Page 4 of Facets of Attraction (Betas in Waiting #30)

A sel smiled.

You did that on purpose. Themak was surprised.

I did. She was working herself into a nervous wreck. Now she s going to jump her mates just to spite me. She smirked. She ll figure it out later.

Vemel chuckled. Devious.

Well, if she s going to go into heat, she needs to be with them. She isn t on any kind of restriction otherwise. Asel smirked. I m gonna be an auntie.

Vemel asked, You are that confident in Alen and Baran?

I am confident in their beasts. The others. Like Themak s. She looked over at her alpha.

Vemel nodded. I believe that we should adjourn to the hotel. Themak?

He stepped forward and carefully wrapped his arms around them, and the flowers grew aromatic. He lifted them, and they were in the very ornate hotel room that they had been staying in.

She looked around and noted the one large bed but knew there was a guestroom.

She looked down and sighed. I am going to miss my next shift, aren t I?

Vemel grinned. I believe you are.

Themak asked, Is it a problem?

No, but I am going to need to change. This isn t appropriate for anything other than show and tell.

Themak smiled shyly. I like it.

Asel looked at him and stroked his cheek. You are holding a lot in so you won t scare me, aren t you?

He flared, and she saw sharp spikes move from his forehead down to where his suit jacket concealed his back. She smiled. Big iguana?

He shook his head, and his eyes went dark silver. A different voice whispered, Different species, princess. Do you like wings? Do you like diamonds?

She saw Vemel smiling. Asel answered, I do like wings; I have no experience with diamonds that are not under my skin. She had a different thought. Wait, do you have a tail?

He blinked, and his dark skin had a flicker of colour under it. The dark whisper said, We do.

Okay. I have a good guess.

Vemel chuckled. So, are you up for some food?

Sure. There are two excellent restaurants on premises and four within a block.

Ah, I forgot you work here. He opened his phone and flicked through images before presenting her with a drawing. Can you put this on?

Sure. She put on the black gown with gold accents. The heels were kitten heels, so she didn t get much taller.

He grinned. Excellent. His suit jacket turned into a black shirt, and his features went from black to brown to golden while his hair remained black and straight.

Themak also changed to a black shirt, but his hair went to dark sand, and his skin was a few shades darker.

She smoothed her hair over one shoulder and made sure her marks were concealed.

Asel wanted to touch them, she wanted it badly, but she also wanted to wait until she was sure of them. Knowing that they weren t simply dark Elite made them more attractive. She hadn t realized that there would be other sorts, but when she developed her ears, it became apparent that it was going to be freaky. At least it wasn t a merman.

She looked at them and smiled. Both very pretty. Now, where do we want to eat?

Themak murmured, In.

She paused, and then her eyes went wide. Not yet. The hotel has Japanese and local. What are you in the mood for?

Vemel smiled. Both.

She sighed. Fine. I will pick. Japanese, but just because I don t get to eat there often. If they have room.

She went to the room phone and dialled the direct line for the restaurant. Hello, I was wondering if you had room for three walk-ins.

Of course. When?

Five minutes?

Of course, miss. We will be honoured to have you visit us.

She hung up and looked at both men, who were studying the ceiling. Okay, which one of you has the restaurant staff wetting themselves to have you?

Themak pointed at Vemel. It s him. It s all the modelling. He is internationally popular for being him.

Vemel smiled. It does get me into the nicest places. Shall we? He offered his arm.

She sighed and walked up to him, sliding her hand around his forearm.

Themak put his hand on her back, and they walked out of their suite and into the hotel where she worked. The walls were discreetly reminiscent of Japan paintings and artwork, with several lovely pieces on each floor.

Vemel walked to the elevator, and his card opened the executive lift in the corner. When they were inside, he swiped again, and they were on their way up to the second-highest level.

So, you have been here a few times.

Themak laughed. A few. We stop here often when we travel before heading to the house in the country.

Vemel smiled. Minoru is a wonderful host, but it is awkward refusing his invitations. Of course, now with Polly, it is much easier.

No worries that an alpha will try and insist?

Precisely. I trust Themak implicitly, but Minoru s other is large and aggressive. I do not court disaster.

The elevator arrived, and they walked out, but it was astonishing to see six members of staff lined up and bowing as they walked into the restaurant. The hostess bowed frequently as they walked into the restaurant and were shown to a private room. Shoes were removed, and they settled in. Vemel chuckled. Thank you.

The woman blushed frantically and bowed on her way out. The door slid shut, and Asel scowled. Really?

Themak and Vemel laughed. Vemel reached out for her and hauled her onto his lap. I apologize that I am recognized and successful in my career. Themak and I both selected Japan as our place to resume life, and that is where we met Minoru. He and Polly should be arriving shortly.

Why?

Themak answered, They have a standing order with the staff to alert them when we arrive.

She swallowed. Oh.

Vemel smiled. So, what do you like here?

I have no idea. I have never been. I work here because it forces me to socialize, not because it pays well.

Themak was astonished. You are joking. The food is so good here.

She grinned. It is also worth two days wages for one meal. I went for cheap and calorie-filled.

Themak looked at her seriously. We will take care of you.

Vemel said, Themak is very serious about food.

I am pretty sure that part of Themak considers me as food.

Themak paused and then smiled slowly. Come this way, snack. I will show you what s good on the menu.

To her shock, Vemel passed her over the table, and Themak cuddled her against him, rubbing his head against hers. He held her cradled against him and opened the padded menu.

He looked at her and smiled. He selected appetizers for her, a drink with lots of fruit, and then showed her what he was ordering for her main while he nibbled at her neck.

There was a soft knock, and Minoru and Polly came in. They paused when they saw her but smiled brightly. Minoru chuckled. Finally, Themak. It is about time.

Vemel said, She is ours, not his.

Polly paused. But you are... never mind. Congratulations.

Vemel chuckled. Thank you. We have not ordered yet, so I will move next to Themak. He will need help managing Asel s food. He s ordering a lot.

She blushed.

Polly spoke quietly. Hello, miss. This must be strange for you.

Not that strange, Miss Polly. I have seen it before. She smiled.

Polly stared, and Minoru s nose flared. Asel?

She waved from Themak s embrace. Hey. How are you doing?

Polly giggled.

Minoru blinked. You are an Elite omega?

Yup. Every enormous inch of me.

Themak chuckled. You are adorably arranged.

She looked up at him and patted his cheek. Thank you.

Minoru stared and then grinned and shook his head. That... is something.

Asel cocked her head. Is something wrong?

No, Asel, something is finally very right. His smile was kind. Now, you are still a little slight, so if you wouldn t mind putting on some more weight, it would be appreciated.

She laughed. I am working on it. Win just healed me and has fluffed me out, but I need to fill in the blanks.

He smiled and nuzzled her again. Thank you.

She chuckled and stroked his jaw and neck again.

The server came in, glanced at the people assembled, jolted a little, and took the order on a tablet. She left the menus in a drawer inside the table and left the room.

Themak cuddled her again, and it was becoming very obvious to her that he was larger than Minoru. How had she missed that?

Vemel grinned. He puts out an aura that he s smaller. His standard size freaks out other alphas regularly.

I didn t say anything.

You started measuring his shoulders with your eyes. Vemel chuckled.

Themak s cheeks had darkened. Sorry.

Asel immediately sat up and squirmed to kneel across his thighs. Don t apologize for being you. Ever. She pressed a soft kiss to his lips, and his arms wrapped around her.

When he began to kiss her softly, she realized her error and stroked his hair, neck, shoulder, cheeks, and the lobes of his ears. His kiss got intense, and then she soothed it out of him. They slowed, and she leaned back and smiled. He exhaled and smiled. Can we continue that later?

Yes. Of course. She smiled. After food.

He beamed and hugged her carefully.

Polly asked, So, Asel, was that you in the video? You seem to be missing the markings.

Asel looked at her and smiled. They are here. You just can t see them.

Vemel said, Asel has my illusion skills.

Asel looked at them and dropped the illusion, and Polly blushed. Sorry. We are just very protective of Vemel.

It seems a common situation. She smiled. He s so delicate and defenseless, after all.

Vemel turned his head and raised his brows. Really?

Well, it seems that a number of people think you can t take care of yourself. Would you like a bib? Perhaps a highchair? She leaned back in Themak s arms.

Vemel snorted and pulled her onto his lap. Themak was still grinning.

The drinks came in, and Minoru looked at Vemel in stunned amusement. You are larger than I thought.

Vemel chuckled. I am the size of a tall standard alpha. I simply seem delicate next to Themak.

Themak said softly, And since I am always with him, it is easy to make the mistake. Of considering him petite, that is.

Vemel settled her against him and pressed his lips to her temple. I believe I will wear you for dinner.

Aw, I just made this dress.

I will be neat. Promise.

Themak frowned. Don t drop anything on her.

Vemel grinned. I will be tidy. Promise.

Polly murmured, Minoru, thank you for only being one of you.

He lifted her hand to his lips. You are welcome.

Asel smiled. Cute.

Vemel smirked. New parents can be so adorable.

The appetizers arrived, and Asel fought to sit up. Themak took a warm towel and cleaned her hands for her. She looked at him, and he gave her that shy smile.

Vemel cleaned his own hands, and Themak set the towel aside and cleaned his own hands. Vemel lifted Asel higher, and Themak took her back with her yelp.

Sorry, Vemel. He is most comfortable as a chair and feels most helpful as a snack buddy.

Themak made a strange sound, but the hum of it rang in the air. She reached for her glass and sipped at the cocktail he had picked. She smiled. After that, she pointed to different items, and her dinner companions explained what it was and what it tasted like. So, she ate tofu, fish, and noodles with dozens of ingredients. Things that had been cut into flower shapes were nibbled into nothing.

She opened when Themak touched her lips and ate happily.

The meal arrived and was set down. They ate, and Polly and Minoru asked about Asel and her... situation.

Asel paused. I have to call in tonight. I don t think my uniform fits.

Minoru paused and nodded. Right. I will send a memo to HR to get you leave.

Oh. I can do that?

You can. It will buy you time while you and yours get settled and figure things out. Vemel can work anywhere. Themak does whatever he does, and funds come in.

Themak chuckled and lifted a roll to Asel s mouth. You would look pretty in ads with Vemel.

She took the roll in and blinked. She couldn t answer if she chewed. Themak was grinning. Vemel looked thoughtful.

Polly chuckled. It isn t that bad. It is just a lot of sitting still and then moving half a centimetre while thinking calm thoughts about lakes and ponds.

Minoru laughed. Polly has done some work for Loki s tea company. She looks amazing with a kimono falling off her shoulders.

Asel smiled. The banners in the main lobby.

Polly blinked. Oh, right. You work here.

Asel chuckled. Yes. Your shoulders haunt my dreams.

Polly laughed and blushed.

Minoru smiled. Mine as well, but I get to wake up to the reality.

Themak held her drink up to her, and she sipped.

Vemel had a considering look on his face. That would be interesting.

Asel glared at him. No, it wouldn t.

Polly said, Alexi is really good at being grumpy and making you hold still.

Oh. Right.

Vemel nodded. I have worked with him. He s good.

Asel frowned. I will ask Win, and if things turn out okay, I will consider it.

Themak asked, Win?

The blood witch, the mirror mage.

Vemel paused. I thought she was a myth.

No, she s an emergency photographer. She helped me heal on Wonder Island.

Themak said, What is an emergency photographer?

Polly s eyes widened. She was at Zara s wedding. There were two of her, but only one at the same time.

Minoru smiled. She was efficient.

Asel smiled. She is also the same woman who took out the ten Elite who attacked the school bus.

Polly blinked. Oh. My.

Yeah, as far as we know, they are still out there. There was no one to retrieve them, and she set them so they wouldn t rot.

Themak chuckled. The new omegas are scary.

She looked up at him. They caught us unprepared once. Never again.

He looked at her and nodded. Ah, so she s that one.

Asel nodded. Yes. She also takes soul photos. I can get contact information from Estrya.

Minoru smiled. I can do you one better. We can get the information from Agatha, the wedding planner.

Polly smiled. She did a great job with our wedding.

Themak let out a soft hum. It was a lovely event.

Asel nodded. It was. How are the babies?

Polly smiled. With their nanny and Nari, the housekeeper. She smiled. I love the little critters, but they are a lot.

Minoru laughed. They are a lot. When they start running, I will have to work on my cardio.

Polly smiled. He can t even use monster face to get them in line. They just giggle.

Minoru chuckled. Imagine his distress.

Polly cuddled up to her husband.

Asel reached out for another interesting item, and Themak s chopsticks beat her there and held the food for her. She ate and shook her head. You need to eat more for yourself.

He smiled, and it was the molten eyes that looked at her. I can take care of myself.

Yeah, but I am full, and you haven t eaten. I am up for greed, but I prefer equality.

Vemel chuckled. That sounds very sensible of you, Asel. Themak, hand her over.

Themak growled.

Calm, Themak. Just hand her over. She s not going far.

Asel stroked Themak to calm him, and then she shifted over to Vemel. Vemel held her carefully so Themak could see her. Asel asked casually, Does Themak have a situation?

Themak snorted. Not yet. Mine is led by yours, and yours isn t too far off.

She frowned. I am not supposed to be that close. I am wondering if Honey set me off.

Vemel chuckled. I am guessing she did. It was her nearly matching scent that drew us at the party. She brought us to you, and you gave her to hers.

Asel shrugged. She shouldn t have outed me.

Themak looked at her. She needed to tell us.

Vemel sighed. We did not give her a choice. When we saw that there were two of you and one of you had our markings, we insisted, and she led us to you. Imagine our surprise when we saw you at the counter.

Asel paused. When you say insisted...

Vemel shrugged. There are skills that come with my people.

Oh. Got it.

Minoru sighed. Vemel made quite the impression on my family. They wanted him to join with their families but were terrified that he actually would.

Themak laughed softly. Vemel has a certain presence for an omega and a very hostile attitude toward those who would try and force him.

Asel blinked and was cuddled against a very smug Vemel. She murmured, You don t feel hostile.

He laughed. For you, never. For anyone who threatens either of us, stand behind me. I will handle it, and Themak can have what s left.

She looked at him, and he was serious. Gorgeous but still serious. What kind of conditioner do you use. Your hair smells nice.

He laughed. Thank you.

When she looked at Themak, he was grinning. It isn t his hair; it s him.

She blinked. What?

Vemel smells pretty. Well, he does when he is close to a situation , I believe your euphemism was.

Oh.

Vemel nuzzled at her neck and chuckled. Sorry. I can usually hide it a little more.

His arms pulled her back against him until her back was pressed to his chest. She breathed him in and caressed the back of his forearm.

Themak eradicated the last of the food and looked at them with a smile. I think we are going to check out today and head home. For the first time, it won t feel empty.

Asel felt a pang at that. That was why she and Honey kept the farmhouse just as it was, so it didn t feel empty.

It was so strange that that was her first solid point of connection to her mates. They hated being lonely. So did she.