Page 36 of Last Resort

Breen had walked up and said, “Where’s Poppy?”

“She went where she feels safe. Omega reflex. She doesn’t feel safe with you. That’s telling, isn’t it?”

She watched the alphas look at each other in shock, and they took off for the bed and breakfast.

She snorted and watched the female alpha on the Sityr team rub her jaw. At least Poppy had gotten a solid hit in. She moved to the side and let Kekoa welcome the guests to the island. Cuffs were complimentary for their stay, and they could use them with any willing participants on the island.

Haravin walked over while Kekoa spoke and handed a box over to Estrya. “These are for Team Alpha. We have one for you as well.”

“I will bring these to them. I have already sat in for the welcome to the island speech.”

Haravin smiled. “He’s getting better at it.”

Estrya touched Haravin’s cheek and walked away from the village and toward the bed and breakfast.

She rounded the corner, and the sound from the welcome feast faded. She heard a foot scuff and turned to see the serpent group. “Is there a reason you are following me?”

Erol nodded. “We wish to speak with you.”

“I am beneath your dignity, Erol. You were quite specific on that.” She turned and kept walking. The footfalls behind her got closer.

The Elite walked next to her, and Erol was behind her. When they got to the bed and breakfast, Erol said, “Violet provided us with new cuff prototypes, and she provided one for you as well.”

“Why?”

Erol sighed. “If the cuff says we are not compatible, I will drop it and leave you to the others. They can court you, and I will stay out of the way.”

“Fine. First, I have to deliver these to the others. The guys have already fumbled once tonight. This will tell them if it’s worth going forward.”

Seviir asked, “You think it isn’t?”

“No, I think they need to be reminded that she is theirs to protect. They both have good relationships with their workplaces, and she doesn’t. The only people she has are the few ladies here who are on her side. We are good, but we can only help so much.”

The B and B was looming, and Estrya went up the stairs, passed the two alphas, and knocked softly on Poppy’s door. “It’s Estrya.”

“Come in.”

The door swung open, and Poppy walked back to the hanging chair with the soft throw. “What do you need?”

“I need you to put on the cuff that’s been programmed for you.”

“I don’t have money to spare on stupid stuff.”

“Don’t worry. None of the funds are coming from you. Will you put it on?”

“Do I have to get out of the chair?”

“Nope.” Estrya lifted the cuff and snapped it around Poppy’s left wrist. She tapped it and looked at the stats that slowly populated the cuff. “Oh, Poppy, you are pricey.”

Poppy looked at the statistics and blinked. “Wait, I have to pay for this?”

“No. You pay for nothing. You can all waive the financial exchange.”

“Oh. Good. Thanks. Do the guys have theirs?”

“Not yet. I am going to have a chat with them.”

Estrya shoved the two alphas down the hall and explained the cuffs to them and how a coworker just grabbed Poppy. She was delicate and unsure of the reactions of people around her.

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