Gifted Connections: Book 3

by SM Olivier

  Soon, I was in the middle of all my guys surrounding me. Their strong arms enveloped me. Their unique smells lulled me into the comfort of their familiarity. I was shown, once again, what a lucky girl I was.

  Chapter 6

  “Wake up, Princess,” Troy whispered in my ear.

  I had heard our alarms go off, but I was reluctant to leave the bed. This was the second night I got to sleep with new sheets. I loved the feel of the sheets against my skin. I also enjoyed the warmth Troy’s body radiated. It always seemed cool in the apartment. Most of the guys loved it, but I didn’t care for it much. I wasn’t ready to feel the chilly morning air yet.

  I had taken a shower last night and had Jemmy put two braids on each side of my head for this reason. I knew we had an early wakeup call and wanted as much sleep as I could get.

  “Don’t want to,” I mumbled into the pillow.

  He placed a lingering kiss on the back of my neck. “Do you want me to make you a cup of coffee?”

  I laughed. “That may help, or maybe another hour of sleep would help.”

  “The helicopter leaves in forty-five minutes and we still need to get our MRE’s and get something to eat.” He chuckled as he ran his fingers across my back.

  I learned that MRE’s stood for Meals Ready to Eat. They were lightweight kits that held a main course, side dish, dessert, powdered drinks, utensils, flameless water heaters, and various other items. Troy told me they were typically high in calories since they were originally designed as field rations.

  I purred deep in my throat as my nerve endings tingled where his fingers trailed. “Mm, keep doing that, please.”

  “I can’t.” He sighed. “As much as I’d love to. I’ll start the coffee.” He kissed my head before rolling out of bed.

  Drake turned on his bedside lamp, yawning. “I made some energy bars for us,” his voice was thick with sleep. “We’ll need to put them in our packs, too.”

  I reluctantly sat up and reciprocated with my own yawn. “Who thought zero five hundred hours was a clever idea to start this exercise?” I complained, blinking the sleep from my eyes.

  I was still astounded by the transformation in our apartment. We spent all day yesterday rearranging furniture, painting (after we got approval), and getting ready for today. It was exactly the type of day I needed to recharge and get ready for the week ahead.

  The guys had made homey touches to each of their rooms. Drake and Troy had chosen a stone grey, white, and pops of turquoise for their color scheme. Their sheets were grey, but their comforters were matching white down comforters. A matching throw blanket was thrown on the foot of the beds. Turquoise lamps now adorned their night stands along with a few photo frames scattered on their dressers.

  “The sun isn’t even up yet,” he stood and stretched. I couldn’t help but admire him in his boxers and tank top.

  I stood up, too, and groaned. I padded over to the grey and white glider that I had laid my clothes out on. I smiled at how prepared they were as I looked at my thermals and insolated thick wool socks. We didn’t know where we were going, but Paul and Will had already warned us conditions weren’t favorable. They even told us snow was a possibility.

  Troy, Jace, and Remy had smiled at each other when Paul briefed everyone yesterday afternoon. I could tell from the reactions of the other team that they hadn’t taken that into consideration.

  Terrance and Marcel had nodded to each other as well, so I’m sure they had prepared for the possibility as well. All of us gifted people would be prepared, that was for sure.

  The other Nons, on the other hand, may not be. Terrance and Marcel hadn’t disseminated the information. I could already tell they were going to be struggling more than we were. There were too many chiefs and not enough Indians in that group.

  Over three quarters of their team had gone out drinking for the weekend, so I felt no remorse for them. I would have been more sympathetic to their plight if they had at least gotten their stuff prepared before they had left. We had already been told we were going to be out in the elements.

  I pulled off my pajamas and threw them in the hamper in the corner. I didn’t hear Drake’s bare feet pad up behind me until he ran his hands down my naked sides and hips.

  My bed doesn’t feel the same without you in it, he projected his thoughts to me. It’s a tease to have your smell on my sheets and pillow but not you in them.

  I turned around into his arms and reach up to grip his shoulder. I love this side of you. I love this new dimension to our relationship.

  And I love you, he kissed me softly. His lips unhurried as they explored mine.

  I would have loved to brush my teeth first, but I wasn’t going to stop him.

  I love you, too, Drake Christopher Bell, I responded kissing him once more.

  “Let’s get ready,” Drake said reluctantly.

  “Okay,” I groaned as I pulled on my sports bra and cotton boy shorts before pulling on my layers of clothing.

  I wasn’t going to put on my gloves, coat, and hat until we were outside. I already felt hot in the layers I was in.

  “Coffee, Princess,” Troy came back and looked at me appreciatively. He handed me a thermos of coffee. “I’m liking the pigtails,” he teased.

  I stuck my tongue out at him. “I had to do something with it. Especially if I’m reduced to baby wipes bathing until we return.”

  “I like it,” Jaxson smirked from the doorway. “Now all you need is a plaid skirt that barely covers your butt, maybe a tight white top with most of the buttons undone.”

  “Like Brittany Spears in that music video,” Noah added with a wicked grin.

  They were both completed dressed, down to their boots, with thermos of coffee in their hands.

  I put my coffee down and shook my head at them. “You guys are incorrigible!” I said in mock exasperation as I tightened the laces on my boots.

  The guys had bought me inserts for comfort, and I could already tell the difference. I quickly went into the bathroom to brush my teeth. I grabbed my coffee cup and went out to the kitchen where Remy and Jace were pouring their own cups of coffee.

  “Good morning,” Jace smiled at me before placing a kiss on the side of my mouth. “Are we about ready to get our MREs and something warm to eat.”

  “Good morning,” I murmured back. “I’m ready when you guys are.”

  “There shouldn’t be a line yet for the MREs,” Remy stated after taking a drink of his coffee.

  “Yeah, we should get going,” Troy stated as he stepped out of the bathroom.

  We all grabbed our packs with our sleeping bags attached to them, and I grimaced at the weight. It had to weigh at least forty pounds and we hadn’t even gotten our MREs yet. It was no big deal right now, but after hours of walking, I’m sure it was going to feel much heavier.

  We were right to assume there was no one else up yet. Will and Paul were already sitting at a table as we entered the cafeteria. Two triwall boxes filled with various MREs were strategically placed next to the trays. We went over to them first before got in line for breakfast.

  “How much should we take?” I asked as I looked over at Remy and Troy.

  “They told us to grab as many as we wanted to, but I think six of them can fit in our packs comfortably,” Troy stated as he shifted through the boxes.

  “I heard the vegetarian options are the tasty ones,” Jaxson stated as he held up a spicy penne pasta pack and handed it to me.

  “The chili mac isn’t too bad either,” Troy passed me another MRE.

  “Why aren’t you getting yours?” I laughed with an appreciative smile. They really did take loving care of me.

  “There’s plenty here. I’m sure we can find others,” Troy shrugged as he grabbed a few.

  We took six MREs and then got in line for breakfast. I put some scrambled eggs, sausage links, a banana, and toast on my tray. As we were leaving the line, more people started trickling in. I pretended not to see Adams and her friends as they joined
the line behind us.

  “So, we should find them by noon, right?” I heard her ask her friends behind us.

  “Ignore her,” Remy stated in a quiet tone when he felt me tense. “Let them all underestimate us.”

  I nodded and left the line following Jace and Noah to the table already occupied by Will and Paul.

  “You guys ready?” Will asked as we sat down.

  “As we’ll ever be,” Jace answered.

  Paul slid a case over to him. “This is a field phone. Cell service will be close to nonexistent where you’re going. In case of emergency, just dial the number on the inside.”

  “Copy,” Jace nodded as he strapped the case to the outside of his pack.

  Paul handed Troy a map. “This is the location where you will be dropped off. This is us. Good luck evading the others and returning quickly.” He gave us a confident nod.

  “We won’t need it,” Noah said with confidence.

  Will chuckled and shook his head indulgently. “Son.”

  “Pops,” Noah said straight faced.

  “Don’t let that cockiness get you in trouble,” Will warned him with a smile. “You forget you have Terrance, Rachel, Gavin, Sierra, Jemmy, Dawn, Sam, and Marcel trailing you.”

  “You say cocky. I say confident,” Noah gave him a cheeky grin. “We’ll worry about them if they catch up with us, but first they have to catch up with us.”

  Troy lightly cuffed Noah on the back of his head. “Don’t worry, Pops, some of us are taking it seriously. We’ll keep him in line.”

  Noah gave him an annoyed look before digging into his breakfast.

  Soon we were being ushered to the elevator and to the helicopter waiting for us.

  “If the conditions are satisfactory, and we set a steady pace, we can be back by tomorrow night.” Troy said as he looked at the map.

  “What happens if it does snow?” I asked out of curiosity.

  “Hard to say. It depends on how bad it accumulates,” Troy shrugged.

  “And I thought our rooms got cold,” I said ironically. “Tonight should be fun.”

  Remy pulled me into his side. “Our sleeping bags are meant to withstand below zero temperatures, and you can always slip into my sack with me.”

  “Smooth,” Jaxson laughed. “I’m sure I can warm you up in more enjoyable ways,” Jaxson winked at me.

  “Who says we’re only going to be sleeping?” Remy raised a sardonic brow.

  I smiled at them and shook my head, choosing not to get involved in their conversation.

  We exited the elevator and walked up a set of stairs to the roof of the facility. I took a deep breath in of the crisp early morning air. We were surrounded by beauty. I just wish we had windows where we spent most of our days so I could enjoy it.

  It was still dark out, but during the day you could see that most of the trees were bare. They had shed the striking autumn leaves of gold, scarlet, orange, yellow, and other stunning fall colors. However, the pines that surrounded us were still stunning. The moon was three quarters full and right now, shone bright. I admired the stars above me. You couldn’t see stars like this in the city. The light pollution from where I grew up would have hindered this view as well. I couldn’t see a rain cloud or a snow cloud in sight. I wondered how high the chance of precipitation was.

  Remy and Jaxson ushered me towards the waiting helicopter. Jace and Troy took our bags from us and helped me up. I smiled and nodded at the pilot and copilot as I climbed in. I recognized them from some of our training classes. They were a bit cocky but nice.

  They both smiled at me and nodded.

  Isn’t that the guy Dawn hooked up with last week? Noah asked telepathically.

  I snorted. I wouldn’t know. Apparently, I’m some delicate flower that needs to be protected by my big, bad men. I have never seen Terrance, Marcel, or Dawn spread the love as much as they have here.

  Blake, Troy said in an exasperated tone. We explained to you our reasoning, and you said you understood why we’ve don’t tell you every little thing we may know. They’re in a new environment without their normal hook ups. It was bound to happen. At home it was easier to keep hidden. Here, we are in close quarters with everyone. The rumors are sure to fly.

  I said I understood the secret squirrel crap, that doesn’t mean I liked it. I teased them. I really was over it. I did understand why they did it. So, their behavior here isn’t far from the norm?

  We had spent most of yesterday using our new-found abilities. It came in handy for situations like this, like the telepathy. Even with our headsets on, it was too loud in here for normal conversation, and we really didn’t want the crew to be privy to our conversation.

  The guys still couldn’t carry on a conversation unless I was involved in it, but it was going to be something they were going to work on.

  Yes, yes that’s the same, fly boy. Heard he couldn’t take her to any high heights, though, Jaxson said with laughter. And yes, that was the norm for them.

  Harsh, man, Troy chortled. It’s not like Dawn has the right to be picky with as many men she’s already test driven. He looked over at Remy. No offense, man.

  None taken, Remy gave him an annoyed look before shooting me a censored look. I reached out and grabbed his hand, squeezing it. He had a past. I knew he did. No use holding it over his head. He was mine now. His interest in Dawn had been purely carnal.

  What is she up to, guy four or five in a little over two weeks? Noah scoffed.

  What’s up with the double standards? I asked. None of you guys are talking about Marcel and Terrance. I have all six of you. Isn’t that a bit judgmental?

  It’s different; you’re our connection. Jaxson said placatingly. Plus, Marcel and Terrance are-

  Guys. I didn’t suppress my eye roll. Again, you’re judging Dawn on double standards. Do I agree with her actions? Not necessarily. But you can’t really scorn her while you condone Terrance and Marcel’s behaviors.

  No one has any right to judge anyone, Drake spoke up. We’re all aware of how we get when we’ve been using our gifts. They never stopped using their gifts. They have to find their release somewhere or they can get…irritable.

  Says the saint, Noah mocked Drake jokingly. How long have you denied your inner beast?

  It hasn’t been that long ago, I said tartly, defending him. How do you think I found out about our knew ability?

  I could see I had shocked Troy, Jaxson, and Noah as their mouths dropped and they looked between me and Drake who was now blushing. Jace and Remy broke out in laughter. They were perceptive. They had picked up on it.

  I could see the co-pilot turn and look at us, puzzled. I could only imagine how we looked, laughing and looking at each other, when no words were being spoken orally.

  The sun was just rising as we made our decent on top of another mountain. We had already been briefed that they were taking off within moments, so we had to be ready to jump out. I put my new black balaclava in my cargo pocket before I put on my black beanie. I slipped on my waterproof, cold weather gloves. Lastly, I pulled on my coat.

  As the helicopter touched down, Remy and Troy jumped out first to take our packs from us. Jace jumped out next and turned to help me down.

  “What about us?” Jaxson called in mock hurt.

  “You’re a big boy,” Jace said dryly.

  “That’s it. I’m not sharing my sleeping bag with you tonight!” Noah cried out in a high falsetto.

  I laughed as I leaned into Jace. The downward pressure of the blades of the helicopter was both strong and loud as the helicopter took back off. We stood huddled for a moment until we could get our bearings.

  I looked back up when it was safe to do so and breathed out in awe. I wish I had a camera right now. The desire had never been as strong as it was now. The rising sun was a majestic sight to behold. To the east of us was a lake, and the purple, pinks and orange hues of the sun reflecting off it was breathtaking. There was nothing as far as the eye could see. In that moment it fel
t like we were the last people on earth.

  I hadn’t realized I had taken a few steps towards the edge to view it closer, until Troy came up behind me. “I don’t know what’s more beautiful. That sight or your face right now.” he said quietly in my ear.

  I smiled up at him, flattered at his compliment.

  He rummaged into his pocket and held his phone out to Jaxson. “I need this picture,” he insisted. “Then I need a picture of all of us before we set off.”

  Troy handed Jaxson his phone before he situated me in his arms in front of him. The sun was behind our backs, the lake at our feet. He put his arms around my waist, and I leaned back into him. I placed my arms above his, weaving our gloved fingers together.

  I smiled for the camera as Jaxson took a few pictures. “Now kiss me,” Troy commanded with a smile.

  “Well, since you asked nicely,” I said tartly with a laugh, but still turned my mouth up to his.

  His lips were warms against my cold ones, and I felt myself responding to his sensual kiss.

  “Come on, you two. We should beat feet,” Noah said in a mock disgruntled tone.

  I pulled away from Troy, a bit chagrined that I had fallen under his spell. He gave me knowing look and one more quick kiss.

  “Wait,” Jaxson insisted. “We do need a picture of all of us. Now that we have a gallery wall, we need to add to it.”

  “What man knows what a gallery wall is?” Remy joked, despite the fact he moved towards me and Troy.

  We all got situated while Remy was elected to take a picture of all of us since his arms was the longest. We squeezed our faces together, me in the middle, and I had to laugh at how we looked on Troy’s screen. The guys all smiled at the camera, even Remy.

  “We need to head north,” Troy stated as he pulled out a compass. “We should make our way down the mountain, and once we hit the stream, we head west.”

  “At least it doesn’t look like a difficult climb down,” Jaxson stated as he peered over the edge of the mountain.

  “We should stick to the trees as much as possible,” Jace said as he started making the descent down. “The less the other guys see us, the better. They’ll have a better vantage point of our whereabouts when they land.”