He smiled. “But, you want to stay with me?”
“I do. I always have. I think we are wearing them down.” She chuckled and flexed her fingers against his.
He grinned, kissed her, and started moving inside her again. “Well, in that case, I am practicing.”
“What?”
“Getting you pregnant. Will you lay an egg?”
“I have no idea. I do know that I have created an incubator that has been used successfully in a few experiments. Technically, I won’t have your child; I will incubate it. Hell, I don’t know if I lay eggs or not.”
He chuckled. “As long as you call me your mate, I don’t care if you give birth to a bright purple squid.”
She grinned. “That could definitely be an interesting team member.”
He rocked inside her slowly, kissing her softly. It was the sweetest coupling that she could remember, and when she came, he was with her. It was definitely a good practice run. They would make excellently weird parents... eventually.
They spent hours with each other and cuddled up in each other’s arms. She followed what he had told her earlier and whispered, “Open doors.”
It took three minutes before they were in a cuddle pile with Ryma and Tycho on either side of her and Torun watching over all three of them. They simply held each other and slept. It was an excellent way to enjoy the first night in a house, surrounded by people she trusted.
Susa carried a tray full of coffees and pastries in at dawn. She grinned as she set it down and brought the cup over to the bed. A pale limb came out of the pile as Zera fought her way out of the stack of heroes and took the coffee. “Thanks, Susa.”
Zera yawned. “I would go for a run, but my legs are currently being used as pillows.”
Susa laughed. “I can skip a few runs. You look happy.”
“I am. While I was stuck, I had some more ideas for Khytten’s birthday party.”
“Are you throwing a party?”
“I am. Salat’s orders. He wants his kitten to have a party, so she will have a party.” She chuckled. “I have a few ideas about a theme. We are inviting all the escorts who want to come and a few select patrons.”
Torun looked up from his spot, belly down in the sheets. “Are we invited?”
“If you are available, of course. All three of you. Dress will be formalish, though.”
Ryma looked up. “What is formalish?”
“Fancy with a lot of bare skin.”
Susa laughed. “I can help with clothing.”
Zera slugged down her coffee. “Good idea, Susa. We will just provide the clothing, and guests can change when they arrive. It will make things more uniform.”
Susa nodded. “All escorts will be invited?”
“Yup.”
“Excellent. I have a ton of designs I never got made up. I can totally make up a few dozen in different colours for both genders. If I can get a tablet, I can start having the CAM units get underway.”
Zera finished her coffee, and Susa grabbed the mug. Ryma looked at her with sleepy eyes. “Are you getting up now?”
Susa laughed and left the room.
Zera flopped back, and the team started to move around her. She was soon pleasurably swamped under muscled limbs and had to admit it was a nice way to start the day.
Epilogue
Zera spent a few days setting things in motion and interviewing new escorts. She managed to get five in process, and twenty-three new patrons were running through security checks.
Khytten called her every day to ask her to cancel the party. Each time, Salat’s com cut in, and he stated that the party would continue. The two other patrons that had had Khytten in their arms were also invited.
With the party taking place that evening, Susa was back in the swing of things, legal and registered with her working com.
At the venue, she organized the caterers, the decorations, and the racks of itemized costumes for the event.
This was the first big party that they had engaged in. There would be alcohol available for those who wanted it, but anyone stepping out of line would be dealt with.
With twenty minutes before the first guest was to arrive, the birthday girl showed up with her backpack on. Mortified.
“We still have enough time to cancel this, Zera. I am really not good with folks staring at me.”
“Khytten, there are times in life when a little attention is warranted. Birthdays are one of those times. Come on, Salat wanted you to have this party, and I want to throw it, so all you have to do is enjoy it.”
Khytten groaned. “No fair bringing him up. He has to work tonight.”
Zera gave her friend a hug. “There will be plenty of friends and familiar faces here tonight, but first, we have to get you dressed.”
“This is going to be embarrassing, isn’t it?”
“Yup, but don’t worry. We are all playing dress-up tonight. Even the patrons.”
Khytten grumbled but allowed herself to be dressed in a heavily modified outfit consisting of a skirt, a top, and a cape, all designed to show as much as possible.
Zera was in something similar, but instead of Khytten’s green, Zera was wearing black and purple. Susa put on some pastel blue, and the other escorts arrived and got dressed. Several brought gifts for the birthday girl.
It was another hour before the patrons showed up, and the escorts smiled as the patrons showed up wearing less than they were for a change.
Zera mingled with the guests as they paid their respects and gave well wishes to Khytten.
Music started, people danced, and Khytten refused to dance with anyone. Zera watched and sighed. Her friend was unhappy and lonely, even in a room full of people.
Presents flowed toward her, and she started to open a bunch of presents, mostly scents and grooming items. Fifteen gave her a beautiful shawl with butterflies
