Page 8 of Flying Blind (Betas in Waiting #27)

B y the time they were all weak and dizzy, a soft chime from downstairs made Lykon lift his hand from her lower back where his mark resided. Breakfast has been delivered.

Zara whispered, Breakfast? Cool.

Taka slowly moved and lifted her. So, this is why you asked for my food preferences, Rayd?

Yes. We want to make sure that all of our needs are taken care of so Zara doesn t get overloaded.

She sighed. How thoughtful.

They got together and had a shower in the pack shower, and when they were in the robes that had appeared at the foot of the bed while they were in the shower, they headed down to the main rooms.

The heavy scent of flowers reached her a moment before every colour of flower in the rainbow was around her. Lykon asked softly, Do you like them?

She felt the tears on her cheeks as she walked up to the first bouquet of lilies with beautiful oranges and yellows. They were stunning and fragrant, and she touched them softly with her fingertips. They are wonderful. I had forgotten these colours.

Lykon exhaled. Good.

Zara walked toward the table with twenty dishes from around the world and plates and wide chairs. Three wide chairs.

What?

This was always a pack house. Those are chairs for the alphas to cuddle their omega or, in our case, a beta. Lykon walked to the table and took a seat, patting his thighs.

She snorted and was halfway to the seat when Rayd grabbed her and swung her into his arms. Not for the first meal.

Lykon chuckled, and Taka snorted. They filled their plates, complete with smoked fish and a vegetable pickle, and got to eating.

She could see Lyric moving around outside the big house, and without turning around, there was a thumb sent skyward.

Zara laughed and settled in with her new family. Breakfast was underway. The contracts had been signed the night before, and she was now heir to Rayd, beneficiary to Taka, and Lyric s possible ward if necessary. That was a funny one, and Lykon had been embarrassed, but Lyric was the best person to take care of her.

Taka asked, When do I meet your sibling, Lykon? She can certainly cook.

Lykon laughed. She could also snap you in half.

Alpha?

No, she is an omega. Elite omega. She gets to wear two forms. The nice, normal beta and the pearl-coloured amazon.

Taka paused. You are joking.

I am not. It must have been some recessive genes in her, but she s almost as tall as I am.

Do you know any dark Elite, Lykon? Taka asked.

No.

Rayd blinked. I know a few, but they have their omegas. You?

I have met a few. They began travelling ten years ago or so. I met them in college. Most locked into computer development degrees. A few did design courses. He smiled. They are nice, but their matches are very specific.

Zara snorted.

Lykon sighed. You are not a general match. If you weren t suitable, you would have died from the acid spray. It is extremely toxic. The brands would have infected, and you would have been miserable before you died.

She blinked. Right. So, what happens to the demons that were snaking around here?

Rayd shrugged. We deal with them.

There was a chime from under a flower arrangement, and Lykon picked up the phone. Oh, Lyric is wondering when we want to introduce the legion to her, Dad, and Emma. He blinked. She said that three days is sufficient to link together. The links can thicken over time. It doesn t have to be the first few days. He paused. Another text. Oh, don t wear her out.

Taka blinked. You take orders from your younger sister?

Rayd smiled. You will as well, Taka. You will see.

You, too, Rayd? Taka tutted. You against a little girl.

Rayd smiled. You will see.

Zara chuckled. She clothes-hangered a demon alpha, and something made a wet, crunching sound while gently escorting me to Rayd.

Lykon smiled. Be afraid. Be very afraid. My little sister is no joke.

Zara laughed as Lykon told tales of Lyric s savagery when he was dealing with the onset of demon alpha behaviours. Apparently, she nipped the bad moods in the bud by yelling at him until he backed off.

They stretched and got dressed, agreeing that a walk around the property would be for the best. Zara was eager to see if her knees could touch, and then she had a lot of people to call. Wren and Luna were top of the list.

Lykon walked them over to the winery where Lyric was walking around with a clipboard, drawing samples and sipping and spitting. Axel was watching, and he said, Did it work?

I think you managed to tone down the acid. It is going to mellow out into something nice and drinkable. Congratulations. She grinned at Axel, and he grabbed and hugged her, swinging her around.

She squawked and smacked his shoulder. Put me down, Dad.

You think we did it?

Yes. I think we made a palatable cab sav.

Do you think that we will win any more awards?

It s possible, but that is months away. She smiled.

Taka said softly, How good can it be? You spit it out.

Lyric turned to him. Wow. Look at that. Big brain doesn t mean smart. I know you are a big fan of swallowing right now, but if I did that, I would be completely hammered twenty-four-seven.

Taka s cheeks got red, and Zara wanted popcorn. Lykon pulled her back a little and kept an arm around her. He whispered, Just watch.

Zara watched Taka try to assert himself and Lyric take him down at the knees until he started to alpha out with frustration. That was the point where Lyric became a glowing goddess, grabbed him by the throat, and slammed him to the concrete floor. She growled. Stay down, bitch. If you catch fire around my wine, I will punt you into the next year, and your legion can catch up with you there. Lyric paused, her shining pale hair sliding around her. Taka was thrashing on the ground, and then the flame calmed.

Lyric looked down at him. Is that how to speak to your little sister? She had a grip on his throat that only let up when he apologized.

Rayd muttered, Little sisters are scary.

Zara chuckled. Oh, I like the idea of having her at my back. Did you notice Axel stepped back as well?

Axel called out, I am old, not stupid.

Taka looked at the older alpha and sighed. Little sister, will you spar with me?

She grinned and helped him to his feet. Maybe. You have to ask nicely.

Zara laughed. Well, little sister, thanks for the demonstration. I now understand why Lykon has manners.

Lykon muttered, And three concussions.

Zara grinned. I like her more and more.

Rayd chuckled. Let s go find Emma and show proof of life and that your legs are working again.

Funny.

Thank you. I am getting used to not being a scowling monster all the time. Nikolai will be shocked, but I think he will enjoy the difference. When do you think we will be able to start having guests here for dinner?

Do you cook?

I do. I believe Taka does, and I know that Lykon can chop and whisk. He smiled. Emma would help.

I don t want Emma and Lyric doing all the work. I want to have a special dinner just for them, and we are going to make it.

Rayd nodded. That sounds like a great idea.

They have both done so much. Emma taught me and gave me a home, and Lyric has shown me that fear is an option, but so is rage. She grinned. Also, that power is a tool and nothing to be scared of.

You haven t known her long.

She s a force to be reckoned with. I want to be just like her when I grow up. Zara looked around the serene estate and sighed happily. This place is just like what I dreamed of for my home.

I prepared a house for you near the city.

Oh, that will be nice, too, but this one is lived in, has been loved, and is very much alive. The energy is really good here.

Rayd didn t walk directly to the house. He walked into the shadow of some oaks and knelt on one knee. Zara, will you marry me?

She blinked. What?

Will you marry me? I have discussed it with everyone involved, and they are all in favour of it. So, your voice is the most important.

Zara looked at him and stroked her fingers over his jaw and across his lips. Is this what you want?

More than anything.

She looked at him. He didn t have to. They were bound by contract, and she was going to be well taken care of no matter what happened. Yes.

He smiled. Yes?

Yes. I will marry you.

He pulled a ring box out of his trousers, and the thumbnail-sized ruby made the third portion of her knuckle disappear.

He kissed her hand and got to his feet. The kiss he bestowed on her bent her back, and when she was righted, she looked toward the main house where Axel, Emma, Lyric, Lykon, and Taka were cheering in the window.

Zara laughed. I guess we have to plan a wedding. Lyric is going to be all over that.

He hugged her and spun her around. So is Emma, not to mention the Book Club.

Oh my. That is going to be a fun bachelorette. I am thinking of the karaoke club with a ladies- and omegas-only rule.

He chuckled. That sounds like something that won t give me a heart attack.

And for your bachelor s, I think that if it s the same night, it won t be much fun if you are at the Shattered Diamond. Half the girls who work there are or were members of the Book Club. The club wouldn t be fun without the dancers.

He blinked. Oh, right. I forgot about that. Are any of them Elite omegas?

One, at least. Why?

She could make a lot more money in that form.

Or be taken by the Elite.

Oh. Right. I keep forgetting about that.

You and a lot of people.

He sighed. I think it will be dinner and watching sumo wrestling or something. Frankly, I can t stand the thought of anyone else in my lap.

Zara smiled. I have no idea why that makes me so happy.

He kept his arm around her, and they walked to the house where a giant Congratulations banner was hanging. Lyric was terrifying.

Wedding planning began.

Zara looked at the binder that had just come together. The guys were outside grilling something for lunch, and Emma was cooking. Lyric said, This is your home now. You are welcome to invite friends over as you like. I will make myself scarce.

This is your home. I am not kicking you out.

Lyric smiled. I know that, but sometimes, newbies aren t welcome in tight groups.

If we don t want you there, I will go to Nora s and meet there.

As long as you don t think I am trying to hog you. I want you settled and happy, not smothered.

Zara smiled. I know you aren t. Can I invite the ladies over for tea and more wedding ideas today? I will make the sweets if you can manage little sandwiches.

You are on.

Zara picked up her phone and started sending texts and making calls. When she finished, Lyric had the bread maker going.

They got to work around Emma, and aside from a short flour fight, the prep for a devastating tea took shape.

Zara felt at peace and knew that she had found her people. Now, she just needed to get the bakery of her dreams, but she couldn t have everything.

* * * *

L yric talked with Wren , and she made mental notes to find other workers, a bakery that also had teas and baked savoury treats for the winery.

She smiled at Wren and said, I think I know just what to get her for her wedding.

Wren nodded. You have done enough, but she would love that.

She needs care and fussing. The guys do a lot, don t get me wrong, but it is a different kind of attention. She was so close to achieving her bakery dream once that I thought it would be nice to set her up again, and I can keep her safe.

That isn t your job, Lyric.

I know. But until I get my big assignment, I am going stir-crazy. I have to keep someone safe.

Wren smiled. It isn t a bad instinct.

Well, with Axel and the assistants that we have, my work is part-time. I have a lot of free time.

Right. I spend my time as a work-from-home admin. Thankfully, we have that option. Well, some of us do. Dragons pay fairly well.

Right.

Wren spoke casually, Do you know many of your kind?

Well, I am not Elite-born. I am only a quarter Elite. My mom was half. The Elite took her when I was twelve.

What?

They came for me, and my mom hid me behind my brother. Demon alphas are smelly as teenagers. She smiled, and then it faded. And they punched my father, dumped a bunch of jewellery on him, and disappeared. My dad told me later that she had offered herself instead of them taking me.

What s her name?

Lydia. Both my brother and myself are named for her. My father was furious, and he looked like he was going to blame me, but Lykon told him that he wasn t going to waste what Mom had just paid for. A chance to watch his sister grow up.

Wren looked ill. Do you know if she s still alive?

Yes. She s still alive. I have successfully defended myself against Elite three times. They now have my name on a do-not-stalk list.

I see. That is impressive.

It is, but it didn t get her back. She s been there for fourteen years. If they were accurate, I would have two or three siblings by now. She was always a great mom.

Wren blinked. You think they took her to breed?

That, or they really needed a good mom.

Let s hope they have those kinds of issues. Wren patted her arm. If you get her loose, will your father have her back?

Of course. And we have even talked about if she likes any of her Elite.

Wren smiled. Your father approves?

Mom was the love of his life, but she also had the sex drive of an omega in heat. They were not exclusive by any stretch of the imagination. Lyric smiled. That s how I came into the world.

Oh. Well, that makes things easier.

It really does. There are almost enough of us out and still single to storm the Stronghold. Only a few elements are needed.

Elements?

Specific skills? We can feel each other come online, but it takes a while for us to be in the right place.

Wren nodded. I understand better than you imagine.

Lyric hugged her, and Wren hugged back.

* * * *

Z ara looked over at Lyric and Wren and smiled. Wren is going to be my maid of honour.

Luna chuckled. That s appropriate.

I want to ask Lyric, but I don t want things to be weird. Oh, Luna, will you be a bridesmaid?

Sure? Who else are you asking?

Millie and Karo.

Aw, you are getting the band back together.

It has only been a few weeks.

I know, but I always wanted to say that.

Agatha is moving mountains for catering and florists. Taka is related to Minoru and willing to throw funds at his cousin to get us the facility for a day.

Luna chuckled. You seem to have everything under control.

Well, I have learned to delegate over the last two years.

It s been quite the journey.

It has. Did you want to sniff the wine, or can you drink while breastfeeding?

Luna grinned. Open a bottle, and I will deal with the consequences. Well, first, I will pump, and then I will drink.

Zara chuckled. Good. That stuff is seriously good. Axel and Lyric make magic at that winery.

Do you like the idea of making wine?

I like the idea of the tours and hosting weddings there once they build a facility for it. Lyric mentioned it, and I love the idea.

Do you?

Sure. I can also see about a dozen videos set at that place. Ford will be excited that he gets a discount on location fees.

Luna laughed, and Zara went to wrestle with the wine bottle. Lyric saw her, walked over, peeled and uncorked the bottle easily, and then poured half a dozen glasses. She knew her stuff. Everyone else was pregnant.

Zara sat back and sipped the wine while the other ladies consumed the very nice sparkling grape juice that Lyric had packed for them.

Zara smiled as she watched the ladies make themselves comfortable at the winery. There were kids playing tag in the open yard and babysitters lounging in the shade. She was seeing it with power borrowed from her mates, but she was seeing it.

She touched the necklace that Lykon had given her and smiled. The other three wore their symbol in a silver charm embedded in their skin. It gave her the ability to move energy more efficiently. She smiled and stroked the links with mischief in mind. The steady beat of Lykon s hammer at the forge paused, stuttered, and then resumed a slower beat.

The beat he was using was her heartbeat.

Rayd and Taka were off talking to some of the vendors for the wedding.

Lyric smiled. So, Zara, can I buy your wedding dress?

Zara jolted. Oh, damn. Yes. I guess I should have one.

Lyric laughed. One of my cousins has a shop in town. I think she has just the thing.

So, do we go to her?

I can have her bring a selection here if you don t want to leave the bubble. Lyric smiled.

I think I am going to be up for a visit.

Great. I will tell her you are coming, and you can do a bridal dress and bridesmaids shop. Just let me know the colour so I don t actually match.

Zara felt a pang of guilt. I want you as a bridesmaid, but...

I am a very new acquaintance, and you have friends who have been with you since the beginning of your new life. It is only right that they be next to you when you say your vows to Rayd. Lyric smiled. You are going to have to witness my skills at demolishing desserts.

Zara grinned. Oh. Wait. Photographer. We are inviting Nikolai, Alita, and Alexi, and I don t think he does weddings anyway. We need a photographer.

Lyric caught Agatha s attention, and Aggie walked over. Zara realized that they don t have a photographer.

This close to the time, the best option is Harry. If he can t do it, I have backups on backups. Just select a list of shots you want with family, friends, the bridal party, and the getting-ready shots. I will pass them along and get you a quote.

Lyric lifted a hand and called over the bridesmaids, and Zara watched her back away, but she caught her new sister and held her tight. Do we have a notepad?

Lyric flexed her hand and grinned. We do. It s the one thing I can manage. My magic skills aren t great. Punching, yes. Magic, no.

Wren smiled. I can help you with that.

No. I have enough fuss running the winery without blowing it up by accident.

Zara laughed, and they went through a list of images that she wanted to have to keep. Having an outside photographer would be good. She didn t need to think about if they were having a good time or not.

The guys were glancing in on them periodically as they tried to list everything, and she definitely wanted to have some fun pictures of herself with her legion. This wedding would be fun, and Agatha was helping her experience it while taking care of the details.

Emma came over and added her two cents. She wanted a first look with Randolph after they got makeup and hair done.

There was going to be something for everyone, and the hotel was going to be offering their wine as a dinner option. Oak Bark Vineyards was going to have its moment in the celebration, so everything she loved was going to be there. Zara looked forward to the party.

It was the light at the end of a very long, dark tunnel.