Page 54 of I Dated Dark Resonance

Yukaro offered, “Their commanding officer is nearby. I will let him know that they are being persistent with a guarded omega.”

Ysma chuckled. “Collecting us?”

“No, acting as brother-in-law. You are the only omega I am interested in.” He caressed her cheek.

Her knees quivered.

Haven smiled. “That’s adorable.”

Yukaro walked down the beach to the male who was standing and watching his men flail around as their weak limbs made it hard to stand.

Ysma smiled. “I think he’s a good one.”

Nelith chuckled. “You get to live in an area with warm sun and bright sand. If you let us, we will visit often.”

Yukaro came back with the scarred alpha. Ysma didn’t let the amusement show on her face, but Haven was about to have a suitor.

They trooped en masse back to the tattoo shop. When Xeva came out, they all cheered. Xeva and Jeron grinned and decided that a family celebration was in order. Introductions were made, and Jeron contacted his family to warn them they had another fun family evening to plan for about forty.

Ysma laughed at the response from his mother. It was pithy but enthusiastic as Jeron and Xeva had formalized their connection in the pattern.

Ysma asked, “Did he heal you?”

Jeron chuckled. “Every ten minutes.”

Xeva smiled. “Well, I am wearing Nelith’s mark as well as Dmitri’s.”

Nelith went to look, and she gasped. “I thought it was here.”

“It will manifest at night or when I get emotional.” Xeva smiled. “Or when I power up. I am still working on my recovery.”

Jeron smiled. “She is moving forward at an amazing rate. We will soon hear the pitter-patter of giant hooves.”

Xeva snorted.

Jeron stated, “Well, my mother is willing to host another party but will need help. She has a list of items from local vendors. The market is still open. Anyone willing to shop?”

Ysma held her hand up. “I would, but I don’t have any finances yet.”

Yukaro said, “We will take care of it. Send me the list.”

Jeron smiled. “Done.”

Yukaro put a hand at her back and steered her away from the others, walking back toward the centre of town. The market was still buzzing with activity, and Ysma got to participate in the ancient art of shopping.

After the fourth shop, Ysma smiled. “So, these islands are outside of the Sethir demand area.”

Yukaro cocked his head as they headed for the next shop, string bags hanging from one finger while he checked the list. “There aren’t enough omegas coming out of the islands for it to be an issue.”

Ysma nodded. “Right.”

As she looked across the market, she saw twelve omegas, two of her sisters, and they were approaching a third. “It looks like this is a great place for folks to hide.”

They approached a booth where a woman in her mid-twenties stood next to a woman in her late teens. Instead of the skirts everyone else had on, these two were wearing the loose woven trousers that a lot of the men were wearing and open shirts.

The product they were selling was popular, and when Ysma stepped up, she caught the whiff of the heady scent of honey. Ah. Beekeepers.

Honey, wax, and lotions were everywhere in the shop in neat lines.

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