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“This is not just any relationship, Mara,” Kiril growled. “Our souls search for each other in every lifetime. Only the luckiest find their mate. Only the strongest love, the truest hearts, find their mate in more than one life.”

“How can you both be my mate? None of this makes any sense!” Mara was frantic to escape.

Her body had other plans.

Mikkarn’s lips found the other side of her neck, kissing, nipping. The contrast to Kiril’s more forceful touch was astounding.

“We will come to you.” They again spoke in unison. “We will win your heart, and your soul will recognize us for what we are…”

?* * *

Mara’s neck throbbed and her hand covered the spot Kiril had bitten. Her sheets were tangled about her body and she struggled to kick free.

Taking a deep, calming breath, she climbed out of bed and headed for the shower. Maybe she could find some peace in helping others. Maybe she could forget how wonderful it was to be in the strong arms of both men.

Men she knew, without a doubt, she loved with all her heart.

?* * *

The dreams were always welcome to Kiril. This one especially because he knew beyond any doubt that Mara was his -- theirs.

Which brought along a whole new set of circumstances. As he stretched his naked body, Mikkarn stirred next to him and Kiril smiled. They had enjoyed exploring each other after the explosive coupling by the pool. Kiril got out of bed and padded silently to the window.

“Mikkarn, did you ever think it possible to have more than one mate?”

“Not until tonight,” he said as he joined Kiril. Mikkarn had been silent most of the time since that first mating. Now that the connection was realized, Kiril was surprised they hadn’t seen it before.

“I understand now why I’ve always had the need to be near you all these years, even to the point of requesting to be your guard when I was second in command to General Kahn himself.” Kiril placed his hand on his friend’s shoulder. “You have always been very important to me.”

Mikkarn smiled. “I know. If it hadn’t been for Mara…”

“I know, Mik.” Kiril took a calming breath as he looked out the window, through the night, to Mara’s home. “Do you think she will understand?”

“I suppose that is up to us. I’m still not sure of all she feels, but she is confused. She knows something is not right when she is with only one of us, but I don’t think she realizes why.”

Kiril shrugged. “Or maybe she just doesn’t think it’s possible to love us both.”

Mikkarn turned sharply to face Kiril. “Then tomorrow, we prove to her she can.”

?* * *

Mara’s dreams were filled with images of Mikkarn and Kiril. Sometimes together, sometimes with her. Always, they expressed their love for each other, and for her. Now she knew these feelings weren’t hers alone.

She was more confused than ever.Why was she catching their thoughts? She had looked into the whole soul’s mate thing after Mikkarn’s reference. She wasn’t sure how much she believed, but she was hard-pressed to find another plausible explanation for her insight into the two men’s thoughts and feelings. Telepathy only existed on Gothe’mar between soul’s mates.

Scrubbing herself vigorously, she pulled herself together. She had work to do. Her personal life would have to wait.

As Mara left for the hospital, she couldn’t help looking toward their house. Had their night been as eventful as her dreams had been?

Mara sped off. She wassoin over her head!

As she made rounds, she tried to pull herself together. It was all she could do to concentrate on her patients. Thank goodness this was Gothe’mar. Everyone was simply waiting their turn with a healing tube. All of them would be completely well by this time tomorrow. Rounds were more a habit for her than a necessity.

Mara was charting on her last patient when the one person she didn’t want to see sauntered into the lounge. Tamche leaned casually against the doorframe.

“Congratulations, Mara. Your… um, physical… approach to medicine has been well received.”

Uncomfortable, Mara stood and straightened her lab coat. “Thank you.”

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