Chapter Seven
Tez was astonished. “My mother is fine. What are you saying?”
“That I don’t trust men because the ones closest to me betrayed me, and since the people closest to me screwed around, I am content to keep my markings to myself.”
Tez blinked. “I... hadn’t appreciated the effect of their situation.”
“Because he had starry eyes and finally had the man he was waiting for. His prince. His alpha. Everything promised to me was given to him: devotion, affection, security. He’s fucking delighted every moment of every day.”
Tez looked ill. “You are making me regret something I did earlier.”
“What? Did you tell them where I was?”
He winced. “Yes. I didn’t know. Honestly, I thought that they were just so cute together, and I wanted that with you. They wanted to know where you were.”
“Of course. I am the best jeweller the company has had in the last two generations. To make money out of the family name, they need me back.”
His expression crumpled. “I have read this all wrong.”
“Your beast is a prey species. There is no wonder that all you think about is breeding. You die easy.”
The server came up in the lull and took their orders. Harper flipped her hood back and listened to the gasps around her.
Tez muttered, “I had forgotten how beautiful you are.”
“Bully for you.” She looked around and saw two familiar faces. They grinned and waved, walking toward the entrance and then heading for Tez’s table.
Tez said, “Why are two dark elite coming over here?”
“Because I invited them. They aren’t on my menu, but they are excellent musicians.”
“Menu?”
“Alphas that I am attracted to. Devin was mine because of the family proposal. We could have been content, but then he had to go and fuck Skyler before he had broken off the engagement, and that is what I can’t forgive. If you don’t want me, just let me go.”
One of the dark elite smiled. “I could not imagine an alpha giving you up, Harper.”
“Tez, this is Temal, and that is Yeskin. They are singers who offered to spend some time with me at the studio today. I am guessing that Narro asked them.”
They grinned. Yeskin said in his deep, gravelly voice, “He did indeed. Miss Harper, you are even more lovely than we imagined.”
“Thanks, but in case you were getting attached, I am the wrong food group for you. I do, however, have a cousin who is showing up in less than an hour now. She’s more your thing if you have nerves of steel.”
They looked at each other and nodded. Temal said, “We both consider you close but not quite what we need. You have a cousin?”
“I do.”
“When will she be here?”
“You will know. Do you have an issue with bold, beautiful women?”
They both looked at each other and grinned. Temal asked, “She will not have a problem with two of us?”
“Well, you can ask her when she gets here.”
The server came over, startled to see the two other alphas, but she smiled and took their order.
Tez was grumpy. “I thought we would have some time to ourselves.”
“You invited my ex and my brother here. Privacy is off the table for you.”
Temal asked, “You don’t get along with your sibling?”
“My ex and my brother are happily involved in an alpha-omega relationship. They wanted me to join as a beta. I chose what little dignity my markings will allow. There isn’t much.”
Tez froze. “What?”
“Oh, yeah, Devin wanted me to curl up with, and once we had consummated the wedding night, he wanted to invite Skyler in. After I stopped gagging at the idea of sharing my bed with my brother, I broke things off and left town.”
Yeskin frowned. “That is against all protocols.”
“I am aware. Now, change of subject, how was the run?” She smiled at the alphas.
They talked while the food arrived, and Tez seemed to be grappling with the casual depravity that his friends had exhibited.
She was finishing her scallops when she heard Piper arrive. There was an indrawn breath, a slow shudder, and it moved through the alpha population.
The two dark elves slowly turned and did the same thing.
Piper had arrived. Every movement was a dance that promised a slow caress of her skin against theirs. The funny thing was that it was just the way Piper moved.
Harper asked Tez, “Is there room at the table for Piper?”
He nodded slowly.
Piper glided to the hostess, and the woman nodded at whatever Piper said and led her up to the seating area.
Harper grinned. “Stunning outfit.”
“Thanks. It is super comfortable.” She turned to show her bare back, the fabric that covered her breasts and was attached by chains to a belt that held large, fluttering panels of fabric in place. Scarves that acted in place of sleeves completed the outfit.
Harper grinned as the men were still dazed. “Piper, this is Tez. He and I grew up together. This is Temal and Yeskin. They are more your speed.”
“Ah, but do they have a UV flashlight?”
Yeskin murmured, “I have seen what writhes on your back, and I am interested in discussing it with you, at length.”
Piper grinned at him. “Flirt.”
Temal was astonished. Harper grinned. “Told yah.”
Yeskin held his hand out to Piper, and his lap became her seat, just like that.
Harper grinned. “How long have you been on Wonder, Pipes?”
“Twenty minutes. Look, I put my cuffy thing on.” She held up her cuff, black and covered with filigree in icy silver.
Yeskin slid his hand down her arm, and their cuffs touched. A white band snapped around the base of her cuff. Yeskin smiled. “That is fascinating, and you are an expensive lady.”
She chuckled. “I know.”
Temal reached out, and the lightest touch caused another band to flare. A mark under it made Piper laugh. “I think the bartender has cut me off, Harp.”
“Well, you don’t want to get hammered—or perhaps you do.” Harper grinned.
Temal grinned. “Well, this is the most fascinating dinner I have ever had.”
Piper snuggled up to Yeskin. “Harper sent me an email earlier describing you two, so I hopped on a helicopter, and here I am.”
Yeskin rubbed his head against hers. “I am a fan of that impulse.”
Piper chuckled and relaxed against him. “You are really warm.”
Tez said, “You look like twins, but your eyes are different.”
Piper grinned. “Wow. He’s observant. I bet both of his shoes are tied.”
Harper laughed. “He’s wearing sandals.”
Piper waved her hand dismissively. “Whatever.”
Harper chuckled.
Yeskin asked, “Can I order something for you?”
“No, I ordered on the way in.” She flicked a look at him. “A lot of times it is easier just to take care of things yourself.”
There was a groan from all the men in earshot.
Piper smiled at the bartender, who brought the drink over and handed it to her with both hands. “Thank you, sweetie.”
He blushed, smiled, and bowed.
Yeskin chuckled. “You have that effect on all men?”
Piper used the tiny straw in the festive drink. “And some women.”
“I can see we will have to be on our toes.”
“Or claws. Whatever.” She hummed happily while moving the three umbrellas that concealed several fruit spikes.
Harper grinned. “Is that a drink or a fruit salad?”
Piper smirked. “Yes. So, design ideas?”
“Yeah, you remember Ahheel?”
“Oh, yeah. She won’t remember me, but that is for the best. I hear she has a cute little beta of her own now, just what she always wanted.” Piper smiled.
“Well, Ahheel wants some jewellery for her mate, and since her mark is that of the Wonder flowers, those will be my inspiration. Lots of colour on those.” Harper rubbed her hands together.
“I brought some wire to get started. There is a kiln here in the building near the ferry landing, as well as a little workshop. You know—just in case.”
Harper sighed. “When did you do that?”
“Two months ago. There aren’t many spare business buildings here with ratings for running kilns, so seaside surrounded by water it is.
” Piper grinned and nibbled at a fruit skewer.
Yeskin was watching, so Piper lifted the skewer to him.
He opened his mouth and neatly took two cherries and a pineapple chunk.
Harper envied Piper's easy flirtation.
Piper grinned. “I met the most interesting guys on the way over here, Harp. Not for me. Definitely not. But just predatory enough for you.”
Harper leaned forward. “Talk dirty to me.”
“They are mythicals, and one will have difficulty making out when shifted. What am I saying? Both of them will. It’s going to be alpha-shaped or nothing.”
Harper smiled. “Where are they, and do they need a wildling?”
Piper wiggled around on Yeskin, eliciting a groan. The sun was nearly down, and artificial lights illuminated those gathering, waiting for the music to start.
Piper pointed. “Tattoos and feathery hair. Near the tiki torch next to the snack lane.”
Harper looked at them and smiled slowly. “I can work with that. What are their alters?”
“A hydra and Horus. We need more weird shit in the world.” Piper sipped through her straw. “Go get ‘em.”
Tez froze. “Hey!”
“They are both attentive and faithful. They are also willing to relocate to Breakridge.”
Harper snorted. “Not Emerald?”
“They both need something a little more private. They freak folks out.” Piper smiled and set her empty glass down.
Yeskin said, “There isn’t any alcohol in that.”
“Of course not. I am a lightweight, and with the music starting, I wanted to dance.” She grinned. “But I also get sweaty, so I hydrate, and sometimes, a cocktail makes its way in, so I pace myself when I start so I can be less wary when I finish.”
Temal sighed. “May I hold you, just to figure out why Yesk is making that face?”
Yeskin’s arms tightened around her. He sighed. “This goes against our nature, but my beast is only grumbling.”
Temal held out his hands. “To quote our niece. Gimmee.”
Yeskin chuckled as Piper said, “If you drop me, you lose points.”
Harper watched Temal take her over, and Piper made herself comfortable with the confidence of a cat. He didn’t object. Her cousin’s ease with her body made it simple for her to be at ease with others. She was wondering what Temal and Yeskin would think of her dancing skills.