Page 15 of Second Shooter

“Hence my escape.”

Win sat down and said, “Omega, spider, zebra, and death tentacles?”

Persephone smiled slowly. “You are good.”

Win shrugged. “I just came for the snacks.”

Lyric laughed. “True. I did promise you snacks, but if we can find you help for the scars, I would like to.”

“Okay. I will let you try.” She snagged a Danish as the ladies sat down, and all the free cats in the space focused on them. She checked her watch. Cori’s bus was leaving. She tried to calm the nervous flips her stomach was doing.

She sat and chatted. Bluntly explaining what had happened to her. Persephone tried to reach out, but Win avoided the touch.

“Sorry. I can’t touch you. I had to fight to keep myself short when Lyric touched me. It hurt. A lot.”

Persephone nodded. “I understand. Sorry. It’s a reflex.”

Keres smiled. “Just be sure you don’t get close enough to hug you. She’ll burp you.”

Persephone blushed. “Well, maybe. It was just that one time.”

“Achilles did digest his meal easier that night.” Keres laughed.

Win smiled as the woman groaned with covered eyes. “Funny. My sisters and I are further apart in age. We don’t have that kindof relationship. So, Keres, you started the barrier around the city?”

“I always thought so, but I have heard that folks are seeing two anchor sites. Our kind can add energy to either one to expand the shield.”

“Nice. I have donated when I can.”

Keres picked up her phone and called someone. “Myrtle, what do you have from the book regarding a scarred-up omega?”

The person on the other end said, “Nothing. There is the blood witch, the mirror master, and triumph. They are going to appear with solace and sabres. Their mates are still at the Stronghold.”

Win mumbled, “That is a lot of omegas.”

“It sounds like it, but that is what the book said. It’s pretty accurate. It identifies Keres as the mother for all.”

Keres blushed, and Persephone rubbed her shoulder. “Keres has been a surrogate at least four times.”

Win smiled. “That would do it.” She checked her watch again. Cori was reaching the outskirts of the city. Half an hour and she would be beyond the barrier.

Wren said, “I keep trying to actuallyseeyou, but it is difficult. You keep shifting.”

“You know, modern women. Changing moods and focus every moment. Sister, daughter, worker, friend. I can do it all.” Win sipped at her excellent coffee and stroked the seven cats that were nesting on her in turn. “I also leak power, so the cats are curling up near the energy leaks.”

Another omega came through the door, and she waved. “Oh, wow. You are just everything.”

“Yup. Don’t touch me.”

“Oh, I get that. Your future... wow.”

Win smiled. “My future is currently finishing my coffee and going grocery shopping.”

Myrtle sat down and rotated her wrist, and a fresh cappuccino settled in front of her.

“You know we sell those at the counter.”

“Teyval doesn’t know I am playing hooky. I have to keep this quick. I just wanted to see her for myself. Win, if you need anything, just scream out.”

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