Chapter Fourteen

Lya signed her new registered name, and Venka scrawled next to her on the enrolment paper. Noh's signature followed.

Tamara was already on her way to her first class with Bennet and Denel. Lya was free to fun around with Venka for the rest of the day.

They did couple's massages and facials. Lya's short nails were extended and painted a glow-in-the-dark colour. They stopped for lunch, and Venka tended to emails on her phone while Lya got her nails done.

When Zelle came in, Lya started laughing. "Fancy meeting you here."

Zelle smiled tiredly. "Lya. It's good to see you again. Tell your daughter I don't begrudge her the tattling."

Venka blinked and looked over. "Oh, Lady Zelle. Very glad to see you in better condition."

Zelle nodded. "It's good to be up on my own feet, even if it means I have lost just about every bit of freedom I had and have been disqualified from the show."

Lya frowned. "That isn't right. You were fantastic."

Zelle's hands were being massaged, and the woman that Lya knew as scrappy and wild was dressed in expensive clothing and looked exhausted. She wore embroidered silk, and her hair was up in a very elaborate twist. The bright mark of an alpha's bite was on her neck.

"He put money into the show, so that means I am tainted by association. It doesn't matter that I didn't meet him until the day before the shoot or that I had no idea who he was."

Lya sighed. "I know, cuz. You just thought he was pretty."

Zelle chuckled. "He is very pretty."

"I would grab your hand, but my alpha would complain about me wrecking my manicure."

"Have you been here all day?"

"Since Tamara was dropped off at her new school." She smiled. "I don't have to fight to afford tuition anymore. So, yay."

"How is your arm?"

Lya lifted the very ornate cast. "Healed for the most part. Side effect of... uhhh."

"Yeah, I am suffering from... uhhh, myself."

Venka snickered.

Zelle gave an exhausted smile. "So, you are ensconced with alphas now?"

"Yes, with snake affinity."

"Smudge and Snowflake will be so proud."

"Smudge laid eggs yesterday."

Zelle suddenly looked more animated. "No way. Can I have a baby?"

"Sure. As long as you have a proper enclosure for it and can manage the feeding."

Zelle paused, her beautiful face contorted. "Frozen thawed, right?"

"Maybe. I am going to try, but these little guys like to constrict prey, and that means they may need live."

"Ew." Zelle wrinkled her petite and charming nose. Everything about Zelle was stunning. If she weren't so nice, it would be really annoying.

Venka looked at them. "Holy shit. Now that I see you side by side, you are related."

Lya and Zelle laughed. They both looked at her and said in unison, "You think?"

Venka laughed, and they chatted while Zelle got her nails turned into golden claws. Zelle asked, "Where are you going after this?"

Venka checked the time. "I think we will hit a few shops and then head home."

Zelle smiled. "If you want to go to any of the establishments owned by Lady Fen, I get a helluva discount."

Venka smiled. "Would you accompany us?"

"Sure. Me and my flying thugs." Zelle sighed. "Tormenting Lady Fen's family is now officially a hobby."

"Why?"

"Oh, I am not the proper size for an omega. Too big, too loud, too fixated on escaping."

Venka paused. "You escaped?"

"Yeah. He made the mistake of going off for some meetings and leaving me alone. Out the window and down the drainpipe and across the lawn. I got into the trees as quickly as I could, and from there, I stuck to the forest belt, coming out to find food and water, and then back into the trees."

Venka asked, "How long were you loose?"

Zelle smirked. "A month. He only had me for two days before I got free."

Lya grinned. "I got to smack an omega across the face for being disrespectful to Tamara."

Zelle gasped. "Which bitch?"

Venka murmured, "My mother. Lady Olyna."

Zelle laughed. "Fun. I got up and walked out on Lady Fen and my alpha. The looks on the faces at the gathering. Wow."

"When was this?"

"Uh, yesterday." Zelle chuckled.

Venka blinked. "And he let you out for a manicure?"

"I work with my hands, and that offended Lady Fen, so I had to get my hands massaged and treated to remove any rough patches. This is as cosmetic as the dress I am wearing."

Lya was concerned.

Zelle chuckled. "Don't worry. I plan on trashing this manicure right after the filming."

"Me, too. I am going to get back under cars as fast as I can."

Venka snorted. "It's in her contract."

Lya's nails were hardened, and she flexed her fingers. "These things are deadly."

Venka leaned over and kissed her cheek. "I will warn my mother."

Lya smiled and frowned. "How am I going to get dressed?"

"I'll help."

Zelle grinned. "So, you have a mixed den?"

"Two boys and Venka."

"Just what you hoped for."

Lya blushed. "Venka didn't need to know that detail."

"Yes, princess, I did."

They waited with Zelle until her claws were done, and then they accompanied Lya to the change room, where she got dressed with help. The long nails kept getting in the way, and she didn't have the practice to work with them.

They left together and headed for the cars. Zelle's bodyguards held the car door for her, and they agreed to a location in the exclusive shopping district.

They got into the car, and Venka revved it up, following the armoured vehicle through town. "So, your cousin has found herself with the phoenix."

"Is that what he is? She just thought he was pretty."

* * * *

Ten weeks earlier.

Zelle laughed when she saw Lya waiting in the airport lounge. She walked over and thudded into the seat next to her. "So, you are coming out to play, too, huh?"

Lya looked at her, gasped, and then hugged her sideways.

They chattered for a few minutes, and then Zelle said, "Wait, who has Tamara?"

"The production has provided licensed and bonded childcare. Tamara is twelve, so she's not completely helpless."

"Twelve already. Damn." She sat back and brushed her hair behind her ear. She looked around the lounge and tried to be casual.

"Oh, no. You are, um, hungry?"

"Yeah. You could say that. I am also getting fussier, if you can believe that."

"I can. Are you going to go prowl?" Lya smiled.

"I am. What are you going to do?"

"I am going to video chat with Tamara."

"Cool. See you on the plane."

Zelle got up and inhaled, seeking out a scent that her body would respond to. It was getting harder and harder to find alphas to take the edge off.

She wandered around the lounge and looked out at the two planes that were waiting for the cast and crew.

"Are you getting on one of those planes?" The rich, cultivated voice spoke next to her.

She turned her head, and her sex got wet. "Oh, um. Yes."

He was gorgeous. Golden skin, hair that was black and had an oils-lick sheen of dark colours moving when the light caressed it. His eyes were gold and green when he smiled down at her, and the genetic stamp on his features was a combination of China and Japan.

His body looked well-muscled with broad shoulders and narrow hips, all encased in a suit that probably cost as much as the planes outside.

She cleared her throat. "Are you involved in the show?"

He shook his head. "Not directly. I am just coming along to check some investments."

"Oh. Well, that's nice."

He nodded. "Yes, it is. I was going to make some calls when I caught your scent. Is there anything I can help you with?"

"It is a little awkward to ask, but I am in need right now. Could you help with that?"

"Have you had alphas before?"

"Yes."

He held his hand out. "Come with me."

She put her hand in his as he led her to a private chamber that had a bed in it. "What is this place normally for?"

He removed his suit efficiently. "It is for long layovers. Sadly, this will be a short one, but there is a shower attached, so you won't drive the alphas on the plane nuts."

She swallowed and toed off her shoes before sliding out of her cargo pants and socks. Zelle focused on inhaling and taking in the scent of him. She smelled musk and gold and fire. His hair was tied back in a long ponytail, and he looked at her with a slight smile on his lips.

She pulled off her shirt and then peeled off her sports bra and finally shimmied out of her panties.

He inhaled and whispered, "Turn around for me."

She slowly turned, and he reached for her head, removing the ties and clips that held her hair up and out of the way. Locks tumbled free and hung to her waist.

"Oh, you are gorgeous." He ran his hands through her hair.

"You are stunningly pretty as well." She blushed and glanced down. His cock was golden with a mark where his knot would form when he was inside her. She had seen that kind of thing before with avian alphas.

She reached out and ran her fingers over the hot, smooth skin, and it bucked in her fingers.

He chuckled. "Going after what you want?"

She looked up at him. "What I need. There is a difference."

"Well, then, since you have been so direct, I will follow your lead."

He slid his hands down her back and lifted her against him. He nuzzled at her neck and inhaled deep. "Your scent... you are a beta?"

"As far as I know. No one has asked before. Why?"

He scraped his teeth along her skin. "No reason."

She inhaled raggedly, and part of her melted. It was the part that his fingers found next. She squirmed as his fingers slid against her, but nothing was quite right.

"I need more." She met his gaze.

He smiled and settled her on the bed, sliding his fingers into her and hissing softly. "Oh, you are ready."

Zelle was reaching the mindless point, and when he slid into her, she was there. He moved inside her, and she rose to meet him. He pinned her arms above her head, and she wrapped her legs around his hips. They moved together with groans and moans between them until his knot locked them together.

He smiled and pressed his forehead to hers. "Such a pretty little bird."

She panted, and her senses began to return. She couldn't regret it. She wouldn't be able to function if she didn't take care of the needs when they rose.

Zelle swallowed. "Thank you."

His brows rose. "No thanks are necessary, little bird."

She cleared her throat. "They are. If you hadn't helped me, my mind would have been scattered, and my time on the show would have been a nightmare with my senses looking for the ideal match."

"Does this happen often?"

"Every six months or so, but I have been getting pickier as things progress."

"What were you looking for?"

"Pretty and smell right. You matched both, so my craving was satisfied."

"I live to serve."

Zelle shifted, and his hips flexed. "How long does it usually take your knot to recede?"

"A few more minutes will see you free, and then we can clean up."

"Okay. Great. I don't want to miss the plane."

He chuckled. "You won't."

She closed her eyes because his gaze was strangely intent.

When he came free, there was a rush of fluid, and the scent of them combined filled the air. She blushed scarlet, and he chuckled.

They got up and took a shower. He slid his fingers into her and cleaned her out as much as possible. She swallowed and washed her hair quickly. He left her in the bathroom, and she dried herself as quickly and thoroughly as possible.

She came out in a towel, and he had already dealt with the sheet they had been on. It was gone.

He was getting dressed, and she did the same, finishing by binding her hair up into its standard wrapped bun.

"Um, I am going to head out. Thank you again."

He smiled. "It was my pleasure."

Zelle nodded and left the room, moving quickly toward the lounge where Lya was still waiting. Her cousin looked at her. "So, you got what you needed?"

"Yes."

"Good."

That was it. Her cousin didn't ask for more.

They talked about Tamara, and when the time was right, they boarded the plane with the other contestants.

Wearing their clothing and having their preselected tools with them, they were there for the briefing of the race.

Everyone was given the components of the vehicle of their choice and a map to the final challenge.

"Zelle, because you aren't using a motor vehicle, we have a special challenge for you. You have two followers, and if they tag you three times, you are out."

Zelle jolted. "What?"

Two men in camo and brown T-shirts came out. They had black hair and gold-brown eyes.

"These two alphas will give you a three-hour head start, and then they are coming for you. They will put an indelible ink mark on you, and if they catch you three times, you are out."

"Fine." She settled her pack on her shoulders and double-checked her boot laces.

Lya smiled. "You've got this."

She recognized avians when she saw them, so she was going to keep below the trees. It would be rough, but she would manage. She had already taken a look at everything around her, from the drones to the clothing the others were wearing. Like her, Lya had opted for leather, which was impractical in the island heat but perfect for what they had in mind.

Zelle smiled, and when she was given her go signal, she ran five hundred metres down the road, and then she dove into the jungle and followed her map.

Zelle had two marks on her cheeks, but the goal was in sight. She saw the ultralight that Lya had put together, but Zelle was using the alternative device she had created out of stolen drones and a scavenged parachute. She was flying with a slow fall, and it was glorious.

She swung slowly from left to right and ahead of Lya by five seconds.

She laughed, and she and Lya hugged as the remaining alphas arrived by sea.

The crew and cast did final interviews, and then it was time for a party with a return to civilization in the morning.

Around the fire, with everyone except her and Lya drinking, Zelle smiled at Ford. "So, are we getting you home in good time?"

Ford nodded and sat near them. "Yes, you are. Well done, by the way. We wondered what was happening to those drones."

She chuckled. The alphas that had been pursuing her walked up to them and looked down.

Ford sighed. "What does he want?"

"He wants to talk to you."

"Great. Zelle, we will talk later. Have something to drink."

"No, thanks."

Zelle and Lya shared a tent for the final night. They were in a camp full of intoxicated alphas, and that was not a safe place to be.

At dawn the next day, Zelle and Lya grabbed their bags and hung out near the vehicles that would take them to the airport.

That was where she had started puking.

After leaving the restroom for the second time, she looked at her cousin. "Lya, I think I may have done something stupid."

"We can handle stupid. I will take care of you."

Zelle felt better and leaned against her, exhausted and empty. They got on the flight, and Zelle wasn't the only one barfing. The party had been quite intense, and hangovers were common. The paper baggies were plentiful, and the flight was quiet.

Lya hoarded three cups of ice and cans of ginger ale for her, and Zelle was grateful. They got through the flight with dry heaving, and Zelle observed. "You must be great with Tamara when she's sick."

"Oh, I am. So, you are going to come and stay with me until this passes?"

"I don't think it's going to pass if it is what I think it is."

Lya looked at her. "What do you think it is? How long will this take?"

"Nine months or so." Zelle was sheepish.

"Oh. Oh, boy. Well, I have experience with this."

Zelle nodded. "I remember."

They were waiting for the landing, and Lya whispered, "Oh, honey. Why?"

Zelle shrugged. "He was really pretty. He was just what I needed."

"I am glad you got what you needed. Now, I am going to try and get you through this. If it gets too bad, you will have to find him."

"I know. I have a few ideas on how to do that. Fortunately, my two hunters on the show are connected to him, which means the show is connected to him."

"How do you know?"

"My sense of smell is astonishingly sensitive. They had been near him. His scent is distinctive."

"And he's pretty."

Zelle leaned on her cousin's shoulder. "He's beautiful."

Lya smiled, and they sat together for the last half hour of the flight.

One month of pain and exhaustion later, Zelle sat in the garage apartment and told her cousin, "I don't think I can handle this. I got through the show promo stuff, but now, I am done."

Lya looked at her and nodded. "Who do you want me to call?"

"I've got it. I just wanted to let you know I was going."

Lya hugged her. "Good luck, and when you stabilize, we can go out for a fruit salad or something."

Zelle smiled and hugged her back. "I will call you as soon as things settle if he is even still in town."

When Lya left, Zelle called Ford. "Uh, hello, Ford. Sorry to disturb you. Oh. It's Zelle."

"Zelle! Wow. I was hoping to talk to you after the promo stuff was shot. One of the executives was asking about you. Normally, I wouldn't be involved, but he knew you would get in touch."

"Um, yes. Was he a tall fellow, dark shiny hair, and golden eyes?"

"That's the one. His name is Kaiyun Feng."

"Why is that name familiar?"

"You will figure it out. Do you want to get in touch with him?"

"Yes, please. The sooner, the better."

"I can give him your number?"

"Yup. I will stay by the phone."

"Okay. Let me know if he doesn't call within the hour."

"Thanks, Ford. Bye."

She hung up and stared at her phone. Four minutes after she called Ford, an unknown number flashed on her screen. She sighed and picked it up, answering the call. "Hello?"

"Hello, pretty one. I hear you wanted to get in touch with me."

Her contrary nature rose up. "Just wanted to make sure I hadn't caused any lasting emotional trauma."

His tone was amused. "No trauma. I do think of you often."

She didn't know how to say what came next. She was silent.

"Was there something you wanted to tell me, pretty one?"

"Uh, no. Not really. I am sure that things will work themselves out." Her jaw flexed, and she gritted out, "Excuse me."

She threw up and then wiped her face with the wet wipes she kept next to her.

A voice was still coming from the phone she thought she hung up. "Zelle? Zelle? Are you all right?"

She exhaled slowly and brought the phone to her head again. "I am so sorry. I seem to have caught something about a month ago. It has been particularly difficult."

Leashed excitement vibrated in his tone. "Where are you?"

"At a friend's house. Where are you? I will come to you."

"The Monarch Hotel."

"Fine. I will get a car and be there in half an hour."

"You are not driving?"

"No. I will use an app." She pulled up the app, keyed in the address, and the car was four minutes away. "The car will be here in four minutes."

"Fine. Stay on the phone with me until you get here."

"Um. Fine. What do you want to talk about?"

"What is your favourite colour?"

She picked up her backpack and turned off the light, locking the door and hanging the keys on the hook that she and Lya had agreed on. She walked to the end of the drive and met the car. "I am in a blue SUV." She rattled off the license plate when prompted. "My favourite colour is dark purple."

She spoke with the driver, and the woman smiled and headed off to the hotel.

She answered questions about herself, her preferences, and her occupation until they pulled up at the hotel. Zelle pulled her phone out and tipped eighty percent. She grabbed her bag and stepped out, walking straight into Kaiyun's arms.

He held her tight for three minutes in the turnaround area of the hotel, and no one yelled at them or told them to move on.

A hand pulled her bag away, and one of the two men who had participated in the game by stalking her was there and gave her a respectful nod as he took charge of her one piece of luggage.

Kaiyun tilted her head up and blinked. "You are really not well."

"I am really not well. If I thought I could get through this without you, I would not be here." She swallowed. "How long are you in town?"

He paused and smiled. "My travel plans are not fixed."

She nodded and stared at the front of his suit. She inhaled, and her body was so relieved that her knees buckled. He picked her up and carried her into the hotel, murmuring softly to her as staff jumped around to clear the path to the private elevator.

The bodyguards opened the doors, and Kaiyun entered and turned around to keep her in his arms as the doors closed, and they rose to the top of the building.

The guards moved with them with practised motions, clearing the floor, opening the penthouse, and holding the door for them.

Zelle really wanted to stare and rifle through the mini bar, but exhaustion was taking her over. "I am very sorry, but I am going to sleep now. Snoring may occur."

He stroked her cheek. "Sleep all you like. I will be here when you wake."

She rubbed her cheek against his hand and murmured, "I am very sorry for the inconvenience."

"It is no inconvenience. I was told that my mate may occur in this city, but I never imagined she would be so lovely and strong."

"I don't feel either right now." She let herself relax and was out.