Page 7 of Last Resort (Betas in Waiting #29)

E strya walked over to the Sityr group and said, Sit down and keep to yourselves. Unlike Poppy, I do like to fight, and I am venomous.

The Sityr group went to their seats, and Estrya walked over to Myro, grabbing his pointy ear and hauling him to the side. There were a few laughs, and she rounded on him. How stupid are you?

What?

You let an omega walk up to two alphas who didn t even know she was there. One of them grabbed her, and she had to defend herself. That is what that silence was.

He looked around. Poppy? Where is she?

A coworker just grabbed her. She went to the bed and breakfast for the night.

Breen had walked up and said, Where s Poppy?

She went where she feels safe. Omega reflex. She doesn t feel safe with you. That s telling, isn t it?

She watched the alphas look at each other in shock, and they took off for the bed and breakfast.

She snorted and watched the female alpha on the Sityr team rub her jaw. At least Poppy had gotten a solid hit in. She moved to the side and let Kekoa welcome the guests to the island. Cuffs were complimentary for their stay, and they could use them with any willing participants on the island.

Haravin walked over while Kekoa spoke and handed a box over to Estrya. These are for Team Alpha. We have one for you as well.

I will bring these to them. I have already sat in for the welcome to the island speech.

Haravin smiled. He s getting better at it.

Estrya touched Haravin s cheek and walked away from the village and toward the bed and breakfast.

She rounded the corner, and the sound from the welcome feast faded. She heard a foot scuff and turned to see the serpent group. Is there a reason you are following me?

Erol nodded. We wish to speak with you.

I am beneath your dignity, Erol. You were quite specific on that. She turned and kept walking. The footfalls behind her got closer.

The Elite walked next to her, and Erol was behind her. When they got to the bed and breakfast, Erol said, Violet provided us with new cuff prototypes, and she provided one for you as well.

Why?

Erol sighed. If the cuff says we are not compatible, I will drop it and leave you to the others. They can court you, and I will stay out of the way.

Fine. First, I have to deliver these to the others. The guys have already fumbled once tonight. This will tell them if it s worth going forward.

Seviir asked, You think it isn t?

No, I think they need to be reminded that she is theirs to protect. They both have good relationships with their workplaces, and she doesn t. The only people she has are the few ladies here who are on her side. We are good, but we can only help so much.

The B and B was looming, and Estrya went up the stairs, passed the two alphas, and knocked softly on Poppy s door. It s Estrya.

Come in.

The door swung open, and Poppy walked back to the hanging chair with the soft throw. What do you need?

I need you to put on the cuff that s been programmed for you.

I don t have money to spare on stupid stuff.

Don t worry. None of the funds are coming from you. Will you put it on?

Do I have to get out of the chair?

Nope. Estrya lifted the cuff and snapped it around Poppy s left wrist. She tapped it and looked at the stats that slowly populated the cuff. Oh, Poppy, you are pricey.

Poppy looked at the statistics and blinked. Wait, I have to pay for this?

No. You pay for nothing. You can all waive the financial exchange.

Oh. Good. Thanks. Do the guys have theirs?

Not yet. I am going to have a chat with them.

Estrya shoved the two alphas down the hall and explained the cuffs to them and how a coworker just grabbed Poppy. She was delicate and unsure of the reactions of people around her.

Estrya left the three to come to an agreement and headed to the main level to check on the snakes.

The guys were milling around, and she looked at Erol. So? What are we waiting for?

Erol reached into his pocket and pulled out the white cuff covered with twists of metal and scale patterns.

This is a very specific thing. She examined it while feeling the tension in all three of them.

Erol hissed. Put it on.

She smiled and opened the cuff, snapping it, tapping the surface, and looking at her stats.

Erol walked up to her, extended his wrist with a dark cuff, and it swirled as he tapped it against hers. A dark band circled her cuff. Erol s shoulders slumped. Compatible.

Seviir walked up and did the same with his band. There was a flare in the text, and then the second band appeared. Seviir s stats rolled across the screen.

Rizthan tapped, and his band appeared as well.

Well, that s not surprising. I m a whore. She tutted as she looked at the dark bands.

Erol gasped. That s not what-

She looked at him and let her gold serpentine eyes glow. She rose up as her tail formed and rippled behind her. It moved until it extended past the patio and into the jungle beyond. She rose up as high as she could.

Rizthan and Seviir grinned. Seviir hissed softly. Lamia.

She let her tail and coils move restlessly. Erol, you mentioned that you could not have a woman like me exposed to your family. Adil wouldn t understand. The age gap would be embarrassing. You didn t want anyone conflating me with your wife. I accepted, and I left. Now, you are trying to lay claim to me, and I am saying no, serpent king. I will avoid your city, and you will avoid me. Accept and leave.

His eyes were blank as he took her all in. You were always a lamia?

Yes. You didn t want to know. I didn t see your naga, and therefore, she remained hidden.

He blinked. You wanted to see the naga?

She laughed. Your cuff will be removable in forty-eight hours. Don t worry. You will be rid of me soon.

She slithered out of the open-air space and moved rapidly through the jungle, climbing higher and higher until she nearly plunged off a cliff.

She paused and exhaled slowly, curling and trying to guess how long he was going to sit there and stare.

An enormous onyx head slithered toward her through the green, and Rizthan shifted, walking toward her. He hurt you.

She glanced at him. Just seeing him makes me doubt myself. When I was with him, I was learning, but nothing was ever quite right.

Seviir took him home. Your lamia took him by surprise. He moved close to her.

Right. It came so easily to me. I changed in the middle of winter. When I first met Erol, he was nice. He took care of me. Most folks would say grooming, but I was an adult, and he gave me a boost. It was a few years later when things got physical.

Never with a tail?

She snorted. Never with a tail. The lamia was so excited to have another snake to play with finally. She never got it.

He held out his hand, and she dismissed her tail and walked into his embrace. She mumbled against his chest. She was lonely.

She doesn t need to be lonely anymore. We are not your first love, but we can be what you need. If he pulls his head out of his ass, we will welcome him if you do. He was rubbing her scales softly.

She inhaled the warm scent of him. So, why are you out here for this set of games?

My hotels host a lot of the conventions that the gamers utilize. I have seen the technology and the excitement that the games can create. It seemed interesting to become part of it by supporting the tech developments that make the games faster with more reality.

Oh, you are investing in Violet s tech. Not just the games.

She and her mates are impressive minds and have a plan for the islands that the king and his court are embracing. They are even giving up their monopoly and allowing some ecofriendly guest facilities on some of the outer islands. Seviir owns charters on Emerald as well as a few clubs.

Oh. That s nice. She held him with her arms as far around him as they would go.

Are you ever going to face me?

You feel good. Warm. Solid.

Thank you. The boa works out.

She giggled and looked up at him. He smiled down at her, red-gold eyes gleaming. The kiss was slow when it came. His arms were around her, but they were snug and not tight.

Estrya moved against him slowly as the kiss got heated. She enjoyed the feeling of him against her, and the scent coming off their bodies was so intense that she dug her fingers into his back and whined softly against his mouth. He pulled back and whispered, Oh, lady, your song is music to my ears.

She felt heat in her cheeks and didn t meet his unblinking gaze. She swallowed. It s been a while.

Since you had a lover?

Since I felt wanted. I don t want someone embarrassed to be seen with me in either form.

I would be delighted to have you with me, boardroom or beach. He smiled and stroked her back.

My skillset does not lead to the boardroom. Not yet. I am not afraid of education; I just need time.

I can give you time. I do want your lamia out on the beach, coils out and sunning yourself.

She smiled and glanced at him. With an appropriate top, of course.

My hands should cover nicely.

Estrya laughed.

Seviir walked up to them and smiled. Relaxing a bit?

A little. He s very warm.

Would you like to come back with us and have dinner?

She nodded. Yes, I just need to know one thing. She let go of Rizthan and walked over to Seviir, wrapped a hand around his neck to pull him down, and kissed him. Her tongue stroked his, and he only froze for a moment before he held her tight, and the kiss became intense. He tasted like the ocean; Rizthan tasted like herbs and moss. They were elements that flavoured the taste of her alphas, and she whimpered as Seviir slid a hand down her hip, around between them, and rubbed at her sex while the rhythm of his tongue matched his fingertips.

The short climax caused a squeak, and she shivered and hung onto Seviir. He smiled and stroked his free hand down her back. Either you are a light touch, or Rizthan changed his normal patterns.

She swallowed. Light touch. Sorry. What I sought from him was a hug.

Seviir sighed. I pushed you too fast.

You aren t the first. She chuckled. It is like you think I am going to disappear. So, then I end up feeling like a task ticked off your list, and that isn t really sexy.

She pulled out of his arms. So, are you done with me?

Seviir s eyes went crimson. No. No, Estrya, we are just getting started.

Okay. Good. So, dinner?

They laughed, and all walked back downhill, through the jungle, and back to the road. They moved in on her, and she linked her arms with theirs as they returned to the gathering.

Seviir murmured, I brought Erol to his son s home, and Adil s den is listening to his explanation of your presence in his life.

You know them?

He chuckled. I know most of Erol s court. The young naga isn t as brutal as his father. Well, not unless you cross his mate. His family is everything to him.

And Erol. That was apparent. I couldn t call; I could only meet him in certain places on certain days. No one from the court aside from his sworn bodyguards knew about me.

Seviir sighed. You were younger.

Yes, but I knew another serpent when I saw one. I needed the contact with another one like me, but he thought I was a beta and treated me like I was made of glass. Radioactive glass. I never even saw his tail.

Rizthan chuckled. I will show you my tail whenever you wish and probably when you don t.

She giggled. I look forward to dealing with it.

Seviir said softly, We know this is a sudden change of direction for you.

You could say that. I was just settling into my position as a PR person for VT. Do you live in the islands?

I do. I have a lovely villa over on a small island off Emerald. Just the place to lay out in the sun and chase our tails. When you are ready, I can set up a cool room for some brumation, and then we can lock until we make little grey babies.

She laughed. They look human at birth.

We could just try over and over until one comes out silver.

Are you giving birth?

No.

I don t lay eggs, Seviir. I have a heat and go sex crazy just like any other omega. I just need sturdier partners.

He hissed softly. That is an image I am going to keep in my head.

Does your villa have a nest?

No, but I can get a team on it. When are you due?

When I want to let myself go, it will. I had the blood witch stall things for a bit. No more unpredictable heats. They are annoying.

Rizthan said softly, So, you just need to finish the program, and then you will have some time for us to persuade you that we are the best choices for your heat?

Maybe? I will certainly get to come visit.

I have a lovely yacht. He nuzzled her temple. It s in the harbour right now.

What about it?

It would be a great place to spend the night.

I have to be at the B and B at six. She realized what she was setting up and took a deep breath to let herself change her mind. Nope. When she thought of Seviir and Rizthan, there was a warming to her mood. But no sex. I am not comfortable with the idea while I am working, so no point. You two go your way, and I will go mine.

But, you would still sleep next to us? Seviir smiled.

Yes.

That is excellent, and that is where you will sleep tonight.

My room has a really nice suspended chair filled will super soft fuzzy fabric that is lovely to sleep in. I can imagine that it is more restful than a bed with two warm alphas.

Seviir chuckled. We are going to make sure that being with us is more attractive than being alone with a blankie.

It s a tough sell.

I am very persuasive, and out of the water, I am one of the silkiest things you can feel against your skin.

She stroked his arm and paused. Oh, wait. You mean the other you.

He chuckled and nodded. You will have to find out.

They walked past the bed and breakfast, and it was vibrating with energy. The triad was together, even if they weren t locked or, rather, knotted.

She smiled. So, are your penises the normal alpha or standard serpentine H?

Rizthan stumbled, but Seviir smiled. We will leave that for you to discover. A man needs a bit of mystery, after all.

She snickered, and they gradually made their way back into the light of the village square, where contestants were putting on cuffs and eyeing the villagers who had matching bands. Oh, that s going to end in tears or, at least, some funny walks in the morning.

Seviir chuckled. Probably. Were they all given accounts?

Yes. About fifteen thousand for their duration. She smiled.

Wow. That s quite a bit.

Best match available is usually more expensive. You don t want them to match just to have sex; you want it a little on the compatible side. She snorted. Unless unexpected jolts are just what you need.

She sighed. Sometimes, it is what you need, and sometimes, it is just sad.

Rizthan pressed against her. Sad?

Hope that falls flat.

Ah.

I am going to drop the two of you off here and go to deal with that pouting alpha. She set them at their investors table and walked toward the pouting Forza. To her astonishment, Ahheel walked up and touched her forearm respectfully. Estrya, please allow me to deal with it instead of sullying your hands. Mini is all for it. Alpha to alpha will be better.

Estrya smiled. Fine, but I will be the referee.

Excellent. Ahheel flexed her fingers and rocked her head. Mickey was the next one in line.

Really? That might be interesting. She rarely lets loose.

Ahheel chuckled and said, Shall we?

Estrya nodded, sauntered up to the Sityr table, and beckoned to Forza. The alpha stood up as if hypnotized and stumbled toward Estrya.

Ahheel stepped between them and said, Let me explain to you the respect given our omegas on the islands.

Estrya stepped back and glanced at her serpents as they both stood with tension. Forza had been on the edge of rut. That much was manifesting. There was still no excuse for the lack of respect.

The alpha fight made everything go quiet, and Rolf stood by to grab his teammate. He didn t need to. Ahheel had her dropped in three passes.

Mini walked up and looked at Ahheel. My hero.

The kiss was intense, and there was a lot of good-natured cheering. When the alpha raised her head from the kiss, she picked up her mate and carried her back to their third.

A medic was speaking to Forza, and the medic drew back and called for assistance on a com. Estrya nodded. Forza had just gotten an all expenses paid tour to the quiet island. She would be released when she had worked through her rut.

Estrya shook her head. Looks like Sityr is down a team member. We are going to be pulling in an alternate from the islands. We are going to have to apply for a volunteer.

Mickey looked up, walked over, and smiled. I can do it.

Estrya stared at the small beta. You are willing to? You would have to play in your omega mode.

Mickey grimaced. Fine. If they will take me on, I will act as the third for Team Sityr.

Well, go meet them. Estrya smiled. I will make the introduction.

They went over. Mickey expanded to her actual height and introduced herself. The Aenocyan team was stunned as Rolf shook her hand, and Dennis did the same.

The markings on Mickey s chest were visible and that was probably what was getting the other team so excited.

Phones were pointed at Mickey, and she made a face and flipped them off. Estrya met her gaze, and Mickey mouthed, I ve got this.

Estrya smiled and nodded. She looked around to see what food was left and walked over to the table where Haravin sat next to Narro.

Estrya took the seat waiting for her, and she ate enough to last her until the following day before Narro got up and walked over to the serpents.

Haravin grinned. So, you have your mates?

Yup.

Are you going to be taking them tonight?

Absolutely not. Not while I am working. But I am heading to their place to cuddle.

Haravin grinned. Cuddling is fun. We finally figured out a good arrangement.

Nice. Just in time for you to start using them as support pillows.

Hara cackled. Yeah. They are putting up with a lot. I make sure of it. It s a little bit of revenge.

Understandable.

Your guys are coming toward us. Narro looks highly amused.

I think it s my bedtime.

Hara smiled. Just a few more days, and then you can actually enjoy time with them.

Yeah. I also have another issue to deal with if it rears its head. She sighed. Well, I should get going. I have an early morning to deal with.

She got to her feet and turned to be face-to-shoulder with Rizthan. Oh, hi. Objects in the mirror may be closer than they appear.

He smiled and cupped her elbows. Ready to go?

Yes. I still have to be at the B and B by six in the morning. Are you going to make sure that happens?

He put one hand up in a pledge. I swear. You will be at the bed and breakfast in time.

Seviir was talking with Kekoa, and it was serious. What are they talking about?

Allowing me a resort in the Breakridge Islands. I already have permission from the owner, but all transport will be done from these docks. He chuckled. Seviir will provide the transport.

Wow. That is some interesting cooperation.

He smiled. We can use a manager if you have the time.

Well, I don t think this is a long-term gig, so it might be a good idea.

They turned toward Seviir and slowly walked past. She ran her fingers across his shoulders and whispered, We will be back in the morning.

Kekoa grinned. We will continue negotiations in the morning. Estrya will be occupied during the day anyway.

Seviir inclined his head, wrapped his arm around her waist, and they took three steps and were suddenly standing on his yacht. His staff didn t even flinch. Estrya smiled. Teleport women in frequently?

He shook his head. No, I just come and go to this spot on the deck. It is always kept clear for me. Now, I believe you have a date with our coils?

Fine. But I have an early start time. You only have me for seven hours.

He bent and lifted her. He carried her carefully into the ship and down a few levels until they were inside a stateroom with a wide mattress covered in dark satin on the floor. There were silky throws folded up on one side of the bed, and Seviir began removing his own clothing with precision. While she watched him with hypnotized eyes, a wave of black and silver scales coursed past her and curled up in the form of a reclining couch. She smiled and dismissed her dress, moving slowly into Rizthan s coils with a relieved sigh. When the grey, gold, and black sea snake moved across her, the scales were knobby and smooth at the same time, the skin in between the silky soft that he promised.

She sighed as they moved against her. When Seviir parted her thighs with his nose and slid between them, pressing against her as he went, her moan was sudden, and she started clawing at both of them, but they continued the endless slide against her skin, between her thighs and across her breasts. She was either going to scream all night or pass out at some point. When her first orgasm struck, she was unsure which way things were going to go. Time would tell.