The Healer's Garden Page 4

  She held up another finger. “Second: the life essence of a man, which contains his sperm, must never be wasted. A man must leave his seed only in a woman's vagina. Never,” she paused for emphasis, “may he ejaculate in any other orifice, or may a man ever pleasure himself to the point of climax. And three,” she held up her ring finger glinting with a gold band of commitment, “you have the right to choose one man for breeding, or mate with multiple men. Again, the choice is yours. That's it.” Swiveling her head she scrutinized the faces of the women to be sure all understood.

  "After today, you will be expected to mate with a male at least four days out of seven, except during your menstrual cycle. If your supervising healer confirms a regular ovulation after the second month it may be necessary only for you to copulate during a fourteen day time span. But not every woman is that fortunate. Once you are with child, you must move out of the breeding wings and be housed with other pregnant women. Of course for the safety of the fetus, copulation is forbidden. Also, once you are impregnated, you will not be allowed outside visitors to the Garden."

  A collective groan rose from the group, including Jahara. Merenith must have remembered that detail. The betrayal slammed into her with such force she lost all the air in her lungs. How could she not have told her? The hurt dissipated as quickly as it had come. Knowing that would only have made it harder for her to leave Merenith. The nine month separation would be equally difficult for both of them.

  "I know that's not easy to hear, but it's the only way we can ensure the safety of the fetuses.” Narrowing her eyes at Jahara, Kylie flashed a condescending smile. “Many of you with life partners may find the mating ritual disturbing."

  Why had she singled her out?

  Kylie's gaze swept back around the room. “But it can also be very enjoyable, especially for those of you not so experienced. Our breeders have been taught the art of satisfying a woman while still performing their duties. You have the right to choose one man for breeding, or mate with multiple men. We even have trained female breeding guides to help with the ritual. Again, the choice is yours. This is about you, not your mate.” Kylie pointed to the women as she talked, “your comfort and pleasure, not the breeder's. Men are here to serve and service you.” Emphasizing the last word, Kylie turned to the man behind the bed who still stood with dignity though his eyes never looked away from the floor. “What is your role, Brenimyn?"

  "My sole purpose is to mate with females in the most pleasurable method possible. I will cause no pain and minimal contact if that is what is desired."

  Kylie's mouth curved in approval.

  "We have found over the years that women are better able to handle their first mating if they see a live demonstration. Holographic images do not have the impact that two humans can give you.” For a moment, so brief Jahara thought she'd imagined it, revulsion shadowed on Kylie's features, but just as quickly she shook her blond tresses and inhaled composure.

  "Copulation is nothing to be ashamed of; it is necessary for our continued survival. Couples often mate in public areas. I stand before you naked today because our bodies are beautiful and should not be hidden. For convenience, many women choose not to wear clothing. Your own garments were simply for your comfort, but they are unnecessary in the controlled environment of the Garden.” She swept her arm around the room.

  "Now, before Brenimyn and I demonstrate mating techniques, I'd like you to get a closer look at a perfect male specimen."

  * * * *

  Patience. That's what was required of him. But damn, he'd been treading water a hell of a long time while he waited for destiny to change the course of his life.

  Brenimyn didn't enjoy these monthly exhibitions any more than he liked copulating with Kylie. Though she'd never admit it, she detested his touch. He didn't mind. It was less confusing without emotions getting all tangled in their peculiar relationship.

  Since arriving at the Garden three years ago, Brenimyn had become accustomed to arrogant women who thought they were the only intelligent creatures walking this earth. Kylie was a prime example of that conceited attitude personified.

  To the women before him, he was nothing more than a stud. Stupid, beastly and ... inhuman. Oh, if only they knew what he could do, they wouldn't think themselves so superior now would they? But the time had not come to travel that particular road. Preparations still needed to be made. In the meantime, he would swallow his pride and let the mauling begin.

  "Their physiques are quite different from ours, not all cushy and round. Rather ugly if you ask me.” Kylie pulled off Brenimyn's tunic. “Sorry, Brenimyn. I know the truth stings."

  Forcing his lips to lift, he bent and kissed her cheek. “Nothing is as beautiful and sweet as a woman, Kylie. Not even the flowers in the gardens."

  She callously patted his stomach. “Thank you."

  "Now, Brenimyn is going to take off his breeches. Though you all studied anatomy in school, the first look at a man's genitals can be shocking."

  Brenimyn untied the cords at his belly slowly, seductively. This was the only time he had control and he stretched the moments out until the females before him leaned forward in breathless anticipation. His eyes locked on the only woman in the room who seemed less interested in this whole charade than him. The raven haired beauty actually looked lost despite the maturity lining her face. Her hand caressed her cheek even as he thought of her. Her eyes shifted uncomfortably around the room not watching as the fabric pooled at his bare feet and the inevitable gasp of awe echoed off the walls.

  "Please come up and have a closer look,” Kylie said. Her hand fondled his buttocks. Touch, but don't desire. This one is mine. Her caress communicated to the breeders even as her lips curved into that plastic smile he'd come to despise. “My mate is a wonderful specimen."

  Brenimyn resented Kylie. He belonged to no one. Least of all her.

  On shaky legs, the dark haired woman approached with all the others. Her gaze searched everywhere but the one place he willed her to look—his face. For some reason, he wanted her to see him, not as a supplier of sperm, but as a man.

  Like all the others her eyes focused only on his physique. Her gaze slid over his well defined chest. She followed the small line of blond curls around his navel, then lower. From her frank appraisal he wondered if she had ever seen a human male as natural as the day he was birthed. This woman was no different from all the others. Disappointment slumped his shoulders.

  Winding her fingers into the yellow mass of curls, Kylie's fingers cradled Brenimyn's testicles. “Touch everything, it's all right."

  At Kylie's tone, Brenimyn dropped his gaze to the floor. He worked to block out the uncomfortable flurry of fingers petting his skin. He thought again of the governmental body of the Garden and wondered how much longer they would keep him in this position if Kylie didn't conceive soon. As much as he abhorred this display, he needed to be here. He needed to meet the new women entering the Garden for breeding. Although the girls currently giggling and fondling his body couldn't really be classified as women, now could they?

  And then it happened. The shock wave tore through him like a jolt of electricity. Without thought, his head shot up. He wasn't supposed to meet the women's eyes when they were this close, but the unexpected tingle of awareness had him staring straight into the same amber pools that had held his gaze since he entered the room. The brunette looked at him through thick lashes as if she recognized him. Did she feel it too? He studied her, trying to discern if she sensed the flow of knowledge rushing between them.

  Fortunately, Kylie didn't notice their exchange. Looking at the spellbound faces, she spoke, breaking the contact that bound Brenimyn to the woman.

  "They're different, these male animals, but not so unlike us. Please take one step back and be sure everyone can see.” Kylie tapped the floor with a jeweled toe and a bed rose behind them. “Come. Position yourselves around so everyone can see. There should be plenty of room."

  Brenimyn stepped back and sa
t on the bed as Kylie talked and mechanically moved between his thighs. He laved his tongue over her breasts, circling her nipples, his hands resting on her hips.

  Her body didn't respond to his intimate touch. He was on autopilot now. They both were.

  "Sex with a man is not so different from being with a female lover.” Her upbeat tone belied her boredom.

  Brenimyn ran his hands over Kylie's buttocks, kneading the mounds before sliding around to splay his fingers on her thighs. She sidestepped, allowing him access to her sex.

  "They have been taught all the sensitive spots and just how to touch a woman. Mmmm, that's nice, Brenimyn.” There was no heat in Kylie's voice as he parted her folds. No gasps of desire, as his fingers circled her clitoris. How he yearned to have a woman beneath him who desired the coupling, not the acquiescence of a woman hell bent on birthing more females.

  Kylie was already moist from the artificial lubricant she inserted to make their mating more comfortable. The women watching would think it was her natural moisture glistening on his fingers.

  "Lie back, Brenimyn."

  Reclining on the pillows, Brenimyn was still flaccid. It was becoming increasingly difficult to be aroused by Kylie.

  "Copulation cannot take place until the male penis is fully engorged with blood.” Brenimyn heard the repulsion laced through Kylie's words. “We call this an erection. Sometimes this requires stimulation.” Kylie looked down at him, forcing a smile on her face. “Whether you ask your mate to do it, or you do it is up to you."

  She looked hopefully around the sea of faces whose eyes were wide with fear and mouths unhinged with awe. “Would anyone like to feel Brenimyn's penis fill with blood and become erect?” Kneeling on the bed, the plastic smile she offered the group communicated her lack of desire to arouse him. Fine by him, he didn't really want her hands on his body. Brenimyn wanted only one woman to touch him.

  He saw her step forward out of the crowd, her look of confusion so cute he had to bite back a smile. They wouldn't like it, if they knew what he could do.

  "Oh, Jahara, thank you,” said Kylie, “but I'm sure you've seen many men in your years of healing. Would anyone else like to try?"

  So, the raven haired beauty was a healer. Interesting how she'd stared at him as if she'd never seen a naked man. “I don't mind the healer ... if it would please you, Kylie.” Brenimyn kept his voice even, his tone quiet. He wanted this woman to touch him again.

  "I suppose.” She dragged out the last word. “Yes, that would be fine.” Kylie's voice was tight as she sat back on her heels. With a wave of her hand, she invited Jahara to touch. “Simply stroke him as you would your lover. Close your eyes if it's easier."

  The healer called Jahara stared at his navel, her hand reached out tentatively to caress him. The corner of her mouth trembled. Sliding down his belly, her fingers pushed through the curls at the base of his penis and it quivered to life. Now, this woman he could enjoy. She massaged the shaft, squeezing the tip with gentle pressure. Brenimyn had to bite back an oath as she added pressure to her grip. The heat of her touch boiled his blood, pooling it in his sex, making him instantly firm and ready. He wanted nothing more than to pull her down on him and feel her wet heat surround him.

  "Thank you, Jahara. That's fine,” Kylie said and Jahara stepped back into the anonymity of the crowd. Brenimyn felt once again the break in their odd connection. He didn't have time to contemplate his reaction to this stranger before Kylie straddled his hips.

  "Now, there are countless positions for copulation. Penetration isn't so much different from a neuro stimulator."

  Brenimyn joined his body with Kylie's. In the next few minutes, they would both buck and moan—all the appropriate motions of copulation. But neither of them would walk away physically satisfied.

  That didn't mean he couldn't entertain himself and perhaps enjoy a little psychological release.

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  Chapter Four

  "Jahara, there is much you need to do."

  The words echoed in her head.

  "The sun's warmth calls to you. The day beckons."

  "Oh, shut up you infernal machine. Stop.” Jahara yelled at the computer to cease its syrupy imitation of her Dame. She pushed back the edges of her dream with the blankets on the bed and swung her feet to the plush carpet. It had been a lonely night wrestling with the sheets.

  She slogged into the adjoining bathroom, attempting to clear away the last vestiges of the nightmare that still had her heart pounding in terror. Images of Merenith, writhing bodies, unseen enemies, and jungles continued to flash through her mind.

  Splashing cold water on her face, she stared at the reflection of a haggard and worn woman. Evidence of the restless night sat in her eyes. The whites were streaked with red from the countless tears she'd shed and the skin below them was puffy and bruised.

  "Jahara Hriznek, get over it. It was a dream. You're not a visionary. It meant nothing. There are no enemies at the Garden, save for your own trepidation. You miss Merenith. She misses you. This time away isn't going to change your relationship.” Jahara didn't normally talk to herself, but she found solace in the sound of her voice. Alone now for almost twenty-four hours, it helped fill the void of the empty apartment. “Mating is not betrayal. Keep repeating it, you might actually come to believe it."

  She let out a caustic laugh as she left the bedroom, trying to ignore her reflection in the mirrored ceiling. Jahara still felt like she was cheating on her commitment vows by being here. It had been one of the reasons she hadn't chosen a breeder yesterday. “Right, you silly woman. Tell yourself fear had nothing to do with it."

  Jahara entered the living space with its high ceilings and dining area, pausing for a moment to stare out the glass doors on her right. The surface of the pool on the private terrace sparkled with the jewels of unnatural sunlight. She debated going for a swim, but the exercise hadn't helped last night and she didn't expect it would work off the nervous energy coursing through her this morning. “You need to choose a breeder, mate, get pregnant, birth the babies, and go home.” Saying it that way made it sound so simple, but the nausea clawing its way into her throat spoke otherwise.

  Instead of swimming, she headed around the plush couch, turning left down the hall, past the second bedroom, and into her study at the end of the corridor.

  Someone had delivered and unpacked her personal belongings as she'd napped in the sun yesterday. If people could come and go from her living quarters, Jahara wondered why they had bothered to program the front door with her fingerprint identification.

  She stared at the camera in the corner, resenting the invasion of her privacy. They were placed strategically throughout the apartment. Everywhere except the two bathrooms. She'd wondered how they knew how often a woman copulated until she'd seen the cameras mounted in every room. “Copulating for enjoyment indeed. Who's enjoyment, mine or the observers?"

  Surrounded by the hologram of the desert and mountains, Jahara touched the dark screen of the video communicator sitting on the desk next to her private computer. She saw Merenith's beautiful face and felt the ache of homesickness deep in her chest. In the relative privacy of her office last night, Jahara had spoken with her lover for over an hour. They lamented together about the horrible cleansing and the ritual mating she'd witnessed.

  She hadn't told Merenith she'd been too frightened to go through with her first mating and that a breeding guide and her partner would arrive sometime this evening. Merenith hadn't asked about it either. Jahara thought it had more to do with jealousy than lack of concern.

  The singing chime of the doorbell startled her.

  Scurrying down the hall, she tried to figure out who could be here at such an early hour. She rushed through the great room, bumping her hip on the dining table as she turned into the small kitchen. She didn't even bother to check the peephole before pressing the button that retracted the door.

  "It's your wake up call,” Attika announced. “Can
't be late on our first day,” Despite her muscular frame, Attika moved with exceptional speed and grace over the threshold, swirling Jahara's robe in her wake. “Jahara, you're not even dressed.” Attika looked at the timepiece at her wrist. “We've barely an hour before we have to be at the healing facility. I do hate being late. I'm so excited. I didn't take time to eat.” Like tiny explosions of sound, her words came out in staccato bursts.

  Looking around the kitchen, Attika spotted the empty decanter on the shelf. “You haven't even made morning tea? Have you eaten?” She fisted her hands on her broad hips. “You go shower, or do whatever you do in the morning, obviously you can't wear that,” she waved her hand the length of Jahara's body. “You need to put on office clothing.” She smiled down at her own attire.

  The pale blue wrap dress was belted loosely at Attika's waist, exposing most of her plentiful bosom and the flat muscles of her stomach.

  "Shows off my figure quite nicely if I may say so myself and Zenick let me know he approved of how I looked before I left this morning.” Her cheeks flushed as she ran her fingers down the generous opening at the front of her dress.

  Shaking her head, Attika waved at the air, brushing away her embarrassment. “We'll talk about all that over our morning meal. Go. I'll put together a little something for us to eat.” Turning to the refrigerator, Attika didn't bother to see if Jahara had complied with her command.

  Laughing at her new friend, Jahara returned to her bathroom and her morning routine.

  Twenty minutes later they were seated at the dining table, feasting on the fresh fruit and pastries Attika had found in the fridge. Everything they needed was provided by the administrators of the Garden.

  Yesterday, to ease the dull ache of loneliness, Jahara had wandered from the rather large complex of breeding apartments through the Garden proper; the area where residences, administrative buildings and shops were located. Stopping at the bakeries and small shops, she'd used only a small portion of her weekly credits to stock up on food and clothing. The delivery service had unpacked it before she'd returned home from her walk. Obviously there would be no secrecy in her life for a very long time.