I turn to observe her. The light from the rising sun gilds her features, so she seems like much more than an ordinary human and more like a goddess. Miranda’s eyes are wide as she gazes out at the earth beneath us. We’ve made one half orbit of the planet so far, passing from deepest night into dawn.

“You’re sure this is safe? We’re not going to hit a mountain or get shot down by fighter pilots?” She asks without turning her face from the view.

“It’s safe, I promise. I understand flying this low feels weird to you but I assure you that we will not hit anything, nor will we be detected by human technology. This is the very latest intergalactic exploration cruiser. We designed to observe without being observed,” I explain.

Miranda’s jaw falls open.

“You designed it?”

“Yeah, that’s what H’Aart and I do when we’re not flying across the galaxy to deliver goodies.”

“So cool,” she says almost to herself. “Fancy really knows how to give a gift. And you guys are amazing.”

“Indeed,” V’Lor says.

“Thank you,” She turns to me and then to V’Lor. Her eyes glimmer as if they’re full of unshed tears.

“It’s our pleasure,” V’Lor says, satisfaction and affection strengthening his voice.

Miranda hears his passion, and her eyes widen. She brings a gentle hand to his cheek and the two of them just look into each other’s eyes. My heart is beating fast. This is the moment my mates fall in love. And it just makes me love them more.

“The pleasure is mine.” It comes out as a whisper, awe and affection warming her words.

“Can I…” V’Lor begins as he leans down to kiss her.

Miranda slips her hand to his shoulder and pulls him closer.

“Yes,” she responds, almost breathless.

Their lips meet and I feel a rush of heat and excitement flow through me. This kiss is still gentle, soft, but both of them want more. The force of that want spikes heat in my own blood.

I move off the bench to sit at Miranda’s feet. I lift my hands to touch her, then pause, needing to hear that same invitation in her voice.

“May I touch you too, Miranda?” I ask, my voice gone gravelly.

She breaks the kiss with V’Lor and turns to look at me. Her eyes are brimming with sweetness, but I don’t move until she gives me permission. Instead, she cups my cheek with her small, soft hand and runs her thumb over my lips. Another blast of heat courses through me.

“I’m yours to touch, H’Aart,” she says.

“And I am yours,” I reply.

My chest tightens with the impact of these words. Because they feel like vows, words that bind us together. A promise. But for now, we’re only bound for this moment.

I lower my hands to her knees and feel the heat of her skin through the thin fabric. I’m desperate to get these coverings off, but I try not to rush.

Under my hands, she shifts to face V’Lor and kisses him some more. As she moves, I open her legs so I can get closer. She accommodates the pressure, moaning as my lips lower to kiss the inside of her knee then move to the inside of her thigh. Her hips push up like she’s trying to reach one of us, but neither V’Lor nor I are touching her there, between her legs, where she wants. Soon, my love, very soon.

Chapter 9: Miranda

So much is happening at once and all I can think is more, faster, please, now. What started as sweet soft kisses with V’Lor has now turned hungry, dirty, and it’s got my engine running hot. I think he feels it too, because between kisses, and some bites, he’s growling words I don’t understand into my neck and dragging down the straps of my dress.

And then there’s H’Aart who has the bottom of my dress hiked up and my tights around my left ankle. I think he’s traced every inch of my inner thighs with his tongue and I’m practically ready to explode. If someone doesn’t touch my pussy soon, I might actually scream. Instead, I break the kiss with V’Lor and moan.

“Pleeeeeease!”

“What do you want, sweetness?” H’Aart asks.

“Touch me. Between my legs. Do it fast. Please don’t wait.”