Chapter Ten

Eating breakfast across from Zerul, Hari said, “I think I can think of five. Maybe they know someone.”

“Who are the five?”

She ticked them off on her fingers. “Livia, Vega, Eon, Asta, and Gen. So, I think I could ask them to find four more.”

“Who’s Gen?”

“She’s involved in the mage guides. She’s an eater by designation.” Hari paused. “I don’t think Benny would be able to do it with a straight face.”

“An eater?”

“Yes, generally the kind of mage that compressed Arkus into that icon that Vega found. I think Gen makes orbs out of what she eats.”

He looked up from his tablet. “I think I have a report of three of your friends last night. Some teenagers summoned a north wind, but they got the north wind. A giant rescued the teens, one of the women distracted the wind, and the third jumped at the column of wind and inhaled it. She was reported to have bat wings. Then they delivered the teens, got in their cars, and left.”

Hari spread jam on her toast. “You are right. That does sound like them. Eon should be happy. It’s one of her only chances to stretch her legs.”

“So, you have met Asta before?”

“No, but Eon has mentioned her big sister, and of course, I have bumped into Gen. She works for my accountant.”

“She has bat wings?”

“Yeah, her mother is a bat shifter.”

“And her father?”

“He’s a mage with a thing for numbers.” She smiled. “Her aunt is my lawyer.”

“How is the lawsuit going?”

“Pretty good. Serel’s lawyer is scrambling for a settlement. There is way too much evidence and far too many witnesses. Plus, there is my own criminal case for reference and plenty of witnesses for that.”

She took a bite of the toast. “As soon as the panic settles, I am handing the information over to the prosecutor.”

His eyes widened. “Who will have to file the very public assault on what is about to be a very public person.”

“Yup. Well, you aside, I was going to do this since she thought it would be funny to drag me to court to pay for the dress I was raped in.” She looked at him, and he was startled by what he saw in her eyes. “I am going to make this public and painful, and when she has nothing, she can sell herself to make ends meet.” She smiled brightly. “Pass the coffee?”

He blinked. “So, you are scarier than I thought. Excellent.”

She chuckled. “Yeah, I really hate her, and she is going to feel it every moment from this day forward.”

“That’s lovely. Keep it in our vows.”

“How good is your legal team?”

“The best in the city.”

“Good. If she comes after me, I am not going to hold back, and I am going to scream her head into a shattered mess.”

“So, still angry?”

“Still furious. At her urging, he sedated and assaulted me. She has not once apologized.”

Zerul sat back with a glass of orange juice in his long fingers. “So, it is what is referred to as a justice boner.”

“Oh, yeah. She could have just apologized before the shock wore off. She didn’t, and here I am.” She raised her cup of coffee to him.

Her phone rang as if conjured. “Oh, look. It’s my lawyer.”

She answered. “Hey, Rayna.”

“They want to settle. They really want to settle.”

“Great. You know the terms at which I will settle.”

“They won’t go for it.”

“I know. That’s the fun part. Return of all funds, including interest, and public apology read at a press conference. One narcissistic comment, and the deal is cancelled. Off to court.”

“I will send the message and let you know.”

“Thanks, Rayna. Hugs to the mister.” She hung up.

Zerul blinked. “That’s fast.”

“We had all the paperwork ready to go. The lawsuit was geared up, and a clerk who hates her family stamped and expedited it. It has gone off like clockwork.”

He grinned and beckoned to her. “May I have a hug?”

She got up, brushed the crumbs off, and walked to sit on his lap. They cuddled together with occasional kisses until Prolen arrived with the day’s activities for Zerul.

Hari started texting her friends and asked them if they knew four females for the following evening. They lived in an area where rituals popped up randomly, which was an important one to control the surrounding areas.

Prolen paused as he spoke to Zerul. “Mattias is arriving with his assistant, and there is an unexpected guest coming in tomorrow. Regick and his mate, Zora, are coming. They wish to talk to Arkus about his territory.”

Zerul cocked his head. “They wish to establish a presence in the city?”

“I believe they wish to help you with the vampires in the city. There is going to be a meeting that no one has anticipated.” Prolen smiled, showing his teeth. “I am going to have to wear my best suit.”

Zerul nodded. “Interesting. Since the demigods in this region are populating heavily, the vampires have limited meals available. It means that your species makes stupid choices.”

Prolen shrugged. “You aren’t wrong. The ladies that your consort recommended to me are quite satisfying.”

Hari chuckled. “But I can’t pimp out the whole city. Those two have a particular interest in what you have to offer. What’s this about demigods?”

“Ah, the last wave cracked the space where the gods retreated. Their energy has been leaking out for decades, and you are one of the results, as am I. The transformations into recognizable species, his morphing into something else.” Zerul stroked her back. “Isn’t that fun?”

“Oh, I see you have your own brand of crazy, Governor.” She snorted and leaned her head against his shoulder.

Her friends got back to her with a list of names. She cross-referenced them and came up with four names. Two were siblings, so it made it easier. She sent texts and emails to the ladies on the list, keeping one extra just in case.

“There. Now I wait for strangers to agree to stand here in an evening gown while you look them over like a piece of meat and choose a consort.”

Zerul murmured, “There will be snacks.”

“Oh. That’s a selling point. I should have led with that.”

He kissed her temple. “You can’t think of everything.”

She smiled. “Well, I have to go to the club to check inventory today.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

“Take someone.”

“Like who? Prolen isn’t going to be enjoying daylight.”

“I can come with you once I have finished my more emergent tasks.”

“The club isn’t as fun during daylight hours.”

“I know, but I don’t want you alone, considering the events of the last week.”

Hari huffed, but she wasn’t stupid. He also wasn’t wrong. She pursed her lips. “Fine. Let me know when you are ready to go. I have to do an inventory and health standards check.”

“You do that once a week?”

“Oh, yeah. Health inspectors hold strip clubs to a higher standard. It is far too common for men who overextend their wallets to try and call in complaints.”

“Only men?”

“Yeah. The ladies who come watch their wallets, so if they are cheating on their significant others, they keep their budgets separate.”

“Interesting.”

“Same goal, different approaches.” She shrugged.

He smiled at her. “Well, I will have to get to my office and get to work so that I can accompany you.”

“Fine.” She stood up. “Go do your thing while I check on one of the ladies who got back to me.”

“Which one?”

“The one with a sister.”

“Well, that’s two down.”

“They need dresses in very different sizes.”

“No problem.” Prolen smiled. “We can accommodate a zero all the way up to ice giant.”

“Oh. Nice. A little weird for you guys to have that kind of a ladies’ wardrobe.”

Prolen smirked. “Some of the ladies get a little messy at dinner.”

She wrinkled her nose. “Ew.”

“Sorry.” He shrugged. “Vampire facts.”

She sighed. “Of course.”

Zerul got to his feet and took her hand. “Keep me company?”

“Sure. Ignore any giggly girl calls you hear.”

“It will be difficult. I don’t really remember you being girly yet. So, this will be interesting.” He slid his arm around her back, and they headed to his office.

She wrinkled her nose and called the younger of the two ladies back, “Hey, Stella. My name is Hari. Zerul is choosing his consort tomorrow, and we need more women of power. Eon identified you as a likely lady to come to the governor’s ball tomorrow.”

“So, this isn’t a joke. You really just want us to show up?”

“Yup. Apparently, there are gowns here for the party. You are allowed to defend yourselves as you like.”

“Oh, geez. Luna will love that. What time do you need us there, and will there be food?”

“There will be food.”

Zerul was chortling at his desk as he went through documents.

“Cool.”

“Uh, show up at sunset.”

“Nice. We will be there.”

“Do you need to converse with your sister?”

“No, she won’t let me go alone.” Stella snickered. “So, you can count on both of us.”

“Oh. Okay. I will see you then.”

“Yup. Luna’s a big eater, so prepare for that.” Stella laughed.

“There will be plenty. Thank you, and text me if you want a car to pick you up.”

Zerul nodded in confirmation.

“That would be great. Thanks.”

Stella hung up.

Hari called Eon and spoke to her for a moment to understand the dynamic that she was dealing with. Luna was in charge of Stella with eight years between them, and Stella was twenty-five. It was fucked up, but they were both strong extranaturals.

Hari thanked Eon, congratulated her on the rescue the previous night, and they hung up.

She stared at her phone and bit her lip. When she got a note from Asta, she blinked in surprise. She called and said, “Hey, Asta. How are you doing?”

“Great. I heard you need ladies for the lineup?”

“Yes, please. Do you know anyone?”

“Yes. I have two friends who meet the criteria of female and powered and available tomorrow night.”

“Really? Thank you. You spoke to them already?”

“Yes, we get breakfast together before work. I thought I would ask. They are up to play dress-up. They just wanted to know if they should do their own makeup.”

“Please. I don’t think that all skin tones can be accounted for sight unseen.”

“Good point. I will be there as well.”

“Thanks, now do you think I should try and find a few more?”

“Two more might be safe. Maybe Gen has an idea. Eon is closer to her than I am, so it might be a good way to get cooperation.”

“Should I contact your friends?”

“Sure, or I can put you on speakerphone.”

“Oh, please.”

The two soft and pleasant voices made Hari smile. That had to be the most relaxed gathering ever. She didn’t care what they looked like; they were going to chill out the entire group the following night.

She got in touch with Eon and got a spare lady for the evening, and when it was done, it was noon. Zerul smiled. “Do you want to head to the club now?”

“Sure. I will make us something to eat. I have been jonesing to get into the kitchen, but I always run into scowls and flapping hands here.”

They headed to the club, and she opened it, keying in the passcode and flicking on the lights in the kitchen.

She printed out the list and put it on her clipboard. She took out two steaks, set them on the thawing plate, and marked them off the list.

“Salad or fries?”

“How good are your fries?”

She grinned. “Pretty damn good.”

“Fries then.”

She turned the oil on.

He smiled, and she took the next hour to take the inventory and place the order. After that, she fired up the grill and got to work, getting the steaks just underdone and on plates to rest while the fries went in for their second round.

It was fun to sit in the silent club and share a meal. He also saw that she committed the sacrilege of steak sauce for her steak. She swore him to secrecy, and he laughed.

Hari looked around the clean and polished club. “This place has been home to me. Well, this place and the gym.”

“It’s charming and surprisingly clean.”

She laughed. “Women run it. We are fussy about scents and jizz.”

He cocked his head. “Do you have that problem frequently?”

“Not enough to be a concern but frequently enough to keep a lot of bouncers on site.” She smiled. “Two at the door and six working the club.”

“That’s quite a few.”

“Yes, considering the clientele, it is better safe than stupid. The ogres send their convention goers here. We bulk up for special events.”

He nodded. “If you ever have need of sudden guards, I can arrange something.”

“I will keep that in mind. Thanks. Well, I am just going to get these dishes cleaned, and then we can go wherever you like.”

“You do your own dishes?”

“Sure, when there is no one here to do it for me. They are not my favourite thing to do.” She collected the plates and cutlery and headed to the kitchen.

She washed and scrubbed everything in nearly scalding water, lining them up on a rack. Her hands recovered as she drained the sink and towelled them dry.

She left everything tidy and verified that the food orders had been put through, checked the supplies, and placed that order, and while she was doing that, Zerul was slowly spinning on the forward pole on stage.

Hari finished her tasks and grinned as she watched him slowly move. She pulled out her phone and started some music.

He paused and smiled. “Ah, I am guessing you can do this better?”

“I certainly have more practice.”

He looked innocently at her. “If you have time.”

She laughed and flapped her hands at him until he stepped out of her rotational reach.

She changed the song, took off her jacket, and reached high as she took a few steps, launched herself upward, and began a simple routine that ended up with her on the floor, head back, and heels touching the back of her skull. The song shifted, and she got to her feet, straightening her dress and putting her jacket back on.

Zerul was staring at her. “That was... If I installed one of those at the mansion, would you do that again?”

She smirked. “That costs extra.”

“I will pay.”

Hari held up her hands. “I am kidding. You can get portable ones. Look for an exercise pole. This sucker is anchored in concrete, and when I get a good head of steam, I can feel it rocking.”

Zerul nodded. “I will take that under advisement. I know that you have excellent muscular development, and now, I know why.”

She wiggled her skirt back into normal lines and smiled. “Well, there are going to be plenty of ladies to stand on the spots tomorrow. There are far more extranatural ladies of higher power levels around here than I thought.”

“We are close to the rift, and energy courses through it, seeking hosts. Babies are excellent receptacles. Extranatural babies are little sponges.”

“So, there is a reason I am an everborn.”

“Correct. Also, the same reason I was born with horns and certain urges.”

“Urges?”

“My sex drive can be extreme. I needed to seek out a partner who could be a partner and not a victim.”

Hari cocked her head. “It wasn’t extreme.”

“We were together for three hours. It was fairly rough for someone with standard biology.” He smiled.

“Really? It didn’t feel like any time at all.” She looked into his eyes.

“I will endeavour to exhaust you at the first opportunity, but I believe some of my guests are coming this evening, so dinner will be the priority.”

“Oh, well, have fun.”

He smiled and held out his hand to her. She slipped her fingers along his, and he bent over her knuckles to kiss her hand. “You are going to be acting as the lady of the manor.”

“Lady?”

“Of course. I am the elected governor, and you are my lady.” He stood straight and smiled at her.

“So, what are the pointy teeth for, aside from holding me in place while you fuck me?”

“A little of this and a little of that.” He smiled. “I can only guess at their intent, but they did put me in charge of the vampires.”

“Your teeth did?”

“Of course. They won’t submit if you can’t bite.”

She blinked. “Right. Well, the frying pan helped considerably.”

“I am glad you found a use for it. You were never injured?”

“No. They didn’t come near me.”

“Good.”

“Have you had to argue with them before?”

He shrugged and pulled her into a hug. “A few times, but apparently, that was enough. I haven’t had to fight in the last ten years. Prolen doesn’t even catch any flack for that. While I have separated myself from daily activities, everything has gone smoothly.”

Zerul pressed his lips to her neck and started to lick lightly at her skin. “You got sweaty.”

She shivered and tried to back away in embarrassment. “Yeah. I did.”

“Would you be willing to come back to the residence with me so I could find out where you gather your scent?”

“Wait. What?”

He leaned in and whispered in her ear. She blushed and looked at him. “So, this is a frequent thing?”

“Yes.”

“And I thought your guests were coming tomorrow.”

“They sent notices that they were arriving a day early to enjoy the city. There are also a few vampires that have requested healing from Regick’s mate. So, she has agreed, as they will be in town anyway.”

“She can heal vampires?”

“Yes, it is a particular skill of hers.”

“What about Matthias and his assistant?”

“They are coming because there are some art installations at our local museums that Matthias is donating to. It is easier to communicate with them and inspect the facilities during daylight hours.”

She nodded. “Ah. So, you need a hostess.”

“That is part of it. Mainly, I need you. Just as we discussed years ago, we resonate.”

“Yeah. The dreams definitely proved that.”

“Shall we return home?”

“To work off some of your intensity?”

“Yes. Please.” He stepped back and offered her his arm.

She looked around, made sure she had done everything, and then nodded. “Okay, let’s go.”

She took his arm, and they walked through the silent club. She locked up, and his driver opened the door. Paparazzi took photos of them as he helped her into the car and then slid in after her.

“Is that going to be a problem?”

He chuckled. “No. It is just an introduction for you into the city’s consciousness as my consort.”

“Uh-huh. Well, better than the whore and murderer from your last event.” She sighed. “If he hadn’t been a vampire, it would have been so much worse. I would have felt guilty. As it was, I was very grateful for the gift of the frying pan. It made dealing with the subsequent vampires earlier, including the stalking.”

He frowned and kissed her hand as the car started moving. “I wasn’t aware that you were stalked.”

“It wasn’t so much stalking as ambushing. They waited outside the club and tried to get me between the building and car. That is when the bouncers had to step in.” She smiled. “I really like Eon. She’s always ready to throw down for friends.”

“She defended you?”

“Several times.”

“I will keep that in mind if she ever needs anything.”

She chuckled. “You don’t have to bribe my friends. We went all in together.”

“It isn’t a bribe; it’s a thank you for helping you when you were in their sight.”

Hari smiled. “They might accept that.”

“I look forward to getting to know them better.”

Hari laughed. “Be careful what you wish for.”

“You would be appalled at what I had wished for.”

She blushed. “I seem to remember some discussion on the dream realm, but it is a little fuzzy.”

“I will refresh your memory. Later.” He smiled.

She shrugged. “I won’t remind you if you don’t.”

He stroked her neck as they returned to the mansion. Things were calm as they got out, and Prolen gave him an update about the stuff that needed his attention.

Hari would have escaped, but he had hold of her hand with a light grip, and it wouldn’t do to break that minimal contact.

They walked to his office, and when he closed the door, he turned, lifted her, and pressed her against the wall. The kiss was blatantly carnal, and his hands pushed her skirt up over her hips. When he lifted his head, she gasped. “Oh, you meant now.”

“Yes, now.” His voice was rough.

She blinked as a hand pulled her panties aside, his fingers slid into her as his kiss returned to her lips, and her body started to tingle.

The tingling increased when he lifted her higher and sucked on her breasts through her dress. The sound of his fingers moving got distinctly louder, and when the slipping began to include her clit, she shook and whimpered as her heated bud was overstimulated and electricity struck her. Slow, heavy throbbing took over her sex, and he pressed into her while the pulsing was rapid.

He thrust into her, pressing her to the wall as his hips kept her pinned. His palms gripped her wrists and raised her hands above her head.

Hari stared at him and tried to focus on one sensation, but her body was hot and tingling once again. He shifted his grip to hold her wrists together and reached between them to rub at her clit as he stroked deep.

She stared into his eyes and blinked for a moment, and then his mind linked to hers in the dream realm. They joined in both realms, and when she came, he was with her.