Page 24 of Last Resort

Poppy posed with Myroand Breen outside the dance studio on the terrace.

Win laughed as she asked them to pose, and Poppy stood with her arms crossed and her eyes looking skyward as if unimpressed.

Win paused. “Can we get a flirty shot?”

Poppy paused and looked at the others. “How flirty?”

Win gave directions, and the guys clasped left and right forearms and then scooped her up until she was resting her hands on their shoulders. They were her throne.

Poppy crossed her ankles and shifted slightly to the side. They all gave the camera solemn looks, and Win was chortling in delight. “These are great. I will do more after each challenge.”

Poppy sat and started to swing her feet. “Why?”

“Because time and exposure change things.” Win smiled. “You can set her down, gentlemen.”

Poppy waited and waited. She drummed her fingers on their shoulders. “Any time, guys.”

Breen smiled at her. “I vote never.”

Poppy sighed. “Veto.” And hopped to the ground.

Myro chuckled. “Now you are getting it.”

She fluffed her skirt out, and Illu popped her head out. “Gentlemen, you are going first.”

The guys looked at her and went inside.

Estrya grinned and beckoned her over. “Come on, Poppy. Time for your interview.”

Poppy joined Estrya at a small table, and Thera angled her camera on the two.

When the music started up, Estrya lifted a finger, and the music was no longer audible outside the studio.

Poppy murmured, “Nice trick.”

Estrya grinned. “I have moves you can’t imagine.”

“Being serpent-based, I have no doubt.”

Estrya looked at Thera. “Okay, beginning interview now.”

Poppy was amazed as Estrya nearly changed shape. She straightened and looked more intelligent somehow as she sobered her expression.

“I am sitting and chatting with Poppy, the omega to Team Alpha.”

Poppy waited as Estrya explained about the teams being picked from three gaming companies and this composite team being created to give folks an option to vote for all three companies, teams, or candidates.

Poppy blinked. “Oh, that’s what we are for. I thought it was just because the female betas keep winning.”

Estrya grinned. “Well, Poppy, you aren’t exactly a beta, are you?”

“Nope. All omega. Every considerable inch of me.”

“So, Poppy, did you know what you were signing up for?”

“The games? Yes. I tried to avoid it, but I ended up being the only beta left that had ovaries. We were missing a beta and a female, so I was the only choice. Sityr Games has a lot of alphas.” She smiled. “I tried to be off on the competition days, scheduled appointments and such, but it was all for naught, and here I am. Hooray.”

Estrya laughed. “Yes, your enthusiasm is coming off you in waves. What do you think of the islands so far?”

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