BELONGING: Hope, Truth And Malice (Beauty 0f Life Book 3)

by Laura Acton

  Just after wrapping up, Blaze, Winds, and Patch walked up to Trevor. As their spokesman, Blaze said, “Trevor, right?”

  Trevor nodded. “Yes.”

  “I’m Blaze, this here is Winds and Patch,” he said pointing at his buddies. “We owe you a huge debt and wanted to say thank you.”

  Trevor was confused. “A debt? And thank you for what?”

  “Do you remember the first time you met Blondie—Dan?” Blaze queried.

  “You mean in the mess tent?” Trevor responded.

  “Yeah, actually outside it, but yeah, in the mess tent, too. We owe you for that,” Blaze stated.

  “For what, talking to him?” Trevor asked still not seeing why someone would say there was a debt for that. It was only common courtesy.

  Winds interceded. “What Blaze is muddling up big time is that we want to thank you for saving Blondie that day. Your kindness was what kept him from falling over the edge before we could get to him. It was really bad that time. So, thank you.”

  Recognition flared in Trevor eyes. “That was you guys that came into the tent. Man, that was intense. I don’t see the guy that talked to him first. Is he here? After the shit Dan’s been through, he could sure use a friend like that. I saw the connection between them, strong, forever.

  “Dan looked like he was half dead struggling to stand up outside the tent. Hell, he looked half dead most the time he was there. He was always there. Everyone else came and went, but he always stayed. Wondered about that. Is that some weird Special Forces thing? Don’t you guys get the same downtime?” As he continued to speak he noticed the demeanor of the men changing and he sensed intense anger and pure hatred so he halted.

  Seeing Trevor’s confused expression, Patch responded without answering Trevor’s questions. “Sorry, our anger isn’t directed at you. It’s just a response where Blondie’s concerned. He’s our little brother, we protect him. Thank you for taking care of him. I think he ended up at TRF because of what you told him that day.”

  Blaze knew that Trevor was right, it was a forever connection between Blondie and Brody that couldn’t be severed even in death. He softly answered one question for Trevor. “Brody died, but Blondie still has us. He’ll be good.”

  Not knowing exactly what to say to all of that, Trevor responded, “Well, I’m glad I was there to help. Gotta go. See you tomorrow.”

  Trevor waved bye to Alpha Team then left. As he walked down the hall to the elevator, Trevor thought that was almost as weird as the first time. He felt bad that Dan’s friend was dead. Trevor decided that when things settled down, he’d reintroduce himself to Dan.

  Chapter Fifty-Seven

  July 18

  Grand Citadel Hotel – Main Suite – 10:00 p.m.

  Nick looked around the room and did his normal assessment of the team. They were all weary. In fact, Bram was already asleep on the couch. It had been an overwhelmingly emotional few days for all of them and today had been especially draining on Bram.

  It was time to call it a day. If Nick didn’t, the rest of them would continue working. They needed to be sharp tomorrow for the NRB interviews and to protect Dan at the funeral. It was time to force them to stop for the night.

  He walked over to Ray and Loki, who were at the large desk. Nick lay a hand on Loki’s shoulder and said, “Time to knock off for the night.”

  Ray nodded and started to close the files he was reviewing and log off the computer. “Yeah, you’re right. I’ve read the same file three times and I still don’t recall what it said. I could use a break.”

  Loki continued to tap away on this keyboard. He hadn’t registered the words or the Boss’ hand on his shoulder. He was too concentrated on the search bot program he was writing. Loki hadn’t delved into the darknet since just after graduating high school. He’d stumbled upon its existence when he was doing research for a school project.

  Bransworth, the CSIS liaison he was working with, had been surprised to find out that Loki knew it existed. Loki had exchanged several emails with Bransworth as they discussed what types of searches they would do to ferret out information on Plouffe, Pletcher, and anyone else that might be involved in all of this. Bransworth was working on one and Loki was working on another. Between them they hoped to find more evidence and connections.

  “Loki, hey buddy,” Ray said as his friend continued to work. Still not getting a reaction, Ray put his hand over Loki’s hands preventing him from typing.

  “Hey!” Loki exclaimed as he knocked Ray’s hands off his.

  Nick said, “Loki, time to quit for the night.”

  Loki glanced up at the Boss and then back to his monitor. “I just need to finish writing this program. It’ll only take me thirty minutes. Then I’ll set it to run and get some rest.”

  Lexa looked up as she closed the file she’d been reading. “I’ll stay here and make sure he quits in thirty minutes.”

  Jon sauntered over. “Should I wake Bram and send him off to his room?”

  Nick shook his head. “No, he said he’d be here if Dan needed him tonight.”

  Nodding, Jon said, “I forgot that. I’m heading out. What time is the NRB interview scheduled for?”

  “Eight thirty. Gambrill said we all need to be here by eight fifteen. He needs to speak to us before the NRB interviews,” Nick shared.

  Ray stood and yawned—he was wiped out. “Loki, I’ll see you in thirty minutes.” He looked to the others and said, “I’ll see the rest of you at eight fifteen. I’m gonna skip workout.”

  Jon patted Ray’s back. “Everyone should sleep in—no workout in the morning. Night.” He started for the door with Ray when he noticed Nick hadn’t followed. “Nick, you coming?”

  “I’ll leave in a moment.” Nick turned to look at Lexa as Jon nodded and left the room. Nick walked to Lexa, sat in the chair next to her, and placed a hand lightly on her knee. He’d seen how Lexa’s attention kept going to Dan’s bedroom. She was clearly having trouble with all of this and maybe still beating herself up for not being closer to Dan and Aaron in the ravine. Nick asked, “How are you holding up?”

  “Good. I’m good. How about you?” Lexa responded, but her voice betrayed that she wasn’t good. Darn it. By the way the Boss was looking at her he’d heard the tone and he must’ve seen that she was fixated on Dan’s door today. Lexa needed to think quickly so the Boss didn’t discover what most of her thoughts had been about.

  Nick thought a moment then said, “It’s been rough. Dan surely has a painful past. He has a lot to deal with. He’s gonna need support coming to terms with many things—Aaron’s death being just one of them. He’s gonna need a friend he can talk to.”

  Lexa nodded and glanced at Dan’s door.

  A warm smile crossed Nick’s face as he spoke softly, “Lexa, what happened in the ravine … that wasn’t your fault. I know how your mind works because it’s how we all tend to think. We take on guilt for things out of our control. Must be a prerequisite for getting into TRF.”

  That generated a small snort of laughter from Lexa. She could latch onto the Boss’ train of thought and use it to cover up the more personal thoughts she’d had looking at Dan’s door today. “Yeah, well, at least it’s something else we’re the best at. Logically, I know it wasn’t my fault—that lies with the subjects. Emotionally … well, that’ll take a little longer to accept. I just hope that Dan also sees it that way and that he doesn’t blame himself for Aaron’s death. It wasn’t his fault. None of us knew there was another subject.”

  Feeling like she needed to be away from the Boss’ assessing eyes and uncanny intuition, Lexa stood up and turned towards Dan’s door. The Boss read her so easily, sometimes it just boggled her mind. It was like he was a mind reader. She blew out a breath.

  Nick stood and came close to Lexa. He thought that the heart of the team might be able to help Dan and in doing so, it would also help her. Nick quietly suggested, “Why don’t you go in and check on Dan? You have a connection with him that’s different f
rom Bram. He talks to you—we’ve all benefitted from the conversations you’ve had with Dan while patrolling. He might need a trusted, gentle touch right about now.”

  Lexa turned to the Boss in surprise and saw his kind eyes and the warm fatherly smile on his face. She allowed him to pull her into a short hug.

  After releasing Lexa from the hug, Nick added, “It would probably also help you deal with this. Be the friend that Dan needs right now.”

  She blew out another breath and nodded. Relief flooded in when she realized that the Boss hadn’t discerned her true conflict and emotions. “Yeah, I’ll just pop in and see if he’s awake. Then I’ll make sure Loki heads off to bed. You get some rest, too.”

  Nick’s grin broadened. “Alright, I’ll see you in the morning. Sleep well.” Then he turned and started for the door. His steps were slow as the weight of everything came down on his shoulders. Nick hoped Lexa’s brand of friendship would help Dan through what would be a trying time for the rookie.

  Grand Citadel Hotel – Dan’s Room – 10:05 p.m.

  Lexa opened the door, entered the room quietly, and closed the door behind her. She saw Heather sitting in a chair in the corner, reading. The only light in the room was a small lamp next to Heather. When she glanced at Dan, thoughts of that first night they’d slept together rushed in—it had been in this hotel.

  Heather looked up from her book and stood. She walked to Lexa and whispered, “He’s sleeping peacefully. If you wouldn’t mind sitting with him for a few minutes for me, I’m just going to pop out, stretch my legs a bit, and grab a cup of coffee.”

  Perfect, Lexa thought. She smiled. “Be happy to. Take your time. The General ordered up some snacks about an hour ago. There’s pie and ice cream in the fridge. Four different pies are left over.”

  Heather laughed lightly. “Boy howdy, that man sure orders heaps of food.”

  Lexa nodded as Heather slipped out of the room and closed the door. She stood watching Dan sleep for several moments. Emotions rolled around in her head. Finally, she took a step towards the bed, then another and shortly Lexa found herself standing right next to the right side of his bed.

  Grand Citadel Hotel – Main Suite – 10:05 p.m.

  Heather entered the main suite and saw Bram asleep on the couch and Loki still at work at the computer. The only other person in the room was the General, who was sitting at the table drinking coffee. She noted that he looked thoroughly exhausted. Her heart broke for him. She hadn’t meant to overhear, but she’d heard enough of what was going on to know that the General must be devastated by all the events.

  She asked, “Would you like a piece of pie or ice cream?”

  Pulled from his thoughts, William looked at the kind nurse. “No, but thank you. Coffee’s all I need.”

  Heather proceeded to get herself cherry pie and vanilla ice cream. She picked up a bottle of water as she took her plate to the table. Heather set her plate down first then boldly picked up the General’s cup of coffee and replaced it with the water. “Sir, you need sleep not coffee. Drink some water instead.”

  William stared at the plucky woman with an incredulous expression. She took his coffee! A court-martial worthy offence most people thought.

  At the look on the General’s face, Heather blushed bright pink but held her ground. “You need someone to look after you, too.”

  A lopsided grin appeared on William’s face. “Water it is then.” He glanced at the pie and his stomach roared. He’d been ordering in loads of food, but was unable to eat much himself. He had no appetite with all he’d learned.

  Heather slid the plate to him. “Sounds like you need this more than me.” She turned and headed to the little sink and dumped out his coffee. She fixed another plate of pie and poured a cup of coffee for herself. When she turned back to the table, Heather was happy to see that half the pie and ice cream were gone. She sat down and the two of them ate in companionable silence.

  Grand Citadel Hotel – Dan’s Room – 10:10 p.m.

  Lexa stared at Dan for several minutes, listening to his even but shallow breathing. She felt compelled to touch him again. Lexa slowly lowered herself onto the edge of the bed, trying not to wake Dan. Tentatively, she reached out and laid her hand on Dan’s right hand. When he didn’t stir, she absently moved the tips of her fingers, lightly massaging the back of his hand as she allowed her mind to relive the two times they had been intimate. Good memories.

  Dan was awake and in stealth mode—his mind was too cluttered to sleep. He’d heard Heather speak to Lexa and leave the room. He waited patiently for Lexa to come to the bed. When she sat down and put her hand on his—he sizzled as electricity coursed through every neuron—transmitting white-hot fire to every cell—leaving only a heated sensation that begged for more.

  He enjoyed her touch for several minutes, then Dan opened his eyes and found Lexa staring at him. When she jerked her hand away, he softly said, “Don’t stop, that felt good.”

  Lexa put her hand back and continued to gently massage, moving up a bit on his forearm. “I’m sorry I woke you.”

  Not wanting to give away that he’d actually been awake, Dan responded, “I’m not. What time is it?”

  Glancing at the clock, Lexa answered, “About ten after ten. I just wanted to peek in and see if you needed anything before I went to bed.”

  Enjoying her touch on his arm, Dan quipped, “A full body massage would be great.”

  Lexa chuckled. “Yeah, I bet you could use one.”

  Giving her a lopsided grin, he asked, “You offering?”

  She teased, “Well, now … that might be arranged … for a small fee.”

  “I’ll pay, whatever the price,” Dan said as he winked at her and grinned.

  “Hmm, now let’s see, maybe a burger and a beer is all it’ll take. Once you’re up to it, that is.” Lexa reached up, ran her fingers through his hair and gently massaged. She smiled when Dan closed his eyes and made a sound of pleasure.

  “Mmm … feels good. Always has. My mother used to do that—comforted me.” Dan’s eyes flew open—he hadn’t intended on saying that out loud. Where the hell did that thought come from?

  Seeing the panic in Dan’s eyes, Lexa softly said, “My mother used to do this to me. I’d lay my head in her lap on the sofa or next to her on her bed. It was one of the things I missed most after she died.”

  Dan relaxed, surprised Lexa shared something about her family. She didn’t talk about them just like he hadn’t talked about his. It was a subject they both had learned was off limits. “When did she die?” he found himself asking.

  “I was thirteen. Things were never the same after that. My dad … well he didn’t cope well. My older brothers stepped up. They …” Lexa trailed off.

  Seeing pain flash in Lexa’s eyes, Dan quickly said, “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked.”

  Lexa shook the hurtful thoughts of abandonment away. “It’s okay. It was a long time ago.”

  “Doesn’t hurt any less though, does it?” Dan stated with true understanding as he wondered why he was being so open with Lexa.

  Lexa continued to brush through Dan’s hair and gently massage his head. “Time does dull the hurt … but yes, I still miss her. I’ve lived more years without her than I had with her. I still see her face clearly and sometimes think I hear her whispering to me.”

  Dan was surprised again at Lexa’s openness. He shared, “I still miss Sara. I can see her face clearly. She had the brightest smile and emerald green eyes. Her laugh could …” he trailed off as tears sprung to his eyes and emotions overwhelmed him.

  “Shhh, I’m here. You’re going to get through this. I’ll help any way you need,” Lexa whispered as she leaned in close and gently thumbed the tears away from Dan’s eyes.

  He let the tears flow for several minutes as he struggled for composure. All the while, Lexa never stopped carding her fingers through his hair. Her quiet presence and touch helped him pull himself together. It was the same yet so different from
how Brody had helped him in the past. When he finally had himself under control he said, “I’m so confused.”

  “It’s okay to be confused. Everything you knew has been turned on its head. We all know that and the whole team will be here to help you work through it. Just like we helped Loki when his stepfather divorced his ma.” Lexa stopped before she revealed, Just like the Boss and Bram helped me when my father turned his back on me.

  Dan looked at Lexa and feelings surged forth again. She was someone special. He needed a break from all the turmoil of his past and needed to focus on the future right now. He smiled as he asked, “So … have you thought any more on where we go from here …”

  Lexa’s mind instantly knew what he was asking. Could she take the risk? If she did and the team found out, it could destroy both of them. But, Dan was certainly like no other man she’d known—he was definitely an outlier.

  The halo on the little devil on her shoulder tilted to one side as she smiled and softly whispered, “He’s worth the risk.”

  Lexa leaned down and gently kissed Dan’s bruised and swollen lips then she pulled back slightly and whispered, “Friends with benefits.”

  Ignoring the pain it caused in his arms, Dan reached around Lexa and pulled her to him. Their lips met again. The kisses were soft and gentle due to Dan’s battered condition, but they were also full of promise.

  A warm feeling cascaded through Dan. Lexa was willing to risk it all for him. He felt a true sense of acceptance … of belonging.

  Lexa pulled back from the kiss when Dan took in a ragged breath, she whispered, “Breathe, just breathe …”

  Keep reading for a sneak peek

  at Laura Acton’s fourth novel

  in the Beauty of Life series

  Outlier

  Blood, Brotherhood and Beauty