“Thanks,” she muttered, feeling the hover engines power on under her.
The door swished closed and the last thing she saw was the secretary’s handsome face.
What had she just agreed to do? Panic started to unfurl in her throat and she let out a scream as the shuttle took off. It shot through the city and gained speed as it gained altitude. Soon she was rocketing through the atmosphere, braking into space and away from her planet forever.
She marveled at the black void, speckled with distant galaxies. Where was Draconia in the sky? She looked around. An armada of ships and space stations orbited Earth and the moon.
She drew closer to a transport vessel, and her shuttle came into dock alongside it. The hatch clicked onto the ship and her door opened in a docking room.
Her harness moved away and Celeste stood, looking around. Right outside her door, a competent looking Draconian medic wearing a white robe over his jumpsuit stood waiting for her.
“Greetings, Celeste Dawes. Welcome aboard the Bride Ship Rising Phoenix. The ship has been retrofitted to serve the needs of Galatonian mates. I will be beginning the process of readying you for insemination.”
“Readying me?” she asked growing nervous as she followed him out of the shuttle.
“Before insemination, you will bathe and cover yourself with mating cream. It is very important to the process. You will find all the required items in your bridal suite.”
She followed the dragon shifter down a wide corridor that wrapped around the ship. They stopped outside a door and the medic flicked his holocom, making the door swish open. Inside there was a small apartment, set up in the current style on Earth. It was a mix of old Earth charm and Draconian technology. She walked through the entrance into an open living area, taking in the space.
“This will be your chamber for the remainder of the journey. In the bathroom, you will find additional instruction.”
“Okay...”
“Please alert me through the shipboard holocom when you are done with the process. Your bracelet holocom should tie in seamlessly with our system.”
“When will I get to speak with Prince Salvatt?”
“He’s sent you a recorded message. You will find it in the bathing chamber.”
“We aren't going to speak to each other?”
“I'm afraid that is not possible right now. Let us focus on the matter at hand. Please prepare yourself for the insemination. Further instructions will be found in the bath chamber. Please speak to the AI.”
The medic bowed and walked out through the sliding door. She sighed as she found herself alone in the well-appointed suite. The layout reminded her a bit of her old apartment at home. But here, the view outside her windows was space, not the cityscape she was used to.
She walked to the window, looking out at Earth. She could see the white clouds swirling over the deep blue oceans and the vast green land. It was so beautiful. She was afraid to leave.
Salvatt couldn't even talk to her. She knew that communication would be limited, but she'd hoped that he would at least say hello before he had her impregnated. She turned away from the view of her planet and walked toward the bedroom. There was a big comfortable bed waiting for her and she ran her hand over the soft blanket before turning to the bathroom.
In the bathroom, she found a massive circular tub. It was so deep it would reach her chin if she filled it. It was a Draconian bath. Meant for mating. There was also a stand up shower, a sink, and large vanity in front of mirrors. When she could see herself reflected in the mirrors, a holocom screen activated and rose up in front of her.
“Welcome to the Bride Ship Rising Phoenix, Celeste Dawes. Mate of Fire Prince Salvatt Dorr of Galaton. Bridal Bath is activated. Please disrobe and enter to wash yourself.”
Celeste screwed up her face at the holocom AI. She'd imagined taking this dress off for her new mate, not some silly AI. There wasn't much else she could do now, except go along with the program. She slipped out of her sassy shoes and pulled the form-fitting dress up over her head. When she was naked, she stepped into the deep bath.
The warm water slowly rose up around her as she sank further into the tub. There were landings around the edge, allowing her to sit at different levels in the water. Bottles lined the top of the tub, full of cream.
“Please take a bottle and use it to wash your body and hair,” the AI said. “While you do so, please watch this introductory video message from Prince Salvatt.”
A three dimensional holographic image of the prince rose between the tub and the mirrors. His presence was overpowering, even in holographic form. He was clad in medieval style armor brandishing a laser sword, a grimace on his hard, handsome face. His black eyes gazed down on her. But he didn't see her. This was all just a recording.
“Greetings, Earth female. I am Salvatt Dorr, Fire Prince of Galaton. I am pleased to have found you at long last. By now you understand the conditions of our mating. The crew aboard your vessel has been instructed to care for your every need. I await news of the progress of your pregnancy and the birth of my heir. During your travel, direct communication should be rare, if ever. I hope your journey is pleasant.”
The communication ended and his image disappeared. The mirror holocom exploded with moving images of Salvatt doing all kinds of things.
Salvatt fighting. Salvatt in sleek red dragon form, flying above a volcano on Galaton. His muscular dragon body, powerful and dominant in the scene. Salvatt on his obsidian throne. Salvatt shirtless in a crystal pool, droplets dripping down his muscled chest, his eyes hooded and gazing right at her. There was fire behind the black globes of his eyes. She could see it.
She stared at the images of Salvatt, as she rubbed the cream on her skin. She felt her body rise with heat. She came alive with an electric thrill that radiated outward from her core.
She gasped and her nipples tightened. The images of her mate told the story of who he was. His fierce drive. His battled-hardened muscles. The hidden moments of joy and playfulness. She knew him now. Longing for him gripped her heart, and the ache in her core tightened.
“Salvatt,” she said, feeling their connection spring up inside her.
All the years in the orphanage. All the years in college and working at the lab, she'd never felt truly attached to anyone. Now, she could feel a deep, true attachment to Salvatt. It made her want to weep with joy.
She pushed off the ledge and ducked under the water, rinsing off all the soapy cream. When she emerged, she felt like she was a new woman. She filled her lungs with air and pulled herself up out of the water.
“After the bath, you will apply more mating cream,” the AI said.
The images of Salvatt disappeared, and she looked at herself in the mirror. Her long auburn hair fell around her curvy frame. The look in her eyes gave away how she felt. A lone still image of Salvatt remained on the mirror. She stepped forward, touching her fingertips to his image on the screen.
“Can this be real, Salvatt Dorr?” she asked the image.
“Applying dryer fan,” the AI stated.
Fans started above, blowing the remaining water from her skin.
“Please apply the mating cream evenly over your entire body,” the AI stated.
She lifted the cloudy glass bottle and dug her fingers into the thick white cream. It was smooth and silky on her fingers with a slightly different texture than the shampoo version. She rubbed it between her palms, taking in the subtle scent. She found it inexplicably alluring as she rubbed it on her naked flesh. With every caress of her curves, she grew more aroused.
Celeste had rubbed it all over herself, everywhere but her aching core. She longed to feel her slick fingers over her need. But she resisted, not wanting to push herself to the brink. Salvatt was a universe away. There was no one here to fulfill her.
“Please apply cream to sexual organs,” the AI stated.
“I guess there's no avoiding it,” she whispered, scooping another dollop of lotion onto her fingers.
>
She slid them between her thighs, pressing her fingertips against her lips. Her nipples tightened, and she pressed the lotion against her swollen clit. She groaned, as her body spasmed with release. The orgasm hit her hard, making her knees go weak as she stood naked before the mirror. She grasped the marble counter top, catching her breath as her head swam and her body clenched.
“Oh my God, I was not expecting that.”
“You are now ready for insemination,” the AI stated as a padded bench slid out from the counter. “Please recline on the provided table and spread your legs.”
“Wait a minute. How is this semen getting inside me?” she asked.
She sincerely did not want to be impregnated by the AI.
The AI lifted a mechanical arm out of the wall. It settled in front of her face, holding a rubber syringe.
“I can inject the semen for your convenience. Or you may perform it manually. Whichever is your preference.”
“I'd rather do it myself,” she muttered.
“Very well. Please recline on the table, spread your legs, and inject this syringe.”
“Who says romance is dead?” she said, holding the rubber syringe.
She settled down onto the padded table. The screen moved in front of her to show more images of Salvatt in the steaming pool of water, his shimmering body on display for her hungry eyes.
She slid the syringe toward her slick sex, taking a sharp breath as she pushed it inside. The image of Salvatt's face grew larger on the screen. It seemed to consume her whole, and black out every other thought she'd ever had.
The syringe hit her g-spot as she pushed the lever to release the semen. It shot hard against her womb, filling her with heat. She threw her head back as she came again, her body throbbing around the syringe. She pulled it away, Salvatt's seed deep inside her now.
She felt faint and flushed. Her head was spinning. Gasping, she sat up on the side of the table. She stood, the hot semen flowing down her leg and dripping on the floor. Heat pricked at her chest and she couldn't breathe. She gasped for air, her mind fuzzy like a fever dream, and she tripped against the table.
“What's happening?”
“The Draconian DNA is having an unexpected effect on your body. Your vital signs are spiking. Remain calm. Help is coming.”
Celeste grabbed a swath of fabric hanging by the shower and wrapped it around her body before she buckled at the knees and fell to the floor. The Draconian medic rushed into the room, picked her up, and carried her into the next room where he placed her on the bed. He scanned her with his medical wands without speaking.
Soon, her heart rate slowed and her breathing returned to normal. She took a deep breath and tried to sit up. The medic put his hand to her chest, keeping her immobile.
“Please remain still,” the medic said. “You've had an adverse reaction to the artificial insemination. I've controlled the reaction. But you must rest.”
“Is there something wrong?” Celeste asked.
She couldn't help but feel like she had just conceived a child with her fated mate. What had happened during the insemination process was more powerful than anything she’d ever experienced.
“We will know if the seed takes soon. I suggest you rest while the ship begins its journey toward the wormhole. Try to sleep. We will be ready to jump to the Draconian system by the time I can test you for pregnancy hormones.”
“Alright. I guess I'll hang out here. Is there any food in this place?”
“The kitchen should be stocked with foods commonly enjoyed by human females of your age. If you require something else, a replicator has been provided,” the medic said.
He started for the door, and she was relieved to be left alone. She wanted to put on pajamas and get comfortable, but she didn't have anything to wear. She slid from the bed, holding the sheet around her as she walked toward the closet door. Pulling it open, she found it filled with clothes.
It was a wardrobe full of the latest in human fashions and latest Draconian styles. The women back on Draconia preferred long, draping robes with bold color patterns on flowing fabrics.
Celeste pulled a stunning Draconian formal gown from the closet. It was exquisite, and cut for her human size. She gasped, gripping the towel around her body. After putting the gown back on the rack, she looked around for pajamas. She found them in a drawer in back of the closet. A pair of red plaid flannels pjs called out to her so she grabbed them and slid them on. They felt like a dream after her ordeal, and she let out a soft purr of appreciation.
“Bedtime sequence,” she told the room's holocom system as she walked back to the bed.
She slid under the covers with a sigh. Tomorrow she would find out if she was pregnant. Only yesterday she had been half-considering a life of solitude; tomorrow she could have everything she had ever wanted.
Celeste woke as the lights slowly crept up to mimic the sunrise. When her eyes parted, she almost forgot where she was. She gasped at the sight of space outside her window and jumped from bed, her heart racing. She looked around, recognition returning more with each breath. She was on the Bride Ship Rising Phoenix, headed for the Draconian system and Galaton. To meet her new mate.
The thought of Salvatt rose from the back of her brain to the front of her consciousness and a tingle ran down her spine. She wanted more than anything to speak to him, have a conversation. It would help her get over her fears that everything she felt for him was a fantasy.
What she'd experienced during the insemination process could have been the product of her vivid imagination, or it could have been the effects of their underlying bond. Their physical attraction. Their unity with each other. The DNA match was scientific. Maybe that’s all there was to it and she was fooling herself that it was anything more.
She bit her lip, wanting to believe in true love. She brushed her hair away from her face and went to the kitchen where a pot of coffee was already brewing. She fixed it just as she liked it and walked toward the wall of windows that looked out onto space.
The Rising Phoenix had traveled a long way while she'd slept. They were already at the edge of the solar system. She could see the blue sphere of Neptune sliding away behind them. The wormhole opening was close.
Her door swished opened behind her and she spun around, spilling her coffee on her pjs and the floor. The medic walked forward, holding a medical scanner. Wordlessly he ran it up and down, about six inches from her body. Then he examined the readings.
“I conclude that you are pregnant with Prince Salvatt's fetus. Congratulations,” he said. “You will have to strap in as we approach the wormhole. Please take a seat.” He flicked through a holocom on the wrist of his jumpsuit.
A harnessed seat appeared out of the wall. Celeste wiped at the stain on her pajamas. Her heart pounded. She'd never been through the wormhole. Suddenly terrified, she couldn't let go of her coffee cup as she slid her feet toward the harnessed seat.
“Does it hurt?” she croaked.
“Not usually,” the medic said.
The medic put her helmet on and helped her into her seat. She still had a vice grip on her cup when the harness was down. The medic tried to tug it away before he did his last check. She clenched her teeth, holding onto a deep breath. The medic started to ply her fingers from the cup. She relented and let out her breath.
“Ready?” he asked.
“I guess?”
“Happy flight.”
He walked out the sliding door, leaving her alone in the room. This was not the way to travel. She felt like a trapped cat, her lungs pumping faster and faster as the ship began to shake.
“Oh God. I want to go home,” she whimpered as the ship started through the wormhole.
The entire fabric of reality seemed to be ripped from its roots and flung against the wall of her mind. Celeste felt a tremendous propelling force, pushing within her. It felt like it wanted to turn her inside out. Outside the windows, strobing lights passed, almost too fast to see.
Jus
t as she didn't think she could take it anymore, the ship settled and the strobing light stopped. She caught her breath, looking out at the view of the Draconian system. The planet of Draconia was in the distance, behind an asteroid belt. Celeste fumbled with the harness, her fingers numb. The door swished open behind her and the medic entered the room.
He immediately began unbuckling her. When he was done, he scanned her body with his medical scanner one more time.
“Pregnancy still intact,” the medic said.
He started toward the door, not offering her any further words of consolation or congratulations.
“Wait!” she started. He turned to her, an inquisitive expression on his face. “What do I do now?”
“Now, you wait. You will receive expert medical care for the rest of your journey. The child will be surgically delivered in nine months and will then be fed Draconian formula. I will be available for assistance in caring for the child and ensuring you are both well cared for. For the time being, enjoy your stay with us on the Rising Phoenix. If you need social interaction, the crew will be happy to converse with you.”
“How nice of them,” she muttered.
“Good day, Ms. Dawes. I am but a holocom message away.”
He finally broke away and the door swished shut behind him. Celeste sniffed the air, her pjs smelled of stale coffee. She groaned and made her way to the bathroom, to bathe and watch images of Salvatt in her mirror.
Every day, during the long journey, Celeste rubbed mating cream onto her body as her ship made its way across the Draconian galaxy toward Galaton. They stopped along the way for supplies from space stations and other Draconian outposts. Celeste was never allowed to leave the ship. She spent most of her time alone in her suite, watching holocom videos from Earth and chatting with friends at home.
Sometimes, communication with Earth would be shut off because of solar flares or electromagnetic fields that blocked the signal. During those times, the only people she had to talk to were the small crew aboard the Rising Phoenix.
With each passing month, her belly grew rounder and she grew more attached to her dreams of her baby's father. Then the medic told her it was a boy. The child was an heir to the fire lands of Galaton. Just what Salvatt had wanted.