She was wearing a sheath dress studded with gems like a midnight sky. A matching midnight blue mask covered her face on her left side. Her hair hung to her ankles, bound in dozens of ponytails that wove into an elaborate cape. She was spectacular, and Green was grinning at her side.

  She walked slowly to Ruby and said in her amazing voice, “Happy holidays, Ruby. I am Meira. My niece is Genevieve.”

  Marshall moved slowly and extended his hand to hers. “Lady Meira, Scourge of the Elite, may I make some introductions?”

  She hesitated. “I despise spectacle and hate embarrassment.”

  “This will not embarrass you, lady. I swear it.”

  He walked her over to where two men stood, their black skin gleaming and their formal clothing denoting Asian origins. One was in a kimono, and the other looked like he was wearing a hanfu from centuries earlier or from Chinese dramas.

  Ruby watched and cried a little as one of the men, who was related to the hotel owner, bent down to press his forehead to Meira’s pale hand. The other dark Elite kissed her mask and carefully removed it, kissing his way down Meira’s face. He did it again, and Meira touched her cheek. He pulled her hand away and kissed her again.

  “I guess you were right. Meira found the wrong mate the first time.” Ruby spoke to Rayden.

  “The male on the left has a brother. A younger brother. He was the one who rejected her. He thought she was a cosplayer and was brutal with his words. Once she has joined her triad, she will receive a public apology from her new brother.”

  “How did that one heal her?” She held his hand tightly.

  “He calmed the fire, which let her skin seal itself.”

  “Which he could do the same way you removed that compulsion in my head.”

  “Exactly. Mates can do it more easily as they resonate with their partner already. Nature designed it so.”

  Ruby smiled at the formal tone in his voice. “How anticipatory of nature.”

  “It is a wonderful thing.” He lifted their hands and kissed her wrist. “Would you care to take your seat, pixie?”

  She nodded. “Please.”

  He led her to a table near a podium in the ballroom filled with cast, friends, and family.

  There was a low chime, and folks found their tables.

  Ruby murmured, “I thought this was a volunteer organization. How did they afford this event?” She smoothed her hands over her thighs. Her black evening gown had been brought to the show, and Rayden and Marshall were wearing black suits.

  Rayden chuckled. “The owners of this hotel chain have been supporting the production for a decade. As the head and his wife now have a set of triplets, they want to see the performance continue. This hotel is the largest supporter.”

  “Right.”

  Wine was being poured by staff that moved discretely around the space. Ruby reached for her glass and took a sip as she got a text. She grinned. “Uncle Leon’s pregnant.”

  “I thought he was infertile?”

  “It was a tear that repaired over time. It was clear about five years ago. They just stopped trying because they were dealing with the effect of me being gone. I imagine they were having a nice time. Maybe some vacations.”

  Rayden squeezed her hand. “They fought constantly. Leon and James missed you. Derrik was sullen, and Grey was pouting because no one was talking to him. Dane was smug, and Gerald was just waiting for you to come home.”

  She swallowed. “Ah. Well, that sucks. At least one of us should have been happy.”

  He stroked her cheek and then turned her head for a kiss.

  A strange hooting reached her ears, and when Rayden lifted his lips from hers, she saw that it was the entire cast hooting and cheering.

  She raised her voice. “Oh, come on, you have seen it before.”

  The laughter ran through the room, and dinner began to be served.

  Marshall sat next to her, and she looked around at the holiday decorations and smiled. It was a beautiful room.

  She looked over at Meira, and the woman was hesitating to find a seat. Her mates wanted her with them, but her niece wanted her next to her. It was complex, so Ruby looked at the empty seats at their table and muttered, “You two need to find the Elite scourge the most fascinating woman here, aside from me.”

  Marshall nodded. “Of course.”

  She got up from her seat, walked over to the triad, and smiled. “Meira, it is nice to see your face finally.”

  The woman blinked and smiled slowly. “It has very recently become visible.”

  “I’m Ruby.” She stuck out her hand, and Meira shook it. The contact made them both jolt. “You should shake my sister’s hand. She’s a living stun gun.”

  “You have a sister?”

  “Yeah, she runs one of the good food trucks and keeps trying to give you extra. You are too skinny, in her opinion. She’s judgy about that stuff.” Ruby smiled. “She’s also two years younger than me.”

  Meira blinked.

  “Would you like to have dinner with me and my mates? Today has been a lot for you.” She looked at the two men. “Just dinner for you to get your balance again. You need a little room to breathe, and while we are grateful that you came to help us out, we know it was rough on you. Being over six feet tall as a woman usually means you are an alpha. And we all know they are a little much in small doses, and you got two on the same day. Just a slight separation to help you collect yourself?”

  Meira looked at her mates and gave a slight smile. “Just for dinner. Maybe I can rejoin you for dessert?”

  The two men, one with gold eyes and one with silver, nodded at Meira’s shy comment.

  Ruby led her to the table where Marshall had moved over, and Meira sat next to Ruby and Rayden.

  Meira murmured to her, “Thank you. Their gazes are very direct.”

  “And assessing.”

  “Yeah, that, too. All of my reflexes are wired for betas. But, he just... fixed me. Just like that, the energy stopped seeping out.”

  Ruby smiled. “This yutz managed to see that I had a major issue installed by the Elite, and that yutz removed it over coffee.”

  Meira smiled. “Just like that. They can see the issue.”

  “They want mates who can be happy. Being broken restricts our options and makes their courtship harder. You don’t want them exerting extra effort. People end up naked.”

  She saw Marshall’s grin and Rayden’s smirk.

  Meira blushed, and the multicoloured energy moved under her skin. Ruby exhaled. “That’s beautiful.”

  “Oh. The energy is still there. Right.”

  “Is that your particular defense?”

  “Um, no. That’s my blood. My defense is a set of swords.”

  “Nice. I can’t remember what Ida’s defense is.”

  Meira stared. “Well, that explains it. Even alone with her, I couldn’t get back in the box.”

  Ruby nodded. “The changes to the wardrobe are a pain, but the extra height is very slimming.”

  Meira laughed. “There is that. I don’t even know where to shop.”

  “Well, you are in a group of ladies in the same boat now.”

  “There is that. Thank you for this. Lancing the tension has helped. Also, not being able to see them directly is helping. Why do they make them so big?”

  Ruby laughed. “Because they made us big, and we attract trouble. Someone has to have our backs, and they have to be big.”

  Meira nodded. “I can see the point.”

  “Also, they are great for blocking drafts.” Ruby grinned.

  Meira burst out laughing, and that magical tone in her voice rippled through the gathering.

  Ruby sighed. “That sound is amazing. Do you know what the light does?”

  “Oh, that? It is covering three states in protection. The Elite can’t find the young women in those states. How many dark Elite are there?”

  Rayden chuckled. “Three or four hundred. Not really sure. It was dark down there.”

  Meira looked at him. “You always mate in threes?”

  He shrugged. “It’s safer. Why?”

  “That means that over the next few years, close to two hundred female Elite will activate on this continent. Possibly as many as five hundred if the Stronghold keeps snagging them.” Meira sighed.

  Ruby blinked. “So, you have been guarding the locals?”

  “Not on purpose, but it takes a lot of effort to hold the energy in, so on the solstice, it just comes out, and singing is a very energetic and cathartic activity, so that is when the protection spills out. It gives the girls the ability to hide and master their defenses before they are found. It is a feeble gift but a gift nonetheless.”

  Ruby looked at the woman who radiated power and had a hairstyle that belonged in a film. Her eyes glittered with rainbows, and they moved under her skin. “It is the gift you could offer with the abilities at your disposal. When you and your mates get together, you will find a better focus.”

  Meira wrinkled her nose. “Still sucks that power and control is to be found at the end of a dick.”

  Ruby bit her lips as every dark Elite spluttered and choked. There were about forty of them in the ballroom.

  Meira blinked. “Oh. My. Better than average hearing?”

  Ruby winced. “I had no idea that was going to come out of your mouth.”

  Marshall muttered, “If it’s coming out of your mouth, you are doing it wrong.”

  Meira turned to her plate. “I am going to eat dinner and make a run for it.”

  She had taken one forkful of food before two dark shadows loomed over her. The Japanese male said, “She isn’t nervous anymore. Thank you.” He bent, picked up her chair, and carried her over to his table.

  The other male set the empty chair down and retrieved her place setting, grinning as he said, “Thank you for your assistance, lady.”

  She blinked, and Rayden moved in close. He chuckled. “I wondered what was taking them so long.”

  Ruby scowled. “We were having a nice chat.”

  Rayden smiled. “Your new friend isn’t gone. She is just meeting her mates.” He caressed her thigh.

  She snorted and looked at him. “Well, I have met mine, so seduction isn’t necessary.”

  “Well, you have had your first heat, so we are staying close. We don’t know what your incoming heat signs are.” He pressed his lips to her neck. “But we really want to learn those signs as well.”

  “You just want me popping out little grey babies.”

  There was more laughter around the room. All of it was masculine.

  Rayden smiled. “It would be disturbing if they actually popped out.”

  She snorted. “Incorrigible.”

  “Eat your dinner, or there won’t be dessert.”

  She shook her head, finished her dinner, and then grabbed for a roll. She asked for the butter, and Marshall handed it to her. He and Rayden had intermittently spoken to other members of the cast and crew during the dinner, but she was just hungry.

  She flexed her shoulders and smiled. Another successful season.

  Chapter Fourteen

  A moussed dessert was being served, and Ruby looked forward to it until she saw the coach stepping up to the podium. He was long-winded, but at least there was dessert.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to thank the hotel for hosting our wrap party. We have spent the last week living on nerves and coffee, so a proper meal is very much appreciated. The food trucks did pretty well, but sitting comfortably out of the cool breezes is a luxury.”

  Everyone chuckled.

  “Now, the Pathwork Pixie is a charity event that has expanded to fund children’s charities across the continent. This year, we have raised three million, eight hundred thousand, six hundred dollars. These funds will introduce children to skating, fund afterschool programs, and uplift our community.”

  Everyone applauded, and a few hooted in support. She was stunned at the amount, but it was gratifying that her little story had grown so much.

  “And for the first time, we have R. Lest herself to thank the players.”

  Ruby paused. Marshall got up and pulled her chair back. “You can do this.”

  She snorted. “I know I can, but I don’t know if I want to.”

  “Tough. Go get up there.”

  She sighed and got to her feet, walking up to the podium where the coach was still standing. She got an enthusiastic hug, was lifted off her feet, and spun around. She looked down at him but didn’t say anything until she got to the mic. “Huh. Take five, coach. You might want to stretch before trying that again.”

  After the wave of laughter subsided, she looked out. “Well, I am looking at a lot of familiar faces tonight and some that are the same people but a little... taller.”

  The two familiar faces that glowed white in the crowd were Ida and Meira. Standing at the back of the room was Emmy, which added a third, and then there was a shock. A woman walking back from the restroom was flickering. One of the stage hands quickly made her way back to her table, and she held a finger to her lips with a wink.

  The woman sat down, and Rayden began to scan the crowd.

  “Right, well, I don’t know why so many elves would be involved in the story of a little pixie who covers her glow with bits of burlap in order to hide the fact that she has power and so many of her people don’t, but I am glad they did. The coach might not have let me on the ice otherwise.”

  Folks grinned.

  “When I wrote the story, I was a little girl who had just gotten into competition, but I thought that since I could fly on the ice, I also knew that I wanted to see a story about people who flew on the ice. So I wrote it. I presented the plan to the winter festival conference, and they got excited. The first few years it was performed by children, but then I went to the council and asked them to get adult volunteers, and that was much better for the children’s charities. The kids still performed for schools or classes, but the grownups got to be pixies in front of a paying audience. Over the years we have gotten kids into afterschool programs, gotten them tutors, set up scholarships, and also had a blast with the production. In the decade since I wrote it, this has been my first time actually performing. So, I would like to thank you all for coming onto the ice, building sets, catering, sharpening skates, checking lighting, wrangling sound systems, and, of course, all of you who skated your hearts out.” She smiled. “A special mention goes to Meira for singing like a siren and lighting our stage with the blaze of the solstice.” Ruby started clapping. “Everyone up to get the applause you deserve.”

  The gathering stood, and Emmy and the caterers from the trucks stood as well.

  When everyone had gotten their due, Ruby smiled. “I believe that the tables are going to be moved for dancing, so feel free to fall on your butts. No one has paid to watch you this time. Thanks again, and consider volunteering next year if your jobs will allow. Even those of you who—” She wiggled her fingers in the air. “Hockey.”

  Rayden got up and walked toward her.

  She quickly got out. “No wonder they are cranky; they have three periods a night!”

  She squawked as she was lifted off her feet and carried to the dance floor.

  The music began, and the firm grip turned into gentle guidance as Rayden swayed with her.

  “You aren’t half bad at public speaking.”

  “Thanks.”

  “I can’t believe you made a period joke.”

  “Well, it does explain why you all look so cranky on the ice.” She chuckled as he spun her out and then pulled her back in. “I tried to watch, I really did. But that is a very small puck.”

  He laughed, and they continued to move together. More dancers were on the floor with them, and soon Marshall was cutting in.

  Ruby enjoyed the feeling of having fun, but the mystery elf in the room nagged at her. One moment, she was there; the next, she was gone. It was maddening.

  Marshall leaned in, “What is bothering you?”

  “There is another Elite omega in here besides the obvious ones. Can you sense her?”

  He looked around. “I don’t see one and can’t sense anything. You can ask Meira’s males. They are both hunters.”

  She swivelled her head around until she saw the triad in deep discussion. Ruby had to know, and Keres wasn’t here to force the transformation.

  “Okay, I have to ask them.”

  Marshall nodded and offered her his arm as they exited the dance floor and walked toward the triad. Meira looked at Ruby. “What is it?”

  “There is another one of us here. I just can’t see her. I remember her beta face from the set crew, but I can’t place her name.”

  Meira laughed. “Oh, that’s her thing. I have known her since I was five, but I can’t remember her name either. We were taken from home at the same time, and she healed me and got me home.”

  Marshall said, “But a second woman isn’t in the tale of the scourge.”

  Meira shook her head. “Of course not, but she was. She controls ice and perception. We resumed our beta form, and she closed the wound as best she could, hiding it when I was a beta.”

  “Do you know her name?”

  “No, I can’t keep it. Everyone forgets her. I can just remember her when I see her.”

  Ruby bit her lip and then said, “Do you have any light left over?”

  “Sure. I always do.”

  “Can you broadcast a soft wave?”

  Meira nodded and stood up, looking over the crowd as a soft light emerged from her skin and pulsed through the room.

  A startled sound followed by panicked shouts as chairs were shoved back and an elf with golden eyes stood up and looked over at Meira. “Seriously?”

  “Oh. Lynwyn.” Meira exhaled slowly.

  Ruby looked at the woman, and she was perfect. She was the smallest Elite omega Ruby had seen, but she was... perfect.

  The woman left her stunned colleagues and glided toward Meira. She glanced toward Ruby. “Well, I am guessing you figured out when I am seen?”

  Ruby nodded. “Meira remembers you in battle, so she must have been using light, so you are visible when she does. What did you do in that fight?”

 

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