Page 96 of The Beta: Part Two
“Speaking of discretion,” Talia hooks a finger in one of Reid's belt loops to stop him, “don't mention the bedroom cameras. It isn't a big secret, but it's better for the others to suspect their rooms are wired instead of knowing for sure. They knew about the camera in Jasper's room at the farmhouse, but he didn't. It's sneaky, and I'm not proud of it, but it's a fun secret to have.”
“It's a useful secret. It's a huge relief to be able to put eyes on all of you anytime.”
Reid hums, “yes. I can see how it would be a very good thing to be able to do.”
“Plus,” I smile at Talia, “sometimes you can call in menu requests.”
“What?” now Reid's confused.
“Nathan enjoys a good show, is all. And I don't mind giving him one.” Talia bends down to give each of us a kiss on the cheek, “thank you for doing this for me.”
While Reid is getting his shoes I grab Trent. He's been my go-to for installation help for years and he already knows how most of everything works.
“We're putting cameras in Jasper's room, right? And Talia's?” Leave it to Trent to ask the truly important questions.
“Of course we are.”
“Good. It's hot as fuck to be able to watch him fuck her. I don't think Corso's going to like it, though.”
“What won't I like?” Corso says coming into the kitchen where I have equipment and wires spread over the table.
“Shit. This was supposed to be a secret mission. Fine. Talia asked me to wire the house and property with security cameras and audio. Completely wired to the security office, which is my bedroom for the time being.” I fully expect him to be offended by either the idea that whatever system he has in place isn't good enough, or offended that I might end up destroying the wainscoting.
“Yes. Visual everywhere. Audio everywhere it's appropriate. Cameras in the omegas' rooms. Don't tell them,” Corso says, picking up an audio sensor.
“And here I was thinking about being jealous about how much better you know Talia than I do,” Trent takes the sensor from Corso, “Talia already asked him to hook up their rooms,andto not say anything to Jasper. And I've heard she takes requests for secret shows if you ask nicely enough.”
He smirks in my direction.
Corso processes that for a second then starts laughing. “Of course she does. But, on a serious note, I do want visual everywhere. Even the bathrooms. Especially the bedrooms. I don't care whose ass I see, I need to be able to check that everyone is safe. And if anyone were to come here to try to take one of our omegas, they'd most likely try for the bedrooms before the main rooms.”
He's right. And this place is so big that I'm probably going to have to get more equipment.
The three of us comb over every inch of the inside of the house. I make a note of every place to put a camera, mic, or sensor so there won't be any blind spots. I won't know for sure until I get everything rigged up, but we can still place everything.
Having Trent help me do this in so many other places and buildings has proven to be a huge asset, he can pick out sneaky, hidden places to tuck wires and things almost as well as I can.
Reid is appropriately impressed, especially when we move outdoors and Trent shimmies up the side of the house like he's done it a hundred times. Then Reid realizes how easy it would be for someone else to do it and he calls for Alex.
“Trent,” he calls up to where Trent is hanging off the ledge of Jasper's bedroom, “do you mind showing Alex how you climbed up?”
“Sure,” Trent yells, but after Alex sees how easy it was to climb down he doesn't need to see him climb up.
“I don't like that. When it was just us, it didn't matter. And before, when Talia was here, we kept her mostly between us in her room. Now, with Jasper, too, you know we'll be a target because we've got both of them. Maybe we'll dig a moat. Put up some spikes.” Alex is looking at the side of the manor like it betrayed him.
Trent crosses his arms over his chest and thinks for a second, then yells, “piranhas! We can put out some piranhas in pools. Talia and Jasper wanted fish, anyway.”
“We're not digging a moat, you idiot,” Reid says, “Nathan's going to fix up some intense security measures. I just wanted you to be aware. Maybe you can come up with a creative physical deterrent, that isn't primitive, as well.”
“Yeah, I'm on it. I don't fucking like that. I'm going to go see what I've already got to work with.” Alex lopes off to wherever he keeps things that he can use to create physical deterrents.
It's nearly dark when Talia calls us for dinner and I realize what she's done for me. I spent the entire day getting comfortable with the manor. I know every nook and cranny in this whole place now. I didn't spend the day moping and worrying about Devon and how it was going to work out with all of us. I lost myself in using my skills and training to protect my pack in our new home.
She knew I needed it, and we don't even have a bond. I'm going to have to fall the rest of the way in love with her, I guess. I was already headed that direction, but after she rescued me, then saved me, and now giving me purpose and calm, I'll just have to love her.
“What?” she asks, putting a plate down in front of me.
I suppose I was staring at her. Just a little.
