Page 7 of Facets of Attraction (Betas in Waiting #30)

A sel was cuddled in Vemel s arms, and they watched the official release of the show.

So, Asel, why did you participate?

Honey is super athletic, but I am a more enthusiastic dancer, and I can hold my breath longer than she can, so I did a lot of the diving shots. Mainly the dancing, though.

Themak had her feet on his lap and was massaging her calves. Well, your legs are amazing, but I like them best wrapped around me.

Yeah, that requires limbering up. She chuckled. It was difficult to take in the change in her complexion, but those were her legs that Themak was rubbing.

He grinned. But you do it so well.

Vemel chuckled. Asel, do you like to travel?

Now and then. Why?

Well, as a pretty face can only last so long, I have a few businesses that require monitoring. I have one in town that I came to check on, and I have other venues around the world under different guises.

Like what?

Host clubs. Here, strip clubs. He chuckled. Male revue.

Oh. Wow.

Vemel murmured against her neck, Would you like to participate in the audition process?

Um, no. I am not in the mood to spin around a pole.

Vemel chuckled. Oh, no, Princess, you would sit with Themak, and he would let me know if you found any moves particularly enthralling.

Oh. Uh, I have never actually watched guys dance.

He whispered against her ear, Really?

Yes.

Would you like to?

I think my face would catch fire.

He laughed. With your new look, no one could tell.

Oh. Right.

Vemel looked over at Themak. Will you hold down the fort while I get changed? I do enjoy a bit of theatrics.

Asel smiled. I am a huge fan of cosplay.

His eyes glittered. Oh, excellent.

Themak leaned over and lifted her, settling her on his lap and crooning softly to her. Her body relaxed, and she felt the croon working its way through her system. What is the crooning for?

He chuckled. Speed things along so your timing will be closer to your sister s.

Why does that matter?

We talked and agreed that if you are both carrying your first at the same time, you will have reason to stay close to each other.

Oh, so you are going to use pregnancy to control our movements?

He snorted. Well, portaling should be kept to a minimum, so it will help to be close.

Nice. I should probably buy a more comfy car.

You will have a driver.

Why? I am a safe driver... under most circumstances.

He looked at her and narrowed his eyes. What are the other circumstances?

When the Elite are chasing me. She smiled brightly and smacked a kiss on his lips.

Hm. I haven t chased a maiden recently. Are you up for a run through a meadow, Princess?

Not today. I have plans to climb Vemel if he does what I think he s going to.

Themak chuckled. He is going to be delighted.

Do you enjoy travelling the world?

We have. But there is a time for everything. The idea of making this place our home at long last feels very right to me. He ran his hand along her thigh. It feels extremely right. My beast is so pleased he isn t even threatening to come out and insist that your first heat is his. I will be waiting in the wings and providing refreshments.

Oh. Wow. I just got a mental image of you in an apron with a tray. I didn t hate it.

He laughed. So, you like us all dressed up.

She shrugged. I like what I like. While most of the time I think that naked guys look a little silly, I had a heavy cosplay phase when I was a teen, and it never wore off.

He blinked and smiled. Good to know.

Is there anything you want me wearing?

Themak threaded his hand into her hair and pulled her close to him. Me.

She joined him in the kiss, and they were sliding together when Vemel walked in. She turned her head, gasping in surprise.

Her heartbeat sped up, and the rapid pulse got faster as she looked at her mate dressed in robes and loose trousers that were sliding off all the interesting bits, and then they defied gravity and didn t fall off. She bit her lip. She wanted the clothes off.

His eyes crinkled in a smile, and he beckoned to her with a bejewelled hand. Now that she was looking past his skin, she could see jewels and metal peeping and wrapped around him here and there.

She turned to kiss Themak. Gotta go. Bye.

He started laughing and helped her upright.

The omega was looking at her and undulating softly to music she could barely hear. She reached out and slid her fingers into his grip, and he smiled, kissing her knuckles and winking at her while earrings in his pointed ears glittered. You are very shiny.

He smiled. I decided to have fun with it. Do you think I am pretty?

She frowned and leaned away. Yes. I have mentioned that a few times.

He chuckled. That irritated you.

Yes. The compliment has been given, either accept it or don t. She smiled slightly. I am not mindless and begging at this moment, so the compliments won t flow as easily.

His eyes widened, and he grinned. So, you need to be mindless to think I am attractive?

She turned her hand and pulled him close. You have made a living here on looks. The world has told you you re lovely. I want to tell you that I want you no matter which form you are wearing, but constant need for reinforcement will wear on me. If I need to turn into your hype woman, I do not need to be your lover. I don t have enough attention span to do both.

He smiled and kissed her sweetly. I will take the lover, and we can leave the hype.

She smiled and slid her hand under the fabric to run her hands down his chest. Good. I hate multitasking. I simply prefer to do one thing at a time.

He lifted his head with his eyes glittering. A chair nudged at the back of her legs, and she sat, wearing the loose gown and robe they had provided her with.

Vemel started music with a remote, and then he firmly caught her attention. She was watching living sex dancing for her, and her breathing became optional. Her heartbeat and the rush of slick were embarrassing, but she ignored it as Vemel undulated, flexed, and the clothing fell to his waist. He had gold bands around his biceps, and she felt heat rising in her. Oh, no.

He smiled and knelt in front of her, parting her knees. He looked as innocent as living lust could be. Problem?

Between Themak s crooning and whatever this is, you guys are knocking me into a heat.

Delight formed in his gaze. Are we? How clever of us.

His hands caressed her calves, and he pulled her gown up and over her knees until she felt cool air on slick skin. He kissed her neck, jaw, cheek, and flicked the tip of her ear with his tongue.

She convulsed and held tight to the chair. Her gaze was dazed and focused at the same time.

His fingers caressed her cheek. Oh, you are very, very close, Asel.

Themak growled and walked over to her, smoothing the strap of the gown and shoulder of the robe from her skin, and then she felt a bite followed by the burn of fire.

Vemel picked her up and said, That did it. Come on, Asel. We will put out that fire.

She whined softly, and he shuddered.

They got back to the bedroom, and she clawed at both of them, begging for help. They gave her everything she asked for and quite a bit more.

* * * *

H oney groaned and sat up. Well, Asel s link with me is back. How long were we... uh... engaged?

Alen laughed and groaned. Thirty-two hours.

I thought I was supposed to go off first.

Baran muttered, I am blaming Prince Vemel. If there is anyone who could move things up, it is he and Themak.

Honey smiled slowly. At least they cracked her control. That was nice. It was just like having horny lava running through me.

Alen grinned. We noticed. Did you even notice the beasts?

Nope. I mean. There was some biting, purring, and licking with a rough tongue, but if I closed my eyes, it could have been you.

He s furrier.

Oh, yeah. She smiled and arched her neck, rocking her head from side to side. I remember him. She closed her eyes. Careful claws, lots of purring, and that weird spike feeling that made me punch him. The wet nose made me laugh.

Baran chuckled and moved behind her, massaging her neck and shoulders.

Well, that was the hardest part of things. Now we just need to find our balance and keep you happy and satisfied.

I am guessing that stripping isn t going to be an option anymore.

Alen chuckled. Not unless you want a Smilodon to haul you out of there if someone tries to touch you and turns the toucher into shreds.

Well, I guess it s back to business school.

Baran asked, What did you study?

Accounting, but I always wanted to do more on the investment part of things.

Alen chuckled. Why do you dance?

It pays more. Way more, and I have the body for it.

Alen sighed. You certainly do.

She leaned into Baran s hands. So, how soon can I contact Asel?

Alen grimaced. Twins. Hm. Right. I will bring your phone.

She grinned and clapped her hands. Her body was aching, but she d felt worse when she was training. Going back to school would be fun if she could commute. Where is this place, by the way?

Alen smiled. If we don t tell you, will you stay in here with us?

Well, Asel will come looking for me, so that is going to be interesting.

Baran sighed. Vemel will enjoy teaching her how to use magic, but he would think it hilarious that she came in search of you.

Honey said, What about the scary one? Themak?

Alen laughed. If you think he s the scary one, you have not been paying attention. Themak is a warrior prince; Vemel was built to rule.

Asel was built to burn or save the world, depending on her mood. Honey smiled.

Alen sighed. Does it feel like she s up?

Honey felt for her sibling connection. Yes. She is. Shit. She s coming. I need clothing.

Alen laughed and got to his feet, stretched, and walked to the wall, displaying a door that led to a bathroom.

Baran carried her, and she was soon being washed from head to toe. She wasn t sticky, but she had been licked... a lot.

Baran washed her from head to toe and every crevice.

She was leaning against him and sighing happily when Alen joined them and double-checked Baran s work.

When she was clean, they dried her, and then she was wrapped in a dress that was part silky tube top and part wrap skirt.

They dressed in jeans and tees, and she snorted at the unfairness, but they walked to a large living area with a huge television, and three dark figures were sitting close and talking. The female looked at her, and Asel s voice said, Surprise! I got a makeover.

Honey stared at the woman in gleaming black skin, the marks that had been black before were now glowing white, and a lacey white marking wrapped around her, just below the diamond outline and finished behind her when Asel slowly turned.

Honey smiled and ran toward her for a hug. Sorry, I set you off.

It wasn t just you. Themak and Vemel worked really hard to get me up to speed. Asel smiled. Bless those boys. They worked really hard.

Vemel laughed, deep and bright. Honey, your sister is exhausting. But so very charming.

Asel laughed. Hmm. That isn t what you said when I told you that I was coming to see Honey with or without you. I believe that you were less than impressed.

Themak chuckled. But we knew it would happen.

Vemel shrugged. I have three siblings. I know how strong the bonds can be.

Asel looked surprised. You do? I hadn t heard of many siblings among the Elite.

He gave her a grin and cocked his head.

Oh. Right. Wrong social grouping.

He chuckled.

Honey stared and blinked. I can t believe it s you, Asel. You look incredible.

Thank you. I can still manage my beta form for now, if necessary. She smiled. Her teeth were blindingly white against the oil-spot black of her skin. The rainbow cruised along the surface.

Oh, that s good. So, the ears are on Vemel s part of things?

Ah, yes. They are. He s not a standard elf. He s extra. So is Themak. She chuckled.

You are able to deal with extra. You are the most capable one I know.

Asel sighed. Right. Let me know when you want to learn everything there is to know about the time I was missing. I think you are in a good situation now to be able to hear it.

Honey looked at her warily. Should we sit down for this?

Oh. Yeah. This isn t fun. But, hey, happy ending.

They sat on the edge of the couch, and Asel began.

Honey had a roaring in her ears as she heard what happened after her sister had hidden her with an illusion. They had taken her, assaulted her, and when they were told that someone of her colouration wasn t suitable for the Stronghold, she was put in the cells, and her energy was used to power the lust of the light elves above. For ten years.

The night of the attack on the Stronghold... this is going to suck. I could hear you. I heard you roaring, and I screamed with everything in me, but they had me disguised with illusion. Me and the others with me. Vemel was released and taken to safety, but the ladies and I were stuck. No one could see us.

Honey had thick tears coursing down her cheeks, and Alen was holding her hand. How did you get out?

I used the black flame that Themak sports to burn a hole in the glass front that kept me in. When it cooled, I climbed through it, and since I was thin as hell, it was surprisingly easy. I felt the time magic when Poppy used it, so... I got the other ladies loose and tossed us back to the farm, two years before that night.

Honey dragged in a deep breath. And you were so thin and so haunted and so quiet.

I got better. I got a job, and I learned not to scream when I saw people. I got used to being around people again, and things became good. You got most of me back. Asel smiled. She reached out and wiped Honey s cheeks. And this is why I didn t want to tell you. You would have run around like a loon looking for me, and that would have wrecked this timeline. It sucked, but if I wanted to make things comfortable for me, I would have to go back ten years and let them catch you. You know I would never do that.

Honey sobbed, and Alen wrapped his arms around her. She squeaked and flapped her hands as she tried to bring her feelings into words. She had been right there. She had felt Asel near her, and she had called with everything in her. Asel had called back, but Honey didn t hear her.

Asel held her hand, and Honey jumped into her arms and bawled. It felt like the right place to be, and Asel murmured that it was okay, and they were together again.

Honey let the storm rage, and when it eased, Asel murmured, She needs some water.

Baran went and got her a glass, and Themak did the same for Asel.

When Honey finally sat up, she exhaled. Hooo. That was something.

Asel stroked her cheeks. It was. That was it. All the broad strokes.

One day I will want the details.

Not until our kids are in college. She smiled. Maybe by then I won t be filled with homicidal rage.

Honey drank the water that Baran brought and set the glass down. So, what is my brother-in-law?

Vemel smiled. I am a djinn, dear sister.

A... oh. Well, nothing but the best for Asel. Honey glanced at Alen and Baran. You guys are good, too.

Everyone laughed, and the tension was over.

Honey asked, Now, where the hell do I live, and what are we going to do now?

Asel smiled. I have a few ideas.

Vemel pulled her back. So do I. I need a personal assistant and a lunch companion and a kimono model.

Asel chuckled. Opening negotiations strong. Interesting. We don t even have a pack contract yet. Right now, I am just a fuck buddy.

Themak sighed. I told you, Vemel. She would notice.

Asel smiled. Of course, I noticed. And I know there was a certain urgency to this thing, but you two have no more control over me than the clients at the hotel. I am going to be polite, and things will proceed, but call me after hours, and we will have words.

Vemel frowned. So, you mean...

I will still sleep with you, but the rest of my time is mine. Asel grinned, showing teeth. Until things change.

Vemel sighed. I will call my lawyer.

Great. I will call mine.

Honey watched with interest. She glanced over at Alen. When I know how this works out, I am going to do the same thing to you.

Alen grinned. Excellent. I look forward to the negotiations.

Asel and Honey locked gazes, and as one, they said, Where the fuck is my phone?

* * * *

A sel contacted her lawyer, saying, So, I need someone to go to bat for me on the bond contract negotiation.

The voice on the phone said, I can definitely do that. When do you want to meet?

Soon. Now, just so you know, I have to warn you about something.

He laughed. I am used to odd. You can t surprise me.

Well, I am an Elite omega, and my primary is something even more powerful. Sort of a dark Elite.

Oh. Right .

All bodily functions are as normal, but are you prepared to work with the weird?

Absolutely. My mate s primary alpha is... unusual, and the other alphas in our pack are also unusual. Aside from the difference in appearance, they should be the same.

I am glad that you think so. So, where do you want to meet?

He paused. Just give me a moment.

He spoke to someone in the background and then said, How about here this evening?

Send me the address. I will be there around eight. She grimaced. I may have an escort.

He chuckled. Of course. I look forward to it.

See you then. She hung up and checked her phone. She looked down at the gauzy layers that Vemel had dressed her in. They were comfortable and stood out brightly against the dark of her skin.

Themak walked in and said, Got it settled?

Yes. Meeting with him tonight.

He walked up to her, lifted her from the cushion, and settled her on his lap. So, is your lawyer prepared to deal with an Elite lawyer?

Of course. Weirdo.

How can you be so sure?

He doesn t know this, but I have met his mate. She s seriously impressive. She was the first winner in Alpha vs Beta .

So, what time do we need to be there?

She laughed. Eight. I did warn him I might not be alone.

Vemel carried in a tray of snacks and beverages. Good. We need to work on making you a wardrobe.

I have done a lot of strange things in the last few days, so I am going to skip the fashion show.

He sighed. But I love fashion. This is just for your emergency clothing.

Emergency?

The clothing you can summon. The daily clothing is purchased to blend in with modern style.

Themak said, I think we should start with the formalwear. I really want to see her in the formalwear.

Asel blinked. What constitutes formalwear?

Vemel said, Whatever you are willing to let us get away with. He grinned.

Themak smiled. Black, red, and blue. He kissed her softly and wrapped an arm around her waist.

I said it before, and I meant it. Weirdos.

Vemel chuckled. Yes, we know. But we are your weirdos. Now, let s have something to eat, and then we are going to stand you up and play dress-up with you.

She snorted and looked at the food. I don t see the reason for the fuss. I have worn sparkles and almost nothing in public before. How much different could formalwear be?

Vemel and Themak both smiled slowly. Themak murmured, This is going to be fun.