Page 5 of Facets of Attraction (Betas in Waiting #30)

T hey chatted over the dessert trays, and as she tried to chew mochi into submission, Themak smiled. Bit off more than you can chew?

She flipped him off.

Polly giggled. That s bold. I have tried to curtail cussing myself because it has consequences.

Vemel laughed. I sent one of those kimonos. The one with the rabbits and starlit sky.

That one was... anatomically accurate. Thank you.

Vemel snickered. Well, with Minoru, I thought you could use all the tips you could get.

Minoru smiled. We managed.

Asel elbowed Vemel in the ribs. Be nice. He may be a buddy, but be nice to her.

Themak chuckled. Yes, Vemel, be nice.

Vemel practically purred in her ear. I am very nice. Promise.

She shivered in his arms, and he nuzzled her ear. Tiny flicks of his tongue got things started, and she looked at Polly in distress.

Polly grabbed Minoru. We are going. I wish you well and look forward to properly getting to know you, Asel. You can meet the littles and maybe Olly and hers.

Polly and Olly?

Two out of three. Molly is a bitch.

Minoru cleared his throat. Really?

What? I didn t say fucking bitch. Polly gracefully got to her feet and bowed to the trio before leaving the room.

Minoru sighed and said, If you are staying in town for any length of time, Themak, Vemel, let me know. We can schedule more playdates between my wife and your mate.

Vemel chuckled. Thank you for joining us, Minoru. If all works out, we won t have to get a room here for quite some time.

Our loss is your gain. Asel, I will put you on indefinite leave until things are final.

Thank you, sir.

He grinned, and she saw the ogre for a second as he inclined his head and walked toward the door. I hope that Polly picks up some of your manners.

She blinked, and Vemel stood. Themak signed the bill and then wrapped them in his arms, and they were suddenly standing in a building made of polished wood with the scent of beeswax in the air.

Where are we? She looked at Themak, who was shaking with excitement for some reason.

Home. It was our house, but now, it is home.

She looked at him and asked, If you can remove the barnacle, you can show me around.

Themak chuckled. I would not dare. Sadly, he is scarier than I am.

Vemel nuzzled at her neck, and the scent of him surrounded her. She swayed in his arms. Why didn t I smell this before?

Because you weren t pressed up against me before. The moment I made contact with your skin, I wanted to keep going.

She looked at his hand on her wrist. Is it because I was flashing all kinds of ankle?

Vemel chuckled. It is a lovely turn from calf to heel.

She glanced down. His hand was midnight blue, and there were stars moving in it. She looked at his head, and his eyes and hair had changed as well. So, when at home, be yourself?

He nodded. It is nice to be able to relax.

How many forms do you have?

He waggled his eyebrows. Quite a few.

Asel sighed. It was a serious question.

I am feeling less than serious.

So, since you are starting a situation , what does that entail for you specifically?

How kind of you to ask. He released his grip and stepped away from her. He kept hold of her hand and walked through the wide hall.

She looked around, and all the ceilings were enormous. Themak was grinning and stretching while she watched. She blinked. Right. Will I always forget how big you are when I look away?

Themak chuckled. After we have become more thoroughly acquainted. Then, you will know everything we hide from the world, and we will know the same.

You think I hide from the... never mind. She grimaced.

Vemel squeezed her hand. It is a reflex we all have. I chose to hide in the spotlight; you chose the shadows. Themak just stands on his own in a field with a sketchbook.

I studied building design in Japan and brought the blueprints here for local builds. I got my local certification, and I specialize in bringing a genuine feel to a foreign land.

You designed this place? She looked around in wonder.

I did.

Vemel smiled. He built most of it with his own hands as well.

Themak shrugged. I like hobbies.

Vemel showed her the kitchen, and Themak said, I will get groceries in and get the luggage from the hotel.

Vemel grinned. Come on. I will show you the bedrooms.

Asel was led through a truly enormous home. Each room had high ceilings and wide doorways provided by sliding doors. I am guessing the scale isn t common where Themak trained.

Vemel shrugged. You would be surprised. There are many more dragons on that side of the world, and they have been mixing with the human populations for thousands of years. True mates are few and far between, so they meet and match with beta after beta.

Oh. That is interesting and terrifying.

They usually mate in human form.

That is slightly better. She chuckled. He showed her guestroom after guestroom, all large with empty spaces and rolled pallets tucked neatly with bedding in a chest against one wall. You have a lot of guestrooms.

The anticipation was one day to host house parties with friends and families.

Why are you a djinn with the dark Elite?

He smiled. That is a complicated answer that involves a brilliant idea, a joke of destiny, and a run for survival.

Will you tell me?

Of course. It is just hard to find out where to start.

I doubt you are having difficulty determining that.

I am having difficulty with everything right now. My ability to concentrate is minimal, at best.

They walked down a different hall, and more doors were opened to show her a library and a lounge with seating aimed toward the far wall.

That is the relaxation room that looks over the lake with all the walkways and small platforms. The wall slides open, and it is so very serene to watch the stars or moon.

How often do you sit back and relax?

Vemel smiled. Not yet. We have been waiting for this place to feel right. It has everything we could want, could think of, even flower gardens in the entry path. Gardeners come by weekly, and we have a housekeeper who comes as well.

Okay. I stand warned. So, what do you do aside from look pretty?

Vemel chuckled. I have... investments... that have done very well.

He opened another room filled with blueprints and drawing tables. Themak s study. He has about ten projects going on at any given time. He works deep into the night.

They walked to the next room. It was a room lined with closets. My spare room.

They walked on to the next room. My bedroom.

Then there was Themak s room, the pack room, and Vemel s heat room, which he didn t call a nest. When the door was opened, she blinked. That is a lot of weaponry.

I work out during heats.

Oh, I should let you get to it.

Oh, no. We are using the pack room.

Where s my room?

He chuckled and walked to the room on the far side of his heat room. The room was empty, but it was definitely not possessed by either of them. It just smelled like nothing but beeswax. It was set up like a guestroom but had a folded chest with narrow drawers against one of the walls, a closet for conventional clothing, and a standard dresser.

It s very... blank.

We had no idea how fate would shape our mate, so the clothing, wall hangings, and nicknacks can be selected at leisure.

She nodded. Do I get a study?

He smiled. Certainly. Do you have an area of interest or want to experiment?

Well, right now, the only skill I am confident in is stripping, but I won t demand a pole or anything. So, just space to dance. It helps calm me when I have flashbacks.

Does it haunt you?

She looked at him. Does it haunt you? I was only there for a decade. I saw your face contorting with pain and your hands pressed against the confining glass.

Vemel paused. You could see me?

I could see everyone. All of us. She rubbed her neck. I was stuck being short as well as the others, and you floated in and out of my vision like a magic eight ball. Everyone was so thin. Two women died there the week I arrived, and the mist just took them, and their casings went empty. That was when I looked around and redirected the pull away from your containers to mine. That was how I remained until there was a thud, and Themak came in to rescue you. She chuckled. Just the motivation I needed to break out.

How did you get out?

The black fire. I made a hole that was large enough for me to get out, fell to the floor, and then opened the locks and got the ladies out. Two years back so that we could get healthy and face our families again. I had to take Honey s memories of me as we got closer to the day of the attack. She had to remember that I was gone, or she wouldn t charge out there and do the damage that freaked the Elite out.

Themak carried me to the others, where Poppy was moving us back ten years. We went back, and she scattered us to the winds.

At least you were safe.

And you were still trapped. I had no idea. I am so sorry.

I know. It took black fire to cut through it. It was probably Themak s showing up that let my body know what it was supposed to do. I watched him cut you out with fire on the locks, and I think that is when my hands turned black and a bit scaly.

Vemel slowly smiled. Oh, Themak is going to lose it when he hears that.

Why?

There is something about you, Asel. Something that goes beyond being his maiden and my omega. The mark on your forehead announces you as our princess.

If he is looking for a maiden, that ship has sailed.

Themak s voice made her jump. When you and Vemel have soothed him, I will talk with you about things.

Asel looked at Vemel. I am supposed to soothe you?

Vemel smiled. Eventually. First, I am looking forward to you working me up a little.

She paused and shrugged. I can definitely do that.

Themak chuckled. That is something I would like to see.

When?

Vemel blinked. What?

When would you like to see me get him worked up?

Themak grinned. What do you need?

A chair, my playlist, and his willingness to play along. She smiled as Vemel s hand got tighter.

I am very willing to see what you have to show me.

Themak followed them as Vemel walked to the room with the view that now had open doors and two large comfy chairs looking at the lake with pathways beyond. It was stunning.

She smiled and brought her phone to her, thumbing her playlist up and pulling Vemel to the smaller of the two chairs. Have a seat, and let s see if I can t get you worked up.

He sat and settled into the chair with a grin. I am at your disposal.

Asel looked over at Themak, who was in a seat of his own, and then she started the music, changing her clothing to silky panels that flowed as she danced. She bent, twisted, and swayed, and a steady growl started in the room that switched into a duality of stereo in the room as the music throbbed, and she continued to whirl and twist until she was damp and her blood surged in her veins.

Vemel s eyes were fixed, and his chest was heaving. The growl was a sound of desperation. She crooned to him and climbed onto his lap, balancing her knees on the arms of the chair as she arched and pressed her breast against him. Her hips twisted, and she leaned in and rubbed her head alongside his, moving to the other side and then brushed her lips against his before she was caught in his embrace. One arm was around her hips, and the other hand was sliding against her sex.

His breathing was fast, and his kiss was sudden. The music surrounded them as his tongue delved deep, and she shivered against him. She moved her hand between them and unbuttoned his shirt before unbuckling his belt and unzipping his trousers. His erection took some coaxing as Vemel was wearing underwear, but when the length was in her hand, she stroked it slowly. She wanted to look, but his kiss was all-consuming. His fingers slid into her, and she arched.

His hands moved to the back of her thighs, and he nudged the head of his cock into her, removing her support as he pulled her thighs wide. She thudded onto him, and if she had been normal, he would have bottomed out. He didn t.

He groaned and moved her over him, fast and hard. He groaned and flexed inside her, sending a wave of warmth through her. She shuddered, and her body clasped at his in a sudden climax with minimal buildup. She sighed and held onto him as he jerked inside her again, and more warmth flowed.

The kisses had slowed but were still intense. She was being held by midnight on fire.

His hair was ablaze with fire that didn t burn. It curled around her and held her to him. That was new. The kissing went on and on until her lips were numb, and she was held to him with the cords of fire.

When Vemel finally let her breathe, she heard a chuckle from Themak. He goes first, or I end up tied to one of the walkways, upside-down.

Vemel s eyes were less predatory, and he stroked her jaw and ran a careful finger over her ears. Knots are for amateurs. Thank you, Asel.

She asked him softly, For what?

Being my first.

She felt a little stupid when she asked, First what?

He chuckled. First lover.

Themak murmured, It didn t look like you bottomed out.

Vemel snorted. I didn t.

She blushed. Hey, I am still wrapped in fire over here.

Vemel grinned. It just takes that long for the first time. Imperial markings are time-consuming.

What?

Look down.

I can t. I am plastered against you from the tits down. Nice muscle definition, by the way.

He caressed her flank with a grin. I return the compliment. I thought you would be weaker.

Pole dancing gives a lot of weirdly specific muscle definition.

He laughed, and she felt it inside her.

She looked him in the eye. Is that it for your heat?

For now. It cycles in waves, a few hours apart. I should be crawling onto you again when the moon rises. He kissed her softly. You don t need to worry about me, Asel.

Okay. Great. She felt heat on her spine and saw scales and wings.

You do need to worry about me, maiden.

Hands gripped her hips and pulled her off Vemel while the djinn laughed and cleaned himself up with fire. She clawed at the ground as she was relentlessly pulled toward the pit full of pillows. When he flipped her onto her back, she wanted to go back the other way.

Themak was covered with fine, iridescent scales, had claws, and his wings were the oil spot as black as the rest of him. A glance at him indicated that he was going to bottom out. She wasn t designed for that.

Themak chuckled. Don t worry, maiden. I will take care of things.

He slid a hand under her neck and then exhaled a gout of fire into her mouth. Her body went bright, and she thrashed in his grip as he did it again. Dark flame covered her, coursing through her from the inside out.

While she was dealing with the fire from the kiss, he moved between her thighs, and fire was injected directly into the area he had an interest in.

She tried to get away again, but he held her tight. Vemel knelt next to her head and smoothed her hair back. This is his way of helping you heal and making sure you are healthy.

The clawed hands were holding her hips, and a second blast made her aware of every internal pathway that was accessible from the exterior. She gasped and tried to wrench away.

Themak raised his head. Oops. Sorry.

Vemel laughed. What happened there?

Asel was grim. He missed.

Themak adjusted his targeting, and a third blast was all she needed, apparently. He raised his head and grinned. You are in wonderful condition, considering.

She slumped to the floor. Thanks. Your opinion means so much. What the hell is on my skin?

She looked down and jolted. Holy shit.

She was charcoal grey with her markings in white.

Themak smiled happily. Just a little more, and you will be a dark Elite omega with power.

I already have power.

He actually wiggled with joy. You will have more. The colour is a marking of energy exposure. We are very strong; therefore, you will darken to black over time. He smiled slowly. We plan to expose you a lot.

She wrapped a leg around him and pulled him close. I think you missed a spot.

He took the hint. Fire tumbled into her, and she felt her body slick in invitation. He touched her inner thigh, and she felt the strange sensation of knuckles sliding into her. His clawed thumb rubbed at her clit, and when she let out the soft sound, he groaned and moved away before pressing into her. He stretched his wings out and created a dome for them as he slid himself into her in slow increments.

Vemel murmured, I want to see.

Asel looked up at Themak. Not this time.

Themak smiled that shy smile, and he started to move deeper with every shift of his hips. She felt something wrap around her thigh, pulling it wider, and her eyes stared. What?

He shrugged. Tail.

She laughed and widened herself as much as she could, hooking her heels behind his thighs. He groaned and slid into the base. He paused, panting, and then he began to thrust slowly and deliberately.

Her first orgasm hit around the two-minute mark, and after that, he adjusted his hips, and she was in a constant state of rolling and twitching until he roared, and she felt fire fill her. His knot swelled until he couldn t move. She stared up at his glowing eyes, and he smiled. Feeling all right, maiden?

Yes, but why do you call me that?

He smiled. With the fire, you are always my maiden. To other dragons, you will be lady.

Vemel snorted. May I see you yet?

Asel looked to Themak. Up to you. I am not going anywhere.

He kissed her, and the light from the room spilled in as he folded his wings.

Vemel blinked. Well, that was quick.

She raised her hand and saw the onyx that she had seen in dark Elite. So, the Elite of the Stronghold were weak.

Themak snorted. Strong enough to call some allies when our existence threatened them. Now, our king has been released, his bride has been reborn, and their child exists strong and protected. They just have to find each other.

She stared. Which is why nearly all of us are popping up in this particular city.

Vemel chuckled. Now you are getting it. You are a very clever imperial consort.

He was smiling at her upside-down, and she only had one thought. I am a what now?