Dirk scooped her up in his arms and lifted her from the bed.
His long, serpentine tongue wrapped around her neck, hinting at what was to come.
"You seem to have recovered your energy. Let us continue. This way we can conceive more quickly." Dirk said, excitedly.

I watched his hand slip underneath my sister's blankets, an uncomfortable expression appearing on her face.
"Get out!" He yelled at me impatiently.
I rushed headlong out the door, not daring to linger.
As for my good sister, she would have to weather this storm herself.
I didn't see her at all over the next couple of days.
For that matter, I didn't see Dirk emerge from their bedroom either.

I knew my sister was experiencing a torment worse than death, yet I couldn't help but feel elated.
In our last lives, she had been jealous of my position by Dirk's side. Going so far as to kill me out of envy.
This time out, she had made sure to take my place.
Everything that she was now reaping, she had sown herself.

All I wanted now was for the starships of the Astral Alliance to come and rescue us—as they had before—and take us back to their home world.
After all, unlike my sister, I knew how to accept and adapt to my reality.
We had fled a dying Earth to reach the Astral Alliance, our only choice was to abide by their customs and laws.
As long as we could live, our feet on solid ground, and have access to something at least approaching the food we had on Earth, then accepting their three "guardians" was a price I was willing to pay.
If only I could have the choice, I would do my best to choose three gentle, compliant guardians.
To show my willingness, I would even be open to providing each one their own offspring.
It was a week before my sister emerged.
She still looked worse for wear, but there was a definite pride in her expression.
"My wonderful sister. We might be as different as night and day, but I'd still like you to be the first to hear the news."
She paused, her hand straying to her belly where it lingered for just a moment.
"I am pregnant with Dirk's child. Such a strong man. He was unlucky before that you weren't up to the task. To think you made him wait for half a year before you conceived.
"Such a defect for a human. If it had been you in the breeding center, they'd have saved you for only the cheapest and lowliest males."
My sister's pride was bordering on the delusional.
It was as though she were desperately trying to show that her choice to be with Dirk hadn't been a mistake.
Nevertheless, I wasn't going to stand there and take her scorn.
"You think it took six months because I couldn't conceive?" I asked her, mockingly.
A look of doubt flashed across her face. I took some sinister pleasure from that.
"The astrals have strong genes that severely weaken any human host. Or were you not aware? Gestation may only last a month, but the slightest strain on your body during that time could kill your baby.
"You seem so proud of your achievement, seducing Dirk so thoroughly, but do you really think he can control his urges for that long?"
My sister's already weary face turned as white as bone.
She clutched her belly, shaking her head as though unable to accept the truth I had given her.
"Impossible! Astral males place huge importance in fathering children, they would never do anything to jeopardize that."
"They place even more importance on being with their wives ... " I pointed out.
I clapped my hands to my mouth and apologized.
"Oh, I'm so sorry. I forgot you hadn't married an astral in your previous incarnation, so you wouldn't have any idea how enamored they are with their wives."
I had told her nothing but the truth.
In my past life, once Dirk and my first child was born, he had almost strangled it, jealous at the attention it was getting.
He had an overwhelming need for possession and control.
The second he felt the least bit insecure, he would fly into a rage and cause me no end of torment.
I felt sorry for my sister, knowing how difficult it would be for her to focus her attention on only one man.
Back on Earth, she had frequently played the field.
Her protestations of lifelong monogamy were a way of distinguishing herself from the crowd.
The attentions of a few astral nobles would never be enough to satisfy her vanity.
She wanted to be like the heroine in a film, admired and chased by all.
Unfortunately, she was in for a hard reckoning.
"Nonsense! You're just jealous. Don't think you can frighten me!"
There was fury in her eyes.
She raised her hand as though to strike me.
Just as she did, the ship shook violently.
It was the Astral Alliance, here to save us.
My expression turned to one of joy.
Upon seeing this, my sister looked shocked.
She was about to say something, but just then, Dirk burst into the room, picked her up in his arms, and made to leave.
"Dearest ... " My sister stopped him.
"Shut it!" Dirk growled, interrupting her.
Once they had left, it was not long before the turmoil subsided.
A man, clad in a white uniform with black leather boots, led a troop of astral soldiers to where the other humans were being held captive.
An astral officer, standing next to the white-clad admiral announced their intentions, warmly.
"Greetings, humans of Earth. We received your distress call and have come to rescue you."
Nevertheless, their size, standing half as tall again as any human, sent a wave of fear and panic through the captives.
Of course, I was an exception.
My gaze was calmly fixed on the austere yet handsome face of the man at the front of their ranks.