The wedding was lovely. Brit wasn’t going, but when her sister’s time at the reception gets uncomfortable, nothing could stop her from lending a hand by becoming bait.

Brit got a call from her sister and headed off to the wedding on Daycross Island. She just had to pull a tracking device out of her foot before going.

Being the only current multi-morph on record makes her very popular with law enforcement and espionage agencies. She doesn’t want to play with either.

She finds her sister, understands what’s needed, and coordinates with one of Ylara’s associates to distract the three alphas stalking her sister due to her state of heat.

Brit changes to her sister’s form and makes a run through the woods, but an unearthly howl follows her, and she is soon up a tree with nowhere to go.

Denier knows that the scent is wrong for his original target, but he can’t resist running prey. The scent is what he has been looking for, and he sets out to catch it.

The characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

The Wedding Hunt—Brittany

Copyright © 2022 by Viola Grace

ISBN: 978-1-990635-12-0

©Cover art by Angela Waters

All rights reserved. With the exception of review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the express permission of the publisher.

Published by Viola Grace

Look for me online at violagrace.com and other e-book sellers.

The Wedding Hunt—Brittany

Blind Date Corporation Book 7

By

Viola Grace

Chapter One

Brit was sitting and reading a book while pondering her place in the universe when her sister called.

“Uh, Brit, I have a problem.”

Brit sat up and focused. “What do you need?”

“There are three alphas here, and they won’t leave me alone. I don’t want three.” Ylara was sniffling.

“Are you safe?”

“Yeah. For a bit. You’ll come?”

“Be there in five. But if there are three, you might want to get someone else to help. It won’t be as obvious.”

“I will. Can you dress nicely for the wedding?”

“Send me a picture of what you are wearing. I will try to match it.”

The image formed on her com, and she nodded. “Got it.”

She ran to her closet, grabbed a dress that was close, and she went to her private stash. She would catch seventeen types of hell for this, but Ylara never called for help.

She dug her tracker out of her foot, bound the wound, and got her stash of high-powered active blood samples. She opened a high-speed flier sample, licked it, and put the vials back in her bandolier.

It took a lot of effort to copy an active’s power this way, but Ylara sounded scared. If three alphas were circling, she had a right to be. Brit had five minutes with the active ability, and she wrapped her dress and some shoes up carefully and took off. It wouldn’t do to lose the power over the bay before she reached Daycross.

The night was lovely. The ocean was playful but not wild, and she landed outside the Daycross manor, deep in the woods. She gathered her hair up into a cascade, put the bandolier with blood samples away, and got into her party outfit. She stashed everything into a tree and smoothed her hands down her skirts. Declining the invitation to the wedding had hurt her, but if she had known she would come anyway, she would have dug the tracker out and put on her dancing shoes. She was pretty sure that Etgar could help her find a job.

Her training at the BDC had been halted when the peacekeepers raided the practice date she had been on. All that hard work and she was now a liability.

The three alphas were easy to spot. Tall, as most actives were, they radiated quiet power and tenuous control. The guy with the scorpion tail made her blink, the Anubis-headed male seemed familiar, and the green Hyrenean male had his arms crossed.

She walked calmly past them, continued on, and found Ylara inside the closet where she was hiding. Brit stepped inside and closed the door behind her. Ylara hugged her and sobbed. “Thank you for coming. Is it going to get you in trouble?”

“Doesn’t matter. Oh, shit. You are in heat. No wonder they are looking for you.” Brit looked at Ylara’s blown pupils and dewy skin.

“I don’t want to have all three of them, but that is all they wanted.”

“Don’t worry. I can distract at least one of them. Did you call someone else?”

“Sabine was at the party. She’s on her way. It takes her a while. How will you lead them off?”

Brit grinned. “Spit into this vial.”

Ylara chuckled and spit into the vial. “We could have used blood.”

“Blood lasts too long. I just want to distract them, not mate with them. I can probably get the Anubis to follow me.”

“His name is Denier. He’s a reaper.”

“Right. Well, no time to waste.” She slammed back the spit as Sabine joined them.

They discussed what was to be done, and then, Brit made a run for it. She ran down a hall near the spot where they had been clustered, and then, she made a break for the woods. She heard a dog baying behind her and doubled her efforts to get to her hidden stash of active talent samples in the woods.

Running in heels was part of the escort training, but as she had never finished the training, she hadn’t embraced it as part of herself. She could do it, but she didn’t like it.

Brit felt a change in the air pressure behind her and sped up. There was a grunting chuckle, and an arm snapped around her waist, prompting a shriek. She was lifted off her feet, and he clutched her against his chest as he turned to stop their progress by thudding into a tree.

“Now, little prey, where do you think you are going, and why do you smell like blood?”

She paused. “Blood?”

“Yes, your scent is wrong, and you smell like blood.”

Brit rotated her foot and felt the stickiness. She hadn’t healed all the way. Fuck.

“There is a reason my scent is wrong and I smell like blood.” She checked her com. “And you will find out in about a minute.”

She felt her body shift, and she was back to herself sooner than expected. “Or now, it could be now.”

His muzzle came around, and he met her gaze with his.

“Shapeshifter? Your scent is almost like hers.”

She chuckled. “Yeah, it would be. I hugged her right before my little exercise.”

“No, it goes beneath that.” He snuffled against her neck.

She froze and swallowed. “I think you should put me down.”

“I think your game has earned me a consolation prize.”

“Do you need consolation?” Her foot was bleeding quite steadily now. Throbbing pain was rushing in.

He growled. “You are bleeding. Where?”

“I can tend to it, just set me down.”

He growled, looked around, and set her on a tree branch. He sniffed out her injury and growled at her right foot. “You taped it.”

“I caused it. I thought it would heal.”

He removed her shoe.

“What are you doing?”

“Like a lot of canine activations, I can heal with my tongue. I will fix your foot, and we will have a discussion about running from alphas.”

“She was sick with panic. And you... well, you would chase a running target. So, that only left her with two to deal with.”

“So you are bait.” He slowly removed her adhesive bandage. He growled when he looked at the damage.

He licked her heel and moved deliberately against her with his wet, wide tongue lapping noisily.

Brit looked around the woods with the wet sounds surrounding her. She was fine until his tongue caressed her arch. That touch made her leg buck.

He gripped her thigh with his long fingers, and he kept licking. His grip moved up her inner thigh until it rested against the fabric covering her sex. Whoa.

She tried to edge away, but the trunk of the tree was up against her back. He had chosen the tree carefully. She cleared her throat. “I thank you for the healing. It’s appreciated, but I need to get home before a SWAT team arrives.”

He chuckled. “You are a funny bit of bait, but I do need to charge you for the healing.”

“I don’t have any funds on me, and I doubt you get paid via the com. If you will take that, I can pay you immediately. Probably.”

He looked up, and he cocked his head. “Financial currency is not what I want from you. I understand you are not a sweet little omega like your friend, but I think you know what I want from you.”

She swallowed and looked at his red eyes. “What?”

“One release, freely give. You will let me pursue it until I have wrung it all out of you.”

Her eyes were huge. “That’s... I don’t... Why?”

“Because that is an energy that I consume. I enjoy it like others enjoy a fine wine and others an energy drink.”

She bit her lip. “Then I can go?”

He gave her a bow. “I swear. There are others here who can confirm that it is all I am seeking, and it is pleasurable.”

She swallowed. “What do I have to do?”

“Remove your undergarments and put them next to you.”

Brit blinked. “Oh. Right. Is the height of this branch all right for you?”

“What?”

“Is it a comfortable height?”

He looked at her and cocked his head, glancing around. “You are right. This one would be better.”

He gripped her around the waist and moved her to a branch where he would be facing her sex directly. She squirmed around and got her underwear off, putting the boring cotton next to her hips in a folded square.

He stepped forward, and she said, “Wait!”

He growled.

“My other shoe. One on, one off feels weird.”

He sighed and flipped her shoe next to the other one. “Any other delays?”

She hiked her skirt and parted her knees. “No more delays. I pay my dues.”

He growled, but it was a happy sound that changed into a whine as he got close to her. She suspected that it was a happy noise, and as he started lapping wildly at her with short flicks of his tongue, he leaned in and wrapped his hands around her waist, licking rapidly.

She gripped the tree and braced her hand on the trunk, the branch, and finally, she gripped his head as she curled over him. His fur was short and hard to grip, but she breathed faster and wailed as she came.

She thought he would stop, but he kept going, and his words replayed in her head. Wrung it all out of you. She gulped. Oh, no.

He chuckled, and she knew he was laughing at her discovery of her situation. He licked with longer strokes this time, his tongue curling and flexing. Her fingers curled in the same rhythm until she cried out again, and then, he started up again.

This time, he went in deep, and her voice rang through the forest as she couldn’t keep quiet. He coiled and thrust with his tongue, and she sobbed when she came.

There was a slow and steady build, and when she moaned softly, he chuckled and withdrew. His eyes had gone from red to soft gold. “Thank you, bait. I am looking forward to meeting you again.”

She nodded. “Enjoy the rest of the reception, and respect Ylara and her choice.” Her voice was deep and throaty even to her own ears.

He chuckled and stroked her thigh. “I have what I wanted.”

She felt the vials on the branch above her and got the one she needed from the active pocket. She muttered to him. “A deal was a deal.”

She took a sip from the vial, corked it shut, grabbed her pack, and flew out of his grip. She knew her body was that of a male in a dress, but who cared. She needed to get away before he tried to logic a way into keeping her.

She heard his howl of frustration and aimed toward Aksalla. She went low and stayed low, following the coastline for an hour until she saw the inland resort and, from there, the driveway to Salat and Khytten’s.

She had to wait until the blood wore off before she could ask for admittance. She sent a message to Salat before dawn.

He answered immediately, and the gate at the front of their property opened. She walked toward the house, down the drive, and kept her bare feet to the edge of the paving.

A familiar small figure burst out of the house in pyjamas and bolted toward her. “Auntie Brit!”

The little body hit her, and Brit stumbled back. “Hey, little bit. Having a fun sleepover?”

Baola beamed. “I am. We went swimming and snorkelling, and I saw some fish. Khytten is huge, and Cira and Ciro are getting ready to walk.”

Lyric came out and grinned, holding a cup of coffee out. Brit walked quickly and claimed the coffee. Baola giggled.

“Come out back, Brit. The babies are getting up, and Khytten is out getting some breakfast and fresh air. She’s excited to see you but less mobile than she is normally.”

Brit came around the corner and saw Khytten sitting and looking tremendously uncomfortable. “Good morning, Khytten.”

Khytten shifted and opened her arms for a hug. “Hey, Brit.”

“Hey, Khytten. You are almost to term.”

Khytten grinned. “Yes. Baola and Lyric say that I am going to be seeing the first one by this evening. You look nice. Did you go to the wedding?”

Baola sighed. “Auntie Ylara called her for help, so she hurt herself and went to help. It worked. Auntie Ylara has met her alpha and is nervous but feeling happy.”

Salat came out carrying two mugs, and he handed one to Khytten. “Morning, Brit. Do I need to help with bodies today?”

“No. I was just needing a place to lie low until I can figure stuff out. And don’t mention it to anyone here, as I didn’t get here by standard means.”

He chuckled. “Got it. You are a talking shrub as far as I am concerned. If you need coffee, we keep it inside where Khytten can’t get to it. Fortunately, that just means six feet up now.”

“These babies are coming out, and then, I can have coffee again with Little Salat. That will be nice.”

Brit caressed the belly. Something was going to start soon.

“Yeah, they are plotting against you. Is your second nanny here?”

Salat nodded. His nose twitched. “Brit, do you have a boyfriend?”

She blushed. “Definitely not. I had to pay a debt, and when that was done, I took off.”

Salat smirked. “How did he react to that?”

“No clue. I was a hundred feet up and moving fast.”

“Really? No clue?”

“There might have been a hunting how. Might. Not really sure.”

Salat laughed. “One of Etgar’s friends?”

“Yeah. One of his polo buddies, I think.”

“Big, muzzle, pointy ears?”

She frowned. “Red eyes?”

Salat started snickering. Brit got nervous. “What’s with the giggles?”

The doc came in and touched Khytten’s belly before they exchanged a kiss. “If Salat is chortling, it is rarely good.”

Salat flicked through his com and asked, “Just to make this really funny, did he have this symbol on his person?”

The symbol of a shield with a scythe on it was projected to her com. She thought about it and the cufflinks on his wrists when he gripped her thighs. That symbol had been on the cufflinks.

She knew that symbol. “He’s a reaper?”

Salat was giggling. Giggling. “If he’s black with bronze highlights, you were with Denier. I am guessing you did not exchange names.”

Lyric looked concerned. “Brit? What happened?”

“Ylara was in heat, so she called Sabine and me to help. So we did. We broke down the group of alphas and divided them. Then I ran away. Well, flew away.”

Salat nodded. “Oh, yeah, that wouldn’t wake up every hunting instinct he has.”

“What wouldn’t have woken him up?”

Salat shrugged. “I dunno. I am guessing that I know what payment he demanded. He’s famous for that one at the BDC resort.”

“Oh, so he does it a lot.”

“That is how he gains pleasure. He gives it first and then consumes it.”

She chuckled. “That seems to be how things went down.”

Baola was sitting with her mother’s hands over her ears.

“You weren’t wearing another body at the time?” Khytten sipped at her tea.

“I wore Ylara to draw him away, but it was just light contact, and it wore off quickly. I even explained to him what I had done and why. She gets to choose; she doesn’t get to be hunted.”

Salat chuckled. “What about you?”

Brit shrugged. “I get to hide. I pulled the tracker out of my heel, so I am going to end up arrested if I go home. I just need a few hours to create a game plan and figure out where to go.” She smiled. “And coffee. I definitely need coffee.”

Household staff started coming out with breakfast and adapted easily to the extra mouth. When her favourite chocolate croissant was set in front of her, she realized that her arrival might not be unexpected at all.

Baola cuddled next to her and grinned. “Breakfast time, Auntie. You can plan to run later.”

Khytten grinned, and she picked up her com, typing quickly. “I just had a thought. Tirra is going to come by later, and she might be able to give you a job. You have dual citizenship, so we just need to report you to customs and border patrol. You can work as a standard member of resort staff.”

Baola and Lyric said, “No.”

Everyone turned to stare at them, but when she felt a presence behind her, Lyric put her hands over her daughter’s ears as Brittany muttered, “Fuck me.”

Salat exploded in laughter and went to greet the newcomer.

Chapter Two

Salat was doing one of those combat brother-type hugs, and they were laughing together.

Brit grabbed her vials and watched.

Khytten murmured, “Just wait for it.”

Salat looked at him innocently. “So, Denier, what brings you here?”

“You can’t guess? I followed a bunny who hopped through the forest.”

“No bunnies here. Just Khytten, the babies, her birth daughter, and her birth daughter’s mother and aunt.”

Brit kept her eyes forward and on her coffee while everyone was staring at the newcomer.

Lyric blinked. “Brit, you... ah... with that?”

“No. I paid for a healing. I just forgot to ask the rate first.” Her cheeks were pink, and her thighs clenched together. “I won’t make that mistake again.”

Khytten chuckled. “It just takes the once, and you are stuck.” She patted her belly. “This was my price, and when we were ready, I paid it. And then, the twit blissed me out, and now, there are three little folks waiting to see the world.”

“I am paid in full.”

Baola stared at him. “Is his activation a dog?”

Lyric murmured, “What do your senses tell you?”

“He’s a person who changed, like Salat or the doctor.” Baola beamed. “Or like Mr. Etgar. Does he have a tail?”

Brit swallowed. “I have no idea.”

Salat and Denier were close. Denier inclined his head toward Baola. “I do not have a tail, just really big ears.”

She looked at him and smiled. “Your eyes are pretty and gold. Auntie said they were red.”

“They change when I am hungry.”

“Oh, so you ate something?”

He glanced at Brit and then nodded again. “Yes.”

Brit went pinker.

She grabbed her cup and said, “I am going to get some more coffee.”

She headed for the kitchen, walking rapidly past Salat and his good buddy.

She got a cup of coffee and tried to loiter out of the way while the housekeeper continued making items for breakfast while the cleaning unit whirred away.

She jolted when Denier arrived in the kitchen. She edged around him and kept an eye on the exit when he said, “If you want your shoes, they are in my suit jacket.”

She paused. “What about my underwear?”

“Oh, that’s mine. It’s how I can track you, after all.”

Her coffee wobbled and splashed on her feet. “Clever.”

She sighed and returned to the kitchen, getting some towels and cleaning the coffee.

“Did you burn your feet?” Denier lifted her by her arms.

“No. They are fine.” They weren’t fine. They would blister, but she wouldn’t open that particular door again.

She rinsed out the cloths and then dropped them in the hamper before getting herself more coffee. Denier was watching her the whole time.

Pain radiated from the top of her foot and her toes. She sighed. If she didn’t get healing for it, it was going to infected, which would suck, but she wouldn’t ask him for help again. As it was, she didn’t know why he was here now unless it was over her running.

She went back to her spot at the table and finished her croissant. Baola leaned against her as she often did.

Brit stroked her niece’s hair and kissed her forehead. “Didn’t you get much sleep?”

“I woke up early. I knew you were coming but not when.”

“Oh, I was waiting to return to myself before I asked to come in. So when I felt the change, I contacted Salat, and he let me in and kept the security systems from exploding me. Once was enough.”

Salat chuckled. Khytten smacked him. He kissed her hand.

Brit grinned. Khytten leaned forward and grabbed her fruit salad. Her face got distant, and she said, “Uh-oh.”

Baola laughed. “It’s showtime.”

Salat looked frightened, and Lyric got up and went into the house to get Tigel.

Denier blinked. “She’s having the babies now?”

Brit nodded. “She is. Well, it has started. Contractions are moving along, and she is feeling things moving and lining up for the exit.”

Khytten looked at her with a calculating air. “You seem to know all about this.”

Baola grinned. “She was a doula. She was with a dozen young moms while she was volunteering at the hospital, and then she took courses and stuff. She helped them bring their babies into the world.”

Khytten grinned. “Why didn’t I know that?”

“The shapeshifting is a showstopper. I can watch the babies while Tigel does his thing.”

Khytten grimaced. “I would rather have you with me. Salat’s family is going to rush in while this is happening, but I want someone with their eyes on me.”

Lyric returned and nodded. “Baola and I will take on the twins. You manage the triplets.”

Denier frowned. “What can I do?”

Everyone was silent until Brit said, “Keep everybody fed. Things are going to get crazy, and even with the best of focus, time is going to get away from us. Nothing with cruciferous vegetables. The new babies won’t thank you.”

Denier chuckled. “I will also wrangle Salat when necessary.”

Khytten nodded. “Good. He gets fussy. Maybe you could see if there is any agent contract he could take on for a few hours. Killing people is the easiest distraction. It might keep him calm.”

Denier chuckled. “I can pull him out for ten minutes or so at a time. Just call for me, and I will haul him out.”

Salat growled at him, and Denier growled back, and then Khytten whimpered, and there was a splash. She was moving forward with the delivery. No one tried to stop Khytten when she had her mind set on something.

Things were going quickly, and Tirra was there to cheer her on, her own belly rounded.

Khytten wanted Salat in every fifteen minutes so she could ask him what he wasn’t going to do again.

“Three babies at once, Khytten.”

“Good. Now give me a kiss and get down there next to Tigel. The first one is on the way.”

Tigel got himself ready and caught the first baby as it emerged. A perfect, pink little girl.

Outside the room, Baola hooted. “I have a sister!”

Salat took the tiny, waving little girl as she purred her entry into the world.

Brit got up and put her hand on his shoulder. “Start wrapping her up, tie off the umbilical cord, and cut it, right here.”

A minute later and he had the wee one with him when he presented their daughter to Khytten.

She was crying and smiling, and everyone was happy when the next little one began to make its exit.

Little boy, then little girl, and their father held them all.

Brit was smiling, and the children were taken from Khytten while doctor Torene did the bulk of the healing for her. When the doctor finished her work with her palms on Khytten’s belly, she kissed her patient, and Khytten smiled.

All of the babies had had their first meal and were in little blankets made by Vallu.

Brit finished changing the sheets, and she helped Khytten back into bed. The pillows were propped up behind her back, and Tigel came back in and ran an ultrasound over her belly. “All is looking good, Khytten.”

She smiled and lay back. “Bring my family in. I want them all.”

Torene grinned and was going to leave, but Brit grabbed her and said, “You stay here, Doc. You are family.”

Khytten grinned. “Yeah.”

Brit came out and sent in Salat, the babies, Lyric, Baola, and the twins. “Go. She wants her family around her.”

When they were all in there, Brit exhaled and rubbed her lower back. Her dress was trashed. She would have to ask Lyric for something to wear.

She got a cup of coffee and walked outside to enjoy the dark sky and starlight.

Denier was sitting in a lounger, and he said, “That took a while.”

“That was short for that many babies.”

“You smell like blood.”

“Good. I am wearing it. Nice to know your reaper senses are keen.” She stumbled over to the table and sat there with her coffee held between her hands. She sipped at the coffee, and then, she bent her head to the table and rested.

She was dozing in and out of consciousness when there was a jacket tucked over her shoulders. She was suddenly warm, and there was no stopping her then. She was out.

She rubbed her eyes, and a warm cup of coffee was in front of her. Brit looked around and came face to face with Denier. “Oh. Geez.”

His expression took on amusement. “Are you registered with the BDC?”

“No. I had a tracker in my heel, so that was considered a little indiscrete. I went through my training and then had to bow out. I was a security risk.” She blinked.

“So, you are not registered with the BDC?”

“No. I have been a tagged shapeshifter of Capitol City.” She took the cup of coffee and sipped at it. She took two sips and then tilted her head back to empty the cup.

“Did you bring that?”

He inclined his head. “I did.”

“Thank you.” She sat up, and she was engulfed in his evening jacket. “Um.” She removed his jacket and handed it back to him. “Thanks for that as well.”

His eyes were still the soft gold that she had seen the previous day, so hunger wasn’t going to motivate him. “You are welcome. I will consider what the price of my generosity was.”

She paused. “I didn’t ask for it.”

“There are prices for everything in this world. I make sure that people pay.”

“Wait. Are you going to kill me because you put a jacket over me?”

His eyes widened. “No! Why would you think that?”

“Because you are a reaper. You kill for a living.”

He shrugged. “It is just what I am good at.”

Brit slumped in relief. “I should go find a guestroom. I can’t deal with this right now.”

He helped her to her feet. “I will show you the way. Salat told me where I was going.”

She wasn’t about to balk at that. She wasn’t very steady.

He kept an arm around her waist as he walked her into the house. “Why are your feet wrapped?”

“No reason. Torene said she would take care of it when the babies were here.”

“So, no reason, but you need a pain healer to take care of it?”

“Yup.”

He sighed. “I will heal you without a promise of reward.”

“I don’t want to impose. And you don’t have a foot fetish, so it isn’t any fun for you.” She grunted. “Plus, I really need a shower.”

“Fine. When you have your shower, knock on my door, and I will help you.”

“With nothing requested in return?”

“Correct.” Denier chuckled.

“Then, I will say yes?” She wasn’t sure, but he continued to lead her toward a guestroom she had been in before.

“I am in the next room down the hall. Knock on the door when you wish the healing.”

“Okay. I might fall asleep in the shower.”

“I will listen for the thud.”

She smiled and headed into the guestroom with a robe draped across the foot of the bed. The bed looked so tempting, but she went to the shower, washed her dress in the tub, drained it, and hung it up. It still had blood on it, but it didn’t smell anymore. The shower was delightful. Her hair felt clean again. She even plucked out a few leaves.

Out of the shower, she found the nail scissors and cut off the cotton gauze and medical tape. After that, she sat on the edge of the tub and rinsed the white fibres off her feet. That hurt like hell, but she cleaned her feet.

She finished drying off and brushing her hair, then put the wide-shouldered robe on and tied the sash tightly. She was exhausted, but before she could change her mind, she went to his room and knocked on his door. It opened in under five seconds, and he growled at her.

“Should I go?”

He shook his head and held out his hand to her. She put her hand in his, and he eased her into his room. He coaxed her into sitting on his bed, knelt beside her, and looked at her feet.

“You should have said something.”

“I had stuff to do. I didn’t have time to play footsie.”

He snorted, huffed, and leaned forward, starting to lick softly. The moist flicks and soft sounds had an effect on her. She swallowed and sat watching his huge head move over her feet while she got turned on.

It took him quite a few minutes to enact the healing, and when he lifted his head, she had her legs clamped tightly together with a blush on her cheeks.

She slowly pulled her feet away from him, and he growled lightly. She kept moving them anyway, and she pivoted her legs around him so she could put her feet over the edge of the bed. “Thank you very much for the healing.”

The robe was trapped under him, and there was no moving it. “Um. Denier, would you shift off my robe, please?”

He slowly turned toward her, and his eyes were red.

“Oh, no.”

“I will let you return to your room if you allow me to taste you again. I will even carry you there if you need help.”

She blinked. “The option is to have me sprint out of here naked.”

He grinned, showing a lot of teeth. “Oh, yeah, that is an option. I forgot.”

She swallowed. “Do you normally get hungry this fast?”

He huffed. “No. When I tasted you, I thought I would be sated for days, but your scent makes me hungry.”

She blinked. “Scent?”

“Yes, there is something in your scent that calls to me. I need to answer you.” His sharp canine features were lit by the glow in his eyes.

She shivered. He stroked the outer curve of her right thigh. She bit her lip and asked, “What time is it?”

“Five-thirty.” He chuckled. “Are you on the clock?”

“Baola wakes up at seven, and I need to be in my bed by then.”

He chuckled. “That can be done. Let’s get that done right now, and then, you won’t have to worry.”

Before she could answer, he had her in his arms and moved her to her guestroom. He was quick.

She was on her back on her bed in seconds, and he was licking and nipping at her throat with a high whine. He was excited.

She touched the side of his face as he nipped her neck, and she started to arch and writhe slowly against him as her neck and breasts lit a fire in her. She glanced down, and her robe was splayed wide open. “Um, what’s going on here?”

“I pulled the sash, and the robe opened. It is amazing how fabric can reveal and conceal in moments. You are lovely.”

She blushed. “You don’t have to pretend you are on a date. I am not an escort.”

“You don’t believe me?”

“My body changes frequently. I am not that attached to it.”

He paused. “I had not thought of that.”

She saw something in his expression change. Brit swallowed as he got more intent and dragged his tongue across her breasts.

She held her breath and moaned as he lifted her toward his muzzle. She bent one knee, and he paused, sniffing the air. He licked his way down her until he was below her navel, parted her thighs, and dove between her thighs until the moans got louder, and she arched against him and screamed with her hand over her mouth. He started over again and then one more time. When he lifted his head, his eyes were lazy gold. He licked at her mouth, and she started to move her head against his. It took a bit of effort to kiss a muzzle, but when their tongues tangled and she cupped his jaw, he growled happily.

His hips were pressing against her inner thigh, and his erection was throbbing.

He licked at her mouth again and backed away. “It’s nearly seven. See you for breakfast?”

She pulled her robe together when he walked toward the door. He had already gotten a good look at her. She tied the robe and made sure the door was closed behind him. She grappled with the attraction she had for him when she crawled back into bed. She had dozed off when Baola snuck in, and she was wrapped in her niece’s arms and her quilt a moment later.

“Hey, sweety.”

“You smell different, Auntie.”

She covered a yawn. “I was snuggling with Denier. He kept me company and kept me warm while I was outside.”

“Like Khytten and Salat?”

“A little, but we are not serious.”

“He looks at you seriously.”

“What do you see, mix?”

Baola chuckled. “I get to call him uncle, but he makes you cry a bit.”

“Oh, delightful.”

“Everybody cries some time, Auntie.”

“He also makes you really mad.”

“That I feel is very likely.”

They fell asleep with their foreheads touching.

Lyric woke them up for breakfast, and she had clothes tucked under her arm. “Here you go, time for breakfast. More croissants and plenty of coffee. Khytten is off the wagon, and she doesn’t care how long the babies are up tonight. She wants some damned coffee.”

Baola smiled. “In Little Salat.”

Brit pushed herself to sitting, and her robe was off her shoulders.

Lyric chuckled. “I see that Denier has been keeping you company.”

Brit grabbed at her neck. “He didn’t?”

Baola looked at her. “You have red marks on your neck.”

“Great. Out. I will see you in a few minutes after I get my hair under control and put some pants on.”

Baola and Lyric called out, “Pants!”

They all giggled, and Brit went to get dressed and wipe herself down. She put on the underwear, jeans, and sweatshirt, happy that the neckline was high enough to cover the markings he had put on her neck.

Time for breakfast.

Chapter Three

Brit sat in the hoodie, ate her pastry, and drank her coffee. Denier’s eyes kept flicking to her, and he scowled.

The twins and triplets were outside with the family, and the backup nanny was now on duty, working with Khytten and Salat to keep the adopted twins happy while Tigel worked with the babies.

Ressin seemed to be very good with the little ones.

Salat looked between her and Denier, and he grinned.

Baola frowned. “Why is Mr. Denier upset?”

Denier snorted. “I do not like to see your aunt in jeans and sweats.”

Salat snickered. “Those old-fashioned attitudes are to be expected of your family.”

Brit shrugged. “I wear what’s available. This was available. Thanks again, Lyric.”

“No problem.”

Khytten smiled. “I would have offered some of my stuff, but it’s pretty customized.”

Denier decided to change the topic. “You two don’t look like sisters. You and Lyric.”

Tirra and Gorith came back, and Tirra squealed softly when she saw the wide bassinet with the babies. Brit looked at Khytten and watched for signs of stress, but she had this. She was a champion wet nurse, excelled at mothering, and was not showing signs of nervousness.

Denier looked at her, and she recalled the question.

“Oh, I am adopted. Lyric is adopted. Ylara is adopted.”

Baola grinned and jacked her hand in the air. “I am adopted.”

He blinked. “You are all actives.”

“Correct.”

Lyric laughed. “And all omegas.”

Denier’s head focused on Brit with intensity. “You don’t smell like an omega.”

Lyric got some scrambled eggs for Baola. “That was the first thing she learned to control. She was an early riser, and the males her mother brought home went a little crazy around her. She had to defend herself, and her mother handed her over to the system.” She smiled. “She was a member of the family in under two years, and I got another sister.”

Brit smiled and got the salt, pepper, and butter for Baola. She kissed her niece’s head. “And then, a few years later, I got a niece via the same process.”

Khytten sighed. “Brit killed a man.”

The room went quiet. Denier cocked his head. “How?”

Brit grinned. “He beat himself to death. So, right now, I am just waiting for the peacekeepers to show up trying to put me back into monitored custody.”

Denier frowned. “How old were you?”

“Eleven.”

His eyes blazed white. “Eleven?”

Baola nodded. “Younger than me.”

Salat looked grim, and Khytten was murderous.

Brit held out her hands. “Chill. It was sixteen years ago.”

Denier growled. “Was there any other fallout?”

“Well, I met my first reaper when I was twelve. The biker gang that the guy belonged to sent a reaper to take care of me.”

He stared at her. “So, that’s why you asked me...”

“Yeah. I didn’t know how long a memory was when it came to that kind of thing.”

“Well, they obviously didn’t complete the contract.”

She shrugged. “No, but it is outstanding. Still open.”

His eyes widened, and he checked something on his com. He frowned. “What was your original name?”

“Wells. Bethany Wells.”

His eyes widened, and he nodded. “The contract is still outstanding. We can sort it if you like.”

Salat sat up, “Denier...”

“She will return alive. Probably better dressed. I will take her home first and then sort out the issue, and from there, I will return her home... eventually.”

Brit sipped at her coffee. “I don’t have a home. I have a registry house.”

Khytten gasped. “Stay with us.”

“No. You have enough of a population boom in this house. I don’t want to bring any non-formally dressed reapers to the door.”

Salat grinned. “C’mon. It will be fun, little sis.”

She snorted and nibbled some bacon. “No. You don’t bring trouble home.”

Khytten smiled slyly. “You came here yesterday.”

The bacon formed a lump in her throat. “You are right. I am so sorry.”

Khytten looked stricken in a rush. “I didn’t mean that. You are always welcome.”

“I knew that, and I took advantage. I just had no idea that he could track me.”

Denier huffed and got to his feet, walking around the table toward her. “Come on. Let’s get the contract lifted.”

She got to her feet, and he looked down and shook his head. “Still no shoes?”

She shrugged.

He huffed again and lifted her in his arms. “I can walk, you know.”

He chuckled. “This is easier when we are walking through shadows.”

“Walking through...” She looked at the shadowed doorway, and he walked through, and the world went cold.

She kept her eyes closed as she was suspended in darkness and gasped when light surrounded them.

“What have you brought home, my son?”

She peeped through slitted eyes, and a very elegant and well-dressed woman was rising from a chair.

“She needs a change of clothing, Mother. We have to make an appointment to see the council.”

The woman with golden skin and black hair, whose body exuded a rich scent, stepped up to them. Brit felt a hand on her chin, and her head was lifted. “You can’t walk on your own two feet?”

Denier growled. “I like carrying her.”

His mother leaned back. “Do you? Interesting. Embiana has been asking about you.”

“Good for her. I have found the one I want.”

“You need an omega, baby.”

Brit blinked at that and compared the word to the rock-hard male she was pressed against. Baby?

He slowly set her on her feet, and she looked down at his mother from her five-foot-six.

The woman looked her over, sighed, and plucked at her clothing. “I am sure we can find something. Come with me.”

Brit followed her and removed her clothing when asked. The underclothing was sneered at, and Brit said nothing.

A tube in the wall brought in the clothing as the woman measured. She didn’t introduce herself, and neither did Denier’s mother.

When she was dressed in a very businesslike dress, she opened her braid and did her hair in a flattering twist, using the pins she kept flat against her scalp.

She turned with Denier’s mother and walked out of the room where she had gotten changed.

He glanced at her and nodded. He had changed into an all-black shirt and slacks with a black trench coat. He looked good and serious. “Thank you, Mother. Brit, you look perfect.”

The dress she was wearing had a low collar, was fitted, and trimmed with gold braid at the edges of the long sleeves.

He took her hand and brought it to his muzzle to lick her fingers. His eyes were still amber, but he smiled as he pulled her close. He kissed her again, and she slowly responded.

His mother gasped.

Brit pressed her hands to his chest, and she continued the kiss. It was nice. It was sweet, and if it was the last thing she got to enjoy, she would enjoy it.

She smelled a flicker of freesia and locked it down.

Denier lifted his head, and he cocked his head. “Mom, do you use freesia?”

“No. It’s the wrong season. Why?”

She tried to keep a straight face, but he simply stared at her.

“Brit, is that you?”

She shrugged. “Only when I lose control. It doesn’t happen often.”

She met his gaze. “It isn’t a challenge.”

He huffed and nuzzled her head. “You look very pretty. Too covered up but very pretty.”

His mother scowled. “You said you were seeing the council. They err on the conservative side.”

He chuckled. “Just wishful thinking on my part, Mom.”

“What is?” His mother frowned.

“Just wanting to see her in something lovely, not just respectable.”

“Denier, knock it off.”

He pressed his forehead to hers, and his mother gasped again. “I made an appointment with the council. We can go immediately, and we will be seen within the hour.”

“So, what are the odds that this will work?” She was nervous. Walking into a room full of reapers was not something a sane person did.

“I am confident. No contract issued against a child is considered legitimate.” He wrapped his arm around her waist. “Mates of reapers are also exempt.”

“Den! You can’t be serious!” His mother barked.

“I definitely can. I am pulled to her, and she is pulled to me.”

His mother groaned. “Does she come from a good family, at least?”

“The best. She is Salat’s sister-in-law. More or less.”

His mother blinked. “Well, that’s something. Tell your father before you talk to the council.”

Denier swung Brit into his arms, and he looked at his mother. “I would rather it be a surprise.”

Brit gripped his shoulder and bit her lip. He rubbed his head against hers.

She stroked the thick column of his neck, and he growled in a way she was beginning to recognize.

He chuckled. “Let’s go.”

Brit didn’t have an option, but she pressed her face to his shoulder as he walked through the shadowed archway.

When the light appeared around them, she opened her eyes, and he set her on her feet, taking her hand in his.

“We are going to check-in, and then, we are going to wait.”

“Got it.”

He kissed the back of her hand with a flick of his tongue, and then, they walked through a hall with portraits of reapers doing what they did. Death for profit, but there had to be a purpose to it.

She looked at the ornate desk with the serious older woman sitting behind it.

She beamed when she saw Denier. “My boy. Why are you here? Who is your little friend?”

“I am here to challenge the contract on Bethany Wells, aged eleven.”

“You know that the target has to be here.”

Brit waved. “Hello. I was Bethany Wells.”

The woman looked at her, at Denier holding her hand and pulling her close, and she grinned. “Ah. I see the need for the challenge. Right. Ah, here it is. You are due in in five minutes. Please, have a seat.”

There were some chairs and a small couch nearby, so Denier sat and pulled her onto his lap, cuddling around her. He pried back her collar and nuzzled at her neck. He hit the spot beneath her ear, and a trickle of freesia emerged.

He paused and licked the spot just below her ear again.

She shivered, and the scent started to grow.

By the time the five minutes were up, she was shivering. Her skin felt like it was on fire. The thought of being back in her bed with his head between her thighs was her focus.

“They are ready for you now.”

Those words made Brit feel like locking onto Denier’s lap and staying there until they were satisfied. Instead, she got up, and he smugly took her hand.

The receptionist sniffed and paused, “Is she...”

Denier nodded with a grunt.

“Oh, right. Yeah, go on in.”

Denier’s scent and hers mixed and melded into an earthy spring garden as they walked through a large, ornate door marked with the reaper sigil.

She tried to be calm, but there were five irritated-looking reapers staring at them as they approached the long table. It was the only furniture in the room.

Brit looked at them and tried to stop herself from getting some of Denier’s blood and running through the shadows.

An elegant, silver-haired man sat at the centre of the table. He rapped out, “Denier, what is this about?”

“It has recently come to my attention that sixteen years ago, a contract was issued for Bethany Wells. The contract was issued on an eleven-year-old girl.”

One of the older women flipped through some pages. “The record is that she killed her father. That is a reaper-qualifying offence.”

Denier nudged her.

She stepped forward. “That was my mother’s boyfriend. He was not my father. My father drank himself to death when I was three. My mother collected more and more unsuitable partners until she ended up with a winner who decided that since I was an early activator, that meant I was grown enough for sex. When I defended myself, I killed him.”

A man with inky black hair at the end of the table said, “How did you kill him?”

“I beat him to death with his own body, but I would not have been able to do it without his help.”

The dark-haired man rapped out, “Explain.”

An elegant woman stood up. “I will understand this. Hold still, miss.”

The woman walked around the table, and she smiled at Denier, and then, she squared up with Brit and touched her temples.

The mind-walker spun back to the day of the attack, and she ran through it from start to finish. Then a curious expression took over her features, and she spun to that day. Seeing her on a bed with Denier between her thighs, the woman chuckled. “She is telling the truth. She was attacked as a child and defended herself. The fatality was due to beginning the attack, to begin with.”

The man with the grey hair asked, “How could a child defend herself against an adult?”

“Ah. She’s a blood morph. He tried to silence the child, and she bit him. The transformation occurred shortly after.”

The reapers at the table sat up straight.

“Wait. A blood morph? Prove it.” The dark-haired one on the end growled.

She turned to Denier. “I can do it with saliva, too.”

He leaned his head toward her, and they kissed. She heard surprised sounds from the watchers, and when Denier’s arms started to come around her, she stepped back and turned into him.

She grew the nearly two feet she needed in height, her visual acuity changed, and how she saw the world made her dizzy. She staggered and straightened.

“So, what would you like me to do?”

Denier was stroking his chin. “Use your claws on the edge of the table.”

“For what?”

He whispered in her ear, and she chuckled with his voice.

She carefully carved I heart reapers.

She stepped back and asked, “Anything else?”

The grey-haired man shook his head. “That is enough. Would you care to return to your own form? Two of my grandson is disconcerting.”

She dragged in a deep breath, forcing the reduction back to her own form. She swayed a little, and Denier caught her.

“It hurts a little to force my original self. I have to burn out the genetic sample I am working with.” She slumped in Denier’s arms.

The council looked at the large claw etchings and her small hand. The dark-haired man at the corner stated, “Wait in the hall. We will deliberate.”

Denier lifted her up and left the room.

He sat back down on the seat and nuzzled her to comfort her. She blushed as she realized that he could smell her stress. When she had been him for a moment, she had gotten all of his senses. What she had thought was faint freesia was a seductive floral blast.

“I am not that upset. Just a little weak.”

“I am upset. I wanted to murder the dead. If he was still breathing, he would be bleeding out by now.” He continued to rub his cheek and muzzle against her.

She sighed. “I don’t remember much about it. I remember being arrested and my mother screaming, and then, I got small, and the cuffs fell off. That is when it all hit the fan.”

“Do you know who put out the contract?”

“Two options. Either my mom or Paul’s biker buddies.”

“Was he an active?”

“Am I dead?” She smiled and chuckled.

“No. But he could have been a convincer.”

She wrapped her hands around his muzzle. “He wasn’t. He was a human. He was a piece of shit. I killed him. Someone is trying to kill me. Sums it up.”

He blinked, and she let him go. “Sorry, Denier. You are trying to be helpful. That was rude.”

He chuckled. “It’s fine. No one dares to grab my muzzle. It definitely got my attention.”

He carefully pried her dress from her neck and started to lick her as he growled softly.

She shivered, and she started to get aroused. “Stop that.”

He chuckled and kept doing it.

She growled at him, and he paused, snorted, and kept going.

Brit was slowly relaxing against him as he slid a hand to the inside of her knee when there was a cleared throat, and he lifted his head. She whimpered in disappointment, and he chuckled as he got them back to their feet.

His grandfather was smirking at them and led them back into the council room.

Denier rubbed his thumb across the back of her knuckles. She felt the heavy blush as the council gave her knowing looks.

The councillor with the grey hair smiled. “We are cancelling the contract on Bethany Wells. We find that it was issued without all information being added to the request.”

He paused and then continued. “Provided that you become the mistress to my grandson.”

She reeled and jerked her hand away from Denier’s. “If you wanted to get me to say no, thank you. You have done it.”

The council was shocked, and Denier sighed. “May we have a moment?”

They nodded, and he gently drew her to a place halfway to the door. He crouched down and looked at her. “You don’t understand what you are doing.”

“Did you know they would do this?”

“No, but I would eventually have come to this point on my own. I want you very badly. Reapers do not marry, so a mistress is as close as I could get to a solid relationship. I have a place on Daycross and that is where I would offer you a home. My friends also have places on Daycross, and it is likely that the ladies of your little cabal will end up there as well.”

“Mistress seems so tacky.”

“It means no one will be watching you for children if that makes a difference.” He stroked her cheek.

“What happens if they show up?”

“If they are alphas, they go into training and reaper training afterward.”

“And if they would be girls?”

He chuckled. “They are never girls.”

“Right.” She rubbed her forehead. “Shit. This is a complicated day. I don’t even know you.”

He shrugged. “That comes with time. For now, we have an attraction, and I would enjoy being there to watch you explore it.”

“What happens when you tire of me and look for another mistress?”

“In the unlikely event of that occurrence, you would be paid off and given a home in a safe country, like Daycross, and be provided with enough income to last your lifetime.”

She looked at him seriously. “Would you cheat on me? Hurt me? Verbally abuse me?”

He blinked, astonished. “No.”

“Would you put that in writing, and would the council enforce the contract?”

He cocked his head. “Yes, to both.”

His grandfather nodded and raised his voice. “Absolutely. We can have a contract drawn up in an hour.”

She looked at Denier and cocked her head. “Would you have to kill me if I said no? Even if my original contract was issued under unethical circumstances?”

She turned her head to glare at the reapers.

They had the grace to look abashed.

Denier stood straight. “I want you, Brit. I will be there every day until you go into heat, and when you are, your body will take the choice from you. You are to be my omega, and I will be your alpha, and there is no other option for either of us.”

She looked at his grim expression, and she took his hand. “I know that, you dunce. My niece told me already.”

He blinked. “She did?”

“She did.”

“Why the contract?”

“My birth mother flitted from man to man, trying to fuck her way to security or better drugs. My chosen mother taught me that my worth doesn’t lie between my legs, but that location can be entertaining.” She smiled. “She’s a lawyer, and she also taught all of us to get it in writing. The other two have it from the BDC, but since I don’t have the option of a companion contract through them, I have to get one through them.” She jerked her thumb at the astonished council. “Does that explain things?”

He frowned, his forehead furrowed. “So, you want me?”

She smiled. “Yes.”

He looked at his grandfather. “How long for that contract?”

Brit laughed, high and bright. He smiled and pulled her into his arms.

“Once you are used to me, you are not going to sleep for days.”

Brit chuckled. “It is going to take a while before I am used to you. I am not particularly used to anything. I have been celibate for the last seven years. You are in for a snug fit.”

He chuckled. “I know. I have been testing you since I first started feeding from you. I look forward to getting you to accommodate me, and I dream of the day you can take my knot.”

She blinked. “Wow. I hadn’t thought about that? Is it too late to take my chances with the council?”

The male with black hair came up to them. “Yes, it is. So, you have besotted my son.”

She looked at him and his human features. “Huh. Interesting.”

Denier chuckled. “The Anubis head caught us all by surprise, but I look amazing in a gauze skirt.”

His father snorted. “His costume for harvest festival five years running.”

The idea of him dressing like an ancient god was funny, and she giggled. He hugged her closer.

“I am Echor. My father is Kinier.”

She nodded and extended her hand to him. “Brittany.”

He touched her hand and blinked, then turned it over and ran his thumb down her palm. She winced and pulled her hand back. “Ow.”

He blinked. “Huh. Apologies. Your status as an omega was in doubt, but you are very soft.”

Denier chuckled. “My senses told me what she was the moment her scent flashed past me.”

“Seems like it’s a shame to become a mistress when I haven’t done anything remotely slutty.”

Echor laughed in surprise. Denier took it as a challenge. She was up against the wall, and he was rocking against her in under a minute as the soft lapping at her mouth made her head spin.

With friction and steady movements, he pulled her to an orgasm, and her scent started to spill out of her until they got the notice that the contract was ready.

Chapter Four

Denier went over the contract first, making changes to the standard terms. When he finished, he presented the contract to her.

Brit went through the clauses, and she tried to not stare with an open jaw at the financial side of things. She went to decrease some of the allowances, and Denier reached over her shoulder and changed them back.

She was to dress in a manner that Denier enjoyed. Apparently, that meant wearing money.

She was also required to accompany him to all social events, including visits to family. She scribbled that when requested, he was to join her at her family events, work permitting.

He chuckled as he read over her shoulder. She agreed that he got to name the male children and that if they were alphas, they would be trained as reapers. She added unless they had obvious talents they wished to pursue elsewhere.

He murmured, “What do you mean?”

“If a child is born a healer, I will not torture them by asking them to be a reaper. If a child is born.”

He inclined his head. “Fair enough.” He authorized the change.

She went on to read his personal preferences for grooming, and she chuckled.

Finally, she had to spend one day every two months with his mother or grandmother in the occupation of their choosing.

She grinned and wrote in that every three months, he had to spend a day with her niece for the occupation of her choosing.

He blinked. “You want her to spend time with a reaper?”

Brit chuckled. “Her birth mother’s mate is an assassin. She’s a precog. There isn’t much that can shock her.”

His grandfather frowned. “Who is the assassin?”

She chuckled. “Salat. His mate, Khytten, has a bio daughter who is just becoming active. I already know that my niece calls this one uncle.” She jerked her thumb at Denier.

He whispered in her ear, “You knew?”

“Of course. I would never have gone off with you otherwise.” She spoke softly. “I would never endanger her life for mine.”

The rest were just legal penalties if she broke the contract or if he did.

She signed, got an ocular scan, and left a drop of blood.

She handed the tablet to Denier, and he looked it over, nodded, and handed it to his grandfather. His father looked it over and grinned at the requirements. “You are going to have to frame this in her house.”

“Probably. I think she will need reminding of what she agreed to.”

The council laughed, and she shrugged. “It is far less invasive than the BDC contract.”

They stopped laughing. His grandfather asked, “You are an escort?”

“No. I am a security risk as an escort, plus it opened an opportunity for abuse.”

Denier wrapped his arms around her. “I only want you to be you.”

“You may occasionally get you as well.”

Denier spoke in a cajoling tone. “I can teach you to shadow walk.”

She looked at his grandfather. “You will nullify the contract?”

He nodded. “Of course.” He pulled out another tablet, signed it, and had the rest of the council sign as well. “It’s done. You are free and clear. Anyone attempting to execute the contract will get a sharp shock and possible immolation.”

Denier murmured, “And if I am there when they are trying, they get to bleed out as I chew their head off.”

She caressed his neck. “I have more hopes for those jaws of yours.”

He looked at her in surprise, then chuckled. “On that note, I think you should see your new home. It will be staffed in a day or two, but until then, we will have it all to ourselves.”

She looked up at him, and she had one stipulation. “We have to stop in Aksalla first, so they can see I am all right.”

He nuzzled her neck. “Ten minutes and no more. Sex might not be recommended, but a chance to learn all of you is definitely in my plans.”

She lifted her com and tapped a message in. “Let’s go.”

He lifted her in his arms and swept her through the nearest shadowed corner. They appeared in the guestroom closet.

A giggle was heard from the other side of the door.

When he set her down and they exited, Baola hugged her. She had been waiting. “I am glad you are okay, Auntie.”

Brit hugged her.

“You finally smell pretty. Good. Uncle is going to take good care of you. It will be fun to have two reapers in the family.”

Denier growled. “What?”

Baola let out peals of laughter. “Salat said that would give you a heart attack. I am just joking, Uncle.”

Baola looked at Brit and did one of her quick winks. Brit’s niece took their hands and pulled them out of the bedroom, pausing to give Brit her cleaned dress. “It isn’t much, but it’s fixed and cleaned. You are hard on clothes, Auntie.”

Denier allowed himself to be hauled to the main floor and out to where the family was chatting. Brit was smiling softly.

Khytten was back in a soft sundress that fit and fluttered around her. Tirra held two of the triplets, and Gorith had the other one. Salat was rubbing his mate’s feet.

He glanced up with a grin. “So, no more contract on you, Brit?”

“Uh, well, one was replaced for another. I have a mistress contract.”

Khytten grinned. “Neat. Are there breeding stipulations?”

“More of an if, rather than a when.” Brit smiled.

Khytten smiled at Denier. “I knew I liked you.”

He inclined his head. “Thank you. She wanted to come here to engage in proof of life.”

Salat chuckled. “Looks like your mother dressed her for an interview as your housekeeper.”

Brit sighed. “No one in that family is a fan of jeans on females.”

Denier leaned down and whispered. “I like to be able to get at you.”

Khytten chuckled. “I am just amazed that you were able to be among the Sethir-Nin and not get trapped.”

Brit slowly turned to Denier. “Where was the reaper headquarters?”

He nuzzled her cheek. “Four minutes left.”

Baola scowled. “Until what?”

“Um, part of my promise was that I would stay with Denier, and he has a place on Daycross, so that will be my home. I can’t go back to the capitol because I tore out my tracker, and I don’t have a job in Aksalla, so I need a place to be safe and protected for a while.”

Baola came up to her and hugged her. She pulled Brit down and whispered in her ear, smiling brightly. “Just if you want to know. Can I come to visit you on Thursdays when Lii comes?”

“Of course, mix. By then, I will let Vallu know where I am, and she can bring you.”

Denier murmured, “Or I can come to get you and bring you to your auntie.”

Baola beamed.

“Give your mom a hug for me. And your other mom. And the babies and the other babies. Tirra and Gorith are on their own, and Doc Torene, it was pleasant meeting you again.”

Everyone nodded, and Denier murmured, “Time’s up.” He lifted her and walked back to the shadows. Everyone watched them as he stepped into the shadow of the doorway and disappeared.

She held tight to him, and when she opened her eyes, they were walking out of a dim room and into a brilliantly lit bedroom.

Brit looked at the space. “It’s so pretty.”

“Thank you. I had it decorated for me, but you are welcome to remake all the spaces as you like.”

He walked to the window, and she saw the cliff that dropped out to the open water. It was an amazing view.

“You can put me down.” She kicked her legs.

“I don’t want to. I still can’t believe you agreed to be with me.”

She looked up at him. “Why not? You get escorts to accept dates all the time.”

He chuckled. “Not all the time. Just a few times. Just to take care of the hunger.”

“Does it often rise?”

“Around you? It is constant.”

“How does that work?”

“When my grandfather met my grandmother, his hunger kicked in, and he stole her and kept her until they could both breathe again, and then, he offered to take her home. She insisted that he did, and she called him back six weeks later. My father was on the way.”

She snorted. “That would do it.”

“So, my grandmother wasn’t an enthusiastic partner, but she had my father and lived to the age of eighty-four.”

“And how did your mother get involved?”

“She traded herself for her brother’s safety. He had a contract out on him for an extreme amount of violent theft, and my father was assigned to execute him.”

“He took the trade.”

“He claims he tested the goods first, but my mother says he just kissed her.”

Brit chuckled. “Technically, you just tasted me, so I can see how that would work as a pretty good barometer.”

He carried her to the bed, and his eyes were glowing red. He set her down next to it. “That is an interesting way of looking at it. I am interested in feeling that again.”

She chuckled. “Can I play escort? It might help me get through the awkwardness.”

He crouched. “Are you worried about me throwing myself on you?”

“No. I haven’t been with a male or female in a few years. So, pretending that I am someone else might be helpful.”

He caressed her cheek. “No. No pretending. I contracted with you, not for you. You signed the same document.”

She swallowed and nodded. “I did.”

He reached behind her and unzipped the dress. When the collar opened and he slid the dress down her shoulders, he nipped and licked at her neck.

She held his head as he tasted each side of her neck. He suddenly gripped her neck in his jaws, and she whimpered and went limp in his grasp. He growled in approval and caught her. The dress slipped to the floor.

Heat spun out from the aching pressure, and her body began to twist with soft excitement.

He lifted her and settled her on the bed, releasing her throat and chuckling. “Ah, there is nothing like an omega.”

She caught her scent, and it was thick. It was embarrassing, but he continued to tease and stroke her.

Brit was still wearing the lingerie, but he pulled her shoes off. To her surprise, he tickled her feet. She giggled and jerked away from him, but he grabbed each of her ankles and pulled them wide, stepping between them. Her giggles faded quickly.

She gasped as he leaned over her and nuzzled her neck.

His voice was deep. “You have no idea how happy I am that you agreed to stay with me.”

She smiled wryly. “Of course, I don’t. You are still wearing all your clothing, and your eyes are already red.”

He paused.

“You are still wearing your leather trench coat, shirt, belt, trousers, and shoes. Fully clothed. I don’t even know if you have any embarrassing tattoos. I really want to get used to your body, but I don’t know where you are hiding it.”

He chuckled. “That is a fair point. Just a moment.”

He stood up, walked to a chair across the room, and not only put her dress on the chair, but his jacket, then his shirt, and she rolled to one side to watch his hands on his belt. He kicked off his shoes, and she stifled her groan. “If you fold your socks right now, I might kill you.”

He chuckled and returned to her. “When you want the trousers off, tell me to take them off.”

She smiled and bit her lip. “Okay.”

He joined her on the bed and lay back with one arm extended to her. She took the hint and climbed over to him, cuddling against him. His body was warm, he smelled great, and his hand against her skin made her snuggle in closer.

He let out a low, shuddering sigh. “I haven’t slept since we first met.”

She looked up at him. “Why not?”

“If I slept, you might get further away. I needed to keep you close so the tracking would work.”

“Tracking?”

He ruffled his hair. “I kept your underwear. It is easy to track you with it.”

“That’s kinda creepy.”

“The fact that they look like an adolescent girl’s underwear? Yes. I just need a better scent marker for me to follow. I will get you something pretty.” He chuckled.

“You are obsessed with pretty things.”

“My mother’s influence. She told me that ladies prefer to have pretty clothing and silky things. Comfortable clothing has never been mentioned.”

“Well, in my family, we take comfort over style any day. Since I can change into anything and anyone. What they are wearing becomes my skin.”

“How does that work?”

“Stretching limbs and holographic projection. I have filaments in my body hair that split and show people what they expect to see. My body extends and stretches, and my brain rearranges to gain the activation that I have ingested.”

Her fingers were trailing over the hard muscles of his torso, the same silken black as the rest of him. She pressed her lips to his skin, and she licked lightly. It was like licking leather, but it tasted infinitely better.

She got a chance to nuzzle his neck for a change, and he growled softly. She chuckled and nibbled and licked her way from side to side, which meant she had to sprawl over his chest.

His hands gripped her waist as she got used to the taste of him. He guided her hips lower, and Brit was soon over his hips and settling against an intriguing heat. She rocked herself against him while nipping at his chest, and he growled again. She giggled and gasped when his hand pressed her more firmly against his erection.

“You know, little flower, I think when I do get inside you, my head might just explode.”

She murmured against his chest. “Oh, that sounds like fun. Can I watch?”

“I will definitely want to be looking into your eyes when that happens.”

He kept his hand on her lower back and slid his fingers against the lace panties. His long digits worked against her and slipped under the lace. She gasped and whined softly as he coaxed her hips to continue their rocking.

She pressed her forehead to his chest, and he nipped at her shoulders. She whined. “Denier.”

He shuddered and slid two fingers into her, and she tensed and whined as her body clenched on the invaders. The orgasm was light, and she looked at Denier. His eyes were still crimson. This hadn’t done it for him.

She sighed. “Sorry. It wasn’t enough for you.”

He chuckled. “It was an excellent appetizer. May I continue with what you have started?”

“Sure. Let me know if you want my help.”

“Oh, I will need your help. This doesn’t work without you.”

His hands were away from her lower half, and he caressed her back, the bra loosened, and she blushed. The air around them got heavier with her scent.

He didn’t mock her, didn’t comment on her liking him taking charge. She had to be in charge of so many things in her life that someone volunteering to take care of things, to take care of her, held a huge attraction. She might get tired of being protected, but for now, when he slipped the bra off and rolled her to her back, she thought that she would just let him have as much control as he wanted. She was the winner either way.

Brit looked up at him before he carefully brushed her hair up and out of the way. The kiss was becoming second nature.

She sighed and stroked his sides, his back, the dip that led to his butt, and then she dragged her nails upward, squirming against him.

Her hands got frantic, he slid his hand between them, and she arched when he got his fingers inside her. The underwear restricted his movements, and she moved her head from his. “Take them off, please.”

He removed his fingers, took her panties off with a smooth stroke from hip to ankle and then he removed his trousers. She realized that he was waiting to make her ask, and she had. He was trickier than he looked.

She sat up and cocked her head. “Is that gold banding?”

He ducked his head a little. “It is. I have been told it feels good.”

Brit beckoned to him. “Let’s see if I agree... and how far we can get.”

A grin came to his eyes. “I am not going to push it. Familiarity is worth waiting for.”

She chuckled, and he returned to her, carefully laying over her. Her thighs parted to make room for him, and they settled together with the heavy, hard, pulsing weight of him against her and her limbs wrapping around his body.

He groaned and whined softly. “You feel so good. How can you feel this good?”

She locked her legs around him. “I would say the same. You feel... perfect.”

He didn’t respond, just licked his way down her body, dislodging her grip but settling between her thighs.

His tongue started licking, and she whined and twisted, rapidly climbing to an orgasm, and then... he held her there. Her body was on fire, she twisted against him, but he held her there with his tongue keeping her cumming while she gasped and groaned.

She was limp, and her body was still twitching and fluttering when he eased into her. Brit stared up at his golden eyes, and when she smiled, red flared through them.

His narrow-headed cock eased into her. There was pressure and then a release, and she started to understand what the rings were for. The next one was tighter, and she whimpered. Then it slipped in, and the tension eased. She gasped. “No more.”

“You’ve done good, Brit.” He nuzzled her and licked her cheek. “I will wait until you say I can move.”

She swallowed. “Don’t wait for me. Just go slow.”

He looked surprised. “Really?”

“Yeah, because if you are waiting until I say you can move, you will drop your weight onto me, I will tell you to move, and then, I will get fucked through the headboard.”

He started laughing, and she arched at the bit of movement inside her.

He licked and nipped at her neck as he began to slowly thrust in and out, the thick bands rubbing and catching on the way out before stimulating and nudging on the way in.

She was panting by the third thrust. Her nipples felt hard as diamonds as they rubbed against his chest. She dug her nails into his back, and by the sixth thrust, she was on the edge of another orgasm. When he pulled out slowly, she trembled, and when he eased inexorably back into her, she screamed, and he groaned a moment later. She felt heat spill into her, and her body started to analyze it.

She bit his shoulder, and he laughed. It wasn’t just blood and saliva that had enough DNA to make her change. Semen was an option. It did feel different, though. She would have to test it out when she had some alone time. She liked to try out a new shape in privacy, and this didn’t feel like the copy of Denier she had done before.

The new shape that her body was memorizing was something new. It wasn’t weird, just new, and she looked forward to finding out what it was. It felt fun.

Chapter Five

He licked the sweat on her temples and forehead. “My gorgeous little Brit. You did really well.”

She chuckled. “You didn’t get very far.”

“I got far enough. If you were receptive and we did that...” As he spoke, he got thicker and wider inside her.

“What is it with alphas and breeding?”

“We are creatures of instinct. Fighting and fucking are the most basic of these.”

She pressed her lips to the bite mark on his shoulder. “I don’t want to fight you. I only do that under duress. Or when I am turned into Vallu. That lady likes to throw a punch.”

Brit stroked his arms, the cabled muscles of his shoulders, and the deep groove in his back. “How did you adapt to your activation?”

“It surprised the family and the reapers. For a while, I was a type of mascot until I proved that the lineage went beyond the aspect of a death god.”

“I am an atheist. Is that a problem?”

He laughed. “How about I worship you, and we call it good?”

She wiggled under him. “I like that idea.”

He sighed. “What is your cycle like? Sorry, I could not think of a good way to ask.”

“I tend to shift genders, and that stops them. I haven’t ever let a heat run its course.”

“When was the last time you stopped one?”

“Six or seven months ago.”

“Do you and your siblings ever set each other off?” He rubbed his cheek against hers.

“It happens.” She paused as she realized that Ylara was usually the one to start things. Oh shit. “Why are you asking?”

“If you do start, would you trust me to get you through it?” He leaned up on his arms, looking down at her with golden eyes that were turning red again.

“I... have no idea what it would entail. My sisters all did a lot of moaning and screaming.” She frowned. “And all the snack food disappeared.”

“I promise to make sure there are plenty of snacks.” He chuckled. “I will even rub your back. Possibly your feet.”

“What is it with you and feet?” She snickered.

“You have delightfully dainty feet. I think they are adorable.” He licked his muzzle.

“Um. That wouldn’t be odd if you were a patron, but as you are... what are you to me?”

“Lover, protector, partner. We may evolve into many more things.” He slowly started moving his hips.

She felt the bands and swallowed. “How many of those bands are there?”

“Four and the knot.” He moved slowly, carefully.

The sensation made her arch, and her eyes rolled in her head. She whined softly, and he bit her neck. She clenched around him. He growled and slowly moved past the tension with a groan.

He released her neck and licked it as he groaned and went a little deeper. She shuddered and held him as he eased in a little more, and another band slipped into her, and then, the knot was pressing against her.

“Don’t you fucking dare.”

He chuckled. “This is further than I hoped we would get.”

He slowly withdrew and then surged inside. She screamed and started twitching as her orgasm hit her. He withdrew and pushed in against her pulsing sheath. She arched and whined as he continued the push and pull until he pressed against her and grunted. She felt the heat rush into her, and his eyes went gold again.

Brit looked at him as he braced himself on his elbows above her. The bulge of his knot was against her, and he pressed lightly against her.

She flicked the tip of his nose. “No knot. Not today.”

He looked at her in astonishment. “Did you just flick my nose?”

Brit looked at him innocently. “I had to. They have stopped printing newspapers.”

He growled and rolled so she was on top of him. Gravity pressed her onto the knot, and she squeaked as she fought to remain separate.

“Don’t mock me, mate.” He gripped her hips. He pulled her down.

“Ow, ow, ow.” She winced and pushed hard on his belly to keep herself from sinking on him.

He sighed and relaxed, lifting her away from him.

“Sorry, Brit, I got carried away.”

She looked at him, and her lower lip wobbled. She turned her head away.

He sniffed. “Is that blood?”

She felt a tear track down her cheek.

He moved to the foot of the bed and parted her thighs, fighting her. “Oh, Brit. I am sorry. I am just going to heal it.”

He leaned in and started licking, but it wasn’t to arouse her, the warmth of healing spread, and when he was done, he curled himself around her, holding her close.

“I am sorry for that. I am on the edge of rut, so my control is thin.”

She swallowed. “You could have mentioned that.”

“I thought I had better control, but all I could think about was burying my knot in you.” He held her close and rubbed her thigh with his long, strong fingers.

“It hurt.”

“You aren’t comfortable yet. I rushed things. I am sorry.”

“So glad you figured that out.” She muttered.

“Was it all bad?” He was spooning her, and his hand was caressing her thigh softly.

She was honest with him and herself. “It was fine. Good. Wonderful in spots.”

“And then I became a bully.”

“Yeah. That part I didn’t like.”

“I am sensitive to dog jokes.”

“Noted.” She swallowed and tried to relax against him. “This sounds trite, but I need a nap, and I’m cold.”

He gathered her up and held her while he peeled the covers back. He then tucked her in and smoothed her hair. “I will let you rest and then get some provisions for us. The pantry is fairly empty.”

Brit nodded and snuggled into the bedding. “I will stay here.”

She peeked at him as he got dressed and prepared a plan to make a run for it. Contract or not, that had hurt, and she didn’t want a repeat.

He paused next to her, put his hand on her forehead, and a deep heaviness swept through her. “I don’t want you fretting when I am gone.”

She looked at him, and he smiled sadly. “You think I didn’t notice? No running, Brit. Not when I am so close to rut. Stay here and sleep. I will do better.”

She whined softly as she fell asleep. Asshole.

Brit dreamed of claws and deep cuts to her body. She woke up screaming, with Denier soothing her and trying to calm her down. She looked down, and her skin was whole.

He reached for her, and she scuttled back.

“Brit, what’s wrong?”

“Something is going to claw me up.” She looked at him with wild eyes. She could feel her body coming down from the panic.

“It was a dream.”

She laughed. “Sure. My family is littered with precogs, and this, that was just a dream. I have never had a dream like that not manifest in reality.”

He got her a cup of coffee from a bedside tray. “In that case, tell me about it.”

She blinked when he didn’t tell her she would be fine. “I saw a shadow coming toward me, but it was made of purple. It spoke, but I can’t remember what it said. Then claws lashed out, and it split me open from armpit to ribs across my breasts. Another slash to my waist and the third to my belly. There was blood, pain, and then you woke me.”

She reached for the mug, but her hands trembled violently. The hot liquid stung her fingers.

Denier pulled the mug back and set it down, licking her fingers and removing the sting.

She flexed her fingers when he was done healing her.

“Thanks. Do you have a straw?”

“Here’s a croissant. I will hold your coffee.” He gave her the pastry, lifted her, and sat in her spot against the headboard. “Do you often have dreams like that?”

“The visions? No.” She looked at the light coming in through the window. “How long did you keep me under?”

He made a small sound. “I took longer than I would have liked. About four hours.”

She sighed. “Don’t do that again.”

“I would like to agree, but there may be an instance that it is necessary.”

She grimaced and carefully took the pastry apart on the little ruffled plate he had given her. She took a bite and knew exactly where the pastry had come from. “You went to the shop near the harbour.”

He shrugged. “I asked Etgar. He was pissed but asked Vallu, and she told him what you like best.”

She smiled and relaxed against him. The fact that he was aroused and overlapped her by several inches on all sides wasn’t a concern. She was completely comfortable with him now, as long as they weren’t having sex.

“Brit, do you ever find yourself overrun with slick?”

She choked a little on the pastry. “Occasionally.”

“Under what circumstances?”

“You seriously want to know?”

“Yes, I do.”

“I have to be relaxed, comfortable, secure, and fingers are involved.”

“So, if I asked you to get started...”

“I would say I am finishing my snack first.”

He chuckled and brought the coffee cup to her lips so she could consume her snack.

She nibbled and sipped until the treat was gone and the mug was empty. He set the plate and mug aside.

Brit turned and faced him. He was dressed, and she smiled. “All-black clothes?”

He shrugged. “They match. They blend into the shadows.”

“Do you go on assignments much?”

“Fairly often. I am very good at it.”

She stroked her fingers down his neck. It was wide, cabled, and there was a heavy pulse in his throat. She kissed the side of his muzzle and just appreciated the soft texture.

He remained still, and she slid her fingers between her thighs, circling her clit and breathing him in. That is what she had been missing. His rut was getting nearer, and his scent was something she wanted to get closer to.

As she breathed him in, she felt the slick start the slow trickle out of her. He went rigid under her. His muscles were tense, and she moaned slowly while bracing herself with one hand and bringing herself toward orgasm with the speed of practice.

He carefully slid two fingers into her, and she whined, moving her hips against him.

He hissed. “Where was that slick before?” His fingers moved easily, and he added a third as the thrust and retreat continued.

She whimpered and pressed her head to his neck. “I was nervous, and that wasn’t my favourite position.”

He rubbed his jaw along her temple. “No?”

“You’ll go in easier if you are behind me.” She whimpered as a fourth finger went inside. The squelching sound that was coming from her made her blush. She was stretched, but it caused an ache and not discomfort.

“Will I?”

She nodded.

“How deep will I go?”

She swallowed. “At that point, it’s up to you.”

“Let’s get you ready then. I am going to miss your face.”

“There will be other moments. Other couplings. I need to get used to you, and I guess I have to give up control for that.”

He murmured, “Use those fingers of yours, and I will use mine, and then, we can get started.”

She nodded and rode his hand while her fingers circled her clit. She moaned, and her hips bucked against him while her muscles clenched on his fingers.

She rode it out with effort. It was hard to keep moving when she just wanted to stay limp and enjoy it, but she kept moving slowly until she groaned and went limp against his chest. He slowly removed his fingers from inside her, and she heard him lapping at his hand.

He murmured, “So generous, Brit.”

She snuggled against him, her nose pressed to his neck. He smelled better than he had before. “You are going into rut.”

“Yes, pet.”

“Now.”

He chuckled. “Yes, and your scent is changing as well. You are meeting me.”

She swallowed. “I’m scared. I haven’t gone through a heat with someone before.”

“I’ll take care of you.” His voice was getting thick.

She unbuttoned his shirt and sighed. She could smell her own perfume on her fingers, and she undid button after button. She undid his belt, unfastened his trousers, and slowly slid his zipper down. She pulled his cock out of the fabric of his shorts and stroked him from tip to base. He was slippery in seconds.

His hips started to rise as she stroked him. He growled and grunted as she gripped him as best she could.

He carefully gripped her wrist and rolled her to her belly before pulling her thighs wide. He grabbed a pillow and raised her hips.

“Oh, you are weeping for me now. I wonder why.” His fingertip swirled slowly in her opening. His voice was thickening into a deep growl.

“Because I told myself it was okay.” She gripped the bedding, and he began to slide into her. “And because you smell good.”

She kept her lower body relaxed, and her tension was expressed through her shoulders and arms as he sank deep. He went in to his fourth band without any trouble, resting his knot against her.

“Aw, precious. You do want me.” His thick growl ended in a chuckle.

She muttered as he started to movemoved inside her, “You think I present for just any alpha?”

He laughed and thudded his hands next to hers. They were huge, veined, and his arms were bulging with muscle. He moved like he was rocking her to sleep, but sleep was the last thing on her mind.

Deep, thick, and faster, he moved inside her, and she whined and sobbed as he fucked her. Her orgasm rushed up over her, and she wailed. He let out a satisfied growl and kept rutting her as her heat rose to meet his.

When he growled, his hands moved her hair from her neck, and she felt the pressure of the knot. The pleasure-pain sent her into spasms again, and then, his jaws closed over the back of her neck as he growled, and heat filled her and remained inside.

She sobbed softly at the sting of the mark, and he held on, getting himself under her skin. Her body let out another surge of slick, and his knot slid deeper. He let go of her neck, and she dropped her head down to the bedding. He licked her softly, nuzzling and whispering that she was the sweetest omega he had dreamed of and would take good care of her.

She felt him locked inside her, and she kept her face pressed to the sheets.

He licked softly at the mark. “It’s pretty.”

She blinked, and his tongue caressed the mark again. She shivered and tightened around him. It was healing.

His massive, clawed hand lifted her torso and turned her head to face him. He pressed his forehead to hers. “My gorgeous Brit. Holding all of me so tight.”

She supported herself with one arm and kissed his muzzle until he joined her, growling and nipping at her. He shuddered as the knot came loose, and his cum seeped out. Denier left her and pulled out of her, only to spread her thighs wide and lick at her.

She felt the soothing slide of his tongue, and when he moved the pillow and flipped her over, the distended neck, widened chest, and intense look warned her that his rut was firmly in control. No more soft words or light whispers. He slid into her with a grunt and began thrusting with a growl.

Her heat blanked her mind to anything but the feel of him inside her, and together, they struggled through the hormonal storm.

Chapter Six

He was curled around her and licking the mark when she regained her senses. She moved slowly, and he growled, but it was a happy sound.

“What day is it?” Her voice was hoarse.

“This is the third day. I believe it is a Thursday. I am not willing to let you go to check my com.”

She ached. Every inch of her felt bruised and sensitive. Her head thudded back to the bed. Tears started to trickle from her eyes. She had never been in one form for so long. She shifted to get away from the discomfort in her body. That hadn’t been an option.

He licked the tears from her cheeks. “Sore?”

She nodded. “It all hurts.”

He stroked her cheek and ran a hand down her arm before wrapping his arm around her waist. “We will have a bath, and then, you will feel better.”

She grunted. “You go ahead. I will be there in a few hours.”

He gripped her tight and rolled until he carried her with one arm around her waist. “You are funny.”

“It stops me from crying.”

The bath was high, and the mist curled gently. Brit muttered, “How did that happen?”

“Remote in the bedside table. It’s handy.”

He swung her up, and she grunted as he walked down steps into the bath that could double as a hot tub.

He slowly sat, and she flinched as parts of her that she could only describe as raw were immersed in the warm water.

She remained tense against him for several minutes before she relaxed. Flashes of the previous few days began to seep into her consciousness. She slapped a hand to her throat and felt for signs of his teeth. He liked to hold her neck a lot.

“I healed all the marks, though it would have been very pretty to leave them.” He stroked a hand under her hair. “I understand that my aesthetic may not be yours.”

She whimpered and leaned into his grip. Fuck. She was getting wet again. She didn’t think it was possible, but the invitation came slick and fast.

“But, your response is wonderful.” He chuckled wickedly. “I have been blessed with a very responsive mate. I thank you for taking such good care of yourself over the years. I would have been poorer for it if you had not entered my life.”

“And Ylara would have been super sore.” She grunted as he palmed her throat.

“She’s better off with Riithan. He’s charming with a lot of patience.”

“Wait. She chose Riithan?”

“Yes, the woman on crutches made him choose. Shavore has her in his care. She is recovering from her injuries.”

She shivered. Sabine’s injuries had been brutal and had hobbled her. It was possibly the only way even an alpha could get the drop on her.

“The timing sucked.”

He nuzzled her and licked at her ear as they sank lower into the water. “How so?”

“If she had been healed, he wouldn’t have gotten near her.”

“Ah, like if you had been faster, you would have gotten away?” He chuckled. “That puncture on your foot dropped you into my grasp.”

She shivered. “And I did that to myself, to help my sister.”

“Who is now in the arms of the most poisonous male in the Sethir-Nin.”

“And was helped by Sabine...”

“Who is now in the arms of the representative of the Sethir-Nin to the Hyreno.”

“How do you know all this, and why aren’t you wrecked?”

“I do not internalize my rut. And I have a physical recovery time that is shorter than yours. I tried to keep you cumming from one climax to the next. You were very cooperative.” He rubbed a slow massage on her belly.

Her body relaxed into his touch before she thought about it. She was startled when she realized that she had dropped and tilted her head in submission.

His fingertips stroked her neck. “Perfect, lovely, and mine.”

He stroked his mark, and her extremities tingled. She relaxed into the ridges and bands of his torso.

“Do you mind my appearance, love?” He nuzzled her neck.

“No. It’s what you look like. Anubis who bench presses pyramids.”

He chuckled. “When you can’t find a mate, you work out. When your family will only accept an omega as your partner, and you can’t find one, you work out. There is a good reason that we are so effective at killing people. Horny, frustrated, and heavily muscled. Deadly combination.”

She shivered. “I am guessing that an omega in a battle situation with alphas heading toward him or her should just curl up in a ball and wait for them to fight it out.”

“They should make themselves known immediately, and we will take care of them.” He rubbed his head along hers and chuckled. “Just as I will take care of you.”

“I can take care of myself. I take care of others.”

“That is what Vallu said. You are a nanny?”

“Housekeeper.”

“Well, now you will interview and hire your own help around here.”

“I wouldn’t know where to start.”

“Lady Daycross is coming to help tomorrow. She knows everything and everyone around here. Her family has been on this island for generations.”

She bit her lip. “She’s nice.”

“I have known her for years. As long as you aren’t messing with Etgar, she is perfectly fine.”

Brit chuckled. “Yeah, she has possessive mom and grandma vibes.”

“She’s excited that we are resuming our polo team.”

Brit wasn’t sure she heard him right. “Polo team?”

“Yes. We ride larger horses than the humans, but there are alpha teams around the world that enjoy the sport. Private clubs but a thriving competition.”

Her hair floated around them in a halo on the water. He massaged her lower back until she groaned, then slid his hand to her sex and massaged there as well.

She yelped and moaned as the swollen soreness melded into a throbbing heat.

He gave her a soothing murmur as his hands and the hot water managed to relax her aches and pains.

She curled against him and dozed. Denier continued to move his hands on her, and at some point, he lifted her from the bath and wrapped her in soft, fluffy towels before carrying her to a room with a clean bed and crisp sheets.

He got a laptop and pulled it to his thigh as he held her close on the other side. Her head rested against his shoulder, and he moved his free hand over her back.

She was relaxed, and the screens flicked by in a language she didn’t recognize. “What is that?”

He made a chuffing sound. “The language of the Sethir-Nin. It’s used so that those who want to intercept communications have no clue as to what is being said.”

“Oh, okay. As long as you don’t write me using it, things are fine.”

“I will teach you, or you will be given the language if we have children. Something that provides us with a tie together.”

She nodded and yawned. “If. Very big if. When I shift form, it is more than skin deep. I often lose my womb entirely.”

He stroked her cheek. “For the next week, can you not shift into a male body?”

She tilted her head. “I suppose so. Why?”

“To give your heat and my rut a chance to bear fruit.”

“If you think fruit is going to come out of me, the Sethir-Nin need better reproductive education.”

He reached down and lightly smacked her ass. “You are rather sassy.”

“So I have been told.” She yawned and leaned against him. “When are you going to go back to making people go away?”

He chuckled. “They won’t summon me for a few days at least. We respect the first week of a heat.”

She nodded and breathed in the clean scent of him until she fell asleep.

* * * *

Denier looked at his little mate, and he smiled. He had been quite rough with her, and she was recovering well.

He typed with one hand and let his mother know that she was fine, well taken care of, and when she woke, they would go out for something to eat. Or, he could cook. It depended on what his mate preferred.

His father jumped on the chat and asked him if he thought she was pregnant. He sighed, probably not.

His parents were silent for a moment, and then, his father said, Perhaps next time. With a new omega, there is often an adjustment period.

Denier smiled. I am willing to keep trying. Over and over and over.

His father answered, That’s our boy. I will be looking forward to seeing you both quite soon.

Take care of her, Denier. She looked a little nervous.

Yes, of course, I will.

He smiled, and they exchanged a few more pleasantries before he disconnected the chat. He got a message on his com from Etgar about where the hell he was and what did he do with Brittany.

He opened a com and spoke quietly. “Etgar? What do you need to know?”

“Where is Brittany? The Capitol City peacekeepers are threatening to come here in search of her. They want her back.”

Denier sat up, and Brit thudded to the bed. “Ow.”

“Like fuck they are getting her back. She’s mine.”

“Vallu’s brother is coming to start a search. I am trying to stall him. Brit is a highly sought-after commodity, Den. There are other organizations who want to get a hold of her for their own purposes, and the Capitol City government is freaking out.”

“Wait, has someone put a price on her?”

“Yes. Fortunately, they want her alive.” Etgar growled. “Unfortunately, six crime families have representatives that have just arrived.”

Brit clawed her hair back from her face as she sat up. “Oh, this again. This is the same reason they embedded the tracker, to begin with. If the peacekeepers always knew where I was, no one had a chance to snag me.”

Denier growled. “I will protect you.”

He heard the earnestness in her voice when she said, “You don’t have to. I just need to get them to send my blood kit, and I can defend myself.”

He looked at her. “And you will change shape?”

“Well, yeah.”

“No. No blood kit. No changing shape until we know whether or not you are pregnant.”

The dark look she gave him made him laugh. “I am sorry, pet. But if you are pregnant and you try, you could injure yourself.”

Etgar chuckled. “I am still on the call, Den.”

“Right. Thanks for the warning, but we are still recovering from her heat. She isn’t going anywhere.”

* * * *

Brit rolled to the side and angled her com unit. She punched in a code and was soon looking at Vallu. “Hey, bride. You came home early.”

Vallu chuckled. “It is much nicer to have sex in one’s own home. I like the sheets better, and my newly acute sense of smell has an easier time of things. So, you are on the island?”

“Yeah. Heat is over. Looks like Ylara set me off... again.”

Vallu laughed. “You rode it out with... help?”

“You could describe it that way. I have signed up to be his mistress. There wasn’t a thorough briefing on what that entailed, but I think we can meet for tea when you finish your honeymoon.”

Vallu chuckled. “Quilting session at my place as soon as you can get your mate to let you wander around.”

“Deal. So, how long do you think house arrest will last?”

“Don’t know. Every time I try and get out of bed, he growls.” Vallu sighed. “And we are taking care of Sabine right now.”

“What’s wrong with Sabine?” Brit sat up and stared at the image of Vallu.

“She’s recovering from her injuries. Shavore is taking care of her.”

“Oh. Got it. So, she’s on lockdown as well.”

Vallu chuckled. “Yeah. Ylara has yet to surface, but I will let you know when I find her.”

“Please. If not, we will have to have the other precogs find her, and that could be embarrassing, though her heat should have been satisfied by now.”

“I will have Etgar look into it. You can also ask Denier. I mean, I told her that catching the bouquet was legally binding, but I am not sure that Riithan is going to bring her back.”

A dark arm wrapped around Brit’s waist and pulled her back. “Gotta go, bye.”

Vallu laughed, and then, she squawked in surprise. The call disconnected.

Brit caressed Denier’s arm. “I am worried about Ylara. Vallu hasn’t heard from her since the wedding.”

“I will go looking for her. Riithan stands out and is easy to locate. I am guessing that he and she are in close proximity.”

She felt his erection against her back, and she turned to him. “I thought your rut was over.”

He smiled. “Did you think that I would only want you during rut?”

She scowled. “Well, yeah. I know you would want more eventually, but I thought you would be sated.”

He looked at her with astonishment. “Are you serious?”

“Yeah. I am.” She held her expression for thirty seconds more, and then, she burst out laughing. “Oh, wow. How can you be good at your job being this gullible?”

His expression showed outrage. He lifted her and put her over his thighs. She was confused until his palm smacked down on her ass.

Her yelp rang in the room.

“Now, Brittany.” Another smack.

“What?”

“No joking about not having sex with me, pet.” He landed a flurry of blows that left her aching and trembling.

Brit wasn’t impressed that her body was slick and ready from that little display. He slid three fingers into her and chuckled.

Moments later, she was flat on her belly, and he was sliding into her. Her reddened backside lit up as he rocked into her and slowly withdrew only to jolt forward again, the rings on his cock thudded against her, and before he had thrust a dozen times, she started cumming. After that, things blurred along until his knot was wedged in her and he was licking his mark.

Her sex and butt were still throbbing, and the sounds she was making had no dignity. She flexed and opened her hands beside her until he covered them with his own. His hips kept up a slow inward pressure, and she felt herself clenching hard on him.

She grunted.

He murmured, “Now if we both are in the mood to fuck, I am going to insist that we do so.”

She shuddered. “Insist?”

He licked her neck. “How about intensely persuade?”

She grunted. “Let’s talk about this when you aren’t inside me.”

“No, I think talking now is a good idea. You are focused on us; I am focused on us. Best time to talk.” He chuckled.

Brit pressed her forehead into the bed, feeling every slow drip of sex-related fluids, the sensitive skin of her backside still throbbed, and it matched the pulse inside her.

“Fine. I can’t believe you spanked me.”

He nuzzled her neck. “Why not? Your body reacted, and we both enjoyed the aftereffect.”

“I didn’t have a chance to acknowledge that my body was enjoying it, and then, you were in me. I guess, for you, it would be like tripping and falling into a vacuum cleaner. A bit of fun, but how the hell did you end up there, and what is happening now?”

He sighed. “Taking my time with you is difficult. I just want to feel you against me, and then, a list of things I want takes over, and here we are. And I am definitely not a fan of not being with you.”

“Don’t worry. You didn’t take any time.” He moved, and she flexed her fingers in the bedding.

He sighed again.

“Don’t move!”

He shifted to the side to look at her, and her body clenched and fluttered around him while she groaned.

She sighed. “I need to shower and get dressed.”

“That may be difficult until my knot recedes.”

Brit went limp and simply lay still while her body still happily caressed his cock with tiny flutters of aftershocks.

“Now, I will be called away from time to time for both Sethir-Nin and reaper business. I want you to be safe.”

“We both want the same thing.”

“Occasionally, that will mean you going to stay with Vallu.”

“Not now or when she has the baby. I am not going to put her at risk... ever.”

He sighed. “You can, and you will. That or you will have to go stay at the stronghold, and I will carry you there and drop you next to my mother if I have to.”

“If I am not pregnant, it doesn’t matter. We aren’t so firmly bonded that my death will kill you.”

He paused. “You are very wrong about that. Do you know why crime syndicates have started flooding Daycross?”

“Oh, because I am the only multi-morph born in the last fifty years with power transfer capabilities. I am not going to live in a cage because of it.”

He growled. She snarled, and he came loose. His fingers slid between them, and he muttered, “Are you holding onto it?”

She blushed. “If I am, it isn’t on purpose.”

He sighed and sat up against the headboard, pulling her onto his lap. “I want you safe.”

“I won’t ever be safe. I will wear a thousand faces and wield a thousand powers, and then, I will die.” She smiled. “Rough estimate, but that is what I was born for.”

His arms tightened. “I don’t want you changing shape anymore.”

“Right. So, you won’t walk through shadows either, right? If I can’t use my activation, it is only fair that you give it up.”

He scowled. “It is important to my work as a reaper.”

She shrugged. “I know, but if I have to be massively uncomfortable and driven insane, you are going to come with me.”

He paused. “You have tried before.”

“Of course, I have. When I was first fostered, I thought they would love me more if I was a normal girl. The beatings started almost immediately, and Lyric gave me some blood at school, and she helped me see when attacks were coming. By myself, I am helpless. With a single drop of blood, I can protect myself.”

He sighed. “Fine, but will you restrain it to females?”

She blinked in shock as he gave in. “Uh, yeah. If I can get my kit, I know which are male and which are female.”

“Where did you get that kit?”

“Not telling.” She smiled. “You aren’t going to fight me on this?”

“No. If you stick to female forms, you won’t injure yourself or cut off the possibility of a pregnancy.”

She blinked. “Right. You are really focused on that.”

He shrugged. “It’s why we both go mindless. It is certainly not for our health.”

She looked at the expanse of his shoulders and the thick bands of muscle. “You seem to have weathered it fine.”

He chuckled. “Only because I had a mate who wasn’t completely insane for me. Surprisingly, I did exhibit control and caution. No one got hurt.”

“Right. You weren’t on the receiving end of the spanking.” She pouted.

He let out a soft huff. “I can kiss it better.”

She blinked. “Not necessary. I like having a reason to be irritated with you.”

He looked at her, and his eyes glowed red.

She muttered, “Aw, hell.” She jerked herself free from him and bolted for the door. Don’t run. Never run, don’t run! She yelped when his arms came around her, and he lifted her up against the smooth wood wall.

His muzzle was against her breast, and she was twisting against him. Liquid heat started to run down her inner thighs. She was mindless by the time he was inside her, and when he carried her back to the bedroom, she let him heal the sensitive skin on her backside. It was the least she could do for all his efforts. She was really going to have to get a list of requirements for her position as his mistress.

Bed bunny was already confirmed.

Chapter Seven

The clothes felt itchy on her skin, but the soft silk dress was just whispering over spots where he had gnawed gently.

Denier had done a good job stocking the kitchen, so she made dinner because she wanted to do anything while on her feet. Meatloaf and mashed potatoes with a side of greens.

Denier sat at the counter and watched. “You really know how to cook?”

“I hope so, or this is going to be a bit awkward in an hour.” Her legs ached, but it was nice to be on her feet.

“Can you give me a list of anything that I didn’t bring?”

She chuckled. “Is that a hint that I am not to leave the house?”

“Please. I am working on getting you a security detail. You aren’t safe.”

Brit paused. “I can ask Zera if there is anyone of the girls who can act as a guard when they aren’t dating anyone.”

“A female?”

“Yeah. The guys are still scarce.”

“Is there that kind of power in an escort?”

Brit shrugged. “I can ask.”

She opened her com and contacted Zera. The conversation was quick and satisfying.

Denier blinked. “Really? A plasma active?”

“She’s asking. We will know in a few minutes.”

“I am just wondering who would dare date a plasma active?”

Brit shrugged. “Someone sturdy and fire retardant.”

Her com went off, and she gave the location.

Zera nodded. “Expect her in two hours. She has to pack and catch the ferry.”

Brit smiled and thanked her, closing the call. She grinned at Denier. “Bodyguard in two hours.”

He sighed. “I sincerely hope she is alert and nimble. You are a very desirable target.”

“Litha is... well. You will see.”

She puttered around and made a shortcake that waited until the meatloaf was done.

“There are wall ovens.” Denier pointed.

Brit looked. “Holy shit. I thought those were only on TV cooking shows.”

She figured out how to set the temperature and double-checked that there was nothing inside the oven.

“Why did you look?”

“My mom would always hide dishes in the oven when she had guests. I just wanted to make sure it was clear.”

He chuckled, and a few minutes later, she put in the shortcake, and then, she shoved the steamed potatoes and masher to him, giggling when the cream and butter squirted up on his first jab. He soon got into a rhythm, and she worked on the gravy.

By the time the cake was cooling, everything else was plated, and they were eating in the dining room with all appliances off.

“This is the first time in years that I have actually seen a meal prepared.” He grinned.

She watched him eat and cocked her head. “So, you can eat with a fork or muzzle first?”

He glared at her. “Yes. Learning to speak clearly and eat like a human was an entire year after the activation.”

“I just had to learn not to lick other people’s forks.”

He looked at her and then laughed before saying, “You don’t transform when we kiss.”

“No, I learned how to control it, but it took a few years. I got the hang of it by my prom, but prior to that, there was no sharing desserts or anything.”

They finished, and she looked at him. “Do you want more?”

“Please. Wait. I will get it.”

He looked pleased with himself as he headed back to the kitchen. She brought her plate and cutlery in and washed them before drying them. He was fixated on getting all of the leftovers onto one plate. She applauded when he smothered the whole thing in gravy.

“Wow, you really did get drained by your rut. Poor baby.” She chuckled. “Eat up. Don’t want you wasting away.”

She set up the desserts, gave him a double portion, and put one in the fridge in a covered container. He could probably sniff it out, but she wanted to keep it for Litha.

She hoped that two strawberry shortcakes of gigantic proportions would be enough.

He was snuffling his plate clean, and she swapped it out for the dessert. She sat next to him and ate her serving while he chopped his into chunks and then ate it with snaps of his jaws.

“Fine. I get the hint. Please, use cutlery unless you just want to go face first into dinner.”

He paused and chuckled. “Is it appalling?”

“No, but if you keep eating shortcakes like that, you are going to get all kinds of gassy.” She grinned.

He looked at her and laughed. “You are right. Did you make coffee?”

“I did. It should be done by now. I take mine with cream, please.” She ate primly.

He got up, licked her cheek, and headed to the kitchen. Brit smiled. This might actually work out.

Brit smacked his head and pulled his ears. “Stop! She’s at the door.”

He gave her sex one more lick and lifted his head. “She will need to get used to that. I am not going to stop anytime soon.”

Brit was slick and slightly sweaty as she made her way to the door. Denier passed her and opened the door, blinking in surprise.

The petite woman standing there was someone Brit had met during training. “Litha! Come in. I saved you some dessert.”

Litha carried her bag inside and smiled. “Hello, Brittany. Zera mentioned that you may need me to run errands as well.”

Denier nodded. “It would be appreciated. We only have enough food for three more days. Two with you here.”

Litha nodded. “Right. Where can I stay?”

Denier cocked his head. “I would prefer you close to Brittany, but we make a bit of noise, so...”

“Where is her nest?”

Brit looked at him and cocked her head. “Nest?”

He dipped his head. “I forgot about it.”

“Right. We will go shopping for nesting materials tomorrow.” Litha smiled.

Brit blinked. “How do you know about that?”

“Two minutes of research.” Litha chuckled. “It is what I do, after all.”

Denier showed her the guestrooms, and Litha picked one before she assured him. “I will feel any new heat or cold signature in the building.”

“Are you truly a plasma active?”

“I am. I have also worked as a bodyguard before. My charge is still alive.”

He chuckled. “I don’t know if you understand how many folk are trying to gain control of Brittany.”

“Seven crime families want her right now as she hasn’t fully imprinted on you as far as they know. You need to show off her mark at the first opportunity. The ones without alphas will keep coming for a while. I will take care of those.”

“You will kill?”

“I am authorized by four governments. Yes.”

He blinked, and Brit chuckled.

Denier had to ask. “May I see a demonstration of your activation?”

Litha smiled. “Find me something you don’t mind destroying.”

A polished wood box was found and confirmed empty. Litha drew a pattern on the roof of the box with her fingertip, and it dropped into the box, smouldering. She then held the box on her palm, and a blade of plasma shot through it, and the box turned to ash and then the ash disappeared into vapour.

Litha dusted her hands off and smiled. “Enough?”

Brit smirked.

Denier nodded. “Good.”

“Excellent. Brit saved me some dessert, so I am going to go raid the fridge. I have already posted sentries at all standard points of ingress. Anyone touching them goes up in a poof. Perhaps a screamy poof, but a poof nonetheless.” She glanced at Brit. “As long as you don’t have guests that come in through the window, you are good. The front door is the only point of access or egress.” Litha smirked. “And whatever means you used for transport.”

Denier nodded. “Noted.”

Litha scampered down the stairs.

Denier frowned. “She’s an escort?”

“Yeah. She has one client, but she is an escort.”

“That’s... he must be something terrifying.”

She giggled. “I believe they are on platonic dates.”

Denier frowned. “What’s the point of that?”

“Dinner, dancing, going to the ballet, going to the opera, just being with someone and laughing and being sweet.”

Denier sighed and pulled her into his arms. “We will have to fit that in after the fact.”

Brit leaned against his bare chest and put her hands on his hips. His trousers led up to the naked expanse of rigid muscles.

“What’s a nest?”

He sighed. “Something I forgot. If you quicken, you will feel an urge to be safe and protected, so it is a room full of soft fabrics, silky furs, pillows, and just a sensory-calming room.”

She shook because that sounded amazing. “Can I take a vacation there?”

“You will go to pick your textiles tomorrow. I am oddly confident that Litha will be able to keep the assassins from you.”

She chuckled. “I think so, too. I am going to turn in.”

Brit tried to turn and walk down the hall, but he kept his arms around her and lifted her up against him, sniffing her neck.

“You smell amazing, mate.”

She chuckled. “Mistress. Not mate. The contract didn’t have a provision for a mate.”

He growled. “Mate.”

“Mistress or I am in breach of contract.”

Litha looked at them in the hallway, and she snorted. “I will see you in the morning, Brittany.”

“Thanks for coming, Litha. Did you get leave?”

“I did. The new Aksalla branch of Z-Tech is nearly up and running, so Zera let me come to you for a bit. I will ask Vallu where the best places to fabric shop are. We can use one of the Daycross vehicles.”

Litha smiled and walked to her room. “Good evening.”

Brit turned her head to Denier. “She dismissed us.” She was grinning.

“That is true. I am not accustomed to being dismissed.”

Litha’s voice came from her room. “I can come hang out with you if you like.”

Brit grinned and laughed as Denier carried her off to the first bedroom they had been in, and he shut the door. To Brit’s surprise, they curled up together on the bed that the house bots had freshened up. She was warm, cuddled, and she felt treasured, if only for that moment. The only time she had felt more important was the first time Baola called her Aunty.

The smell of pancakes teased her. Her heart was pounding, and she looked down at Denier. “That is a shocking way to start the day.”

He licked his muzzle. “She is making the pancakes; you have the syrup. You get sweeter every time.”

Brit snorted. “I don’t want to miss breakfast.”

“We won’t. I can wait until I return tonight.” He rubbed his nose against hers.

“You will be gone all day?”

“I will. I have to carry out an assignment that needs my particular skills.” He stroked her cheek. “I will be with you as soon as the paperwork is done.”

“You have to do paperwork?”

“Documentation for a contract death. We do do our taxes, after all.”

She blinked and laughed. “Right. Shower and dressed, then pancakes.”

“Done.” He lifted her and carried her into the bathroom, where she learned what all the handgrips were for.

Brit was blushing when they joined Litha in the kitchen. Pancakes were still steaming, and Denier’s stack of pancakes was twice as high with a huge stack of bacon. Brit’s had bacon and fruit. Honey and syrup were sitting between the plates.

Brit grinned. “Thanks, Litha. Everything looks so clean.”

She snagged her plate and the syrup and headed for the dining table in the corner.

“Most of the stuff here can take a heat cleaning, so at least, the entire kitchen is bacteria-free for now.”

Denier followed Brit to the casual table.

Denier paused. “Litha, what is your normal job?”

“When I am not babysitting actives? I am a researcher at Z-Tech. I specialize in physically required textiles. I know all about that.” She chuckled. “Aksalla has welcomed me with open arms. The capitol freaked out when I left. They considered me the weapon they wanted to hold in reserve.”

Brit grinned. “You are in Aksalla now?”

“Yeah, working on getting the new Z-Tech building up and running. My assistant is running things while I am here.”

Brit groaned softly. “These pancakes are great.”

Denier frowned. “Your assistant is an active?”

“Of course. Most of the Z-Tech employees are.”

Brit looked at Denier, and she snorted. “I think he is wondering if she works for Blind Date.”

Litha chuckled. “She’s in basic training for it. She’s a metabolic active. I don’t know if she is going to complete training, but she is going to try.”

Denier paused when he was halfway through his pancakes. “Why would females want to join the escort service if they don’t go into heat?”

Litha snickered. “Normal women crave sex just like men do. Active women run into the complication of their energy output being potentially dangerous or unappealing to partners. So, Blind Date makes the match so that the two complement or can at least not injure each other. Like Vallu’s activations.”

Denier frowned. “Her healing?”

“Her oak-breaking strength. She has it if she needs it, and Etgar doesn’t mind it.”

Denier blinked. “He didn’t mention that.”

She smiled. “He loves her, so it doesn’t matter. It is also comforting for him that if the bodyguards are overwhelmed, she can make her mark.”

Brit nibbled at her fruit. “You have a regular client?”

Litha nodded. “Yup. But, it is companionship only.”

Denier chuckled. “You don’t have those cravings?”

Brit looked as Litha’s face crumpled, and she turned and put the dishes away.

“Denier, she requires an astral class or higher.”

He paused. “Ah. I am sorry.”

“I went through two would-be lovers before I figured that one out. The third wanted to prove a point, and he lost his arms.”

Brit winced. “Your patron?”

“Right class, but his sexual preferences seem to drift to helpless females. Hero syndrome. My power profile is a turnoff.” Litha shrugged.

Denier frowned. “What class are you?”

“Nova.”

“Nova classes don’t survive activation.”

“They do if their parents guess correctly and plan ahead.” Litha smiled slightly. “Mine did, and after the most hellish week of my life, I walked out and survived. They took me home, and life resumed.”

He cocked his head, and Brit smiled. He asked, “If I looked you up, would it show up on a news report?”

“Yeah, but it was a while ago. I am older than I look.”

Brit looked at her, and she looked barely legal. “How long have you been a researcher?”

“In various industries, about fifteen years, a prima ballerina for five years before that.”

Denier was looking at her. “You have aged well.”

“If you keep glass on the shelf, it remains pristine.” She smiled. “A star that burned brightly a million years ago still throws a brilliant light.”

Brit smiled. “I wish I look half as good at your age.”

Litha shrugged. “You have a different path. There will be a ton of family in your life. That leaves a joyful mark.”

Denier grinned slowly. “You are a precog?”

“Oh, gods no. But I can see heat signatures, and certain bits of her are glowing like a furnace. That indicates that when her body is ready, children will follow.”

Brit saw Litha’s quick wink when she sipped at her coffee.

Brit froze. That wink told her what she had been wondering. Well, that explained the intense longing for the nest, as Denier described it. “Okay, so when are we shopping?”

Litha checked the time. “Stores open in ten minutes, and the car is on the way. We will be on the way as soon as you finish breakfast and have shoes on.”

Denier tapped on his com. “You have been sent funds for your excursion. Buy whatever you need, want, or have any attraction toward.”

Litha chuckled and blurred, leaving a column of warm air in her wake. She returned a few seconds later. “I have taken measurements, and I saw a shop with pillar beds.”

Denier perked up. He obviously knew what they were.

Brit sighed. “You will have to show me.”

“I will. And you can decide on a theme. Some folks want colour; some want texture.”

“Is it complicated?”

Litha shook her head. “It is very basic. It is literally instinct.”

Litha was wearing a pretty sundress, but the fabric had a certain sheen.

Brit asked, “Is that fireproof?”

“Mostly. I can get hot enough to take out any invasive personnel and not scorch my hem.”

Brit looked at the silk dress that was wrapped around her. “Is this okay?”

“It’s good. Get some shoes.”

“Oh, right.”

Denier smiled. “I will get them.”

He melded into shadows in the kitchen and returned thirty seconds later.

He knelt in front of Brit and slipped her shoes on.

Brit blushed, and Litha smiled with her head cocked. “The car is here.”

Brit looked to Denier. His gleaming hide looked lovely in the light streaming through the windows. She wrapped her arms around him. “Have fun at work, and be safe.”

He chuckled. “No one has ever told me that before.”

Brit smiled and booped his nose with her finger. He laughed in startled surprise and leaned back.

They kissed quickly, and Brit went with Litha while Denier dissolved into the shadows. Time to outfit Brit’s nest. The urge was becoming impossible to ignore.

Chapter Eight

Litha had fun shopping with Brit. Her charge was delightfully straightforward. The driver remained with the vehicle, and the assistant came into the shop with them. He had fabric-shopped with Vallu, so he was a seasoned professional.

Litha helped Brit pick out a sewing machine and table. She could feel folks surrounding the shop and had the fabric folded up, grinning, and then waiting while Brit checked out. Bobbins, needles, and thread were in the first pile.

Litha slipped outside, and she took stock of the men surrounding the building. She slipped back in and made sure that Brit wasn’t carrying anything.

“Why aren’t I helping?”

“Because I need you mobile. We will wait in here until the car is loaded and then casually leave like we have all the time in the world.”

“They are here?”

“They are, and I have just confirmed with Vallu that no other guards have been sent, so I am free to destroy all comers.”

“You are an assassin?” Brit scowled.

“No, I am a bodyguard licensed to operate in several countries. I am also a researcher, escort, and ex-ballerina.” She grinned. “Oh, and a thermal weapon.”

“Yeah, don’t forget that bit.” Brit giggled.

Litha smiled, and they watched the last parcel being taken out. “Right. Let’s go. You have the pack I gave you?”

Brit nodded. “It will work?”

“If they get you and I have to come after you, it will work.” Litha smiled.

Brit nodded. “Being hunted isn’t new.”

“I know, sweet, but we aren’t just working with you here.”

“Denier would be pissed.”

Litha sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. “You aren’t getting it. You are transporting a life form.”

Brit stumbled and blinked. “How can you tell?”

“I am very good at breaking heat signatures apart.” Litha put a hand behind her. “You have two. The main one and the tiny spark.”

“What?”

Litha tapped a finger low on her belly. “A tiny spark.”

“Oh, shit.” Brit’s eyes went wide.

“So, our next stop is a place that specializes in quilting fabrics. Vallu can show you all you need to know about baby blankets.”

“I already know how to sew a blanket.”

“Well, then, concentrate on the basic tasks.”

Litha confirmed that the driver and assistant were the same men they had arrived with, and then, she turned to face the rush coming toward them. She stepped away from Brit and extended her arms, left and right.

“Stop, or you die.” She let her voice carry, but Brit was in the car with the door closed.

The men shouted threats, and one offered to let her live if she handed Brit over. There was a flash, and she dusted her hands before she got into the car next to her charge with three piles of ash left in front of the fabric store.

“We are good. The others are hanging back. Time for that quilt fabric shop.”

The driver grinned and nodded. “Any idea how many other fun women Miss Vallu knows?”

Litha chuckled. “We are only passing associates. I have never worked in the same dispatch area as she has. She was retired before I began.”

Brit smiled. “What Litha is saying is that she doesn’t know her. She was given the contact information by Zera.”

“Ah. Good answer. I have never seen someone do that before.”

Litha smiled. “The day is young. You are probably going to see it again.”

He chuckled. “I look forward to it.”

“You won’t have to wait long.”

Brit squeezed her hand and smiled. “Take care of yourself.”

“I will take care of you first.” Litha nodded.

The wind was visible in the rear view mirror as it swirled the assassins into ash pillars. Brit nodded. “Yeah, I think you will.”

* * * *

Three more shops yielded a total of twelve dead for the day. Brit was happy, and her belly was full of the lunch that Litha had treated her to.

She was tired after all the running around and was glad to return to Denier’s home.

She suddenly realized. “I don’t have a key.”

“Don’t worry. I didn’t lock it. The plasma ball at the door deterred any incursion, and there are no life signs or heat signatures in the building.”

Brit exhaled. “Oh, right.”

They got out of the car, and Litha opened the house for the assisting member of the Daycross household. Brit was watching and laughing when Litha’s expression changed, and Brit was hit hard around the ribs.

Brit heard Litha start cursing, but it faded away. She heard a masculine voice mutter in her ear, “Gotcha.”

He was running toward the dock, and she didn’t know if he could run to the capitol but felt he would try.

There was a roaring behind them, and he muttered, “What’s that?”

“My bodyguard.” She opened the pouch, pressed the tab, and she was covered by the heat-retardant film. It made her slippery, and he juggled her before his eyes grew wide and his mouth opened in a scream. Brit started falling, and Litha scooped Brit up before she hit the ground and flew her back to the house. Litha set her down in front of the entryway, and she went from a white-hot blur to a slight woman with a grim expression. “Fucking speedsters.”

Brit held her ribs. “I think he cracked a rib or two.”

Litha sighed. “I will get a healer. Give me a few minutes.”

She made sure that the driver and assistant would stay and guard the front door, and Brit went inside as she roared off again.

Brit kept herself standing and went to make a cup of tea. Litha would sort it. She seemed the type to get things done.

The hour passed quickly, and Litha landed and sprinted inside. “Sorry. Khytten was chatty today.”

Brit grinned and then gasped. “You got some vials?”

“I have some vials. Because you are family, she made them double strength. Take one, and I will put the other in the freezer.”

“What is that container made from?”

“Oh, tantalum carbonite. I didn’t want anything I carried getting hot.”

Brit took one vial and drank it down. The throbbing pain in her side eased, and she could breathe without her chest hitching.

“How are you feeling?”

“The accelerated healing was welcome. Definitely broke ribs.”

Litha smiled. “You may want to get a doctor to see you sooner rather than later. If your ribs feel fine, your regeneration is about six weeks along. That means other things are six weeks along.”

Brit put her hand on her belly. “Really?”

“Yeah. I don’t doubt you are halfway through your first trimester.”

“Shit. I think I need something sugary.”

Litha smiled. “Have a seat. I will make a dessert.”

Brit grinned. “If you insist.”

She pulled a high chair up to the counter, and she watched as Litha crushed up berries, whipped egg whites, added sugar and folded things together before putting the fluffy pile into the oven.

Whipping cream was next up, and Litha did all the whipping by hand.

Brit watched and got sleepy. She put her head down and listened to the sounds of bustling cooking in the kitchen and a low-toned hum.

When Brit sat up, she was on a couch in a living room near the kitchen, and her bags were neatly folded, her sewing machine was up, and there were fluffy things in the neck. Someone had been busy.

Brit sat up and rubbed her neck, standing up to look through the house. Dinner smelled great and looked amazing. Pot roast always looked good.

She went in search of Litha and found her in the nest, putting the final touch on the pillar bed. “Oh. It’s beautiful.”

Brit felt tears press her eyes, and she wanted to crawl into the fluffy bed with the pillows and duvet with an Egyptian theme.

Litha looked a little rumpled as she turned around. “Feel free to scent mark the works. This is your space. Do you like it?”

Brit hugged the smaller woman, and she sniffled. “It’s perfect.”

Litha hugged her. “Right. You play in here for a while, and I will call you when dinner is ready. If Denier wants to eat, he needs to be here in an hour.”

Brit looked at the piles of neatly arranged bedding, all sewn and trimmed. The entire place was covered in cream, gold, and rich blue.

Brit crawled onto the bed and rolled around, hugging the dozen pillows one by one while giggling. She felt calm, and this was what she had been missing. She hadn’t even known it.

Brit pulled one of the silky faux furs that she had picked out and rubbed her cheek against it.

It took her about a minute, and then, she started to roll around in the sensory delights of the room. She sighed happily. It wasn’t heaven, but it was an amazing place that she wanted to stay in.

She got out of the bed and turned off the light, and then, she crept back into the bed and breathed slowly. She pulled pillows around her and put a hand over her belly. Nah.

Brit fell asleep in a happy, soft cloud.

* * * *

Litha kept the food warming when Denier came down the steps.

“Where is she?” His growl was nervous.

“Up in her nest. She got grabbed by a speedster, but I got her back. I had to get some healing vials, but she’s back to fighting strength.”

“How many did you take out today?” He frowned.

“Thirteen.”

“Do you know who?”

“Nope. My activation doesn’t leave a lot of evidence.”

He sighed. “Right.”

“The speedster was Terrence Novel. I have seen him before.” She grimaced, “But no one is going to see him again.”

“He’s definitely dead?”

“He’s blown into the harbour. No DNA traces left at that level.”

Denier frowned. “He was holding Brit?”

“Yeah, I gave her a heat shield, and she activated it when she saw me coming.” Litha chuckled. “She was right on time. The moment she disappeared under the wrap, I fried him.”

He smoothed a hand over the top of his canine head. “Aside from that, the day went well?”

“Yes. Oh, but because of the healing, if she is pregnant, she is about six weeks along now.”

He blinked, frowned, and then his expression cleared. “Khytten.”

“Correct. It’s a good thing that she and Baola and Lyric have been reunited. It makes calling for help for Brit less awkward.” She chuckled. “Salat seems delighted with his new role as a family man.”

“You know him?”

“I live in Aksalla. Of course, I do. I have been warned that if I destroy the wrong person, he will remove my head.” She shrugged. “Ready for dinner?”

“Yes, I will get Brit.”

She snorted. “I will get her. If you go, we won’t be eating until after midnight. The second that she started to relax in there, her scent got stronger.”

“I thought that when I marked her, the scent would be subdued.”

“It is. I can just sense parts per million. It doesn’t affect me, but I am aware of the particles hitting my skin.”

“So, you have experience with omegas?”

“Sure. My cousin is one. He’s got a nicely protective alpha, and they work together very well.” She grinned. “Put some water on the table, and we will be down in a moment.”

Litha headed up to the nest and chuckled when she observed the foot poking out of the furs and nothing else. She knelt next to the bed. “Brittany, dinner is ready.”

The lump shifted.

“And Denier is here.”

Litha laughed as Brittany sat up and rubbed her eyes. “He’s home? Is he okay?”

“He’s fine. I filled him in on your adventures.”

“Did you tell him...”

“Nope. That is up to you. Now that he is here, I can run out and get you a test if you like.”

“Test?”

Litha flicked her eyes toward Brit’s abdomen. “A test.”

Brit swallowed. “Right. Yes, please.”

“Right after dinner. I will leave it in here.”

She got herself out of the tumble of blankets, and they headed down to the dining room together.

Litha smiled at their very intense greeting as Denier made sure that his mate wasn’t injured.

Litha set the dinner out while they were kissing and cuddling, and once the food was out, she served herself and started her meal. They joined her as she finished and cleared her plate. Denier frowned. “You won’t sit with us?”

“I was sitting. You were busy. I don’t wait for people anymore. Life is too uncertain.” She chuckled and headed to the kitchen.

Litha called out, “You two take your time. I am going to run errands.”

She hummed and headed out while they had dinner.

* * * *

Brit heard the door click, and she felt bad. “I think that Litha is pissed that we didn’t sit down to eat right away.”

Denier cocked his head as he looked at the satisfying meal in front of him. “I think that it is as she says. She does not wait. She lives alone, she fights alone, and she survives alone. There is nothing that she gains from social interaction. Touching her is deadly, so she does not get close to anyone.”

Brit paused. “That is how I was.”

“But you wouldn’t destroy your partner, even if you copied them. You might cross swords, but that would be it.”

She giggled then stopped. “There’s an image. But geez, to be that alone. Even I was never that alone.”

Denier took her hand and rubbed his thumb in circles on her palm. “You are no longer alone.”

“No, but she is, and her patron doesn’t even put out. That’s just sad.”

He chuckled. “Is it?”

“She is only being matched with men she could physically be with, and he won’t have sex with her. That is a special type of torment.”

Denier sat there. “I guess it would be. I knew that my omega would want me where others had only been curious.”

He kissed her palm, and he smiled. “And then there was you.”

“I am really glad that Ylara was petrified.” Brit sighed. “But I can’t go back to the capitol.”

“It’s a good thing that Daycross, Aksalla, and the Sethir-Nin will welcome you with open arms.”

“Is it like it’s said, if you die, I die?”

“It is the other way around. If I die, you live on to save our children. The Sethir-Nin will insist that you take another alpha as a lover and protector.”

“That would be horrible.”

He nodded. “I agree.”

She looked him in the eye. “So keep your ass safe.”

He chuckled. “So, what did you do today?”

She forked up some of the creamiest mashed potatoes she had ever eaten. “I went shopping, and Litha killed people with every stop.”

He chuckled. “So, what did you buy?”

“A sewing machine and table, thread, fabric for my nest, and when we got back, I took a nap, and she sewed up all my nest materials for me.” Brit shivered and smiled. “I never knew how relaxed it could make me until I was in it.”

“That is the point of it. It is central to the house, with no exterior walls, dimly lit, and filled with your preferred textures. I only come in if you invite me. It is your space alone.”

Brit frowned. “Vallu doesn’t have one, and she is an omega.”

“She doesn’t need one.”

Brit worked it out. “Oh, because Etgar is silky and furry.”

“Right. My hide is smoother, so you don’t get the same response from touching me.”

“That’s true. I definitely don’t get sleepy and relaxed when I touch you.”

He bared his fangs in a grin, and the back of her neck tingled. Things certainly got all wired funny when an alpha was in the room.

They finished, and Denier did the dishes.

Litha came in while the dishes were being washed, and she retreated upstairs.

Brit sprinted up the stairs after her and grabbed one of the tests. She used it, and then, she waited. The strip told her that sex during heat was as potent as folks had mentioned to her, but it had to be experienced to be believed.

She capped the test and washed her hands. She held the plastic at her side between her fingers and casually asked. “So, do you get paternity leave or anything?”

He was putting dishes away. “Why?”

“You might want to look into it because unless this test Litha brought is faulty, it is one of the things you will need to know.”

He paused and turned toward her, his dark hide and wrap tunic nearly the same colour. His eyes were blazing red as he looked at her. “So, one of our breedings made a new life?”

“I guess so. That’s what the stick says.” She lifted the stick and pointed at the first blue stripe and the second. “Control, and getting enormous.”

He slowly finished putting the dishes away, and he walked around the island to take a look at the stick. He was looking at it seriously. “Yes, that’s a positive.”

“Do they teach you that in reaper school?”

He looked at her, and his eyes got brighter. “No, but the Sethir-Nin have all kinds of classes on caring for an omega, including that the first quickening might cause him or her to get a little nervous. Whether or not they admit it.”

He wrapped her in his arms and hugged her. She paused, and then, she started shaking. He murmured to her and held her. He just hugged her while she shivered like a small animal. Brit felt stupid for having her silent freakout.

His hands smoothed over her back. “Well, even the reapers give a pregnant mate priority. We can send Litha away in the morning.”

Brit frowned. “Can we keep her? She’s a lot of fun, and she cooks without being asked.”

“We will ask her in the morning, after breakfast.”

She looked up at him, and he laughed. “I like a hot breakfast, too, Brit.”

She snickered. “We will ask her if she wants to move in?”

“That will be interesting, but it is entirely up to her. She knows what she needs to be comfortable. We might not be able to give it to her.” He stroked her hair from her cheek.

Brit looked at him and then rested her head on his chest and hugged him. “I don’t want her to be lonely.”

“She’s already lonely, sweet, but we can offer for her to be less alone.”

She chuckled. “Deal. Wanna see my nest?”

He lifted her in his arms. “I would love to see your nest.”

She giggled as he carried her upstairs, then helped her off with her dress. When she curled up in the silky, soft bedding, he peeled off his clothing and joined her. He spent most of the night giving her tiny licks from head to toe. He was very excited about the baby, and by the time he was knotted inside her, she was, too.

Chapter Nine

Litha had waffles waiting for them in the morning, and she grinned when they came down ruffled and wearing minimal clothing.

Breakfast sausages were stacked high, and she inclined her head. “Breakfast is ready.”

When they were all sitting at the dining table and the fruit salad was split between Brit and Litha, they gave her a serious look.

“Litha, I know you have only been here a couple of days, but I wanted to know if you want to live here.”

Litha blinked. “That is a very kind offer, but I had to get dispensation for the commute. And leave to come here. I would love a visit, and I can come anytime you need a bodyguard, but I have to continue my research. There are actives appearing all the time who need special textiles for containment or enhancement.”

Litha looked to Denier. “I am guessing that you have called in that you have a pregnant mate.”

“I have.”

“And Etgar and Vallu are willing to shelter her if necessary.”

“They are.”

“Then, I packed my bag appropriately.” She smiled. “I will pull my guardian plasma in and do let any parties interested that I will be back if someone gives Brit a hangnail, and I will burn their entire clan, group, or family to the ground in seconds. Down to the last child.”

Denier nodded. “I will tell Etgar to spread the word.”

Brit chuckled. “Well, the guys from yesterday can’t do it.”

Litha smiled. She had shed her tears over the lives lost. Well, as much as she could. She didn’t actually cry. Everything evaporated.

She looked at her com and made herself available to the one person who could take her out on dates. It would be weeks before she got another date if that. She was exclusive to him, but he wasn’t exclusive to her.

She continued eating her waffles and finished everything on her plate.

Denier and Brit were feeding each other, which was cute, but another thing she couldn’t do with just anyone. Litha took her plate to the kitchen and moved her hand over it, sterilizing it faster than any autoclave.

She put the dish away, then the cutlery. Brit had a huge empty house, but the Daycrosses would be able to help outfit it with staff.

She felt her com buzz and checked it. She had a date. She sighed. The romantic dates were cute, but she wanted more. More was not what her patron wanted.

She grabbed her bag from the corner of the kitchen where she had stashed it and got ready to leave. “Well, it has been interesting. Congratulations on your union, and good luck with the pregnancy. Both of you.”

Brit blinked. “So soon?”

“It is better that I leave now before you get attached and want to keep me. Lady Daycross will help you find a housekeeper. I am pretty sure.”

Brit lunged to her feet and hugged her. “I don’t want you to go.”

“That is just the nesting instinct. I am smaller than you, and it is triggering a parent-child response.”

Brit looked down at her. “That isn’t it at all. You didn’t try and change me or make me into something else. You didn’t cop a feel or ogle me. You helped me. Very few people try and help me.”

Litha smiled and stroked her cheek. “Now that you are firmly omega, more will come to your assistance when you need it. So, call on me anytime. I have to head back to Aksalla right now.”

Denier asked, “Why the rush? Do you have a date?”

She paused. “Um. Yes. In four hours. Horseback riding and a picnic.”

He froze. “Oh, I uh... was just making a joke.”

“Yeah, well. I do. So, back home, check in at the office, and get ready for the date in boring riding gear. No idea what the picnic will be, but I am practised enough at it that I can manage to eat food that I can’t see.”

Denier blinked. “You wear the mask?”

“Of course. I have no idea who my patron is, and that is how it is supposed to be.”

Brit was still holding her and cuddling up to her. “Brit, are you cuddling to me for warmth?”

Brit sighed. “Yes. Despite being petite, you are soft and curvy in all the right places.”

“Nice to know. My primary appeal is literally as a bed warmer. I should probably cancel the date. I don’t think he would miss it. He can just go to one of the other escorts he frequents.”

Brit blinked. “He asks for others?”

“Yeah, he has told me as much.” Litha stepped back and looked at her wrist.

Brit’s com blinked, and she answered with a smile. “Hey, mix. What’s up?”

“Tell Miss Litha to keep the date. Please.”

Litha blinked. “Precog?”

Brit nodded. “What happens if she doesn’t keep the date?”

“People die. A busload of people die.”

Litha paused with her finger over the cancellation icon. “Then, I had best go on that picnic.”

The young voice said, “Thank you, Miss.”

“You are welcome. And now I guess I should collect my things and get home. Denier, you are in charge of security now.”

He didn’t laugh. He nodded formally.

“Good, and if anything happens to Brit, I am going to start burning your appendages off one by one, and since I can count to twenty-one, you should be nervous.” She smiled.

He nodded calmly again. “I will take care of her.”

Litha nodded, hoisted her bag, and left. She gathered her plasma balls but left a heat shield over the house. She would know if anyone came in via a non-conventional route.

She didn’t have time to leave via the ferry, so she flew above the house and over the open water, heading for Aksalla. It was time to go do what she was paid for.

Moving as fast as thermal propulsion could carry her, she headed home.

* * * *

Morning sickness struck after breakfast, and Denier held her hair while Vallu offered to send over a doctor since she wasn’t allowed to heal Brit herself. Nothing was going to drain any power from Mrs. Daycross while she was carrying.

Khytten spoke. “Baola says you are sick.”

Her voice was a croak as she lay with her head on Denier’s lap. “Yup.”

“Drink the vial with the blue cap. Litha said she was putting it in your freezer. Warm the vial up in water to thaw it and then drink it.”

“It won’t make the pregnancy go faster?”

“It might take it forward a few weeks and lodge you near the end of your first trimester, but you won’t be sick anymore.”

Brit thought about feeling this way for another week. “We are heading to the kitchen.”

Denier chuckled. “Thank you, Madame.”

“No problem, reaper.”

“Could you, in theory, progress the pregnancy all the way?”

“I could, but that would be very hard on the body as there is an over twenty-pound weight gain to create muscle and bone that would not be accounted for. It would come out of Brit’s body and leave nothing for her. The first months can be accelerated more easily without causing a catastrophic issue.”

He blinked, and Brit grinned. “He gets it.”

They were on their way downstairs, and Brit kept chatting as she got the blue-capped vial and put it in a coffee mug with warm water. The call with Khytten ended, and Denier waited with her in his arms.

“Is that becoming common?” He asked.

“What?”

“Speeding the first trimester.”

“Well, that is where most babies are lost in an active’s pregnancy. By rushing through until the child is larger and more stable, it reduces the chances of miscarriage. Of course, that can still happen, but the longer I can hang onto the baby, the stronger the chances of a full-term pregnancy. Shifters lose a lot of children.”

He stroked her neck and belly. “I know.”

“Oh, which is why you don’t want me to shift.”

“Muscle and bone move around. It isn’t conducive to pregnancy.”

She blinked, and a tear emerged from her eye. “It feels weird not shifting. I wish I had a safe form that I could choose. Being trapped in one shape is odd.”

“We will manage. Perhaps there is something else Vallu or Khytten can do.”

She lifted the vial. Shook it and then opened it before slamming back the contents. The nausea that teased her vanished, but something else rose. She gripped Denier’s arms. “Oh, no.”

He held her as she changed and then blinked.

She rubbed her abdomen and still felt the small knot, which was fine. Denier was looking at her in wonder.

She tried to speak, but a whine was all that emerged. Her face wasn’t right.

His eyes were lit with delight. “Anput. You have an Anput form.”

She cocked her head and focused on speaking. Her muzzle moved slowly. “I look like you?”

He caressed her full breast. “Anput and Anubis were a matched set. Similar but different.”

She looked at their reflection in the wall ovens. “Holy shit! We look like autumn equinox party costumes.”

He laughed. “You have gotten the hang of speech far faster than I did.”

“I have a few thousand shifts under my belt.”

He stroked her back, hips, and breasts. “So, are you still queasy?”

She shook her head. “No.”

“Your scent comes out very strongly in this form. It is having a definite effect on me.”

Brit paused. “Are you saying that seeing me in a form close to yours makes you horny?”

“I mean that your scent is similar to what you broadcast in your heat.” He started to nip and nuzzle at her neck and jaw.

His voice was getting thick, and she chuckled. She rubbed her body against his. “Maybe we could play like this and see how it goes.”

He nodded. “Turn around.”

He lifted the silky gown that she had worn down for breakfast, sliding his fingers against her. Brit would have blushed, but she whined instead, and he was inside her, thrusting savagely.

The first time she came, she howled, and the second, and every time after that. She was slick, and he was determined, feeding off each release.

When he locked into her with his own howl, she sang with him and then wondered what the neighbours would think. After that, she realized she didn’t care.

He panted and murmured, “So, that was interesting, but I prefer you soft and sighing.”

She chuckled. “Don’t worry, I can only do this if I have the genetic material to draw on. We just have to stop having sex.”

He nipped her neck. “So, this will be your secondary form then. I can live with it.”

She chuckled and waited him out, her thighs covered in him when he finally parted from her. He wrapped his hand around her neck and pulled her back. “That is a fun trick, mate.”

She shrank back to human and murmured, “Not a mate. Mistress. There was no mention of mate in the entire contract.”

“Would you settle for wife?” He held her close.

“That wasn’t there either.”

“I know, but it is in the realm of possibilities here on Daycross.” He nuzzled her neck. “We did meet at the wedding between an omega and an alpha. There is no reason we can’t have one of our own.”

“Before or after I swallow a beach ball.”

He chuckled. “Softball at the most. Would you like to meet my horse?”

“That was a weird turn.”

He chuckled. “To play in our polo league, I needed a residence on Daycross. Once you pass all of the hurdles of purchasing here, you are granted the status of a citizen. Which means that if I marry you, you are granted the same citizenship.”

“That is a lame proposal.” She sighed.

“They didn’t teach that in the alpha courses.” He chuckled. “I will have to find a way to do it properly.”

Brit sighed. “I need a shower, maybe two. How much cum can you hold?”

He huffed next to her ear. “I was excited. I love the feel of you, but scaled up and knowing that you are designed to take me was the hottest thing ever. Your sex was tight around me. You strangle me no matter what size your body is. You fit me like nothing, and no one ever has.”

He was rubbing his head against hers and stroking her belly and breasts. She slumped in his grip, and her head rolled to give him access to her neck and shoulder.

He chuckled and scooped her into his arms. “Let’s get you into that shower. You appear to be a very dirty girl.”

She sighed. “Only with you. Anyone else, and I am normally an active dude or a woman delivering takeout while engaging in some light espionage.”

He chuckled. “Noted.”

“Now stuck being a lady or a large dog-headed lady.”

“Gorgeous in either form.”

She chuckled. “Poor you. I won’t be in heat again for more than a year.”

“Oh, I can make do with mind-blowing sex and cuddling. Going mindless loses its attraction when there is so much I want you to remember.”

“The mark is quite the reminder.”

He chuckled. “Even though it has marked you, I want to do it again. Etgar overlapped marks on Vallu. She gets hot whenever she wears a necklace. I just want you to think of me when I am touching you.”

“Well, that has been achieved.” She chuckled.

He set her down in the shower and slid her gown up and over her head. He dropped his wide-legged trousers to the floor and got into the shower with her. She was treated to the most thorough massage and scrub that had ever been inflicted on her. Her skin was tingling, and shower sex on all fours brought her new shape out again.

“I am going to have to arrange some special clothing for this form for holiday celebrations. I think it will be fun when two ancient gods walk the streets.” He thrust into her slowly and deeply.

She sighed and shivered as her body tightened and gripped him hard. He pulled her up on her knees, and she twisted, pressing her head to his.

He placed her arm around his neck and thrust into her while she supported herself on him. He whispered, “Now, Anput can go, and Brit can come back.”

“Why? Don’t you like me like this?”

“I do, but I want to kiss you. Two of us canine isn’t easy.”

She chuckled and licked his jaw. “Then stop cumming inside me. It’s your semen that makes this happen.”

“Never, and good to know it. I want to spill inside you until you can switch when needed without thinking.”

She let her body relax into Brit, and he licked at her lips until the kiss he wanted manifested.

When the shower recommenced, she rested in his arms. It was a delightful slow dance.

She mumbled against his chest, “I am going to have to leave your home eventually.”

“I know. Just a little more time. I just want a little more time with you before the outside world intrudes.”

She swayed against him. “Just a little bit more.”

He stroked her back. “As long as you want.”

* * * *

Three months later...

Brit sat with Ylara, Sabine, and Vallu at an outdoor café when a low growl got their attention.

Four large actives wearing body armour were standing there, and the one closest said, “Brittany, please come with us.”

Brittany put her cream puff down, and she dusted her fingers off. “No.” She tapped her com.

“We have been ordered by the consortium to bring you in. You are a valuable commodity. You would not believe the price on your head.”

“No.”

Ylara chuckled. “Go ahead and stand up, Brit.”

She stepped out of her shoes and stood up, morphing into her Anput form. She was still pregnant, and her silk dress clung to the baby bump. The mercenaries looked nervous, and Brit grinned at the looks at the daggers that she was holding. They had evolved over time.

“So, what did you want?”

The shadows around the café came to life, and reapers of every shape and size stepped forward, including Denier.

The mercenaries dropped to their knees. Denier walked to the one who spoke. “My wife belongs to the reapers. She is an omega of our clan. No one will take her and not have every reaper on the continent searching for her. We will kill you all and bring her home. And if her regular bodyguard is available, you would be dead already.”

“We... heard that the fallen star had retired.”

Litha sauntered up, licking ice cream. “No, I was just late to the party.” She palmed four plasma balls in her free hand. “Who wants the first one?”

The men scrambled back toward their vehicle, right past and over the reapers.

Brit giggled as the men were cautious and wary of the reapers but terrified of Litha.

Denier came and wrapped his arm around Brit, and then, with all watching, he started talking to her belly. “Did you have dessert for lunch again, little one?”

Vallu was laughing, and Sabine and Ylara were taking photos while the mercenaries were getting the hell off Daycross.

Etgar’s men flanked the transport and escorted them back to the ferry.

Brit went back to human and waved at the reapers. Denier was still talking to her belly and stroking it softly. “Sorry guys, he has a new family member, and it’s a better listener than I am.”

The reapers grinned, and a shadowed gargoyle chuckled. “He is lucky. He found his mate.”

Denier looked up at her and grinned, his eyes red. “Yes, I did.”

“Mistress Brit, if you run across any free omegas, do call the reapers. Half of us are alphas and in desperate need of a cheerful omega or, even, a willing active.” He bowed and put his hand over his heart. The huge claws were a little off-putting.

Litha chuckled. “Just enrol with the Blind Date Corporation, have a few dates, if you like her and she likes you, you can ask for an exclusive contract. From then on, it behaves like a normal relationship, and if she agrees, the mask comes off and can stay off.”

The reapers looked at each other. The gargoyle blinked. “It accepts reapers?”

Brit chuckled. “Sure. Denier was banging all kinds of ladies before he and I met. In a fun twist, I was denied status as an escort because I was a security risk.”

Denier chuckled and looped his arms around her hips. “I did not bang that many escorts. Just the necessary amount to take the edge off.”

Brit smiled and stroked his head, playing with his ears. “And now he gets what he needs from me, and I get what I need from him.”

He lifted his head into her hands, and she leaned down to kiss him. That got attention from the reapers. It wasn’t a simple manoeuvre, but it got the men opening their coms and jumping onto the BDC site.

They would have to go through Zera’s rigorous vetting, but since they were already reapers, their mental situation was verifiable. You couldn’t be a contract killer and go off the rails. Not in an organization that prided itself on efficient accuracy.

They walked up to Brit, and Denier remained on his knees with his arms around her. They bowed one by one and then returned to the shadows.

Brit chuckled and fondled Denier’s ears. “You brought all of them.”

“I was in a meeting with them. You called, we answered.”

She laughed. “Thank you for answering my call.”

He stood and touched his nose to hers. “Forever and always.”

She smiled, and he sighed. “And now, I have to rejoin the meeting. Stay safe and call if there are any problems.”

He kissed her again, and she stroked his thick neck and wide shoulders and squeezed his biceps.

He lifted his head. “Don’t tease.”

“Don’t keep me from getting dessert.”

He laughed, kissed the ring he had put on her finger two weeks earlier, and said, “See you for dinner.”

He gave her a light swat on the butt, and then, he walked into the shadows.

Litha finished her ice cream and joined them at their table. “Sorry I was late. My assistant is having issues surrounding her second job.”

Brit returned to her seat at the table. “What’s her second job?”

“The BDC.”

The ladies at the table laughed, and they shared war stories of the BDC and bad dates where the identity of their clients was in doubt. Brit couldn’t join that part of the conversation, but she enjoyed hearing about it. She had married her patron, even though she was never an escort. He had chased her up a tree and swept her off her feet, in that order.

The latest bloodwork and scans indicated that it was a little girl, and the Sethir-Nin were ecstatic. She focused on eating her meal, which was mostly healthy, and Vallu asked her, “Does shifting like that hurt the baby?”

She chuckled. “No, it likes it. Every time I do shift, she gets a little bit bigger.”

Ylara reached over and patted the belly. “You could nearly go toe-to-toe with Vallu right now. Khytten needs to stop sending you booster packs.”

“I like the booster packs. They have gotten me through some pretty nasty complications.”

Vallu chuckled. “I don’t mind if she beats me to delivery, but she is going to need a baby shower, stat.”

Brit waved that off. “I already have sewn enough baby clothing for the first two years and have more than enough quilts to last me until she’s an adult.”

When they finished eating, Litha smiled. “Well, on the matter of the shower, I think it is time we headed to the clubhouse.”

Brit blinked. “What?”

“Come on. It’s your baby shower.”

The others laughed, and they urged her toward the polo grounds, where the clubhouse had been decked out in bright pink, purple, and crimson. Denier’s mother was there with Lady Daycross, the elder, and Khytten, Lyric, and Baola were there along with other omegas who belonged to the Sethir-Nin.

After hours of fun, Brit nodded off and only woke up when Denier came to carry her through the shadows and back home. She took a well-deserved nap and then had to deal with the remains of the party as the presents were delivered by Litha.

Her friend helped her sort things, and Brit asked her about her relationship. Litha smiled and dodged all the questions, but they had to be asked. Brit grinned. What kind of friend would she be if she didn’t show interest?

When the baby protested the late hour, Brit headed to bed. Litha went to the guestroom, and Denier joined Brit in the wide four-poster that let him stretch out completely. The nest was left for napping or when he was at work.

Her life had taken on a pattern in the last few months, and she could now see her future as much as her family could. She liked it. All she had to do was let her mate chase her up one tree, and the rest was history.

Author’s Note

Book 2 is done. Now on to Ylara’s story. She panicked and started all this. It is only fair that I tell her story and that of Riithan.

She caught the bouquet. It is legally binding, after all.

Thanks for reading,

Viola Grace

About the Author

Viola Grace (aka Zenina Masters) is a Canadian sci-fi/paranormal romance writer with ambitions to keep writing for the rest of her life. She specializes in short stories because the thrill of discovery, of all those firsts, keeps her writing.

An artist who enjoys a story that catches you up, whirls you around and sets you down with a smile on your face is all she endeavours to be. She prefers to leave the drama to those better suited to it. She always goes for the cheap laugh.