Page 40 of Last Resort

“It’s a tough sell.”

“I am very persuasive, and out of the water, I am one of the silkiest things you can feel against your skin.”

She stroked his arm and paused. “Oh, wait. You mean the other you.”

He chuckled and nodded. “You will have to find out.”

They walked past the bed and breakfast, and it was vibrating with energy. The triad was together, even if they weren’t locked or, rather, knotted.

She smiled. “So, are your penises the normal alpha or standard serpentine H?”

Rizthan stumbled, but Seviir smiled. “We will leave that for you to discover. A man needs a bit of mystery, after all.”

She snickered, and they gradually made their way back into the light of the village square, where contestants were putting on cuffs and eyeing the villagers who had matching bands. “Oh, that’s going to end in tears or, at least, some funny walks in the morning.”

Seviir chuckled. “Probably. Were they all given accounts?”

“Yes. About fifteen thousand for their duration.” She smiled.

“Wow. That’s quite a bit.”

“Best match available is usually more expensive. You don’t want them to match just to have sex; you want it a little on the compatible side.” She snorted. “Unless unexpected jolts are just what you need.”

She sighed. “Sometimes, it is what you need, and sometimes, it is just sad.”

Rizthan pressed against her. “Sad?”

“Hope that falls flat.”

“Ah.”

“I am going to drop the two of you off here and go to deal with that pouting alpha.” She set them at their investors’ table and walked toward the pouting Forza. To her astonishment, Ahheel walked up and touched her forearm respectfully. “Estrya, please allow me to deal with it instead of sullying your hands. Mini is all for it. Alpha to alpha will be better.”

Estrya smiled. “Fine, but I will be the referee.”

“Excellent.” Ahheel flexed her fingers and rocked her head. “Mickey was the next one in line.”

“Really? That might be interesting. She rarely lets loose.”

Ahheel chuckled and said, “Shall we?”

Estrya nodded, sauntered up to the Sityr table, and beckoned to Forza. The alpha stood up as if hypnotized and stumbled toward Estrya.

Ahheel stepped between them and said, “Let me explain to you the respect given our omegas on the islands.”

Estrya stepped back and glanced at her serpents as they both stood with tension. Forza had been on the edge of rut. That much was manifesting. There was still no excuse for the lack of respect.

The alpha fight made everything go quiet, and Rolf stood by to grab his teammate. He didn’t need to. Ahheel had her dropped in three passes.

Mini walked up and looked at Ahheel. “My hero.”

The kiss was intense, and there was a lot of good-natured cheering. When the alpha raised her head from the kiss, she picked up her mate and carried her back to their third.

A medic was speaking to Forza, and the medic drew back and called for assistance on a com. Estrya nodded. Forza had just gotten an all expenses paid tour to the quiet island. She would be released when she had worked through her rut.

Estrya shook her head. “Looks like Sityr is down a team member. We are going to be pulling in an alternate from the islands. We are going to have to apply for a volunteer.”

Mickey looked up, walked over, and smiled. “I can do it.”

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