Page 62 of I Dated the Lost Song

Cadence was serious. “It is either these two for a complete match or the eagle for a close match. The standard alphas by appearance are right out. You need the energy of transformation to drive you.”

Raek smiled. “She is getting control over her skills. It’s wonderful.” He had an arm around her, and his hand was protectively over her belly.

Leska sighed. “I didn’t even meet the eagle.”

The omega smiled. “He’s pleasant, but his beak is a little rough on the skin.”

Leska blinked. “Oh, right.”

A deep voice said, “Personal experience. He’s a pretty omega but a pain in the ass.”

She twisted, and the eagle was looking at them.

The omega snorted. “I am sterile, but I still need an alpha now and then, so I am going with the sampler method.”

Leska blinked. “Oh. How did you end up here again?”

“Well, my Etir was coming to see if you and he suit one another, and I hate to be without him.” He smiled. “It seems I was useful.”

“You were. Thank you.”

“Ouch. Past tense.” He held a hand to his bare chest.

She shrugged. “You have already shared energy and are not showing any interest in me beyond what the tiger wants.”

Purring. “My name is Vinul. He is Sarel, brother to the beautiful Aluhara of the Sethir.”

“Oh, so there is a Sethir connection.” She started to wiggle free.

Vinul held her tight. “There is, but it is just a connection. We do not make our home there. Well, Sarel doesn’t, and I am assigned to him for life.”

“Still. Too close for me. Sorry, boys. Gotta go.” She pushed free of Vinul and started walking to the house.

Cadence called out in concern. “Leska?”

Leska walked past everyone and tried to push down her terror at the thought of the Sethir.

Cadence caught up with her and hugged her. She whispered, “I know you hate the Sethir, but these guys aren’t bad. They resonate well.”

“I know, but if they bring me into the path of any of the bad ones, people are going to die. Again.”

Cadence rubbed her back. “It’s okay. You have claws and scales now. They won’t come for you again. You aren’t eight. You aren’t alone, and the Uraddan scientists are gone.”

Leska couldn’t stop the tears and whispered, “Why did they have to do that?”

Cadence kept her arms around her. Tirra stood just behind them. She asked softly, “What did they do?”

Leska sniffled. “They jacked up an alpha and shoved him in a room with me.”

“Oh, sweetie.”

“He didn’t know what he was doing. They had doused me with omega scent. He came for me, and he died.”

Tirra asked, “How?”

“The dragon woke first. Then they put me deeper underground. More chains.” She shuddered. “They said the Sethir had put a price on my head, and then they laughed.”

Salat murmured from behind her. “I will check to see if the contract is still outstanding.”

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