he held in his arms was most definitely Sesturian. Was Declan unaware of his heritage? Had he lived on Earth so long he’d forgotten? Or maybe he thought he was human. Hell, considering Luke’s own nontraditional upbringing, he supposed anything was possible.

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But then the realization that he’d really found one of his mates washed through him, and suddenly none of his questions or Declan’s confusion meant anything important. They’d found each other, and they had a lifetime to work out the details. Now they just needed to find their Taydelaan.

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Chapter One “I knew I was going to hear from you today, little sister. I woke with an incredible pain in my neck,” Declan said on a laugh. “What major favor are you going to ask us for now, April?” “Not major, well, okay, maybe major, but important,” she said with a smile in her voice, but he knew that tone too well. This was the part where she told him some sob story and he ended up donating large sums of money or taking in an unwanted horse or cow or pig or some other stray that no one else wanted. His little sister sure could be counted on to find the lame ducks and bring them home. Luckily he lived on the family ranch and had plenty of room. “It better not be another horse,” he said only half joking. The last one he’d taken in had been so cantankerous he’d had trouble getting any of his horse-loving friends to even consider taking the spirited filly. He’d replaced more than one fence thanks to his little sister’s kind heart. “Did you say horse?” Luke walked through the back door stripping off dusty clothes as he waited for an answer. Declan laughed at his lover’s exaggerated annoyance and signaled for him to come closer. “No, babe, I was just getting to the no horses part.” “It’s not a horse.” His sister sounded more concerned over this favor than the others. Shit. Was it something bigger than a horse? “Well get to the point, sweetheart,” Luke said as he switched the phone onto speaker. “We both have a much deserved, well-earned appointment with the shower. What humungous favor do you want

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from us now?” Declan smiled. The words might sound aggrieved, but he knew that Luke adored April as much as he did. “Well, I was hoping you could offer sanctuary to a friend of mine.” “And how many legs does this friend have?” “Only two,” she said, sounding far more nervous than she usually did when she asked a favor. “Actually, she really needs somewhere to stay for a little while, and I thought, well, the ranch has plenty of room and Lord knows you two could use a housekeeper. I swear you are the laziest housekeepers I know—I always thought gay guys were neat and tidy housekeepers, but you two prove the cliché wrong—so I figured that she could help with your problem while you helped her with hers.” Declan chewed on his lip, wondering what the right thing would be in this situation. He’d never turned down his little sister before, but taking in a neglected horse or an overgrown pet pig was a far cry from inviting a stranger into their home. “Of course, sweetheart,” Luke answered for him. “When should we expect our new roommate?” “As soon as the doctor releases her I’ll pack her in the car and head straight to the ranch.” “Doctor? What happened?” “She broke her leg falling down the stairs. It’s not a bad break, but, well, it happened on the same day that she moved out of her boyfriend’s apartment.” April took a deep breath, her voice sounding strained as she said her next words. “She said it was an accident, and I want to believe her, but she seemed just a little too relieved when I suggested you might need a housekeeper.” “Okay, little sister,” Declan said quietly. “Bring her here and we’ll keep an eye on her.” “Thank you for doing this. I know it’s a lot to ask, but you won’t regret it. I promise.”

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“Maybe you can take a few days off and visit for a while to help her get settled. It’s been a long time since you made it home.” He could almost see her rolling her eyes at his comment. “Yes, big brother,” she said with a laugh in her voice. They spoke for a few more moments about work and the ranch and their parents. Declan eventually ended the call but not before extracting a promise from April that she would definitely visit more often. Everyone here was proud of her nursing job in the big city, but it kept her so busy she rarely found time for more than a quick visit. He knew she was a sensible young woman, but he worried for her. She worked crazy hours, some shifts beginning or ending in the dead of night, and he wouldn’t be a very good big brother if he didn’t at least try to ensure her safety. He followed the trail of dirty clothes into the bathroom where Luke was washing under cold water. Fortunately, it didn’t take long for the hot water to come through, but water was such a scarce commodity at the moment that showers were a hurried daily necessity rather than a luxurious cleansing routine. He often wondered if that was the city’s biggest appeal to April. His little sister loved a long, hot shower and fit right in with the water-wasting city folk. After a quick shower, Declan grabbed his towel, dried his hair with rough swipes, and then wrapped it around his hips. He entered the bedroom just in time to see Luke drop his damp towel to the floor. April hadn’t been kidding when she’d said they needed a housekeeper. Plain and simple, Luke was a slob. But then Declan wasn’t much better when it came to more than the most basic of household duties. He bent to retrieve the damp towel but found himself face to groin with his lover. The penis close to his mouth grew harder and longer, and Luke’s groan reached his ears a moment before calloused hands threaded through his hair and urged him closer. Dropping to his knees, Declan happily obliged, wrapping his fist around the base of that stiff cock and swiping the flat of his tongue over the red-purple

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head. He loved the way Luke’s cum tasted on his tongue and the way his lover’s knees wobbled as he slowly sucked and licked the tip. He hummed against the sensitive flesh, thrilled when Luke’s legs gave out and he fell backward onto the bed. Shuffling forward, he braced his elbows on Luke’s thighs and set to work driving his lover insane. Luke gripped Declan’s hair harder at the same time his hips lifted, forcing his cock deeper into Declan’s throat. He swallowed around the thick erection and then braced himself for what he knew would follow. Luke could never resist him when he did that. The hands in his hair tightened almost painfully, Luke’s hips pistoning his cock into and out of Declan’s mouth, harder, faster, deeper, loud groans filling the otherwise silent house. “Oh, Declan, babe, your mouth is incredible,” Luke groaned as his cock swelled and orgasm took him. Declan swallowed the cum as it hit the back of his throat, Luke’s grip forcing him to take it all. Luke fell back onto the bed, his hands pulling Declan’s face closer for a moment before the grip lessened and he let him move away. Declan’s knees wobbled as he lifted himself onto the bed and cuddled into his lover’s waiting arms. “No matter how many times you do that it just keeps getting better.” Declan blushed hoping that Luke would mistake his heated face as a sign of too much sun and not the emotional response to his compliment. It still didn’t feel real some days—even after five incredible years together. Luke was everything Declan wanted in a partner, both for work and life, but the small niggle of self-doubt that Declan still carried from a lifetime of feeling different, feeling left out, made him wonder how long their happiness could last. They weren’t exactly your average ranching couple. And, quite honestly, Declan still couldn’t believe Luke had found him.

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Being born here, in this small town, had isolated Declan and his sister from the culture their parents had left behind. But against all odds Luke had found him. It had been a huge shock to learn there was an actual reason for Declan feeling like he didn’t belong. “Now, tell me what the phone call was about.” Luke shifted so that he could watch Declan’s face as he answered. “You know what it was about. You heard April.” “Yes, and I heard you pause. Why? You’ve never failed to get involved with April’s causes. Why would you hesitate to help this woman?” “I don’t know,” he admitted honestly. Sure, there’d been a moment when bad memories flooded him and he’d wondered if taking in a woman on the run from a possibly violent ex-boyfriend was such a good idea. But he’d quickly shaken off the fear and decided they were more than ready for any trouble that may follow her. The woman needed help, he and Luke were in a position to provide it, and so there really was no problem there. No, Declan’s hesitation had come from a much deeper fear. “Is it because of our Taydelaan?” The question, asked so quietly, hit Declan hard. His heart hammered loudly in his ears, and he truly hoped he’d misheard. “Babe?” Luke prompted when Declan didn’t answer. “Maybe a little,” Declan admitted. Ever since Luke had explained about the mating habits of their people Declan had felt off balance. He’d always thought of himself as human and gay, so learning that he had a second mate—a female one at that—out there somewhere was a little unnerving. Luke had always assured him that living and working here with him, loving him every day, was more than enough, that he was committed to their relationship and didn’t need a Taydelaan to feel whole. But, selfishly, Declan had held onto the fact that there were no women nearby as a reassurance that their future would never be changed. Now they’d invited a woman into their home and Declan’s

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solid little world felt shaken. What if he ended up the third wheel, the odd one out? “I’m sorry,” he mumbled into Luke’s shoulder. Declan felt about three inches tall. Luke had never given him any reason to believe he wouldn’t love him wholeheartedly when they found their Taydelaan, yet Declan’s own insecurities were rising up to bite him on the ass. “Declan,” Luke said softly as he held him tighter. “I love you. A woman in the house is not going to change that. Not ever. You’re stuck with me, okay?” Declan nodded again, tightening his grip on the man he loved. “And besides,” Luke said with a laugh, “the chances of this woman being our Taydelaan are about a billion to one.” **** Luke squeezed his lover tighter as he felt him nod against his chest. A small part of him wanted to rage at Declan’s lack of faith in him, but a larger part understood where the insecurity came from. It had taken almost a year for Declan to tell him about his previous boyfriend, and when he finally did Luke had wanted to track the bastard down and teach him a lesson he’d never forget. Declan’s first and only other lover had been a married man. He’d told Declan that his marriage was a sham, a cover, to hide his homosexual lifestyle. Declan had believed him right up to the day his lover beat the crap out of him, blaming Declan for making him gay and for causing his marriage to fail. The asshole had dumped Declan on the emergency drive-through at the hospital and hadn’t been seen or heard from since. But like a cloud with a silver lining, it was the worst day of Declan’s life that made him realize that his family loved him—gay, straight, or purple with polka dots, it didn’t matter. Of course it wouldn’t have been an issue at all if his parents had only told him and April the truth of their origins. Luke released a sigh. But what

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mattered most in the end was that when Declan needed his family, they’d all been there to help him through. Luke wished his own experience had the same positive outcome, but his father had obviously lived on Earth far too long. He’d picked up some of the human prejudices against same-sex couples and had expected his son to take a wife and then find a female Taydelaan and somehow deny the women any physical contact—just as his father had done. Luke’s parents weren’t exactly miserable together, but he knew that their sleeping arrangements weren’t normal for Sesturians either. Finding one of his mates—a male at that—while broken down on a dusty highway in the middle of nowhere hadn’t been what Luke expected, but the moment he’d touched Declan he’d known they were destined for each other. The fact that his mate hadn’t known he was an alien on this planet had made the situation a little absurd at first, but eventually, after shocked reactions and upset words, Declan’s parents had finally explained the circumstances of his birth. Unfortunately, they still kept that information from April. It still bothered Luke that he and Declan were yet to develop any sort of mating link, but with the unusual circumstances of Declan’s upbringing it wasn’t entirely unexpected. Declan wriggled closer, his hard cock rubbing against Luke’s hip. He smiled. Why was he worrying about the past when he held his future in his arms—his gorgeous, well-endowed, very aroused future? Luke slid his hand lower, rubbing his thumb lightly over the velvety soft skin of his lover’s erection. “This looks painful,” he said with a broad grin on his face. “Maybe I can do something to help.” Luke tried to sit up, intending to suck Declan’s cock until the man’s eyes rolled into the back of his head and his cum exploded from him like hot lava, but a firm hand in the middle of his chest held him to the bed. “I have a better idea,” Declan said as he leaned up and nibbled Luke’s bottom lip. “I’m going to fuck you until you can’t walk

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straight.” Heat burst through Luke’s veins. Declan didn’t top very often, and Luke even suspected the reason for it today, but, wow, Declan wanting to possess him this way always set his nerve endings on fire. And the idea of still feeling the effects of his lover’s possession days later took his breath away. He loved this man with all his heart and knew he was loved wholeheartedly in return. “Hands and knees, lover,” Declan whispered with a wicked smile. Luke was quick to follow instructions, the muscles in his arms shaking with his excitement even as he tried to hold up his own weight. He jumped at the first cool touch of lube against his puckered hole but soon squirmed with excitement when two fingers pressed deep into his ass. His cock pulsed with renewed life as Declan fucked him with his fingers, setting a frantic pace as he reached under Luke’s abdomen and gripped his hardening cock. Intense pleasure sliced through him as Declan synchronized his pulls on his cock with the thrusts of his fingers. Luke was on the verge of exploding, gasping for breath, wriggling with excitement, but then everything stopped. He groaned as Declan slapped his ass playfully but ceased all noise when he felt his lover’s cock press against the puckered opening of his ass. A single, breath-stealing thrust pushed his lover’s cock deep into his body. They both held still as they adjusted to the sensation. “Don’t move,” Declan said in a strained voice. “You always feel so amazing. Hell, I’m on the edge already. Don’t move.” Luke wanted to move. He wanted to feel his lover possessing him in the most elemental of ways. He wanted everything, all of it, nothing held back, but he stayed still and waited for the man he loved to regain his control. Declan draped himself over Luke’s back and wrapped his arms tightly around him. Gentle kisses and sharp nips alternated against the skin of Luke’s shoulders, tempting him to move, tempting him to demand more.

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Slowly Declan withdrew almost all of the way and then slammed back in. He held still a moment and then started again. Luke whimpered at the slow retreat, anticipating the next deep thrust, squirming under his lover’s grip, trying to increase the pace. “Luke, I love you.” Declan grunted the words as he grabbed Luke’s hips in an unbreakable grip and began pounding him hard. Luke’s cock bounced against his own stomach, leaking pre-cum as the violent thrusts jarred his entire body. Harder, faster, deeper his lover plowed into his ass, breathing harshly, shaking with excitement. Declan stilled, his cock rammed deep in Luke’s ass, as he came, jolting and twitching, pushing deeper as he emptied his seed into Luke’s hot passage. Declan leaned forward, again wrapping his arms around Luke and grabbing his hard cock. “Come for me,” he said as he massaged the engorged flesh. The touch was so comforting, the sensation so exquisite, the emotions so raw Luke could do little else but follow his lover’s order. With barely another breath, cum burst from his cock, coating his stomach and Declan’s hand in pearly white streams. “I love you,” Declan said again as he turned them both onto their sides and cuddled Luke close.

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Chapter Two “April, thank you for organizing this.” “Not a problem,” April said as she smiled happily. “I haven’t been home in ages. Having you around will keep them from giving me the third degree.” “Still, I’m sorry to drag you into this.” She wanted to say more but didn’t have a clue where to start. April was an amazing person to do this for anyone, let alone a near stranger, but Keira was also fairly certain that trying to thank her guardian angel more than she already had would only cause embarrassment. And right now, right at this moment, Keira didn’t want to be the cause of anything else unpleasant. They pulled into the car park of what looked to be a restaurant and bar. It was very dimly lit, but before they even had a chance to consider stepping out of the car, April pointed to two men leaning against a battered old truck. “There they are.” The relief in April’s tone was hard to miss, and she blushed when she turned to Keira to explain. “It’s a little sister thing. I always feel safer when I have my big brother around.” Keira followed April’s pointing finger to the two men standing beside the pick-up truck. “That’s Declan on the left, Luke on the right.” The car had barely pulled into the parking spot when the door flew open and Declan hauled his little sister into a tight embrace. Keira thought she heard a relieved chuckle but startled as the door beside her opened. Even though Luke moved slowly she found herself pulling away from him. Hell, Luke was bigger, broader, and more

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muscular than her ex-boyfriend by far, and a part of her cringed in fear at having this stranger so close. “Hi,” he said in a soft, low tone. “I’m Luke Davies.” “Keira Watson,” she said, holding her hand out and adopting the tone she used when first meeting new business contacts. Whenever she got nervous or felt out of her depth, somehow, from somewhere, came this elitist-sounding, snobbish voice. Internally she yelled at herself to relax, but it didn’t seem to help. He shook her hand, his expression cautious as he wrapped his warm fingers around her icy cold ones. “Come on,” he said with a slightly bemused smile on his face. He glanced at the cast on her ankle. “Let’s get some dinner and then we can show you your new home.” Warmth slivered down her spine at his welcoming words, and a small part of her supposed that it was because he was gay, because she knew there would be nothing but friendship in their future, that he was safe. She wriggled in the seat, still unsure where or how to move to get herself out of the car. Strong, capable hands brushed hers aside as she fumbled with the seatbelt and then undid the clasp for her. “Do you have crutches?” “In the backseat, but I can walk on it, sort of,” she said quickly. He frowned at her answer, so she found herself babbling the explanation. “It’s only a hairline fracture. The cast is light and waterproof and has a base that I can balance to walk on.” Luke looked a little dubious yet stood back as she swung her feet out of the car and placed them on the ground, but the fact that her ribs also hurt made everything more difficult. She grasped the hand he offered, nodding gratefully when he held still and let her pull herself to an upright position at her own pace. Finally standing on her own two feet—well, almost—felt like the biggest thing she’d accomplished all day. A little, hysterical-sounding giggle escaped her lips, and she felt her face flame with color as he smiled at her silly reaction.

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“It’s been a strange day, huh?” She nodded, pleased that he didn’t ask her if she was okay. All day the doctors, nurses, and anyone else who’d stepped foot near her had asked probing questions. It didn’t matter how many times she explained her own clumsiness, it seemed none of them really believed her. It probably hadn’t helped that she’d fallen down the stairs while trying to move out of her boyfriend’s place. He’d insisted she leave today—even though she had nowhere to go—and it must’ve looked really suspicious when he dumped her and her possessions in the hospital emergency room and left without a backward glance. Her ex had acted like she’d fallen on purpose—and some small part of her worried it was true—but the callous way he’d left her homeless and injured had quelled any lingering feelings she might have still harbored for him. April stepped up beside them, slid an arm around her waist, like she’d done five hours ago to get her into the car, and as a group they headed into the restaurant. **** Shit. He should be overjoyed. The fates had somehow delivered their Taydelaan very literally to their door. But not only was the woman human, she was injured, tired, and maybe a little spooked, and Luke found that he wanted to find her ex and give the pathetic human a taste of alien justice. April had said Keira denied being pushed, but any asshole who could stand by and watch impassively as a woman he’d once claimed to care for lay in pain was someone who deserved a smack upside the head. “Do you mind if I drive with April and Keira?” Luke asked Declan quietly after they finished their meal. Declan gave him a worried look—had he also realized who Keira was?—but answered almost immediately.

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“Good idea. April looks exhausted. What time did your shift start today, squirt?” April grimaced, glanced at Keira, and shrugged, obviously unwilling to answer. “Luke’s driving.” April didn’t seem impressed by Declan’s highhanded announcement, but she did hand over the keys. “I’ll follow you,” Declan said seriously as they left the restaurant. Luke nodded to his lover, stepped closer, and pulled his mate into his arms for a reassuring hug. As he pulled away Declan winked at him, almost as if he read his mind. And maybe he did. Even without the Sesturian mate link, they’d been together long enough to know what the other felt in most situations. He guessed that Declan was probably feeling insecure. Considering that they’d discussed this exact same subject a few weeks ago, Luke was loathe to leave his lover while he protected their Taydelaan, but with the April looking so tired, he didn’t want her driving this late at night. It was at least an hour’s drive back to the ranch. He hesitated, considered leaving the truck behind and squeezing the four of them into April’s little car, but then his lover sent him the sexiest, most suggestive grin he’d ever seen and Luke realized that it would be okay. Once April and Keira were buckled in, he started the car and backed out of the parking spot. He waited to be sure Declan was right behind them and then pulled onto the main road and headed toward the ranch. They drove for several miles in silence. A quick glance in the rearview mirror confirmed that April had fallen asleep, and a soft snore escaped her lips a moment later. “I’m sorry,” Keira said quietly. “I hope you don’t mind me staying with you for a while. I might look a little banged up, but I assure you I’m capable of doing your housework.”

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Luke glanced over to see Keira swipe angrily at the tear that rolled down her cheek. She’d been so calm, so relaxed at dinner that he’d actually wondered if the woman was in shock. The urge to pull the car over and take her in his arms was almost overwhelming. He kept his eyes on the road as he spoke. “Why don’t you just rest for a couple days and we’ll figure out the details later?” “Thanks. I’m still sorry to have involved you in my troubles. I barely know April—she’s friends with a woman I used to work with—but the moment she realized I had nowhere to go she started getting things organized.” “The way I see it,” he answered carefully, “we’re getting the better end of the bargain. Although, you may rethink your plans when you discover just how lousy we really are at housekeeping.” “I’m kind of glad to hear it actually.” “What, that we’re slobs?” She smiled briefly and turned to face him. “At least that way I’ll feel like I’m contributing. I have no idea what I would’ve done if April hadn’t set this up.” Luke tried not to tighten his knuckles around the steering wheel. He glanced in the rearview mirror at Declan’s little sister and mentally thanked her for being a pushy, bossy, pain-in-the-ass, caring, loving woman willing to help a near stranger simply because it was needed.

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Chapter Three “She’s our Taydelaan, isn’t she?” The words were calm, spoken quietly, and Luke really wished for the mate link so that he could interpret the emotions behind them. Keira had been here for over two months, and Luke was beginning to wonder if Declan had missed his reactions to the woman. Apparently not. He nodded to Declan and then waited. “Why didn’t you say anything?” Luke ran a hand through his hair. Even though he’d been expecting this question, he still wasn’t sure how to answer it. “It never seemed the right time. She was injured and…and you’re…” He trailed off, not really wanting to throw Declan’s fears in his face. “And I’m a scared, insecure fool who can’t understand the mating habits of his own species.” Luke glanced sharply at his lover but couldn’t quite discern whether the sentence was a question Declan expected an answer to or if he was acknowledging his own fears. “It’s okay,” Declan said as he moved into Luke’s arms. “I’m sorry that I’ve made this so hard for you.” “Oh, babe, there’s no need to apologize for the way you feel.” Luke held his mate close to his heart, his love for this man growing with every breath. “But if she’s our Taydelaan isn’t this the only chance we’ll ever get to have a family?” “I don’t think so,” Luke answered honestly. “A Taydelaan is rare and often hard to find, but there is usually more than one. We’re both still young. We have plenty of time.”

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Luke couldn’t deny the attraction he felt for Keira, but he loved Declan with all his heart and would certainly never do anything to hurt him. Even if that meant denying a future filled with offspring. “But what about Keira?” Luke tried to shrug with a nonchalance he wasn’t really feeling. “She’s human. Maybe one day she’ll find a man who deserves her.” “What if I want us to be that man…men?” Luke’s heart skipped into overdrive. Did he hear his lover’s words correctly? “I’d like that very much,” he said as a mixture of anticipation and dread swelled through his veins. “But I don’t want you to feel like this is something you have to do. Like I said, we’re young, we still have plenty of time to find a Taydelaan and maybe start a family.” “But I want Keira,” Declan said with a brilliant smile. Luke grinned and crushed his mate to him. “I love you,” he said quietly. **** Keira looked around the now clean house. It wasn’t an overly large cottage, but there was plenty of room for the three of them, and she’d been happier here than she could remember in a long, long time. She glanced at her hands, her nails now cut short and her skin looking a little red. In the beginning it had taken far longer to do anything with her broken leg and tender ribs, but the sense of satisfaction it gave her to be able to contribute to the household chores was well worth the extra effort. Declan and Luke had been wonderful. Somehow, over the last two months, they’d realized her determination to not be a burden and had actually let her take over anything she felt up to doing. Luke had growled only once that she should rest, but considering she’d been standing on a wobbly stool at the time she felt he’d been rather restrained. Of course, once she’d realized just how stupidly dangerous

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it was to try and ignore her injuries at the risk of causing more, she’d made better choices. Keira glanced at the clock, a little startled to see how late it was. Ranch life was taking a little getting used to, but eating the evening meal at four in the afternoon seemed practically normal now. Luke and Declan had both told her not to worry about getting up early to feed them breakfast, but she’d happily ignored their protests and made certain they both had a decent meal before beginning their chores. Secretly, meal times were her favorite part of her day. Just watching the loving interaction between the men as they discussed the day’s work filled something inside her. Maybe it just proved to her that real love and respect did exist. Something she’d never known in her relationship—even if she’d thought it at the time. It was even more obvious now that her ex-boyfriend had never actually loved her. Luke and Declan worked incredibly long and hard days, and just knowing that she could make their lives a little easier gave her a sense of purpose she’d never felt before. She took one last glance at the tidy living room and turned toward the kitchen to get dinner started. “Honey, I’m hoooome,” Declan sang as he came in the back door. She smiled happily and rushed to greet him. It seemed so silly, considering that Declan and Luke were the couple and she the outsider, but she felt closer to them than she’d felt to anyone. The fact that they’d both started calling her honey just seemed to make the illusion more real. **** Declan smiled as Keira came into the kitchen. It was amazing how well she’d fit into their lives, and he could barely remember when she wasn’t there to greet them at the end of the day. Coming home to a cooked meal was definitely a perk of having her living with them, but it was the woman herself who made him smile. Declan couldn’t

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imagine why anyone wouldn’t feel eager to come home to this woman, and it just proved how much of an asshole her ex really was. “You’re back early,” she said happily. “I haven’t even put dinner on yet.” He laughed as his stomach grumbled just at the thought of her delicious meals. “Actually,” he said, trying to hide his embarrassment, “Luke and I were wondering if you would like a night off. We can head into town for a meal.” The color drained from her face so fast Declan moved quickly to her side. Poor woman looked like she was going to faint. “Holy cow,” he said, pulling a chair out for her. She looked like she was going to refuse to sit down, so he sat in it himself and pulled her onto his lap. She resisted him at first, holding herself stiffly, but he patiently ran his hand up and down her spine until she slowly relaxed against his chest. He was still holding her when Luke came in the back door. **** Luke was a little surprised with what he found in the kitchen. They’d decided to give Keira time to settle into her new life before trying to romance her into theirs, but seeing Declan with Keira curled in his lap was definitely doing funny things to his insides. He took a deep breath, trying to shake the longing that pulsed though him. He was fairly certain there would be a logical, nonsexual explanation for the intimate moment, but he couldn’t help comparing it to the hope that had been growing rapidly in the back of his mind ever since his discussion with Declan a couple of weeks earlier. And then, of course, the actual, most likely reason for Declan to be holding Keira in such a way hit him, and he rushed over to the couple.

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“Keira?” he asked quietly, his gaze bouncing between her and Declan. “I’m okay,” she mumbled quietly, but he could tell from her color that she simply wasn’t. He looked to Declan for an explanation. “I don’t think dinner in town was such a good idea.” Declan kissed the top of her head affectionately and continued running his hand up and down her spine. “Keira, you’ve hardly left the ranch since you got here.” She lifted her eyes to his face, and he immediately regretted his words. The woman looked very pale. And then another reason for her nearfainting spell occurred to him. He’d noticed that despite being an amazing cook, Keira ate very small amounts. It seemed that her body image was quite poor. He didn’t know whether it had been seriously tainted by her last boyfriend’s criticism or a lifelong issue, but Luke was determined to get her to see in the mirror the perfection he and Declan saw every day. As a friend he’d tried to assure her that she was beautiful exactly the way she was, but maybe as her mate she’d finally start to listen. “Did you eat today?” She smiled softly and said in a voice just a little too high in pitch to be normal, “I um…I just...um. I’m happy to cook dinner. Or you and Declan can go together. It must have been annoying having me in the way the last few months. Maybe you two could go have a romantic dinner together or something.” “Actually,” Declan said in a thoughtful tone, “you’d be doing us a big favor. Turning up with a woman in tow will stop the gossips speculating on my relationship with Luke.” In truth the two of them didn’t give a damn what the neighbors thought, but since Keira seemed to be giving it some serious thought, Luke unashamedly followed Declan’s lead and pressed the point home. “He’s right. Declan’s parents are wonderful people, but they would be more comfortable if folks believed he had a girlfriend.” Unfortunately, that was the truth. Ever since their Taydelaan had died

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in childbirth, Declan’s surviving parents had pretended to be human, maybe even managing to convince themselves sometimes. “So you want me to be his date?” Luke moved slightly, trying to hide his sudden erection at the thought of watching these two together. “That’s right,” he managed to force past the constriction in his throat. “It would quiet the rumors and make Declan’s parents very happy.” “Just the local bar? The same one we had dinner at the night I arrived?” she asked, sounding scared but at least a little more interested. “Just the bar,” Declan confirmed as he pulled her closer and kissed the top of her head again. “A nice, quiet dinner, maybe a quick game of pool and a slow dance next to the jukebox. What do you say?” “Okay,” she said quietly as a small smile graced her lips. She tried to wriggle off Declan’s lap, and Luke watched as his lover did something he’d seen only in his dreams—he closed his eyes and seemed to bite back a moan. Did he feel physical attraction for their beautiful Taydelaan? Even though romancing Keira had been Declan’s idea, Luke had worried that his lover, having been raised as human and believing he was gay, wouldn’t feel anything more than companionship for the woman. Add it to the fact that the partial mate link that Declan and Luke should share by now was still missing and Luke had wondered if anything about their relationship would be considered normal by Sesturian standards. Hope sprang anew, but he tamped it down quickly. Hell, he was most likely only seeing things he wanted to see. “I’ll just have a quick shower and then you two can get cleaned up.” As soon as she left the room, Luke grabbed Declan and pulled him up against him. Both of them were rock-hard, and he eased slightly back to look into his lover’s embarrassed face. Before Declan could

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mumble an explanation, Luke kissed him hard, his tongue rough and demanding as he rubbed their lower bodies together sensuously. He was on the verge of tearing his lover’s clothes from his body by the time he finally gentled the kiss and took a small step back. He touched Declan’s face, running a calloused finger from temple to lips. “You want her,” he said with a smile. Declan seemed confused by it, but he must’ve noticed the pleasure in Luke’s gaze because he smiled slowly and then colored with embarrassment. Luke pulled the man he loved closer. “Do you think it’s too early to invite her into our bed?” “I don’t know.” Declan looked more than interested as he turned toward the bathroom almost as if he could see through the wall. “Do you think she’d go for it? I mean, she seems happy here, but she comes from a pretty conservative background. She might not go for it. I’m not even sure how well she’ll take finding out she’s living with a couple of aliens.” Luke frowned, not happy with their current line of thinking. “I suppose in the end it’ll either work out or it won’t. The best we can do is make sure she’s comfortable with us and see how things go from there.” **** Keira really, really wanted a long shower. She’d glanced back just in time to see Luke pull Declan into his fierce embrace and kiss him like the world was about to end. Even without her eyes closed she could still see the passionate clinch. Every womanly part of her throbbed with the memory. God, what would it be like to be loved like that? Even as she told herself not to, her hand drifted over the swollen bud of her clit and she shuddered with desire. She shouldn’t be wasting water, but the guilty thought brought with it images of Luke

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and Declan sharing the shower. They did it most nights. She’d never considered water conservation could be quite so…hot. Damn, she turned the hot water off and let the cold drizzle over her until she shivered. Unfortunately all that did was pull her already stiff nipples into even tighter throbbing nubs. Heat gathered low in her groin, and her pussy pulsed with need. Shit, maybe cold showers didn’t work on women—she’d never had a reason to find out before. She shut the water off, shivering as she dried herself briskly. Hell, she really needed to get over this obsession. So what if they were both kind, caring, fun-to-be-around guys. They were both gay. Both. Gay. And very happy together. And in a committed relationship. And she shouldn’t be thinking about them in such terms, no matter how much she wanted to fantasize. She dried her legs, running the towel up her inner thigh and shuddering with arousal as her mind showed her all the intimate things two men could share. Of course, she couldn’t help picturing herself right there with them—watching, touching, belonging. She pressed the rough towel against her throbbing clit, brushing harder, faster against the swollen bundle of nerves. Images flashed through her brain—Luke fucking her, Declan fucking her, them fucking each other. She gasped and nearly cried out as her orgasm crashed through her. Her pussy throbbed and pulsed as liquid warmth flooded her veins. She pressed a hand to her mouth, trying to contain the moan threatening to escape. She gasped again as she let the towel fall to the floor, the rough material like a caress as it brushed against her legs. Keira panted, trying to catch her breath quietly, as embarrassment stole through her. She’d never masturbated before, had never even considered it, and yet here she was. A giggle escaped her at the absurdity of it all. How strange her life had become.

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From lonely and disillusioned to so horny for two gay guys that she was masturbating in the bathroom. **** Luke shuddered as he felt Keira’s excitement. He’d heard so many different stories on how the mating link affected others that he’d somehow assumed he’d be prepared when it finally kicked in. How wrong he was. His cock lengthened painfully as he felt Keira stroke her clit with the towel. How he knew she was using the towel, he didn’t have a clue, but he closed his eyes and savored the sensation of his Taydelaan’s orgasm washing over him. He damn near came with her. Luke opened his eyes, surprised to see Declan looking at him with an amused smile on his face. “Don’t let your imagination get ahead of you,” he admonished with an indulgent smile. “It could be a long while before any of those thoughts become reality.” Somehow, Luke had assumed that Declan had felt Keira’s climax as well, so his teasing words hit Luke really, really hard. If they were an average Sesturian couple, they’d not only feel each other’s emotions and hear each other’s thoughts, they’d be tuned into their Taydelaan as well. Granted, the link would take a while to develop between mates, but once the enzyme started producing in one of the males, the link could be completed in a single bite. But if Luke was the only one to feel the link, would the enzyme even start to produce? For the first time in a long time he wished for contact with his own people. There was quite a large population of Sesturians and their human partners only a few hours from here, but until today Luke hadn’t felt any need to contact them.

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So involved in his own thoughts, he barely registered that Declan was talking to him. Quickly trying to divert his attention back to his lover, Luke felt guilt hit him hard when Declan pressed a kiss to his lips, whispered the promise, “Later,” and then pulled Luke toward the shower. “Let’s get moving so we can take Keira to town.”

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Chapter Four Relaxing after a delicious meal at the local watering hole, Declan watched Luke stiffen when Keira touched him accidentally. The reaction seemed so incongruous with the outcome they were planning that Declan found himself wondering what the hell was going on. The plan had been to gradually increase their closeness to Keira, not react like a virgin on prom night to an accidental touch. Was Luke rethinking inviting Keira into their lives? It was true that Declan hadn’t liked the idea of a Taydelaan interfering with his happiness, but once he’d met Keira he’d felt an instant attraction. He’d puzzled over it for weeks until he’d finally realized what it had meant. After so many years of thinking he was gay—and human—he could probably be forgiven for his confusion. He’d even understood Luke’s reticence to say anything, but this seemingly unexpected change of heart was as confusing as hell. “Why don’t you and Keira dance?” Luke suggested when he caught Declan studying him for the millionth time. “Oh…um…sure,” he said as he climbed awkwardly to his feet. It wasn’t until he had Keira on her feet that he wondered if her leg was strong enough for dancing. She’d only had the cast off a couple of weeks ago. He glanced down at her leg and back up to her face. She smiled and nodded and said with a soft smile, “I promise not to step on your toes.” The music was slow, perfect for holding a lover close and swaying gently to the soothing sound. “Um, okay.” Fuck. Was that his pathetic, unsure voice? In the early days of his relationship with Luke he’d been timid and nervous, not wanting to ruin what seemed to be the romance he’d been waiting

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for, but Luke had encouraged him to feel confident in their love. It was because of him that Declan felt any self-assurance at all. He ground his teeth together. Damn it, just because he wasn’t sure what was going on in Luke’s head at the moment didn’t mean he was allowed to fall apart. His previous relationship had undermined his sense of self-worth, but that didn’t give him permission to go back to that place in his mind that his ex-boyfriend had created. Determined to press forward with their plan of seducing their Taydelaan, despite Luke’s apparent second thoughts, Declan led Keira onto the small dance floor and pulled her into his arms. She fit perfectly, her head resting on his shoulder as they swayed to the gentle music. He heard her contented sigh and hugged her closer as emotion swelled through him. Even when Luke had explained his Sesturian nature, Declan had often wondered if maybe he was different to others from his planet, so being physically as well as emotionally attracted to this woman was both comforting and surprising. He and April had been raised by two parents, not three, and hadn’t even been told of the mother who’d died in childbirth. His heart ached for his parents more now that he finally understood the bond that formed between a couple and their Taydelaan. The loss would feel insurmountable, and he could almost forgive his parents for pretending to be human. “Declan?” “Yes, honey,” he said, savoring the word on his tongue. “Thank you for bringing me out tonight.” He waited, sensing that she had more to say. When she didn’t add anything, he lifted her chin and pressed a soft kiss to her lips. She looked shocked by his behavior, but she didn’t pull away. “You’re very welcome,” he said with a smile. ****

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Keira tried to tamp down her arousal. God, what was wrong with her? Yes, she’d been through a shitty time, but that was over now and she needed to find her way back to the person she’d been before she’d met her ex. Becoming obsessed with a couple of men who were already in a relationship with each other was so not healthy. She shivered as arousal wound through her once more. She could feel her nipples beading against the soft lace of her bra and shifted slightly so that they weren’t mashed up against Declan’s chest. Good grief, the last thing she wanted to do was embarrass one of the men who’d not only given her a roof over her head, but had also made her feel part of the family—in a sisterly way of course. Although, considering the way Declan’s hands wandered over her spine, occasionally dipping lower to caress the tops of her ass cheeks, what she was feeling was anything but sisterly affection. “Wow, it’s…um…hot in here,” she murmured and then felt herself heat with embarrassment once more. Babbling had been her biggest problem all through high school, and she seemed to have regressed all the way back to fumbling teenager. “Would you like to sit for a while?” She nodded, not trusting herself to speak lest she start babbling an explanation for her babbling. Wouldn’t that be fun? **** Luke nearly groaned as he saw Keira and Declan heading back to the table. Even on the other side of the room where he could barely see them he could feel Keira’s arousal. His cock pulsed almost painfully with need as her desire wound through his mind. “Are you okay?” Declan asked as he helped Keira back into the booth seat. Keira looked almost as freaked out as Luke felt. After years of living with and loving Declan, it somehow felt wrong that Luke was

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developing a mate link with someone else, despite the fact that she was their Taydelaan. Declan was still waiting for an answer, but now he wore a concerned look on his face as well. “I’m fine,” Luke managed to choke out. “It’s just damn hot in here.” Well, it was almost the truth. Declan glanced at Keira and smiled. “Keira just said the same thing. Do you want to head home?” “No,” they both answered in unison. Hell, he needed to explain what was happening to Keira, but he didn’t want to do it in front of Declan. As far as Luke could figure, Declan wasn’t even aware of the mating link between Sesturian mates. In five years he’d never questioned why they didn’t have one. Luke rubbed his forehead, trying to hold back the anguish rolling through him. If he and Declan were never going to develop a mate link between them, was it even fair to try and explain it to him? Declan had once confided that he’d never felt like he fit in anywhere. How would he feel being the only partner in their threesome not to be able to hear his mates’ thoughts and feelings? Luke glanced at Keira and caught her wide-eyed stare a moment before she glanced away. Hell, the link was already strengthening. Once they’d both opened themselves to the possibility, it was building rapidly. Luke could very clearly feel Keira’s emotions and he suspected she could feel his in the same way. “My turn to dance,” Luke said as he grasped Keira’s hand and practically dragged her from the booth. Declan smiled happily as he watched them go, but if he’d had any idea how Luke and Keira were feeling, he didn’t show it. Luke practically dragged the poor woman onto the dance floor. She held herself stiffly in his arms, the relaxation she’d felt in Declan’s embrace clearly absent. But underneath the anxiety he could still feel her desire. “I…I don’t…think this is a…maybe we should just…”

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“Keira,” he said quietly as he dragged her stiff body closer to his and spoke into her ear. “There are things I need to explain to you, but I don’t have time to do it properly, and I don’t want to frighten you with only half a story.” “What story?” she asked, trying to pull out of his arms. “Please, Keira,” he pleaded quietly. “Please just listen to what I have to say.” “Look, I know what you’re going to say, and believe me, I get it. I mean, I really get it. You and Declan are a beautiful couple, and you’re both very much in love. I just…” She let out a shuddering breath before tucking her head against his collarbone and whispering, “I’m just confused. I know that we’re friends and that’s all it will ever be, but something inside me needs to feel loved, and somehow that feeling is fixating on you and Declan.” “Keira,” he said, but she cut him off. “I don’t mean to hurt either of you. I’m just in a strange place in my head right now, and I know I’ll get over it, I just—” He silenced whatever else she was going to say by the most expedient way he could think of—he kissed her. He tried to keep the contact light, gentle, but she sighed into his mouth and he deepened the kiss as her emotions and thoughts exploded through his brain. “This is what I needed to talk to you about,” he said directly into her mind. She tried to pull away from him so quickly that she would’ve fallen if he hadn’t held her so tightly. Her eyes were wide as saucers as she stared at him with a mixture of fear and confusion shadowing her face. She shook her head sharply. “Jesus, I’m losing my mind,” she thought hysterically. “Maybe that fall down the stairs really did knock something loose.” “No, honey, you’re not losing your mind.” She gave him a frightened look, and he pulled her back against his chest. “There’s a lot I need to explain to you, but I want you to remember that you’re safe with me and Declan. We’ll never hurt you.”

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“Can he talk into my mind, too?” “No, that’s one of the things I need to explain.” “Oh,” she said quietly. He could feel her arousal spiraling through her mind again, and his cock filled once more. He barely resisted the urge to pull her close and rub up against her. “Is the attraction real?” He wasn’t certain if she was asking him telepathically or asking herself, but he chose to answer her anyway. “Yes, it’s real. It’s why the mating link is developing.” He could feel her urge to giggle hysterically, yet she held it in check. But some of the images she’d obviously read in romance novels flitted through her brain, and he laughed at the idea of humans being able to morph into animals. “No, we’re not shape-shifters.” He grinned when her eyes widened, relieved for a moment to be thinking about something other than possessing this woman mind, body, and soul. But he swallowed hard as images of exactly how those shape-shifters loved their mates ran through her mind. “We’re aliens.” She looked at him as if she expected him to grow a second head. Good grief, what sort of books did their shy Keira read? He caught the image of an alien from a popular sci-fi comedy and laughed out loud. Most people would think alien abduction or strange lights in the night sky, but not Keira. Trust his Taydelaan to think of a goofy alien portrayed in a sitcom. “What’s a Taydelaan?” She seemed calmer, so he decided to try and explain at least some of what she needed to know. He didn’t miss the lingering thought that she might be suffering a delusion, but he hoped she’d soon realize he was telling her the truth. “A Taydelaan is our third. The one who completes us. Sesturians mate in trios.”

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“Sesturians—as in aliens? But I’m human.” She seemed to reconsider for a moment, and he smiled as she tacked on the whispered question, “Aren’t I?” “Yes, baby,” he said out loud as he leaned forward to kiss her. “You’re human, and it’s quite common for humans and Sesturians to mate,” he whispered telepathically as he deepened the kiss. He could feel the link between them strengthening and knew he should pull away. He knew that at some point the link became irreversible, but he wasn’t quite sure when. It was possible it was already an unbreakable tie between them, but he would give Keira a chance to walk away if he could. He’d never heard of a Taydelaan wanting to walk away from her mates before, but then he’d never known a Sesturian could have a mate without a telepathic link like he and Declan had together. “Keira, I have to tell you something about Declan and me.” She nodded, waiting for him to continue. He switched to telepathy, not wanting the dancers around them to overhear their unusual conversation. “Declan was raised to believe he was human. I’m not sure if that’s what caused it, but he and I have never developed the telepathic link you and I share already.” He pressed his lips to hers once more. “The link will only get stronger as we get closer, but it’s likely that Declan will never share in it.” “Oh.” The simple sound was filled with disappointment, and Luke could feel himself falling even harder for this amazing woman. She wasn’t questioning his sanity. She was grieving for a man who would feel left out if he knew of the link between them. **** Declan watched them dance. When Luke leaned in to kiss Keira once more all of his blood traveled south and he felt almost lightheaded by the time the couple made their way back to the table.

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“Time to go home,” Luke said with a loving smile at both him and Keira. Declan’s gaze bounced between them. Considering how tense they’d both been when they’d first started dancing, he was a little surprised to see how close they seemed now. He hadn’t been able to see them well from his position, but he was fairly certain they hadn’t done much talking. Keira held her hand out for him to grasp, and he suddenly decided it didn’t matter. If things worked out the way they planned, they’d have a lifetime to talk things out. He grasped her warm hand in his own and led them to the exit. Luke helped Keira into the truck and then slid into the driver’s seat. He pressed a quick kiss to Keira’s mouth before whispering something into her ear. She immediately turned and cuddled into Declan’s arms. “I’ve been told I need to kiss you all the way home. Is that okay with you?” Okay? With him? Huh? Wow, the old saying was turning out to be true—men really only had enough blood to flow to one head at a time. She smiled and leaned over to press her warm, kiss-swollen lips to his. He licked the plump softness, sucking gently as she wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed closer. He could feel her nipples, hard and stiff, pressing insistently against his chest, and couldn’t resist touching them. He smoothed his hand over her soft breast, smiling as her breath caught and her assault on his mouth faltered. He brushed his thumbs over the stiff peaks, her soft groan firing his imagination into the stratosphere. He kissed her over and over, blissfully unaware of the passage of time or the miles they traveled. The truck braked suddenly, and they were both bounced forward by the abrupt stop. But Luke was there, hurriedly undoing their seat belts and then stripping the clothing from Keira’s gorgeous body. “Suck him, baby,” he whispered wickedly. Declan barely had the presence of mind to realize they were already parked on the space between the house and the barn of their property before Keira’s warm

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hands fumbled his jeans open and wrapped around his engorged cock. She knelt on the seat between them as she leaned over and licked him like ice cream. She ran her tongue over his swollen head again and again as she fisted his length and pumped him hard. Finally she sucked him into her mouth, the warm, moist cavern tempting him to thrust into her, to take control, fuck her face the way he would’ve if she were Luke. But he held back, not wanting to frighten her, willing to let her pleasure him her way.

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Chapter Five Oh wow. Luke dragged her underwear down to her knees, his fingers making her squirm and moan with needy little sounds. Keira still hadn’t discarded the idea that she was living some sort of delusion, but if the way she was imagining the feel of Luke’s passion combining with her own to make them both hotter, both needier, both incredibly aroused, then she really didn’t care. If this was insanity, give her more. She heard a telepathic chuckle in her head, and she smiled around the cock in her mouth as thick fingers drove into her pussy, fucking her hard and fast. She groaned as Luke changed the angle and caressed something inside her that had her gasping for air. Declan threaded his fingers through her hair, not really controlling her movements but definitely stopping any thought of retreat. She sucked him harder, sliding lower on his cock as she ran her tongue over the soft flesh. He groaned, lifting slightly, obviously controlling the urge to slam into her mouth. Keira squeaked with surprise when the door behind Luke opened and the cool night air hit her exposed ass. But Luke just grabbed her hips and dragged her closer to the edge of the seat. She suctioned her mouth tighter around Declan, and he shuffled across the seat with her. Luke stood behind her, caressing her ass, her thighs, the sensitive flesh of her pussy. “So beautiful,” he whispered a moment before his tongue touched her labia. She gasped in surprise, the movement forcing Declan’s cock further down her throat. She tried to pull away,

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panicked for a moment, but Declan’s hands tangled in her hair, massaging her head but holding her in place. “Swallow, Keira. Just relax and swallow.” She tried to force herself to relax, but only managed the opposite. Luke touched her with his tongue again, bathing her labia with warmth as he slowly explored her slippery flesh. “Good girl,” Declan groaned as she finally managed to swallow around his cock. Luke thrust his tongue deep into her pussy, the excitement it created rocketing around her body. She could feel Luke’s reaction to her arousal, and they both groaned in unison as the need to join together was almost irresistible. But even as she thought it, Keira could feel Luke’s worry for Declan. Neither of them wanted to do anything that would leave Declan feeling left out, but for them to make him center of attention may create even more problems. She felt Luke pull away, his hands gently caressing her ass as she continued to suck on Declan. “Are you okay, baby?” he asked into her mind. “Of course.” He patted her thigh gently. “Come on, you two. Let’s take this somewhere more comfortable.” Declan seemed like he was going to refuse, but a moment later he took a deep breath and eased away. He groaned as Keira released him from her mouth. He pulled her into his embrace and held her close for a few moments before he helped her from the truck cabin and into Luke’s arms. **** Luke carried her into the house, his connection to her growing stronger with every heartbeat. He stood on the porch, waiting for Declan to catch up before entering. Then the three of them somehow managed to make it down the hallway touching, kissing, caressing each other, without falling over or knocking anything down.

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Finally they reached Luke and Declan’s bedroom. Luke could feel Keira’s sense of coming home, of finding where she belonged, even as the woman tried to rationalize it in her head. He leaned over the bed and placed her in the middle. She smiled at him shyly, and he couldn’t help but run his fingertips down the side of her face. “Declan is going to make love to you.” Her eyes darkened and she nodded as Declan looked at her in surprise. In fact he’d looked almost frightened enough to bolt from the room. Luke moved quickly to take the man in his arms. Damn the lack of mate link. He had no idea what was going through his lover’s head, and it scared him that he might’ve missed something important. “Declan?” he asked quietly as the man burrowed into his embrace. But then Keira was there beside them, her warm hand smoothing over Luke’s spine as she touched Declan’s face. Luke could feel her understanding rippling through his mind, and she confirmed it a moment later. “You’ve never been with a woman before, have you, Declan?” **** Declan shook his head and wished that he could somehow erase the last two minutes. He hadn’t expected this. He wanted to make love to Keira, he really did, but it felt too important for him to risk fucking it up. But as his insecurities rose between them Keira stepped closer and wrapped her arms around both men. “We don’t have to do this now,” she said quietly. “We have a lifetime to work things out to suit all of us. And besides, I don’t suppose you have condoms just lying around anyway.” “Sesturians aren’t susceptible to the same diseases as humans,” Luke said with a voice that sounded thick and strained. Hell, Declan was fucking this up for Luke. Luke knew exactly who he was and

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what he wanted. He wasn’t a confused, pathetic alien unsure of his identity and persuasions. Wait a moment. Sesturian? “You told her?” he asked, trying to hide the surprise in his voice. “When did you tell her?” “On the dance floor,” Luke mumbled in a voice that suggested he didn’t want to discuss the matter. Considering the raging hard-on he had pressed up against Declan’s hip, it was rather obvious why. But curiosity, and perhaps the opportunity to avoid making a fool of himself for a little bit longer, won out. “Wow, it took me weeks to accept the whole alien thing. Hell, I’m still not sure I understand it.” He pressed a kiss to Keira’s lips. “You must be an amazing person to accept it so easily. I guess you really are our Taydelaan.” She nodded, looking embarrassed, and suddenly he wasn’t as concerned about fucking up as he’d felt earlier. His first time with a woman was going to be with his Taydelaan. That should be a cause for celebration, not a time for worry. “Can I make love to you now?” he asked, his cock pulsing to life, harder and thicker than before. “What about contraception?” Luke looked embarrassed, and Declan suddenly realized that he didn’t even understand how Sesturians procreated. He knew that Sesturians mated in trios, but he’d always just assumed that making babies was similar to the human way. Judging by the troubled look on Luke’s face, he was now in the uncomfortable position of explaining where Sesturian babies came from. A soft laugh escaped him, and Luke’s grip tightened a moment before he laughed as well. Keira smiled indulgently as they both laughed. She maneuvered the three of them over to the bed and somehow managed to get Luke and Declan lying in each other’s arms. Then she set about stripping their clothes off.

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Before Declan could curb the urge to laugh, Keira did it for him. Her hot, moist mouth engulfed his cock in wet heat, sending streaks of lightning from the top of his head to the tips of his toes. She wrapped her fist around the base of his dick, squeezing and twisting slightly as she sucked him to the back of her throat. She swallowed, just like he’d taught her in the truck, and then every thought blurred in his head. Luke smoothed a hand over Declan’s chest, a wicked smile gracing his face a moment before he lowered to kiss Declan like he wanted to inhale him. Breathless, Declan vaguely registered Keira’s movement until she straddled his thighs and Luke moved out of her way. She leaned forward to press a quick kiss to his mouth and whispered, “Do you still want to make love to me?” He nodded enthusiastically, words escaping him as Luke lifted Declan’s cock at the same moment that Keira lowered herself over him. Her pussy felt so different to what he’d been expecting that he couldn’t quite stop the sigh of awe from escaping his lips. She smiled, moaning quietly as her wet heat surrounded him. She lowered as far as she could and then lifted slightly and lowered once more. Luke moved to kneel behind her, straddling Declan’s legs also. His hands caressed Keira’s thighs and hips before he wrapped them around her and began lifting her up and down on Declan’s cock. The feeling was incredible, and having Luke so involved just made the moment all the more perfect. But when Declan was sure that nothing could feel better, Keira moaned low in her throat and her internal muscles spasmed around his cock, caressing and squeezing him until his eyes rolled into the back of his head. Gasping, panting, desperate to hold onto this amazing feeling, Declan ground his teeth, trying not to come. But Luke knew him well. He pushed Keira forward, easing her shaking frame against Declan’s

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chest, and then worked a finger into Declan’s ass. He yelled as he came, his cum pulsing deep into Keira’s body. **** “That was beautiful,” Luke said sincerely. It felt like he’d waited a lifetime to see his mates together, yet it had been everything he’d dreamed—almost. “I don’t think I can move,” Keira whispered as she snuggled closer to Declan. Declan wrapped his arms around her, cradling her close as his eyes sought reassurance from Luke. Damn Declan’s parents for trying to hide their true nature from their children. If Declan had been raised knowing that he would one day mate in a trio, he wouldn’t be feeling like he’d betrayed Luke right now. It didn’t matter that the mating link hadn’t developed between Luke and Declan. Luke knew his lover well enough to know that he felt awkward and unsure now that the arousal was starting to cool. “Is Declan okay?” Keira asked directly into Luke’s mind. “He will be, baby. He just needs some time to adjust.” She pressed a quick kiss to Declan’s lips, then climbed off the bed and headed into the bathroom. Even before the door closed Luke leaned in and took his lover’s lips in a possessive, passionate assault that should’ve left no doubt in Declan’s mind that Luke still loved him very much. When they finally broke apart for air Declan had managed to wrap a hand around Luke’s still rock-hard erection. He squeezed, pumping his hand slowly, overwhelming the rest of the thoughts in Luke’s head. “I love you,” he said, and then shuffled down the bed and licked the head of Luke’s cock. “I love you, too.” Luke could feel Keira’s concern all the way from the bathroom and mentally called her to join them. She came out of the bathroom, her pale skin a mottled pink across her breasts and

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shoulders, evidence of her earlier orgasm. She blushed prettily when she saw what Declan was doing. Declan suctioned his mouth, sucking hard on the tip of Luke’s cock. Luke ground his teeth together, forcing his eyes open so that he could watch their beautiful Taydelaan join them on the bed as Declan swallowed and dragged Luke’s cock deeper into his mouth. Suddenly shy, Keira hesitated until Luke dragged her closer and took possession of her mouth. He found her breast with his hand, caressing and plumping the soft flesh as Declan sucked his cock harder and harder. He broke the kiss, gasping for air as Keira’s wicked idea wound through his brain. He nodded, wrapped his hand around the back of her neck, and watched her eyes darken with need. “Please,” he said as he urged her into the position he wanted. She straddled his upper body with her knees, her pussy hovering over his mouth as she pressed soft kisses to Declan’s face. She moaned as Luke pressed his tongue to her soft flesh, licking and suckling her labia as he tasted her delicious flavor now combined with Declan’s. She moaned, wriggling slightly to run her tongue over Luke’s abdomen and pelvis. Declan touched her hair, urging her closer even as his mouth still did incredible things to Luke’s cock. Together they used their tongues and lips to kiss and suckle Luke’s erection, their combined attentions driving all rational thought from his mind. He lifted his hips, unable to stay still, mindless in his need. His tongue thrusting hard and deep into Keira’s pussy, her moans vibrating against his cock and winding his arousal tighter. Unable to stand their teasing attentions one more moment, Luke took control. He wrapped his fist in Declan’s hair, forcing the man up to his face. He kissed Declan wildly as he whispered into Keira’s mind, “Lie down, baby. I need to fuck you.” She twisted, rolling off him and turning so that she lay down beside the men. He broke the kiss with Declan and winked as he

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rolled to cover Keira with his body. As he settled between her legs, Luke could feel the link becoming stronger. Parts of her mind that were hidden before began opening to him, letting him see her inner soul. He pressed his cock against her pussy, intending to tease her but only driving himself more wild. He thrust into her, hard and deep, held still, pressed a kiss to her mouth, then another to Declan’s lips before he lost control. He pulled out, slamming back into her over and over. He grabbed Declan’s hand, guided it to her clit, then lifted her knees and opened her wider, pounding into her harder, desperate for the peace she could bring. She started to shake, Declan’s clever fingers forcing her body into overload. She screamed as her pussy pulsed around Luke’s erection, stroking his cock with her inner walls, caressing his mind with her emotions. He thrust hard into her one last time, holding still as she dragged his climax from him. He damn near whimpered as her body continued to caress him, pulling more from him, draining him of every last drop. Finally, he fell to the side, sliding from her body, but gathering her in his arms. He wrapped a hand around Declan’s shoulder, pulling the man closer as the three of them snuggled and tried to catch their breath.

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Chapter Six Keira was pretty sure she was delusional. Or dreaming. Probably dreaming. How else would she be imagining that she’d just had the most amazing sex with two of the most incredible men she’d ever met? “Sorry, baby, you’re not delusional.” Luke’s voice was smug and teasing, and she couldn’t help but smile at the cocky attitude. “Be quiet, imaginary voice. I’m having a lovely dream and don’t want to be disturbed.” She almost convinced herself that she was asleep in her own bed dreaming naughty dreams about two men who would never look at her as anyone more than a close friend, but a hard pinch on her bottom nearly had her leaping off the bed. She managed to bite back the verbal “Ow,” but Declan still gave her a curious look. She shrugged, smiled when he leaned over Luke to press a kiss to her lips, and then she closed her eyes once more. “Very funny—not! Just because I felt the pinch, it still doesn’t mean I’m not dreaming.” “For someone as smart as you are, Keira, you seem to be working awfully hard to convince yourself that this isn’t real.” “Yeah, well, it’s not exactly an everyday occurrence that I discover my roommates are aliens and I end up in bed with both of them.” “Trust me, honey, when I say we are the only alien roommates you will ever end up in bed with.” Luke rubbed her bottom where he’d pinched her, but through their link she could feel the possessiveness he felt for both her and Declan. She glanced at Declan and noticed

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he’d fallen asleep. He’d seemed tense earlier, so it was good to see him relaxed enough to rest now. “Luke,” she said, trying not to let the embarrassment she felt leak in her telepathic voice, “where do Sesturian babies come from?” She’d picked up enough information through their link earlier to know that she wouldn’t get pregnant from the sex they’d just shared, but she’d also felt a sadness in him that suggested something wasn’t quite right. He seemed to hesitate, and for a moment she wondered if he’d fallen asleep. But he pulled Declan and Keira both closer as he answered her question. “Sesturian matings are always in threes. The male—or in our case, one of the males—starts to produce an enzyme that when injected into the other mates binds the three together and makes conception possible.” She could hear the rest in his mind and finished the difficult explanation for him. “But the fact that Declan hasn’t developed the mating link with either of us would suggest that the enzyme probably won’t begin to produce.” She could practically feel the information she needed flowing directly from Luke’s mind into hers now. But along with answers to her questions came scattered images of Luke’s memories as they poured into her mind—Luke and his sister playing in a park as youngsters, colorful scenes of a holiday on a planet that seemed to have three moons instead of one, memories of a mother who seemed happy but somehow incomplete, and then another woman who seemed always lonely. “You have two mothers?” she asked telepathically before she could call it back. “Yes,” he said, his voice full of affection for the two women he held dear to his heart. “But theirs isn’t a true Sesturian mating either.” She wasn’t sure how she understood that, but even though the information coming

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through the link seemed incomplete, she could see that there was something unusual about the way Luke’s parents lived. “No, my father keeps my mothers in separate houses. Other than the brief times they were together to ensure my sister’s and my conception, they’ve had very little to do with each other.” “But they’d have the mating link?” “As far as I know. It’s not something we’ve ever discussed.” Again images and memories flowed into her mind, and she began to understand why he’d seemed worried when they’d first begun making love in the truck. He wanted her to accept that he and Declan could love each other as much as they would love her. “You love me?” she asked with a squeak in her telepathic voice. “Of course. And I already know you love me and Declan, but feel free to say it every day for the rest of our lives.” “Smartass,” she said, unable to hide the affection from her voice. She did love them. The past two months had been a bittersweet ache of believing she was falling for men who would never love her back. Panic gripped her chest briefly. “Does Declan love me?” “He knows you’re our Taydelaan,” Luke said slowly, like he was choosing his words carefully. “But I guess you two will have to sort that out the human way.”

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Chapter Seven Luke packed up the fencing wire and equipment and headed back to the barn. For the past three days they’d managed to work the barest minimum necessary to keep the ranch working and then spent the rest of the time in bed together. Today was the first full day the three of them had needed to go separate directions, but because he couldn’t stand to be without either of his mates, Luke had managed to cram five hours of work into three. “Honey, I’m home,” he sang as he came through the back door. He knew he wore a goofy grin, but he just couldn’t help it. It seemed the more he got to know Keira the happier he felt. Finding love with Declan and now Keira just seemed to be the most amazing thing he’d ever experienced in his entire life. He followed his senses to find Keira leaning over the bench, reaching for one of the utensils that hung just out of her reach. He moved up behind her, unable to resist the need to touch. He smoothed his hands over her jean-clad ass before trapping her against the bench and grabbing the soup ladle she’d been reaching for. “Did you miss me?” he asked even as he heard her mental laugh. The link had grown so strong since they’d first made love that it was nearly impossible to think without knowing each other’s thoughts. She tilted her head back to nip lightly at his jaw. “Nope,” she lied. “Where’s Declan? Now him I missed.” Even though she said it as a joke the truth was that they both missed him terribly. Not being able to tell him they shared a mental link was painful, but not being able to share it with him was

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devastating. Luke wrapped his arms around Keira as she turned and snuggled into his embrace. He hadn’t needed to explain to Keira that without the enzyme they wouldn’t be able to start a family the Sesturian way, but he wasn’t sure who’d originally had the idea of finding a human sperm donor. Without the enzyme to change her genetic makeup, Keira would at least be able to have a baby the human way. It wasn’t the solution he wanted, but at least it was an option. A soft sob tore from Keira’s throat, and he lifted her into his arms and took a seat at the kitchen table. They’d both hoped that the closeness the three of them had shared in the last few days would somehow kick-start the mating link in Declan. But as the days rolled on and Declan remained oblivious to the Sesturian mating link they should’ve developed, their hope had begun to fade. The sound of the truck coming up the driveway startled them both. Keira wriggled off his lap, kissed him quickly, and dashed into the bathroom. He could already sense her pulling her emotions back under control as she washed away the evidence of her tears. A moment later Declan came through the back door, his smile growing wider when he saw Luke. “Wow, you must’ve got that fence back up in record time.” Luke grinned. “And you somehow made it into town and back in half the time it normally takes you.” He stepped closer, pulled Declan into his arms, and kissed him with all the pent-up passion he could feel from both himself and Keira. “But,” he said, stepping back to catch his breath, “you better not have gotten any speeding tickets.” Declan laughed. It was well known that if anyone in their triad was going to get booked for speeding it would be Luke. “I love you,” Declan said as he moved out of Luke’s arms. “Where’s Keira?” “Bathroom,” Luke said casually as she whispered, “I’m okay,” into his head. “She should be out soon.” The moment she entered the room, she ran and jumped into Declan’s arms. He caught her effortlessly, the brilliant smile on his face so easy to read. It was

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obvious that for the first time in his life, Declan felt like he belonged. Gone was the self-doubt that had shadowed the relationship he and Luke had shared before Keira had come to them. Declan was truly happy now that their Taydelaan was a part of their lives and not some stranger who might one day steal his man. Luke watched them kiss passionately, his erection growing as his imagination went into overdrive. He guided his mates over to the solid oak kitchen table and then helped Declan strip Keira’s clothes off. Beautifully naked, she watched, fascinated, as they undressed each other. **** Declan could hardly believe he was here. Several times in the last few days he’d resorted to pinching himself just to make certain he really was awake. He leaned over the table and kissed Keira again, his hands caressing her hips and thighs as he thrust his tongue into her mouth, exploring the warm recess once more. The whole time he’d been traveling to town and back he’d been barely able to contain his need to be home with his lovers. Far from the fear he’d expected to feel once he was no longer physically close to his mates, Declan had felt a true sense of peace. Driving into their driveway had been like coming home in a way that he’d never felt before. Despite having lived here all his life, something fundamental had changed in the way he saw the place. It was no longer just the place where he lived. It was now the home he shared with his mates— and hopefully one day, their children. As soon as he figured out how that happened between Sesturian mates. It was rather embarrassing that he knew so little about his own species, but considering the fact that he had a very naked Taydelaan spread out on the table for their enjoyment, he figured the eighth grade questions on reproduction could wait.

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Luke left the room for a moment but was back quickly. He held up the lube and smiled at Keira’s enthusiastic nod. Luke leaned over and kissed her before grabbing Declan’s cock in a fierce grip and pumping him with his hand. Declan groaned as every thought fled from his brain and Luke guided his aching flesh into Keira’s pussy. Declan sank balls deep into her wet heat, loving the feeling of his woman taking him into her body at the same time she whispered how much she loved him. “I love you, too, honey,” he said with a deep groan of satisfaction. He jolted as cold lube touched his ass, but then Luke pushed his fingers into Declan’s back passage and he finally understood what they were about to do. Hell, he gritted his teeth against the urge to come on just how incredible he imagined it might feel. “Lean forward a bit, babe,” Luke said as he guided Declan with a hand between his shoulder blades. He leaned on his elbows, careful not to squash Keira as Luke scissored his fingers in his ass. He pressed a soft kiss to Keira’s lips but nearly howled as Luke pressed his cock against his anus and slid in with one smooth thrust. “Hold still,” Luke ordered as he lifted Keira’s knees and pulled her closer to the edge of table. She moaned, her breasts jiggling right in front of Declan’s face. He caught a nipple with his mouth, nibbling and sucking on the hard nub until the woman writhed underneath him. But then Luke eased out of his ass, the slow glide distracting, mesmerizing as he watched the effect it had on Keira. When Luke slammed back in, pulled out, thrust home again and then again and again and again, Keira panted hard, thrusting up to meet Declan’s downward stroke as Luke set the pace. They were all moaning, on the verge of climax when Luke stopped, grabbed Declan’s hips, and eased his cock out of her pussy. “Grab the lube,” he said to Keira. Her eyes widened, but she reached over and grabbed the tube and then handed it to Declan. “Just like you do for me, babe,” Luke instructed as Declan stared at the tube uncomprehendingly for a moment.

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“Oh,” he said as understanding finally dawned. He squirted a generous amount onto his fingers, taking his time, letting the gel warm a little before pressing his fingers between the crease of Keira’s ass. He swirled a slippery finger around her anus, touching the puckered hole lightly until she was lifting up to him, asking for more. He eased a single finger past the tight ring of muscle, watching her closely, making certain she was ready before adding a second finger and then stretching her ass carefully. She moaned as he thrust his fingers a little deeper, scissoring them slowly as he worked another finger into her tight hole. “Do it,” Luke whispered as he bit Declan’s ear impatiently. Keira nodded her agreement, so Declan rubbed more lube onto his cock and then pressed the thick head against her anus. She gasped as he forced her muscles open. “Relax, Keira,” Declan said quietly as he finally managed to push the head of his cock into her back passage. She released the breath she’d been holding and managed to relax the muscles, pushing out, easing his way into her virgin passage. “Oh, my,” she said, sounding not at all like herself. Luke chuckled as he pulled out of Declan’s ass once more, only to slam in again. The impact rippled through Keira’s body, and Declan felt her ass squeeze him as her excitement grew. Luke released one of her legs, his hand wrapping around Declan’s hips and settling on Keira’s mound. The moment he squeezed her clit, she exploded into orgasm. Her ass pulsed around Declan’s cock, the incredible feeling tipping him over the edge. He cried out as his cum spurted like lava, his seed filling her passage even as Luke began to pound into him, plowing his ass. Luke groaned as he fucked him harder, but a moment later stilled as his own orgasm burst through him. Exhausted, Declan struggled to hold his weight off Keira as Luke panted hard against his back. “No more leaving the house,” he said in a breathless, joking tone. “If this is what happens after being separated a few hours, being apart a whole day just might kill us.” Keira giggled happily, but it was a long while before any of them found the energy to move.

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Chapter Eight Declan let his mind wander as he checked the oil and fuel levels on the quad bike. When he’d been a kid his father had used horses to travel around the farm, but both he and Luke were more mechanically minded and preferred modern transport over mucking out stalls. And since they were both capable of keeping the mechanical beasts running smoothly, the money they spent on vet bills went to making sure the stock was healthy. “There you are,” Keira said as she wandered into the barn. “Will you be much longer?” “Almost finished.” “Good. I was wondering if you could drive me into town this afternoon.” He glanced up and noticed her nervousness for the first time. In the last five months they’d settled into something of a routine, so a request to go into town on a Friday was a little unusual. He raised an eyebrow, hoping for an explanation. Again she looked nervous, but she took a deep breath and gave him the explanation he wanted. “My brother and his wife are passing through, and I told them it would be easier to meet them in town instead of…you know…trying to give them directions to the farm.” Considering that the turnoff to their farm was well sign-posted and straight off the main highway, the explanation didn’t quite wash. “And?” he prompted. “And I haven’t exactly explained to my very conservative, oldfashioned, judgmental brother that I’m living with two men from a different planet.” She began to pace the width of the barn as she ran a hand through her hair nervously. “I think he might actually take the

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alien explanation far better than the sleeping with two men part.” She stopped and turned pleading eyes to him. “Please can you just come with me into town and pretend that the two of us are madly in love?” “We are madly in love, aren’t we?” he asked with a wide grin. He was finally beginning to understand why she was nervous, but his attempt at levity fell flat. “Of course we’re in love,” she growled angrily. “It’s just that I kind of…maybe told him…we were…you know, engaged.” He smiled and couldn’t hide the warm feeling the idea gave him. Even though he was more comfortable every day with his alien status, there were just some human ideals that clung to his subconscious. “And you can’t tell him about Luke.” “So Luke’s not coming? Have you told him?” “Yes, I told him. He’s not happy,” she said, grimacing as if she was recalling the exact words Luke had given her on the matter. Declan knew Luke well enough to know that Keira denying her relationship included both of them would bother him deeply. It bothered him, too, but not enough to deny her the support she so obviously needed at this moment. “When do you want to leave?” Relief rippled over her features, and she stepped forward to press a quick kiss to his lips while trying not to get grease on her clothes. “Richard said to meet them at the bar for dinner around six.” “All right, honey, I’ll finish up here and be ready by half past four.” She nodded and turned to leave the barn. He watched her go, but halfway back to the house she stopped and stomped her foot on the ground like a five-year-old doing a tantrum. Confused, he watched for a while longer as she seemed to argue with herself for a few moments before storming into the house and slamming the door behind her. He glanced at the quad bike, wondering if the repairs could wait until tomorrow. Maybe Luke could help him find the reason for Keira’s unusual behavior.

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**** “Yeah, well I’m not happy about it either,” she growled angrily in her head. “So tell him and get it over with.” She could feel Luke’s anger and his hurt, but she had no idea what to do to smooth things over. Her brother was a bully—always had been—and he’d take great glee from being able to mess up their idyllic lives. “Do you have any idea how my brother will react? He’ll drag me from the restaurant, dump me in the car, and drive me to the nearest mental hospital.” “You’re exaggerating,” Luke said dismissively. Great, having him in her head meant she couldn’t even overstate things just a little. “Maybe I am, but he’ll make certain we are not happy. Hell, he’ll probably tell Declan he can’t marry me.” “So what? You don’t need your brother’s permission to marry.” “No, but he can make certain we’re as miserable as he is.” “Fine. Do it your way. Take Declan and pretend to be human.” “I am human,” she practically screeched telepathically. And just like that the argument was over. They weren’t a typical Sesturian triad, and without the enzyme they never would be. She’d already gleaned the information that the mating enzyme would’ve doubled her lifespan even though Luke had tried to somehow hide it from her. She felt his sadness and wanted to cry for a future they’d never share. She’d grow old and gray, and Luke and Declan would still look the same age in fifty years. “I love you,” Luke whispered telepathically. “I know.” **** Dinner wasn’t as bad as Declan had been expecting, or as good as he’d hoped, but at least they’d gotten through it. Keira hadn’t been

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exaggerating about her brother’s ability to upset the applecart. In the span of a single meal he’d managed to belittle every one of Keira’s accomplishments from her third grade ballet recital to her “failure” to keep a man happy in every single relationship she’d ever had. Her brother had taken every opportunity to embarrass Keira and then some. By dessert Declan was wishing that Luke had come with them. Somebody needed to put this asshole in his place, and judging by the anger Declan felt, Luke would’ve laid the man out by the time the main meal had been delivered to their table. Hell, Declan had almost done it himself. But no matter how awful the guy was, he was still Keira’s family, and in Declan’s way of thinking family stuck together through thick and thin. At least, that’s what he wanted for his family. “Are you okay?” Keira asked in a quiet voice. He glanced away from the road to catch a glimpse of her face. “I’m fine, honey.” “But you’re very glad that it’s over.” He let out a half laugh, unable to hide the relief he felt that they were heading home. “Yes, I’m very glad it’s over. How often do you think he’ll drop by like that?” “Not often,” she said with a soft sigh. “Fortunately, his job takes him all over the country, so he’s usually too busy to be dealing with me.” She was quiet for a few moments before adding, “He’s right, you know.” He tried to hide the burst of anger that small statement sent through his heart. “Right, how?” “Right about me never achieving anything. I was a good student. I just never knew what I wanted to do, so I did nothing.” And finally a little tidbit of information her brother had provided fell into place. Keira was an amazing cook, and the house had never looked so good since she’d taken over the domestic chores. In the months they’d been together she’d repaired, repainted, and

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redecorated the farmhouse with a joyfulness they’d been happy to indulge. “You wanted to be a housewife and mother?” “Yep. How’s that for lack of ambition?” He glanced at her again, wishing that they weren’t having this discussion while driving. They were only a few minutes away from the farm, but once he got there he intended to disabuse her of that notion. Wife and mother were two of the hardest and most important jobs Declan could think of, and in this modern world, the most undervalued. “Honey, I love that you take care of me and Luke. Maybe we don’t say it often enough, but coming home to you is the best part of the day.” He hesitated, wanting to reassure her even though he needed to speak to Luke about it first. “And maybe it’s time we talked about starting our family. I’d love to see you pregnant with our babies.” The heart-wrenching sob was so unexpected that he glanced at her once more, which meant he didn’t see the horse run onto the road until it was too late. He braked, trying to avoid hitting the animal, but the truck fishtailed across the road and Declan struggled to regain control. Fortunately, they were the only vehicle on the dark highway, so they ended up in a ditch facing the wrong way, but were thankfully unhurt. Quickly making certain that they were safe where the truck had come to rest, Declan pulled off his seatbelt, undid Keira’s, and dragged her into his arms. She was shaking so hard that her teeth rattled. “I’m sorry, honey. Are you okay?” She nodded, but burrowed into his embrace and held on tight. She was still crying, and he wasn’t sure if it was from the shock of their near accident or from the conversation beforehand, but he held her close and whispered words of comfort. A few minutes later, a quad bike came roaring up the road and skidded to a halt beside them. Practically unable to believe his eyes,

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Declan stared blankly at Luke as he grabbed open the passenger door and slid into the cabin. He gathered them both in his arms and held on tight. “How?” It was the only word to get past Declan’s tightening throat. They hadn’t even gotten around to checking if they had cell phone reception, let alone actually calling Luke for help. “It doesn’t matter,” Luke said in a voice tight with stress. “What matters is that you’re both okay.” “Of course we’re okay,” he said, surprising even himself by how irritated he felt. “I’ve been driving these roads most of my life. It wasn’t the first animal I’ve had to avoid.” He pulled out of Luke’s embrace, but continued to stroke Keira’s back as he again asked the one question he wanted an answer to. “How did you know we were here?” The guilty look on his lover’s face was perplexing, but it was the seemingly silent communication between Keira and Luke that confused him the most. Luke reached for him, but Declan backed away, pressing his spine against the driver’s side door. Something was wrong here. He was missing something important, but for the life of him he couldn’t imagine what. “Declan,” Keira said in a pleading note. “I’m sorry I distracted you. I just…it’s just…” She took a deep breath and seemed to force out the words despite the tears that wanted to fall. “The three of us can’t have children.” Concern for Keira had him pulling her out of Luke’s arms and into his own. Fuck. After being belittled by her big brother all night, the feeling of failure that admission must bring her would be devastating. He wanted to ask for details, but already hope was unfurling in his mind. Sesturian medicine was far more advanced than human—or so he’d been led to believe by Luke—so maybe something that was a huge problem by human standards was easily fixed by Sesturian medicine.

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“It’s okay, honey. We’ll get you the best alien medical care on the planet or maybe we could even head back to Sesturia for a visit.” He felt her stiffen in his arms, and he didn’t try to stop her when she pulled away. “Declan, there’s something we need to tell you.”

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Chapter Nine Keira wandered around the house listlessly. It had been three weeks since they’d explained to Declan about the mating link. Three weeks since he’d climbed onto the quad bike and disappeared from their lives. She pulled out a chair from the kitchen table and dropped heavily onto the wooden seat, sadness making it difficult to do even the most simple of chores. “I’m almost finished, baby. I’ll be home soon.” She dropped her face into her hands. Not only was Luke doing double the work around the farm at the moment, but he was also worrying about her and missing Declan with every heartbeat. Luke and Declan had been together for years before she’d come along, yet in one cruel twist of fate, Declan had become the odd one out. Of all the things Declan could’ve coped with, being different to his mates was not one of them. So he’d left. And because they didn’t share a mating link they had no idea where he was or when he’d come back—or even if he would come back. So every day they waited and hoped, and every day so far they’d been disappointed. She glanced around the kitchen, wondering if it was too early to start making dinner. She wasn’t the least bit hungry, but at least it would force her to move. The back door being opened was so unexpected that she nearly leapt out of her skin when she saw Declan standing there. He looked

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awful. His skin was pale and sallow. His eyes looked dulled, lackluster, and he was shivering like he was very cold. Something about him made her hesitate. She wanted to run into his arms and make him promise he’d never leave again, but something felt off, something felt wrong. Keira could hear Luke’s jumbled thoughts and emotions as he dropped everything and ran full pelt toward the house. “Declan?” she asked quietly, approaching him like one might approach an injured animal. “I tried to stay away,” he mumbled almost to himself. “But I can’t.” He ran a hand down his unshaven face, his eyes watery and his jaw clenched tightly. He grabbed her then, pulled her against him, his rock-hard cock pressing into her belly as he kissed her passionately. As always, she melted into his arms. His hands roamed over her body, his need for her seeming to overwhelm all thought. He lifted her onto the table, dragged her shirt over her head, and dropped his mouth to her breast. She gasped as he sucked hard, the immediately intense sensation nearly painful. His hands were fumbling with the fastenings of her jeans, but then he pulled back, stood frozen a moment, the pain in his eyes obvious. He took a deep breath, dropped his head, and started moving away. Wanting to understand what was happening, Keira reached for Declan just as Luke ran in the back door. “Declan?” Luke sounded breathless, his emotions spiking wildly as Declan finally lifted his head to look at Keira. “I…I’m sorry,” Declan said, backing away as if he’d done something wrong. But as he tried to flee the kitchen, Luke caught him in his arms and pressed Declan’s head to his throat. “It’s okay, babe,” he said in a soothing voice. “It’s just the mating enzyme. Bite me. It’ll take the frantic edge off it.” Understanding dawned in Keira a moment before Declan opened his mouth over Luke’s throat and bit him. Luke stiffened, groaning as he rubbed his suddenly hard cock against Declan’s, and pulled the

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man tighter into his embrace. They held each other, Luke’s eyes glazing with passion as Declan’s lips worked over his throat. Finally, Declan carefully pulled his mouth away from Luke, the fangs that had grown once the enzyme began producing slowly retracting back into his gums. Both men looked exhausted, but happy. Very happy. **** Somehow they made it over to a chair, and Luke pulled Declan onto his lap. Luke could barely contain his joy as the mating link between him and Declan finally began to build in his mind. He could feel the wonder in Declan’s thoughts, could sense a cacophony of conflicting emotions, but above all he could feel the love Declan felt for both him and Keira. Relief flooded him as he held his man close and every dream he’d ever had for the three of them finally became a possibility. “The enzyme?” Declan asked aloud. “Yes,” he said with a smile to Keira. Luke knew Keira could feel his side of the emotional torrent so she understood what was happening. It was Declan who was finally beginning to realize what this meant. Three weeks ago the conversation had been such an emotional and highly charged argument that they hadn’t gotten around to explaining the enzyme’s role in Sesturian procreation before Declan had taken off. But now he was back, and the enzyme was producing in him, and they held all of their dreams within reach. “Come on, babe. Let’s get you cleaned up so that we can show our Taydelaan what a true Sesturian mating is all about.” ****

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Keira wasn’t quite sure what to do. She was still sitting on the table, her jeans undone, her breasts still naked. She could feel the mating bond growing between her men as they stepped into the bathroom together and felt a deep satisfaction slide through her. As much as she wanted to share that bond with them both, she was content for the moment to let them discover each other first. She finally lifted herself off the table and grabbed her T-shirt. She was in the process of putting it back on when a deep telepathic growl from Luke had her freezing mid-motion. “Get your ass in here now,” he said with a grin in his voice. She smiled, happy to sass him now that Declan had come home. “Why?” she asked sweetly. “Because the fathers of your children demand it.” She giggled at Luke’s phrasing, well aware that neither of her men would demand more than she was willing to give. But the idea of having children with these men was way too tempting for her to deny them anything at this moment. She headed into the bathroom, awkwardly stripping off her jeans as she went and then stepped into the shower with Luke. Declan finished shaving and joined them a moment later. Naked and held between her men was the most incredible sensation she could ever remember feeling. It was like coming home, finally having every piece of her life fit together perfectly. She pressed kisses to Declan’s chest as Luke pressed against her back and kissed Declan over her shoulder. **** Declan could barely believe this was happening. Finding out about Sesturian mating links had been confusing, but learning that Keira and Luke shared one without him had been devastating. He’d run from what had felt like his worst nightmare coming true, but the further he’d gotten away from his mates, the more intense his

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hunger for them had grown. If he’d known about the enzyme he might’ve understood what was happening to him this past week. He’d been terrified of the need that had built in him, blurring his thought processes, urging him to return to the two people he needed the most. He shuddered as imagination filled in what might have happened if Luke hadn’t intervened. “Never,” Luke whispered into his mind. “I know that you would never have hurt Keira. It’s simply not who you are. No matter how intense the enzyme may have become you wouldn’t have let her be hurt.” “How can you be so sure?” “Because you were already pulling away before I got there. I can see it in your memories, feel it in your emotions. You have no reason to doubt yourself, babe. You love me and Keira and would never do anything to hurt either of us.” “I’m sorry I ran away. I really do love you, Luke,” he said, meaning it more sincerely than he ever had in his life. He was only now beginning to understand how amazing it had been for Luke to love him so wholeheartedly when it had seemed they would never be true Sesturian mates. But now that the link was in place he could feel and hear everything in Luke’s head and heart, and felt humbled to be loved by someone so incredible. “Keira is incredible, too,” Luke said with a wide grin. Keira wriggled between them, her link to Declan starting to build even though he hadn’t bitten her yet. “And apparently,” Luke said with a mischievous grin, “very horny.” She laughed as he tickled her, but then Luke did something that made her legs wobble and her eyes glaze with passion. “I missed you,” she said with a soft smile. “I love you,” Declan said as he pulled her from the shower and turned to grab a towel. Luke was right behind them. Between the two of them, they toweled their Taydelaan dry, and Declan lifted her in his arms and carried her to the bedroom.

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He lay her down in the middle of the bed, memories of their first time together swirling through him as she smiled and lifted her arms in invitation. He lay down beside her, willing just to hold her for the rest of their lives if that’s what she wanted. Fortunately, their beautiful Taydelaan had more lascivious ideas. She rolled over and kissed him, framing his face with her warm hands as she used her tongue to explore the inside of his mouth. His hands roamed over her, relearning her curves, exploring her mind as the link grew stronger. And then Luke was there, too, stroking his hands over both of them, his relief that they were finally together and his love for them both shining brilliantly in his mind. And then the most precious of gifts slipped into his thoughts, and he realized that both of his mates would’ve loved him forever, even without the enzyme or the mating link. He could feel Keira’s happiness that he finally understood and maybe even a hint of annoyance from Luke that Declan had ever doubted his place in their lives. But then Keira pushed him onto his back and straddled his thighs. At the first touch of her wet pussy against the tip of his cock, all rational thought fled and he could only feel as sensation swamped his mind. She lowered onto him slowly, her legs shaking as she tried to control her need for him. Finally he was fully seated in her body, and they both released a sigh of contentment. But desire grew quickly, and he sensed exactly what Keira needed from him to bring her to ecstasy. He pulled her arms over his head, flattening her against him as he caressed her bottom and sent wicked images to Luke of what they wanted to share. Luke was already a step ahead of him, slick lube on his hand by the time Declan pulled her ass cheeks apart and waited for his lover to prepare their woman for his possession. She cried out at the first touch, her legs squirming as she instinctively tried to crawl away from the intense sensation. But Declan could feel her need to be joined to them like this, and he held her safe as Luke stretched her anal muscles carefully. She was

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panting, pushing back against him by the time Luke straddled Declan’s thighs and pressed his cock against Keira’s opening. **** Keira could feel Luke’s excitement almost as keenly as her own, but it was Declan’s relief that they were finally together that affected him the most. The fact that he’d been willing to walk away, somehow believing he wasn’t their mate, was both incredibly selfless and completely heartbreaking. Keira felt tears well in her eyes, and she leaned over to press a kiss to Declan’s lips. “I love you,” she said directly into his mind. He seemed surprised by the strength of their link, and she smiled against his mouth as she sent memories to Declan of the first time she’d realized she had a link with Luke. He laughed quietly and then kissed her again. But all levity evaporated as Luke pressed his cock past the tight ring of muscle and slid into her back passage. The pain lasted only a moment, but the heat that swelled from her womb sent tendrils of lightning to every part of her body. And when they began to move every nerve ending vibrated, every muscle shook, every gasp for air wound her pleasure tighter. Then heat exploded in her middle, and she cried out as orgasm burst through her. Even as she shook, the men worked in tandem. One cock going into her as the other pulled out, both men holding her carefully as the three of them made love together. She could feel their excitement grow exponentially as her ass and pussy caressed them, dragging them deeper, gripping them tighter. Just as she felt them reach their own peaks, Declan sank his fangs into her throat, the enzyme burning a path through her veins as another orgasm spiraled through her. She gasped, panting, trying desperately to hold on to the incredible feeling. And then, like a bucket of warm water pouring

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over her, heat covered every inch of her body and warm lassitude sank deep into her bones. As she closed her eyes tiredly the mating link grew stronger. Every thought, every feeling, every memory that Declan and Luke had ever had, filled her mind—Declan’s childhood filled with love and acceptance, Luke’s confusion and pain from his father’s behavior, Declan’s fear and insecurity when he’d realized he was gay, and later his relief to learn that his family loved him regardless. A multitude of information swirled into her brain, and she worked hard to process it, to understand it. “Sleep now,” Luke whispered as he pressed soft kisses to her shoulder. “It’ll be easier to understand when the link is complete.” She nodded, exhaustion dragging her eyes closed as she lay her head on Declan’s chest. She barely remembered Luke moving away before sleep took her. **** Luke moved into the bathroom, quickly cleaned himself up, and headed back to the bedroom to take care of his mates. Keira lay sprawled across Declan, the soft smile on her face as she slept making her simply more beautiful. Declan held her tight, his mind full of questions as he sorted through some of the memories he’d gotten from Luke and Keira. “Is it okay that I don’t like your father?” he asked in a quiet whisper. Luke had never really told him much about his childhood, but now with the mating link in place, hiding his past hurts was no longer an option. “It’s okay with me,” he answered honestly. “I love him because he’s my father, but there are times when I don’t like him much either.” He cleaned Keira with a wet washcloth, moving slowly, trying to be careful not to wake her. “I’m also thinking that maybe

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you should handle Keira’s brother in the future. How the hell you managed to not punch that bastard in the nose is beyond me.” Declan chuckled softly, and Luke could hear the rest of his thoughts easily. It had been a trying dinner, but in the end family was family and you just had to deal with the relatives you were born with. It was obvious by Keira’s memories that when she was much younger she’d adored her big brother, so Luke resolved to try his best to get along with the man. It was only in recent years that Keira had begun to see the man for what he was—petty and jealous—but even that hadn’t made her love her brother any less. “Finally,” Declan said with a huge smile on his face. “I’ve been meaning to ask that question for quite a while now.” Luke laughed when he realized that Declan was sifting through what Luke knew about making Sesturian babies. Declan made a strangled gasping noise when he got to the part about the enzyme doubling Keira’s lifespan. Luke lay down beside him and caressed his face. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you earlier.” “I’m kind of glad you didn’t,” Declan said sincerely. “I’m not sure I could’ve lived with the guilt if I’d known.” “Babe, you had nothing to feel guilty about. Love never runs smoothly, not for humans, Sesturians or any other species in this universe. But we’ve found each other now, and that is the most important thing.” He could feel Keira starting to wake up and moved his hand to caress her head softly. “Hmm, a girl could get used to this,” she said as she rubbed her face against Declan’s chest. “It’s quite amazing, this full mating link.” She smiled as she rifled through Luke’s memories but stiffened as she ran into one that didn’t show him in a very flattering light. “Oh, wow, I thought what we had before was intrusive, but now we even get to share every embarrassing teenage memory in the history of adolescent stupidity.”

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Luke grinned knowingly. He’d already taken a quick wander through her memories as an awkward teenager and knew they weren’t as embarrassing as some of the things he and Declan had gotten up to. Although… He was about to tease her with one particularly embarrassing memory when she lifted up, grabbed him by the ear, and dragged his face to hers. “None of that,” she said with a laugh. “You love me enough to forget that memory.” Luke grinned. He did love her enough. He also loved Declan with all his heart, and he would love them both until the end of time. Somehow against the odds, they’d found perfection in a world full of flaws. And they planned to make the most of every day to come.

THE END WWW.RACHELCLARK.WEBS.COM

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rachel Clark loves reading romance stories, and when her hectic life lets her she writes a few of her own.

Also by Rachel Clark Siren Classic: Sarah’s Pirate Ménage Amour: Sequel to Sarah’s Pirate: Tee-ani’s Pirates Ménage Amour: Sequel to Tee-ani’s Pirates: G’baena’s Pirates Ménage and More: Taydelaan Ménage Amour: Their Taydelaan Ménage Amour: Nothing on Earth Ménage and More: No Use by Date for Love Ménage and More: Accidental Love for Three Ménage and More: A Future for Three Siren LoveXtreme: Edwina and the Seven Snowed-in Scientists

Available at BOOKSTRAND.COM

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com