Page 34 of Flying Blind

“Well. I am not hooking up with the guys who thought this was a great way to get a partner, and that’s a load off.” Zara swallowed. “Are you sure I am safe here?”

“Yup. Even the crickets have to ask permission to enter, but they give me an annual request for passage.” Lyric laughed.

“So, how did you react to your brother being a demon alpha?”

“Oh, easy. He was always introspective, but when the fire started to rise, the hobby of metalwork became something for him to do on the daily. I took over the day-to-day at the winery, and he grappled with controlling the flame inside him. I think the temper that came with it was the hardest part. He is normally the most easy-going guy you could imagine, but when he was learning to control it, he was a monster. Fortunately, he took it out on stone and wood. Never us.” She chuckled. “He cleared the entire lot where the guesthouse is located, right down to the stumps. By the time he finished that task, he was himself again.”

“Well, that’s good to know. Rayd is really calm, and it looks like Lykon is as well. I am feeling a little relieved.” Zara smiled. “I was scared that they would be aggressive or out of control.”

“That isn’t a demon thing. Demons are precise and determined. That is how they become so successful.”

“How did you learn that?”

“Someone sent me a pamphlet.” She chuckled. “No, I did a lot of research. Lots and lots of research. I like doing research. I find it entertaining. Anyway, there have been demon alphas going back throughout history. The only ones that were successful and respected were the ones who managed to create socially acceptable businesses and take over countries, all had a mate, and the smallest grouping was three males to one female.”

“Oh. Well, I guess I am lucky. Do you know how it’s going to happen?”

“The mating or the marking? I think you know the mating part. The marking will probably have you kneeling with two on one side of you and one on the other. Based on the mark, Lykon will end up on one side.”

“Okay.”

“And then they bite. You should be able to make decisions on what to wear by colour by morning.”

“Just like that?”

“Oh, there is a little more to it than that, but that is between you and your mates, and I am not thinking about my brother having a mate. I consider that advanced for him.”

Zara chuckled, and they both paused as they heard a familiar voice.

“Why is it advanced?” The voice was smooth and amused.

Lyric didn’t pause. “Because you are antisocial, despite any romantic forays into the world, nothing lasts. Keeping a mate that you have to watch out for, support, and assist through life is definitely advanced.”

“I don’t have to do it alone,” he mumbled.

Zara muttered, “I am here, you know.”

Lyric laughed. “I know. If you need him anywhere, put five reminders into his phone, two minutes apart.”

“Hey! That’s you?”

“He brushes his teeth four times a day and uses a special floss. He gets it for himself, but bring your own floss.” Lyric was speaking as if ticking items off a list.

“Our third is on the way, Lyr. You need to let him through.”

Lyric sighed and chuckled. “The helicopter is hovering above the landing area. It’s funny. They are stuck.”

“Lyr!”

“Oh, fine. There. They can land. Big baby.”

He growled, and she laughed.

Zara’s spine had shivered at the growl.

“Do you want me to escort you there or my brother?”

“I... think it would be safer if you did. This is going to be overwhelming.”

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