A Dragon’s Tale

Chapter 19: Beautiful Frailty

* * *

Beth took a deep breath, relishing the sensation of air rushing into her lungs.  She hadn’t breathed in two weeks because there was no air on the Astral Plane.  She had never before realized just how wonderful it felt to breathe. 

As the air rushed in, she smelled the stench of... Something.  She wasn’t sure what it was, but it reeked to the high heavens and was glorious.  Until this moment, she hadn’t realized just how much she missed being able to smell.  There was no sense of smell on the Astral Plane.  The stench was disgusting... and wonderful.

But best of all, she could feel Ethan.

He was holding onto her tightly as if he never wanted to let her go.  She didn’t want him to.  She hadn’t realized it until now, but she’d gone a full two weeks essentially without contact with another living person besides Gabriella. 

It felt amazing. 

Oh Illuminar in heaven, it felt amazing. 

She simply couldn’t describe how wonderful it was to have his arms around her.  She could almost feel herself tearing up as she squeezed him a little tighter. 

”Don’t let go.”  She whispered.

”Never.”  He whispered back.  ”You’re stuck with me from now on.” 

She sighed and tried to snuggle closer.  It was hard, as getting closer would involve some positions that she wasn’t willing to be in with other people there.  Well, maybe Alana, Taloni, or Rachel, but no one else.  She had just enough time to register the strangeness of including Rachel -- who wasn’t married to Ethan -- on that list before he broke in on her thoughts. 

”I missed you.”

She sighed again.  ”I missed you too.  So, so much.” 

”Let me look at you.”  He said as he released her.  He stared into her face with a look that made her heart melt.  His eyes were twinkling and the smile on his face was mirrored by the happiness in his eyes.  He almost looked like he was glowing. 

She couldn’t see through is disguise gem anymore, but she knew that it would accurately convey emotion.  There was no doubt he was overjoyed to see her.  She thought he would be, but the look in his eye put every doubt to rest. 

”Hello beautiful.”  He said softly after gazing at her for several seconds.

”Hello handsome.”  She felt like her heart would burst if it was any fuller.

He reached up and tenderly brushed her cheek with the back of his hand.  She sighed and leaned into that hand, scarcely believing this was real.  After two weeks, it felt like a lifetime since he had touched her like this.

Ethan looked at his hand, which was now streaked with the blood she’d lost two weeks ago in that alley.  It had all unfrozen when the stasis spell was lifted, and she did look a bit of a mess.  Her dress was covered in blood, especially the back.  Her hair was damp with blood and looked more like it had come from Rachel’s head than her own.  She knew her face, hands, and body were covered in blood, too but it was okay. 

She was alive.

Ethan was here.

She smiled.

”My blushing, bloody bride.”  He said with a wink as he gave her the once over with a more practical appraisal. 

She made a noise somewhere between a groan and a chuckle. 

Rachel cleared her throat. 

Beth was abruptly reminded that it wasn’t just the two of them in this moment of perfect, incandescent happiness.  She looked around at the four other people and felt a slight twinge of shame as her gaze settled on Alana.

She hadn’t exactly been mean to her, but she couldn’t think about her own behavior without wanting to hide under a rock.  Frankly, she was a little surprised that the lovely wood elf even wanted her around.  She wanted to make it up to her somehow but didn’t know how.  Gabriella’s suggestions to ’use her words and then her lips and tongue’ didn’t make much sense at the moment.

”Welcome back Beth.”  Alana said with a wide, genuine smile. 

”Thank you.”  Beth said, biting her lip.

”It’s good to see you Beth.”  Rachel said.  She still looked tired from breaking the enchantment, but her face was all smiles.

Beth smiled at the redhead.  ”Thank you so much for everything you’ve done.”  She looked at both women.  ”Thank you both so much.  I wouldn’t be here without you.”

Beth turned to Ted and Sophia who were both sitting there with their mouths agape.  ”Thank you both.  I’d give you a hug, but...”  She looked down at her bloody dress.

”We were happy to help.”  Ted said after a moment.  He looked like he couldn’t believe what was before his eyes.  The blonde teen could empathize, having seen all the wonders in Ethan’s world that seemed to defy all reason and explanation. 

Sophia smiled.  ”I’m so glad we helped.” 

”Now, we need to get you out of those bloody clothes.”  Ethan said completely deadpan without a hint of flirtatiousness... until she noticed the twinkle in his eyes.  He stood and offered her his hand. 

She took it and also stood, then looked down at herself and wrinkled her nose.  ”Ugh, I really am a mess.” 

”You’ll want to get that blood out of your hair before it dries, especially because you’re a blond; trust me.”  Sophia said. 

”Is there a bathhouse nearby?” Beth asked.  ”I didn’t see one at the apartment.”

Ethan chuckled.  ”The apartment has a shower, which is better.” 

”Better than a hot bath?”  Beth raised her eyebrow. 

He nodded. 

”You can’t walk down the street like that though.”  He pointed out. 

That seemed to shake Ted out of his astonishment.  ”You shouldn’t be walking at all.  You were dead a few minutes ago.  You need a complete check-up.” 

”She’s fine.”  Rachel said.  ”I checked when I healed her broken ribs.”

”Checked with what?”  Ted asked.  ”You don’t look like you have any scanners or...  wait, did you say ’healed her broken ribs’?” 

”I used magic.”  The redhead shrugged like it was no big deal. 

Ted stared incredulously.

”Beth, I have a blanket you can wrap yourself with.”  Ethan said.  ”That should keep all the blood out of sight for a while until we get back to the apartment to get you cleaned off.” 

”But you can’t walk anywhere, not until we’ve checked you out.”  Ted repeated rather firmly.

”She’s fine.”  Rachel repeated just as firmly, and the redhead looked like she was getting annoyed.

”But--”  Ted started to say when Sophia put her hand on his arm. 

”How about we give you a ride to your apartment in the ambulance?”  She suggested to Beth.  ”That way, Ted can make sure you’re okay during the ride and you won’t risk someone seeing a bloody teenage girl walking around town?” 

Beth looked to Ethan for a decision

”That’s not a bad idea.”  He nodded. 

”Are you sure?”  Rachel asked.  She started looking a little green around the gills at the prospect of entering the ambulance, much like she had looked when Ethan had explained the concept of a transfusion.  ”I mean, getting into the belly of one of those steel beasts?  That seems...  Is that even safe?”

Beth resisted the urge to laugh.  The mage would fearlessly charge a necromancer without a second thought but was mortified by the thought of entering one of those horseless carriages.

”I promise it’s perfectly safe.”  Ethan said. 

Rachel closed her eyes, took a deep, calming breath, then nodded.  ”If you’re sure.” 

”I am.”  He said with a chuckle. 

”Cool.”  Beth grinned.  ”I’m sitting next to Ethan.” 

* * *

Hailey took a deep breath and let it out slowly as she walked back into Jason’s apartment.   Strangely, she didn’t think of it as ’her and Jason’s apartment’ anymore.  Not after being away for so long, and not since Melinda had moved in and was carrying Jason’s child.

She couldn’t decide how she felt about that.

They had obviously thought that she was dead.  If she had been dead, she would’ve wished they’d found each other...  but she wasn’t dead.  She was very much alive and she wanted Jason back.  Yet at the same time, she didn’t think it was right to take him from Mels. 

She stepped out of the way as Jason helped Melinda up the rest of the stairs.  The Latina woman was clearly having a bit of trouble with the stairs to their second-floor apartment with her being so pregnant.  Jason was very thoughtful and attentive, helping her whenever she needed it. 

She sighed; that could’ve been her.

It had been her.

She felt a slight pang of regret at not telling Jason about their baby, but just couldn’t bring herself to.  She wasn’t sure she would ever be able to.   It hurt too much just to think about it.

She held the door for Melinda and Jason, then closed it behind them.  They both looked at her fondly, but also with uncertainty.  She hoped they would be okay with her intruding. 

”So Hailey, remember how I disappeared at the police station for a bit?”  Jason asked. 

”Yeah.” 

”Well, I was trying to think of how we could welcome you home properly.  So I stopped at the store and grabbed what we need for your favorite dinner.” 

Hailey felt her stomach rumble at the same time that her mouth fell open.  ”You didn’t?” 

”Brats and beer with sauerkraut still sound good?”  Melinda asked with a smile. 

Hailey felt like she was going to cry as she nodded. 

”Good, then you’re making the sauerkraut.”  He said. 

”I’ll get the condiments going.”  Melinda said and they all set off to work. 

It was just like old times. 

Hailey asked how their lives were going as she emptied the jar of sauerkraut into a colander and squeezed all the brine out into the sink.  She then tipped the dried mass into a saucepan with an entire stick of butter.  Moments later, Melinda supplied some thinly sliced onion wedges which Hailey also tipped into the saucepan.  Jason and Melinda caught her up on all the news while she caramelized the sauerkraut and onion in the butter.

”Oh God I haven’t smelled that in way too long.”  She said and inhaled the wonderful scent of the slightly caramelized sauerkraut.

”How about this?”  Jason asked as he pulled the lid off the pot in which he was cooking the bratwurst.  As usual, he had submerged the brats in their favorite beer and was cooking them that way.  It was a shame to waste the beer, but the brats absorbed the flavor and became heavenly.

”Perfection.”  Hailey sighed, imagining what they would taste like on a bun with the slightly caramelized sauerkraut and onion on top and some spicy brown mustard.  Not long after, dinner was finished cooking and they sat down at the table to eat.

It was wonderful.

It wasn’t exactly the same as it had been four years ago, but it was close.  They chatted like the old friends they were.  There was a bit of underlying tension and awkwardness, but overall, it felt much like it used to feel when they all hung out together before.  The food was amazing.  Her favorite meal in the world somehow tasted even better.

”That was amazing.”  Jason said when he had finished. 

”Hear, hear.”  Melinda agreed.  ”The baby agrees too.”  She said as she put her hand on her stomach.  ”He just kicked.” 

”Aww.”  Hailey smiled. 

”Do you want to feel?”  Melinda asked.  ”He’s still moving and will probably kick again.” 

Hailey bit her lip, then leaned forward a bit and put her hand on the other woman’s stomach.  A few seconds later, she felt a tiny impact as the baby kicked again.  

”You said it was a boy?”  Hailey asked. 

Melinda nodded. 

”Do you have a name?”  She asked, realizing it was quite awkward to feel her former boyfriend’s child in the womb of her best friend.  Still, it made her happy that Melinda had a child and that she seemed so happy about it. 

”Not yet.”  Jason said.  ”However, I think ’Ethan’ is climbing the charts.” 

”I would be okay with that.”  Melinda said.  ”He did bring Hailey back to us.”  She looked at Hailey looking happy, though slightly conflicted. 

Hailey didn’t blame her. 

Her mere presence could potentially cause a lot of problems for the couple.  She didn’t want to cause problems.  She didn’t want to cause a rift between Jason and Melinda and she didn’t want to be a third wheel either.  She wanted Jason back without taking him from Melinda.  The only way she could see that happening was something like what Ethan had with his wives. 

She’d seen it work, she just didn’t know if it could work for them.  If she was perfectly honest, she didn’t want to share Jason.  Knowing Melinda, the Latina woman wouldn’t want to share him either.  However, she herself might be willing if it was the only option. 

She wondered if Melinda felt the same. 

”So, I know we’re all in a strange place.”  Jason said heavily.  ”I know there’s a lot going unsaid and a lot of things we need to figure out.  However, I say we leave that until tomorrow.  Tonight, let’s celebrate this wonderful occasion and just be happy.  Tomorrow, we’ll figure out what we need to do.  Sound good?” 

Hailey and Melinda both nodded.

”Good.”  He smiled.  ”Now, I can think of something we all enjoy that we haven’t done together in four years.”  He looked at Hailey.  ”How’s that sound...?  Shiny?” 

She smiled as she recognized the lingo from their favorite TV show.  ”I would love to.  I haven’t seen Firefly in way too long.” 

They all cleaned up after dinner and then sat on the couch.  It wasn’t until they had all sat down that Hailey realized that she and Melinda had naturally sat on either side of Jason.  While that might’ve seemed natural to an observer, it wasn’t.  Hailey had always sat in the middle before. 

”Oh, I’ll be right back.”  Melinda said as she pulled herself up off the couch, her stomach preceding her into the bedroom.  She came back a minute later with...

Hailey started to get choked up. 

”Here you go.”  Melinda said as she draped the blanket over her friend

Hailey blinked back the tears as she held the blanket.  It was ugly as sin, but also warm, soft, and her favorite blanket in the world.  Melinda and Hailey had made it together when the former had decided to take up quilting.  The experiment had lasted exactly one quilt, which Mels had given to her. 

She wrapped it around herself as Jason queued up the first episode. She remembered the couch too.  It had taken the three of them an hour to get it up the stairs into apartment.   Sitting there, wrapped in her favorite blanket, on her favorite couch, watching her favorite TV show, with her two favorite people, after eating her favorite meal, she felt good. 

She hadn’t actually felt ’good’ in ages. 

Certainly not since arriving in the Ten Kingdoms.

She fully intended to fall asleep on the couch while watching Firefly.  For the first time in four years, she felt like she could truly relax. Yes, there things to figure out tomorrow; but not tonight.

Tonight, everything felt cozy and right. 

* * *

Selene yawned and then took another measured sip of her lukewarm coffee.  It was almost ten O’clock and none of the people she was looking for had shown up yet.  The coffee had cooled hours ago and she was starting to think that it might be a good idea to setup a targeted long-distance motion sensor and get some shut-eye. 

Then an ambulance pulled up and stopped right in front of the yoga studio she’d been watching. 

The back door opened and a male EMT hopped out, followed by the strange dragon-man she was watching for.  He looked human to her.  She took down the number of the ambulance and a description of the EMT. 

Moments later, the dragon-man helped someone out of the back. 

It was a girl who looked to be in her mid-late teens with heavily-dyed hair that was mostly dark, but had plenty of blond near the top.  She pulled up her binoculars and saw that it wasn’t dye.

It was blood. 

The girl was covered in it.  She was holding a blanket around herself but wasn’t paying much attention to it.  Selene could see that her dress was covered in blood when the blanket swung open.  The dragon-man quickly pulled it closed again, and the bloody girl gave him a flirtatious glance. 

Selene pulled on her earphones, which were connected to the long-range shotgun microphone.

”--supposed to be pulling my clothes the other way.”  The bloody blonde whispered into his ear, though Selene could hear every word thanks to modern surveillance equipment. 

”Don’t die next time and I’ll pull them any way you want.”  The dragon-man’s back was to her so she couldn’t see his face.  However, his body language looked happy.  So did the girl’s.

”I promise.”  The girl said, then parted the blanket and looked down.  ”Speaking of clothes, I think this dress is a lost cause; I’ll never get all this blood out of it.” 

”We brought another dress for you, so as long as I can get you out of it, I’m not too worried.”  The dragon-man whispered back with a flirtatious tone. 

Selene rolled her eyes as two other women from earlier hopped out of the back of the ambulance.  The redhead looked like she might be sick, but the brunette just smiled dreamily at the flirting couple like she was looking at the most amazing, romantic sight in the world.

Strange.

Selene could’ve sworn the brunette and the dragon-man were involved, given their body language earlier.  She almost thought the redhead might’ve been involved with him too, or at least was attracted to him.  Yet he was openly flirting with the bloody girl.  She frowned: she must’ve read it wrong. 

”Thanks again for everything.”  The dragon-man said to the male paramedic while holding out his hand.  ”I really appreciate.”

”Don’t mention it.”  The paramedic replied as they shook hands. 

”I won’t, and I’d prefer if you didn’t either.” 

The paramedic nodded.  ”Yeah, I supposed I’ll put what you said on the 911 call in my report: slipped knife, heavy bleeding, needed a transfusion and stitches. Hopefully, it won’t raise any eyebrows because I don’t think magic and raising the dead would go unnoticed.” 

”Exactly.”  The dragon-man said.  ”I was hoping to keep a very low profile while I’m back on Earth.” 

Selene stared. 

Magic?  Raising the dead?  ’Back on Earth’?   They must be a code words.   That’s it; that’s all it really could be.   They were using code words and she didn’t have the key to crack it. 

The paramedic looked confused.  ”Back on Earth?” 

”Yeah, I’ve been gone for...  Oh, almost two months now.  I used a portal to get back this morning.” 

Selene smiled as she jotted that down.   ’Almost two months’ was a fairly concrete timeframe she could work with.  When she got a few minutes, she was going to cross-check her picture with anything out of the ordinary in the area from ’almost two months’ ago.

”But how...?”  The paramedic shook his head.  ”Never mind; I don’t want to know.  Take care and no offense, but I hope I never see you again.” 

”None taken, and likewise.”  The dragon-man looked at the blonde with blood in her hair.  ”I don’t plan on letting her die again, that’s for damn sure.” 

The paramedic nodded, walked to the front of the ambulance, got in, and drove away. 

The four remaining people -- the dragon-man, the blond, the brunette, and the redhead -- waved as they drove away.  Once they were gone, the dragon man looked at the blonde and the brunette, then kissed them both, one after the other.  It was clearly a romantic kiss shared by lovers, and he kissed them both right in front of each other. 

Strange.

”I love you ladies.”  He said.

”I love you too.”  They both replied gazing at him adoringly. 

Then he led all four through a door on the left side, the mirror image of the one she’d used earlier that day.  Less than a minute later, the light turned on inside the upper left-hand apartment. 

”That snake.”  Selene mumbled as she realized Jason must have given them an apartment to use.

Fairly confident they were retired for the night, Selene pulled off the headphones and leaned back in her chair. 

This was weird. 

Very weird. 

First the picture and now all this strange talk about magic, leaving Earth, and now portals?  She was sure they were using code words, but didn’t have enough information to even try cracking it.  However, the picture...

She pulled out her phone and texted her dad. ”Could you call me when you get a minute?” 

Her phone started buzzing about thirty seconds later. 

”Hey dad.”

”Hi, what’s up?” 

”I’m going to send you a picture and I want you to tell me what you see.” 

”Sure.”  He replied. 

”Sent.”  She said as she pushed the button to share it.

”Got it, let’s see...  Hmm...  This is a pretty good job with the edit there.  I can’t even see the edges where you pasted this reptile, alien, dragon thing in.  Good job.” 

”That’s just it dad, I didn’t edit the photo.”  She replied, and then told him about the photo changing when she got far enough away from the subject, and how it looked like a man when she’d snapped the photo. 

”It’s not April 1st, is it?”  Her dad replied with a chuckle. 

”No, and I’m not joking.”  She said seriously. 

”Oh.  Hmm...”  He was silent for a moment.  ”I just finished a class at the dojo.  Let me get home and I’ll analyze it on my computer.  Please send me a hi-rez version via email.”

”Thanks dad, I appreciate it.”  She said as she did so.  ”I don’t think it’s the picture, but it would be good to have a second set of eyes on it.” 

”Is this for a case?” 

”Sort of?”  She replied.  ”It is related to my current case, but it’s so weird I wanted a second opinion before I said anything to Mason about it.

”Understood.  Oh, by the way, your mother wanted me to give you a message.”  He said with a chuckle.

”Let me guess: my eggs are dying and I need to find a man and use them before she loses her chance at grandkids?” 

”Nope, it’s the other one.” 

”Yes, I remember to lock my door.”  Selene sighed. 

Her dad laughed.  ”You can’t blame her for caring.” 

”I know.”  Selene sighed again.  ”But I’m not helpless and I’m only twenty-three; my eggs are just fine and she has beat the husband thing into my head for most of my life.  It’s not likely I’ll ever forget.”

”Certainly not with your mother to remind you.”  He chuckled.  ”Seriously though, did you think about what I said last time?  I don’t want my little girl ending up all alone and helpless.” 

Selene laughed.  ”Yes, I’m sure I’ll forget nearly two decades of Brazilian Jujitsu once I can’t find a husband.”

”Your teacher would be sorry sad to hear that.”  He said with mock concern.  ”You know, I hear he’s a handsome, wise, and discerning fellow.” 

Selene smiled but rolled her eyes.  ”Just keep telling yourself that.”

”Oh, I will.” 

She chuckled as she shook her head.  ”Seriously though, I have thought about it.  I promise, the first decent man I meet who isn’t scared of me when he learns what I’m capable of will be given a fair shot.”

”Scared of you?  It almost sounds like people find my little bubble angel scary.” 

”Oh my God dad!”  She blushed.  ”I was like, five years old.  Please stop calling me that.” 

”Hey, angels have a direct line to the Big Guy, not me.” 

”I’m hanging up now.”  She said, then added a bit more seriously.  ”Thanks for looking at the picture.” 

”You’re welcome...  my little bubble an--”

She couldn’t help but smile as she hung up on him mid-sentence, knowing he’d burst out laughing when she did.  She could imagine the expression and exactly how he would do it too.

For a brief moment, the thought that she would love to have a man who’d do the same thing flitted through her mind.  Her dad was right about ending up lonely, but she had yet to meet an eligible man who wasn’t intimidated by her.  Though, it would be nice to have someone with whom she could talk things over.

For now, she went to her father when she needed a second opinion or someone to talk to.  It was nice, even if he insisted on calling her by embarrassing childhood nicknames.

* * *

Alana had made sure that any blood that dripped from Beth’s clothes was wiped up before they entered the apartment.  However, she hadn’t understood how they would clean the blood off Beth herself because she hadn’t seen a bathtub in the apartment.  Now, she was looking at a marvel. 

”That’s...  that’s just incredible.”  She breathed.

Rachel -- who was standing just outside the open bathroom door -- whistled.  ”It’s like a tiny waterfall.” 

Ethan nodded.  ”It’s called a shower, and the water is hot too.” 

Alana reached her hand out through the open shower door to feel water that was the perfect temperature for taking a hot bath, only it was continuously falling. 

”By Illuminar, that’s one of the most wonderful things I’ve ever seen.”  The wood elf breathed. 

”How does it work?”  Beth asked. 

”I’ll explain later.”  He replied.  ”Right now, let’s get you into the shower before all that blood dries.” 

”That’s my cue to leave.”  Rachel said, leaving and closing the door behind her. 

Suddenly, Alana felt slightly nervous.  The bathroom was large enough to comfortably fit the three of them.  However, she had never been in the same room with another naked woman before.

”Um, I’ll join Rachel.”  She said and turned to leave. 

”You don’t have to go.”  Ethan said.

”Yes, but this is the same room in which we all relieved ourselves earlier.”  The wood elf pointed to the toilet, which in and of itself had taken some getting used to.  It wasn’t much more than an excuse, but she was really nervous and felt like she needed one. 

”Well, you don’t have to stay; I’m just saying you don’t have to leave.”  He replied and turned to Beth.  ”You could...  Oh.”  He nodded as comprehension dawned.  ”You’re uncomfortable with the idea of being naked around each other.” 

Alana nodded, Beth bit her lip. 

”I won’t make you do anything you’re not comfortable with.”  He said.  ”You can leave, or even just turn around while we get in.  The glass on the shower is frosted so you won’t see anything.” 

”We?”  Beth asked. 

He nodded, and the disguise gem flicked off.  There was blood streaked across his scales from holding Beth after she’d woken.  ”I need to clean it off somehow.” 

”Maybe I’ll just turn around?”  Alana said.  She didn’t want to leave the room because Ethan was there, but didn’t feel quite right seeing Beth naked. 

”Ethan, would you care to help me?”  Beth said from behind her with a flirtatious affectation in her voice. 

”I would be honored.”  Came his equal flirtatious reply. 

Alana wasn’t the least bit jealous -- quite the opposite, she was happy they were flirting -- but she somehow felt like she was intruding.  There was the sound of clothes rustling, then one of those ’plastic bag’ things rustling as someone -- probably Ethan -- put Beth’s bloody clothes in it. 

Beth was probably naked behind her. 

Alana heard the shower door close and then Beth almost moaned as she heard the shower water started splashing off of her.  ”Oh, dear Illuminar in heaven, this is amazing.”

”Oh shoot.”  Ethan said.  ”I forgot about towels...  I’m going to see if I can borrow a few from Jason and Melinda.  Be right back.” 

He flicked on his disguise gem and darted out of the room. 

”I’m in, you can relax.”  The blonde teen said after he left.   There was a hint of nervousness in her voice too.

”You too?”  The wood elf said as she turned around. 

”It’s a little awkward.”  Beth admitted from behind the door.  The shower door and walls were made of glass, but it was frosted so she couldn’t see Beth inside the shower.   She could both hear Beth moving and see the faintest outline of her young body though. 

”Yeah, you should’ve been there when Taloni and I woke up next to him not wearing our dresses.” 

”I was there.”  Beth said, and something in her voice sounded sad. 

”Oh?” 

”Yes.”  Beth sighed, though probably because of the water, not the memory.  ”It was rather like watching one of the Dominus novels play out in front of me.”  She giggled. 

”The ’Dominus novels’?”  Alana repeated.  ”What are those?” 

”It was a series of novels set back in the good old days of the Ten Kingdoms.  ’Dominus’ is a slightly antiquated but very respectful way of saying ’lord’, though it also suggested an element of mastery or ownership, so it fell out of use in favor of ’lord’.”

”I’ve never heard of them.” 

”I used to love them, but father removed them from the library when he found out a Dominus would occasionally take an additional wife.  Still, they were really fun to read.” 

”Oh, why did Taloni and I remind you of that?”

”There were a couple where the Dominus took more than one wife, and the wives were always nervous being naked around each other at first, but then they would...”  Beth paused, then let out a startled gasp. 

”What?”

”Nothing.”  Beth replied a little too quickly. 

”Then they would what?”  Alana asked again. 

”Um, they would...  ah... um...  ’get closer’.”  The last two words were slightly squeaked out as if she was forcing herself to say them. 

She wasn’t sure that she wanted to know what the blonde meant, but asked anyway.  ”What do you mean by ’get closer’?”

”Um...  I mean...  Uh...  They never really described what happened, but there was some pointed hinting, so...” 

Feeling like she would probably regret asking, the wood elf pressed on.  ”Hinting at what?” 

”Um, at...  well, there were two wives and they were...  um, with the Dominus, and in bed they would...  well they kind of...” 

Suddenly, Alana’s dream from a few days ago flashed into her mind.  She had imagined kissing Rachel.  It had been a chaste kiss.  But other, less-innocent kisses had sprung into the wood elf’s head afterward.  She was pretty sure that Beth was talking about something more than merely kissing though, and couldn’t help but wonder--

The door flew open.

”They let me borrow several.”  Ethan said as he barged in, clearly unaware of how uncomfortable a conversation he was saving them from. 

”Oh good.”  Alana said enthusiastically, though she wasn’t entirely sure a few towels warranted her reaction.

Apparently, neither did Ethan.  He raised an eyebrow at her.

”The blood isn’t coming out of my hair.”  Beth groaned, saving her from having to answer. 

”I borrowed some shampoo too, and Melinda offered her hair dryer.”  He said as he deposited the towels on the counter.   ”I’m hopping in the shower to clean this blood off.”  He said to Alana, then added with a twinkle in his eye.  ”Care to join us?”

Beth squeaked. 

Alana blushed and averted her eyes. 

”I mean, assuming you’re both okay with it.”  Ethan added.

”I um...  I think I’m good here for now.”  Alana said as she took a step back and slid down the wall until she was sitting on the floor.  It had been one thing when she was very aroused and Taloni had been nervous. It was quite another thing now that she wasn’t feeling so horny.  Now she was suddenly feeling very shy.

”Okay.”  He looked a tad disappointed but shrugged and stepped into the shower. 

* * *

Beth suddenly felt nervous as Ethan stepped into the shower.  She wasn’t entirely sure why.  They had shared a bed before and he had just taken off her clothes.  There was no reason to be nervous.  None whatsoever.

And yet she was. 

He slipped his arms around her from behind and the water bounced off of both of them.

”Oh damn, that feels good.”  He said as the water started rolling down his body.  Then he whispered in her ear:  ”The shower doesn’t feel bad either.” 

She smiled nervously as he pulled her closer, her back pressing into his front.  It felt good.  So very good. 

”It does feel good.”  She said as she looked up at him.  He was several inches taller than her, and she had to crane her neck slightly at this angle to see him.  He still had his disguise gem on. 

”Could you turn the disguise gem off?”  She asked.  ”I want to see you.” 

He did.

She felt entirely stupid for falling in love with a dragon... but she had.  She twisted in his arms until her front was pressed up against his.  His scales were very smooth without rough edges, unlike the scales of every other creature.  Dragon scales were curved and bent down in such a way as to interlock with the scale below it.  You could run your hand in any direction over dragon scales and it would always feel smooth.

She did. 

She could feel his powerful muscles under the smooth scales.  She loved the way it felt; the way he felt.

”I thought you could see through the disguise gem.”  He said as he held her. 

”Not anymore.”  She replied.  ”I think my death broke our bond.” 

”Fortunately, that’s not hard to fix.”  He said, and took her hand in his.

She bit her lip.  ”Could we please wait, just a bit longer?” 

”Why?” 

”Because if re-bonding is anything like bonding, I’m going to want you to take me to bed and I don’t know if I’ll be able to resist.” 

He looked confused.  ”You don’t want to go to bed with me?” 

”No, no I do.”  She said quickly.  ”But there’s something I need to do first, if it’s okay with you.” 

”What?” 

Beth glanced at the slightly frosted glass of the shower door, and mouthed: ”Apologize to Alana”. 

Ethan raised his hands as if to say ”for what?” 

”I wasn’t very nice to her.”  Beth whispered. 

Ethan nodded, then motioned towards the door.  The wood elf was sitting just on the other side of it, though they couldn’t see her through the frosted glass.  

Beth felt her throat tighten. 

She bit her lip.

”Hey, I’ve got you.”  He said quietly while holding her close.  ”If this is something you need to do, I’ll be right here the whole time.” 

She nodded at him and then turned towards the door.  ”Um, Alana?”  The blonde teen said tentatively.

”Yes?” 

”Can I talk to you for a moment?” 

”You already are, but feel free to talk some more.”  There was a smile in the wood elf’s voice as she replied, which put Beth’s mind at ease a little.

She couldn’t decide if it was easier or harder that she couldn’t see the wood elf.  She didn’t have to look her in the eye, which made it easier.  But then again, she couldn’t see the wood elf’s face or reactions which made it harder.  For some reason, she felt like this needed to happen face-to-face though. 

She turned to Ethan.  ”Is it okay if I get out for a moment?”

”Sure.”  He said, then his eye raked up and down her body.  She would’ve been very turned on if she didn’t have something so important and nerve-wracking to do.

Beth opened the door to the shower a bit and poked her head out so her body was still concealed.  Alana was still sitting on the floor, but looked reasonably comfortable. 

”What’s up?” 

”I wanted to...”  Beth shook her head.  This was all wrong.  She was doing this like it was nothing.  She knelt down so the door still covered her, but she was at the wood elf’s level. 

”I wanted to apologize.”  She said after a deep breath.  ”I wasn’t very nice to you when I was alive.  I mean, alive before.”  She felt herself tearing up.  ”You are Ethan’s first wife and I took him away from you, and then I was really mean to you about it.  I’m so, so sorry.  Will you please forgive me?” 

Alana smiled.  ”Of course I forgive you.” 

”Really?” 

”Of course.  Why wouldn’t I?”

”I don’t know, I just...  I was so mean...” 

Alana took a deep breath.  ”I’ve been mean to people before too.  I would want them to forgive me; how could I not forgive you?” 

”Thank you.”  Beth said wiping her cheeks.  ”I feel like I should give you a hug, but...”  She looked at the shower and then at Alana, who was still dressed and dry.  ”When I get out?” 

”Absolutely.”  Alana beamed.

”I can’t wait.”  Beth said with a smile, then closed the door. 

Ethan looked amused.  ”You were worried she wouldn’t forgive you?” 

Beth nodded. 

”Alana’s not like that.”  He said. 

”I can still hear you.”  The wood elf said from the other side of the shower

”You’d be able to hear better from in here.”  He replied with a sing-song voice.

”I wouldn’t mind either.”  Beth added before she realized what she was saying, then blushed.

Alana didn’t answer. 

He chuckled and turned to Beth, grabbing the shampoo bottle as he did so.  ”Now, let’s get you clean.” 

* * *

Alana sat on the bathroom floor waging a furious war with herself.  Something deep inside of her was telling her that she needed to go give Beth a hug; shower or no shower.  The rest of her was too embarrassed to make a move. 

So she sat paralyzed on the bathroom floor.

She could hear the water splashing off the both of them, Beth’s giggles, and Ethan’s appreciative noises as they surely rubbed their hands all over each other under the water.  The thought was turning her on.  Like, really turning her on.  She had rarely wanted Ethan so badly.

They were in there, both naked, and she wanted to join them.  They had both said they wouldn’t mind and she wanted to, it was just...  She blushed scarlet and felt an incredible warmth in her cheeks.

She took a deep breath. 

It was fine. 

Never mind that no one except for Ethan had ever seen her naked.  A tiny part of her was worried that the beautiful teen would either think she wasn’t pretty or -- even worse -- Ethan might start comparing the two of them and she would come up short.  She didn’t think he would ever do that, but if he did...

She didn’t think she could take that. 

But she wanted to join them, and she really felt like she needed to give Beth a hug.  Like two minutes ago. 

Slowly, she stood up. 

She took the three steps to the shower door, took a deep breath, then knocked.  Ethan opened it, and there he was in all his naked glory.  His wet scales glistened under the water and his massive cock was out and erect.  Instantly, she was nearly as wet as his scales. 

”Yes?”  He said with a flirtatious expression. 

”I um... I really feel like I need to give Beth a hug; like now.”  She said, then let out the breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding. 

There was a little squeal, and then Beth ducked around Ethan and threw her arms around the wood elf, drenching her dress.  Alana smiled and hugged the blonde back. 

”I was worried you’d be mad at me.”  Beth whispered into her ear.

”No, no I’m not mad at you.”  She gave the blonde an extra squeeze.  ”I’m so glad you’re back; our lives just didn’t feel complete without you.” 

Beth let go of Alana and stepped back, then -- apparently realizing she was completely naked -- squeaked, covered herself, and darted behind Ethan again.

”Um, Alana.”  Ethan said as he pointed to her shoulder. 

She looked down to see that the water trickling down from her neck and hair had a slightly red cast to it.  ”Oh no.”  She sighed.

”What the--”  Beth asked as her face appeared above Ethan shoulder, though she stopped when she saw.  ”I’m sorry.  I thought I had gotten most of it out.” 

Ethan sighed heavily in mock resignation.  ”I guess you’ll just have to join us in here and get cleaned off properly...”  He turned to Beth.  ”Assuming you don’t mind.”

Beth bit her lip, got a slightly strange expression, and then shook her head.  ”No, I don’t mind.” 

They both looked at Alana. 

She felt her cheeks get very warm, and it had nothing to do with the steam from the shower.

”Is there even room?”  She finally said. 

”Not much, we’ll need to squeeze to fit.”  Ethan said with great anticipation. 

He was exaggerating.  The shower looked comfortably large enough to hold the three of them, though they would be brushing up against each other a lot.  She didn’t mind with Ethan, but with Beth...

She felt a small jet of arousal radiate from her hips as she thought about rubbing up against Beth, naked... soaking wet... in the shower...

”Uh-huh.”  She said, though it came out halfway between coherent words and a moan.

”You’ll need to take that dress off.”  Ethan prompted. 

She nodded. 

Her entire body was coming alive at the thought of rubbing up against the two of them in there.  She could already barely think when it occurred to her that she would also get to watch the two of them touching each other.  She had no idea why that turned her on so much, but it definitely did.

She reached down and grabbed the hem of her dress. 

She was super nervous. 

She had known Ethan found her attractive long before their wedding night, and he had literally cut her clothes off to see her.  His expression and roaming eyes left her in no doubt that he was thoroughly pleased by her body.  But Beth hadn’t seen her naked before.  What if Beth laughed at her short legs and height?  What if he decided he liked Beth better after seeing the two of them side-by-side?

In the back of her mind, she knew these were foolish fears, but she had them nevertheless.

She started pulling the hem of her dress up. 

She could feel the arousal coming from Ethan, and knew he was loving this.  She could feel her own arousal and wasn’t sure she’d be able to stop herself jumping on him.  From Beth’s expression, she wasn’t exactly disinterested. 

She pulled the dress higher, exposing her hips... and the slit between them. 

Ethan grinned and a low, aroused growl escaped his throat.  His cock seemed to stand up even straighter.  She took confidence from his reaction; he definitely wanted her naked. 

She pulled the hem higher, up to her eyes.

She knew her stomach was exposed, and she caught Ethan’s eyes.  They were filled with something that was half love, half lust, and all enraptured. 

Finally, she pulled the dress off. 

She let it hit the ground, then covered her breasts and slit with her hands.  She wasn’t sure why.  She shook her head so her long hair fell down the front, obscuring the upper part of her breasts. 

Ethan whistled appreciatively.  ”Coming?”

”Not yet.”  She replied in a voice barely above a whisper, then turned beet red. 

Ethan growled suggestively.  ”Join us.” 

She took a step forward and he moved to make room, then closed the shower door behind her.  It was tight quarters.  The shower was just big enough so they didn’t feel claustrophobic, but not enough that they could stretch out.  Ethan moved so she could get under the water, which she did. 

”Oh, Illuminar in heaven.”  She breathed as she felt the hot water hit her tanned skin and roll down.  ”Oh God, that’s heavenly.” 

”Isn’t it.”  Beth said from somewhere nearby.  Alana kept her eyes closed so she couldn’t see the blonde teen.  She was too embarrassed.

”It is.”  She agreed emphatically, having never felt something so wonderful in her entire life.  She felt Ethan’s scales bump her, and had to correct her thoughts; there was at least one thing that was even better.

She stayed under the hot water for a minute, savoring the sensations until she realized there were other people in the shower who would probably appreciate it too.  She moved out from under the shower, wiped the water from her eyes, and opened them.

Beth was standing in front of her.  She was covered in steamy water and incredibly beautiful. 

Her legs went on for miles.  The blond was two inches taller than she was, and practically all the difference was in her legs.  Alana never thought she had short legs, but Beth’s legs were something else.  Their breasts were about the same size and shape, but the younger teen definitely had the better claim on legs. 

”Hug?”  Beth offered somewhat nervously.

The blonde was naked.

The chocolate-haired elf was naked.

Beth looked as nervous as Alana felt.  The wood elf had the sudden urge to cover her breasts and nether regions, but resisted.  She wasn’t sure why she resisted, but she did. 

Alana nodded and slowly opened her arms a bit, feeling incredibly exposed and vulnerable. If Ethan’s comforting presence hadn’t been there, she didn’t think she would’ve been able to. 

Beth took a step forward.

They were mere inches from each other.  There was a strange tension in the air that was almost sexual, but not quite.  They were in a shower, naked, and about to hug.  Something about that seemed incredibly intimate, but she wasn’t sure what or why. 

Beth opened her arms, wrapped them around the slightly frozen wood elf, and pulled her into a full-body hug, which she returned. 

It was wonderful. 

Ethan’s scales were smooth and felt wonderful, but there was something about feeling naked skin against hers, and Beth made no attempt to reduce contact. 

As the blonde was taller, Alana could feel the underside of the teen’s breasts pressed against the tops of her own.  She could feel the blonde’s smooth, toned stomach pressed against her own.  Their naked hips bumped gently together and one of the blonde’s incredible legs was pressed against her own. 

Alana wrapped her arms around Beth and hugged her back. 

The bare skin of her back felt amazing.  It was so smooth and soft; the water made it slippery too, so she slowly ran her hands up and down the beautiful girl’s back. 

Beth shivered slightly. 

The barest hint of a sigh escaped the blonde’s lips, which Alana only heard because the hug placed them near her ears.  She continued gently sliding her hands up and down the blonde’s back, and then Beth reciprocated. 

Alana moaned.

She could feel a burst of arousal at the contact, and was extremely embarrassed that a woman was turning her on.  She felt like that was wrong somehow, but it felt so incredible; Beth felt so incredible.  Her skin felt soft and smooth pressed up against the wood elf’s own skin. 

She was acutely aware of the younger girl’s breasts pressed against her own.  Their every breath combined with the slippery water made them slide against each other slightly. 

It felt heavenly.

Lower down, Beth’s hips touched hers.  The human teen seemed to subconsciously adjust herself so they made fuller contact.  The top of her mound bumped up against the other girl’s.

Beth pulled back slightly in surprise, but only slightly.

Beth’s face was mere inches from her own, but their bodies were still pressed together, their hips still touching, and their breasts still massaging the other’s with every breath.  It seemed like some spell had been cast over them as they both stood there. 

Their faces were mere inches apart.

Beth bit her lip, and Alana recognized the telltale signs of a highly aroused woman in her eyes.  She was fairly sure those same signs would also be displayed in her own countenance.

Beth blinked, and a look of realization crossed her face as she muttered.  ”Words, then lips and tongue.”

”What?”  Alana asked, moving her head fractionally closer.

”Nothing.”  Beth smiled and then moved fractionally closer.  Their lips couldn’t be more than an inch apart.  For some reason, Alana had a strong desire to close that gap and kiss the beautiful blonde. 

She blushed. 

Beth moved slightly closer yet.  Their noses touched slightly.   Alana couldn’t help herself, she also leaned in the barest fraction of an inch.  She could almost feel Beth’s lips they were so close. 

* * *

Ethan watched Alana and Beth with rapt attention as his cock did its best impression of a diamond.  His wives were staring into each other’s eyes as if some sort of spell had been cast over them, though none had.  They looked entranced with each other, and he was sure they were about to kiss at any moment. 

He resisted the urge to growl in approval or do anything else.  He felt like this moment was very fragile, and almost anything would disturb them. 

Curiously, while his cock was diamond hard, he wasn’t nearly as aroused as he thought he would be.  He was, but he was more feeling a deep sense of satisfaction and contentment at his two wives finally getting along so well. 

*Master, is this a good time to tell you some important news?*  Taloni asked telepathically. 

*What’s wrong?*  He asked as he turned his attention to her emotions, and realized she was extremely nervous and perhaps a touch scared. 

*Um, the Argo was attacked.* 

”WHAT!?”  He said aloud.

Beth and Alana both jumped, breaking the sensual spell that had previously seemed to be drawing them closer. They both stepped apart almost simultaneously.  He would’ve been disappointed if not for the Fey teens’ news.

”What’s wrong?”  Alana asked, almost too quickly. 

”The Argo was attacked.”  Ethan repeated aloud to his startled wives, then thought to Taloni.  *Is everyone okay?*

*Yes master, we’re all fine.*

*What happened?*  He asked. 

She told him the story, which he relayed to the two naked women, who were suddenly rather far apart considering the limited room in the shower.  Not for the first time, he wished they could all communicate at once, like magical group chat.  When the Fey teen explained who had saved them, Ethan felt his jaw drop.

*Kendra saved you and the Argo?*  He stood there stunned for several seconds.  *Kendra?  The dragon huntress Kendra?  Jet black hair, enormously strong, disposition like a pit bull?*

*Yes master, though I’m not sure what a ’pit bull’ is.  She saved Anthiel and me.*

He told Alana and Beth, who stared open-mouthed at him from opposite ends of the shower, which meant they were only a couple of feet apart.  They seemed to be avoiding each other’s gaze out of embarrassment. 

*Thanks for telling me, and tell Anthiel to pull away from the dock or something so that doesn’t happen again.*

*I will master.*  She said, but he could feel some hesitation in her.

*Is there something else?*

*Um, yes master, but please don’t be mad at me.  Please?* 

*I can’t promise until I know what it is, but I doubt anything you did intentionally would make me mad.  What’s the other thing?*

*I um...  I might’ve, sort of...  well I kind of...*  She hesitated for a moment, then seemed to steel herself.  *I might’ve given her a hug master.*  She thought to him, then instantly added.  *Please don’t be mad at me?*

Ethan couldn’t help but smile.  *I’m not mad.  A little confused maybe, but not mad.  Why did you think that would make me mad?* 

*Um, because she’s your enemy and I, you know, hugged her.* 

*It’s kind of weird with the history, but she had just saved your life.*  Ethan replied as the strangeness of that statement hit him.  Kendra had put herself in harm’s way to save his wife and Anthiel. 

Why?

Hmm...

He frowned, and the two women in the shower with him looked at him quizzically.  He explained while wishing for that ’magical group chat’ thing again, and Alana smiled. 

”Somehow, I’m not surprised.”  The wood elf said.  ”That girl is so sweet she’d probably melt in this shower.”

”She is.” Ethan said with a smile, before communicating with Taloni.  *I’m never going to be mad that you are so sweet, even to someone like Kendra.  I might be a little worried, but not mad.*

*Okay, good.*  Taloni said with enormous relief in her voice. 

*I am curious though, why did you give her a hug?* 

*Um, she just seemed like she needed one master.*

*Really?*

*Yes master.*

He slipped out from under the shower so his wives could finish washing themselves.  Each motioned for the other to go first, but Beth was extremely insistent so Alana ended up under the shower first.

He leaned against the shower wall and thought for a moment before answering Taloni.  *Why did it seem like she needed a hug?* 

*She seems really lonely master.  I’ve seen that look before, in men from the camp who’ve lost friends and family, or just never made friends.  There’s a faraway look in their eyes, which Kendra had.  I think she’s really lonely master.* 

*Okay.*  He replied, finding it rather hard to care.  That bitch had tried to kill him a bunch of times and came perilously close to succeeding in all of them.  Even worse, she’d gone after Alana once. 

He shrugged. 

As long as she stayed out of their way and didn’t come after them again, he really didn’t care what happened to her.

Ethan, Alana, and Beth finished in the shower a few minutes later and he turned the water off.  Beth seemed fascinated and kept asking how it worked.  He explained as best as he could, but wasn’t a plumber.  They stepped out of the shower, the two women still friendly but slightly awkward and embarrassed after their almost kiss. 

It was slightly endearing to see. 

”Here are some towels to dry off.”  He said handing them each one.  They took them and proceeded to towel off the excess water, then wrap them around their torsos so they were covered from breast to mid-thigh.

He tried not to be too disappointed. 

He dried himself off and then looked at them.  They both seemed nervous about each other, but otherwise completely relaxed.  Their hair was wet, they had no makeup, and they weren’t striking sexy poses or anything, but damn they looked good. 

He pulled them both into a hug.  ”I love you both.  I feel like I don’t say that enough.” 

They both sighed as they hugged him back, though it was almost a group hug.

”I love you too.”  Alana said.

”I love you three.”  Beth said with a chuckle. 

They all laughed and he simply held them.  It didn’t feel quite complete without Taloni there, but it felt damn good.  They relaxed against him and seemed to almost mold against him. 

”So, what are our plans for tonight?”  Alana asked when they broke. 

He growled lustfully.  ”I have plans for Beth, but you’re more than welcome to join the fun.” 

Embarrassment flooded over his bond with Alana, though it was accompanied by a not-insignificant amount of arousal too.  He found himself getting rather frustrated that he couldn’t feel Beth too.  It didn’t seem right, and his dragon side clearly wasn’t happy about it either.

”I can’t wait.”  Beth moaned softly, then she touched her hair.  ”Oh, wet hair though.  It’ll take forever to dry and I hate feeling wet hair.” 

He smiled.  ”Luckily, Melinda loaned us this.”  He pulled out the hair drier and they stared at him blankly. 

”It’s a hair dryer.”  He said, and then flicked the switch to turn it on.  They both jumped at the noise it made.   He then waved it at the two of them so they could feel the hot air. 

Beth squealed, Alana gasped, Ethan chuckled. 

There was a knock on the door.  ”Hey, is everything okay in there; there’s a strange sound.”  Rachel’s voice came from the other side of the door. 

Before Ethan could respond, Alana snatched the cordless hair dryer from his hand, pulled the bathroom door open, and waved it at the redhead. 

Rachel jumped back in shock.  ”What in the name of...” 

Alana giggled at her friend, which put the redhead at ease.

Their resident mage looked closer.  ”What is that?” 

”It’s a hair dryer.”  Ethan said. 

”Oh, and you simply must try the shower Rachel.”  Alana said with barely contained excitement.  ”It’s simply amazing.” 

”Um, maybe when you all are done.”  She said as she looked around at all of them.  Then she turned beet red and beat a hasty retreat.

It only took Ethan a second to figure out why. 

While Alana and Beth were fully covered by their towels, he wasn’t.  His disguise gem was off and his cock was out and mostly erect, though not completely.  It was sticking straight out and nearly full size; there was no way she hadn’t seen it.

”Um, Alana.”  He said.  ”I’m pretty sure Rachel just saw more of me than she ever bargained for.” 

The wood elf went slightly red but didn’t look too remorseful.  ”Whoops.  I’ll have to be more careful.” 

He rolled his eyes. 

Alana and Beth had great fun with the hair dryer, and it seemed to break the awkwardness between them.  They took turns blowing their own hair, and each other’s hair, and occasionally hitting Ethan when he wasn’t paying attention.  The whole time they were laughing, giggling, and chatting like two old friends, or perhaps like close sisters. 

To borrow a phrase his mother sometimes used, it ”made his heart happy”.

He felt a slight sting as he thought of his parents.  They were both only children like he was, so he really didn’t have any other family that he was close to, like aunts, uncles, or cousins.  He would love to visit them but wasn’t sure that was a good idea.  He pushed it to the back of his mind, deciding to wait until tomorrow to deal with that decision.

* * *

Kendra was so lost in thought that she could only credit her years of training with navigating her back to her treetop vigil.  She couldn’t believe what had just happened.  It didn’t make any sense at all. 

Her reaction made even less sense.

Her eyes were still tearing slightly.  She couldn’t tell if they were tears of joy from the hug, or tears of sadness because she’d received so few in her life.  Maybe they were both.  She didn’t know.  Right now, she didn’t care.  She just wished her eyes would stop leaking so she could see straight again. 

She made herself comfortable in her treetop perch, making sure to lay so the never-ceasing flow of tears wouldn’t drench her clothes if she fell asleep.  She had been wiping her eyes incessantly for the better part of twenty minutes trying -- and failing -- to get herself under control. 

Strangely, it felt good. 

It felt like she was releasing some of her pent-up hurt over being so lonely.  Somehow, just expressing it helped a little. 

As she lay there, she wondered what it would be like to have that on a regular basis.  To have a person or people who truly cared about her who would give her hugs like that regularly. 

She wanted that.

As she drifted off to sleep, a part of her realized that the only place she’d seen that level of closeness was with the dragon’s family.  It took her a further moment to realize that she’d referred to them as a ’family’.  That seemed significant, but she drifted off to sleep before she could figure out why. 

* * *

Beth had finally finished drying her hair when she realized that she hadn’t had this much fun in...  She frowned.  Maybe ever?  The girls in Gralden hadn’t exactly included her because her father was the Lord of the area.  While she enjoyed reading, she couldn’t remember the last time she’d had this much pure, simple fun. 

”I wish we’d been like this from the beginning.”  She said wistfully to Alana.  ”If I would’ve been a little nicer, maybe...” 

Alana smiled.  ”Don’t worry about it.  It’s water under the bridge.  And yeah, this is pretty great.”  Her smile became even wider. 

The blonde breathed a sigh of relief.  ”You really are a wonderful woman.”

The chocolate-haired elf beamed.  ”Thank you, so are you.”  Then the shorter woman swept her into a hug. 

Beth hugged her back, but didn’t really feel like she deserved her compliment.  She wasn’t nearly as nice or caring as Ethan’s first wife, nor his third.  Taloni was just so sweet and Alana so caring; she didn’t think she really measured up. 

She didn’t think she was good enough

”Hey.”  Ethan said as he put a comforting hand on her shoulder.  ”What’s wrong?” 

”Stupid bond.”  She said. 

”I can’t feel your emotions Beth, but I’m not blind.”  He replied.  ”What’s wrong?” 

Beth let go of Alana trying to prevent tears from coming to her eyes.  ”You all are so wonderful and I’m just...  Alana is a crack-shot with a bow and she’s like your soul-mate.  Taloni is the sweetest girl I’ve ever met and sees the good in everyone; plus, she can heal people so well.”  She looked at Ethan.  ”And you, you’re...  well, you’re you.  And I’m just me.”

Ethan pulled her into a hug.

She felt so much better with his strong, masculine arms wrapped around her.  Alana then hugged her from behind, making her feel like the center of a sandwich.

”Beth, you are an amazing woman.”  Ethan said with absolute conviction.  ”You know what we went through to bring you back.  Do you really think we would’ve done all that if we didn’t care about you?” 

”He’s right.”  Alana said with just as much conviction as Ethan.  ”I know we got off to a rocky start, but I have never -- not even for one moment -- thought you weren’t an amazing person.” 

Beth squeezed Ethan tighter.  ”Thank you both.” 

He squeezed back.  ”You’re welcome, and I am so glad we have you back.  Life just didn’t seem complete without you there.” 

Beth thought back to the few times on the Argo where Ethan and Alana had expressed the same sentiment.  They had both said that something didn’t feel right with her gone.  She felt her heart lighten.  She didn’t know what she’d done that Illuminar had brought them into her life, but she was so glad they were in her life.

Their hug broke and Beth wiped a few tears from her eyes. 

”Hey, can we move out of here?”  Alana asked.  ”I think Rachel would really enjoy trying that ’shower’ thing.”

”Sure.”  Ethan said.  Moments later, his appearance changed slightly. He looked the same everywhere except his cock, which suddenly disappeared.  She assumed he’d activated his disguise gem so as not to shock Rachel. 

The redhead was in the living room, sitting on the floor and determinedly not looking at the newcomers, or at least Ethan.  Her cheeks were slightly pinker than normal.

”It’s okay, he’s all covered.”  Alana said.  ”And you simply must try that shower thing.” 

”It’s awesome.”  Beth agreed. 

”Okay, I will.”  She got up and -- giving Ethan a wide berth -- quickly made her way into the bathroom.

”Why is she so...?”  Beth couldn’t think of the right word. 

”Embarrassed?”  Alana offered.  ”I think she got a glimpse of Ethan’s cock.” 

Beth sighed.  ”Ah, yes that would do it...”  She glanced at him with a shy smile.  ”And hopefully me...” 

Ethan gave a lust-filled growl, then pulled her closer, bent her backwards slightly, and kissed her as if her life depended on it.  She moved her hands and felt her towel drop.

She didn’t care. 

She pressed herself up against Ethan, wrapping her arms around him and feeling slightly lightheaded.  She had completely forgotten how powerfully primal he could be.  It had somehow slipped her mind what he could do to her body with a simple, passionate kiss.

She moaned. 

From somewhere nearby, she heard Alana sigh.  It sounded like a mixture of contentment and arousal, but the dragon currently taking her breath away made it hard to concentrate. 

She panted slightly when the kiss broke. 

”Ethan.”  Alana said with arousal in her voice.  ”Beth hasn’t had you inside of her for at least two weeks now.  Don’t you think that’s long enough?” 

He scooped the blonde into his arm and carried her into the bedroom, Alana trailing not far behind.

* * *

Alana couldn’t explain it.  It made no sense.  Seeing Ethan pick up Beth in all her naked glory was making her incredibly wet.  It wasn’t so much about Beth, nor even Ethan.  It was seeing her husband carrying another naked woman.  A woman who was clearly aroused and literally panting to get him inside of her.  She didn’t know why, but she loved that. 

Behind her, she heard the shower turn on and then a squeal of delight.  Rachel had obviously figured it out and was in for a real treat.  She smiled, only wishing the redhead was going to join them after her shower. 

She sighed wistfully and followed her lovers.

The bedroom was almost entirely bare.  The only things in there were a large mattress on the floor and some blankets Jason had dropped off earlier.  Otherwise, it was completely bare. 

No one cared. 

Ethan set Beth down on the mattress and leaned over her.  They looked deep into each other eyes for a moment, then he leaned down and kissed her tenderly. 

Alana sighed. 

She knew it was weird, but seeing him be so loving and tender with the beautiful, naked, blonde was extremely satisfying.  It almost felt like the sleepy-happy feeling you get after having a large, extremely delicious meal. 

Beth reached up and touched his cheek, then seemed to see her out of the corner of her eye.   She suddenly looked rather nervous.  The wood elf gave her an encouraging smile, but the blonde didn’t look reassured.  She looked...  conflicted?

”Alana.”  Beth said as Ethan started to kiss her neck, so her name turned into a moan.

Ethan pulled back and looked at the blonde, amusement written all over his face.  ”Well, I see how it is.”  He said with a wink and a tone of mock offense. 

Alana chuckled.

Beth looked horrified for a moment, then realized he was joking and relaxed.  ”I just...  um...  Well, Gabriella told me--”

”Gabriella?”  Ethan and Alana said at the same time. 

”Yes, I think she’s an angel and she told me...”  The teen glanced between the two of them.  ”Why are you both looking at me like that?”  She asked looking confused. 

Alana glanced at Ethan, who returned the look. 

”We’ve both met her.”  Alana said. 

”Oh, you simply must tell me about that later.”  Beth said, her eyes burning with curiosity before looking at Alana.  ”Anyway, she was the one who made me realize I needed to apologize to you, and she had a suggestion ’from her Lord’ about how I should do it.” 

Oddly, Beth turned beet red after saying that.

”Oh?”  Ethan said with interest.  ”What was her suggestion?” 

Beth suddenly looked extremely nervous.  She opened her mouth, closed it, glanced at Alana, then Ethan, and then blushed even redder.  Comparing the color of her cheeks to a ripe tomato wouldn’t have been out of place.

”What was it?”  Alana asked. 

The blonde wouldn’t meet her eyes, but instead looked at Ethan, and then whispered something into his ear; something she didn’t catch.  

Ethan’s eyes went wide.  ”Gabriella said that?  Gabriella the angel said that?” 

Beth nodded.

”Said what?”  The wood elf asked.

”And you think she meant...”  Ethan said to Beth, who nodded nervously.  Then they both looked at her.

”She meant what?”  Alana asked. 

”Um, it might be easier if I...  If I show you.”  Beth said to the wood elf, then turned to Ethan.  ”If that’s okay with you.” 

Alana had rarely seen him smile so widely as he replied.  ”Yeah, I have absolutely zero problem with that.

He rolled slightly so Beth could slide out from under him, which she did.  The petite blonde stood up and Alana couldn’t help but notice how beautiful she was. 

Her longer, slender legs seemed to go on for miles and flowed into hips that would look amazing when pressed against Ethan’s own.  Her waist was thin, but not quite the wasp-waist that Alana herself possessed.  She was glad of that, as she wanted to be able to measure up to her in something because the blonde had fantastic legs whereas she didn’t think she did.

Beth’s hair fell down over her breasts, partially obscuring them.  Their breasts were about the same size and shape, so they were even there.  She found herself wondering which of them Ethan found more attractive, and chastised herself for the thought.

Beth walked up to her and wrapped her in a hug, which she returned.  She was glad Beth was back, even if the blonde might be the more attractive of the two of them.

Then she felt it.

Beth kissed her neck.

She froze. 

It wasn’t a tender, sisterly kiss.  It was more like the kisses Ethan gave her in bed.  It was a kiss designed to arouse and stimulate.   She wasn’t sure how she felt about that.  It definitely felt good, but should she be aroused by Beth?  That didn’t seem right. 

Beth kissed her neck again.

Alana shuddered, though from concern or arousal she couldn’t tell.  The blonde couldn’t be trying to turn her on...  could she?  Ethan -- or at least his dragon side -- was so possessive that he couldn’t be okay with this...  could he? 

One glance at him told her everything she needed to know. 

There was almost palpable lust coming from him.  The look in his eyes was hungry and the grin on his face was like a prospector who’d struck gold.  He certainly didn’t seem to mind. 

*Is... is this okay sir?*  She asked mentally as Beth kissed her neck again. 

He nodded grinning ear-to-ear.  *Absolutely.*

She moaned. 

Somehow, the idea that this turned him on was also turning her on.  It was like a switch had been flipped; now that she knew he wouldn’t mind, the sensations were suddenly far more pleasurable.  Beth kissed her neck again and the desire in Ethan’s eyes intensified.  She stopped trying to decide if she should enjoy it and just did. 

It was wonderful. 

Whereas Ethan was all primal hunger and masculine strength, Beth was far more gentle, soft, and feminine.  Her kisses were light and tender; gossamer and nurturing. 

For a few moments, Alana wondered if Rachel would be like this too.  If her kisses would be this caring. 

* * *

Beth had never kissed another woman’s skin before, and found it far more pleasing than she’d expected.  This was Alana; Ethan’s first wife and the love of his life.  She felt honored and privileged to be touching her this way.  

The wood elf moaned as Beth kissed her again.

Beth had never been interested in women before, and wasn’t sure that she was now.  But with the sounds Alana was making...  that might change.  The wood elf shivered slightly as Beth started to make a trail of kisses up the side of her neck.  She remembered how it felt when Ethan nibbled her ear and moved her lips in that direction. 

The wood elf moaned and tilted her head to give the blonde better access. 

Beth continued kissing until she reached the wood elf’s ear, then began to nibble slightly.  Alana gasped, then reached up and fumbled with her towel.  Moments later, it was hanging in between them, supported only by their breasts, which were pressed together by the hug.  Though, the hug was more like a romantic embrace than a hug. Beth leaned away just long enough for the towel to fall, then pressed her front up against Alana.

They were both naked, and it was wonderful. 

Beth loved how Ethan’s scales felt, but there was something incredible about feeling another woman’s naked skin pressed up against hers.  It was so warm, and soft, and smooth.   Beth slowly ran her hands up the wood elf’s back, causing her to shudder slightly and moan ever-so-softly. 

Beth smiled as she kissed Alana’s long, pointy ears. 

She had started doing this with only the intent to apologize by making the wood elf feel good, and possibly get her warmed up for Ethan.  But now...   now she could feel herself getting wet and didn’t really understand why.  She knew it was because of the sexy wood elf, but she was honestly curious why she found Ethan’s first wife so incredibly appealing right now. 

She kissed along the wood elf’s feminine jawline, moving slowly closer to her mouth.  She wanted to kiss her, and wasn’t sure why.  She wasn’t sure she cared why because she wanted to so much. 

In the back of her mind, she remembered Gabriella’s suggestion to ’use her words and then her lips and tongue’.  Suddenly, she had a desire to use both her lips and tongue on the beautiful brunette.  Not only on the set of lips she was getting close too, but also Alana’s other set of lips. 

Beth blushed bright red.

The area between her legs suddenly felt very warm and begged to be touched.  She pushed her hips forward, letting the underside of her mound bump up the upper surface of Alana’s...  just below where she was carrying Ethan’s baby. 

Beth moaned. 

She pulled back for a moment and looked into Alana’s beautiful, rich hazel eyes.  The wood elf’s eyes flared for a moment, then the chocolate-haired elf leaned in and pressed her lips to Beth’s. 

It was amazing.

Her lips were so soft and tender; loving and caring.  Her kiss was much gentler than Ethan, but just as lovely.  Alana pulled her closer as the shorter elf was forced to arch her head backwards to kiss the taller blonde.  The kiss seemed to stretch out for a long time. 

When it broke, the two young women looked at each other for a moment. 

”Wow.”  Alana breathed.  ”You’re a really good kisser.” 

Beth sighed.  ”Likewise.”

Alana bit her lip.  ”I’m not sure how it compares to Ethan though, I might need another one to properly decide...”

Beth smiled and leaned it.  They hovered with their lips barely apart and almost touching for several seconds.  They were both breathing slightly heavily and their eyes were both burning in desire.  

”I really am sorry.”  Beth whispered. 

”Kiss me like that one more time and I’ll completely forget it ever happened.”  The wood elf whispered back as she parted her lips slightly. 

Beth touched their lips together again, and was struck by just how amazing the wood elf was.  As their lips pressed together, she remembered everything Alana had been through and how she was still a truly delightful person.  So caring, so kind, and so ready to forgive. 

She was incredible.

Then Beth felt the elf’s tongue play at the entrance of her mouth.   She parted her lips slightly, but Alana didn’t dive in.  She just moved her tongue around her parted lips for several seconds.  There was a hesitance and reluctance to her movements that Ethan completely lacked; it was incredibly endearing. 

They parted again and gently rested their foreheads together. 

”I do forgive you Beth.”  Alana said with a contented smile.  ”And I will always forgive you.  I may even start a few fights so we can kiss and make up...”  She finished with a wink. 

Beth chuckled. 

Ethan growled in approval, making both girls jump.  They had completely forgotten he was there. 

* * *

Nirvana.

Heaven.

Paradise.

Those were the words running through Ethan’s mind as he watched his wives kiss each other tenderly; lovingly.  He felt an enormous surge of pride, contentment, and arousal as he watched his lovely wives express such affection. 

But there was something that was also surprising.

He had imagined having a threesome many times before, both before and after becoming a dragon.  He’d seen it many times in porn and dreamed of it a couple of times.  Every single time he found it incredibly arousing, and this case was no different. 

But what was surprising was that he didn’t go mad with lust and want to pounce on them and take them both.  Oddly, there was a part of him that wanted to let them express themselves first.  He wanted to sit back and watch; to savor the sight before getting involved himself... and he most definitely planned to get involved.

Alana and Beth had jumped slightly at his aroused growl, and they suddenly broke apart a bit. 

”Um, was that okay Sir?”  Alana asked, suddenly seeming nervous. 

He grinned broadly.  ”Every day of the week and twice on Sunday.” 

He looked at their naked bodies and let his desire flood over their bond, suddenly missing that he wasn’t bonded with Beth anymore.  Alana groaned as she felt his emotions and then pulled Beth into another kiss, which the blonde eagerly returned. 

They started to get more handsy, and the two nubile young women started to touch each other as they kissed.  He could see their nipples standing proud and erect, and smell their arousal in the air.  They were bumping their bare-naked bodies together, and even subtly rocking their hips into each other. 

He was hard as a diamond, but felt no compulsion to interfere.  He wanted to see where they would take it; how far they would go. 

Beth started pulling Alana backwards towards the mattress on the floor. 

The blonde stopped when her foot touched it.  She pulled out of the kiss with some difficulty as the wood elf seemed to be in a rather passionate frame of mind.

”If you lay on the bed, I’ll apologize properly.”  Beth breathed, looking like she was trying to catch her breath. 

Alana looked slightly confused, but nodded.  His lovely first wife -- the mother of his child -- sat down on the bed and laid back, arching her back as if to show off her exquisite body.  He couldn’t tell if she was doing it for his benefit or Beth’s, and didn’t really care. 

The blonde leaned over her and kissed her again.  The wood elf rolled out of the kiss to end up in the middle of the bed, then gently pulled Beth closer for a more tender kiss.

Beth kissed her affectionately on the lips for several moments, then started to shift her body.  She moved so she was between the wood elf’s legs, and then adjusted so their breasts were touching.  The ravishing blonde started moving her chest in small circles so each woman’s nipples were constantly brushing up against the other one’s nipples. 

Alana sighed. 

Beth moaned.

The blonde kissed her another moment more, and then started making her way lower onto her neck...  then her collarbones... then her upper chest...

He growled in approval

* * *

Alana couldn’t believe what she was feeling or how incredible it was.  This was totally different than when Ethan did it, but had an appeal all its own. 

Beth was kissing her upper chest and she felt herself arch her back instinctively to allow the blonde better access.  A small part of her wasn’t sure this was okay; wasn’t sure she should take this much pleasure from another woman.  But Ethan didn’t mind and...

She opened her eyes and met his own.

He was enjoying this. 

He had an ear-to-ear smile and his massive cock was jutting out as he watched.  His desire was nearly palpable, even without feeling it over their bond.  Gabriella had apparently suggested this, and Ethan loved it so why shouldn’t she--

Beth kissed the top of her breast.

Alana moaned. 

Oh, dear Illuminar in heaven, she had no idea another woman could make her feel so good. 

Beth sighed too.  ”These breasts...”  Kiss.  ”...Are going to...”  Kiss.  ”...nurse...”  kiss.  ”...Ethan’s...”  Kiss   ”...children.” 

Her mouth was encircling her left breast, covering it in kisses and the lightest flicks of her tongue.  God it felt amazing. 

And what she was saying....

Alana reached up and pulled Beth into her breast, pressing her mouth to her own nipple.  The blonde readily opened her mouth and accepted the proffered nipple, gently kissing it and sucking on it.  The wood elf ran her fingers through Beth’s long flowing blonde hair as the newly resurrected teen massaged each of her breasts in turn with her lips and tongue. 

It felt amazing. 

It felt every bit as good as when Ethan did it.  He had a wild strength that drove her crazy, but she had a tenderness that also make her nether regions tingle in anticipation. 

Beth stopped for a moment and Alana glanced down.  The blonde had an embarrassed, wild, and slightly hungry look in her eyes. 

”I’m moving down further.”  The human teen said. 

An image flashed through Alana’s mind of just how far down the blonde could go, and she felt herself shiver in desire.  She had no clue why it was so appealing, but it was. 

Beth moved slowly southward, trailing kisses until she reached the wood elf’s belly button.  Once there, the blonde seemed intent on kissing every inch her flat, toned stomach. 

”You’re...”  Kiss.  ”...carrying...”  Kiss.  ”...Ethan’s...”  Kiss.  ”...baby.”  Beth moaned with obvious jealousy as she kissed slowly downwards. 

Beth looked up at her.  ”Your womb will grow large with his child soon.”

Alana moaned.

”When anyone sees that, they’ll know why.”  Beth said with incredible excitement.  ”They’ll know what he did to your body.  They’ll know you spread your legs for him.” 

Alana sighed as she felt her pleasure begin to rise.  The blonde’s lurid commentary was getting so close. 

”It’ll be obvious to all that he claimed you; that he marked you as his by putting his child inside of you.” 

Alana shuddered in desire; that sounded so perfect, so amazing.  Beth’s eyes were burning pools of desire, and Alana knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that the blonde teen wanted the same more than almost anything. 

Beth glanced down before meeting Alana’s eyes again.  ”Now, let’s see where it was done.” 

Beth kissed lower...

And lower...

And Lower...

The wood elf instinctively spread her legs, giving her fellow wife better access.  The blonde took advantage, kissing all around the elf’s mound. 

Alana’s eyes rolled back in her head. 

This was easily the most unique experience in her life and certainly one of the most pleasurable.  For a moment, her mind flited to what it would be like to have a mess of flame-colored hair between her legs instead of the blonde.  Then the blonde teen kissed her slit, and all her thoughts disappeared.

* * *

Beth gently pressed her lips to the top of Alana’s slit, eliciting a shuddering groan from the beautiful elf.  She had a tangy, musky scent and taste that was odd, but not unpleasant.  Beth kissed again, and again the elf shivered, reached down, and pulled Beth’s head even tighter between her legs. 

The blonde obliged, gently kissing up and down the other woman’s slit.  Alana clamped her thighs shut, trapping Beth’s head between her legs.  That was fine with the human teen, who was positively delighted that the wood elf was really enjoying this.

Unable to move her head much, Beth stuck out her tongue and licked up the full length of the brunette’s slit.  Alana shuddered and sighed and gripped the blonde’s hair tightly enough it almost hurt, but not quite. 

She smiled and continued slowly licking up and down. 

”Beth...”  The brunette moaned.  ”Oh, dear Illuminar in heaven that’s just...” 

She made somewhere between a groan and a sigh as Beth’s tongue passed over the top of her slit.  Beth smiled because she knew exactly what was right there.  She stuck out her tongue a little further and began to gently lick, kiss, and suck all around the little nub. 

The wood elf gasped. 

Beth did this for barely a minute before the wood elf’s entire body started to tremble slightly.  She arched her back, closed her eyes, and sighed, then relaxed and her legs fell open.  Beth stopped and looked up to meet the elf’s hazel eyes. 

”That was...”  Alana panted slightly.  ”That was wonderful.” 

”I’m glad.”  Beth smiled, then bit her lip.  ”So, I’m forgiven?” 

Alana looked incredulous.  ”Beth, while I loved that very much, I already forgave you.  You didn’t have to do something for me to forgive you.” 

Beth nodded.

Alana sat up and Beth leaned up.  The brunette wrapped her arms around her and gave her a tight hug. 

”Beth, we love you just as you are.”  The wood elf said softly into her ear.  ”You don’t need to perform for us to love you.” 

Beth felt her eyes getting moist.  ”Really?” 

”Really.”  Ethan said, joining the hug from behind so the blonde was sandwiched between the two of them. 

”I love you guys.”  Beth said as she relaxed, as perhaps the two people who had the most reason to be upset with her in the whole world embraced her. 

”You’re not mad I tried to keep Alana from you?”  She asked him. 

”No.”  He gave her an extra squeeze.  ”I’ll admit I didn’t love it then, but that’s part of what led us to where we are now.” 

”I don’t deserve you two.”  Beth felt like she was ready to cry because they were being so nice to her. 

Alana leaned back and smiled.  ”We feel the same about you.” 

”Why?”

Ethan gently turned her around so she was leaning up against him and their fronts were pressed together.  ”Did I ever tell you what happened when we bonded?” 

”I don’t think so.”  Beth replied.

”I saw you.”  He said.  ”I saw all of you like your entire being was laid out before me.  It was like when I flew above a city and I could see everything.  I only got a quick glimpse, but what I saw was amazing.” 

”Really?” 

”Absolutely.”  He nodded.  ”And I saw everything; even the parts of you that you’re ashamed of.” 

Beth looked down. 

He reached down and gently raised her chin with the side of his index finger.  ”I’ve seen more of you than anyone else.  I love you because I’ve seen so much of you, not in spite of seeing so much of you” 

Beth felt her throat get tight as tears of joy collected at the corners of her eyes.  ”Really?”

He nodded.  ”Really.” 

She threw her arms around him.  ”Thank you, both of you.” 

”You’re welcome.”  Alana said as she rested a hand on the blonde’s naked back.

”My pleasure.”  Ethan said as he cradled her against him and kissed her forehead.

”What’s your pleasure?”  Alana said into her ear as the wood elf’s soft hands slid over Beth’s back.  ”I think I have a favor to return if you’d like...” 

”Actually...”  Beth smiled as she felt a familiar heat creeping back into her body.  She looked up at Ethan.  ”Could you make love to Alana, and then me?”

Ethan gave her a mock sigh.  ”I suppose if I have to...”  He winked. 

”Not that I’m complaining, but why me first?”  Alana asked. 

Beth felt her cheeks grow rather warm. ”Um, because?” 

”Because why?”  Alana pressed with obvious arousal in her voice. 

Beth turned and slipped out from between them, making sure to rub her entire front against Ethan as she did so.  She loved the way his scales felt against her skin.  She then turned and gently pushed Alana backwards, and the wood elf didn’t resist.  Moments later the wood elf was laying on her back, legs spread and slit sopping wet from Beth’s earlier ministrations. 

”I got her all ready for you.”  Beth said in as sexy a voice as she could manage.  ”It would be a shame to waste all that preparation, wouldn’t it?”

A low growl of lust came from Ethan’s throat.

* * *

Selene didn’t get uncomfortable easily.  She was gorgeous enough to have dealt with all manner of lewdness in her life and had a good idea of the various kinks and perversions that people indulged in bed.  She didn’t know from personal experience -- she was still waiting for a man who wasn’t intimidated by her for that -- but she knew.

Right now, her face felt rather warm. 

She had aimed the remote mike at a window in the apartment.  It was a super sensitive mike, and could even hear things through windows reasonably well.  It didn’t work perfectly and much of the sound was a little muffled and hard to understand.  But she definitely got the gist.   

”I got her all ready for you?”  Selene repeated shaking her head.  What kind of woman would willingly allow her husband to bed other women?  There was something very strange going on there

Judging by the voices, it sounded like that blonde girl, the brunette, and the strange dragon-man were having a threesome; a threesome initiated by the two women.  

She shook her head.

”I’m ready.”  Selene heard one of the women -- probably the brunette -- moan.  ”Please take me sir.” 

Selene snorted.  ”Sir?” 

It wasn’t the most hardcore kink she’d ever heard of -- not even close -- but it was disturbing to hear.  These women seemed to nearly worship that dragon-man.  There was a long groaning sigh and then the unmistakable sound of the repeated impact of a man thrusting inside of a woman. 

She almost pulled the headset off. 

However, they seemed to spend rather a lot of time talking while having sex and she didn’t want to miss anything. 

She shifted in her seat, uncomfortably aware that her body was reacting to the noises.  She rolled her eyes.  What she really wanted was to take them to the station and find out what was going on.   Unfortunately, she didn’t have anything to charge them with. 

Having great sex certainly wasn’t a crime. 

She tried to think of other things and went over the rest of the case in her mind.  It was hard with the constant moans and sighs of a woman clearly in the throes of passion.  As she thought about the crime scene in the woods, she remembered that the sheriff had warned her of the ’suits’ who always showed up when one of these kidnappings happened. 

She wondered what they were up to for a moment before a long, strangled moan came through the speakers.  She sighed; that sounded like the brunette was enjoying her second climax of the night.  She would’ve been lying if she said she wasn’t a little jealous.

That dragon-man must be amazing in bed.

She felt a little like a peeping Tom, or perhaps a ’listening Tom’.  However, she pushed the thought away as she ignored her slightly damp underwear.  She was listening to get information on some suspects, and nothing more.   She certainly wouldn’t be listening to this under any other circumstances. 

Not ever.

She certainly wasn’t listening to this because it was turning her on slightly.

Not at all.

* * *

Rachel sat in ’her’ room with the door closed, not that the door being closed helped at all.   It seemed the walls were paper thin.  It was like sitting next to the orchestra at the opera: you heard everything whether you wanted to or not. 

She was mostly sure it was ’not’. 

She heard the wood elf groan through what sounded like her second orgasm.  Dear Illuminar in heaven these walls were thin.  It wasn’t like on the Argo where she was on a different floor and had an entire ship between them.  No, there were only two thin walls, and they certainly didn’t have any insulation. 

Unbidden, images of what might be going on in there came to her mind. 

She had just seen Ethan’s...

She closed her eyes and tried not to think of the accidental glimpse she’d gotten, but it was hard.  No pun intended.   The man was huge; absolutely enormous.  She couldn’t believe he could even fit inside of Alana.  How the tiny elf had managed to take him was anyone’s guess. 

Her analytical mind tried to make sense of it, trying to imagine how something so large could fit inside her best friend’s inner sanctum.  That led to a mental picture which...

She closed her eyes and tried to think of something else; anything else. 

It didn’t work.

The image was seared in her brain, and was making her rather horny.  She shook her head; this was ridiculous.  This was the last thing she should be dwelling on.  She resolved to put it out of her mind and was largely successful...

...until another moan of pleasure came from the other room. 

She frowned.

At this rate, she was going to be extremely horny by the night’s end.  She never slept very well when she was horny and thus would be rather distracted tomorrow.  If anyone asked why... 

She glanced at the door, looking at the lock Ethan had shown her earlier.  She could lock the door and she wouldn’t be disturbed.  She didn’t take care of herself very often, but right now it made sense.  After all, she didn’t want anyone to know why she was so scatterbrained tomorrow. 

She could take care of it.

She bit her lip. 

It seemed wrong.  Well, not wrong but odd; strange.  She thought about her conversation with Alana at Taloni’s wedding.  The wood elf had certainly tried her best to make it sound appealing, so Alana wouldn’t mind.

She stood up. 

I mean, she wasn’t really doing this for herself right?  She wanted to be able to help Ethan, Alana, and Beth tomorrow, and she could do that best if she was well-rested...  right?  She wouldn’t be well rested if she tried to go to sleep while horny.  That was a legitimate reason...  Right?

She locked the door. 

She heard yet another moan, this one sounded like it came from Beth, followed by these words from the blonde:  ”I love watching you two make love.” 

Rachel couldn’t help but smile. 

’Make Love’. 

It sounded so wonderful when put that way. 

She shimmied out of her pants, sat down on the mattress, and began to gently stroke herself.  No matter how hard she tried, Ethan’s face kept coming into view as she imagined herself making love to a man.  She cast around for something else to think of and oddly enough, her best friend’s face appeared rather frequently.

* * *

”Please finish inside of her?” 

Ethan grunted at Beth’s request, pushing him over the edge and unloading into his lovely elven wife.  The moment the first spurt of cum left him, Alana started trembling.  Her entire body seemed to have been possessed by a vibrator for the next several seconds and she gasped, moaned, trembled, and sighed through her third orgasm of the night. 

He relaxed slightly, let his weight fall on her slightly as he rested for a moment from his exertions.  Alana wrapped her arms around him, panting slightly as she did so. 

”Marrying you was the best decision I ever made.”  She sighed.

Beth touched his shoulder.  ”Agreed.” 

”Double agreed.”  He nodded as he lifted himself without pulling out of her.

”So, you’re glad you married yourself?”  Alana said with a wink.

He chuckled then looked at both of them.  ”You two are amazing, you know that?” 

”Thank you sir.” 

”Thank you.”  Beth bit her lip, then looked down at where Ethan’s cock was still wedged inside of the glistening wood elf. 

”What?”  Alana asked. 

Beth glanced at Ethan.  ”Um, I’m the only one of your wives who hasn’t...”  She licked her lips.  ”Who hasn’t...”  She turned even redder.  ”I mean, I saw Alana and Taloni doing it, but I couldn’t because I was on the Astral Plane.” 

”Oh.”  His first wife said knowingly.  ”You want to use your mouth on him.  Good idea; he tastes great.” 

”Well...”  Beth said hesitantly.  ”I do want to ’taste him’, but I was thinking more...  I mean, it’s already there so...”  The blonde glanced down at where his cock met her slit.  There was the tiniest bit of white leaking out of her pussy around his massive rod. 

She licked her lips. 

He stared at her incredulously.  ”You mean, you want to...”  He cocked his head to one side.   ”Out of Alana?”  Really?” 

”Oh.”  Alana turned beet red but smiled widely anyway.  ”I mean, I wouldn’t mind as long as...”  She turned even redder.   ”...as long as you share.”  She licked her own lips.

Ethan’s jaw dropped. 

”Is that okay with you?”  Beth asked Ethan hopefully.  ”I’d really like to, may I please?”

Ethan felt like he was floating on cloud nine.   He had just ravished one of his beautiful wives, had one more to go, and Beth was wanting to eat his cum out of Alana.  He had absolutely no idea why that made his cock twitch slightly and return to maximum hardness instantly.

”Oh, I think he likes that idea.”  Alana said before gently squeezing his cock with her vaginal muscles.  ”I don’t exactly hate it either...” 

”I’m ready if you are.”  Beth smiled nervously as she bent over, putting her head as close to her intended target as possible. 

Ethan nodded, then pulled out of the wood elf. 

A small glob of white cum appeared at her entrance.  Immediately, Beth darted forward and fastened her lips around Alana’s outer lips, not letting even a drop escape.  Ethan moved back and Beth rotated herself so she was lying between the other woman’s legs without ever removing her mouth.

”That must be the hottest thing I’ve ever seen.”  Ethan mused aloud as the dragon inside of him purred with contentment. The two women groaned at this pronouncement, and his sensitive ears heard the sound of gently sucking.  It was coming from Beth.

She was literally sucking his cum out of Alana. 

He was ninety percent ready to take his blonde wife from behind that moment, but something told him to wait.  He watched for several moments as she sucked the brunette’s pussy dry, then licked all around her slit to clean every last bit of cum. 

”Now, I believe you were going to share...”  Alana said, abject lust mixed with embarrassment displayed in her face, body language, and over their bond.  Her legs were splayed and she was nearly panting as she kept her eyes locked on Beth’s mouth. 

She licked her lips.

Beth smiled sheepishly, nodded, and then slowly and sensuously crawled upwards, dragging her breasts along the other woman’s entire front.  Alana groaned and opened her mouth slightly.  Beth stopped when their breasts met, and she took a moment to gently brush their nipples together. 

Alana sighed and arched her back.

Beth leaned over and pressed her lips to the wood elf’s.  She glanced at him with a wild, untamed look in her eyes, then opened her mouth just slightly.  He saw her drop a small glob of his cum into Alana’s mouth, and they both trembled slightly as she did so, and then they locked lips.

They continued to kiss for a moment before they both looked at him.   They both opened their mouths slightly so he could see them holding the white liquid.  Then they both closed their mouths, swallowed visibly, then opened them again so he could see they had in fact swallowed. 

”Did you like that sir?”  Alana said from underneath Beth with a cat-that-ate-the-canary -- or cat-that-ate-the-cream -- smile on her face. 

Beth glanced over her shoulder, wiggling her hips at him and presenting herself for his pleasure as she said:  ”Did you like seeing me--” 

He interrupted her.  

He lunged forward, overcome by lust as he buried himself inside the blonde up to the hilt in a single charging thrust. 

Beth yelped in shock, which quickly morphed into a squeal of delight as he grabbed her hips and started thrusting inside of her. 

”Bond.”  He said as he pushed some deep mana towards her through his hands. 

”Bon...”  She sighed.  ”Bond.”  She confirmed before giving him a sultry smile and pushing some deep mana towards him, through her pussy. 

He accepted hers.

She accepted his.

For a fraction of a second, he felt like time had slowed. 

In that moment, he once again saw Beth’s entire being; her soul.  All of her life experiences, all of her emotions, the entire essence of her being, and who she was, flashed through his mind and heart in an instant.  Everything about her was laid out before him like a town as seen by a bird flying over.

Perhaps because he had enchanted his reflexes to be faster in The Arena, but he noticed something this time that he only had a faint impression of last time.  He stared at it, trying to make sense of it.  He couldn’t make it out, but whatever it was made him want to cry.  It seemed to be a spot of pain that she kept buried as deeply as possible.

And then he could feel the moment begin to fade. 

He gritted his teeth and applied his will; his powerful draconic will keep that spot of pain, willing it to reveal itself. 

Then the world went dark. 

* * *

Ethan blinked.

He was in a small room that might’ve been richly decorated, but it was hard to tell because the whole room and everything in it was hazy, like a half-remembered dream or a memory that faded with time.  He thought he might’ve seen this room once in Lord Borden’s manor house, but wasn’t sure.

It was a small room that looked like it had been made up for a little girl’s tea party.  There were small tables and small chairs set up around a small table that would be the perfect height for a girl of about eight or ten.

As he watched, a half dozen little girls of that age entered.  They were all wearing fancy dresses and jewelry that probably cost more than a car.  They reminded him of ”pageant children” whose parents had molded them into ’perfect’ snooty little princesses... and spoiled brats.

They sat down, putting on airs as they did, each trying to outdo the others in disdain for everyone and everything in the room. 

Then the door opened again and young Beth entered wearing a pink lace dress.  She wasn’t nearly as fancy as the other girls, but she looked far more happy and genuine.  She wasn’t overdone with expensive jewelry either and looked more elegant than the others without trying.

The little Beth made for a chair to join the other girls, but one of them -- the queen bee by the looks of her -- put her foot on the chair to prevent the child-Beth from sitting down. 

The little Beth looked up, confusion all over her face. 

”You’re not good enough to join us.”  The queen bee said scornfully. 

Little Beth’s face fell.  Tears started forming at the corners of her eyes as she asked.  ”But why?”

The queen bee pointedly turned her face in another direction and started talking to the girls, ignoring Beth. 

She just stood there silently crying.

”Why aren’t I good enough?”  The little Beth said. 

Ethan clenched his fist so tight that his hand started to hurt.  He took deep, calming breaths that came out as low growls every time he exhaled. 

How. 

Dare. 

They. 

He started shaking in rage at the cruelty of those insufferably spiteful girls. 

”Dominus?”  A tiny voice behind him whispered. 

He turned to see Beth standing there shaking like a leaf and His demeanor instantly softened.  It was definitely Beth, but it seemed more like a fragment of Beth, or perhaps her subconscious mind, or some other part of her being.  It wasn’t the Beth he knew, but it seemed like a part of her.

”Can we go?”  She asked trembling.  ”I don’t like it here.” 

His concentration lessened for a mere moment, and then the world seemed to fade like a dream does when the waking world intrudes.

* * *

Alana was floating on a sea of contentment as she felt the lovely Beth’s young body ripple slightly with each impact as Ethan thrust inside of her.  Literally the only thing in the world that could be as good as this was if she and Beth had switched places. 

Ethan faltered. 

His powerful rhythm seemed to hesitate.  At the same time, Beth got a look of sublime happiness, followed by uncertainty, and then her eyes started to get watery.  It was a subtle thing, like someone who’d recalled a painful memory but was otherwise happy. 

”Beth, what’s wrong?”  She asked. 

The blonde didn’t reply.  She got a sort of sad smile on her face that was colored by the joy she had obviously been feeling only moments ago. 

”Beth, say something.” Alana said, just before realizing that Ethan had completely stopped thrusting. 

”Ethan?”  She said, but he didn’t respond so she tried telepathy.  *Ethan, can you hear me?* 

Her husband seemed to come to his senses.  He too looked quite sad, though judging from their bond it was more sympathetic sadness than real sadness. 

”Beth.”  He called softly to his second wife. The blonde teen sniffled once and then blinked a few times.  She hung her head slightly and didn’t look at him.

”Beth, look at me.”  Ethan said, and there was a slight timber in his voice that would brook no argument. 

He had apparently pulled out of Beth because the blonde rolled, laying between the wood elf’s legs with her back leaned up against Alana’s front. 

What was going on?

* * *

Ethan leaned forward, looking at Beth who wouldn’t meet his eye.  ”Beth, angel, look at me.” 

”Yes Dominus.”  She whispered, then slowly raised her eyes. 

He could see her pain there.  It was a buried, comfortable pain that she seemed entirely resigned to.  It was like a burden you had carried for so long you almost didn’t notice it anymore because you simply felt like it was a part of you.  She looked sad, weary, and resigned, the joy on her face hadn’t quite disappeared, but it was quite subdued.  He could feel it coming from her.

That’s when he realized; he could feel her emotions again.  They had rebonded and it appeared the bond hadn’t weakened at all since her demise.  In fact, it somehow seemed to be stronger than before. 

No, that wasn’t quite right. 

It felt like there had been something in the way before that wasn’t in the way now.  Regardless, he could tell exactly how she felt, and could finally see why she was so relentlessly down on herself today. 

”Beth.”  He said, intentionally pushing his gaze deep into her soul as he had done with Taloni to help her get over her fear of heights.  ”Beth, you are good enough.” 

The tiny blonde teen stared at him, seemingly not understanding and not capable of accepting what he was saying.

*Ethan, what’s going on?*  Alana asked.

*I caught a glimpse of one of Beth’s memories when we rebonded.*  He explained.  *She’s dealing with some serious shit, and I’m trying to help her.* 

His first wife nodded, then scooched down a bit and wrapped her arms around Beth in a very comforting way.   The blonde was laying between the brunette’s legs her back to the wood elf’s front, and Ethan was on his knees, leaning over them both.

”Beth, look at me.”  He said, having lost her eyes when he answered Alana.

His downcast wife looked at him again.  She had the expression of a hurt, scared, and lonely puppy.  She looked like someone who wore the deep scar of having her heart torn out.  He realized that’s what had probably happened at the tea party with those girls.

Something like that could be devastating for any child, and much more so for a sensitive and kind soul like Beth.  He was determined to do whatever he possibly could to rectify the situation.  Fate or Providence had given him these dragon powers; he hoped they could make a difference. 

He took a deep breath as he captured Beth’s gaze, locking her eyes to his.  He reached deep into his soul and summoned up all his willpower, putting it into his next words with the intent of pushing them so deeply into Beth’s heart that she would never doubt herself again.

”Beth, you are good enough.”  He said.  He could feel his dragon instincts rise up to put other compulsions there.  However, with Alana and Beth both there, it was easily ignored. 

Something shifted inside of Beth. 

He felt it. 

* * *

Beth couldn’t decide if she felt emptier or fuller than she ever had before.  She felt empty because there had been an enormous hole inside of her for her entire life.  Now, for some reason, she felt like that hole was gone.   She couldn’t decide if she felt empty or full because of its absence. 

She did feel better.

Suddenly, the gaping hole in her heart -- that burden she’d carried for so long that she’d forgotten she was carrying it -- suddenly it was lifted. Suddenly, she didn’t have gnawing doubt in the back of her mind anymore.  She didn’t have that little voice inside of her that she’d never realized was always there; that little voice that constantly told her that she wasn’t good enough, smart enough, or pretty enough; it was gone. 

Completely gone. 

In its place was...

Nothing?

Everything?

She wasn’t sure, but her eyes had dried.  She looked at her husband, suddenly no longer even vaguely worried about not being good enough for him.  She could just ’be’.

It felt wonderful.

”I love you Dominus.”  She said, only realizing after she’d said it that he’d very definitely changed places in her mind.  He wasn’t just her husband anymore.  He was her Dominus; her lord who cared deeply for her; the man to whom she was happy to belong.

”Dominus?”  He looked confused. 

She explained as she had with Alana earlier.  

Alana chuckled.  ”Sir, master, and Dominus; it seems your wives all have pet names for you.” 

”True.”  He replied, though he didn’t seem to know what to make of that. ”So, you’re okay?”  He asked Beth. 

”Yes Dominus.” She nodded.  ”I’m okay thanks to you.” 

She really was.  She couldn’t believe she was, but she was.  She felt like she had not only come back to life physically but also mentally and emotionally as well.  Laying there with her husband leaning over her and Alana holding her tenderly from behind, she felt happier than she had ever felt before.

Ethan broke out into a wide smile.  ”I’m glad.” 

”Me too.”  Beth beamed back at him.  ”But there’s one way I could be better.”  She gave him a suggestive look, lifting her legs and wrapping them around his waist

He growled in lust but didn’t immediately reenter her. She glanced down and saw his cock was rapidly re-inflating, probably having gone down while he was taking care of her.

”I love you so much Dominus.”  She whispered. 

”I love you too angel.”  He said softly.  Then with his cock at full size and hardness again, he moved forward. 

The blonde teen sighed softly as his immense member spread her wide.  She leaned back and completely relaxed letting the sensation of being filled by her husband wash over her.

It was incredible. 

Behind her, Alana also sighed softly and then began to gently slide her hands over the blonde’s young body.  Beth shivered at the dual stimulation, scarcely believing that such wonderful sensations were possible.  She let out a strangled moaned as Ethan bottomed out inside of her and she felt the head of his cock brush the entrance to her womb.

”Please Dominus, please may I carry your baby?”  She whispered. 

Ethan growled in lust, clearly very excited by the idea, but said. ”Someday absolutely.  I can’t wait to see you swell with my child...  but not now.”  

”Yes Dominus.”  She nodded, accepting his decision without reservation, though with a touch of disappointment. 

”You’re going to be a wonderful mother.”  Alana whispered into her ear.  Then the wood elf reached her hands up and gently massaged the teen’s breasts.  ”Just imagine nursing Ethan’s children.” 

Beth moaned.

Ethan started pulling back, and when he had nearly pulled out, he reversed course and started pushing slowly but powerfully into her.  Beth could feel his tender strength as he filled her completely.  He pushed into her, forcing his cock as deep inside of her as he possibly could.  Over their bond she could feel his desire to impregnate her; to breed her.

She wrapped her arms around him just as her legs were wrapped around him.  He supported himself with one arm and ran a finger tenderly across her cheek.  She leaned into it as he thrust inside of her again. 

”Soon.”  He promised.  ”The moment our child wouldn’t be in danger, then I will give you one.” 

”I can’t wait Dominus.”  She smiled. 

Alana pulled Beth’s hair to one side and started kissing her neck.  Ethan continued slowly thrusting inside of her, mirroring Alana on the other side of her neck. 

She was in heaven. 

The two people in the world that she loved the most were lavishing attention on her in ways she didn’t know were possible.  She could feel her climax approaching, and quickly, but it felt different this time. 

It wasn’t like a damn of pleasure was about to burst.  It was more like a raging river that was running powerfully, and growing stronger as it ran.  It seemed to grow slowly and steadily to the point that she wasn’t exactly sure when she started; it just spread through her whole body, suffusing and saturating every part of her being with a sensation the likes of which she’d never felt the like.

It wasn’t just physical either.  She could feel Ethan’s love coming over their bond, and could feel the tender care that Alana took to pleasure her.  It was more than just pleasurable; it was sublime; rapturous; an all-encompassing feeling of ecstasy and contentment that coursed through her body. 

She could feel her entire body begin to tremble, and heard a few sounds escape her lips.  She was being held suspended between the two people she loved most as they seemingly dedicated their hearts and souls to their tender ministrations on her.  

As the rushing river hit its strongest point -- like a damn bursting but longer and more sustained -- she felt a burst of heat near the entrance to her womb as her beloved husband spent his seed inside of her.  Moments later, she heard a few gentle sighs as Alana too seemed to join them in a sympathetic climax.

Ethan buried himself up to the hilt inside of her and stayed there for a moment as he finished seeding her.  She wished it would take root in the fertile fields of her womb, but also knew the baby would be in danger if he did so.  She enjoyed imagining what it would be like to feel it for real though. 

Above her, Ethan panted slightly.

She hadn’t realized she’d closed her eyes, yet felt no desire to open them.  Her beloved husband let himself rest on her a bit and she kept her arms wrapped around him, as Alana’s arms were wrapped around her. 

”Uh, can’t breathe.”  Alana whispered from underneath them. 

They both moved, Ethan first and he flopped down beside his first wife, resting from his exertions.  Beth rolled and landed on his other side, a mirror image to Alana.  Both women curled up against him, using his muscular chest for a pillow and placing their hands on his chest. 

Alana smiled at Beth, and then gently interlocked her fingers with the blonde teen’s own fingers.  Beth gave her a hand a little squeeze and then smiled at her.  The wood elf smiled back, a sleepy-contented look on her face. 

Ethan wrapped his arms around them both in a double snuggly-hug.  ”Have I ever told...  told...”  He yawned.  ”Have I ever told you two that I love you?”

Beth nodded, the side of her head moving on his scales.  ”Yes Dominus, but I wouldn’t mind hearing it again.” 

”Neither would I.”  Alana mumbled sleepily. 

”Alana, Beth; I love you both.”  He kissed each of them. 

If Beth’s heart had been any fuller, she felt like she would’ve died of happiness.  Her fellow wife looked equally joyful. 

”I love you too.”  Beth said. 

”And me.”  The lovely wood elf said as she snuggled closer. 

Beth felt a bit cold, so she reached over and grabbed one of the blankets that Jason had left.  They spread it over the three of them, none moving quickly because they all seemed to be on the verge of sleep. 

”Beth.”  Alana said once they were all covered and cozy.

”Yeah?” 

”Can I give you a goodnight kiss?”  The wood elf asked. 

”I think I’d like that.”  The human teen replied with a smile. 

The chocolate-haired brunette leaned forward as the blonde teen did, and they kissed.   It was sensual but not sexual, loving but not romantic, and tender and intimate but not arousing.

It was perfect. 

”Good night Beth.”  Alana said, her rich hazel eyes shining with happiness.  ”I’m so glad you’re back.” 

”Me too.”  She said, then yawned.  ”Good night Alana.” 

The wood elf smiled, they both kissed Ethan, and then they both laid their heads down to sleep.  Beth couldn’t remember ever feeling this happy, this loved, or this content.  She didn’t think that anything could make it better, and then she noticed something.

Both women were snuggled up to Ethan, and he was holding them in return.  But the blonde teen noticed that Alana had never let go of her hand.  Their fingers were still intertwined in an affectionate way.

She sighed. 

She closed her eyes and breathed deeply, still enjoying the simple sensation of breathing now that she was alive again.  She exhaled slowly, savoring the sensation and relishing the closeness of the two people she loved most in the world.  They loved her to, and both here holding her in their own way. 

Life was good. 

That was her last thought as she drifted to the most relaxed, content, and peaceful night’s sleep of her entire life.

* * *

~~EPILOGUE for Chapter 19

FOIA EMAIL RETRIEVAL REQUEST STATUS: DENIED

The following email conversation consisting of two (2) emails has been deemed classified above Top Secret.  Therefore, the request to make it public has been denied by --------- (Redacted).

Email (1) of (2)

Subject: --------- (Redacted)

To: --------- (Redacted)

From: --------- (Redacted)

Time: 03:18 EST

Sir, it’s as we suspected.  The ------------ (redacted) has opened again.  We intercepted a message from an FBI agent assigned to the case, sent from her personal cell phone.  The image is of a humanoid lizard, possibly a dragon.  Transcripts of the call indicate that the lizard appeared to be human while the agent was in close proximity. 

We suspect that the visitors from --------- (redacted) have advanced stealth capabilities which would be invaluable to the agency.  Advanced medical abilities are likely present, and possibly elemental manipulation. 

An additional target is hiding out in the ------------ (redacted) woods, and would likely possess the capability to reopen the ------------ (redacted), just like ------------ (redacted) was able to.

Recommend deployment of local assets and detainment of all relevant witnesses.

Email (2) of (2)

Subject: RE: --------- (Redacted)

To: --------- (Redacted)

From: --------- (Redacted)

Time: 03:20 EST

Excellent, detain them and transport them to --------- (redacted).  The use of lethal force is authorized, but not on ------------ (redacted), if it’s likely that he can indeed reopen the ------------ (redacted).  A dragon will be useful to the research division.   Living is preferred, but a carcass will do.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Note: This chapter began and ended on day 54 of Ethan’s life in the Ten Kingdoms.