Page 12 of Second Shooter (Betas in Waiting #28)

Wren watched the moment she had waited for playing out in the projection. A few interested parties were watching, as well as a dozen Elite omegas portalled into the Stronghold, and the women were transported a moment later.

Another of the omegas headed to the prison for the dark Elite, and she sent them back in time so that they could catch up to their ladies immediately after the Stronghold came down. No one would know about it because the remaining women were casting a spell on the bedrock of the Stronghold while others turned the remaining Elite alphas into simple alphas with no magic. A traumatic moment for the Elite was happening, and no one knew about it.

Wren sighed and rubbed the back of her neck.

Poppy appeared next to her. “All tight. The ladies are with the queen, and the ten children that we located are there as well. So, fifty-five souls nice and safe, women and children.”

“Only fifty-five?” Wren was shocked.

“Yes. That is why their attacks are more aggressive. No women over thirty-nine. They were feeding them to the fissures.”

“Count on the downgrades?”

“Three hundred seventy-three.”

“And the dark ones?”

“Loose, ten years back in time and should be knocking on the queen’s door any time now.”

“Where are the others?”

“Those with mates are home. Those without are working out or going for a nocturnal run, hoping someone makes a move. We consumed a lot of energy.”

Wren had to ask. “Did he get loose?”

“Ten years back like the others.”

Wren nodded and glanced at her front door.

“I told him to give you a few hours. He’ll be here at midnight.”

Wren smiled. “Good. Now we can work on the shadow mages.”

Poppy looked at her. “You’ve got balls, Wren.”

“That’s why I favour skirts.”

“Hah. Are you good? I can stay overnight.”

“No, don’t you have work in the morning?”

“I always have work in the morning.”

Wren looked at her tall, pale friend. “You still have the book?”

“Definitely; hidden where no one can find it.” Poppy put her hands on her hips; her men’s sweats looked strangely in place on her.

“So, what is this week of work holding for you?”

“You know. Dodging the attempt at conscription to that stupid survival show.”

Wren looked at her. “I think you would be an easy winner.”

“Yeah, but I would have to do the whole thing as my beta self. I am mousy enough to slip under the radar if the others are halfway decent. The problem is that Sityr Games is very alpha heavy, and two of the four betas who work there are pregnant. That leaves me and one other. The rules say that it has to be two alphas to one beta, and any females have to get preg tested because of what has happened on other games.”

Wren snorted. “Well, you aren’t in any danger, right?”

“Nope. Win made sure that I am locked down and won’t attract any strays.” She smiled. “You are good?”

Wren turned and hugged Poppy. “I am finally good. If they come back now, I have people around who can help.”

“Yup. And he is on the way, and he’s not going to take lightly to anyone coming near you.”

Wren smiled. “Do you remember my name?”

“Yes, I remember your name. You trusted me with it, and I have it.” Poppy smiled and returned the hug. “Doe is settled, and you need to be next.”

“You are in there as well.”

“I like being on my own. I don’t know how long she can delay my heats, but as long as Win is willing to hold it back, I am going to enjoy myself.”

“And all you have to do is keep your beta face the only one the public sees.”

“Yeah. That too.” Poppy smiled. “Good thing I have practice.”

Wren smiled. “Congratulations on very neatly bringing down the Stronghold.”

“Thanks for helping.”

“You got me closer to my goal, and I have reinforcements coming. That is the best news I have had in years.”

“Just call if you need anything.” Poppy touched her cheek. “I am always listening.”

Wren grinned. “I am going to hold you to that.”

“I want you to.” Poppy shrank down into the baggy sweats and grinned. “Off I go.”

Wren watched her friend leave the house and felt the warm ward she had left behind. She always felt better after a chat with Poppy, but she knew her friend was not going to escape the show. She had spent a lot of effort getting her into the line of fire.

She made a pot of coffee and baked some cookies. After years of waiting, her other half was arriving. She wanted to make a good impression. It was key to keeping her from jumping into his arms again.

A lady needed restraint, after all.