Date: Sun, 9 May 2021 18:24:25 -0400 From: Justin Forfun Subject: New Reality 17 This story started out of boredom, and has now taken on a life of its own. I've gotten a lot of positive feedback, and some negative. I'm open to suggestions and feedback, but it is what it is. The sex in it isn't going to be a major part of it, nor is it going to be graphic. If you're looking for masturbation fodder, look elsewhere. There will be slow times in this story, just like there are in life. Other times, things will fly at you too fast. There will be boring days, and exciting days. It's just how it's flowing. You can comment as you like at Jst4fun2nyt@gmail.com. DONATE to Nifty so you can continue to enjoy my story, and the thousands of others!!!! ********************************************************************************** I woke in the middle of the night to find Billy kneeling between her legs bringing her to another orgasm with his tongue, then sliding back in his spot as we fell back asleep. When I woke, my morning erection was nestled between her legs and I got an urge to enter her. I knew I wouldn't, not before Billy had, but I also knew that no one in the bed would have minded, and either I wasn't as gay as I thought, or love meant more than sex. I looked over to see Billy looking at his sleeping mate with wonder on his face, then I saw him look at me and I think he realized where body parts were and he just smiled a satisfied smile, as if to say it was fine. Scott woke and lifted his head to look over Billy's shoulder and I heard his thoughts and knew he was in the same position with Billy as I was with Bea. He silently agreed that he was very happy sharing everything with these two, no matter how things worked out. I leaned up onto my elbow and heard a whispered good morning from Bea. "Good morning beautiful." Billy said "Did you enjoy it?" "Enjoy it? It was better than any fantasy I've ever had. Billy, you're my mate and you know that, but I felt so loved and safe being held by the three of you." "Wonderful isn't it? And it gets better." he smiled. "I need to be sure that everyone is comfortable with everything that happened last night? No one felt pressure because I'm your Alpha? You two talked about what you wanted and you went way past that." "Oh no Greg, there was no pressure, nothing but love. I wanted to taste my mate and I loved it. I'd like..." and she seemed to get shy. "Go ahead baby, Greg's not going to be mad. I know what you're wanting to say, say it." "I'd um, I'd like to taste you and Scott also, sometime soon." "You can anytime you want, but we won't ask you to. Not until we're all comfortable. I'm just nervous that the Alpha issue creates pressure you're not aware of." "I'm going to take a risk and trust what you said about say whatever I'm thinking Greg. I want Billy to be the first to penetrate me, but this morning, I felt you and... well, if you would, I'd like you inside me sometime. Scott too." "I still consider myself gay, but I won't deny it crossed my mind Bea. Scott's too. I think we would like that, as long as Billy's sure he's OK with it, and you're sure too. We all have to be honest if any feelings of jealousy come up." "Are you thinking you want to go that far anytime soon baby?" "I don't know Billy, I don't want any babies yet, but Aunt Else told me how to control my ovulation so I won't get pregnant until I want to. And I've got to say, it was hot watching you on Scott." she blushed. "It was hot having you watch me. It almost felt like you were proud of me." "I was. And none of this was just sex, like when I'd masturbate was just to get off. Other than the very beginning, I could feel that everyone was focused on pleasing someone other than themselves. I've heard stories about women who have to just lay there while their husband gets off and goes to sleep, but when Greg reached over to me I felt... like I belonged, like I am part of all of you." "Well, we can continue this talk in the shower. We have to meet Alpha Fabre in 3 hours and I'd like a nice long shower. Do you two want privacy?" "Greg, last night we talked about times we'd be sleeping apart, but as good as last night felt, I hope those nights are very rare. Billy?" "He knows I want to sleep by him every night. I'm with Greg though, let's go see if the shower's big enough for 4." as he jumped up and ran to the bathroom. We all caught his playful spirit and raced into the bathroom where we grabbed Billy and tickled him until he was begging us to stop. We got in the shower and Scott sent me a signal so he and I grabbed a cloth and soap, then he washed Billy as I washed Bea. We started with them between us, her facing away from me and Billy facing Scott. She was caressing his back and then leaned in and started licking and kissing his neck. When we turned them around Billy moved in close sliding himself between her legs as Scott washed his back and I washed her front. The mood shifted and my washing her breasts became caressing then I moved my soapy hand down between her legs. I found that I could masturbate them both with my one hand and they were both lost in the sensations when I heard Billy whispering and when she nodded, he looked at me. "Greg, I need you inside me. I'll take care of Bea, or Scott can, but I want you in me this morning, please?" How could I deny my boy such a loving request, so we moved around so he was in front of me and I used my fingers to open him. Bea had moved off to the side to watch and Billy's hand was between her legs. She watched as I used first one, then two, then a third finger to relax his hole then I lined up and slowly entered him as he sighed in pleasure. Unlike other times, I didn't pound him, but made slow gentle movements as he started moaning and moving his fingers faster in Bea. She was moaning then shivered and knowing she had climaxed changed my mood and I started pounding Billy as she knelt and took him into her mouth. I felt his orgasm building and when he came his hole clamped tight around me, sending me over the edge. I held him still and stayed inside him as his mate turned and took Scott into her mouth and brought him to a quick climax as well. Any concern I'd had about her having problems with our sex life washed away as we rinsed off and got out, drying each other. When we dressed, we realized an issue that we all had all missed. Bea didn't have anything appropriate for our meetings so we decided on a plan. That resolved, we had our breakfast from the buffet that room service had set up, then parted company. Tommy took Scott and Bea shopping while Billy and I had our driver take us to the office building for our meeting. We walked in and took the elevator up and into his offices. His receptionist announced me and introduced us to a young man with Mediterranean features and dark curly hair. "Prince Warnick, so nice to meet you. I've heard so many good things I'm happy we could get together this morning. Have you eaten?" "Thank you Alpha Fabre, we have. I'm here this morning as Alpha of the Warnick pack, not as a Prince." "I understand Alpha, and please, my friends call me Joan." "Thank you Joan, and my friends call me Greg. I prefer things more relaxed." "Forgive me if I'm too personal, but I assume from your having to adjust your schedule that you reconnected with your pack in Zell after meet with Prince Hauer?" "That is exactly what happened, and I appreciate your understanding. No disrespect, but my pack comes before any business matters. People are more important than any amount of money. I hope our delays didn't cause you any problems?" "Think nothing of it. I'm so glad to find a young Alpha who's come into a large financial position who has his priorities straight. You are quite right Greg, money can be recovered, the lives of those in our care are the of the utmost import. If you truly feel this way, you will have a very long and prosperous life. Now, what can I do for you this morning Greg?" I felt comfortable with Joan so I took a risk and spelled out everything from my fall to our wedding and the election to the Council. I told him of young Lorenz's ascension to Alpha and when he heard of Billy and Bea he insisted on wine and a toast. He asked forgiveness if he was being indiscreet but he mentioned that in the old times, male Alphas who preferred the companionship of men would have a female or two kept for providing heirs. It was similar to a royal in the same position who would take a wife for public affairs but kept his true lover as a manservant. I reminded him of our four sons and he told me that his wife had died in 1512 and he had outlived all his heirs. It was wise to always have an heir, regardless of their parentage. I thanked him for the information, then we turned to our business. "I know nothing of the arrangements you had with Jack, nor of how they developed. I'm sure I could dig all of this up, but I'll trust you to lay it out for me Joan." "Joseph and I met when that damned Corsican, excuse me, was causing problems and we got along very well right off. Once the peace was settled, he invested heavily to help me recover from the wars and helped me with what I had left in London. After a few decades we worked out a trade which left him owning my positions in England while I was still in debt to him here. He continued to push money my way to help me grow, and before the Nazi's invaded he owned 50% of my holdings in France and Belgium. The Germans destroyed a lot of what I had, and the battle to push them back cost me more. The money Truman and Eisenhower sent helped quite a lot but it was still going to take me a century to recover." "Jack contacted me and based on his father's feelings for me, he invested heavily and, well, to be blunt Greg, he saved my ass. Jack refused to accept my valuations and forced me to agree to pay him 70% of profits until 2055, 100 years from his help." "He refused to look at the actual numbers? That doesn't sound like Jack, do you have the numbers from 1955 Joan?" "Right here Greg." he said handing a copy to both Billy and myself. As we looked over the forms, I heard Billy gasp "Jesus Joan, you were totally destroyed. I'm just doing the numbers in my head but if I'm right, Jack financed close to 100% of your recovery?" "He did Greg, and he said there was no way he'd accept having me struggling to recover. If you're agreeable, I'd like to continue the contract as is." "No, I can't do that. It's bad business." Joan seemed surprised but resigned "I am at your mercy, name the terms that are acceptable and I'll agree." "I'm glad you're a sensible man. Billy, find me an attorney in Paris to draw up contracts with the following terms. Joan will pay us 40% of profits after paying himself a salary fitting his position as CEO. Contract to adjust to 10% on Jan 1, 2050. None of this is negotiable." He sat waiting for me to add something evil and when I didn't he started to laugh. He continued to laugh until I was starting to worry then he said "Greg Warnick you are a remarkable young man. So many in your position would have come in and pushed me out but you, you come in and push me in. I wonder now if James knew what he was doing when he changed you. Hell, if I didn't know better, I'd wonder if he didn't plan your accident. If I thought you'd accept I would offer my neck as a Serving Alpha but I won't put you in the position of refusing me the honor. You, my young friend, have a friend for life, and I'm proud to say that." "You're right to not offer Joan, I would feel inadequate being anything other than your friend in business. And know this, if history repeats itself and things go bad from outside forces, I will happily restore you again and again. My brother obviously loved you as a brother, and I accept that same role, if you will." He rose and came to me arms outstretched "I embrace you brother, and I hope you and your mate will be regular visitors to Paris, it's such a lovely city." "I will welcome you to my homes in Pittsburgh or London at any time. I'll have Lorenz send you some good German wine, maybe we can raise your standards." I said getting a laugh. "Now, you'll forgive me but my Beta just took a mate and I can tell he's anxious being away from her side for the last 3 hours." "Haha, oh young love. Billy, take it from an old man, there will come times that you and your mate will want to live apart for decades, just to renew the feelings you have today. When those times come, do it, take other lovers, and know that she loves you. At the risk of overstepping, I can smell that you and your Alpha have a special bond and it is shared with your mates. Some would frown on something like that, and when they do, tell them to mind their own business. What you four have is the anchor to a strong pack, cherish it." "Thank you Alpha Fabre." "No Billy, we are friends. I do understand our roles, and I know the dance we'll play in public, but behind closed doors, we're family. Now get out of here before your mate has a melt down." When we left we were all laughing and in a great mood so I told Billy to change plans and we'd return to Woodstock tomorrow morning. Then I texted Scott to figure where to meet them and we met for lunch at a small cafe across the Seine from Notre Dame Cathedral and Bea told us her adventures shopping. She was flabbergasted at the cost of the dresses Scott had bought for her and we insisted on a fashion show when we got back to our hotel. Scott and Tommy had bought some things for us and it was still early so we went to the hotel and changed then did some sightseeing, getting pictures of ourselves at the Arc de Triomphe and the top of the Eiffel Tower at sunset. Joan was right, Paris was beautiful, and being able to see it with no time pressure was amazing. We returned to our hotel and Bea was half naked before she got to the bedroom. She spent the next hour showing us her new dresses. When she was gone one time, I told Billy to find a tailor for ladies in Pittsburgh and get some business outfits for her as well, these dresses were more upscale social event types. I had to admit, she was truly beautiful and I told Billy how lucky he was. He smiled and reminded me what Joan had said and asked if I thought we were weird. I said I had been thinking but maybe we should include our mates in this conversation, so when Beatrix said she had shown us the last of the things she could show in public we both looked at each other and followed her and Scott to our bedroom. When the doors were closed, she hung the dress then stripped naked and showed us the various bras and panties she had bought, along with some one piece nighties and a pair of stockings with a garter belt. Her fashion show was having an effect on Billy and surprisingly me as well. Billy could tell it was turning me on and he stood and pulled me to my feet, then took Bea's hand and said. "Scott, can we sit down and talk please?" "Sure Billy, what's up?" "Should I do this Greg? Or do you want to?" "I think we can do this together, but I'll start. Scott, when I learned you were gay and interested in me my life felt complete. I felt I could spend the rest of my life with you and you alone. Then I died, and a whole new world opened up, and I was determined to spend hundreds of years with only you." "And you're worried that this is going to affect that?" "No Scott, let me go now. Bea, the moment I saw you I felt the fates pushing us together. Your scent filled my nostrils and my beast was screaming in my head 'mate mate mate'. I figured you knew about Betas serving their Alphas sexually and wasn't too worried that it would bother you." "Billy, I see how you love Greg and Scott. It's not just a Beta loving his Alpha, you love these two, and they love you. I see that, and I'm so happy to be part of it." "My turn. I'm with Bea babe, I don't care what people think or say, you are my mate and nothing will change that, but I love Billy. At first, I thought it was because he was always like the little brother I never had, then when you first shifted and showed as an Alpha and I realized he was your Beta, and that relationship is second only to a mate. When he joined us in bed, I was concerned he'd feel forced to be gay, to please us. When he met Bea and I saw in their eyes what I saw in yours, I'll admit, I was a little jealous. I realized that I love Billy as much as I love you." "Scott, today Joan, er Alpha Fabre told us that in history, many gay Alpha couples would have females as breeding stock. He could smell the four-way bond we have and told us we were special and would form the foundation for a powerfully strong and secure pack. Bea, I don't mean to embarrass you but I've know I'm gay since I was 9 or 10. I've never in my life masturbated to any image other than a guy, but you turn me on. What we did last night felt right, I wanted to please you as much as I want to please Scott or Billy, and yes, this morning I think you felt it when I imagined entering you. You know I never would without consent but I have to be honest, I wanted to." "I've never thought of sex with guys until I started sleeping with Greg and Scott, and like he said, it just felt right. I never questioned it, and since I've done it, I've never been turned on by any guys but these two. When Greg is inside me it's not just my Alpha, it's a man I love deeply. Scott hasn't done it much but it's the same with him, it completes my soul like nothing before, until you. I know we didn't do a lot, but knowing I was pleasing you gave me a sense of peace, contentment, and I know when we do complete our bond, I'll know happiness. There is no doubt in my mind that you, Beatrix, are my mate. But there is also no doubt in my mind that I love Greg and Scott just as much." "I'm the new on here, but I'm hearing the same thing from all four of us, so I don't understand the problem." "Joan could smell you on both of us, as well as smelling Scott on us both. If he can scent it, others can. I don't know how that will affect the pack, the businesses, or the Council. If I wasn't the Alpha of a large pack and if I wasn't a Prince, I wouldn't care what anyone thought and we'd find a small little house to live for a few centuries together. But that's not the case, and I have too many people depending on me to risk a problem." "Call George." "Yeah Greg, call George. Explain everything, he won't judge and he'll be honest." So I pulled out my phone, looked at the time and did a little math, and dialed. I explained the whole thing, not holding back except for explicit details of our sex, but I did make it clear we were all involved and wanted to continue. His answer both relived me and surprised me. "Greg, the fact is that most Alpha and Beta couples end up in something similar but it's usually just sexual. What you're telling me is that, if not for Scott, you might have mated with Billy? Or Scott with Billy? Or you and Bea?" "That's about it, yeah." "First off, you're a vampire Prince. You're above all law so from that standpoint there is no issue. From a traditions standpoint, you're doing what most Alphas and Betas do except that you sincerely love each other. That only makes you and your pack stronger." Then I asked something I'd been thinking but hadn't brought up to the others "And if we were to share mating bites with each other?" "People would know, and love you more for it, knowing that you had formed a family rather than just fucking each other. Sorry to be so crude, but I need you to understand Greg, and the rest of you, I know you're listening. If you four truly love each other, be proud of that, there might be a little gossip among the nomads, but I'm betting it will make them respect your pack more as well. Now, I think you four need to finish this conversation, and I need to go have my dinner. Damn Greg, are you ever going to call when I'm not about to sit down to eat?" he laughed. "Your chef texts me when the food's ready and I plan my calls accordingly. Thanks George, you're a true friend. I'll probably call over the weekend to get a briefing on Markov and Yuan. Have a great meal." I hung up "I'm sorry I hadn't mentioned the mating bites but it crossed my mind during the call and I figured I needed to ask. I'm not saying we have to, but it seemed like something that might come up." "I would feel honored to have bites from the three that I love babe, no doubts." "I'd like Billy's bite first, but I feel connected to you all equally so yeah, I want to exchange bites." "Before you speak Billy, no one here will be upset if you don't agree. And remember, you can't lie to me, it's not possible." "I will never lie to you Greg. I agree with Bea, I want to exchange mating bites the first time we make love, then I'd like to with you, then Scott. Or Scott first, no special order." "You both will exchange with Greg before me. We might be an unusual set up, but I will not take precedence ahead of my Alpha. I'm an Alpha mate, my life is to be second to him in everything. And Bea, Greg likes me inside him at times, but I'm most comfortable the other way around, same with Billy, so don't take it personally if I'm not all over you. I'm sure I will at times, it's just not my thing." "So you're a bottom, be proud of it." she surprised us by knowing the gay terminology. "Oh don't look so shocked, we do have the internet in Zell." "So, to be clear, we all want to exchange mating bites? I wonder if we'll all be connected telepathically?" "I do, and it's an interesting question, I guess we'll find out." "I do, and I know it's soon, but Billy, will you make love to me tonight?" "I will Bea, and I do. And Greg, would you help me like I helped you that first time with Scott?" "We both will Billy, but yes, I'll be right there. And once you two get going I think I'll make love to my husband." "Scott, I have to ask, earlier when Bea was showing off the underwear, I could smell Greg's erection. Was it turning you on?" "Before you answer Scott, I won't be upset if you say no." "Bea, you're a beautiful young woman, and unlike any other girl I've ever tried to think of, yes, you turn me on. I was hard as a rock with you teasing us. In fact, right now, would you do me the honor of allowing me to remove those and help get you ready for your husband?" "I'd like that Scott." as she stood and took his hand. He kissed her as he reached around and undid her bra, then tossed it at Billy and slowly slid his hands over her breasts and over her stomach, slipping his hands inside the panties and sliding them down over her legs. He was kneeling as she stepped out of them and he leaned in and kissed the inside of her thighs. Watching this had Billy and I both erect and I reached over and pulled him to his feet then led him to the bedside. I knelt and slowly pulled the waistband away from his body then slid his underwear to his ankles and as he stepped out of them, I copied my mates actions and ran my tongue over the inside of Billy's thighs. Scott had moved Bea onto the bed and was caressing her all over as Billy got on the bed and knelt between her legs, rubbing her thighs higher and higher before he slid a finger inside and started to massage her inside. He was rock hard and needed no help from me, and I saw how wet his fingers were so I knew we didn't need lube. I pulled his hand to his erection and helped him use his mate's juices to lubricate his penis while I used my other hand to insert two fingers and help her open up. Billy knee walked forward and put his hands on either side of her shoulders as I guided him to her entrance and he slowly pushed forward. She flinched and he froze. When she nodded for him to continue, he pushed farther in and when he was fully inside her he just stopped and held her, the look on both their faces was angelic. "I don't want to take away from this moment but I want to remind you, when you orgasm, or while those hormones are still in your system, you need to extend your fangs and feed. Billy, you can go full Beta, you won't hurt her, trust me OK? Now you two enjoy, I'm going to make love to my husband." And I did. Scott simply laid back and lifted his knees and I used a little lube inside him and some on myself and gently entered him. We both were enjoying our lovemaking but we were both watching our lovers beside us as Billy slowly rocked inside of her. Their eyes never left the other and they were in the moment, not rushing to an end but enjoying the connection. We were so turned on watching that we didn't last long but as my climax neared, I extended my fangs and leaning over, tasted my husband's blood from his mating scar as I filled him. I pulled off his shoulder and continued to slowly pump in him as he climaxed between us and buried his fangs in me. We felt their pace quicken and turned to watch as Billy sank his long sharp Beta fangs into Bea's chest, above her left breast to drink long and hard as he climaxed inside her. She started to quiver and I saw her fangs drop and sink into his shoulder, drawing his other life giving fluid into her. When the finished they stayed coupled and just held each other, then they both reached to us and caressed us, looking at us with love in their eyes. They looked back into each other's eyes and after a moment, they both nodded and Billy pulled out as Bea looked into my eyes. "Now Greg." "You're sure? On the same night as your first?" "We're sure Greg. Think you can handle three in one night?" "Is that a challenge pup?" I laughed "OK, who first?" "Billy's your Beta, mate with him next." "Scott? You're sure? We can't undo this." "I'm sure babe, it's right, I feel it." "OK Billy, I'll bite you over your Beta marks unless you want somewhere else?" "No, that's fine. And Scott on the other side. That leaves my front for Bea." Bea stayed where she was as Billy kissed down her body and buried his face between her legs as I got behind him and used my fingers to open him up. Bea was looking at me with love as I entered her husband then Scott started caressing her breasts and kissing her. This was going to be the four of us, not two couples, and everything we did showed that. I slowly slid in and out of Billy trying to focus on his pleasure then I stopped. "Billy, before I go on, you realize that if we do it this way, you'll have to do the same to me to bite me. Should I go on or do we adjust?" "You want me to mark you while I'm mounting you from behind Greg?" "I do." He nodded so I went on, slowly working in and out of my Beta, my second mate. My beast felt the orgasm coming and insisted I pick up the pace and as I filled him, I dropped my fangs fully and buried them in his back, right on top of the scars I'd left less than a week before. When I finished drinking, I looked up to see my husband and Billy's wife looking on smiling. I pulled out of Billy and laid down beside Bea to catch my breath. Billy didn't move but looked at Scott so my husband took his place and entered Billy as I took my place pleasuring Bea. Scott put his mark on the left shoulder blade, opposite mine. As he did this, I realized another potential flaw in our plan. After Scott pulled out Billy came up between the two of us and shared a few minutes of very passionate kissing with both of us. He'd kissed us before, but this was different, this was stronger. When he stopped and moved to hold his wife I spoke up. "We either have to accept that all of Bea's bites will be on the front, or work out the gymnastics involved." We spent a few minutes moving around trying to figure out how to have her bite my back and we couldn't come up with anything. Finally defeated, we decided to have her mark lower on the chest, and right. We didn't want to risk not having the mating bond take because it wasn't timed with a mutual orgasm. We talked a few minutes about who was next and Bea decided it by saying it was only right that I was mated to them all before anyone else. I then remembered my first marking Billy and decided that was what we would do next. I had been laying beside Bea so I rolled up between her legs and tentatively put my mouth between her legs. I worked my tongue and could taste her juices mixed with Billy's and that turned me on incredibly. I licked my way up her body and was teasing her left nipple as I entered her. Once I was fully inside her, Billy got behind me and Scott used his fingers to lube me and open me up. The sensations from his fingers combined with being inside her threatened to send me over the edge but I fought it down and felt Billy slowly entering me. I thought back to Billy being in this position and let him provide all the motion. As he would push into me, I was pushed into Bea and as he pulled out, I would rock back until finally we had a decent rhythm. I was watching her eyes and she would stare into mine a while then shift her gaze to stare into her husband's eyes as he bred me. I could feel my orgasm building and from her moans I knew Bea was close as well. Billy was panting and pounding me and as I dropped my fangs and sank them into Bea's chest above her right breast, I felt Billy sink his into my right shoulder blade. I had just finished feeding and lifted when Bea rose up and sunk her fangs into my chest above my right nipple. Billy had stopped feeding but held still as his wife fed, then we lay there enjoying the skin on skin and feeling of having our lovers inside us. Billy finally eased out of me and once he was out of the way I slid out of Bea. Again, we exchanged kisses and caresses all around, and it was time for the final matings. Scott was more than up for the task and as he entered her, Billy slid inside him. Again, Billy was the source of the motion as Scott was overwhelmed by the sensations and I saw him put his mouth between her breasts and feed as Billy fed from his back, leaving a more gentle lover's mark. A few seconds later she cried out and bit into his chest in the same spot she had marked me. We all took turns licking each wound making sure each of us licked each mark on the other. We then debated showering but realized the bed was covered in bodily fluids and decided to just sleep so we curled up in a pile and went to sleep. Saturday morning, I woke to find myself in the same position as yesterday but this time I kissed and nibbled on Bea's neck and when she pushed back against me, I entered her. We had barely started when Scotty whispered to Billy and I watched as my husband lifted his knees and Billy entered him. We were all exchanging caresses and kisses at first but Bea moved around and took Scott into her mouth and we all shared one more orgasm before heading to the shower. The shower was sensual but we were all worn out otherwise so we discussed it and decided that Scott and I were husbands, Billy and Bea were husband and wife, and we were all mated. Within the pack we would hide nothing while beyond our pack, we had our husbands or wife and anything else was not their business. We dried and dressed and after eating, packed off to the airport. The whole morning Tommy would look from one to the other of us, but he never said a word. By 11 we were in the air and landing in Woodstock at noon.