Chapter 28

STANDING ON THE NEWLY paved road in phase 2, Amy, Remus, and Tarus gazed at their new house. The exterior was a combination of fabricated wood and glass, and its vintage Old Earth design blended perfectly with the other home in the neighborhood.

Instead of mud everywhere, the front yard was a lush garden filled with alien plants and flowers. Like everything else in this new world, it was awash with vibrant color.

When they entered the two-story house, an expansive living space greeted them. The vaulted ceiling stretched high above them, a welcome change for the twins who constantly had to duck to avoid hitting their heads in most colony buildings. Natural light streamed in through floor-to-ceiling windows, and a set of tall double doors led to a sprawling deck. It overlooked a yard twice as big as the front, with the same wild alien plants and a row of trees around the perimeter that created a private oasis the three of them could enjoy.

"I love everything from the floor plan to the wall color," Amy said as turned slowly, taking it all in. "The blue reminds me of the skies back home on a clear day, and it's supposed to be tranquil."

Remus lowered himself into a plush armchair. "This will do nicely," he announced as he folded his hands behind his head and stretched out his long legs. By her standards, all the furniture appeared oversized, but it was stylish and inviting and would fit her big warriors perfectly.

Off the living area was the kitchen, a chef's dream with state-of-the-art appliances, tons of storage space, and a large food-prep island with sturdy stools on two sides. The countertops were a sparkling white, contrasting beautifully with the dark-wood cabinets. A wall-mounted disc in the corner caught her attention; the house had a home management AI unit. Heaven knew she complained about Izzy, but after having her help for months, she didn't know how she would have gotten by without her.

When she reentered the living area, both men stood in front of the glass doors, gazing at the beautiful paradise out back.

"This place is perfect for us, don't you think?" Tarus asked.

"I wouldn't change a thing if I had designed it myself. It's incredible how much our lives have transformed in such a short time. Can you even imagine where we would be if we hadn't flipped that coin outside the bar that night?"

"A coin flip for what?" she asked.

They both turned toward her, appearing surprised and somewhat sheepish. Tarus shifted uncomfortably, his body language betraying a sense of unease unlike his usual confidence. Remus glanced at him, clearly looking for a way out of the hole widening beneath their feet.

"You're talking about dart night at the Watering Hole, where you were falling all over yourselves to impress me?" Suddenly, she scowled. "You flipped a coin over who would get me? Seriously? "

"It wasn't like that at all," Remus protested.

"Really? How was it, then?"

"We decided to let you choose, and the other would bow out."

They'd come on strong after that night—a full-court press for her affections.

"Why the coin flip?"

"To see who went first," Remus admitted. "Tarus won."

"How utterly charming," she said, her tone like acid. "And here I thought Primarian warriors had more gallantry than that."

When she whirled on her heel to stomp off, both brothers moved as one, Tarus going around the couch and Remus going over it. Because of his shortcut, Remus reached her first. "We both wanted you, Amy. So much so we came to blows, which hasn't happened since we were children."

"We've always wanted you, mate," Tarus said. "But we didn't know how you would react to the suggestion of a triad. We decided to see if you would respond to us individually first."

"Asking me would have been a good place to start," she said with a sniff.

"We wanted you to have the choice," Remus explained. "We're damn happy it didn't come to that."

"That makes two of you," she snapped, her ego bruised because they had reduced something she thought was special into a contest.

"You don't mean that," Tarus said, brushing her hair aside and gently kissing her neck.

"I don't," she conceded. "But being treated like a prize in a coin toss is demeaning. I strongly advise you not to do it again."

Remus planted a lingering kiss on the other side of her neck, leaving a trail of warmth in its wake. "Since we're mates, and won't have to, no worries about that."

When she stiffened, Tarus shot him a quelling look. "When will you learn to quit when you're ahead?"

"I didn't mean that the way it sounded," Remus declared. "I'm sorry, Amy. Forgive me?"

She glared at him, undecided if she should let them off the hook or leave them to stew longer.

"While she's deciding, I'm curious about something," Tarus said as he strode across the room.

"What?" she and Remus asked in unison.

"The three-person shower Beck promised," he replied as he climbed the open staircase to the second floor.

She and Remus exchanged glances that morphed into eager grins as they hurried after him.

There were three bedrooms. Two were spacious and inviting, but the third was immense. In the center of one wall, there was a massive bed, the largest she had ever laid eyes on.

"Say goodbye to bruised elbows and knees," Tarus observed.

"And finally, no more landing on the floor bare-assed naked in the middle of the night. This bed is actually big enough for all of us." Remus added, quietly, "Thank the Maker."

Amy was glad for that, but as curious as Tarus to see if Beck followed through on his promises. She headed to the door on the far wall, which led to a bathroom. It, too, was enormous, and the massive tile shower was big enough not only for three but at least six.

Tarus came up behind her and encircled her waist with his hands. His voice was deep and stirring in her ear when he asked, "Is it what you imagined, gem?"

"No," she whispered as she turned and slid both hands up his chest. "It's better."

Remus enfolded her in his arms, his voice low and intimate. "I can't imagine a better place for us to start our life together." His lips brushed her earlobe as he inquired, his tone hopeful, "Are we forgiven?"

"Ugh, yes," she grudgingly replied. "I can't stay mad at either of you because when you flash a smile and pour on the charm, my pants literally come off."

"That's good to know, koria , because the shower is my favorite amenity in our new home." His tone was playful, and his eyebrows waggled outrageously as he continued, "And lucky for us, it requires the absence of pants."

She giggled, unable to keep from it.

Tarus dipped his head to briefly taste her lips. "Shall we give it a trial run?"

Before an enthusiastic absolutely could pass her lips, four hands stripped her naked.

"Shower on seven," Remus called to the AI unit. The spray from the six jets created a swirling cloud of steam that quickly filled the bathroom. Among the many things her mates had discovered about her, she liked her showers hot.

Moving together into the spraying water, both Tarus and Remus slicked her skin with soap. Their hands roamed her body, fingers exploring the wet, warm hidden places, while they took turns kissing her. As their mouths and hands ignited a fire inside her, Amy's moans mingled with their husky groans .

Tarus lifted her. Without having to be told, she spread her legs, and he brought her down onto his shaft. Soapy fingers paved the way for Remus' possession, and he filled her from behind.

Before her mates, she'd never imagined being taken this way, claimed by two at once. But as they worked together to bring her to the peak of ecstasy, their bodies moving in harmony, their desire building with each kiss, caress, and deep glide, it seemed like the only way. The perfect way.

When they soared to the pinnacle of pleasure, Amy cried out as a wave of pure bliss washed over her. Her mates followed soon after, each man growling low and sinking deep while finding passion's release.

They leaned against one another, breathless and sated, their bodies intertwined in a jumble of limbs and wet skin. Steamy water cascaded over them in the spacious shower of a grand bathroom, in a house she never thought she would possess, with two extraordinary men who had vowed to love and cherish her forever. After searching half her life for it, in that moment, she knew she had finally found her true home.

IN THE WEEK THAT FOLLOWED , Amy walked around with a perpetual smile on her face and, according to her friends, a dreamy sex-glazed look in her eyes. They teased her, especially when the twins, most often together but occasionally, one alone, arrived to steal her away for lunch. Except there was little eating going on as the mating fire burned for the still-newish trio .

Ever since the breaching, they were inseparable except for duty and work. They had to be away from her overnight a time or two, but never both at once. It was still unknown how long they could tolerate being apart before symptoms of separation sickness appeared. For some mates, it was like a mild case of the flu. For fated mates, it was always more severe. If they were away from each other for too long, it could prove deadly. None of them wanted to put it to a test.

One evening after work, when they returned home together, a surprise awaited them in their bedroom.

"How in the world did that get in here?" Amy exclaimed as she took in the contraption in the corner, which was a bewildering hodgepodge of platforms, padded boards, hinges, and cables. It looked like it belonged in a fitness center, not a bedroom.

"The Intrepid arrived on a routine supply run earlier today," Tarus said as he approached the device. "I received a message about a delivery and gave the captain our coordinates for transport. He didn't say what it was though."

Remus chuckled. "I imagine not."

The twins circled it at least twice before Tarus observed, "I've never seen one quite so large."

"I believe it has been modified for three," Remus replied, his voice tinged with excitement.

Stopping on either side of whatever it was, they exchanged mischievous grins, their anticipation filling the air with electricity. In unison, their hungry gazes homed in on Amy, causing her to shift nervously.

"Would one of you care to enlighten me about what it is? "

Tarus moved toward her, his voice low and suggestive. "We call it a mate's helper. It's something you must experience to appreciate it. Or so I am told."

His answer wasn't helpful in easing her growing anxiety; neither was his sly grin. She knew she was in trouble. But, even more so, she was curious. Amy moved closer to the device, intending to inspect it thoroughly before accepting any sort of "help."

Remus slipped his hand under her arm and stopped her. "You must be in your natural state, dral ."

Puzzled, Amy looked from one twin to the other. "I don't understand."

"He means, remove your clothing, mate," Tarus murmured, his breath warm against her neck. "All of it," he clarified. "Once you are naked, it will be our pleasure to enlighten you."

As she stared again at the platforms, cables, and pulleys, a fiery heat suffused her cheeks. "I've changed my mind. I don't want to know."

"Too late," Remus said with a chuckle. "Besides, the princep will expect feedback on his gift. It would be rude of us not to provide it."

Amy gasped in disbelief. "Are you saying Max Kerr sent this?"

"I'm guessing his prima put him up to it. It's widely rumored that the mate this device actually helps isn't the male," Tarus explained as his lips continued to tease and dance over her skin.

Still, she hesitated, to which Remus asked, "You trust us to take care of you, don't you, mate? "

"I trust you both with my life." She waved at the helper. "It's that alien sex machine I have reservations about."

Amy lost her will to argue when Remus and Tarus, unable to contain their eagerness, removed her clothes, their lips brushing every inch of skin revealed while praising her beauty. When nothing remained as a barrier to their hungry eyes, they guided her onto a low-lying platform near the floor facing outward.

"I don't know about this," she told them nervously.

"If you relax, gem, you'll enjoy yourself immensely," Tarus urged before commanding more loudly, "Helper, on."

She was trying to do what he suggested, but it was easier said than done, especially when the device hummed to life. Startled, she let out a squeak and, in her nervousness, observed drily, "Voice activated. How convenient."

"It allows for hands-free play and makes using it solo an option," Remus explained, his fingers tracing delicate patterns on her breasts. "Although, with two mates attending to your needs, I doubt you'll find it necessary."

Tarus disappeared from view, only to reappear a moment later, holding a colorful card.

Wary, but with her curiosity piqued, she asked, "What's that?"

"A quick reference guide highlighting the capabilities of our three-person mate's helper." He passed it to Tarus. "It has preset modes and a variety of attachments. Let's see what this baby can do. Position 1," he called, his eagerness making him sound like a kid at Christmas.

Remus waved the card before tossing it aside. "You're going to like this one, koria . "

Amy clung to conveniently placed handgrips as the machine trembled. Padded boards shifted beneath her and angled her slightly backward. The soft cushions hugged her form and supported her body. It wasn't uncomfortable, but not knowing what would happen next kept her heart racing and her muscles tense.

Suddenly, metal cuffs snapped into place around her wrists and ankles. The soft fur lining was deceiving; she wasn't going anywhere until the helper, or her mates, who hopefully knew the correct voice command, set her free.

The strange contraption, resembling a blend of the Spanish Inquisition and modern technology, was far from finished. The platform beneath her feet split apart, spreading her legs wide, exposing her most intimate parts.

A rapid whirring sound grew louder, eventually turning into a continuous buzzing. Although unable to see its source, Amy could guess what was coming. Straining her neck forward, she looked down and spotted a phallic-shaped device emerging from a concealed compartment at the base. It moved steadily toward her, aligning perfectly with her pussy. An involuntary gasp escaped her, quickly becoming a moan when the device made contact.

Vibrations, focused directly on her clit, sent currents of pleasure coursing through her. The buzzing increased, becoming so intense she uttered, "Oh my freaking god!" between ragged breaths.

Amidst the riot of emotions and sensations, she heard Remus chuckle and remark with amusement, "I rather think she likes it, Brother. I'll make a mental note to favorite position 1. "

"Apparently, it isn't done," she heard Tarus drawl, as two metallic arms materialized in front of her. At the end of each was a transparent cup that seamlessly molded to her breasts, massaging gently and applying suction. And if that wasn't enough, within each cup, a smaller one sealed around her nipples and sucked.

"Intensity up two," Remus called out.

"No. Oh, no..." Amy's protest turned into a wail as the intensity immediately increased. Her back arched off the support behind her, restricted only by the restraints. And the whole time, the vibrating wand, which had increased in intensity by two as well, kept buzzing away. "Make it stop or I'll... I'm going to...come," she cried brokenly while panting.

A knowing smile danced on Tarus' lips as he leaned in closer, his hand splaying across her belly, warm and reassuring, but not doing anything to stop the stimulation.

"That is the purpose of a mate's helper, gem," he informed her. "And to guide us toward the pinnacle of mated bliss."

Remus glanced his way, a brow raised in question.

Tarus shrugged one shoulder. "It said as much on the card."

Chuckling, Remus leaned in on her other side, his breath warm on her cheek as he boasted, "Not that we need any help, making you scream with mated bliss."

Although she wanted to call out his arrogance, the memory of their past encounters lent truth to his words. And because she found herself unable to speak from the constant sucking and buzzing that showed no signs of ceasing.

As her warriors looked on with fascination, the dual sensations, both thrilling and intimidating, brought her rapidly to a peak. Her body jerked within her bonds, pleasure flooding her system as she panted for breath between whimpers.

Even after her climax began to recede, the mate's helper persisted. Amazingly, a second orgasm quickly built and washed over her, followed swiftly by a third. Trembling and covered in a sheen of sweat, as the fourth wave approached, Amy desperately pleaded for a break. "It's too much! I can't...endure it...again."

"Helper, stop," one of them said, although Amy was too overcome by the ongoing stimulation to tell which one.

When the vibrations and suction immediately ceased, she slumped in her restraints, the tension in her body finally easing. Gentle hands stroked and soothed her as she trembled and twitched through the aftershocks.

"Our mate is stunning when she finds release," Tarus murmured, his lips grazing her jaw.

"Stunning doesn't do her justice," Remus countered, trailing soft kisses from her cheek to her ear on the other side.

Incredibly, their words of praise, kisses, and gently caresses sparked the mating fire within her to life. Before it raged through her body once again, she suggested, "Shall we go to bed? I believe I need to lie down for a bit to recover."

Tarus straightened and looked down at her, his expression concerned. "Do you feel lightheaded or unwell?" he inquired.

"No, but that was really intense."

His frown transformed into a grin. "Then I don't think so, my sweet, precious mate. We have merely scratched the surface of what our princep's gift can do. We shall grant you a reprieve for a few minutes before we continue, however. "

Her eyes widened. "Continue?" she squeaked. "You mean there's more?"

Remus brushed the hair back from her cheeks and framed her face with his hands. Then he bent to her and took her mouth in a smoldering kiss. Her body reacted, her nipples hardening, and, unbelievably, after an unknown number of climaxes, liquid desire flooded her pussy.

His lips against hers curved into a smile. "There is much more because there is untapped passion in you, precious gem."

Over Tarus' shoulder, she saw Remus referring to the user's guide. "Number 7 looks intriguing."

"I trust your judgment," his twin murmured, busy nibbling his way along her jaw to her earlobe.

"Helper, position 7," Remus called.

Tarus stepped back because the device immediately responded. Two padded supports smoothly snapped in place, one across her upper chest and the other snugly over her hips. A strap snaked around her waist, and, as soon as it locked in place, the helper flipped her over. She yelped in alarm.

"Easy, koria . You are safe," Remus said, stroking her leg reassuringly. "Never would we put you in danger."

Amy breathed in deeply as she took a moment to get her bearings. Facedown at a slight angle, her head pointing toward the floor and her butt aimed at the ceiling, the contraption held her securely. She squirmed a little but went nowhere.

Her thighs, still held wide by the helper, left her vulnerable to whatever debauchery they had planned for her next.

Remus squatted in front of her. "How are you?" he asked.

"Okay, but this is all very strange."

"Not from where I stand. I find it all very arousing. "

"It's hot," Tarus asserted, as his warm hands slid up the inside of her thighs. "Isn't that how humans refer to something that stimulates extreme sexual desire?"

"Mm-hmm," she hummed, as his fingers gently parted her pussy lips and his thumb flicked her clit.

"I take it you're ready to continue," Remus said with a knowing grin.

She could only moan in response as two long fingers sank into her wet center. The recent orgasms from the high-powered vibe still lingered, leaving her hypersensitive.

Remus took a seat in front of her on a chair magically created by the device. His long cock stood upright and rigid, the glistening tip aimed at her mouth. He gripped himself and rubbed the velvety head over her lips.

"Open your mouth and take me inside, mate," Remus murmured, in a low, commanding rumble.

She didn't hesitate, opening wide and stroking the underside of his shaft as he slid along her tongue. His fingers threaded through her hair, holding it back from her face so he could watch. His touch was gentle amidst the intensity of the moment.

"Exquisite," he said tightly. "Now suck until I spend inside you."

Eager to please him, her head bobbed up and down while sucking him greedily. She only lost the rhythm slightly when Tarus' cock replaced his fingers, and he sank into her. The sensation of him stretching her to her limits stole her breath away, which made obeying Remus' directive much more challenging.

They coordinated their movements. As Tarus thrust, Remus withdrew, and when he slid his equally impressive length into her mouth, inch by hard inch, her other mate glided almost all the way out. Their alternating penetration made her tremble, and she groaned around the shaft in her mouth.

They were both powerful, commanding men, and didn't need the device to take her however they wanted to, but the restraints added an extra layer to their innate dominance and a taboo naughtiness to their possession, arousing her already-overwhelmed senses.

Each thrust and slow glide drove her closer to a mind-blowing climax. The wet, erotic noises of their bodies melding filled the room. Her warriors continued their relentless, sensual onslaught until she was teetering on the precipice of a fifth orgasm—or was it sixth, possibly a seventh? She'd lost count.

Two hands and ten fingers tightened on her for a split second, and masculine groans filled the air before Remus splashed warmly on her tongue. Amy swallowed because she wanted to, her mates' taste something she now craved. Tarus waited for his turn and her full attention, before he, too, spent hotly inside her body. Their combined groans pushed her over the brink again.

Sated and exhausted, she didn't react when Tarus murmured, "Helper, home," and the device returned to its beginning position. She barely moved when Remus caught her up in his arms, her legs too rubbery to hold her weight when the restraints released. And when he carried her to the bathroom, where Tarus was waiting with a warm shower running, they both had to support her while they washed her.

Later, as they lay tangled together in a post-coital haze, Remus gently teased her about her earlier hesitation. "The helper wasn't so scary after all, was it?"

"Yes, it was—at first. But my mates showed me the error of my thinking."

"Which did you prefer, position one or seven?" Tarus asked drowsily.

"Seven," she replied without hesitation. "Because you and Remus took part. Although position one was hot, with the two of you watching."

"I can't wait to try out the other fifty-two."

"Fifty-two!" she echoed, sitting up with such speed she jostled them both and sent pillows onto the floor.

"There are fifty-four in all. Two down and many more to go," Remus said with a grin, hauling her back into his arms. "We're lucky. The two-person model only has half that."

"Lucky wasn't the word that came to mind," she whispered. "Holy cow!"

Tarus curled against her side, his big brawny arm draped over her waist. "We don't have to try them all out at once. By the end of the month is plenty of time."

Amy quickly did the math. "But that's less than three weeks away and would mean three positions a day to get them all in!"

Silence greeted her comment. Clearly, they didn't see it as a problem.

"You'll have to carry me to and from work because I won't be able to walk."

"You exaggerate, mate," Tarus yawned into her hair. "But either of us would happily carry you anywhere."

"In the future, when we ask that you trust us, you'll find it's much simpler and far less intimidating if you oblige," Remus advised, drawing closer. "If you choose not to, the user's guide states that position two is standard on all models. "

Amy patiently waited for him to explain. When he didn't, her curiosity got the best. "Dare to ask what position two entails?"

"Position two can certainly be pleasurable, like all the other positions," he responded. "It also brings a round, fleshy part of your anatomy to the forefront for alternative purposes."

Tell me it's for spanking without telling me it's for spanking, she silently mused. The image of her bound with her butt in the air for her warriors to chastise as they saw fit sent a delicious shiver racing through her.

Good grief. Even after multiple orgasms to the point of exhaustion, her mates could still turn her on. She was like a rabbit—and a kinky one at that. This mating fire was the real deal.

She didn't utter a word of protest, knowing without a doubt position two even for punishment would lead to unbelievable pleasure. Instead, she snuggled between them, trusting them completely, because she had never felt more loved and cherished in her life, and because denying herself such unbelievable pleasure was insane.

Remus' breath felt warm against her skin when he chuckled. "She likes the idea of position two as much as we do. The Maker sent us our perfect mate."

"I'm sure I don't have the foggiest idea what you are talking about," she said around a fake yawn, ignoring when Tarus' soft laughter joined his brothers.

They didn't call her on her blatant fib, however.

Smiling, Amy closed her eyes, feeling contentment more than she ever imagined, her heart full of gratitude for the unique bond the three of them shared and the life they would forge together. While it didn't make the top of her most grateful for list, she eagerly anticipated the fifty-two other exhilarating, gravity-defying, sensual adventures that awaited her with the mate's helper, and most especially, with her mates.