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P andora looked at Gia . So, you ve moved in with him?

Yes. And I have gone to a seamstress to get a new wardrobe.

He hasn t made one for you?

I need to wear designers in the city so that my clothing is photographed and recorded for when it gets donated. At home, I wear sweats or whatever Ornolf can think of. You are still staying with Regis?

Yup. I don t want to chance being pregnant when I go back to the Stronghold. Pandora breathed in deep and exhaled. You ready for this?

Yeah. I am.

She laughed and looked around as one omega after another walked into the space. Poppy and Honey were chatting, Win was talking with Regis, and Ira was running around with lemonade and water. More ladies showed up, and Pandora smiled. Everyone was wearing black with their omega forms glowing bright.

Regis looked around and smiled. Well, ladies? We have done this before, so let s do it now, and then we can all get our lives started.

Regis s sister Rex nodded. We are ready.

They went through who was doing what, and the ladies all nodded. They knew where they were going and what they were doing. The portal would be held, and Pandora would do a search of the lower caverns as rapidly as she could while Rex and Regis went to find their mates. Poppy was going to set the guys loose with help from one of the others; four were going to the women s quarters and round up the ladies, while Win took on the light Elite.

They smiled and walked outside. Regis kissed Ira s forehead and gave her over to the protection of a family friend, and then the queen opened a portal to the Stronghold, and they all stepped through.

* * * *

P andora went through the lower levels and felt something but couldn t locate the source. Every time she thought she was near the power source, the world seemed to shift. Frustrated, she moved and found another energy signature. This one wasn t moving, wasn t hiding.

She found a woman staring into a black vortex and swearing wildly. The woman was in jeans and a t-shirt, firing energy into the swirl as she slowly pulled the gateway shut. The woman staggered and turned toward her. Oh, hey. Hi, Pandora.

Pandora was stunned as she recognized the face and voice. She wrapped the woman in fog and hauled her up to the women s quarters, where the Elite were being subdued.

Pandora s burden zapped to the left and right as the Elite tried to stop them, but they had no energy.

They got to the gathering, and Pandora added her friend to the mix. She couldn t ask one of the thousand questions in her mind. She heard the ladies mention that her friend was a new recruit to the Stronghold. She couldn t say that she had just been talking to her friend about the fashion show before coming to the new palace. Pandora didn t know how she had gotten here, but she would find out. Kay had some explaining to do.

* * * *

G ia looked at the women who were relieved, nervous, and furious. She went through the crowd and left marks on the shoulders of the women who had enjoyed belonging to the Stronghold.

The woman who didn t give off any information looked at her while Gia touched her shoulder. Yes?

You... are you well?

I am fine. I was at work, and then I was at the Stronghold, and my boss was hauling me out.

Your boss?

Pandora. If you guys don t mind, I will head to the main road and catch a ride share to get home. This has been one helluva night.

I will get my husband to take you home. Have you talked to Pandora?

No. I am pretty sure she is going to grill me tomorrow. Fortunately, I am going to be busy. The woman chuckled, her medium brown hair short, and her golden-brown eyes sparkling. Her figure was average, and nothing about her should have attracted the Stronghold, yet she had been there.

Gia frowned and got her phone out. She texted Ornolf, and he responded immediately.

Okay, I am going to take you downstairs, and my husband will take you home.

Thanks. I appreciate it.

Gia looked at the woman, who was remarkably calm, and led her to the main doors and out to the driveway. Do I know you?

I work for Pandora s fashion label. I have made a few outfits for you.

Oh, ohmygod, that s where I know you from. Gia was relieved. They must have grabbed you because of your proximity to Pandora.

The woman smiled. That must have been it. Are you going to be modelling for the fundraiser?

Pandora asked, so yeah.

Cool. You will have to model two of the zodiacs. How many mates do you have?

One. He s a husband. Not a mate.

The mating will come. Pretty quick if the dark Elite have a choice. From what I have read, they may live long, but they don t waste time.

Gia blushed. How do you know that?

I told you. I read. A lot. The Stronghold history is there if you know where to look for it.

Maybe that s why they took you.

Kay shrugged. Not a clue. I do thank you, ladies, for getting me home. The commute would have been unpleasant.

Gia chuckled. Yeah. It s a bit of a hike.

Ornolf pulled up and got out. Gia, are you all right?

Gia winced as he came around and wrapped her in his arms for a kiss. He lifted his head. If you ever leave me a message like that again, I am going to paddle your ass.

Gia looked at the dark red flaring in his eyes. Um, well, I thought off to storm the Stronghold was a cute text.

Oh, it was cute, and if you hadn t sent it a second before you walked through the portal, I would have stopped you. How was it?

We had a few rather brutal omegas with us, and they took care of the opposition. She smiled. We rescued fifty-five women and children. Kay was a recent abduction, and she needs a lift home.

Kay waved. Hiya.

Ornolf stared at her, blinked, and said, Madam, I cannot see your soul.

That happens. Gia couldn t see it either, but I have worked for Pandora for five years in her clothing store.

He paused. Oh, of course. Where do you live?

She pulled up her address and showed him the screen.

Ornolf nodded. Of course. I will be back in twenty minutes, Gia.

Fine, but remember, you can t come in. Some of those ladies who got into it are predatory. I would hate to bring them home and then kill them. She looked up at her husband and kissed him quickly.

She smiled as his hands settled on the curve of her waist. He leaned in and kissed her once again, sending her heartbeat thudding through her body. A week of good morning and good night kisses of increasing intensity had taken its toll. She pressed herself tightly against him and felt smug when he groaned softly.

Gia pulled herself away reluctantly. Right. I have stuff to do inside. You are coming back?

Twenty minutes. Thirty at the outside. He stroked her cheek.

Right. Kay, your chariot awaits.

Kay nodded. Thank you, Gia. You and the others did a good thing today.

Gia felt remarkably proud. Thank you, Kay.

Kay smiled, and Gia watched Ornolf open the door for his passenger. He walked around to his side, gave her a wave, and settled into his car. The rumble was unmistakable as he drove the beta home.

Gia watched the lights disappear as she struggled to place Kay. There was something very familiar about her, but it wasn t a bad feeling. She shrugged and headed inside to help wrangle the newcomers and make lists of how many of them needed clothing or phones. She stopped next to Honey. She whispered, Honey, you still have some Elite in your teeth. Like broccoli.

Honey smiled and quickly checked her teeth before nodding. Thank you. I wish Asel had been here for this, but she had to stay home with our guests.

How is she recovering? Gia asked as she went to get another round of lemonade and cake for the newcomers.

She s still very thin and won t tell me what happened. I know she escaped the Stronghold, but I don t know when or how.

Ira was talking to the girls who were in novice robes. Regis was talking to the five women who were pregnant. The other women were in the ballroom with the other omegas and all discussing their current needs. Win was healing, and as one was completed, another took her place.

Myrtle was sitting and taking down all the information on the women who remembered when and where they were taken.

Gia delivered more refreshments and walked over to Myrtle. Myrtle flexed her hands and smiled. This is not what I had in mind when I said I would help, but I have found four families who had their daughter stolen. The others sold their children, though a few said that they were stolen by other family members and sold. I need to get the Stronghold records to tell.

Regis might have them. They grabbed a bunch of books.

Myrtle grinned. Let me at them as soon as I finish recording these ladies and looking for living relatives.

Gia grinned and paused. Myrtle, do you know someone named Kay?

Kay? Sure. She temps on the film set. She s an excellent gopher.

Huh. I thought she worked for Pandora.

She does? Huh. I have seen her around. Why?

Because Pandora just pulled her out of the Stronghold. I am wondering why she was there. Her colouring isn t really fitting.

Huh. I guess I can ask her tomorrow. We are going to be on set tomorrow for some reshoots.

Gia would have to be satisfied with that.

Gia waited with Pandora. Regis had dismissed them as they were newly connected and not yet mated. The indication wasn t lost on either of them.

Gia chuckled. So, which one of your fellas will be the first?

Pandora smiled. I wasn t going to pick. If things get strange, I can just fog out. Knur and Zhin will understand.

Gia grinned. Have they closed on the house yet?

Yeah. It was a quick sale, and we were given possession while the paperwork churns through. It even has a nest if I need it.

Do you think you will?

I have no idea. I haven t had a heat while solid before. You?

Um, no. Have you had sex before?

No, but I keep imagining using Knur s horns as handlebars, so let s see where that goes.

They were both laughing when the car and SUV showed up. It devolved into giggles as they hugged and went their separate ways.

Inside the car and relaxing, Gia looked at Ornolf. So, how was your night?

He snorted. You really took down the Stronghold tonight?

Yeah. We did. We won. The ladies are here, and the guys there are powerless.

Then, this is worthy of a celebration.

That is sort of what I was planning. She shrugged with a smile.

What did you have in mind?

Ice cream and straight to bed. She glanced at him. I am insisting that you join me in at least one of those.

His hands clenched on the steering wheel. You what?

Well, I know you have a sweet tooth, so the choice is yours.

Do I have the option for both?

Depends on how much ice cream you eat.

He chuckled. I will pace myself.

He put his hand between them, palm up, and she slid her hand along his, locking her fingers to his.

He asked quietly, Why tonight?

We didn t want to chance pregnancy when we were barfing power everywhere and standing near homicidal Elite. It wouldn t have been safe.

He flexed his fingers around hers. That is an understatement. What did you do about the dark mages?

We didn t see any as far as I know. Pandora said she found her friend in a portal, but nothing came through.

He paused. Her friend? Kay?

Yes. I mean, they aren t friends; I mean, they work together.

He nodded. Right. She was very quiet when I drove her home, and now, I can t remember where her house is.

Gia blinked. Is that normal?

No, it is not.

She nodded. That tracks. It has been a strange few weeks. Gia grinned. Speaking of which, are you willing to cruise down the catwalk with me? Pandora is participating in a fundraiser fashion show with Halloween costumes, and she got the zodiac. So, I am going to be wearing two costumes during her segment, looking like this.

I will absolutely walk with you.

Gia grinned. That was very firm.

I have been dealing with firm for days. Any distraction is good.

She chuckled and squeezed his hand.

At home, she waited until he opened her door, holding her tight. I am glad you are safe, Gia.

So am I. All I did was act as a lie detector.

I am glad it was that simple. What was Pandora up to?

She was sweeping for survivors on the lower levels. That s where she found Kay.

Ah. I see.

Are we going inside? I filled the freezer with celebration ice cream two days ago.

Well, that sounds tempting. Let s go.

They walked inside, raided the freezer, and she held the ice cream and spoons while Ornolf carried her upstairs to his room.

He set her at the edge of his bed, and she sat with her strawberry cheesecake ice cream. Ornolf removed his shirt, belt, shoes, and socks. He swelled up to his dark elf appearance and snagged his dark chocolate fudge, sitting against the headboard.

She smiled. Shall I join you, or are you busy?

Where do you get this stuff? It s amazing.

There is a shop near the chocolate shop downtown. Ruby s. It is next door. She grinned.

Well, I would love it if you joined me.

She nodded, set her ice cream down, and stripped to her underwear. She retrieved her pint and spoon and crawled up to him on her knees, settling against him and continuing her progress into her ice cream.

She had gone through half her ice cream and then groaned. I am done; scuse me. I have to put this in the freezer.

He took her ice cream and put the lid on it, setting it to the side. Ornolf plucked the spoon from her hand, licked it, and nodded. That one is good, too.

She looked at the bedside table, and the ice cream was gone, both his and hers.

He turned to her. Interested in celebrating a little more?

Do you have cookies?

No.

I guess we will have to improvise then. She stroked his cheek and pulled him down to her.

He pinned her against the headboard, and she kissed him with a howling hunger that had been growing for weeks, since she had begun reading his files in preparation for the annulment. She had thought she liked him best with his hair tousled and sleeves rolled up, but she was wrong. Midnight skin, crimson eyes, and his tense hands making the headboard creak had to be her favourite.

Their mouths met, and she stroked his jaw, neck, and across his chest before she returned her hand to his shoulders and dug her nails in ever so slightly.

She felt his smile against her mouth, and he moved down her neck a moment later, licking, nipping, and a weird crooning purr was coming from him. He nuzzled between her breasts, and her bra divided in two, allowing a rush of air between them as she heard the fabric shred.

If you break it, you replace it, she muttered and moaned while he moved to the left and began to focus on arousing her.

He moved his hand down her body and slid his palm across her belly, into her panties, and then he twisted, leaving slick skin exposed to the air as the lace disappeared.

Ornolf murmured, You are sure?

Absolutely; just start slow. I am out of practice.

I will go slow if you will, but I am guessing that you won t. He chuckled.

Gia considered as she stroked his thigh with the edge of her foot. His trousers were gone. Probably.

How would you like to start?

What you were doing feels nice.

Shall I continue?

She slid her hands over his shoulders and nodded. Yes, please.

He chuckled. Very polite.

He started to work on her, waking each inch of skin, causing a riot low in her belly, and using his mouth as he went.

Gia wrapped herself around him and held on as he surged into her. Her skin was glowing, and there were a lot of spectral faces watching them. She didn t care. Her screech echoed in the room, and Ornolf held himself deep as his knot locked them together. He panted and held himself above her until she grabbed him and pulled him down to feel his weight on her.

He paused. Are you sure?

Omegas like me are this way for a reason. Nice and sturdy. We can take a pounding.

Half the spectral elves in the background covered their faces while the other half grinned. Uh, Ornolf?

He was kissing her throat again. Yes, moonlight?

How many souls do you normally contain?

Right now, there are thirty.

Yeah, that s my count as well.

He lifted his head and looked embarrassed. They are visible?

Yup. And my previous mates were really into it. That is some laser focus right there. She was making eye contact with them, and they were grinning with their arms crossed. They look really happy for dead guys. Like really happy. She looked at Ornolf. Why am I in a room with naked elf souls?

He started laughing, and it didn t do well for their connection.

One of the more dignified spirits came forward. We thought to give you privacy and then stayed to watch. She s right. Her brand of omega can take quite a lot.

She snorted.

The male cocked his head. Why can you see us, miss?

She looked at Ornolf and murmured, I will be right back.

With the ease of practice, she left her body and stood on the bed. Is this the clue you needed?

The group stared at her, and she slid back into herself. Oh, that is odd.

Ornolf blinked. I can t believe you did that.

Why?

For some of them, you are the only female they have spoken to in eight hundred years.

Well, two of them just disappeared, so I am guessing with the ladies now willing to have the next generation, they are going to be in their own bodies again soon enough.

Ornolf laughed. Ah, right. Were you really holding back?

Sure. I would have had your pants off the same day I met you if I didn t need to hold back. There is going to be a weird population surge in this area. Good thing you bought a big house.

He grinned, and his knot reduced to the point he could extract himself. She waited for the whoosh, and it wasn t there.

Ornolf winced. Sorry. It will leave on a delay.

Oh, so you are a soft plug kinda guy.

Yes.

So, why the knot?

My parents were from two different subsects. I got both attributes.

She laughed and tried to ease her thighs together, but he was still in the way. Hm. I seem to have a block between my thighs.

He grinned. That would be me.

So, are we going to continue with the creepy audience?

Ornolf asked, Do you mind?

No. Do they mind? She looked behind Ornolf s shoulder.

The assembled dead grinned.

Okay, but I am not making eye contact with them. It gets fucking creepy. Literally.

He winked. Your wish is my command. He slipped an arm behind her and flipped her to her belly.

She huffed, and as he slid into her again, she moaned. The only thing ahead of her was the headboard, and she was able to close her eyes and focus on the feel of the width and length of him slowly gliding back and forth.

She went down on her elbows and heard a low groan from him. Her forehead pressed the mattress, and his hands gripped her hips hard enough that she knew bruises would form.

The first orgasm struck her, and he slowed to a measured beat, speeding up as soon as the pleasure began to fade. Each thrust renewed the waves, and Gia let the stars flow behind her eyes. The next time she came, she screamed.

She heard a low shout, and then she was flattened into the bed, her sex stretched and aching.

Soft kisses were being placed on her shoulders and neck while the purr got heavy and ran through him and into her. Soft spasms fluttered around his cock, and he chuckled slowly.

Mrs. Zorat, I think we will get along very well.

The knot slid deeper. She groaned. What was your first clue?

He laughed and bit her neck gently, which sent her senses into another series of overload. It was the start of a very long night with a rapt audience. Somewhere in the endless rounds of tangled limbs, Ornolf created the twists of hair, nipped her finger to stroke down the column, and did the same on his hair.

They slept cuddled together with all of the souls tucked back into Ornolf. It was the night of a new anniversary.