Page 4 of Last Resort (Betas in Waiting #29)

W hen Poppy spotted the island getting larger, she stretched and stood up. Well, she tried to. Breen had a nice grip on her.

Okay, we are going to need to be downstairs in five minutes. We are approaching the dock.

Breen nuzzled her neck. Five more minutes.

She laughed and tried to look at him, but all she saw was dark hair with red highlights.

She looked at Myro, who was smiling at her. I don t suppose you know how to get him... never mind.

He laughed. I do know how to get him off, but I believe the words you were looking for were How do I remove him?

The lips against her neck smiled.

That one. I mean, I know what will work, but he will be grumpy, and if I recall, we are going to be followed by cameras from the moment we step off the ferry.

Myro laughed. What would you do to him?

I know my ears are sensitive as hell, so I was thinking about reaching up, grabbing his ear really hard, and twisting.

Myro chuckled. That would work, but he would be grumpy. May I offer an alternative?

She nodded, and Myro leaned in and kissed her.

She froze as his mouth pressed against hers, and Poppy paused and leaned into Myro as the kiss warmed her almost as much as Breen did.

She reached out and touched Myro s neck as the kiss picked up energy. When he growled, she let out a soft whimper in reply. Breen sat up. Oh, come on!

Poppy and Myro laughed, but she knew there was heat in her eyes. She didn t think her body would do that with the brakes on her ovaries, but here it was. She was interested.

Poppy eased away from Breen. Here comes the drone.

She stood away from them as the drone swept in on them.

Myro chuckled. Trying to pretend that nothing is happening?

Yup. I am pretty sure we are being used as the dummy team. The one to use as demonstration videos so the others know what they are doing.

Breen looked at the approaching drone. Oh. Those videos. So, we are going to have to give them a good show. He chuckled. I can do that.

Great. That is not exactly my strong suit, Poppy muttered.

Myro chuckled. We can teach you. For example, when a camera comes at you, you smile and wave like you are seeing a friend from across a crowded event.

She looked past the drone and waved in a slow motion. The ferry slowed and began to line up with the dock. She said softly, We should head down. The docking is pretty quick.

Myro murmured, Ladies first.

She grabbed her bag, but Breen kept her other luggage, and she flapped her hands in the air before heading down the stairs and down again as they headed for the ramp. There was a video camera carried by a young woman with a larger alpha right behind her. Win was directly in front of them, catching the stills from two angles. When Myro muttered instructions, Poppy walked up to the gathering of alphas, a second-trimester beta, and an omega who were standing in a line. Narro was grinning next to his beta.

Poppy said, Thank you for welcoming us to your island. We promise not to mess it up. She paused. Much.

King Kekoa grinned. Hello, Team Alpha.

Poppy paused. You are fucking kidding me.

The beta burst into loud laughter. They are going to have to bleep that out.

Poppy looked to the alpha behind the camerawoman. You are her editor?

He grinned. I try.

Polish the mute button to a high shine. You are going to need it.

Narro was laughing, and the omega was staring at her with wide eyes.

Seriously, though. Team Alpha? What the heck? Who picked that name?

Myro and Breen said, We did.

She glanced back at them and smacked her forehead. Of course you did.

They both grinned.

The king stepped forward and said, I hear that aside from your current aspects, you have a special appearance to share with us for the duration of the event.

She glanced over at Myro. Well?

Ladies first.

She muttered under her breath and took on her elf height. She looked at him and inclined her head. She glanced back at Myro and Breen, and they were also tall, dark, and really dark.

So, Your Majesty, we have come to play. May we?

King Kekoa stared at her, eye to eye. Yes, please be welcome.

She bowed as gracefully as she could, which was fairly gracefully.

Kekoa nodded to his beta.

Poppy tried not to rush in and hug Haravin. Her friend said, We have two women who will be very important to you. Belle, who will show you the pathways around the island, including the water, and Estrya, who will give you your assignments daily and act as host. She is waiting to take you to your bed and breakfast, where your casual uniform and equipment for your time on the island are waiting. Alohi will take you to your home away from home. You can chat with him, omega to omega.

Poppy smiled as she realized what Haravin had just done. Very cute. Alohi? If you could show me... uh, us to the bed and breakfast, that would be great.

The omega stepped forward and looked at her. You are tall for a girl.

You are a blessed omega. So, shall we?

He offered her his arm, and she nodded to the camera and took the offered arm. They walked slowly across the crushed stone of the port area, down another road, and up toward the hills, with the ocean on their right.

Alohi asked, Are you really an omega?

Yes. Built to take on giant doofuses like the guys behind us. Power and bodily fluids move around when we get together.

There was a soft chortle behind her.

Alohi whispered, Is one of them your mate?

I just met them on the airplane.

My question stands.

So does my answer.

Alohi laughed, and there was more soft laughter behind them.

Ugh. I am sweating.

You will soon be in more weather-appropriate clothing. Alohi said, May I touch your skin?

She snorted. Yes.

He unlinked their arms and stroked her cheek, her jaw, and her neck. Oh, you are like silk.

Thanks. Sweaty silk.

Myro muttered, Don t tease.

Alohi grinned. Oh, so not your mates yet .

Shut up, Alohi.

He laughed, but they continued toward the town where the locals had their roots. The port town was where the tourists hung around, and the upper village was where the locals lived. They could see the village ahead of them when Alohi turned down a small path that led to two buildings. One was large, two levels with balconies, and the other was also two levels but had more of a homey vibe.

A woman emerged, and her belly indicated pregnancy to Poppy s trained eye. Her alpha stood behind her, his sarong showing quite a bit.

Serin, Deno, nice to see you again.

Both of them hugged her as Serin laughed. Poppy!

Deno, Serin, you two are looking prosperous. How far along are you?

Eight weeks. Deno is still stunned. Kekoa is relaxing as it continues.

Why?

Because my spirit cursed the island. You may notice that there are no kids below the age of five here. Now that I am back and the island has convinced Deno to take me on, we are good again.

Deno chuckled. And I have a job where my ass isn t on the line each and every day. His expression got soft. And I am going to be a dad, Belle lives nearby, and Serin smiles when she sees me. Life is pretty good.

Serin smiled. I knew that the island would provide. I had no idea it would hijack someone I already was familiar with, but that is why he was picked.

Deno smiled. She likes looking at me, and I feel the same.

Poppy smiled. You two look happy. Kekoa is really impressed with himself as well. He s the father of Haravin s?

Serin nodded. He barricaded himself in with her during her heat. The others didn t get near her.

Ah, that would do it.

Deno nodded. Now, I would like to welcome you formally to the Wonder Island Bed and Breakfast. It is an exclusive place for a select clientele. Tell us what we are missing, and we will bring it. Your comfort is important.

Poppy smiled. Great. Where can we drop our stuff?

Come with me. I will show you the amenities and your rooms. There is only one other guest while the game is ongoing, and she is currently getting ready to greet the others on Emerald.

Poppy, Myro, and Breen followed.

Serin smiled and said, I have to talk to Kekoa. I will be back in an hour.

Deno chuckled. I ve got them.

Serin walked away, and Poppy followed Deno into the open, bright building that let the breezes of the island through. The main floor had tables and lounge areas with huge windows that overlooked the ocean. The coffee, tea, and beverage fridge were accessible. Fruit and pastries were under a cover, and everything was shockingly neat.

Deno led them up the steps to the guestrooms and smiled. Poppy, this room is yours.

She looked at the poppy drawn on the door. Nice. Classy.

He grinned and handed her a silver cuff. This will open the door, and if you tap it, it will help you find yourself back at night. Just turn until it lights up.

She put on the cuff and touched the door. It unlocked immediately.

Deno said, If you lose it for whatever reason, let us know immediately. We can easily re-key it.

Oh, good. So, the big cuffs aren t necessary?

Deno smiled slowly. If that is what you are interested in, go see Ahheel. She has some prototypes that we are eager to see in use.

Wow. You have hit island life hard.

He chuckled. I was supposed to be born here, but I gave my mom grief, and we had to be flown out on my sister s birthday. It feels very natural and comfortable to be here again.

She pressed the door open and then looked to Breen. I can take my bag now, please.

He shrugged. I will bring it in.

She wrinkled her nose and said, Fine. Don t touch anything. I don t want my room reeking of alpha.

He was amused and not hurt.

She pushed into the room, and it was lovely. Huge bed, so much light, and something that got her excited was a huge rattan swing on her deck lined with super soft fabrics. She grinned and hopped slightly but then remembered Breen was behind her. Can you put the bag down?

I can.

He didn t move.

Will you?

He grinned. Do I get a tip?

She looked up at his bright, dark red, and gold eyes. Fine, but I am not hopping. Bend down.

He didn t hesitate. He leaned down, and she grabbed his face with her hands, kissing him softly until she felt like moving closer. She stopped and let his head go. He grinned. Where would you like the bag, ma am?

On the floor. I am not paying extra for delivery.

Myro was chuckling from the doorway. Come on, Breen. We have to change, and she has to change, and then we are going to the palace for a chat.

She inclined her head. Shoo, Breen. I will see you guys downstairs in a few minutes.

He grinned and walked out. She waved at Deno and closed her door. She looked at the hanging chair wistfully and then turned to the bed. She laughed. Right.

The dress was black and floaty, with elegant panels that exposed her legs from above the knee and downward. The top was simple, and a black crop top of the same floaty fabric. The black strapless bra was stretchy, and the panties could barely qualify as underwear. Haravin was going to get such a pinch.

Sandals were tucked next to the bed, and when she was dressed, Poppy put on the shoes. She twirled in place and giggled. The bracelet was annoying but nearly blended with her shiny, pale skin. Transforming into an Elite omega hadn t been her idea, but she had gotten used to it after a few years.

She got her phone charging and looked around again. She was inching toward the comfy seat when there was a knock on the door.

Poppy. It s time to go, Myro s voice came through the door.

She groaned and blew a kiss to the comfy chair.

She stalked to the door and opened it then closed it with a slam. She blinked, trying to get the image off her retinas. Two dark Elite, red eyes blazing, white hair neatly brushed back, wearing a floor-length sarong, and absolutely nothing else except for their wristbands.

Uh... Poppy? Breen sounded confused.

She rubbed her face and then opened the door again, stepping into the hall and pulling her door closed. She headed to the stairs and then made her way to the snack bar, getting water from the dispenser and chugging it down.

Deno grinned. You clean up well, Poppy.

Yes. I know. My compliments to the seamstress. I am a difficult fit.

I will pass it along.

Breen and Myro were waiting.

She asked, Don t you need water or anything?

They shrugged, and Myro said, Nope. We are good.

She sighed and set her glass down. Are we going then?

Deno grinned. Follow me.

She nodded and thumbed a drop of water from her lower lip. She heard a hiss and ignored it.

She followed Deno up the hill and toward the palace, another understated building with two stories. Myro and Breen were walking behind her on either side. It felt weirdly formal.

Deno was quiet and only glanced back at her a few times, grinning as he did.

She knew what he was going to say before he said it. You guys look like a cookie.

She made a face, and the other two snickered.

They walked through the village, and folks wore a variety of clothing, but most were loose and let the breezes through.

The people of the village stopped and stared as they passed. Some kids were playing ball, and they froze when the elves walked by.

The ball rolled toward Myro, and he kicked it gently back to the kids with a grin.

Deno chuckled and walked them to the palace door where a light was visible. Deno said softly, Wow, that guy is good with kids.

Shut up, and these big pointy ears are exceedingly functional, butthead.

There was silent snickering behind her.

They walked into the shade of the reception hall, and the royal assembly was waiting for them, with Serin and another woman.

Kekoa stood up and walked over to them again. Well, dressed like this, you are even more impressive. I feel I should be bowing.

Interesting impulse. She smiled. Your Majesty.

He chuckled. Please call me Kekoa.

Certainly. So, why have we been summoned?

The woman with Serin got to her feet. Oh, that would be because of me. Hello, I am Estrya.

Myro and Breen made sounds of recognition.

The woman was wearing loose, comfortable clothing, which was good because when she came around and shook Poppy s hand, she went from five six to six four.

Estrya grinned. Her body was covered in white-pearl scales. Boo.

Poppy laughed at Kekoa s expression. You didn t tell him?

Nope. Serin knew. My presence is a request from the queen to gather some of the scattered dark Elite. You don t have mates yet, but those with you are remarkably compatible with you. Just mentioning it.

You have scales.

That is true. It s handy that I have an affinity for snakes.

Breen asked, Why?

Oh, I have a misspent not-so-youthful youth. I managed to evade the Stronghold, but it meant leaving my family and heading for the safe zone. That is one expensive city if you don t have an education or a place to live.

And if you have scales.

No one saw the scales. These are just coming out for display purposes only. She smiled. I will be like this when I introduce your daily challenges, and then I am being yanked over to the other island for the first few days, and I beta out for the other teams.

Poppy grinned. When do they find out?

When they see you guys. The first morning that everyone is on the island, we introduce Team Alpha, and that is when things get exciting. We have six days of adventures, four physical and the others social. I will meet with you each morning with your video team. Daily stills will be photographed for promotion, and your videographer will chase you around on the water and land. She s pregnant, though, so make sure one of her pod is doing the heavy lifting.

Breen nodded. Of course.

Poppy asked, Are there any social activities that we could get out of the way tonight?

Estrya nodded. I will ask Thera if she can do the recording. You could get singing out of the way. It would be good for the trailers. Oh, and I will check with Illu. She might let you take your first dance lesson. Give me a few minutes.

The woman got up and pulled a phone out of the pocket of her skirt. She spoke quietly, and Poppy could hear both sides of the conversation. Thera was glad to get started to get away from the fussing. That was one. Illu was ready to begin teaching as soon as they got their asses down the hill.

Estrya grinned. Well, if you want to begin, let s begin. I will do interviews with you at the dance school, and we should be good.

Kekoa said, I would like to share a meal with you after the filming. We will meet you in the main square.

Estrya chuckled. Let s go. Narro, you have been volunteered to help the guys.

I heard it. Narro leaned over and kissed Haravin sweetly before getting up. Let s go.

She looked at Myro and Breen. You guys are good with this?

We get to watch you dance. We are great.

Narro laughed, and they began their walk back down the hill. Time to dance.