All characters are over eighteen. This series contains mind control and impregnation.
This is the third entry in the
Lending Her Body
series. It will make more sense if you've read
Lending Elizabeth's Body
and
Lending Amanda's Body
first, but it can still be enjoyed standalone.
Please try to leave feedback in the comments section. Constructive criticism is invaluable for every author. I encourage everyone to vote and leave ideas for future stories as well. Finally, I would like to thank Sylvidoll, kenjisato, and 2soon2no for their time and help.
*****
RECAP: Ezere has the power to transfer souls into another person's body. His wife, Mara, enjoys using that to possess other women so he can impregnate her. While he remains more restrained, he agrees as long as they only choose women who are okay with it.
Waiting for what felt like an eternity at the stoplight, Ezere mentally added to the list of things he would do if he was a billionaire: build better airports. Really, what person in their right mind enjoyed picking someone up after their flight?
"Oh, come on," Mara chirped as they finally found a parking spot. "That wasn't so bad."
Ezere glared. "I don't suppose you'll drive home then?"
His wife laughed at what they both knew was an empty threat.
"Can we at least grab some food then?" he asked. "I'm starving."
"Sure, sweetie," she said soothingly.
Twenty minutes later, a pair of sandwiches were bought and paid for. Ezere thought nothing of it, but when he turned around, Mara's face had morphed from friendly and outgoing into tranquil fury.
He almost spilled their drinks as he fought not to laugh. He recognized that look: his wife's patented 'I will allow no one to make googly eyes at my husband, especially not a cute fast-food worker' scowl.
"Did you see that girl?" Mara grumbled as she took her sandwich. "She was openly flirting with you! On the job, no less!"
Ezere shook his head as her tirade continued. Despite being incredibly shy, he had a habit of attracting almost any woman who laid eyes on him. His wife never believed looks were her strongest department; combined with her redhead temper, she could get very jealous.
"Mara," Ezere said, placing his hand over hers when he had an opening. "Don't you trust me?"
"Of course, sweetie."
"Do you think I'd ever even be tempted by anyone other than you?"
Mara took a deep breath. "You're right. I'm sorry. I love you."
"I love you, too," Ezere said warmly.
Just like that, Mara was back to her normal self. Fifteen minutes later, they got a text that Victoria had landed.
"I'm looking forward to seeing her again," Mara said as they began the walk to baggage claim. "We lost touch after she graduated. I hear she's been doing pretty well for herself."
"What is she anyway?" Ezere asked as a buzz signaled the carousel was about to start.
"Victoria's a marine biologist," she explained. "She says she just wrapped up a study of deep-sea organisms. She's here to present her findings before she heads out on her next trip."
"Wow, sounds like she's pretty active."
"I know, right? When we were roommates, Victoria was always someone who liked to be out in the field. She hated doing theoretical stuff in the lab."
Ezere kept half an eye on the conveyor during their conversation. Victoria had texted that her suitcase would be medium-sized red with multiple compartments. After several checks, he finally found one labeled 'Victoria' and pulled the surprisingly heavy case.
"Mara!?!"
"Victoria!" Ezere's wife cried as she embraced her old friend with a hug.
Ezere's first thought was that Victoria looked more like a blonde fitness model than a scientist with her khaki shorts and thin tank top. She had a strong jaw, prominent nose, and stunningly flawless skin. With so much of her body exposed, it was impossible to miss that she had the athletic build of a swimmer. Everything from the shape of her head down to her shoulders and calves was streamlined.
"It's great to see you again."
"You too," Victoria grinned. "Is this your husband?"
Ezere nodded, shifting her case so he could shake her hand. "Nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you, too. Thanks for picking up my bag."
"No problem. Did you have a nice flight?"
"Actually, I'm freezing, not to mention starving."
"Let's head home and make dinner then," Mara suggested. "My husband will make anything you want, right honey?"
"Master Chef Ezere Gray, at your service," he said in his best Italian accent.
Victoria laughed. "Sounds good to me."
*****
Mara and her college roommate caught up over some crappy Plex streaming while Ezere cooked dinner. Victoria seemed more at ease every time he came to check on them, and it wasn't long before she was opening up about her personal life. He and Mara had learned to read each other without words, so he nodded when she gave him a look to give them some privacy.
"You guys seem happy," he heard Victoria say.
"We are," Mara said. "Trust me, we're very,
very
happy."
The truth of that remark brought a heartfelt smile to his lips. He and Mara had a bond that could never be described with words. The more he used his powers, the closer they became. While he'd expressed his concerns about the side effects that might have, Mara said she welcomed it. She loved feeling that 'Ezere place' in the back of her mind, letting her know he was safe and making her feel like she was never alone.
Victoria seemed touched. "Can I ask you something?"
"Of course."
"Have you guys ever... thought about having kids?"
"Yeah. It's still a ways off, but we're both looking forward to it." Mara paused for a moment. "You want one." It wasn't a question.
Victoria nodded solemnly. "Something about seeing you guys and how happy you are. It... made me think about being a mother for some reason, and I... I realized I want it. My career is stable. So are my finances."
"That's great," Mara said encouragingly. "The hardest part is realizing you want it and accepting that you're ready."
"But I'm not married. I don't even have a boyfriend."
"Since when is there a law that says you have to have a boyfriend to get pregnant?" Mara asked. "You don't need to wait until you find true love. If motherhood is more important than finding a partner, just try to find a guy you like. In fact, he might be closer than you think."
Mara found him moments later, smirking like she'd already won. The conspicuous delectation she felt made him struggle not to smile.
"You heard her," she said in a sing-song tone.
Ezere shook his head but had to tighten his facial muscles.
"You know you want it."