Chapter Eight

“Vega, you have to give me a hint.” Hari smiled.

Arkus chuckled. “Three words—claws, tail, wings.”

Hari blinked. “Really? I thought your kind were extinct.”

“We were vulnerable to a specific type of attack, and I am guessing that the wave has not seen fit to bring my people back into the world at large.”

Vega snorted. “It must have been an extranatural skill wielded by a woman.”

“It was. How did you know?”

“Flash them a pretty face, and they will let you walk right up to them.” Vega snorted.

Arkus shrugged. “And then all I had to do was remain locked in the metal and spellwork until a woman of silent power picked me up and held me.”

Vega snorted. “You make it sound like I didn’t trip and find you in a stream then dried the amulet on my shirt.”

“And while her power is silent, her mouth didn’t have to be.” Arkus grinned.

Hari blinked. “I always wondered what happened to Vega that day. She never said.”

Arkus shrugged. “I spent the first week getting into every cell, every pore. I just kept her from talking about it. In the first few days, I could have been removed or expelled.”

Vega snorted. “You are admitting to being a parasite.”

He shrugged. “I don’t care.”

Zerul chuckled.

Hari blinked and stared at the dragon who had sculpted himself into Vega’s ideal man. “Oh, wow.” The magnitude of the situation suddenly hit her.

Several discrete servers came out and settled their appetizers down on the table. Asta had a bit of colour to her cheeks as she directed the others with soft words.

She smiled, inclined her head, and was turning when Vega said, “Asta, is something wrong?”

“No, Vega. I was just caught off-guard.”

“That doesn’t happen.”

Asta shrugged. “Not often. I will check on your meals.”

Vega smiled, and as soon as Asta was out of sight, she shot to her feet. Arkus blinked.

Hari got up and grinned. “Little girl’s room?”

“Yeah, by way of the XIA table. Excuse us.”

Zerul blinked. “But the food.”

“Mine is cold.”

Arkus smiled. “I can heat anything up if necessary.”

Hari followed Vega through the tables until they found the XIA group, and Benny grinned with a cheerful wave. “Hey, guys!”

Hari looked at Steerik and the hot blush on his cheeks. “Oh. Wow.”

Steerik cleared his throat. “Miss Hari. Good evening.”

Vega blinked. “Oh, he’s the—”

“Yeah.”

“So, he and Asta...”

Steerik chuckled. “A flirtation, nothing more.”

Tremble chuckled. “Yeah, Benny nearly melted just watching.”

Smith smirked. “Part of her did.”

Hari smirked. “Ah, well, mystery solved.”

Vega nodded. “Yes, now I know what put the colour in her cheeks. She never gets colour in her cheeks.”

Steerik paused and then nodded. “Interesting.”

Vega paused. “Well, I don’t want to intrude, and I am recovering from a harrowing experience, and he’s waiting at our table.”

Benny chuckled. “Well, then, thanks for stopping by. The food is fantastic.”

Vega smiled. “I am glad to hear it.”

Hari nodded and asked, “How long are you staying?”

“Until the governor’s ball. The guys are dying to get into ballgowns.”

Three grimacing expressions focused on her, and she shrugged. “Fine, they are looking forward to seeing me in an evening gown, and they all like dressing up and undressing afterward.”

Hari blinked. “Right.” A slow blush crept up her cheeks. She was going to be busy for most of the ball, and it wasn’t going to have anything to do with dancing. Zerul had already warned her that the moment he chose her, she was going to be in his arms, and he was leaving the party with her. At that point, Steerik’s work had better be as good as advertised because it was going to be tested. And considering how long Hari had been waiting for him, it was going to be tested a lot.

Vega grabbed her hand and led her to the ladies’ room. “I don’t like lying, and I can always do with washing my hands.”

Hari laughed and did the same. They returned to the table, and after her chair was held for her, she asked Zerul, “Will Steerik leave right after the contract?”

“Probably. I have invited him to the party, but he declined.”

“May I invite Asta?” Hari tilted her head.

“Of course. You can invite anyone you like.” Zerul smiled.

“Nice. When she comes back, I am going to ask her. We technically need ten ladies, right?”

“No, but there are still ten icons on the floor.”

She turned to him. “I thought you had to choose a consort.”

“I did, five years ago.”

“Aw. That’s rather sweet.”

“But we can still have the lineup if you like.”

“Not really. I would rather not remember things that way.”

“Then, when I call you, please come.”

“That’s a little advanced for me right now. I will work on it.”

He snorted and leaned over to kiss her. Hari kissed him back, and the slow and thorough meeting was soon interrupted by someone saying, “If you don’t like your appetizer, I can offer you something else.”

Asta’s tone was amused.

Hari started to back off, but Zerul held the back of her neck with his palm. Their kiss continued for another thirty seconds before he leaned back.

Hari blinked. “I’m good.”

Zerul grinned. “Eat your food. I need you in top form.”

She sat back and faced her food. “I didn’t peg you for a bottom.” The moment it was out of her mouth, she heard it. “Uh, never mind.”

Zerul chuckled. “We may get to that, but in general, I am not a bottom.”

“Uh, right.” She stuffed one of the appetizers in her mouth and mumbled, “Good to know.”

“There will be a mutual exchange of information over time. I will find out what you like, and you will learn what I enjoy.”

Vega was laughing, and Hari’s face was on fire.

When their table was cleared of appetizers, Asta came by to brush the crumbs away, and then their meals began arriving.

Vega smiled. “Too bad Asta’s blush faded. I am guessing that the XIA have left the building.”

Asta supervised the final touches on the food and said, “They have not, but Steerik had to go and meditate. He has to focus to take on Zerul’s form tomorrow.”

Hari blinked. “Thanks for just announcing that.”

Zerul sighed. “It is common knowledge.”

Arkus smiled. “Not that common.”

Asta blinked. “Oh, I am sorry. I didn’t mean to...”

Zerul grinned. “Don’t worry about it. I am sure he would have told you all his secrets if you had simply asked.”

“Of course. Is there anything else?” She was back to business.

“Thank you, no.” Zerul nodded, and Asta walked away with that graceful sway of hers.

Hari watched her go and saw the others watching as well. “Right? How can anyone walk that way? It’s lovely. I have never managed to look half that good walking away.”

Zerul smiled. “It’s pretty close.”

Hari sighed and began to dig in. The food was amazing.

Plates emptied, and staff removed them. Asta reappeared and smiled. “So, everyone have room for dessert?”

Vega nodded. “Bring us the entire lineup twice and put it in the centre of the table.”

“Of course, Vega. A few minutes away. Hot coffee, tea, or cocktails for anyone?”

Hari ordered a coffee, and the others asked for a variety of beverages. Asta nodded and swayed away.

By the time the desserts had been demolished, Hari was limp and warm from her bones outward. “Is food drunk a thing?”

Vega smiled and nodded. “It is, and when Asta is on duty, it is pretty common. Any night she works, tips for regular servers and orders increase by about twenty percent. She makes people hungry.”

Arkus nodded. “I can see that. It is a good thing to have in the service industry.”

Vega nodded. “She’s one of the reasons that this place is packed night after night. We love her.”

“Does Eon come in?” Hari debated unzipping her dress to get comfortable.

Vega chortled. “Yes, but she pays full price.”

“Oh, we get a discount?”

“For the governor and his consort, of course.” Vega winked. “A small discount.”

Zerul nodded. “Worth every cent.”

The server brought the bill, and Vega took it before anyone else could grab it. “My treat. I have been worrying for the last few days. This is my apology.”

Hari shook her head. “No reason for apologies. What you can do is hand the bill to Zerul. He can deduct it. Oh, and get Asta here. She hasn’t told us the answer to the mystery.”

As if summoned, the graceful woman glided toward them. “So, are you all still curious?”

Zerul nodded. “Your energy signature is familiar.”

Asta smiled. “I am a moon rabbit. Normally, they are men, but I am obviously not.”

Hari blinked. “What’s a moon rabbit?”

Zerul spoke slowly, “A very powerful avatar of an immutable power.”

Asta nodded. “This area attracts that energy, and Zerul is in charge of us. Poor bastard.” Her wide eyes were sparkling.

Zerul inclined his head. “Allow me to acknowledge you, lady.”

She waved her hand. “I enjoy being hospitality. Folks like cuddling up to me, and since they feel good, the groping is few and far between. Thank you for coming, and enjoy the rest of the night.” She bowed to them all and returned to the restaurant.

Hari smiled. “I think we have been dismissed. Vega, call me if you need anything at all.”

“The same to you, Hari. Just call me if you need anything.”

“I will.”

Arkus looked to Zerul and said, “It’s like we aren’t sitting here.”

Zerul shrugged and grabbed the bill. “They have fended for themselves until now, so they know what they need. We are new in the equation.”

Hari smiled. “You are not wrong.”

The bill was paid, and Zerul held her chair as she stood. Arkus did the same for Vega, and they slowly made their way to the front of the building. Hari was surprised when Vega hugged her, but as they parted ways, she smiled. Arkus put his hand at the base of Vega’s spine as they walked away.

Zerul looked at her with amusement. “Matchmaking?”

“No, it is just nice to see what growing affection looks like.”

“I hope you will soon find it in a mirror.”

She smiled, he tucked her into his car, and they headed home. She nodded off twice, full, warm, and happy.

Zerul carried her through his residence when she began to focus again. “I can walk.”

“I didn’t want to wait.”

She sighed and waved at the few staff she saw in the hallway.

Zerul headed to his bedroom and set her on the bed, lowering the zipper as he faced her. “Are you awake enough to get ready for bed?”

She yawned and nodded. “Sure.”

He laughed. “I will help.”

She struggled out of her dress and got up to watch it slip to the floor.

She walked to the bathroom, scrubbed the makeup off her face, brushed her hair, and used the facilities. When she was done, she headed back to the bedroom, where a nightgown was waiting for her.

Hari removed her underwear, put on the gown, and crawled into the welcoming bed. Zerul took his turn in the bathroom and emerged wearing silky boxers.

He flipped his bedding back and wiggled toward her. After a few nights, she was used to it. She moved to him, and he wrapped her in his arms.

“So, that was a nice dinner,” he murmured.

She chuckled and looked up at him. “It was. Vega looks good, considering what has happened.”

“She does. Arkus was panicked by events but now seems to be settling in.”

“I thought he was free now. He can run around where he likes or go to the forest where a line of women is probably willing to welcome him into the modern era.”

“He can. He just chooses Vega.”

“Just. That is putting it mildly.” She huffed and lowered her head to press her forehead against his chest.

He stroked her back, and she felt him tracing what she now knew were wing marks. “You are relaxed.”

“Yeah. I started feeling relaxed when Asta arrived. She’s lovely.”

“A moon rabbit. They are usually male and serve the moon goddess. It stands to reason that she’s exceptional.” He murmured, “I am wondering if the reaction to Steerik is indicative.”

“Probably just the collision of two fertility-based magics.” She smiled and burrowed into him.

“Possibly. Are you sleepy?”

“Relaxed, not sleepy.”

“May I call Steerik?”

She looked up at him. “Today?”

“Yes. Do you mind?”

“Do you think he will be up for it?”

“Let’s find out.” He kissed her forehead and sat up, reaching for his phone on the charging station.

He sat with his elbows on his knees, looking completely at ease as he got in touch with the opener. He smiled. “He’s up. He’s playing poker with the XIA.”

Hari sat up, and her palms sweated. “Ah, right. So, now?”

“In an hour. Would you prefer it occur here?”

“Um. Yeah. Unless you ever got that invisible guestroom ready for me.”

He grinned. “I am so proud of you for figuring that out, Anhara.”

Hari laughed and swatted his shoulder. “Despite appearances, I do have rudimentary intelligence.”

“And yet, you are here with me. I am lucky that you have a blind spot when it comes to me.” He rubbed her cheek with the back of his knuckles.

“Yeah. How did that happen?”

“You and I are compatible on every plane of existence. That has extended to our familiarity.”

Hari leaned into his touch and sighed. “So, what do we do for an hour?”

Zerul smiled. “What about a warm-up? It might help you get in the mood for Steerik.”

“That is not what I am getting in the mood for. I am getting in the mood to get the spell over with. The means of application are what they are.” She shrugged. “But I am always up for a make-out session. With you.”

He scooted back against the headboard and pulled her onto his lap. His erection was being kept under control by his boxers, and her thighs helped weigh him down.

She squirmed a bit and slid a hand up his neck.

“Are you taunting me?”

“You have lived in my dreams for five years. What do you think?”

He smiled slowly and dipped his head, brushing his lips against hers until she leaned up to him.

The kiss was slow and slick, and tongues met and tangled. Hari’s body warmed quickly, and despite the deliberate contact, she just breathed faster and continued the kiss at Zerul’s pace. If he sped up, things often got out of control.

Her body was hot, and her lips were tingling when the soft knock on the door woke her from her warm, comfy state.

Zerul lifted his head. “Come in.”

Steerik came in and turned into Zerul when he crossed the threshold. Hari looked toward him and back at the original. “You tried this once on the dream realm, and it didn’t end well.”

He chuckled. “I am here for support, not interaction.”

She sighed. “You are here, so you can get in and stay in as long as you like without blood being an issue.”

“Ah, yes. That would be helpful.”

Steerik-Zerul was approaching and stripping.

“I mean, we could just fuck on the dream plain in perpetuity.”

Zerul grunted and lifted her off his lap, holding her out toward Steerik. “You are my love and a wonder, but I enjoy the feel of you too much to remain platonic in the physical world.”

She blinked as she was handed to the now-naked version of him.

Fingers slid against her folds and into her sex. The familiar face quirked a smile, and he arranged her on her belly and slid inside.

She blinked. “That is so weird.”

He chuckled and began to move his hips, getting wider and pressing against her with every stroke. He gripped her hips and moved harder as he got thicker and thicker. She clutched at the bedding and focused on the feeling as her body was worked to a mechanically induced orgasm. Friction at its best.

She heard the muttering and felt the spell taking hold as she got to the edge, and as she gasped, there was a strange snapping feeling in her sex followed by numbness. Her body fluttered around his cock, he completed his chanting, and the numbness faded.

Hari felt a slow stroke down her spine, and then he withdrew.

Not a word had been spoken.

Zerul pulled her onto his lap and cuddled her. “How are you feeling, Anhara?”

“It feels weird.”

“It?”

“You know what I am referring to.”

He chuckled and nodded. “I know. How do you feel?”

“Like I just had an internal exam.” She grimaced.

Steerik was dressed and chuckled. “Let me know if you need anything else. If not, I am on my way tomorrow.”

Zerul cuddled her against him. “Thank you, Steerik.”

When he left the room and they were alone again, she looked at Zerul. “That was so odd.”

“Odd?”

“Well, it wasn’t fun, but it wasn’t not fun. I was aroused by cuddling with you, but it didn’t increase with him inside me. I came, but it was from friction, like when you stroke yourself. So, weird.” She yawned.

He chuckled. “Well, let’s crawl back into bed, and you can get some rest.”

She nodded, and he tucked them both into bed with her curled up on his chest.

She yawned and was on the edge of nodding off when she heard herself mutter, “Told you, you were a bottom.”

He casually straightened her hair with slow strokes of his fingers. “You are going to pay for that, Anhara.”

“You know where to find me.” She chuckled and slept, his chest rising and falling under her, his breath against her ear.