Grady's Awakening

Chapter Seventeen

Jim didn’t understand the myriad of strange emotions running through his brain at the moment, but he did know lust. He figured he’d go with that for now. There would be time to figure out the rest later.

Right now the most urgent thing on his mind was getting inside Gina. Again and again. The caveman in him came to the fore, and it was a good thing Grady didn’t challenge him. He was just in the mood to enforce his will, no matter who stood in his way.

He liked the way Gina responded to his inner barbarian and if he wasn’t much mistaken, she got a little thrill out of it too. Grady only registered as a background presence, though Jim had enjoyed watching the alien fuck Gina more than he’d thought possible.

And he’d watched. Every slide inward. Every moan from her lips that had vibrated against his own cock. He’d never been hotter in his life.

He didn’t know what that meant beyond making him a pervert, but if he was, then so was Gina. And he refused to believe anything negative associated with her. So maybe being a little pervy wasn’t so bad after all. She’d enjoyed it. Hell, he’d enjoyed it. He assumed Grady had too, though at this point, Grady was there because it would hurt Gina to dismiss him. Jim would have been content to keep her all to himself, but not at the expense of her happiness.

He didn’t want to drive the guy crazy either. The very real possibility that the giant soldier would go insane without Gina was both alarming and brought out Jim’s protective nature. Sure, he was an alien, but he was a living being with emotions. Jim didn’t want to be responsible for making the guy go nuts.

Any further introspection was halted by the soft sway of Gina’s generous breasts as they came into view. She was dressed only in her panties, and they were very obviously damp. He knew Grady had come inside her, but the thought of it didn’t turn him off at all. Quite the contrary. It was titillating to see evidence of their shared passion.

Jim walked up to her, halting her hands on her hips as she prepared to lower the thin scrap of material that covered her pussy.

“No. Let me.” His breathing grew harsh as excitement rose. She met his gaze, and he could see the spark of intense desire in her expression. She liked his commands.

Jim scooped her up into his arms and moved to the bed.

“Pull back the covers.” He sent his words in Grady’s general direction and a moment later the covers were whisked away, leaving a broad expense of white cotton sheet exposed. Jim lowered her to the bed, in the exact middle of the big, soft platform. Her eyes held his as he moved away, his hands reaching for the edges of her panties.

In a swift move, he slid them down her legs and off, flinging them away. Her legs parted and he sat between the firm pillars of her thighs, gazing down at his conquest. Her pussy was neat, the hair kept trimmed and tantalizing. He loved the look of her, especially now, her folds swollen from hard use.

Grady wasn’t a small man. Jim had enjoyed watching her take the alien’s thick cock, but he would like watching her take his own even better.

“Our woman isn’t hot enough.” He finally spoke to Grady, though his full attention was on Gina. “Nibble on her tits, Grady. Maybe that will help.”

Gina’s gasp was his reward. With another person to help surprise her, this could be fun. Grady’s blond head dipped as the giant complied with Jim’s order. He didn’t know why, but he felt the need to assert control this time. It was a dominance thing that he needed to sort out, but for now, it felt damned good and he saw how Gina enjoyed it.

“Would you look at that?” Jim said speculatively, his gaze focused on her wet folds. “She’s all creamy and wet. I like that.” Dipping his fingers into her warmth, he tested her readiness. He liked the way she squirmed under his hand, as if eager for more. He started a light rhythm, building her passion, watching her progress, and he and Grady played her body like a finely tuned instrument.

He increased his possession, adding another finger while he watched Grady play with her nipples. They were hard little points in his hands and mouth, indicating her elevated arousal. When she was near the point where every touch brought a series of harmonic vibrations, he eased off, removing his fingers from her slick pussy.

“Grady, let’s flip her over. I want her on hands and knees for this.” Gina shot him a questioning look as Grady eased away, but Jim didn’t answer. He had something a little different in mind for this encounter, and he wanted her trust.

They positioned her, and she complied beautifully. Jim smoothed his palms over the round globes of her perfect ass, adding a little tap for good measure that made her squeak. But she smiled back at him, moving her butt under his palms in approval, wanting more. Grady seemed surprised, but refrained from saying anything. Jim was glad the warrior was letting him call the shots this time.

“You take that end—,” Jim pointed Grady toward her head, “—while I keep things interesting over here.” Jim insinuated himself between her spread knees, bringing himself up close to her bare ass and the wet place he wanted to claim—as soon as he got his pants off. Damn. He should’ve thought ahead. Every moment of delay annoyed him. He wanted to be inside her now.

Unzipping and shoving his pants down to free his aching cock, he didn’t waste any more time once she was within his grasp. He slid home within her folds with a minimum of fuss, resting there once he’d claimed her channel, reveling in the warm, slick feel of her around him.

Drinking in the sensations, he looked upward, over the long, sinuous line of her back, to see Grady, his hands on her breasts as he bent over her upper half. A lean to the side showed him Gina had been busy. She had Grady’s pants open, and his hard cock was being treated to the heaven that was her mouth and tongue.

Jim grasped her hips and began to thrust. As he moved forward, his motion propelled her onto Grady’s cock. The warrior looked up, clearly startled as Jim did it again. Jim could only grin.

“Let me do the driving this time,” he said in a low voice as he continued to pump.

Grady straightened, most likely so he could watch Gina’s motion on him—probably also to be certain Jim didn’t push her too hard. Jim liked the way the Alvian looked out for her. Between the two of them watching over her, she’d be in good hands.

The thought was startling and had an oddly comforting feel to it. Maybe Jim was more resigned to this weird threesome than he’d thought. He knew one thing—trying to think reasonably while he was buried balls deep in Gina’s hot pussy wasn’t really possible. Better to concentrate on the way she felt around him and the way he wanted to drive her to the biggest climax she’d ever known.

It was a good goal.

Jim began to move more forcefully, holding her by one hip as he slammed into her hot core, the other hand caressing around front, teasing her clit. He pinched, and she whimpered around Grady’s cock. Her belly clenched, and he knew she liked it.

But he wanted to prolong this a little. He eased his hand away, rubbing her ass, then swatting her playfully while she squeaked. He loved that sound.

He spanked her again, just to hear it, and felt her channel contract around him even as her body produced even more lubrication to ease his way. It wouldn’t be long.

Jim timed his thrusts, driving into her powerfully, moving her whole body. She understood the rhythm, as did Grady, who leaned back so she’d be able to take as much of him as she wanted with each forceful thrust of Jim’s hips.

It worked. Better than Jim had ever expected. The three of them worked together like a well-oiled machine and it was only their second encounter. Who knows what they’d be able to do given a few months to get to know each other better.

Jim reached around, tickling her clit while his hips increased their pace once more. He was close, and he wanted her to go with him. Whether Grady would join them was up to him, but what man could resist Gina’s climax? Certainly not Jim, and he’d bet Grady couldn’t either.

As she peaked, Jim came in a blinding rush, jetting inside her as he pushed into her and held. And held. And held.

Dimly he was aware of Grady’s final groan. As he’d suspected, the alien couldn’t resist an orgasmic Gina either.

The shared climax was powerful. Pushing things beyond even the magnificent orgasm they’d achieved on the lakeshore. Jim held inside her for long minutes as his balls emptied and fire crashed through his veins. Little pumps of his hips drew out the bliss as he shut his eyes and concentrated on the incredible feeling of being inside his woman.

When the final echoes died away, he withdrew, lifting Gina in his arms and laying her on her back on the bed. She was between him and the alien warrior. As it should be. They would surround her. Walk on either side of her through life. Protecting her from all who would try to harm her.

He didn’t know how it would all work out yet, but that was the goal. It was a worthy one and one he’d do his best to achieve it. There were some things to work out between his duty to his people, her allegiance to the alien brotherhood and Grady’s ongoing participation in the alien experiment, but God willing, they’d figure a way to keep this bliss, this nirvana, between the three of them.

Jim collapsed at her side, barely noticing when Grady tossed the covers over all three of them. He faded into a satisfied sleep with his woman at his side.

Dawn underground was more a matter of timekeeping than actual sunlight. The base’s artificial intelligence simulated sunlight in most areas of the complex, including the barracks—for those on the day shift, which included guests.

The lights came up gradually but by nine o’clock in the morning, Jim couldn’t ignore the glare anymore. He stretched and yawned, puzzled to find himself alone in the big bed.

“Where the heck is everybody?” he ventured telepathically, hoping Gina was in range.

A mental giggle came back in Gina’s distinctive tones. “You looked so peaceful, I didn’t have the heart to wake you.”

They kept up a teasing telepathic dialog while he dressed, made his way to his quarters, showered and dressed again, this time in fresh clothes. By the time he found her lingering over coffee in the cafeteria, breakfast was almost over. He managed to snag a tray and some food before the kitchen shut down and sat with a beaming Gina until Mike found them about a half hour later.

Grady was off with Bill somewhere, and Gina had promised to teach self-defense moves to some of the women in the gym. When Mike asked Jim to spend the day with the cousins going over plans for potential cooperation between the two bases, he agreed readily.

Jim had lunch with the cousins, reaching out to Gina telepathically from time to time. She was making friends in the gym and had been invited to share lunch with some of the women. Grady was still out, but Mike and Dave told Jim that the Alvian contingent had decided to spend the day together, comparing notes on doings in the Alvian cities and installations.

It was dinner before Jim saw Gina again. Grady was sitting with her at the cousins’ table as on the first night, but this time Jim didn’t feel that same jealousy he’d felt before. This time, he was able to take his seat with calm satisfaction, knowing the three of them had come to at least the beginnings of an understanding. Gina greeted him with a kiss, and he could feel how happy she was to have him—and Grady—by her side.

After dinner, they joined the group in the main hall, where a few couples were dancing. Grady went after drinks while Jim took Gina on a spin around the dance floor.

“I haven’t danced like this in too long,” Gina said wistfully as she rested her cheek against Jim’s shoulder.

“Me neither. I think we’ll have to implement something like this back home, if possible. It’s good for everyone to socialize at the end of the day.”

The music picked up and strains of Glenn Miller’s “In The Mood” came over the speakers. Gina shot him a daring look, and he spun her into a modified Lindy step. In a matter of minutes, they were putting on a show. Both of them were athletic and great dancers. By the time the song ended, they had a small circle around them and several other couples.

The classic music ended to a raucous round of applause, and Jim reeled Gina in close to his side as they made their way off the dance floor. Grady waited for them, on the edge of the crowd, a strange expression on his face. Gina’s laughter died as she went to him, hugging him close.

“What’s wrong with him?” Jim asked her telepathically. They’d promised not to use telepathy around Grady, but this conversation was for his own good. Jim felt justified.

“He feels left out. I guess Alvians don’t dance.”

“So teach him.” A gentle waltz had started playing over the speakers.

“You don’t mind?” Gina’s gaze beseeched him.

Jim walked up to them. “Why don’t you give it a try, Grady? Gina can show you how to waltz.”

“We don’t have anything like this among my people,” Grady hedged, looking uncertain. “I’m not sure—”

“You’ll do fine. Anyone as athletic as you are can pick up a waltz in no time. Trust me.” Gina tugged on his arm, leading him toward the dance floor. She sent Jim a parting look and a private message. “You’re a sweet, sweet man, Jim.”

“Don’t let that get around. You’ll ruin my image,” he joked back as they took the floor.

Jim watched as Gina showed Grady the basic steps and after one false start, they were off, whirling around the floor with the other dancers. Gina was right. Grady was an athlete and well coordinated. It didn’t take long for him to pick up the basic idea and start improvising as he watched the other couples on the floor with them.

By the time the dance ended, Gina was wreathed in smiles and Grady looked triumphant. Such a small thing to inspire such happiness. Jim marveled at it as they came back to him. He felt happy for them both. A strange feeling, to be sure, but one he knew he could get used to. It was actually kind of cool to watch Grady learn how to be human—how to feel and react. And it was also a big responsibility to try to help him grow into the emotions that were so new to him.

In a way, Jim felt sorry for the big guy. He seemed so confused much of the time. But Grady was also a warrior—someone Jim could respect. They could probably learn a lot from each other, and Grady would be an asset when making plans for how to best utilize the resources at their disposal should it come to war with the Alvians. He had a reputation as a superior strategist.

But thoughts of war were for another time. Right now, Jim wanted to enjoy the time he had left with Gina before he had to return home. Talks with the cousins all day had helped firm up their plans. They’d be returning to Colorado in a group. He’d take the pod from his facility back and a team from here would follow in one of their own pods. The makeup of the team wasn’t decided yet, but it was a good plan and they’d leave in the next couple of days.

The idle time with Gina would be over soon. Jim hadn’t yet asked whether she’d be returning with him to Colorado. He was almost afraid to broach the subject because that would bring reality all too close. Grady had to be considered. He undoubtedly had a ship secreted somewhere nearby and at some point he’d have to make a choice.

He would either return to the Alvians or go AWOL. If there was some third possibility, Jim didn’t know what it was, but the cousins had counseled him to wait and see. The Oracle said Grady had a role to play, and Caleb O’Hara was seldom wrong. According to his vision, things would work out—somehow. Jim just didn’t know how yet.

“Penny for your thoughts.” Gina smiled at him as she touched his arm.

“Sorry. I was woolgathering.” He straightened from his slouch against the table and pulled her in for a quick hug. “What do you say we blow this popcorn stand?”

“What did you have in mind?” She blinked up at him, and he knew they were on the same page.

“What do you say, Grady? You in the mood?”

“Mood for what?” Grady looked confused. “I don’t understand any of what you just said. What’s a penny, and why would she give you one for your thoughts?”

Gina laughed, turning to Grady and taking his arm. “That’s just an old saying. A penny is a coin we used to use to pay for things.”

“So you were willing to pay him for his thoughts? Shouldn’t such things be free between mates?” Grady frowned at Jim, and he had a hard time not laughing in the alien’s face.

“They should indeed,” Gina agreed readily as she started walking, taking Grady with her. Jim followed along close behind.

“Where are we going?” Jim protested when they neared the main entrance to the underground complex. There was a series of tunnels before they’d reach the outside, but this short tunnel, sealed by two huge, metal blast doors, was the entrance to the facility itself.

“I heard about a special place, just outside, in one of the side tunnels. A hot spring.” She sent him a daring look that immediately fired his libido. It didn’t take much to get his motor running where Gina was concerned.

“You don’t say?”

“It’s secluded and private with an independent water source. The ladies I spoke to swore by it for bathing…and other things.”

“Really?” Jim allowed her to coax him out into the small entry tunnel.

There were guards posted at both ends of the small tunnel—one inside the facility and one just outside, in the tunnels. The man inside gave Gina a wink as he heard where they were headed. The second guard cautioned them to be back before they sealed the facility down for the night at midnight. They had a couple of hours to enjoy themselves.

The grotto was lovely. Jim peeked into the chamber before entering, noting as Gina placed a discrete marker at the entrance.

“What’s that for?”

“So we won’t be disturbed. The ladies came up with this little system.” She winked at him.

“Ingenious,” he agreed, pulling her hips to his as he leaned in for a quick kiss.

He was aware of Grady behind them, but didn’t pay the alien much mind until he brushed past. Jim raised his head and followed the alien warrior into the chamber, letting Gina precede him.

Jim crouched down at the lip of the pool, dipping his fingers into the water as he looked around. A cold waterfall doused the rocky depression, which was filled from below with piping hot water. The result was a mixture of perfect temperature, the mineral content diluted with fresh water filtered through the rocks from above. The mixture cut the earthy scent of the minerals.

Jim would bet the area around the vents was bubbly warm if one wanted to soak. He also imagined the brisk waterfall would be a refreshing way to clean up. The combination in one heavenly grotto was nature’s perfection.

Grady had stripped and was in the water before Jim even straightened. Gina, laughing, wasn’t far behind.

Jim took his time, watching Grady and Gina swim a little, enjoying the water. When they started enjoying each other, Jim stripped and entered the pool. He gave them a few minutes while he swam around a bit, exploring the boundaries and depths of the pool. The thermal vents were toasty warm and bubbly against his feet and legs on one end, the cold water of the waterfall refreshing on the other. If an architect had planned it, nothing could be more perfect in design and function.

But then again, the Great Architect had a hand in this place’s building. Jim wasn’t an overtly religious man, but he believed in the Creator. Especially when he saw someplace like this. Nature’s beauty always had a way of convincing him that somebody up there had a plan for things, and just that small reminder was enough to reassure him.

Finding Gina again made him feel that way too. A relationship that would have been impossible in the old world was not only possible now, but promising. With Gina working with him, they had a chance to positively affect the world for all humans. And Grady might be an integral part of it all.

There was no way he could have imagined it just a few days ago, but now things looked good for the future for the first time in decades. Instead of merely existing and eking out a living hidden from the aliens, humans had a chance to do something proactive to change the world for the better.

Jim took another look at his friends at the other end of the pool. He couldn’t be absolutely certain, but it sure looked like Grady was already buried balls deep in Gina’s tight pussy. That didn’t take long.

It was shallower on this end and warmer away from the waterfall. Natural ledges made this part of the pool almost like a hot tub. That was something he planned to exploit with Gina at length—once Grady was done.

He hoped Gina had eaten well today. She’d need her strength if she was going to keep up with both her men.

The thought gave him pause, but only for a moment. He kind of liked the way that sounded. Being Gina’s man would have a lot of benefits and only a few drawbacks. The sense of belonging to another person was something he’d never really expected to feel again in his life. Not since the cataclysm had changed everything.

He’d bet Grady had never experienced such a thing—not even on a superficial level, as Jim had with a few of his girlfriends during his youth. Grady had never experienced love—or any emotion—until very recently. It made Jim feel sad for the guy. He didn’t even have the memories of a family’s love to fall back on in rough times. Only his emotionless Alvian brethren who seemed more like machines at times than people.

Jim swam around a bit, watching as Gina clung to the big alien. He was definitely fucking her if her soft moans were anything to go by. He liked the way her breasts bobbed on the surface of the water while Grady pounded into her below. Her head was thrown back as the muscles in Grady’s neck strained, his big arms supporting her. His expression was fierce, and Jim wondered for a moment if he looked the same when he was close to ecstasy with this special woman.

One of Grady’s arms slipped in the bubbly water, jiggling Gina, and Jim decided it was time to give them a hand. Or two.

He approached Gina from behind, sliding up behind her in the warm, effervescent water. Grady met his gaze over her shoulder.

“Give her to me. I’ll hold her.” Jim held out his hands, and Grady relinquished her upper body into Jim’s care, transferring his hold to her hips. She was stretched out between them in the fizzing water, trusting them to see to her safety…and her pleasure.

Jim looped his arms under her shoulders from behind, supporting her against his chest. The position left his hands free to some extent. He could reach her nipples and enjoyed the little whimpering sounds that issued from her throat when he began teasing the turgid peaks.

She was so beautiful. She took his breath away. So responsive, she made his dick stand up and take notice. He wanted inside her, and he’d have her—again and again—as soon as Grady finished. Oddly, he didn’t mind the wait. The idea tantalized him instead. It appealed to his competitive nature as well. He’d do all he could to make her peak higher, her ecstasy longer than the other man.

The way he figured it, they’d all benefit from the friendly competition. Gina most of all…if they didn’t wear her out first.

Gina had never felt so decadent in her life, being attended by two gorgeous men she loved. Grady pummeled her with a hint of desperation she found endearing while Jim touched off sparks of desire wherever his fingers roamed on her eager body. She hadn’t realized she was such a slut, but with these two men, she was learning her limits were much more extreme than she’d believed.

Jim rolled her nipples between his fingers with just the right pressure. He was never too rough, his touch always just right. Grady, on the other hand, forgot himself at times. The poor man couldn’t help it. She knew he had moments where his emotions threatened to overwhelm him. Her empathic sense guided her at those times, helping her coax him into a gentler loving.

She liked the way he needed her, though it wasn’t the entire basis for their relationship. More and more, she needed him too. And Jim. She felt incomplete without them. She needed them both in her life.

Gina rewrapped her legs, one by one, around Grady’s waist, seeking a better grip as he began thrusting in short, intense digs. She was almost there, and she could tell he was damned close too. They’d come together, she knew, his climax triggering her own. Her empathy wouldn’t allow anything else. Besides, Grady would hold out long enough to be certain she was satisfied before he ever sought his own pleasure. It was the way he was built.

She dug her heels into his muscular buttocks, urging him on. The motion below the water became more intense than ever, splashing the fizzy mineral water over her breasts in little wavelets that only added to her building passion. She was close. Just a little further…

She cried out as she came, Grady following close on her heels, groaning her name as he jetted his hot semen into her eager sheath.

Gina floated for a moment, enjoying the aftermath, the tingling contractions of her womb as Grady left her. She lost her sense of direction as she was turned and spun to face Jim. As his face swam out of the mists of pleasure still clinging to her body, she saw him smile. It was a devilish smile that promised something very naughty indeed.

“My turn.”

Two simple words and her abdomen clenched in renewed heat. How could he do this to her with just a smile and a few words? She didn’t know, but she was suddenly eager for more.

When Jim pushed her down onto his straining cock, she didn’t protest. In fact, she helped, riding him eagerly in the warm water. But he apparently had something a little different in mind.

Maneuvering to the shallower, hotter end of the pool, he was able to stand, the water rising to his waist. He walked with her, still anchored on his cock, toward the ledge where there were some rocks that formed a natural seat of sorts in the much shallower water. Every step jolted through her, originating where they were joined and streaking fire straight to her womb. By the final few steps, she was crying out in need at every little jiggle of her body over his. It was a divine sort of torture and something she never would have imagined could be so stimulating.

He sat on the submerged stone formation, taking her with him, arranging her knees on either side of his slim hips. The water cushioned what would have otherwise been a somewhat uncomfortable perch on hard rock, but she was beyond thought at the moment.

All she wanted was his cock, his climax…his come. She wanted it like she wanted her next breath. It was essential to her continued existence.

“Ride me, baby. Yeah, just like that.”

Jim coached her, his hands on her ass under the water as she started a fast motion, riding his cock like a champion bronco buster. She met his thrusts up with her own downward motions, loving the way he filled her, the water slippery and hot around them.

It wasn’t long before her climax hit. For the second time in less than an hour, she flew to the stars with one of her men following right behind. She wasn’t sure, but she thought she cried out as she came, her high-pitched voice blending with Jim’s sexy groans as they reached an unprecedented climax together.

“Oh, baby,” Jim breathed near her ear. “You rock my world, woman.”

“Ditto.” She could only get out the single word, but she felt his satisfaction, both with her agreement and her breathlessness.

They swam around the pool for long minutes, enjoying the waterfall and the hotter parts of the secluded springs. Grady and Jim pleasured her again, this time together, and she didn’t think she’d ever come so hard or so long as when they both made love to her at the same time.

Grady claimed her mouth while Jim fucked her from behind. She trusted them to hold her up in the shallow end of the pool, Grady’s hands anchoring her shoulders well above the water as Jim’s thrusts slid her forward onto Grady’s cock. She loved the heat of him, the molten rush as he came in her mouth. It was so…alien. Like him. But he was also her lover in the truest sense—the man she loved. One of the men she loved. For if forced to choose between them, she would never be able to decide which one she loved more.

They were both precious and special to her. Both her mates. Now and forever.

Before they needed to return to the facility for the night, they washed up under the waterfall. Gina finished first and sauntered over to reclaim her clothing, which was strewn near the grotto’s entrance. She dressed in her shirt and pants, forgoing underwear, then went to find Jim and Grady’s clothes.

She had her back to the entrance and was making a show of stretching to reach for Grady and Jim’s clothing when Grady charged in her direction, fear and determination flashing across his face. Jim wasn’t far behind.

She didn’t think. She reacted, jumping out of the way as Grady rolled on the stone floor, coming up with the long, wicked blade he’d discarded when he undressed. Within the blink of an eye, he was hand to claw with a giant mountain cat that had stalked her without her knowledge.

Sweet Mother of God, she’d almost been shredded by the vicious claws digging into Grady’s pale skin. But Grady had skills. Jim joined him a moment later, coming at the cat from behind while Grady took the full brunt of the beast’s claws.

Before she could even figure a way to help them, they’d both struck deep into the beast’s heart with their knives. Jim caught Grady as he staggered back and the cat slumped to the ground, in its death throes.

“Grady!”

She ran to him as Jim lowered Grady to the ground, then went to make certain the cat was no longer a threat. Grady was hurt badly. He had gouges down his chest and arms and was bleeding profusely.

“Gina?” Grady’s voice was weak, but he struggled to see her. “Are you okay?”

She hiccupped, tears streaming down her face. “I’m fine. Grady, you saved me. I’m just fine. But Grady, you’re hurt!”

He seemed to want to say more, but his eyes rolled back in his head as he passed out, most likely from blood loss.

Gina tore the nearby clothing into strips, tying makeshift tourniquets on both his arms and one leg. She used other bits of cloth to try to staunch the flow of blood from the deep gashes on his torso. Jim helped.

“I sent a telepathic message to Dave and Mike. They’re on their way. David is a strong healer. He ought to be able to help Grady.”

“God.” She sat back, wiping at her tears so she could see better. “I didn’t even think of that.”

“It’s okay, baby.” He met her eyes over Grady’s bleeding body. “He’ll be all right. Help is on the way.”

“He saved me, Jim. You both did.”

The enormity of what had just happened descended on her like a load of bricks. If she’d had any doubts about their devotion before, they were eradicated.

Moments later help arrived. Dave took over and Mike ushered Gina away, bundling her into Jim’s arms. They stood over Grady, watching his pale face as Dave set to work.

“This looks like the cat we’ve been seeing on the monitors lately, but we’ve never seen him in the tunnels,” Mike said as he examined the cat’s massive carcass.

Dave held his hands over the worst of Grady’s wounds, and they stopped bleeding right before her eyes. Dave was a powerful healer, indeed. But Grady had lost so much blood. Gina still worried.

“A lot of zoo animals have crossbred with native species since the cataclysm. Looks like this could be some kind of tiger/mountain lion mix. Sure is a big son of a gun.” Jim responded to Mike’s observation and she knew the men were talking to help get her mind off Grady’s condition, but nothing on Earth could do that at this moment.

It felt like hours later, but was probably only a few minutes before Dave stood. He swayed on his feet, but his cousin steadied him. More men had arrived with rifles and lights, searching the rest of the immediate area surrounding the grotto in case the dead cat had friends nearby. Other men held a stretcher onto which they loaded Grady’s unconscious body.

As they carried him out, Gina and Jim followed right behind. Jim’s arm around her shoulders felt like the only thing keeping her together. She snuggled into Jim’s side, as close to the litter bearing Grady as possible.

When they got to the smooth floors of the facility, the stretcher was placed on a gurney so Grady could be wheeled to the small medical facility they’d found on the old military base. Jaci met them at the door, Bill a silent presence behind her. She took over, working closely with David while she checked Grady’s vitals.

“He lost so much blood.” Gina worried as Jim held her in one corner of the room.

“He’ll be all right.” Jaci took a moment to reassure her. “Alvians can survive blood loss that would kill a human. We have the ability to regenerate fluids—blood included—at a much faster rate than you do. However, he might require some serum in the short term, if either Bill or I are compatible with his blood type.”

“Could you use human blood?” Jim asked. She felt his earnestness and his true desire to help Grady. In that moment she knew that no matter what problems they faced in the future, Jim had come to terms with their three-way relationship.

Jaci looked thoughtful. “It might be possible, but it has never been done to my knowledge. It would be safer if Bill or I could contribute.” She kept moving as she replied, using pieces of equipment Gina didn’t recognize. “This—,” Jaci held up a small instrument that looked to be of alien origin, “—will type his blood.” A quick run through the blood still coating areas of Grady’s body and the small instrument chimed. “Ah, Zed Alpha. I cannot donate.” Jaci’s gaze rose to Bill’s as he entered the room fully, already rolling up his sleeve.

“I will do it.” Bill sat in the chair next to the head of the bed, talking to Jaci. “I am Zed Beta Gamma. It should be compatible enough until his bodily systems take over.”

Jaci smiled. “You are right, of course. Good. This will do the trick.” Quick as a flash, she set up a transfusion directly from Bill’s veins to Grady’s. It was only a few minutes before she removed the equipment linking the men. Gina didn’t think it had been long enough, but the rosy color in Grady’s cheeks gave her hope.

A few seconds later, his eyes opened and she breathed a huge sigh of relief.

“Is Gina all right?” were the first words from his lips.

“I’m fine,” she cried, rushing to his side and grasping his hand. “You saved me, my love. You both did.”

A beatific smile curled the corners of his mouth. “I like that. My love.”

“Oh, Grady,” she leaned in to place kisses on his cheeks. “I love you so much!”

“As I love you.”