Chapter Seventeen

Lya sat in her leather dress and strappy shoes that went up to mid-thigh, and the hood was drawn forward to shadow her too-thin features. She could see vague outlines of the studio audience as she waited to be called on. Zelle sat next to her in a designer gown that left little to the imagination but looked graceful and flowy at the same time.

Her slight bump was visible through the gauzy fabric.

Zelle also had a microphone in her hands, and they waited while the guys went through their descriptions of why they made certain decisions.

When the host looked at her and said, "Zelle, you took yourself out of the running."

"Yes." She nodded.

"Can you describe the circumstances as I am sure that viewers will want to know what happened?"

Zelle winced. "Ah. Right. That. Well, at the beginning of the process, I filled out a form, and I swore that I wasn't dating anyone on the production or anyone involved with it. So, that changed."

"When, exactly, did it change?"

"Airport on the way to the island. I didn't know who he was, and he was so very pretty. So, we started something which continued about a month after the show. So, I was on the show honestly, but I had the bad taste to follow my instincts, and now, the relationship is established. But the burn unit has been given the money I would have gotten if I had won."

"So, happily ever after?"

"For now. Let's see how long it takes for the morning sickness to wear off."

The host blinked. "Congratulations!"

"Thank you. I was just happy to be nominated."

Laughter rippled through the audience.

"How did you create your last build?"

"Well, to begin with, I read the map and knew the last leg would be difficult and across the water. Since I deal with manual tools, it was tricky, so I asked questions casually about how many drones they were putting on the set and how many spares they had. I crept around and captured them, one by one, and then rigged them together on a bamboo pole. From there, I used one of the parachutes that had been seeded on the island, and making my bamboo strut-supported chute meant I had to find the highest place to fall. The drones couldn't do much more than support a few pounds each. The parachute and wind had to do the rest of the work. And they did. It was me in a few seconds ahead of Lya and her shredded motorbike ultralight."

Lya smiled and lifted her mic. "Parachute fabric for the win."

"Thank you, Zelle. There are going to be follow-up questions at the next aftershow."

"Oh, can't wait." She smiled and nodded.

"Now, Lya. You took a motorbike that had been damaged deliberately and got it running in a few minutes. How long have you been a mechanic?"

"Ten years. I started in a school program, fought my way through the excessive use of the word unladylike, and really enjoy being able to diagnose vehicles by sound and sight." She smiled. "It gives me a bit of confidence to be able to do it well."

"Lya, I hear that you are actually an omega."

"Oh. That. Yeah. I know I am a bit on the tall side, but everything is in place, and it all acts according to spec."

"And are you taken?"

She turned pink. "The polite answer is yes."

"In fact, I believe your alphas are here."

"Yes, they are here, with my daughter."

"Daughter? How old is she?"

"Nearly thirteen."

The host paused. "Uh, not to be indelicate, but how old are you?"

"Nearly twenty-eight."

"So, you were..."

"A child. He was retrieved by the Stronghold and destroyed as he was obviously too dangerous to be loose."

There was silence in the room.

The host rallied. "Is she an omega?"

"Oh, absolutely not. She's one hundred percent alpha. She is the one who said to mention it, by the way. No shame in what I have been through, and my alphas agree." She grinned. "And my daughter definitely agrees."

There was a "Woo!" from the audience.

Lya smiled. "So, I like to mess with cars and now have alphas to spend my time with, and my daughter is hitting a growth spurt right now, so this trip was a lovely distraction for a while. Now my reality has definitely shifted."

"Well, I am now going to take on the elephant in the room. Is that a cast?"

"Oh, yeah. I was attacked by another alpha who cracked my orbital socket and broke my arm. He was particularly not inclined to take no for an answer." She shrugged. "I got to the hospital with the break and got an ice pack for the face. It healed badly, and I had to get it rebroken, but now, I have this fancy custom cast." She held up her arm. "Three D printers for the win."

"Well, you are looking well. Congratulations on your new den."

"Thanks."

"Now, each of our contestants participated in a music video with proceeds heading to their selected charity so that even those who didn't come in first have a chance to earn for their charity. We have seen the gentlemen and their efforts, but Lya and Zelle got together on theirs, and the result is a lot of fun to watch."

The video started rolling, and it involved a sad Lya looking at a new motorcycle and getting shooed away from the dealership. She looked at different points around the building with action-movie precision, and then she took the bus to the circus school.

That is where Zelle came in, and the training montage to upbeat pop music showed off Zelle's physical skills and Lya's training. By the end of the video, Lya and Zelle were suiting up in leather and getting ready to break into the motorcycle dealership.

The next video showed them using the circus skills and descending from the ceiling. A figure in black rode a motorcycle down the road, and the police pulled them over.

Zelle removed her helmet and showed her license. Her distinctive appearance was not what they had been looking for. She took everything back, put it inside her jacket, and they resumed travel down the road to a storage facility.

Lya blinked when a new ending took the place of one she had seen before. Her part was the same, but Zelle left the storage facility and wiggled out of the leathers, exposing the outfit she had on right now. A stretch limo pulled up, and the door opened.

"Zelle, we are going to be late to the preview." Kaiyun's voice came from the vehicle.

She smiled and pulled the garage-style door down and locked it. "Sorry. I got stopped."

"Get in. I have missed you."

She slid in, and the door closed. The car drove away, and the vanity plate had the symbols for Alpha versus Beta.

There was a fade to black.

Lya cheered. It was an excellent ending.

The show continued on for another thirty minutes, and then everyone hugged, and it was time to embrace their families. Lya looked at her den, and they came toward her. She darted toward them, and the hugs and laughter were intense as Tamara talked about all the stupid and dangerous things that Lya had done.

Zelle watched the families, and then Kaiyun walked onto the stage and hugged her. "You did well."

Looking at the two, Lya hadn't seen a more striking couple. They were attractive on their own, but together, they were stunning. No wonder Zelle had gone to him that day. Her body knew it wanted pretty, and he was definitely pretty.

Lya hugged Noh, Venka, and Allor, and Tamara was smiling. "Can we go for pancakes?"

Lya shook her head. "No, but we can do a huge pancake breakfast on Sunday. It's a busy few days for us. Tomorrow is the party at Ford's, then the twins' birthday, then Sunday off, then back to school Monday."

Noh murmured, "And then the party Monday night."

"Wait, what?"

Venka chuckled. "Suck it up, Lya. We are having another party."

Lya wrinkled her nose. "Fine. I am just bracing myself for meeting your mom again tomorrow."

"Don't worry about it. I think she knows that she's beaten."

Lya said, "Good because if she isn't, I will."

Venka hugged her while giggling, which was very odd for an alpha. Allor threaded his fingers with hers, and they headed out with a promise to be at Ford's at six the following evening.

It was about to be a busy weekend.

Lya smiled at Iris, who was trying to keep track of the boys. "Don't worry. The family is fairly anti-bullying, and the cousins are welcoming."

Tamara had been introduced to some of her new cousins, and she had grabbed her friends and hauled them along.

Their two packs were talking to each other and meeting with some of the unusual alphas in the families.

"Thanks for inviting us. This seems like quite the party. I am surprised that there are so many dark Elite here."

"Apparently, there are a bunch involved with the new Patchwork Pixie movie. They are playing the trolls."

Ford wandered over. "Yes, we have less than four days of shooting left. I want to do a final shot with some of the characters dancing with the crew, but no one wants to play."

Lya closed her eyes and then opened them. "Ask your housekeeper. She knows how to dance. She used to do it competitively."

Ford was skeptical. "You are sure?"

"I am sure."

Ford narrowed his eyes and looked around. "Right. I have an idea."

Some folks were watching the screen, but there was music and a dance floor in the corner of the space.

Ford went in search of an alpha, and he spoke to him. Ford grinned and headed inside, speaking with his housekeeper.

He pulled out his phone, and she sighed and followed him. The alpha was waiting, and they spoke before the alpha took her by the hand and steered her onto the dance floor. The music changed, and they moved together with a grace that was astonishing. The housekeeper moved with the grace of a professional dancer, and Lya smiled.

Ford was recording as they turned and twisted together. All the woman was missing was a spangly outfit.

When the song was done, she bowed and nodded to Ford before she headed inside.

Ford was shaking his head in surprise. "Right. So you were right."

She smiled. "I am right more and more."

There was a murmur, and Lady Olyna and a bunch of the aunties approached. They all had boxes in their hands, and some had several.

Lya murmured, "What's going on? She looks friendly. I have never seen her friendly."

Venka walked up to her, and she had changed into a more formal tunic and trousers set up.

Venka was smiling and took her hands. "My omega. You are not what I expected; you are a thousand times more. You have given me a den and a mate and a daughter all in one day."

"You already had the den."

"I had roommates; you made it a home. I have been happier this week than I have in my life, and I am looking forward to decades with you. My family has a tradition of gilding their omegas to prove to anyone that they are worth their weight in gold. I sprang the ritual on them, but my mother was already looking ahead. So, while you aren't in the light shift, I think the leather dress suits you better."

Lady Olyna walked forward and muttered something about welcoming a daughter. Lya bowed her head to get the first necklace, and then the game was on. The aunts and Olyna covered her with gold chains, charms, and other links. When they smiled and stepped aside, Noh and Allor were there with heavy gem-filled links that they placed on her head and around her neck, wrapping some around her arms and the cast.

When they were done, Iris's pack contributed. Other dark Elite came up, and Lya's legs were nearly buckling with the weight.

Noh smiled. "Would you care to dance?"

"Would you care to support me? This is heavy."

He laughed. "Of course."

They headed to the dance floor, and Iris and Brexel did the same.

They were friends who were now bound by the nature of their mates and their children. It wasn't a bad way to start a family.

* * * *

Iris and Brexel moved around the dance floor, and she smiled. "Are you prepared for the riot you have authorized?"

He chuckled. "Of course. I dreamed of you coming back to me and had no idea it would involve you leaping over my wall."

"Uh, have you heard anything about my bio father?"

"The price is off your head. I will deal with the rest."

"Why did he send them anyway?"

"The flow of Elite concubines has slowed to a trickle. They are getting desperate to keep their warriors soothed."

"Oh. Ew."

He nodded. "Yeah. You only have three of us to play with, and your mom loves us."

"Yeah. She really signed on quickly. It made my head spin. We still have to go and meet them. So are the passports ordered?"

He chuckled. "You still think we need passports? We can transport there and back without issue."

"Yes. Eventually, the boys are going to start going on school trips. They will need passports. So, photos for everyone and paperwork. We don't need it for the first visit, but if we ever want to travel with people outside of your social circle, we will need them."

He nodded. "Fine. School trips are looming."

She sighed. "And there are twenty more people for the party tomorrow. Denel is having a lot of fun with the cousins in his age range, and some are just one year above or below them."

Brexel grinned. "So, your friend's family is a boon to ours. Noted. Is Lya's daughter having a good time?"

"Yes. I think Venka is an excellent role model for what a female alpha can be with a solid family group around her."

Iris looked for the young alpha in question, and Venka was introducing her around. Even Lady Olyna was looking thoughtfully at the pride in the older alpha's attitude. There was pride in Venka's shoulders when she introduced her new daughter around. If the serious man and his alpha and infant son were any examples, Tamara was being well-received and hugged a lot. Lya's new family was off to a good start, and the girls were finally getting the support they needed and snakes. Plenty of snakes.

When the song was over, she danced with Oren and Ymer. To her surprise, Denel asked to dance with her and then Bennet.

After she had danced with her family, they went to get some food, nudging up against Lya and Tamara at the buffet. "So, overwhelmed, Tamara?"

Tamara smiled, and it was a smile with growing confidence. "I can deal with it. They are welcoming and friendly and are coming to Mom's party on Monday night as you are supposed to celebrate omegas. Even my new Oma."

"Who?"

"Lady Olyna."

"Oh, shit. Show her the snake room." Iris grinned.

"I will."

Iris looked around again with her plate in hand and found a patio where women were gathered and seated with their food.

Iris walked over, and Zelle smiled. "Iris, take a load off. This is Lexa, and this is her daughter Hailey."

Hailey was staring at Zelle.

Iris nodded to Lexa and nibbled at some food. "Hailey, why are you staring at Zelle?"

Lexa smiled. "Zelle is too pretty. Hailey always runs around bragging that I am the prettiest omega, but now, she has concrete proof that it is not true. She's dealing with a cognitive adjustment."

Zelle laughed softly. "It's just a face. Mind you, if Kaiyun wasn't so pretty, this might not have ended this way."

Iris chuckled. "Lya has filled me in."

The lady in question wandered over, and Tamara asked permission to eat with the other cousins. Permission was granted, and she scampered off with Hailey wandering after her new cousin with a serious expression.

Lexa sighed. "That is different. She's been quiet and respectful since she saw Zelle. Thankfully, I think her arrogance is going to change a little."

A young adult female alpha followed Hailey at a distance.

Lya asked, "Hailey's nanny?"

"And bodyguard, but she is going to have to go through remedial training to get herself under control again. I was wondering if Venka would have time to work with her."

Lya ate a pierogi. "They are starting alpha basics this week. I am sure that Venka could take on one more. I mean, I might have to bribe her, but she will do it."

Lexa smiled. "What would you bribe her with?"

"Uh, never mind." Lya blushed. She felt the reaction through her links, and then, a response rippled back.

As if summoned, Venka approached. She scooped Lya up and settled her on her lap. "Hello, little one. Your jewels are heavy."

"Yeah, they are pushing on my marks, which, I think, is the point."

Venka kissed her and stroked her cheek. Iris smiled. Lya was in the perfect place for her.

Lexa was surprised. Iris met her gaze and tilted her head.

"Sorry. I have just never seen Venka actually happy."

Grigory came by and paused when he saw his sister nuzzling her mate. "That's a sight."

Venka chuckled and said, "I feel like I am cuddling a treasure chest."

Grigory smiled, kissed Lexa, and then headed toward Ford's place.

Lya chuckled and lifted her head for a kiss again. They made out quietly, and Iris smiled. It was a very horny treasure chest returning the kisses.

Zelle smiled and said, "That is just too cute."

Olivia came to join them. "Where is Kaiyun?"

"He will be here shortly. He had something to do. I got sent here with the Tengu. Sure, he gets to run around on his own, and I am stuck under guard."

Iris asked, "Tengu?"

"Japanese alpha shifters who have wings or turn fully into birds. These two look like eagles when fully shifted."

Lya lifted her head. "Eagles? Oh, those guys."

Zelle nodded. "Yup. Same ones. They are around here somewhere."

Iris turned her head and chuckled. "Spotted them. They are chatting with Allor."

A tiny fiery bird flew toward them and nuzzled Zelle's cheek as it landed on her shoulder. "Kaiyun is here. Probably talking to Ford."

Venka looked to Zelle. "It is strange that you don't have more alphas. A treasure like you should be protected."

"Anyone touching me without permission will burn to ash. It is enough protection for my son and me."

Iris perked up. "Son?"

"Son. We got the tests done this week. Oh, and he's the father. We had to send that stuff to his family."

Venka looked around. "Where is Delun?"

Lexa grinned. "Over at Ford's watching the show. He gets invested. Him and Grigory both. They love watching the life-and-death struggle and finding out who won. I am guessing the final intermission is just about over."

Lya and Zelle looked at each other, and Iris knew what they were thinking. "Shall we go and watch the finale and then the reaction to Zelle getting disqualified?"

Zelle reached up to stroke her firebird. "Let's go and get commiseration because everything still worked out for me."

Lya tried to sit up, but her alpha got up, and it made Lexa's eyes widen. "Wow. I hadn't considered that you are an alpha, Venka."

Venka grinned. "With Lya in my arms, I could lift a mountain."

Lya muttered, "If you are referring to when I am pregnant, we are going to have words."

Venka gave her a smacking kiss on the cheek, and their group headed to the huge screen across the green expanse.

Iris looked over the groups of dark Elite drinking and hanging out, alphas, omegas, and betas all hanging out. Allor was talking with Ymer.

The amount of odd betas turned omegas who had family here was huge. She recognized so many of them from the book club. Getting involved in the club had been a whim, suggested by a dancer at the club. Her contact had been relatively benign but had resulted in her being fixated on Brexel. It might have been hormones, or it may have been fate, but she had run to the safest place she knew, and it hadn't disappointed.