Chapter Ten

Iris stepped into the house, found the nest, and locked the doors behind her. Why had Ymer been the first with her? She had worked with him for years, but it was a bit of a shock that her body responded so eagerly. Now that the hormones were fading, she felt like shit.

The team hadn't brought in the furnishings yet, so she settled on the floor in the corner and buried her head in her arms. She wasn't crying, but she wasn't thinking fondly of her endocrine system at that moment.

When she heard the outer door ease open, she stiffened and looked up to watch who was coming through the doorway. It was Brexel, and he had a concerned expression on his face.

He crouched next to her. "Iris, why are you upset?"

She drew in a steadying breath. "It's stupid."

"What?"

"I wanted to be with you first, but I went all weird and hormonal and just wanted Ymer more than anything, but now that has worn off, and I feel like hell."

She shrugged and held her knees.

"We are charming and seductive bastards, more so than other alphas. You are already keyed to him, so he focused on you, and your body responded. He wasn't rough, was he?"

"No. It was quite fun."

"Well, Ymer was inside you to make a path. Frankly, he's the easiest for you."

She jolted. "What?"

Brexel laughed. "Yes. Not every dark elf is made the same. We didn't want you uncomfortable, but I believe we should have had a discussion about the particulars. With the boys around, there was never time. Plus, this has gone pretty quick."

She swallowed. "No kidding."

He stroked her cheek. "The team is here to set up your nest. Can we leave them to it?"

She swallowed again and nodded.

He lifted her to carry her out of the empty nest. The door unlocked and swung open, letting them pass the crew that stared at them in surprise. He walked down the hall and carried her into his bedroom.

He settled her on the bed and crawled in next to her. She curled up against him without prompting and buried her face against his chest.

"You have no idea how long I have wanted you like this, Iris."

"Snivelling with post-coital regret?"

He chuckled. "Just in my arms. Oren is keeping an eye out for the boys."

"Yeah, he's probably getting a brain full."

"So, you know that."

"Yeah. It's been discussed."

He squeezed her.

Iris held onto him and breathed him in. Her sex still ached pleasantly, but it throbbed as she rubbed her face against him and cuddled closer.

His phone rang, and he sighed and answered it. "What is it, Oren?"

"She's about two minutes from climbing over you. Just thought you would like a warning."

"Thanks. Now, butt out." He hung up.

Iris paused in her squirming and slowly moved away. "Sorry."

He pulled her back against him. "I never said stop. Your scent indicated you are still high. Ymer's attentions can also kick someone into heat if he focuses."

"Did he?"

"He did."

"He's not getting anything for the holidays."

"I think he already got what he wanted." Brexel chuckled.

She blushed.

"You're not uncomfortable?"

"No. When I feel like this, I usually call in sick for a week."

"Well, that isn't necessary. You can take advantage of any of us at any time. The boys return to school on Monday, Ymer works from home, and Oren works around the animals' schedule. I am setting time aside to take care of our new mate and my fiancé."

She blinked. "You were serious?"

"You are not tested and registered as an omega, so you are able to move through the world as a beta no matter what is going on in your body."

"Why does that matter?"

"You have legal standing, and the Stronghold has no gripping power on you. You are adopted, married, and, ideally, pregnant. They won't be able to get a grip on you."

"Especially with one of you guys as the father. Absolute responsibility for alphas is a hefty legal burden."

"You are correct, but one we gratefully take on. When my friend and business partner passed, taking on their children wasn't something I hesitated to do. The boys are a joy to me."

"I know. I was there for the start of it, but you got the hang of it. The dogs helped."

He nodded. "Your suggestion and how Oren tied into our gathering."

"Oh. Right." She was unbuttoning his shirt, and when she realized what she was doing, she stopped.

He chuckled. "You can keep going."

"I don't want to be too forward."

"I am no longer your boss; I am your mate. Take advantage of me whenever you wish."

"I kind of feel like now is appropriate."

"I am at your service."

Her fingers unbuckled his narrow leather belt and opened his trousers carefully.

She kept her head down and her eyes closed as she worked. When his thick, heavy length settled in her hand, she felt a surge between her thighs. It was embarrassing, but he wasn't going to fit any other way.

Her clothes disappeared in a soft rush, and she saw them neatly folded on a chair in the corner next to his. Her fingers were still wrapped around his cock, and she looked up at him. "You will have to explain that kind of thing soon."

"Perhaps not right now?"

She smiled. "Fine."

He kissed her, and her senses caught fire. She went wild, and her body registered every caress and stroke. When he licked his way down between her thighs, she nearly blacked out.

Flames of lust followed every stroke of his tongue, and he spread her thighs wide as he settled in to drink from her until she shrieked and thrashed against his grip.

He moved up her body, his mouth gleaming as he licked his lips. He slid a hand under her, tilting her hips up as he pressed into her slowly but without respite. Once the wide head was in, he rocked against her, easing into her in small increments.

She panted, and he bent to kiss her, the taste of her and him together blending as he moved in a slow and steady rhythm.

Her breath came in small hitches until he was in and unmoving.

"Iris."

She opened her eyes and didn't remember closing them. "Brexel?"

He smiled. "My mate."

She looked up at him. "My mate."

He lowered his head to hers, and with a deep kiss, he started rocking into her.

They met thrust for thrust, rolled, repositioned, and wrecked the bed in general with her body surrendering to every touch and sensation.

Iris was flattened face down under him when they finally finished their bonding. She whispered, "Do you think Oren was aware of that?"

"I think he took the boys out for ice cream. We were rather loud." He kissed her shoulder and moved across to the other.

"I suppose we could have been... um... quicker?"

"Absolutely not. I have waited six years for this." He licked the bite he had left on the back of her neck.

"I am going to leave this out of the call to my mom this week." Her whole body was warm.

He chuckled and nuzzled the back of her neck. "But why?"

"Don't be an ass."

He planted his hands next to her shoulders and moved off her, letting a rush of air cool the sweat on her skin.

She shivered, and he pulled her into his arms, taking her to the shower. "I am going to be showering a lot."

He grinned. "Less than you think if we can get Noh and his group to take the boys for sleepovers."

"Ew. Gross."

"You will get used to it, just like you got Denel used to lemons. There are alternatives, but it's good for you." He ran his hands over her. "Well, it's good for us, and we will appreciate you more than we already do somehow."

She glared at him. "Team-building exercise?"

He laughed. "Any team you are on, I am a fan of."

"Fine, so what happened to the door to your bedroom?"

"It is gone until we are ready to rejoin the world."

"How?"

"Well, that is for the family meeting."

She sighed and thumped her head against his chest.

"So, Iris, when are you going to introduce us to your family?"

"Uh, I haven't had a chance to take an inventory of my underwear, let alone make plans to have you meet them. Do the boys have passports?"

He stroked her back. "Do you remember when Ymer just appeared in the kitchen?"

"Yeah."

"We can all do that. It is what our sect does."

"Sect?"

"Later, Iris."

"Tease."

He snorted, and they finished their shower.

She got dressed into the clothes she had been wearing earlier, and when he was dressed, he flicked his fingers and the door appeared.

"I don't know about you, but I am either going for a nap or a snack."

She left the room and paused. Oren was leaning in the door frame, and Ymer was across the hall, smirking. The dogs saw her and jumped on her, knocking her down so they could lick her face.

The boys came running, laughing.

Iris touched the dogs and whispered, "I love you, but stop."

They whined and backed away. Iris sat up and saw a tear in her shirt. "Dang it."

She looked around. "Anyone know where my clothes are?"

The three guys looked innocent, and the kids were remorseful. "Sorry. Oren told us to hang onto them, but they were so excited we thought it would be funny."

Iris smiled. "No problem." She walked to the dresser and found the one with T-shirts. A quick moment in the bathroom, and she returned wearing a shirt that hung nearly to her knees.

Brexel smirked. "Works for me."

Oren frowned. "Wait a minute."

She walked to Oren and patted his arm. "It doesn't have to be the same day."

Oren turned as she passed him. "What if I want it to be?"

She said softly, "You would have to wait until you could get in. I am pretty sure I am swollen shut."

He smiled. "Oh, I can help with that."

"Can you? Hm. I am still going to find a snack. Denel, Bennet, where do you think Ymer hides chocolate? I think we should find out."

The boys ran downstairs ahead of her, the dogs followed, and she moseyed behind. She left the elves behind her.

* * * *

Ymer snorted. "Really, Brexel?"

Oren paused next to him. "Ymer, she's in early heat, she's been lusting after Brexel for six years, and you got there first. She was upset." He smiled. "Now, she's a bit sore but no longer upset."

Brexel nodded. "She wasn't crying, but she was upset. She's only activated as an omega recently, and she's not a child. She's a woman with past experience, and she's comparing that with what is happening now. It is a jarring difference. Her body is not consulting her mind for the first time."

Ymer winced and sighed. "Right. I just caught the scent of her heat, and that was it. She reciprocated, and all other thoughts were gone."

Brexel sighed happily. "Yeah. That was... wonderful. Not enough but wonderful."

Oren didn't say anything; he just headed down to where the boys had managed to locate some peanut butter cups, including some white chocolate ones that they were sharing with the dogs.

Iris was nibbling at a chocolate and had another waiting on her palm. He cupped the back of her neck and kissed her temple. He poured healing through her to remove the raw skin and inflammation but was careful not to interfere with her hormones.

She blinked slowly, looked up at him, and then laughed. She reached up and stroked his jaw. He leaned in to kiss her, and the boys made noises of disgust.

The boys got quiet as the kiss continued, and when Oren lifted his head, Ymer and Brexel had the boys' eyes covered.

Brexel laughed. "Well, now, we know what their reaction is."

Iris spoke, and her voice was husky, "The reaction may vary depending on who I am making out with and how much chocolate is available."

Oren smiled and stroked her back through Brexel's T-shirt.

"Is there any part of the property that we haven't defiled yet?"

Oren chuckled. "There is a spot by the lake."

"Okay, but walk slow."

He pulled her against him. "Who's going to walk?"

She blinked, and the cool breeze suddenly touched her cheeks while the sun set.

"Brexel said you are going to explain that."

"We will." Oren walked with her to a gazebo that had a bed fit for a fairy tale in the middle of it.

"That seems unusual." They walked to stand next to it.

"I can save the fucking against a tree for a later time. You are tired, you have put up with a lot, and I remember putting those stitches into your scalp. I will be careful." He smiled gently.

She grabbed his arms and tripped him onto the bed. She jumped onto him and said, "But I don't have to, right? I don't have to be careful?"

He blinked in surprise. "No, you don't. I won't break."

"Excellent. If you can make the clothes go somewhere close, I would do it now." She straddled him and ran her hands under his shirt but was suddenly no longer there. She grinned. "I think I am getting the hang of this."

He laughed and then groaned, and a heavy gasp followed.

Iris smiled. She was getting the hang of this.

Cuddled against Oren, she sighed.

"What is it, Iris?"

"I think that frog is staring at us." She looked at the little green peeping Tom.

"It is."

The sun was down, and the moon was edging up out from behind the trees. The air smelled of freshly cut grass and honey.

"How did Ymer get all of the landscaping done?"

"He threw money at it. That's his move." Oren was smiling. "Brexel negotiates with it or just moves it into place. I wait until everything settles, and then, I step up."

"Clever." She was curled up against him with her knee draped over his thigh.

"It has landed me here, so I am sticking with it."

She sighed. "I guess we have to go in search of dinner."

He chuckled. "They are holding it for us. The boys have eaten."

"Oh, good. I am going to jump in the lake."

"Why?"

"I passed sticky ninety minutes ago. Now I am developing my own polymer."

He laughed. "Right. Lake it is."

She groaned, sat up, eased off the bed, and walked to the lake, jumping in and holding her breath at the cool shock of it. She swam a few feet out, floated, and then returned to the shore where Oren was waiting, fully dressed with her clothing over one arm.

She waded out of the water, and he flicked his fingers to dry her off with a puff of air from an unseen source. She pulled on her clothes and yanked on Brexel's shirt as a final touch. "I really need to walk. My legs have to remember what to do," she muttered as she focused on the house in the distance, "They have spent way too much time in the air today."

Oren laughed and walked with her. She had regained coordination and was walking semi-normally by the time they arrived at the house.

Brexel looked at them. "She insisted on walking?"

Oren chuckled. "Yes."

She stalked into the kitchen and got a glass of water, chugging it down before doing it again.

When that was done, she went to the fridge and went looking for food. Ymer came up behind her as she was scouring the visible offerings. She couldn't decide.

"What are you looking for, Pet?"

She whirled and roared in his face, "I don't know!"

He blinked and backed off. Brexel hooted with laughter, and a fruit salad appeared on the counter with a fork in it.

Oren blinked. "What am I missing?"

Ymer sighed. "Brexel mentioned that Pet gets hangry. I thought he was exaggerating."

"Shut up, Ymer. This is the tip of the iceberg," she mumbled around blueberries and strawberries. "I look cute and have the temperament of a wounded pitbull when I am hungry."

Brexel smirked and eased past her, getting a plate of pasta and meatballs ready. While that was heating in the microwave, he heated some garlic bread in a toaster oven.

He got her a large glass of lemonade and ushered her to the kitchen table by leading her there with the fruit salad.

She sat with a wince and kept eating.

When the hot food arrived, Brexel set it down in front of her and sat next to her. She pushed aside the empty fruit salad bowl and tucked into the spaghetti.

Brexel put his hand, palm up, on the table. She slid her hand into his and held it. He smiled. "Better?"

"You are just lucky you knew about this, or I would have bitten Ymer in the nose."

"The nose?"

"I have already had my mouth on more junk than anticipated today."

Brexel chuckled. "Fair point."

Ymer asked Oren, "Did you see anyone out there?"

Oren shook his head. "Nope. Why?"

"One of the neighbours from down the road has lost someone, and they were wondering if she was on our property."

Iris slurped a noodle and asked, "What was the name?"

"Zelle."

Iris coughed. "Zelle Winters?"

Ymer looked at her. "You know her?"

"Where's my phone?"

Oren handed it over, and she sent a quick text to Lya.

Iris kept an eye on her phone and then got a return text.

Oh, they wouldn't give us a name. Just said that they think she was on the property, and they wanted permission to search for her. I think Venka and Tamara spotted something in a tree. I will ask about it.

"They think she's at Lya's place."

Iris nodded. "She probably is. Lya and Zelle are friends. They were both on that show together."

Ymer paused. "Alphas versus Betas?"

Iris nodded.

"And someone is looking for her?"

"Yes, on behalf of someone else." She pointed at him with a meatball. "From what Lya has told me, Zelle is good at camping for survival. She's probably just lying low until after the premier of the show. She's only hanging around because it's in her contract." She ate the meatball and used the garlic bread to clean things up.

She pushed the plate away and looked at Brexel. "Where is my stuff?"

"I will show you to your room."

"Please."

He kissed her temple and helped her to her feet. She left her dishes behind, and he walked up the stairs with her. She passed the nest and exhaled but then scowled when he took her to his room.

"What?"

"We are getting married, so this is appropriate. Also, you will have to get used to not sleeping alone."

She sighed. "I need another shower. I think I brought a frog home in my hair. He's a perv. Watch out."

Brexel curved his lips in and nodded. "Right. One more shower. I will get you something to wear to bed."

Relieved, she sighed, "Really?"

He nodded. "Yes. The last day was hard for you."

"I am going to stall any quips."

She went to his bathroom and took another glorious shower, this time on her own. The frog hopped out when she played in warm water.

When she was clean and dry and had stopped the sensation of having a slow drip, she wore the towel into the main bedroom, where she was alone. She selected a gown in a shimmering blue and black that had been given by a regular at the club.

She slipped it on and hung her towel up in the bathroom again. When she returned to the bedroom, Brexel was walking back in.

"The boys are out, and the frog is back in the lake. You look exhausted."

He smiled and turned the bed down. "Lots of time in bed, very little sleep."

"I am looking forward to sleeping. Tomorrow is Sunday, right?"

"Correct."

She exhaled. "Have the boys done their homework?"

He smiled. "Before they went on the overnight Friday."

Iris climbed into bed. "Is this as odd as it feels?"

"It feels right. If you hadn't taken the position with the boys, you wouldn't have thought of our house when you were in danger, and you wouldn't be here. You would be off to the Stronghold, and we would never have known."

She pulled the light covers up over her shoulder. "That would suck. My chances of getting out of there would have been less than ideal. I mean, I still would have tried it."

He cuddled up to her and wrapped an arm around her waist. "Not if they shackled you to the floor by an ankle."

"That would be... less than great." She shivered.

He kissed her ear. "We've got you now. You are relatively safe."

She laughed. "Thanks for the inexact safety."

He hummed and held her close. "My pleasure. Welcome to our pack, mate."

"Thank you, my alpha."

He tensed as if electrocuted. "I would recommend against saying that to the others."

"That particular title is yours alone, but I won't use it again if you don't like it."

"Oh, I like it, but you have had a very long day. There is plenty of time to spend with the boys tomorrow. We can have a picnic on the newly mowed lawn or something."

She sighed and relaxed, letting sleep rush over her. She still had to call her mom.