Emotional Support Beta, page 6
Solai was staring. “What’s she doing?”
“Bathing her kittens. It’s almost time to feed them. Why?”
“She doesn’t come into the residence.”
“That was before. Too many boys.” Ven chuckled. “She hates being outnumbered.”
Solai slowly began to finish the nails. “How do you know that?”
“She told me... somehow. I guess it came with the spots.”
The lovely blue took on a metallics shine. Solai kept working on her nails, and then she bent down to do the final top coat on the toes.
Ven flexed her fingers and smiled. “They look lovely. Thank you so much. They feel hard again.”
“Dip nails are basically powder and super glue with a topcoat. They are definitely protective. And no worries about denting them. Go on about your day. They will be a little stiffer than a normal nail, but when your nails grow out, these will soak off in a few minutes, and then I will reapply until your full nail is there again. Then, you have a choice. This should last seven to ten days.”
“Thank you.”
“You are welcome. I was going to put something on your skin, but it has healed. How did you do that?”
“I don’t know. I just heal new damage quickly. Soft tissue only.” She smiled and touched her face with her strangely heavy fingertips.
“So, could any other damage be fixed?”
“I don’t have any other damage. Well, my cuticles, but they have healed.”
Solai smiled. “Never mind. All right, miss. You are ready to go and have lunch.”
“Will you join me?”
Solai packed up. “No, we are going to have lunch with my mother. I would like to meet up with you later in the week.”
“You know where to find me.” Ven looked down at Missus and smiled. The kittens were passed out. “I will remain here until you and Haril are gone, just in case she has a mood swing.”
“Got it.” She packed up quickly.
Haril held out her stuffy. “Arfloof says goodbye.”
“Goodbye, Arfloof. Goodbye, Haril.” She smiled at Solai. “Goodbye, Solai. Thank you again.”
She slipped her bags over her shoulder and held her case with her other hand steering her daughter clear of the large predator and its little clones.
The kittens started mewling and pushing against Ven’s legs, and she looked to Missus, who sat up and stretched. Ven picked them up, one under each arm, and walked through the halls. She headed for Syar’s office, and Missus padded behind her.
Ven juggled kittens and knocked on the door.
“Come.”
She opened the door and stepped in. “Anyone want a kitten break?”
Reynaldo got up and came toward her. “You took her kittens?”
“She’s right behind me, dude. She knows.”
Syar got up and smiled when she looked up at Reynaldo. “Kitten?”
She handed him the one on the right and stroked the left one under the chin.
Syar extended his hands. “May I hold one?”
“Of course.” She handed the kitten over and crouched to pet Missus. She sat, and Ven used her new nails on the pretty kitty.
Reynaldo stroked the little kitten, and Ven felt her chest tighten. Missus huffed, and Ven stood up. “That concludes the kitten break.”
They handed the kittens back to her, and she kissed each of the babies before setting them on the floor. Their mom cleaned them and then walked away with them.
“We have had six applicants for Myele’s position.”
“Oh. Excellent. Missus said she will get me dinner. She says I look weak.” She folded her hands together and nodded.
Syar paused. “You are talking to her?”
“She is talking to me. It would be rude not to pay attention.”
Reynaldo walked up to her and carefully wrapped her in a hug.
She froze. “Why am I getting a hug?”
“You looked like you needed one, and I definitely needed one. You were supposed to be safe here.”
“I have been exposed to mean girl antics because someone wanted to get in your pants. I survived it.”
“My pants?”
“Yup.” She felt him reacting to the thought. “And that is enough hugging.”
He sighed but let her go.
Syar smiled. “I actually need a hug. It has been a stressful morning.”
She nodded and went into his arms. He inhaled her scent and buried his nose against her neck. She felt the tension melt out of him and remained until someone cleared their throat from the open door and announced, “There is something for the lady at the kitchen door.”
She murmured to Syar, “That is probably my dinner.”
“Stay.”
She combed her fingers through his hair and kissed him. His attention instantly shifted, and she continued the kiss until he pulled her hips to his. She broke the kiss. “And on that note, I am going to have to go to the kitchen door. Could be fowl. Could be a snake. If Myele left it, I am going with snake.”
He whined, “I want you with me.”
“I will be right back. I am testing out my new manicure.”
“Reynaldo, go with her, just in case it is a snake.”
He grunted and followed her back to the kitchen. Reynaldo said, “You kiss him very naturally.”
“Shouldn’t I? Is it not appropriate?” She wasn’t really worried, but she needed to know.
“I would rather you kissed me.”
“Why?”
“Because my body reacts to your scent. The feel of you in my arms makes me dizzy, and there isn’t another woman I have ever met that makes my soul sing the way your presence does.”
“That’s direct.”
“You seem to appreciate direct.”
She shrugged. “I normally do, but I can’t actually offer you anything.”
“I don’t need anything.”
She chuckled. “Then you aren’t for me.” She sent him gentle regret through the link.
She walked into the kitchen and opened the back door, where there was a pile of brightly coloured birds, each the size of a small chicken.
One of the women in the kitchen came forward. “I will take care of those, miss. You are wanting them for dinner?”
“Yes, please, but no spices aside from salt and pepper. My stomach is still adjusting. Are we clear?”
The woman nodded. “Yes, miss.”
“Thank you very much.”
Ven walked back to where Reynaldo was staring at her. He frowned and pulled her down the hall into a small room that looked like a linen closet. “What do you mean, I am not for you? You are the only one for me.”
She shrugged. “You know how you don’t need anything from me?”
“Yes.”
“I need to be needed. If you don’t need me, what the fuck am I doing there?” She shrugged. “The only reason I am here is that Syar needs me. When that’s done, I have to go home. It’s in my contract.”
He was astonished. “You are honestly thinking about going home? We are in paradise.”
Her laughter started as silent, and then tears were running down her cheeks. She wheezed, “I am too tired for that.”
He pulled her for a hug again and stroked her back. “I guess what home for some is hell for others.”
She wheezed, “You are funny. Three hundred and sixty-three days to go.”
“You are counting down?”
She looked up at him, and his expression looked hurt. “Sure. It reminds me not to get comfortable. This is probably lack of sleep talking.”
He touched her cheek. “How is your face?”
“Healed. My nails would be, too, but they are nails and not skin. You didn’t tell Syar, did you?”
“No. Why can’t he know what he did?”
“Because he was in pain and panic. I beat the hell out of the people who were taking care of me after the first problem and again after the assault. Penny took a lot of damage, and she blamed me for none of it.”
He frowned but then said, “Will you kiss me?”
“Why?”
“I need it.”
She nodded and lifted her face. He bent down, and their kiss was intense, and it left her shivering. Parts of her were waking that hadn’t been active in more than five years.
His hands stroked her back and rubbed her ass. He treated her tailbone to a slow massage, and his rough tongue carefully explored her mouth. The kiss continued for quite a while before he lifted his head and nuzzled her temple.
Her pulse was felt in all parts of her body, and he didn’t seem to want to stop cuddling with her. She murmured, “You are very warm.”
He smiled. “I am.”
“When is your rut happening?”
“Within the week.”
“So, that’s why I am here?”
“No. Syar needs you.” He continued to rub her back.
“Right.” She nodded. “Of course, he does.”
She glanced around. “I think you are musking up the linens.”
He chuckled. “Probably. Do you mind?”
“How often are the sheets on my bed changed?”
“Every day.”
“Damn it.” She yawned and looked at his chest. The smell was making her relaxed and warm.
“You look tired.”
“I have only gotten one nap in a tree for a few hours before you came looking for me.” She started to droop. “Where can I sleep?”
“I’ve got you.” He bent his knees and picked her up.
She curled against his chest, and he inhaled before leaving the linen closet and startling away the staff who had been huddled around the door. He walked to the office, and she heard the rumble of his talking, the concerned tones of Syar, and then she was out.
Her skin was warm, and the scent of food woke her.
Syar said, “Oh, there she is. Hello, Venetia.”
She opened her eyes and focused on Syar. “Oh. I should get off him.”
She moved to get off Reynaldo.
There was a low growl from the alpha who held her.
Syar smiled. “That move would not be recommended. He’s fixating on you right now.”
“Sorry.”
“Don’t be. It’s not comfortable to be the sole focus with him.” Syar smiled. “So, do you want to try some of the local food or what the missus brought you?”
“The fowl she brought.”
He nodded and pulled the platter toward them.
Reynaldo washed his hand, dried it, and then picked up a thick shred of meat before he brought it to her. She opened her mouth and bit down. She felt a happy hum coming through her. He kept his fingers near her mouth, and she licked and sucked the juice off. He shuddered and reached for another piece when she finished.
She was halfway through the platter and noticed that Reynaldo cleaned his hand before he ate any of his own food. “Why don’t you want any of the birds the missus brought?”
“It is full of hormones that aren’t good for men.”
Syar snorted.
“That’s odd. Why is she giving me these birds?” She took another mouthful.
“They have a luteinizing hormone. They trigger ovulation.” Syar smiled.
She paused before she swallowed. “What?” she mumbled around a mouthful.
Syar nodded. “They are called queen’s fowl, and only the royal household is allowed to eat them.”
“Why?” Her appetite was suddenly gone. She had eaten most of the birds already.
“The original people did not want the birds hunted to extinction. So, it became punishable by loss of a hand.” Syar smiled.
“What am I going to lose for this?”
Reynaldo held another chunk in front of her. “Open.”
Syar shrugged. “A bit of dignity. It was actually Missus that brought down the birds. She can kill all she likes.”
Reynaldo was growling softly. “Open.”
She opened, and the warmth crept over her tongue as she ate. “Even if my ovaries go off, nothing will happen.”
He nuzzled her jaw. “You will smell right, and that is very powerful.”
She swallowed. “How long do I have?”
Syar smiled. “Two days, maybe more.”
She nodded. Thoughts of sprinting toward the volcano ran through her mind, but she met his gaze, and he picked up more. He murmured, “I wouldn’t recommend it.”
He put the bird on her tongue, and she chewed. Reynaldo ate some of the highly spiced meats and vegetables. “I was just thinking about it a little.”
Syar sighed. “You two are a lovely couple.”
The phrase sent a pang through her. “We are a match, not a couple. Please, don’t say that.” She rallied, “And I am not lovely. Not by any stretch of modern imagination unless you have a feline fetish.”
“I do.” Reynaldo looked at her. “You are stunning in my eyes.”
She looked at him and saw that there was hot fascination in his gaze.
“I have randomly pigmented skin, cat’s eyes and claws, not to mention my teeth. Attraction is individual, but lovely is a community standard. You don’t have to talk sweet.” She sighed. “I used to be lovely. Pretty and golden.”
Reynaldo nodded. “We know. But you are as you are, just as we are what we are.”
Syar said, “We have seen pictures.”
“Where?”
“Jax got them from Penny’s phone, with her permission. She has many images of you.” Syar smiled. “You’re a cheerleader.”
“I was. Right now, the only thing I could lead is a lynch mob.”
Reynaldo sighed. “Your appearance is startling, but it is very easy to get used to. Even easier to appreciate.”
Syar sighed. “How long were you in a coma?”
“A few weeks. It took them that long to stabilize me. My family held the funeral two days after I was released from hospital.”
Syar asked, “Where is your ex-alpha?”
She shrugged. “No idea. He dropped off the face of the earth in the arms of an omega with more money than brains.” She looked at Syar.
“Ouch. I felt that one.”
Reynaldo hugged her. “Be gentle with him; he means well.”
“He means to get what he wants, and he means well. The two can exist at the same time.” She sighed. “And I am always gentle with him.”
Ven was finally full, and the plate was empty. “Missus is scary. That was dead on.”
Syar chuckled. “You are always gentle with me. I am wondering how I can change that?”
Ven gave him a bland look. “Give it some time. I am sure I can rough you up with enough motivation.”
Reynaldo laughed. “And every nerve in his body just went to full attention.”
Syar’s cheeks reddened. “Shut up, Reynaldo.”
“So, what does one do here in the evenings?”
They both laughed, and she groaned. “Not that.”
Reynaldo smiled. “We go swimming.”
She paused. “I like swimming.”
They both smiled at her.
“Should I not like swimming?”
Syar laughed. “No, it’s good. It means you can join us for a swim this evening.”
“Why? Where are we going?”
Reynaldo smiled. “Private pool.”
“Oh. So, Syar doesn’t have any paperwork or conference call or anything?”
Syar shook his head. “No, I finished all my calls this afternoon.”
The guys finished the food, and Reynaldo carried her through the palace and out a doorway that Syar opened for them.
“I can walk, you know.”
Reynaldo smiled and showed a lot of teeth.
“He isn’t really going to set you down until you two have mated.”
“I don’t want a mate.”
“We know, and we are sorry, but you are the only match for Reynaldo that we have ever found.”
“So, this was a trap.”
“It was an invitation.” Syar smiled. “You accepted.”
“I... thought I would be useful.”
Reynaldo stopped on the green path. “I need you. I need you a lot.”
She had a few pithy comments, but she swallowed them. He walked after Syar, and she felt them climbing uphill. She stayed cuddled up to Reynaldo until they arrived next to a wide pool fed by a waterfall. Syar stirred the water with his hand; it began glowing. The wave of light spread across the water and turned it into a shimmering surface.
She looked around and found the light spreading into the trees. The jungle around her had been in her dreams for years. She had never imagined it was real.
Chapter Six
Syar and Reynaldo removed their clothing, setting it down on a rock. They waded into the water, and she was left watching them disappear into the glow. When they sank under the surface, Ven stripped and put her clothes in with theirs. She waded into the water, and it felt warm and slippery.
The guys had gone missing, but she didn’t care. She was in the place she had dreamed of and happy to be there. After she lost her daughter, this was the place she had gone to in her mind. After the attack, this place kept her sane. Now she was rolling around in her dream pool, and she felt at peace. Ven rolled to her back and looked up at the sky and the stars that were not quite where she was used to seeing them.
The water pushed against her, and she heard Reynaldo, “Having a nap?”
“Relaxing. I have been here before but not in my body. This is amazing.”
Syar swam next to her. “When were you here?”
“In my dreams when I needed to flee pain. I came here to the glowing pool and the glowing trees and the slow star cascade above me.” She kept her voice low.
“What do you feel here?”
“At home and at peace.” She let her legs drop and slowly treaded water. “Legs bumping against mine.”
Syar was very close. Reynaldo was further away, but she was still within his arm’s reach. “So, you guys went behind the waterfall?”
“Yeah. We needed to check on supplies for his rut. He comes up here and camps out.”
Ven turned to look at Reynaldo to read his expression. “Camps out? Aren’t you together?”
Syar said, “No. He helps me through my heat, but he wears protection. In his rut, he wouldn’t remember, so he stays up here.”
