Page 6 of Second Shooter (Betas in Waiting #28)

Win held May’s hand as she sat with a stunned expression. Keres was pouring tea and sharing her own experiences.

Win muttered, “It is a bitch of a club to be in.”

May was startled into laughing.

Keres smiled. “Yeah, it is. Win, you kept the details vague.”

“Oh, that is because I cast a spell on myself to fade the memory. They are still there, but they are behind frosted glass, if that makes sense.” Win shrugged. “I know that we are here because one of Iris’s males is a telepath. He is going to be in for a rough ride. So am I.”

Keres cleared her throat. “You remember this morning how Wren said that today was going to bring the blood witch, the mirror mage, and triumph? Do you know who is who?”

Win smiled. “I do.”

“And?”

“That is me. They are me. I am them. I am the blood witch and the mirror mage, and I didn’t lose, so I am also triumph.”

Keres blinked. “Oh.”

“Just as there is the Scourge and the memory of death. The Elite are very spooky in their naming of us.”

“How long were you kept there?”

May looked at her.

“A close estimate is two months at the Stronghold and five years in the realm of shadow mages.”

May muttered, “What’s that?”

“A place you don’t want to be. You know how we have alphas, betas, and omegas? Well, and occasionally deltas?”

“Yes.” May was interested.

“Well, the mages were all betas with power. Lots of it. They got banished for feeding off others to power themselves. So, they create fissures in the world at moments of high emotional strain, and they try and pull in the energy or the actual stressed-out being through the crack in reality. I was under a lot of stress.”

Keres said, “But they can’t eat Elite omegas. Our energy patterns don’t digest, for lack of a better term.”

Win smiled. “It is like wanting to eat marshmallows and putting building bricks in your mouth. But the shadow mages know how to control their energy. They have books upon books upon books to teach folks, but their books dissolve when you get them over here, so studying has to be done on the other side. I was the blood witch by nature, but I became the mirror mage by studying when I stole the grimoires and hid in the forests.”

Keres said, “You are remarkably cheerful about that.”

“I was the blood witch first, and I used it against any mage who tried to capture me. I got quite a bit of practice.” Win smiled.

“Uh, I don’t know how to say this, but do you ever wonder about your parents? I mean, the Elite killed my family when they captured me, but you know you were adopted.”

“That was direct.”

Keres shrugged. “I am nosy.”

“No. I haven’t wondered. She was obviously either in physical or social pain, so I don’t want to add to it.”

“Fine, but know that at least two members of the crowd we were in today took hair samples and a lot of photos.”

Win shrugged. “Not my concern.”

“Yeah, but you might have family claiming you.”

“I have family. Well, I did. I still have Cori until she’s old enough to formalize a union.”

“What about your mates?”

“What about them?” Win raised a brow.

“They are in the big house.”

“I am not sure they are for me.” Win shrugged.

Keres’ mouth opened. “You summoned them!”

“Yeah, I am trying to find the spell to put them back. Maybe something involving a ride-share.”

Keres laughed. “Go to the big house and bring May back some cookies. Iris was baking. I will stay here with May.”

May smiled. “Thanks. I am feeling better.”

Win smiled. “If you are feeling better, come to the big house. How many cookies do you want?”

May sniffled. “Six?”

“Milk?”

“Yes, please.”

Win grinned and headed off. Keres called out, “Don’t you want to know how many cookies I want?”

“No. You have mates who can make your own.” Win stuck her tongue out as she left to head for the house across the lush green yard.

Her feet were happy to walk across the grass, and she spun over and over on her way to the house. The sunlight made her feel relaxed. She was safe, Cori was safe, and their parents were safe. Any Elite grabbing hold of them would burst into flame.

She hummed and walked to the house, petting Juno when she was greeted at the door. Win carefully wiped her feet and looked at the folks gathered in the kitchen. “Is there a chance for cookies?”

Iris smiled as the oven binged and went to pull another tray out to put it on the hot spot. “How many did you want?”

“May wants six, and Keres wants three.”

Cori’s voice mumbled around a cookie. “She really doesn’t do dessert. She eats for calorie count, not for flavour.”

Win walked over and hugged her. “Squealer.” She explained to Iris and Ymer, “I don’t actually have a sense of taste. I think it tanked with my sex drive when they were scrubbing all the marks.”

Ymer blinked. “That’s terrifying but usually fixable.”

She shrugged. “It is what it is.”

Iris blinked. “Damn. That’s... damn.”

Win smiled. “You get used to it. I certainly have had more time for hobbies.”

Cori snorted. “Photography isn’t a proper hobby.”

“I like it. It’s fun.” She kissed the top of Cori’s head. “So, what did they fish out of your brain? A five-year-old’s version of events?”

Ymer narrowed his eyes. “How did you know?”

“She’s my sister. You think she isn’t warded nine ways from Sunday? If they had grabbed her, they would have been fine until they tore at her clothing. Then, fwoosh . Up in flames.”

Cori blinked. “Seriously?”

“Yup. I warded Maggie, too, but I have removed the protection. She wants to fuck around; she can find out.”

Oren walked in, saw her, and straightened his shoulders. “Lady Win, may I get details of what happened to you?”

She grinned slowly. “Oh, honey, you don’t want that.”

“Your mates are also interested in learning about you.”

Win stared at him. “Are you kidding? You are a telepath. You can shield yourself when shit hits the fan in my mind. Are they trained?”

A deep, rumbling voice said, “We are willing to take the chance to help ease your burden.”

She looked at him. “Dude, I don’t even know your name.”

He smiled. “Wellyn. Our third is Atil. I don’t know why the light Elite is here.”

Win sighed. “I know why he’s here. He’s for me. Our connection is complicated.”

“What is his name?”

“No clue. The Elite sent him in to clean me up and heal me. It extended the torture but kept me alive.”

Oren said, “I would still like to understand.”

“Fine. Let’s go outside and do it there. That way, you can hose the patio off.”

Iris paused. “Barf bucket?”

Win nodded. “Oh, yeah. Come on, sport. You two as well if you are dying to know.”

She walked out and told Oren, “Have a seat. I will kneel nearby.”

“Why?”

“It is more comfortable for me. I can meditate for days if necessary.”

She grabbed a pillow and sat next to one of the chairs. Wellyn and Atil sat nearby, but when Iris brought the buckets, they accepted them.

Oren nodded. “I have already seen your wounds. I am braced for it.”

“Oh, buddy, that is the least of the issues.” She closed her eyes and smiled. “Whenever you want to get started, boss.”

The hand settled on her head, and she let Oren take a tour through the events of more than a dozen years ago.

Win looked at him as he went to an ashy blue-grey. The sound of vomiting filled the patio area, and Ymer watched from the door with shock. There were two younger boys behind him, and Brexel eased them back from the doorway.

She got up and went inside to get some cold compresses. She nodded to Iris, and they went outside to take care of the guys. Oren was shuddering as his brain was stuck replaying some of the things she obscured, even for herself.

She went to Wellyn, wiped his face, and shook her head. She folded a cold towel and placed it on the back of his neck. She did the same to Atil. He was less shaken up, but he looked at her. “How did you survive?”

“I am a big ol’ bitch. That’s how.” She smiled and held the compress on the back of his neck. “Feeling better?”

“Feeling nervous. It appears that I have a mate that hits harder than I do.”

“What?”

He grinned. “I didn’t think you recognized me. I box for a living.”

“Box?”

“Hit people.”

“Oh, is that fair?”

He laughed. “I use my other form. It’s a little more standard alpha.”

“Got it.”

She walked over to Wellyn and checked on him. “How are you doing?”

“Better.”

“Any tidbits about your occupation?”

“I design and assemble motorcycles, also part-time wrestler.”

“Why were you wearing a suit?”

“Meeting with shareholders.”

Atil piped up. “Meeting with my manager.”

“Oh.”

“You had excellent timing.” He chuckled.

She paused and looked at Wellyn. “Wrestler?”

“I am semi-pro at sumo. It is a lot of fun.” He smiled.

She heard movement and watched as Iris and Brexel helped Oren back inside. “I think I broke him.”

Wellyn got up and swayed. “No, but he was surprised. You are so cheerful that the horrors hadn’t truly occurred to him.”

“I am sorry I yanked you here. I will pay for a cab to get you home if you like.”

Atil stood as well. “You don’t need to get us home. We can manage it. How long will you stay here?”

“Um, until I get used to the height thing. I will take the light Elite with me when I go. I will need to find a house outside the city or something. He stands out.”

Atil nodded. “I understand now why he’s yours.”

“It wasn’t that I wanted a collection, but once they took me, everything spun out into madness.”

Wellyn smiled. “You don’t look a day over twenty-two.”

“Flatterer.”

Atil shook his head. “No, aside from your recently healed damage, you have a very youthful face.”

“Thanks for the observation. I can’t believe it took four dragons unloading on me in a group to get the job done. Like a fire bukkake.”

Wellyn blinked twice and then started a slow, rolling laugh. Atil looked astonished. “What?”

“I was kneeling naked with four different dragons pouring fire over me. What would you call it?”

“I think we missed that. Did anyone get any video?”

She snorted.

“There were quite a few videos taken.” Keres and May came over. “Where are the cookies?”

Win paused. “Oh, right. Oren asked me if he could romp in my memories. I said yes, and he has regrets. He’s probably eating the cookies.”

Keres blinked and headed for the kitchen.

Win smiled and caught the scent of cookies. It was light, and there was a hint of chocolate in the air. All she got was the hint. Over the years, she had learned to fake enjoyment of food, and she had it down pat.

She looked back at Wellyn and Atil and said, “Go brush your teeth.”

They paused, and Ymer said, “This way to a guestroom.”

She watched them go and drifted past the others as the cookies were consumed. She got to the couch where the Elite had been, and he was gone.

Brexel said, “We moved him to the first bedroom on the left. I didn’t want him down here when the boys came home.”

“Of course. May I go to see him?”

“Please. He won’t notice.”

She snorted. “Right. Of course not.”

Win headed up the stairs and found his energy signature behind the door Brexel had directed her to.

She paused and opened the door, heading for sleeping beauty on the king-sized mattress. He was wearing the white leathers of the Elite and the last thing she remembered seeing him in. She sat next to him. “Hello. I never did get your name.”

He breathed in and out slowly. The long column of his braid was draped over one shoulder and went down to his knee.

“It’s been nearly thirteen years. I am all grown up now. My power and I have made friends.”

She felt Wellyn and Atil come in.

“The magic said you were mine. You helped me, and you saved me, and when I came back, it nearly destroyed you. Sorry about that.” Win looked at him and sighed. “I don’t know what I am supposed to do with you. You look like an iceberg. Like you should be in the end of a sword and sorcery movie.”

Atil moved up next to her and said, “Do you want to wake him?”

“I don’t know. I don’t want to leave him here, and I don’t have room in my apartment unless I turn him into my sofa.”

Atil snorted. “Kiss me, kiss Wellyn, kiss him.”

“This isn’t a fairy tale.”

“I know. If you want to jump-start him, our energy will do it. If he wakes angry, we will be here to restrain him.”

“Aw, it’s cute that you think I need help there.”

He smiled. “If you want him awake, kiss us.”

Win looked to Wellyn. She shrugged. “Okay.”

She went to Atil and slid her hand up his chest, touching his neck and pulling him down to her. For her, the kiss was varying degrees of pressure. Atil gave her a spark of power, and she leaned back and nodded.

“Did you feel anything?”

She shrugged. “Pressure.”

He sighed and stroked her cheek.

Wellyn touched her arm and eased her to him. She felt the warmth of his arms around her, and then he leaned in to kiss her. He passed along another spark, and she nodded as he backed away.

She sat next to the Elite’s shoulder and looked at him. She held in the power as she said, “Can you let our hosts know that I am trying this?”

Ymer said from the doorway, “We know.”

She gave him a thumbs-up and leaned to the Elite, bending in to press her lips to his for a moment before she breathed in the sparks she had taken in.

There was nothing for a moment, and then his lips moved against hers. A gentle hand held her head to his, and his eyes slowly fluttered open. When she leaned back, his swirling mercury irises took her in. “My lady. You are all grown into your power.”

“Yes, thank you. What is your name?”

“Draven. How did you wake me?”

“My other mates gave me a spark of magic to give to you. You woke up.”

“Other?” He turned his head and stiffened. “My lady, there are dark Elite here.”

“I know. I was just making out with them.” She looked at him. “Suck it up, Draven. You are out of the Stronghold now. If you want to go back, I am sure that arrangements can be made.”

She looked at him.

“They will come for me.”

“They really won’t. You are marked as mine for whatever reason, and as such, you are untouchable. If anyone from the Stronghold attacks you, they will burst into flame. Dark flame. From the feet up, they will burn by inches.”

Atil asked, “How do you do that?”

“I learned it from the shadow mages.” She smiled. “I protect what is mine, and the magic says you are mine. I just don’t know what to do with you.”

Wellyn murmured, “We can get you an educational manual if that would help.”

She looked at him. “Hah. Hah. No, my sex drive is nonexistent, and I don’t want to trap anyone into a situation like that.”

Draven slowly sat up. “What?”

“Yeah. They had to hit my system with broad-spectrum antivenin so hard that it basically killed my cycles and hormonal processes. I have no sense of taste, very little sense of smell. I am a bargain basement omega if you don’t have anyone to fight. If you need to fight someone, I can’t be beat.”

Draven smiled. “You have grown strong, little dove.”

She snorted. “Right. You are up. I don’t know what to do with you. I am assuming you can manage to keep yourself alive and comfortable.”

He nodded slowly. “I can. Your mates will take care of you?”

“I am not mate material.”

Atil said, “Let us worry about that. There are ways to help your body recover. We just have to figure out which one will work for you.”

She looked at him and shook her head.

Cori’s voice came from behind Ymer. “She doesn’t have anywhere to live. She broke her car. She’s pretty sure the Elite have broken into her apartment and destroyed her stuff. And she’s a foot taller than she was this morning. She doesn’t have clothing. She doesn’t even have shoes.”

Ymer had stepped aside as she spoke.

Win flushed in mortification and stood up. “Cori. Your candour is ill-timed.”

“They think you are rejecting them. They don’t seem to get that you don’t think you have anything to offer.”

Win walked to her sister, put her hand on her shoulder, and headed downstairs. She passed the group in the kitchen and walked out onto the lawn, heading for the woods. She got deep into the woods, climbed a tree, and kept climbing until she was forty feet up and had anchored herself against the trunk and a branch.

She curled into a ball and tried to figure out how much money she had and how expensive it would be to clothe her new figure.

The tree trembled with her nightmares.