Page 9 of Facets of Attraction (Betas in Waiting #30)

A sel randomly hissed , I can t believe you put that in the contract.

Themak chuckled. You signed it.

She sighed. It was a moment of weakness. You were licking my ear.

He chuckled and cuddled her on his lap. Yes, you are easily distracted.

So, Vemel needs an heir, and it has to be an omega, and you want a little girl of your own. I thought dragons only had boys.

There was happy snickering under her. You are correct.

She looked at him. So, how many tries do you think it will take?

Don t know. I haven t had children before. I look forward to the discovery of each and every one.

Asel grimaced. I thought that Honey had it bad with the open-door policy.

Vemel snorted. It isn t open-door; it is open-pack. Those who wish to join have to be approved by all members. Anyone can veto a new applicant.

Sure, but ours is closed?

It is closed. There is no one of sufficient rank to join us. We are prince, prince, and princess. Vemel smiled. And our children will be as well.

So, when do we start on the part I wanted?

Vemel grinned. I will get some grimoires set up for you as soon as I can. We will start with easy things.

She snorted. Fine. Hey, the show is up and streaming now.

Themak nuzzled her ear. You don t want to stay and cuddle?

You can cuddle. I can watch. I haven t seen any of it yet.

Vemel laughed. Anyone want popcorn?

Asel shifted to go get it. Yes, please.

Themak s arms wrapped tightly and pulled her against him. He can do it.

She sat as Themak brought the show up and thought about the one thing she wanted that she couldn t have. The little girl who had played with dolls wanted some kind of wedding where her partners tell her she is the prettiest thing in the world. She had gone through three skin shades with them and really needed someone to tell her she was still pretty.

Themak asked, What s wrong?

I... forgot something I wanted in the contract. Can I still add it?

Of course. Here, just tell Dante what you want in a text, and he will add it.

It kind of defeats the purpose of using Magnus.

That was for the appearance of fairness. In reality, this isn t a contest. We will give you whatever you need.

I know, it just feels weird to set up a list of demands. It s like you two are hostages.

Themak paused and turned her to face him. We are not hostages. We aren t wired the way betas are. We are driven to find our mate, and when we find her, we don t let go and make an effort to keep her feeling free within our care. It is a strange balance, but it is the focus we strive for. He smiled. We know we are a little much.

Vemel walked in with a bowl of buttered popcorn. A little? There is only one scarier alpha on this planet, and he is trying to make nice with his wife. Well, and the assassins, but being creepy is in their DNA.

Themak chuckled. They are creepy, but we are more powerful. So, we are better in a frontal assault.

Vemel looked at Themak s phone in her hand. What are you doing?

Trying to formulate a note to Dante about something I want.

What do you need, Princess?

Some kind of ceremony or meeting or just standing together under the full moon to draw a line between what I was and what I am going to become.

Vemel smiled. That sounds sweet.

She grimaced. Childish.

Themak hugged her. Wonderful. Do you have a location in mind?

Well, Lydia s husband has a vineyard. Lyric is an Elite omega, and the other ladies there were Elite consorts before they were dumped in the battery.

The battery? Vemel looked at her.

Yeah, the battery. They were draining our strength, lust, and beauty to make themselves more mythical. She smiled. When I arrived, the flow of magic stopped. They got nothing else.

Vemel blinked. I hadn t thought of it like that. A battery.

Yes. I was the acid in the mix. She bit her lip and looked at her hands. Sorry. It was a stupid thought.

Themak put his chin on her shoulder. It isn t stupid. We all had dreams while we waited. Some were of safety, some were for revenge. Others were of freedom. The first thing I did after we were safe was stretch my wings. I flew for days and then came to get Vemel from the healers. He started grooming himself excessively, and after we regained body condition, he caught the attention of an advertiser and began to stare into the camera with a hunger that is only exaggerated when he sees you.

Hunger?

Vemel looked at her and nodded. Hunger. There was someone on this world that I wanted, and I couldn t find her.

She got a sick feeling and understood why no one had been able to find her. Time travel was a bitch. Magic had stopped them from being extracted and kept anyone from finding them because they had always escaped the way they did. I am an idiot.

Themak murmured, How so?

She rubbed her forehead just under the headpiece. You couldn t have found me because you didn t find me. At that point, I was already out and at the farm, but I had to be stuck there to get out. Oh, I am going to leave the time travel to Poppy.

Vemel blinked. And we were already halfway around the world at that point.

Yup.

Themak ran his fingers up and down her corseted back. I think you need a proper cuddle.

What qualifies as proper in your estimation?

Well, until we can get you some custom yukata to run around the house with, I suppose we will have to create our own.

So, why have actual clothing if you can make it?

Vemel grinned. This will fade as soon as the maker sleeps. Regular clothing is unchanging.

I hadn t thought about that. I just start with a tee and jeans and build on it from there.

Vemel smiled. Which shows you have good instincts.

Themak s fingers were tugging at the corset laces. She felt the cool air on slightly sweaty skin as the tension gave way.

She smiled. So, you could just change this into a nightie and robe?

Vemel chuckled. Could, but I think he is enjoying the scent bomb that he just opened. You have been sweating against that restriction all day.

She shivered as he reached around her to pop the busk loose. The white blouse was transparent where it had been pressed against her. The cool air was a bit of a shock, and Themak quickly wrapped himself around her again as he unbuttoned the cotton.

He cupped her breasts and kept his head next to her shoulder as he breathed deeply.

Asel asked, Didn t you get enough earlier?

He snorted, and Vemel laughed. You didn t just ask him that.

Themak chuckled against her skin. His voice was thick when he answered, No. You smell like my favourite song sounds. Over and over, never getting tired of it.

Vemel watched them. But we should get her something, actually, to wear. It isn t fair that she has an empty wardrobe.

Themak grunted. We have an appointment in town tomorrow.

Vemel laughed. Well, well.

Asel was listening to both of them murmuring softly. Lost in the feel of Themak s hands on her breasts, her shirt buttons gave up the fight. His palms were going from rough to scaled to smooth. She didn t know what the next touch was going to bring, and she tensed and gasped softly as he played with her breasts.

He shifted, and her skirt unzipped. He didn t pull it off, just slid a hand between her thighs and sought her clit, rubbing absently and without rhythm.

She grabbed his wrists, and he smiled against her shoulder.

His growl was soft. Heat is over; now we can play.

She squirmed. What is this we, asshole?

He huffed a laugh, and black fire cascaded lightly over her skin. It moved around her body and caressed and woke nerves and sensitive zones she didn t know she had. Ribs, small of the back, inside of the elbow, behind her ears, the ears themselves, the back of her knees, and weirdly, a space between her toes.

Vemel was watching with glowing eyes, and she tried to figure out what she looked like and was glad she wasn t in heels.

She could see the screen from the corner of her eye and watched the intro sequences with Honey and herself. The editors had done an amazing job. The music matched every movement.

Her body was hot, sweat coated her skin, and she twitched when his fingers found her nipples or flicked her clit.

The tension coiled tight to the point she would have normally gone over, but he just kept building the sensations and never let her get to the critical point. It kept moving out of reach with each soft swirl of his fingertips.

Vemel chuckled. You are lasting much longer than I would under those circumstances.

She whined and twisted against Themak s hands. A sibilant hissing began speaking words in her thoughts, and she felt the increase in the burn. Something prodded at her entrance, and she whined again as the thick appendage pressed into her. It started to thrust hard and fast, and she came apart with a snap. She screamed and fought his grip as her body convulsed around whatever was inside her, and she thrashed, whined, and growled through clenched teeth as the roar of release went through her.

Themak lifted a hand and stroked her cheek. She opened her eyes, and he was in his small dragon form. There s my mate. We will have time once the djinn has his heir.

The tail tip inside her was moving lazily, and strong aftershocks were gripping him and making her grunt.

Vemel was recording and chuckled. Oh, three shapes. Lovely.

She fought to catch her breath and muttered, Themak, slow that tail down, or I am going to rip it off.

He grinned brightly and helped her wind down. She flexed her hands as they were still wrapped around his wrists. They felt odd. Claws?

And a fine spray of scales down either cheekbone and your cute little nose. Themak s dragon was delighted as he spoke in a growl so low it shook her bones.

The tail had slowed and stilled while she was still contracting around it. She exhaled with controlled deliberation.

Themak smiled. How long do you think you will keep clutching at me?

Be quiet. It can hear you.

Vemel laughed, Themak laughed, his tail moved, and a new spattering of spasms had started again. She grunted and smacked his chest.

He hugged her, and she looked down. Her clothing was gone. Not really surprising.

Vemel saw the line of her gaze. I was helping.

She rolled her eyes and muttered to Themak, Can you sit me up a little? Maybe stop playing with me?

The dragon chuckled. No, but we can move it to the couch. You are very strong, maiden.

That s just because my body is trying to get cum out of your tail.

Themak got up, kept his tail inside her as he stepped into the recessed area, and lay on the couch with her draped over him.

She looked at the wings. Is lying on them comfortable?

Yes, they are flexible and resilient.

Vemel offered, And bulletproof. Someone found that out the hard way.

Asel unbuttoned Themak s shirt, moved over to his left nipple, and bit, not so gently.

He hissed.

She released the nub and looked at him. I said tail out, and I meant it. Next bite tries to remove it.

He slowly withdrew his tail, and she shuddered in relief.

Asel draped herself over him, and he wrapped her in his arms. When she was calm again, she felt something behind her and felt a touch on her folds again. She snapped her head up as the first curls of lust rolled through her. Themak... She warned.

He chuckled. Check your links. It isn t me.

She turned and looked at a very naked and aroused Vemel. He was glittering and very blue. Glitter? Oh, right. Strip clubs.

He grinned. May I join you, Princess?

Okay.

He leaned over and pinned her to Themak, who took her hands and raised them high.

His weight pressed down on her, and his erection found its way inside her thoroughly worked sex, and he began a slow rocking that moved her on the dragon skin. The glitter tingled on her back, and when he slid deep and pushed her hair to the side, he completed the circuit, and she understood the sparkle. Magic.

Magic kept her cumming for hours until she was limp, exhausted, and she muttered, That wasn t fair.

They both laughed tiredly, and Themak carried her to bed. They discussed and agreed, dinner could wait until after a nap.

Asel sat at the table and drank her berry tea as she caught up on her messages. She paused. Oh. Okay.

Vemel was at his computer with a special keyboard with Japanese characters on it. What is it?

Lydia is worried about Honey and me. She went by the farm and found it empty. She got up and said, I think this needs a phone call.

Go for a walk on the lake. We get a great signal out there. Themak walked over and kissed her cheek.

She smiled, walked out to the pathways, and got to a bench under a shadowed roof. Asel made the call and talked to Lydia for a few minutes, being careful to mention the change in her appearance. Lydia asked if Asel could come that evening for dinner, and Asel said she would let her know in a few minutes.

She walked back over the smooth wooden walkway to where her mates were still puttering in the kitchen.

Hey, guys. I want to go visit Lydia and the others. Tonight. For dinner.

They looked at each other and nodded. Yeah, sure. What do you want to wear?

Leggings and a tunic?

Vemel laughed. Very doable.

She felt her clothing move, and then she realized she should have used a picture. Her leggings were black dragon skin, and her shirt was navy blue space with stars. Well, at least it s comfy.

They were wearing versions of the same outfit a moment later. Themak grinned and said, I ll be right back.

She sent Lydia a text and got a thumbs-up and an invitation to arrive at any time with the other two.

Asel looked to Vemel as he finished up his email. Where did he go?

Vemel smiled. He went to get a few things. He wants to make sure that any and all Elite who meet you know who you are.

Your princess?

Something like that. He smiled slightly.

Themak brought a bunch of jewellery and a belt, weighing her down. The result was that she was covered in metal work in the shape of Themak s dragon.

Got it. His princess.

Vemel grinned. Now you ve got it.

Themak grinned. Come on. I want to meet your friends.

She turned and hugged him. I thought Vemel was the psychotically cheerful one.

The djinn smiled. I usually am. I guess something or someone is making him really happy.

Themak chuckled. The dragon feels drunk. Those scales got him all worked up.

She stuck out her leg. A garter?

He s a leg man. Themak chuckled.

Asel smiled. Are we transporting or using a car like normal people?

They looked at each other and chuckled. Themak smiled. The SUV awaits.

Asel smiled and made sure they knew where they were going, and Vemel got behind the wheel, leaving Asel in the back on her own. It was apparently the most sensible situation.

She sat in the back and chatted on her phone with Honey and Win. It was going to be a pretty big dinner.

Asel looked at the long tables placed end to end under thick trees on lush grass. Fairy lights were in the trees, and the entire span of tables was covered with food.

Win was there with her alphas, looking firmly in charge. Lyric was close to her, talking quietly. Honey was talking with Lydia and an older woman, and Dari and Maybel were talking with a beta who had an alpha who looked a lot like Lyric.

Vemel parked and grinned. This is going to be interesting.

Why? I have met them befo-oh.

He laughed, and a glare made her wait for Themak to come around and open her door for her.

She stepped out, the high-heeled boots elevating her somewhat. Win s mates stared at her in shock, and the conversations halted as heads turned.

Vemel came over, and she wrapped her hand around his bicep. They walked toward the gathered people, and she heard Lydia s astonished, Asel? Oh, my god.

Lydia ran to her, and Asel caught her in her arms. It s okay. It s my new day and evening look. I have another one, but it is only available by popular demand.

Themak laughed.

Oh, right. Themak, Vemel, this is Lydia. She was in the battery with us, Vemel.

Another vehicle pulled up, and Asel grinned. Poppy.

Poppy and her mates got out of the vehicle, and they walked side by side toward the gathering. Poppy paused when she saw Asel. Wow. That s... wow.

Vemel chuckled. Sorry, Asel, you are going to get that a lot.

Poppy s mates, Myro and Breen, stared at Asel with stunned expressions.

Myro pointed. She s a dark Elite.

Vemel smirked. She took in a lot of power, and she can hold it, so it shows.

Asel grimaced. Stop looking so smug about that.

Themak laughed. We are very blessed in our princess.

Breen winced but nodded. We are very happy to have you safe, Your Highness. Themak was going insane trying to find you, and then suddenly, you were available to his senses.

Themak sighed. I found him, but I missed someone.

Asel nudged him with her hip. I know why that happened, and I am sorry I attacked you with black fire.

Myro and Breen jolted.

Vemel laughed. So, you see, our omega is just as perfect for us as yours is for you.

Asel asked, Poppy, did you decide which company you are going to go to permanently?

Tiberia made the best offer, and it s a short commute if I don t want to do it myself. But Sityr has been given an option to hire me as a contractor for debugging specifically. Tyr cried, but he fucked himself by not realizing that Roane wasn t the only beta with skills. I don t give in to criers, whiners, or weepers.

Myro grinned. But she can be persuaded with tech gifts.

Breen smiled. And snacks.

Asel had a mental image of a line of computer gear, monitors, and headsets lining a hall next to individually placed potato chips, leading to a wide bedroom with Myro and Breen in it. She laughed out loud.

Vemel covered his mouth in a laugh, and Themak snorted.

Did I just share that as a mental image?

Themak nodded. What flavour were the chips?

Salt and vinegar. The best kind.

Poppy cocked her head. What did I miss?

Nothing. Nothing. I just had a thought, and apparently, my link is developed enough to share it. Now, I am not going to do any moving in time again anytime soon. Mine was not well executed, but it got us where we were supposed to be.

Poppy s eyes widened. When did you move time?

Um, it started a day or two after you guys raided the Stronghold. That is when I knew no one was coming. Time moved funny where we were. When I heard the guys that were left moving around looking for us, it was time to go, so I broke out and transported us back two years. That way, we could get into better shape before we caught up with our freedom.

Lydia was near them, and her husband was protectively behind her. She stopped them from taking energy from us. She cut us off and made them take it all from her. We were in fairly good condition compared with Asel when we got to her family farm.

Asel smiled. And you and the others discovered a passion for chickens and handicrafts.

Lydia giggled. Axel and Lykon built them a coop in two days, fenced in a large area that included trees and shade, and they bought us everything we needed to settle them in. Even Zara likes taking care of them.

Well, they are very friendly chickens.

Lydia grinned. Yes, they are. Emma is knitting them little outfits, and Dari and Maybel are dressing them in armour for their calendar.

How is that going?

First print run for next year is all set with pre-orders. Now the ladies are making more chainmail jewellery.

Asel grinned. Excellent. Now, this is your husband?

Oh, right. Proper, calm introductions. Axel, this is Asel. Wow, I just caught that. Lydia giggled. Axel is the love of my life, and Asel is the one who kept me alive. More similarities.

Asel extended her hand to the alpha and ended up in a hug. He murmured, She has told me about the prison and what you did. You brought her back, and I owe you.

You don t owe me. If you want to repay me, live your life and help her live hers.

He smiled. I can do that, and now, my daughter is busy staring at you, so I believe she has questions.

Lyric rushed up and stared. I have so many questions.

Asel looked back at Vemel and Themak. I am going to be dragged off now.

They grinned and nodded as she was pulled toward Honey and Win. They chatted, her skin and jewels were admired, and she tried to explain her skin colour.

Win looked thoughtful. You must be holding a lot of power.

That is what Vemel says. Themak just smiles.

Honey chuckled. Having partners looks good on you, sis.

Thanks. You are looking a little wary.

A third has begun making inquiries. He s a big bird of some kind.

Asel smiled. Don t ruffle his feathers.

Dari sighed. Asel, you look so different.

You will get used to my appearance. The guys want me shiny.

It isn t that. You look relaxed. You almost look happy.

Maybel muttered, For your expression alone, I almost didn t recognize you.

Asel smiled and then realized she had been smiling a lot. Huh. Weird. Well, the world turns and times change.

Honey giggled. Yeah, and the change is coming up behind you, Your Highness.

She shoved her sister, and they started a bit of light fighting while the other ladies watched.

Honey muttered, How much are you holding back?

I am working at about thirty percent right now. Do you want your butt handed to you?

No. I am good.

They slowed and stopped.

Vemel walked up to Asel and held her, while Alen did the same to Honey.

He murmured that she might want to take it easy, as she could be pregnant.

We know. We didn t kick for the midsection like we normally do. We were careful.

He sighed and looked to their hosts.

Lyric grinned. Dinner is served.

They trooped to the tables, and Asel found herself sandwiched between her mates with a hand on either thigh. She shrugged and made sure they got enough food, and she spent a fun night with friends, other enormous omegas, and the possibility of the next generation getting started. She hadn t taken a test. That could wait a bit. They had plenty of time.