My Three Alien Husbands

"If you desire to live, then one of you—a female—must offer herself as my bride."

My consciousness clawed its way back from a pit of agonizing darkness. I opened my eyes, my vision swimming before focusing on the man who had been the source of my torment, the man I had once wished for death to escape. The notorious star pirate captain, Lucas! That same evil glint in his eyes, the familiar blend of greed and madness. Had I… been reborn? Transported back to the precise moment the space pirates stormed our vessel?

As our homeworld, Avalon, neared its end, my parents had liquidated everything to secure passage for my sister, Chloe, and me aboard this ark of last hope.

But we had been intercepted by these bestial raiders of the stars. In my previous life, Chloe had sacrificed me to the pirate captain, Lucas. Later, she flung herself into the arms of the astral admiral who came to our rescue. Twisted by fate, and because of humanity's noted fertility, she was used by the astral nobility as a mere breeding instrument. All the while, the pirate captain had shown me a twisted sort of kindness and care. Consumed by spite, my sister had ended my life.

Now, I found myself reborn at the exact instant Chloe had shoved me forward. This time, I chose to melt into the back of the terrified crowd. As I did, a familiar figure brushed past me with purpose, throwing herself at the feet of the space pirate. His immense, obsidian serpentine tail lay coiled ominously behind him. "Captain, I volunteer to be your wife." Chloe's voice was stripped of its usual haughty willfulness, layered instead with a deliberate, sultry allure. A chill ran down my spine, raising goosebumps on my skin. She had been reborn too.

Watching her gaze up at Lucas with feigned admiration, a bitter laugh threatened to escape my lips. Even with foreknowledge, she remained as selfish and foolish as ever. "Good. Since you're so eager, let's not waste time." Lucas let out a low, manic chuckle. His massive hands seized Chloe, groping her with crude possessiveness. Even by the looser standards of astral society, this was profoundly degrading—let alone by humanity's more conservative norms.

Chloe's body stiffened initially, but after a moment, she deliberately molded herself against him, pressing close. His pleased rumble was audible. He tossed her over his shoulder, his crew of pirates erupting into rowdy, lewd cheers. "Wait!" Chloe's sudden shout cut through the noise. She pointed a slender finger directly at me, a look of triumph flashing in her eyes. "My love, I wish for my sister to prepare me first. To be… clean for you." Lucas offered no objection. His cold gaze pinned me in place, and I followed, not daring to defy him.

In the stark room, Chloe shed her clothes with Lucas still watching, showing no shame. She even had the audacity to wink at him. "Do a thorough job. I'll attend to you shortly," Lucas said, his voice rough with anticipation. From my position, I could see the distinct, intimidating swell unique to the serpent-men. Horrifying memories from my past life surged forward. My face paled, and I quickly averted my eyes.

Once the heavy door sealed behind him, Chloe's demeanor shifted violently. She grabbed my jaw, forcing my head up. "You've been reborn too!" Her statement held no room for doubt.

Malice and hatred burned in her eyes. I clenched my teeth, refusing to answer. She shoved me hard with her foot, sending me stumbling down a short step. She glared down from her perceived height. "Last time, you watched those astral nobles use me as a plaything while you basked in nothing but devotion. You must have been thrilled!"

"This time, I will be the one cherished. But don't worry," she sneered, "after the nobles are done with you, I'll personally come to collect your remains!" I couldn't comprehend her warped logic.

Did she not realize only the most vicious and depraved turned to piracy? Had she failed to notice Lucas was a colossal black serpent? Did she not understand the brutal nature of serpent reproduction? How could any human withstand such an ordeal? I opened my mouth, a warning on my lips, but the sheer, blinding desire in her eyes silenced me. Let her have her way. Perhaps she would find her perverse satisfaction. "Let me help you wash. Lucas isn't known for his patience, and you wouldn't want to anger him."

I knew this was merely another act of humiliation, but aware of the nightmare awaiting her, I saw no point in resistance. I rose and began to assist her. My apparent subservience seemed to please her. She held her head high, issuing haughty commands as I scrubbed her skin.

Soon, Lucas returned. "Out!" he barked, not even glancing my way, his gaze locked on Chloe's naked form.

I retreated immediately, witnessing his transformation from a half-human, half-serpent being into a fully formed giant serpent. In their complete animal forms, astrals dwarfed their hybrid state. Through the thick metal door, Chloe's blood-curdling screams began to echo, each one sending violent shivers down my spine.