Page 4 of Flying Blind (Betas in Waiting #27)

Z ara enjoyed the first six weeks of courtship with Rayd. He got ice time for her to skate, which amazed and amused him. They went to farmers markets and friends showers, and she had dinner with him, his business partner, his pack, and another partner and his sloth.

Zara didn t usually hang around omegas, but Lexa had the aura of a woman who was relieved to be safe and cared for, and Alita was waiting for dinner to be over so she could cuddle her child and then go to her horses.

When Luna and Jack arrived with dessert, Zara exhaled in relief. Beta to beta was so much easier.

Luna sat near Zara. How are you doing? I haven t seen you since the wedding.

I am fine. Rayd and I are in a slow courtship and waiting. Only a few weeks until the third is in town, and then I get turned into a chew toy.

Luna sighed. It isn t that bad. I have five marks on me. It was definitely interesting.

Five?

People Jack and dragon Jack, then, the three Elite. Luna smiled.

Yes, but I don t need that many, and I can t see them coming... so to speak. She shrugged.

Luna chuckled. Right.

I am just a little nervous. I meet my second this week, and then the week after that, I meet my third. We can t even do online calling because I can t see or hear him.

Yeah. I imagine that sucks.

Yup. So, different topic. How is Wren doing?

She s good. She s walking out in the world again. Fewer projections, more actual being a person again. She still talks like a character in a movie, but she isn t wearing magic robes, so I will take that as a win. She s hanging around with several of those Elite omegas, but the guys have met a few of them, and there is no bad blood there directly.

What do you mean?

The Elite omegas are for dark Elite. Historically, when the Elite omegas appeared, the pale Elite slaughtered them. They didn t want to be bossed around by women, and these women are strong as adults. Luna chuckled. They are terrifying. Apparently, they can turn an Elite into a standard alpha. Well, some of them can. No idea what all of them can do.

That sounds like fun. A bit terrifying.

Yeah, but they are stuck around the city for now. One of them put a protective barrier around the city sixteen years ago. Another one keeps it topped up. This makes it a safe city for them. It s why they are appearing here. Luna kept contact with her.

I have a three-hundred-foot radar span now. I can move around downtown without holding on to someone.

Progress is great. Are you enjoying Rayd?

Sort of. We have tried foreplay, but my body locks down. Nothing happens. I can t even jerk him off; I can t feel the amount of pressure I am using on him.

Oh. Got it. That must be frustrating.

If our third doesn t arrive soon, I am going to go get him. Zara sighed. I never thought celibacy would be an issue, but even Emma is urging me to do something drastic.

She wants great grandkids?

Oh, yeah. She wants Rayd to be my primary, so she is trying to get him to figure out a way to assert dominance before the others are involved.

Oh dear. Luna chuckled. I am imagining a lot of angry scenting.

Something like that.

What are you wearing to Roane s shower?

Um, I was going to skip it.

Luna s voice was concerned. Why, is something wrong?

No... I just don t consider Roane to be very sympathetic.

Why not? When you two met, she was in tremendous pain from her scales growing and was losing her mother to cancer. I don t know how sympathetic she could be.

Zara whispered, What?

I am sure you heard about it. She was tumbled by her alpha at one of the conferences, and her mother passed the moment Roane was at her side again. Then she got two more mates and finally managed to get her life under control. Now she s in a high-risk pregnancy, and we are here to support her.

Zara paused. What do you mean her scales caused her pain? What scales?

At this point, fifty percent of her body is covered with serpent scales. They stretched her skin and didn t flex as she moved. She was in a lot of pain and frantically trying to look on the bright side.

Oh. Fuck. I think I got her wrong. Really wrong, she murmured. I thought she was making fun of me when she suggested that I wrap my scars with lace.

But you do it.

Yes, but... I thought she said it to be mean.

Roane doesn t have a mean bone in her body. She s so passive and helpless it is almost painful.

Oh. We were alone, and I thought she was being a bit of a mean girl.

You thought wrong. It would be nice if you attended the baby shower. She s scared.

Zara swallowed. When is it?

Sunday afternoon. My house. Their place is still getting renovated.

If I can get a ride, I will be there.

Luna laughed softly. You know that Emma is going to bring you.

I guessed. You contacted her?

I did.

How pregnant is Roane?

Seven months and looks twelve. Luna was wry.

Oh. Multiples?

Triplets. Her guys are going to stay with Jack during the party. They don t want to be too far if something happens. It s her second uterus that is causing the issues. It has twins.

Wait. What? Zara turned toward the outline of Luna.

Let me explain, and it might shed some light on her situation.

Zara listened to the tale of what Roane had been going through, and she was mortified at the amount of pain the woman had been in and still tried to help.

Luna finished, So, she is happy now, and her father-in-law treats her like an omega, so that seems to be working out well for everyone.

So, he s the one who had her shot?

Yes. He s apologized since. Luna chuckled. So, she s recovering and trying not to freak out about the pregnancy. This was not what she had anticipated. Oh, and her heats are two weeks apart. So, even more fun.

Oh. So, despite the blinding, I got away pretty lightly.

You had to fight for your life, but it isn t a singular experience around us. Luna patted her hand. You made her a focus to move away from. It wasn t fair to her, but it did help you.

Zara paused. Did she know that?

Roane has a lot of emotional intelligence. She likely did know it. She made herself scarce around you because it gave her a sense of control. It didn t add to her self-acceptance, but it helped you feel better.

There was a pause. Now I feel like shit.

You have been here when women come in expressing how horrible their transformations were. Everyone judges things by their own standards. You had your impression of your change, and that is the one we dealt with.

Oh. Now I feel a bit self-involved.

Just a touch, but you were being actively hunted. You needed to feel protected. I believe we achieved that.

Zara thought about it. Yeah. You did.

Don t look so serious. When you have settled with your alphas and pop in for the occasional meeting, you can help new betas with their situations.

Zara chuckled. I can do that. I hope. Now, what does Roane still need for her shower?

Luna brought up the list and said, Her mates have enough for the little ones, but this is for Roane. I believe her primary mate provides her with what her body needs. Sand scrubs, oiled scales, that sort of thing.

Zara tried to create a mental image and failed. What s her favourite flavour?

I believe she likes lemon blueberry.

I can do that. I will need to go shopping with someone, but I can do that. Emma has had me practicing.

Luna patted her hand. Well, then, you can do what you like. You don t even need to make it up to Roane; she has never mentioned a thing about it. I just notice everything in my territory, and the club is definitely my territory.

Zara thought about what she needed and picked up her phone to dictate a shopping list. She was going to have to work fast. Her baker s brain started to do math, and she smiled.

Alita said softly, Zara, what are you doing?

Designing a cake. Emma doesn t have the pans I need, so I am going to have to go shopping. Good thing there are two stores on the way back to Emma s.

She heard Rayd chuckle.

Alita asked, You are a baker?

I was. I was just setting up an expansion when this happened. She pointed her finger toward her eyes.

Rayd said, I have had some of the cookies and other pieces she has brought to the Book Club. She s a very good baker and surprisingly good on ice. It looks like we are stopping at the store on the way home.

Zara smiled and finished her list.

Alita said, Alexi and I are heading to the Ren Faire this week. Rayd, did you and Zara want to come? I have some costumes you can wear.

Rayd sighed. I suppose we are close enough for an introduction.

Zara cocked her head. What?

Your second mate works for the entertainment industry but also spends time at the local Ren Faire. His sister also runs a booth there.

Zara smiled. I will have a sister?

It doesn t quite work that way for us, but yes, your second has a sibling.

What about my third?

No, he s an only child, just like me.

Does he still have parents?

He does, and your second still has a father.

And you have Emma.

And my parents are halfway around the world. I haven t seen them in years, but they are still around.

Zara blinked. Oh. Right. I can t remember my family. I think I have some, but I can t say for sure.

It disappeared when you were branded.

Right. I think there was something there. She rubbed her head. I wish I could remember more.

His hand warmed the back of her head. The idea is to separate you and make you dependent on us.

Yeah, I recall that. It just feels weird. Were they cut off, too? Do they remember me and wonder where I am?

He kissed her temple. We will find out as soon as the brands are sealed.

Can t wait.

Alita chuckled. It is a good look for you, Rayd.

He kept his arm around her. I agree. It certainly feels right.

Zara had to admit he had a point.

Emma was next to Zara and holding the cake. Hello, Luna. This is Zara s offering to the mother-to-be.

Zara could see the pattern that was Luna taking the cake.

This is stunning.

Zara said, Aw, I can make a cake with my eyes closed.

I am going to carry it out to the party, but I would like you to follow me.

Sure. No more playing obstacle course.

Spoilsport.

Zara smiled and walked after Luna through the house, and Emma left her there with the rest of the Book Club.

Seeing Roane shook Zara. She was large, glowing, and very nervous. Luna walked up and said, Roane, this magnificence was created for you by Zara. Lemon blueberry.

Roane said softly, Thank you, Zara. It looks amazing. Is that frosting?

White chocolate ganache with the blueberries in it. The lemon is a light lemon sponge cake. I just wanted to say congratulations on the pregnancy, and I am sorry if I have been rude to you. I was looking for a villain so I could become my own hero.

Yeah, I figured. I am glad you took my advice, though. The lace is an excellent signature.

Zara chuckled.

Roane shifted in her chair. Have a seat while I make sad faces at those around me to get a chunk of that cake.

Chunk?

Yeah, slices are for those who are carrying one child. Pieces are for twins. Once you hit triplets, it s chunks of cake.

Good to know. She navigated to a chair, and soon enough, a Book Club member came by and got Roane her cake.

Roane, you and I haven t really talked. Would you tell me your story?

Oh. It s pretty standard. I met Adil at work. Shook his hand and started growing scales. Grew a second vagina and uterus. Spent six months crying from the pain and going to work every day. My mom s cancer kicked into high gear. And then I met Adil after he found out about my scales. I am wearing his pattern. It is literally on my skin. At least it doesn t hurt anymore. He gives me rubdowns, oils the scales and skin, and I have a big hot rock to sleep on when I want it.

Oh. That s a lot.

Yeah, well, I was at a con, and Adil went into rut and swept me away. I found out what the second vagina was for, and we spent thirty-two hours together. After that, I checked my phone, and I had a message from the hospital. I got dressed and escaped without saying anything. My mom passed without knowing about any of the scale stuff. She would not have approved. Anyway, I was ill, I told my boss I was quitting, and I had to take care of the business of death. No one had noticed that my mother had died, despite me announcing it to my direct supervisor. So, I talked to Antonio-

Dell s Antonio?

Yup. He was my boss. So, I told him I was leaving, and he asked me to come by to talk about things. His pack house was on the way, so I went. Antonio called Adil, and Adil called Simon and Tyr. They had a crush on me. They convinced me to let them become my den, and I headed back to my family home to get ready to sell it.

She forked up some cake and groaned. Zara smiled.

That is really good cake. Well, after that, the guys met me at my place. Simon made a comment about birth control, and I took a test. That was Adil s little one. The boy. Then my father-in-law tried to have me killed because he didn t think Adil s beta could survive a pregnancy, and he didn t want him to have a sad. His men shot me twice.

Geez.

Yeah. My guys came for me, and things eased up from there until my rapist from when I was eighteen started stalking me again with messages on my birthday.

Wait. You were raped?

Yeah. Scarred up so badly that I didn t even qualify as a female in the most basic sense. Claw marks, bite marks, they all healed into rigid skin. When I changed into the scales, my body smoothed itself out. Now I have three mates, a nice truck, and three babies on the way.

Zara felt like hell. I had no idea.

I know. I taught myself to look past the moment to figure out what would help future me.

And you tried to do the same for me.

Yeah. I realized what it sounded like the moment it passed my lips, but it was still solid advice. We can t un-hurt ourselves, but we can plan for any future we want.

Zara paused. That s... what future do you want?

Roane rubbed her belly. All three of these little ones out safe and sound, and my plans for games to make it full circle. I have a dream of seeing all of my creations out in the world.

What about your mates?

What about them? They are big, tough guys. Even the omega is a bully. They had lives before I showed up and will have lives if something happens to me.

What do you mean?

Triplets are a high-risk pregnancy. Nothing is sure until they are in their fathers arms, and I am having coffee again.

Wait. You don t mean until they are in your arms?

No. Children were never in my grand plans. I will love them, but they won t be my focus. The guys are way more excited than I will ever be, which is not what every good partner is supposed to say. She chuckled. Don t worry. They know.

I wasn t... I didn t...

Your temperature changed, Zara. That usually implies shock. When I talk about the babies, everyone wants to know my plans and dreams. I just want to get them out alive. Then, the guys have to deal with them.

Zara asked, Are you getting childcare?

I am not doing squat. Erol has hired a nanny, who is going to follow me around at home and lift and carry for me. Kratha. She s a member of the Book Club. She has all the baby clothes washed and folded, the guys have designed their kids rooms, and the baby room is all settled. Roane chuckled. I think they are going to be surprised when the kids want to share a cot.

Zara paused. You sound like you are preparing not to be involved at all. How dangerous is this pregnancy.

Not a clue. Adil s mother died the same day he was born. His father is paranoid about it, and that paranoia is rubbing off on me. She smoothed her hand over her belly.

Why do you keep rubbing your stomach?

Because they are kicking. A lot. Did you want to feel? This is a freebie I am offering. I could charge for it by now.

Yes, please. Zara smiled and carefully touched the orb of her stomach. A strong strike from inside and then a flurry of others. Oh, wow. I am amazed that you can sleep.

The guys are good about tiring me out.

Zara moved her hands and said, Where did you get this dress? The fabric is so soft.

My father-in-law provides it. I get care packages as the pregnancy goes on. Apparently, a comfortable mother makes for healthier babies or something.

Zara spent a few minutes talking and trying to calm the babies. Finally, she sang a soft lullaby that worked on the mother rather than the babies. When the song ended, three men gathered around Roane, stroked her cheeks, and gave her soft kisses to wake her.

Zara got up as Roane was fussed over and struggled into more of a sitting position. The omega said, Simon has trained her to go to sleep for certain voices. Apparently, yours is one of them.

One of the alphas said, It is because she falls asleep to the cut scenes for some of Antonio s games, and you are the voice of them. She has strong associations.

Zara paused. My voice puts her to sleep?

Your voice as a lullaby puts her to sleep. The other alpha chuckled. It is hard to get her to relax, so we are working on audio cues. She s susceptible to those.

The omega got her sitting with her feet propped up. She works too long and too hard. Any advantage we can get over our little dynamo is welcome.

One of the alphas moved to massage her feet and ankles, and Zara asked, May I touch the scales?

Roane snorted. Go nuts. I know you can t see them, but they are black and purple and gold with red flashes.

Zara reached out and touched the smooth, warm scales. She used her fingertips and traced around until she found the edge where scales and flesh collided. There was the whisper of delicate skin between, and Zara winced at how painful it had to have been to grow the scales gradually.

Enjoy the cake, Roane. I am going to try playing darts. It always makes the new club members hit the floor.

Roane laughed. Have a lovely time, Zara. Thanks for the talk.

Stay well, and stay relaxed.

Roane snorted. That s their job.

The men muttered, kissed her, and left her on her throne. Luna came over and did a quick check. The rest of the party was in full swing. As baby showers went, it was a rager.