Chapter Nine

She felt well-rested, and the nervous unease she had been feeling was gone. Amby felt calm, and she had a strange effervescence in her bloodstream.

The sheet was across her, and she sat up, holding it to her chest. Her hair was a wild tumble around her, and she smiled at the thought that Exoval had busy fingers.

Dorian's voice came to her through the open door. "Amby, are you awake?"

She swallowed. "Yeah."

Ohno and Exoval came in, and Dorian followed.

Ohno looked at her. "Wow. Exoval does good work."

Amby sighed. "If you think it's work, I am sure he and Dorian can take on the stuff that requires effort."

Ohno smiled. "I was referring to your hair."

"Oh. He has busy fingers."

Exoval grinned. "It turned out so pretty."

Ohno smiled. "I think we need to get the Darings to do a photo shoot."

Dorian nodded. "Yeah. Don't get my brain headed down that path, or this will be a short conversation."

Exoval smiled. "We need to hash this out before Exeter returns to take her back to the village."

Ohno murmured, "Well, we have interacted, and I am the only one not to have let my complete self loose in her presence."

"You just want me in a swimsuit." She smiled.

"No, I want you naked and under me or over me or any way you want to be with me, but the suit is a nice start." He smiled. "Ahheel wrapped it up and sent it to the manor today."

"Of course she did. So, shall we deal with the elephant in the room first?"

Ohno looked to Exoval. "You mean his dislike of males as romantic partners? That's fine with me."

Dorian shrugged. "No problems here."

Exoval smiled. "During my heat, I won't care, but on the daily, it isn't my preference."

"Stated, and it will be recorded in our contract." Ohno smiled.

Dorian grinned. "This has been quick."

Amby fidgeted and went up on her knees, holding the sheet. The three faces took on expressions that were smug, and she slowly looked behind her. "Exoval, was this placed on purpose, or was it accidental?"

Exoval grinned. "One of those."

Her mark was fully exposed, and everything was moving.

Amby looked around and saw her clothing behind Dorian. "Um, Dorian, can you toss me my clothes?"

He leaned back. "We have things to discuss, so let's just plow through."

She harumphed and backed toward the headboard.

Exoval smiled. "Well, as Amby hasn't been trained to negotiate for herself, we are going to begin with that."

Ohno put his phone up with the recording app active.

Exoval grinned, and he took on a position as her representative and then his own. Ohno and Dorian put out counterpoints. When Ohno laid out his request for a minimum of two children, and Dorian wanted the same, Amby blinked. "Um, I can't guarantee it."

Exoval held up his hand. "I would also like one."

"I am not a dispenser is what I was getting at." She was hot pink.

Ohno smiled. "We are just looking for the opportunity to try."

She frowned. She knew that she probably could. "Fine, but if DNA testing shows that a person has a child on the way, I need them to take some time off because I need someone around who knows how to manage a baby because I am clueless."

Exoval nodded. "I am good with babies. I babysat a lot while in school."

Exeter's voice came from the doorway. "He honestly did. He babysat, and I studied in the kitchen. So, Exoval, do you have an explanation?"

Exoval grinned. "This is going to be your new sister by link. You know Ohno and Dorian."

"I do. They are here, why?"

Exoval chuckled. "Please, Amby. Show him?"

She sighed and wiggled forward until there was a gasp, and she knew her back was visible. "It's kind of a matchmaking kit for idiots."

She blinked when he looked at her with an intense expression. "Do all of you betas have the marks?"

"No, just some of us. We all had to be in the same city within a fifteen-year period. My cousin was there for dancing, and I was there with family."

"Dancing?"

"Sure. Haravin is a champion ballroom dancer."

Exeter paused. "Kekoa's Haravin?"

"Same one."

"Hmm. So, you came here to seduce my brother?"

"No. I came here to meet him. The cuddling was his idea."

Exeter paused. "That sounds like him."

"She's soft and pretty and smells so sweet." Exoval chuckled. "I didn't do nearly as much as I wanted, but she does have a hickey or two in fun spots."

Her cheeks got hotter, and her body flushed.

Exeter stared. "Are those designs moving?"

"Yeah. They are. I think they are excited to have everyone in the room." She exhaled and heard the soft whine. "Can I get dressed, please?"

The alphas had sat up as if a whip had been cracked. Exoval grinned. "That's so fun."

She covered her face in mortification.

Exeter blinked. "Wow. So, where are you going to set up?"

Ohno said, "I have a place on the north end of the island. It would only be ten minutes to here."

Exoval shrugged. "We have to check with Kekoa. The butterflies go where I do, so..."

Ohno blinked. "They do?"

"Yeah. They do. This place was always a family home. The butterfly houses were added later."

Amby had an idea but didn't know if it was stupid. "Ohno, how big is your place on the island?"

He smiled. "It's a fair size. Why?"

"I was just thinking of an occupation that Exoval and I could do. It's pretty big on the mainland to have a romantic event space." She looked at Dorian. "I need clothes and my phone."

He grinned and got up to pass her her clothing. She got dressed with a remarkable lack of skin showing and then pulled the dress over her hips as she stood up. Dorian tossed her her phone.

She popped her stylus out of the bottom of the phone and started to draw.

She showed the diagram to Ohno. "What does that look like to you?"

He blinked and smiled slowly. "An event centre. A small one but definitely an event centre."

"Just for ceremonies. They can still go back to the hotels for receptions. I mean, this is just so that they can have pictures and private moments and a bit of serenity when they sign contracts or state vows."

Ohno looked at the design. "What kind of personnel would you need?"

"Celebrant or officiant, depending on the type of ceremony. Someone to manage snacks and beverages, depending on the number of invitees. If they want the butterflies, then Exoval would be there."

Exoval smiled. "I am liking this. Where would you be?"

She smiled. "Running logistics."

His smile dropped. "No. You are not going to disappear into the background."

"Sure I am. I am the least flashy member of this group. Ohno would manage the reception hall, and Dorian would... uhh... no clue."

He grinned. "I make an excellent bouncer and can also provide a blessing to the families from the island."

Ohno nodded. "I think this is doable. We should bring it to Kekoa and see what he thinks."

Dorian smiled. "He would want to be the first to have a ceremony for his pack. Alohi would be delighted."

Exoval crossed his arms. "Of course he would."

Amby blinked. "That sounds hostile."

Exeter shook his head. "Alohi is like an insecure dog. He's clingy and might bite. Exoval is known as the golden omega, so it has caused some kind of feelings. Many thought that he and Kekoa would be a couple. No one took Exoval's inclination seriously. Well, no one but Kekoa, so Exoval plays here and studies. Our family will be glad to welcome you, Amby."

Dorian smiled. "And mine."

Ohno chuckled. "And mine, though Ahheel will wince at how close she could have come."

"It wouldn't be right for her to use him to get me." Amby caught on right away.

"No, and it would have messed up my own scheming." Ohno smiled.

The guys started talking, and she eased out the door and found a marker for a garden. She opened the gate and walked through. Flowers bloomed everywhere, and the butterflies glided and fluttered around her. If she closed her eyes and thought of beauty, this was what she thought of.

She laughed when her arms were covered by a thin line, and a crown began to form on her head.

"So, I see it now." Exeter nodded.

She turned slowly. "What?"

He laughed. "Butterfly beta. He has loved butterflies his entire life but not for any reason he could pinpoint. I think I am looking at his reason."

She shrugged, but the butterflies didn't move. "I liked them before the mark arrived. I envied their freedom and grace. I had neither." She blinked. "Shoot, I have to get in a dance lesson. Damn. I forgot to check my camera."

He laughed. "Still trying to carry out your assignment?"

"That is why I was here, I think. I am beginning to have my doubts."

"So, not stupid. Good. I was worried any niece or nephew would be unintelligent. Mind you, Exoval is very smart."

She blushed. "Right. So, what then, bait?"

"No, I believe that you, Haravin, Nerina, and Thera are all here for a reason. We have too many alphas for our population levels. Partners are necessary."

"Wait. Thera is here?"

"Yes. She's the mate of the Daring Charter Company. Also artists, also mechanics."

"She's a cameraman."

"Is she?"

"Yes. If she had been with me, this would have been a lot easier."

Exeter paused. "Would she have kept you company so that you would be less likely to speak with strangers?"

"Oh. Right."

"So, either she was ordered to stay away, or she was hidden."

She asked, "What are they? What kind of alpha?"

"Oh, orcas. Vicious in the wild but quite nice in human form."

"But... Thera's here?"

He nodded slowly. "She is."

A happy excitement rippled through her. "I will have to see if I can meet her. She was mentioned when Ford was explaining the project."

"In what capacity?"

"Being an alternate. So, if she's here, she was definitely an alternate." She looked at him. "I don't suppose you have a number I can call?"

He laughed. "Right now, absolutely not."

"Why not?"

"I will leave that to your mates to explain to you, possibly with diagrams." He smirked. "Suffice to say, Thera is busy, as are her mates. There hasn't been a full heat from one of the betas like you yet. Folks are going to be quizzing her mates intently."

She caught on and blushed. "Oh, right. Oh, dear. Oh, no."

She pressed her hands to her cheeks. "Right."

"Well, little sister. Welcome to the family."

She blinked. "Really?"

"Exoval does not make decisions lightly. If he is willing to put up with your males, he's in his version of love. Intense fascination. He does not give up on his fascinations. You are in for life now. So, little sister, you shall be."

She smiled.

He laughed. "You are still thinking about Thera."

She giggled. "I fixate as well."

He sighed. "Ask Ohno to talk to her mates. If he keeps his head, you will be able to talk to her."

"Ohno has to talk to them?"

"They will be a little intense for a few days, putting out a lot of pheromones to keep their mate interested, and while they only see her, other females could be set off."

She frowned and pointed to her chest with a raised eyebrow.

He grinned and shrugged. "What is up to you is to figure out what you want. The older families on the islands all participated in the original mining of Emerald. Funds aren't the issue, but location is a complication, so if you want to take courses or learn, virtual learning is your primary option."

"Oh. Right. I think I have to go now." Ohno and Dorian were looming, and Exoval looked anxious until he saw her standing ten feet from his brother.

He chuckled. "I think you have to as well. The idea for a ceremony space is a good one. If they can lure in more females who can match us, they might appreciate the security of our acknowledging the seriousness of the situation."

She smiled. "Thank you, brother?"

He grinned.

Exoval rushed around his brother and hugged her. Butterflies took off in a cloud, and he murmured, "I don't want you to leave, but I am not used to people right now, and Ohno says you have things to do."

She turned and kissed him, and he relaxed immediately. He pulled her in tight and held her against him from chest to hip. The storm of butterflies surrounded them, and she hung on until she felt that Exoval was ready to let her go.

She stroked his neck as he leaned back. "You will see me soon."

He chuckled. "Yes, I will. We have to chat with Kekoa as a pack."

"Oh. Got it."

"But tomorrow, you have to swim with Ohno, and after that, we can meet with the king."

"I was supposed to finish dance classes."

He grinned. "What do you need to know? I am a good instructor."

"I just got two days of instruction, and then stuff happened."

Exeter chuckled. "She can ask Thera to teach her."

Exoval blinked and smiled. "She's a great dancer. When her dad would head out on expeditions, he would leave her behind, and Illu would teach her endlessly."

"So, she's been here before?"

Exeter chuckled. "Months and months. Her father was a deepsea researcher, and we were on his migratory path. When I first met her, she was six and playing with kids in the town while her father took a research team shark diving."

"So, she's been here before?" Amby blinked.

Exoval smiled. "Certainly. She spent about one or two months a year here. The locals called her Teehee because she was always giggling."

"So, you know her."

"Yes. She is a very sweet and gentle soul, but at the same time, she has no fear of anything below the surface."

Amby asked, "Where was her mother?"

Exoval grimaced. "Her mother was another researcher who died giving birth to Thera. Her father picked her up as he passed through her mother's homeland and raised her on his boat as he travelled the world for research."

"She knew her mates?"

"Ah. No. Once she was ten, she wasn't allowed to go with the apprentices anymore. The males who are her mates are the same type of alpha as her father. Orcas. Her father did not let them socialize."

"Oh. Her father approved of her coming here?"

Exeter spoke. "Her father died two years ago."

Amby stared at him. "How do you know all this?"

"The waves murmur what they hear. I hear a lot of gossip." Exeter shrugged. "I also babysat Thera with Exoval when she was seven. I am attuned to mentions of those I know."

Exoval held her. "Which is how he knows all the names of all the new betas and who their mates are and who is already pregnant. Exeter knows everything."

The butterfly storm ceased.

Ohno smiled. "Illu is willing to fill in another dance lesson."

"So, we are going?"

"Get your camera, and we will go."

Exoval kissed her quickly, took her hand, and walked her back to the garden. She gathered her camera and picked up the case. Dorian took it from her and nodded to Exoval and Exeter. "It has been interesting seeing you again. I wish you luck in your own search."

Exeter held up his hands. "I am not searching."

Dorian snorted. "Neither was I, but I knew it when I saw it."

Exoval smiled. "This is fascinating, but I have to choose an outfit for the meeting."

Ohno smiled. "I will see if any of the orcas are out of their mate and if we can get some graphics out of Orc. He will definitely be in a good mood."

She was kissed by Exoval one more time before they headed down the hill and to the small dock where what she had to guess was Ohno's boat was rocking with the soft waves.

Ohno smiled. "Let's get you off to dance class. Did you have fun with Exoval?"

She felt herself go scarlet.

Dorian hopped back into the boat, settled next to her, and stroked her back. "So, you have found us all."

She wrinkled her nose. "I guess."

He kissed her temple, and when she looked up at him, her lips were the recipient of his attention. "But did you have fun with Exoval?"

She swallowed. "Yes. Definitely."

"You taste like omega, like two, actually. This will be interesting."

Ohno laughed as they headed back to the village. As they approached the large island, Ohno pointed at a white beach with a house built higher on the hill, set back from the edge, but flicks were visible through the trees.

Ohno called over his shoulder. "That's the new house."

She nodded and watched their drive home. She had one thought and smiled and talked to Ford via text.

She asked Ford if he knew that Thera was there.

Why are you asking me now? I thought she blew her cover and talked to you. I asked her to stay out of the way.

Amby frowned. What? No. I haven't seen her yet.

What do you mean? I have heard from a few sources that she was there.

I haven't seen her. She's kept out of my way.

Oh. Shit. I fired her.

What? Why?

She has trouble following directions, and I thought she blew it the moment she was out of sight. I ordered her to send her camera back, and I blocked her.

That isn't like you.

The babies are teething, and it is a nightmare. I am not sleeping. All I knew was that one more person didn't do what I asked.

Oh. She's mated now.

There was a long silence. She is?

Yes.

Who?

Some kind of alphas.

Plural?

Yeah. Her dad was an oceanic researcher and hauled her around the world. She has been here before.

Damn it. Can you get me in touch with her?

No. She's in heat, and her males and her have locked down.

Shit. I am going to have to apologize.

Maybe. Maybe she will just never talk to you again.

You are making me cry.

Join the babies, and sort it out.

You are mean.

One of my mates is an omega. I am getting ready to be calm but caring.

Shit.

Go spend time with family, and try to figure out how you will tell a photographer that you didn't mean it when you fired her.

I have some calls to make.

You might want to see if she needs a new job.

What? Oh... Serin is on her way. She probably has something in the works; she always does.

She looked at Dorian. "Do you know anyone named Serin?"

He tensed and started to vibrate with energy. "Serin? You are sure?"

They were cruising parallel to the shoreline. Dorian called out, "Hey, Ohno, Serin is coming home."

Ohno cut the engine and turned around in shock. "Serin is coming home?"

Amby held up her phone. "Ford said so. She's on her way, he said."

Ohno blinked. "Does her family know?"

Amby looked at him. "Do you think she would tell them?"

Dorian muttered, "Absolutely not."

Ohno turned and got the boat underway again.

Amby muttered, "Who is Serin?"

"She was the heart of the island. Everyone thought Kekoa would have had her as a beta with an omega when one was available."

"They were in love?"

"They radiated power. Your cousin does as well, so that is fine. She's a suitable match."

"What happened?"

"No one is quite sure. The alpha everyone thought would be hers ended up with her sister, and before that happened, Serin just left. Her family is an old family from the islands. Very old. Some guess that their line goes to earliest human habitation."

She blinked. "Like what kind of habitation."

"Like we will be here until the end of time making agreements with gods kind of thing."

"And she left."

"Yes, but she's coming back." Dorian smiled.

Amby caught the edge of Ohno's smile. He glanced at Dorian. "She's coming back."

Amby got the idea that she wasn't hearing her mates, she was hearing the ancient being that had made a deal with humans. She shivered a little, and Dorian held her close, rubbing her arm. She leaned her head on his shoulder and waited until they arrived back at the village. It was time to finish another dance class and try to talk to Thera.

How long does a heat last anyway?