I wake close to dawn enveloped in Sarek's arms. My fiancé is coddling me like a fragile newborn. My head is on laying on his shoulder, one of his arms is curled snugly around my waist holding me close to his chest. His head rests against mine and I can feel his breath on my neck and shoulder. When I shiver slightly and press closer to him, he responds by wrapping me with his body. He shifts my hips moving them closer to his groin and covers my legs with one of his.

In three weeks we will be bonded. Typically Vulcan couples start their life together a year or two before reaching sexual maturity. This tradition facilitates building emotional intimacy and mental synergy before physical consummation completes their melding of two lives into one. The male's first pon farr, the biological need to mate, initiates this final piece of their union.

For reasons yet unknown to me, Sarek's pon farr triggered early. But then we are not a typical Vulcan couple.

Wanting to experience a culture different from my own, I accepted a job with the Vulcan consulate eight months ago and was assigned to Sarek's administrative staff, helping prepare him and his entourage for next year's posting as Vulcan's Ambassador to Earth. My role is to teach them about the nuances of Earth's myriad cultures, customs, religions, and mores.

I had been working on Vulcan for two months when Sarek approached my desk and inquired, "Would you care to share a caffeinated beverage with me?"

I looked up, startled by what on Earth is often a prelude to a casual date. "Are you asking if I would like to have a cup of coffee with you?"

"Yes. I believe it would be mutually enjoyable."

Racking my brain for the appropriate response on this planet I think, he probably wants to practice interacting with a human informally. "Yes sir."

Sarek gestured towards the door. "Please accompany me."

It never occurred to me that we would literally be sharing the coffee. For couples on Vulcan, hot beverages are served in a bowl that each drink from. From that first moment together in public, Sarek was communicating to others his intention to pursue me. Though at the time, I was unaware of the meaning of this custom.

We talked until dawn, long after the small restaurant normally closed, its owners and staff discretely lowering the lights and retreating to a back room giving us privacy. In the early morning hours, he walked me through a nearby park's gardens.

"Would you join me for dinner this evening?" Sarek asked when we reached my doorstep.

"Are you asking me out on a date?"

"I believe that is the correct vernacular for your species."

"Ah … but … you're my boss." I stammered.

"What does one thing have to do with the other thing?"

No, this is a bad idea. But I am drawn to him, to his serious nature, to his calmness, to his intellect, to his curiosity, and to his mystique. "Nothing really. Yes, I would like that."

Unsure what was appropriate attire for a date(!) on Vulcan, and with no one to ask for help, I settled on a long-sleeved simple dark blue dress which reached my ankles because I had never seen a native of this planet wear anything less discrete. The address Sarek had given me was an apartment with large windows overlooking the park we visited that morning. Its décor was more Terran than Vulcan with soft blues like the ocean, greens like moss, and beiges like sand. The furniture was plush and overstuffed, again in Terran style. A small table set for dinner is positioned in front of one of the windows. On the table is a vase of white roses and another with a single white flower that resembles an Earth waterlily.

I lean over and deeply inhale the heady scent of the roses, my favorite flower. The waterlily emits a delicate fragrance.

Sarek walks to my side. "It is named T'Shoshana. A rare specimen that grows only in the mountains outside of the capital city. It represents beauty in all forms … physical, mental, emotional, spiritual. According to legend it is ethereal, appearing when one has found their true mate. And in those myths, if you pluck it with purity of heart, its lifeforce will remain eternal as a reminder to cherish the one it symbolizes." He bowed deeply. "It is my gift to you, my maylee, my beautiful one."

"Are you …" I start and drift off, head spinning with this rapidity.

"Inviting you to be by wife? Yes. I commit to cherish and care for you throughout our physical lives and to seek you in the afterlife."

"But we barely …"

"That is untrue, it least for me. I have observed you these past months. Learned your history. Last night confirmed my instinct and logic are correct. Postponing making you aware of those sentiments and my intentions is not logical."

I stare at him, speechless.

"I realize this is … that you did not expect it. I ask that you permit me to court you for six months and at the end of that period give an answer to my proposal." He pulled out my chair and continued as if nothing unusual had happened. "Sit. It is time for the evening meal."

"Your apartment is lovely," I remarked as we ate.

"Actually, it is yours. Part of your dowry from my parents. I learned of your affinity for the water. Vulcan has nothing similar as our watersheds are underground. The decorator indicated these colors were similar to the oceans of Earth."

I was touched by his sensitivity and thoughtfulness. And surprised. But I had a lot to learn about the nature of Vulcans.

"Your smile tells me I have chosen well. I am gratified it pleases you."

Those next months were an education and each day I fell a little more in love with this man who was the epitome of Vulcan control, logic, and serenity in his public life; with this man who was warm, kind, playful, affectionate, and attentive in his private life. I learned Vulcans feel deeply; that they do not seek to repress their emotions, as Earthers mistakenly assume, but rather to master how those emotions are expressed. Much like a Buddhist striving for the middle path.

One night, Sarek took my hands in his and led me to the couch. "There are biological realities we must discuss."

"Very well," I answered warily still adjusting to the frank way Vulcans in general and Sarek in particular discuss many subjects.

"I have completed my research on the best techniques for pleasuring you."

OK, it is going to be one of those discussions. I have already learned that after the first pon farr, Vulcans do have sex more than once every seven years. If I have read Sarek's veiled references correctly, it is a frequent activity often engaged in as preparation for their evening meditations. And he has assured me he recognizes human females enjoy cuddling afterwards and that that will be part of our ritual.

Sarek continued, "You are perhaps aware of the colloquial reference regarding Vulcans and Klingons as a benchmark for the desired size of male reproductive organs."

I nodded.

"I cannot speak for the Klingon species, but for Vulcans it is true." Sarek continued without a hint of hubris, "And according to my healer, I exceed the size of the average Vulcan."

"Wait, they measure you?" I asked in a squeak, emphasizing the crucial word.

"Of course. Is that not common for humans?"

"Not that I am aware of. I guess congratulations are in order."

Sarek raised an eyebrow and looked puzzled. "At times your responses baffle me."

"Not important. But you said you have not yet reached sexual maturity so how …"

"A drug is used to simulate our response. All Vulcan males have this examination before bonding providing assurance to their mate and the family he is capable of fathering children and performing intimate acts."

"How thorough. I sense we have yet to come to the point."

"Quite. I am large for a Vulcan, you are smaller than the average human. I am pleased to report sexual relations are possible, but you will require adequate preparation to accommodate my length and girth. There are multiple techniques I will employ. Would you like to review them?"

I wondered if Sarek's idea of foreplay was listing his gameplan for the night. "Didn't you say you are a virgin?"

"Just because I am not yet physically able to engage in the act does not mean I am unprepared to do so."

Sarek's preparedness for all things is his secret pride.

At the end of that half year I, without hesitation or reservation, accepted his proposal.

Four months later he walks into the apartment we are now sharing, sweating and breathing heavily. His eyes are glazed. Standing in a far corner he rakes me with those feral looking eyes, down, up, and down again. A shiver runs along my spine.

"I want … I need …" he starts and stops as if trying to decide. "I burn for you. The time has come. Do you wish me to visit one of the houses where they accommodate this?"

"Is that what you want?"

"No," he replies in a husky tone. "I want to share my body with you only. But … you are human … you do not have the strength to defend against me if I get lost in possessing you ..." His breathing turns to panting.

I hold out my hand. "Come with me."

He strikes like lightening pushing me against the wall and shoving a hand up my shirt. His mouth descends on mine, his teeth nipping my lips as his tongue forces my mouth open. His kiss is deep and hard, urgency is its undercurrent.

Shredding my clothes, he frees my breasts and pulls my groin towards his, grinding into me using the wall as leverage. One of his hands spreads across my face as he chants, "My mind to your mind my thoughts to your thoughts …"

And suddenly I feel his need for me, his desire for me. I feel the rush he does as he hardens and becomes engorged. His thoughts, now driven by biology, swirl like a hurricane. And even in this state that is beyond his control, in the eye of that hurricane I sense his love for me.

And it is unlike anything I have ever experienced. True confirmation that I am adored and cherished.

Between one thought and the next he has tossed me onto the bed, freed his erection and is thrusting into me again and again. Braced on one of his arms, the other hand fists my hair. I wrap my legs around him and try to angle my hips so his entries are less painful. Mixed pleasure and pain are an odd sensation and new to me. There is something primal and freeing about it. Not I would want to repeat it, but in this moment, as if my pheromones are responding to his call for union, it is an aphrodisiac.

Through our mind link I sense his frustration is growing. Already he has climaxed once and is swelling again. Again and again his thoughts repeat, you are not mirroring me, you are not accepting me.

I try to reassure, yes, I do take you just as you are in this moment.

No, no, no, no. You must … I cannot stop until … my body won't stop until your body responds in kind … only then will I possess you and you possess me … … only then will we be as one … please … please … I must … you must … together … if your body rejects mine the pain will be unbearable …

Understanding beckons. I guide one of his hands down to where we are physical joined and send a thought through our link. Human females often require external stimulation to climax.

By this point Sarek, who's movements are normally measured and graceful, is unsteady and clumsy. Driven by raging hormones and relentless need, he gropes and rubs bringing me close to overstimulation. I put my hand over his and slow his movements, guiding him until I reach that moment he is craving.

Finally sated and at peace, Sarek gathers me into his arms and whispers endearments until I fall asleep.