“Is that what you intend to do?” Renee asked.
“Not sure,” Calian said. “This is the first chance I’ve had to tell the others. We’ll discuss it and check out the building when we get back. Sax knows the owners and has a key.”
Renee took her helicopter down and settled on the landing pad the Hallsten brothers had made for this purpose.
The first thing she heard when she powered down was the rumble of her stomach.
“Woman, why haven’t you eaten?” Calian demanded, his tone exasperated.
“I’ve been too busy, but I have food with me. I intend to grab something right now as soon as you guys are checking the place out. Watch for bears, eh? There are usually a few out here.”
Matto clambered from the back of the chopper, and Renee stared as he lifted his head and sniffed.
“What is he doing?” she asked Calian.
The edges of Calian’s eyes crinkled with humor. “I don’t ask. Eat, and then you can come with us. I doubt anyone will steal your helicopter.”
Without further urging, Renee practically inhaled the ham and cheese sandwiches and the date scone she found in the bags of food Calian had bought earlier in the day. More alert after the food and a bottle of water, she followed Calian and Matto to the lodge. Dakota and Kansas walked behind her.
Renee counted ten bedrooms, all with small en suites. Each room bore the name of a jewel and the color of that jewel dominated the bedroom. The passage needed completing and all but one bedroom was ready for guests. There was a separate dining room, connected to the kitchen by an archway. She imagined the chef would pass plated food through the arch for the waitress to transport to the table. A peek through the area showed a compact but well-designed kitchen. The lounge overlooked the tundra and the area where Sax had told her the polar bear mothers had dens. The big windows were high enough off the ground to avoid a polar bear leaping up and forcing his or her way inside, yet gave the guests incredible views. A polished bar filled a back corner.
The Hallstens had chosen warm, rich ruby as the dominant color, using contrasting greens as accents. The cream walls and carpet provided the perfect backdrop for the jewel theme.
“It’s gorgeous.” The use of space impressed Renee. A high fence would surround the lodge, only partially completed at present, yet the finished barrier wasn’t noticeable from the lounge or dining room.
“We need to speak with their decorator,” Matto said. “Whoever chose the color palate has done a stellar job.”
“I agree,” Calian said. “The interior design complements the outdoors.”
After going through the inside of the lodge, Renee followed the men outside and they explored the exterior. She’d thought the fence would make the place seem like a jail, but it didn’t.
Something moved, and when Renee focused on the spot, she froze. “Bear.”
“It’s all right,” Matto said. “We knew he was there. He won’t come any closer.”
“But we’re outside the fence,” Renee protested.
“It’s fine. We’re not in danger,” Dakota murmured.
“You don’t understand. They move fast. We don’t have weapons or anything to scare him away.”
“He’s curious. That’s all,” Calian said.
A wash of fear prickled down Renee’s spine. The men closed ranks around her, seeming to sense her unease.
“I think we’ve seen enough. Let’s head back.” Calian glanced at his watch. “Do we have time to fly along the coast?”
“Sure.” Renee frowned at the polar bear. It had wandered closer and was clearly following them. “If we make it to the helicopter in one piece.”
“He’s old,” Kansas said.
“He’s skinny and hungry. I don’t want to be a faux seal,” Renee snapped.
“You’re safe with us,” Matto promised.
“He’s probably thinking you’re not worth the effort since you’re skinny too,” Kansas declared. “You’re having dinner with us, so we can make sure you eat.”
Renee didn’t rise to the dig. Instead, she held her breath and didn’t relax until she reached the helicopter. The men clambered inside and after overseeing seat belts, habit had her checking the doors. She scampered around her bird, tugging at doors, checking and rechecking, before she scurried to her side and climbed aboard.
Routine took over then, and soon her chopper rose into the air, and she headed back to Churchill. A quick glance at her watch confirmed they had time to take the scenic route, and she flew along the shore. The bay hadn’t frozen yet, but local gossip reckoned it wouldn’t be much longer.
“That’s the wreck of the Ithaka that ran aground during a storm in 1960,” Renee explained as they flew over the rusty skeleton of the ship.
She landed in her usual position on the heliport. Calian and his brothers thanked her, telling her they were off to check out the warehouse.
“Don’t forget,” Kansas said before he walked away. “We’ll be back around five to pick you up for dinner.”
“Bossy much?” Renee snapped, but Kansas laughed, grabbed her for a quick hug and strode away to join his brothers.
Later that night, Dakota winked at his twin. Renee appeared adorably confused by their attention. She didn’t know it yet, but she was spending the night with him and Kansas. They’d discussed the matter earlier with Matto who’d told them she’d slept well during the night he’d spent with her. Calian had agreed she looked as if she required more sleep, which is when they’d come up with their plan.
The waitress arrived and slid plates of roast beef in front of them.
He heard Renee’s stomach rumble and grinned, although he didn’t comment. They’d not only protect her and maintain her safety but make sure she fueled her body. They’d keep Renee healthy and functioning while they built trust.
“What did you think of the warehouse?” Renee said. “Will it work for your purposes?”
“Eat,” Calian said. “We’ll talk. You need to eat.”
Dakota grinned at her scowl. He and his brothers were large men, yet she wasn’t fearful to speak her mind. He liked that about her. In the past, girly-girls had grabbed his attention. Obvious sexuality. Blondes with stacked curves.
Renee looked nothing like the women of his past. Kansas had enjoyed similar tastes to him, yet all it took was Renee to walk into their lives and cause chaos.
Misty wouldn’t be as easy to convince.
Renee ate with easy efficiency, making Dakota smile with satisfaction.
“We think the warehouse is too small and will restrict our footprint, but we can use it to store our supplies,” Calian said.
“We’ve decided to buy the warehouse and the empty lot next door,” Matto said. “If the owner will accept our offer.”
“You sound excited,” Renee said.
Kansas grinned. “Normally, we buy existing businesses and improve them. Building from scratch is a challenge.”
“I wish I could see the finished hotel.” Renee popped a piece of roast potato into her mouth.
Dakota shared a quick glance with his brothers. Had they missed something? “Aren’t you staying in Churchill?”
“My contract ends at the end of November. There isn’t enough work for more than one or two pilots during the worst of the winter,” Renee said, her tone matter-of-fact.
“What will you do?” Calian demanded.
Renee set down her silverware. “I’m not sure. Have a vacation before I decide where to work next. New Zealand, I think. It’s a long way from Florida.”
“But—” Kansas halted his objection when Matto nudged him.
Dakota forged ahead. “I thought you enjoyed Churchill.”
“Yes, I do. The variety of work. I enjoy seeing the animals and looking into a starlit sky. But I don’t want to stay here forever.” Renee glanced at each of them. “I loved fighting fires despite the danger. It was like being back in the army with the comradery, and I enjoyed the challenge.”
“No
t the woman to fritter away the day shopping, huh?” Calian grinned. “You are a refreshing change.”
“What sort of women do you guys normally hang out with?” Renee leaned to the side to let the waitress take her empty plate. The waitress cleared the rest of the table and disappeared toward the kitchen.
“We’ve never found anyone who grabbed our interest,” Calian replied.
Renee wrinkled her nose. “Casual sex, huh? Works for me too.”
“Anyone for dessert?” the waitress asked on her return, chirpy with her Australian accent.
Renee hesitated, her gaze flicking to the menus the waitress held in her hands.
She wanted dessert. Dakota watched her make the decision to pass even though temptation caused her to hesitate.
“Calian claimed dessert is calling his name,” Dakota said, scanning the menu. He cupped an ear with one big hand as if listening. “Yes, I hear the call. Hmm, I’m having trouble deciding which is shouting loudest. There are five of us. Why don’t we get one of each dessert and share?”
“You want one of each?” the waitress asked.
“Yes, please,” Kansas said.
When the desserts arrived, Dakota watched Renee. “You choose first.”
“Chocolate,” she whispered.
Dakota shunted a chocolate brownie with fudge sauce and whipped cream to her. “Calian? Matto?”
“Lemon tart.” Matto grabbed the plate bearing a slice of tart with whipped cream.
“I’ll take the blueberry crumble,” Calian said.
Kansas claimed the crème brûlée, which left Dakota with a meringue-type dessert.
“What’s this one?” he asked the waitress before she bustled away.
“Pavlova,” the waitress said. “The dessert was invented in Australia.”
“No, New Zealand,” Renee countered. “Researchers have proved this.”
The waitress chuckled and backed away with her hands in a surrender position. “Whatever,” she chirped. “Enjoy.”
“I’m not sharing mine.” Matto held a protective hand over his plate in case any spoons flashed in his direction.
Renee laughed, the sound musical and full of happiness. Dakota tilted his head, enjoying this lighthearted side of her that none of them had experienced before. It made him realize the tension she carried around with her like a heavy bag.
“Renee, you want to try my pavlova stuff?”
“I’m sure it’s not as good as my grandmother’s. She used to make a huge pavlova for Christmas dinner.” Renee licked her lips, the slight curve of her mouth letting Dakota know this was a fond memory. “Fresh strawberries, lashings of whipped cream and flakes of dark chocolate decorated the dessert. Pavlova reminds me of summer.”
This was the Renee he ached to know. The open, happy woman who grinned, her brown eyes full of laughter and memories. He glanced at Kansas, saw the arrested expression on his twin’s face. A smile played around Calian’s lips while Matto stared.
“Have I got chocolate on my face?” Renee asked.
“No, honey,” Dakota said. “You look relaxed and happy. It makes us realize how tense you’ve been recently.”
The smile slid from her expression. “You are sure those guys have gone?”
“Positive.” Dakota reached for her hand and squeezed it in encouragement. “Kansas and I watched them board the plane.”
Calian glanced at the surrounding tables. He leaned nearer. “Last night, I started making inquiries about Jason Vega. My contact says he’s in Miami. She’s working on a list of Jason’s enforcers. I’m hoping she’ll have the information for me this week.”
“You think if those two men were here because of Jason Vega, that someone else will replace them,” Renee said flatly.
“It’s possible,” Calian replied. “But if it’s one of Vega’s known associates we’ll be prepared.”
Renee didn’t seem so convinced, but Calian changed the subject.
“Matto, I’m going for a walk through the town. I thought I might wander around the warehouse again since we still have the keys. You want to come with me?”
“Sure. I’ve been thinking about the design. I wouldn’t mind another look.” Matto savored his last bite of lemon tart, pushed his plate away and stood.
He glanced at Renee and tossed Dakota a quick wink.
“Breakfast at seven,” Calian said before he followed Matto from the restaurant.
“I should head to the dorm,” Renee said.
Dakota reached for her hand. “Stay with us tonight. Get a good night of sleep.” They could also use their healing powers to aid her in a restful slumber.
Renee wrinkled her nose. “You’re not intending to sleep the entire night.”
“No.” Kansas winked at her. “What do you say?”
“I like sex. I’d be using you as a sleep aid,” she replied.
The slice of honesty charmed Dakota, but he didn’t believe a word. She was warming to him and his brothers. “Honey, we can live with that.”
When Kansas opened his mouth to speak, Dakota shot him a shut-the-hell-up look. Thankfully, the twin code worked and Kansas buttoned his lips. His twin wasn’t known for his tact, and Dakota intended to reel Renee in like a trout. Made sense for them to play to their strengths. Besides, Calian had stepped aside tonight, when Dakota sensed his wolf wanted to mark Renee with his scent.
Kansas’s phone buzzed with an incoming message. He pulled it out of his pocket and glanced at the screen. “Calian wants a word before we go. I’ll be right back.” He rose and disappeared outside.
“I mean what I say.” Renee’s chin lifted in determination.
Dakota withheld the smile trying to burst free because he sensed he’d injure her pride. “Honey, we enjoy sex too.”
“Do you have condoms? Lube?”
That stubborn smile of his pushed harder for an entrance. “Kansas is like one of those scouts—always prepared for everything. We have supplies.”
Kansas returned. “Let’s go.”
“Is something wrong?” Renee asked.
Dakota shot his twin a cool-it glower.
“It’s a problem with one of our hotels,” Kansas said.
His brother was lying. Dakota sensed it in his gut, but he didn’t comment. Something to do with Renee. The obvious conclusion. He stretched his mind and came up with one scenario that might rattle his twin. Misty calling for a report on their status.
On cue, his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen and turned off his phone. Mystery solved. Calian and Matto could deal with their sister. He and Kansas had more pleasurable things in their future.
8 – More Brothers. More Sex
The hotel room door closed behind them before Renee’s reservations jumped to the fore. It was weird sleeping with brothers, wasn’t it? The sex with Matto had been great, and she’d break her rules to repeat the event. She scanned the room, taking in the twin beds, the neutral cream palette of the furnishings. The television bolted onto the wall. The single brown easy chair. The desk. A door leading to what she assumed was an en suite. This room resembled every hotel room she’d ever seen. A bland personality that didn’t encourage the visitor to linger.
“Are you having second thoughts, honey?” Dakota’s hands closed on her shoulders, and he pulled her against his warm chest. “We’re having sex. Nothing more. Nothing less.”
“What about Matto?”
“He’d prefer to be here, but we’ve discussed this. We like you. Please, don’t worry about us.”
Sex always made her sleep well. It pressed away the memories and let her relax enough to drop into slumber for most of the night. She was so tired, yet part of her brain danced and jittered in a way that told her sleep wouldn’t arrive easily if she went home.
She came to a decision. “Strip.”
“No, sweetheart. You’re mistaken about one thing. We might agree to be your sex toys, but we’re taking charge,” Kansas said in a smooth voice.
“Dakota?” His na
me was a question.
“Afraid he’s right.” Dakota’s warm breath drifted against her neck. “You’ll get your pleasure and unwind enough to sleep but it will happen on our schedule.”
Renee frowned, thinking back to Matto. He’d followed some of her orders.
“Non-negotiable, honey,” Dakota said. “Strip.”
Renee’s forehead squeezed tight, and she consciously inhaled to control her mind and body. The scowl fell away as did her pique and confusion. Silly, really. Why would she fight them on this when she sensed the awaiting pleasure? Bottom line—even after their short acquaintance, she trusted them. More than she’d trusted anyone outside of her army mates.
She stepped away from Dakota, her hands going to her heavy jacket. Dakota and Kansas ogled her with expectation and a buzz started in her chest, tendrils writhing down to her pussy. She didn’t try to tease or taunt, yet by the time she stood in her bra and panties, arousal dampened her folds and her nipples were hard peaks, signaling her mindset.
“Nice,” Dakota whispered.
“Too skinny,” Kansas said. “You work too hard and miss too many lunches.”
Renee blinked and stared at Kansas. Sexual heat darkened his eyes to almost black. While his words were on the mean side, she thought it was one of the nicest things anyone had ever said to her. He cared about her health, and by proxy, he cared about her.
“Imbecile,” Dakota shot at his twin.
“Truthful,” Kansas flung back. He cupped his erection, the one pressing against his jeans. “Does this look like a man who finds you unattractive? All I’m saying is you need to take care of yourself.” He glanced at Dakota. “A job for me.”
Renee grinned, and the tension left the room. Kansas was kind of cute with earnest etched into his striking masculine face. He had the tact of a charging bull elephant, but somehow the quirk was endearing. “I was wondering how we’re going to manage with single beds.”
“Easy,” Kansas said with confidence. “We’ll arrange ourselves in one cozy pile.”
“A big-ass bed is always better,” Dakota commented. “But we’ll make do with what we have. Want to change your mind?”
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