During one of their conversations she learned that he was the team's hand to hand combat expert and she even got to watch him warm up before he had sessions with the men of Alpha Team. Emma wasn’t sure what he was doing exactly but it looked like some kind of martial arts all she knew was that it looked like a beautiful dance. Of course, she didn’t tell anyone else that. Dalton moved with a grace no man his size should have been able to pull off. He had explained to her that the movements centered his mind and body. He also wanted her to join him in his training when she was back to full strength and Emma was all for that she needed to be able to defend herself and her child if it ever came to that. She also found the moves sexy her mind wandered thinking of them moving together in the same fashion only without clothes.
The base or lodge as she liked to think of it was even more beautiful than Emma had first thought it was surrounded by forest on three sides but the back was all lake front. After her sessions with Ava she would go out to the beach and just process with the sun beating down on her. She could watch the water for hours it was peaceful. Sometimes if the session brought up particularly bad feeling Dalton would come down to the beach and sit behind her these were the times that Emma cherished most. He would sit down behind her then pull her back to rest on his chest. He wouldn’t say anything just hold her. Those were precious moments and ones that she hoped would continue for a very long time. Dalton had a way of knowing when she needed him without even being told. When Emma was ready to face the world again he would take her hand and walk back to the lodge.
Dalton was touching her more intimately a kiss on the lips instead of on the forehead or he would brush his finger down her cheek looking into her eyes like she was the most beautiful women in the world. Emma could feel them getting closer she just hoped that this man wanted her as a woman not because he felt obligated or pity for what she had been through. Yeah those doubts still plagued her. Emma didn’t think he did but she needed to be sure for both her sake and McKenna’s. If Dalton just wanted to be a good friend to her and an honorary Uncle to McKenna she would accept that even if it would break her heart. But she knew she was already more than halfway in love with him and just hoped he felt a fraction of what she was starting to feel for him.
Between healing and sessions with Ava Emma was starting to get into a routine at the lodge and taking care of an infant. Motherhood was no joke although Emma was pretty sure Kenna was the perfect baby. She became Ryleigh personal assistant doing whatever she could to help her with her work. Kenna was constantly at her side or with one of the guys. They had set up playpens all over just in case her or like the said their little angel got tired. She also started making meals when Cash wasn’t able to and cleaning the lodge. The guys were neat, but definitely bachelors. The chores and helping Ryleigh made her feel like she was at least contributing in some small way. All of them said that she didn’t have to do anything other than heal and bond with her daughter, but Emma wanted to do more. She was starting to think of these people as family. Since she had never had one before, Emma cherished any moment that she could make their lives just a little easier.
These people spent their lives trying to help and protect people who couldn’t do it for themselves. If doing the laundry, keeping the lodge clean, and cooking the occasional meal gave them even a little comfort, Emma was happy to do it. But with all the good came some bad. Emma’s situation hadn’t truly changed. She was recovering and feeling better, but she was still in danger. None of them knew the extent of what had happened back at the facility that had held her for so long. There was never anyone reported as being murdered or even found injured in the Ohio building that she escaped from.
The guys were able to determine the Tech’s name was Dennis Hamilton from the car Emma had stolen. The man did not have any medical training, which didn’t surprise Emma. He had been just that creepy; his touches were far from clinical or proper. The guys also informed her that he had a criminal record, which again wasn’t a big surprise. From the looks on the guy’s faces when they told her, she came to the conclusion that it more than likely involved violence against women or worse. She didn’t want to ask. His car didn’t have GPS or anything. But by using the route Emma had taken to get to the Diner, the team was able to determine that she had been held just outside of Toledo, Ohio. Emma had remembered the exit she gotten on to head north by using landmarks and other things she remembered. Additionally, the guys used the Tech’s address from his car registration. They were pretty sure that they had a lock on the location Emma had been kept at.
The news was both good and bad. Using satellites, the guys were able to determine there wasn’t any activity going on at the facility. However, they needed to get an up close and personal view. They needed to see if any documentation was left at the facility to determine everything that had happened to Emma and Kenna. The thought of seeing that place, or more specifically the Tech, Dennis Hamilton, turned Emma’s stomach. She would do anything to get some answers, justice, and put that time of her life behind her. Except, she also didn’t want to put anyone in danger.
Dalton didn’t want to leave Emma or Kenna but he knew he needed to bring her some kind of peace. She needed closure and he was determined to get it for her. She had been doing so well, but the nightmares and anxiety came and went. Maybe this mission would bring her some relief. No one can fight a ghost or what-ifs. If they found answers, it would help her heal. If that meant a couple days away from her, he would just have to deal with it.
The man in her nightmares needed to be gone. If he turned out to be still breathing, then Dalton would do his best to make sure that was put to an end with the Shifter form of justice, not the human way. He just wasn’t going to tell the rest of the guys or Emma that, until the deed was done.
Cash was going to lead the group to Ohio with Dalton Ethan and Bas. Their objective was to first survey the building for any signs of life or movement from the Tech Pandora or Davis Defense. Then they would breach the perimeter, entering the facility to obtain any documents or hard drives in the facility. Once that was complete, they were going to case Hamilton’s residences, looking for the same.
Surprisingly, Emma felt relieved that Jacks was staying behind with them. These men made her feel safe. If she couldn’t have Dalton there, she would accept protection from any of them. They were all strong, loyal, and courageous. She would worry about the team going out, but as Ryleigh explained, it often happened even though Jacks had stated they wouldn’t be going out for a while on missions for NAC. Eventually, Emma was sure they would return to normal operation once they guys determined that she, Ryleigh, and Kenna were safe. NAC was more than a job to them; it was a mantra they lived by.
Emma was surprise at how much she had changed. In the beginning, she couldn’t even fathom Jacks being anything but menacing. Now she valued his friendship and accepted his protection. Jacks, like the rest of the Alpha team, had proved himself in her eyes. Emma hoped she had done the same in theirs.
Chapter 37
The day before they were supposed to leave, everyone was stressed out and tensions were running sky high. The Shifter vibes coming off the guys were stifling. Dalton didn’t want Emma to go on the mission and neither did Ryleigh. Jacks was worried about everyone making all the guys and Emma repeat their roles over and over again, until they could have repeated their orders in their sleep. Emma decided that everyone just needed a little downtime. After making sure Kenna was safely in her bed and the baby monitor attached to her hip, Emma started planning. Since it was early October, she decided hot chocolate and some gooey treats were just what the doctor ordered. Fixing up the large patio for her impromptu campfire, complete with snacks and music, she called everyone on the intercom.
Once everyone came to the kitchen, Emma told them her plan.
“Listen, I know everyone has been working their butts off and you all are stressed out about tomorrow.”
When they all just looked at her dumbfounded, Emma continued.
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“So how do you guys feel about a little party? I lit the fire pit and have drinks and snacks,” she said, trying to entice the wary group.
“We can all decompress and have fun for a couple of hours before we have to face reality in the morning. Are you game?”
Everyone agreed and it turned out way better than she could have expected. A couple of the guys grumbled at first, but once she mentioned snacks, they were all in. Emma had to assure them that Kenna had been taken care of and show them the monitor attached to her hip. That wasn’t good enough for the Alphas. Bas went and put the intercom on so that they all could hear if Kenna even took a deep breath. Dalton wanted them to bring the laptop out so that they could watch the little girl. Emma loved how taken they all were with her daughter.
After spiked hot chocolates and more than a few gooey snacks, the guys started opening up and sharing stories from their pasts. It was everything Emma had missed growing up. Hanging out with friends and telling stories might not seem like a big deal to most, but she had never had the opportunity. So, to her, it was golden.
Emma was enjoying her first ever, real campfire s’more, cooked to gooey perfection over an open fire. The marshmallow was just warm and charred enough to cause the chocolate to melt in the most perfect way, dripping over the sides. Her fingers were a mess with it. Emma couldn’t resist licking the chocolatey goodness away, moaning from the decadent flavor exploding on her tongue.
Dalton was in hell. Emma was moaning over the sugary snack and using that little pink tongue to wipe away all the evidence. His cock was so hard that he was sure that his zipper would be imprinted on it. He was entrapped by thoughts of what he really wanted that tongue to be doing. Hell, he would have no problem coating his body in melted chocolate if it got this kind of reaction from his mate. She didn’t even realize what she was doing to him, and that made it all the more erotic.
Dalton sat on the chaise lounge and pulled her in between his legs, covering them with a blanket Emma just enjoyed the security and comfort she felt. She also enjoyed his big hard body beneath hers. His hard body that was getting harder by the minute. Emma went to move away from his stiff length, but Dalton pulled her right back, moaning a soft, “No”.
Emma wasn’t sure what she had done, but was giddy with the knowledge that she affected him so much. She spent so much time wet and wanting lately that she was happy to have caused him a similar discomfort.
Bas was great at telling campfire stories and the other guys soon tried to beat him at his own game. It was actually kind of funny because the other guys just didn’t have the talent he did. After the campfire stories, everyone started talking about their favorite camping memories. When it came to Emma, she startled all of them by saying, “I only have one this one.”
At first, Bas started to give to give her a hard time.
“No little sister, a real camping story. Like getting stuck in the porta-john, or the prettiest place you have ever seen.”
All Emma could do is reply, “This is the most beautiful place I have ever seen.”
Emma didn’t want to bring the mood down, so she didn’t go into it. The group looked a bit puzzled, but thankful that Bas had ended his line of questioning. This little party was going into her top 10 best memories. It shouldn’t have surprised her that Dalton once again sensed her thoughts and hugged her tighter, placing a kiss on Emma’s head. All of a sudden, this was definitely in her top five best memories.
Dalton whispered, “Baby, look at me.”
It caused all of the hairs on her body to stand on end. This man affected her on a monumental level. Emma leaned back and stared into the blue depths.
“This is my favorite place too. Right here, holding you in my arms,” he said.
With those words, the moment soon made the top three. When the party was starting to wrap up, Ethan was the first to say his goodnights.
“Thanks, Emma, for a lovely time.” Looking to the group, he said, “We should do this more often. It’s nice to step away from our issues and just enjoy a little downtime.”
Cash spoke up, “Oh, come on dude, we all know where you are headed. And I think your ‘issues’ are going to be taken out on some sub’s bottom pretty soon.”
Everyone laughed at the comment, and Emma felt a little out of the loop. Ryleigh was the next to give Ethan a hard time.
“Are you taking your special toy box or rather bag-o-Sultan of kinkland?”
Ethan just laughed off her comment.
“I think you all are trying to get me in trouble with Emma and share secrets,” he said with a shake of his head.
Stopping the conversation, he turned and walked into the house.
Emma was curious about the interplay that had just happened, but she also felt bad for Ethan. He was expressing his heartfelt compliment and thanks, but the others seemed more interested in embarrassing him. She didn’t know if she would ever get used to the interplay this group had. They were constantly ribbing and razzing each other. Never having had siblings, Emma felt kind of out of the loop and their actions, at times, seemed cruel. Emma didn’t like it and decided she would talk with Dalton about it when they were alone.
Shortly after Ethan left, everyone else made their excuses and said their goodnights as well. Dalton and Emma remained on the porch cuddling. Emma couldn’t hold in her questions any longer.
“Dalton, why was everyone giving Ethan such a hard time about heading out?”
Dalton cleared his throat, “Baby, they weren’t giving him a hard time, just a razzing him a bit.”
“Why? What he does in his free time doesn’t affect the team or anyone else.”
Emma was feeling protective of the big man. She leaned forward, turning her head back so she could look Dalton in the eyes. She couldn’t figure out what everyone was talking about. Emma wasn’t that naïve. After all, she cleaned his room. The man had a sex toy collection that could rival a store. Not to mention, he owned more leather clothing than was probably necessary. Emma read a lot and enjoyed erotic romance and BDSM, but it seemed almost mainstream now. Damn, some of the thoughts those toys inspired had caused more than a few panty changes. Rubbing her thighs together to relieve the aches, Emma squirmed in the lounge. Dalton moaned, pulling her closer.
“Maybe I’m just not used to the family dynamic, but the jibs made me feel uncomfortable for him.”
Emma’s scent was driving him crazy. Damn if she didn’t stop squirming soon, he was pretty sure he would come in his pants like an adolescent. She was thinking of something that was making her arousal skyrocket, and Dalton wanted to know what it was. He would have to kill Ethan if she had been thinking of him. Emma was his. He wouldn’t accept her wanting anyone else.
“I’m sorry you felt that way, but I’m sure it wasn’t what Cash or Ryleigh intended. But baby, what were you just thinking about? Your scent changed and it wasn’t because of how Rye and Cash treated Ethan.”
Emma knew her face was beet red. She had never put it together before. All of those times she was drenched from wanting Dalton, he knew; he could smell it, his bear could smell it. Damn, if he could, then the rest of the guys could too. And that was mortifying.
“Um I…” Emma stuttered.
She never stuttered. Should she just come out with it? Tell him what she had been thinking from the very beginning? Let him know how much she wanted him had been dreaming about him? Let him know that she wouldn’t mind him using a few of those toys she seen on her? No, she wasn’t ready just yet, but soon. Soon she wouldn’t be able to hold it back anymore. She wanted Dalton and she wanted him bad.
Deciding to avoid his question, she said, “It’s really not hard to figure out that Ethan is heading to a club, specifically a sex club. I clean his room; have been for several weeks now. Cash mentioned subs and Ryleigh was talking about his toy bag. I haven’t been living under a rock, Dalton, I get that Ethan is into the whole ‘scene’. I have never once seen him riding a motorcycle. I figured all the leather has to
do with something. I also know that he is the team’s Weapons Specialist, but I can’t imagine any of you fighting with floggers and crops. He has quite an impressive collection of those items.”
Dalton pushed Emma forward on the lounge. She turned to meet his eyes once again.
“Oh, really, my little pixie, why don’t you tell me just what you know about the whole ‘scene’ you just mentioned.”
Emma thought, well, avoidance was definitely not her answer. Dalton just completely knocked her out of her game. Embarrassed, she just kind of sat there looking at Dalton, imagining the possibilities. Could she have this conversation with him now before they even had their first real kiss? Could she tell him all her deep dark fantasies? Wanting to say so much, but unable to find the words.
Dalton could smell Emma’s arousal, but he could also sense her unease, and he didn’t like it. Maybe she wasn’t ready for this conversation.
“Shit baby, listen, we are all dominate; it’s the nature of the beast. But Ethan’s kink is a little bit more severe. He goes to a club not too far from here that caters to his specific needs. It's private and personal, and no one cares. That doesn’t mean we aren’t going to give him a hard time about it. It’s just the way we are.”
Emma was still caught up in her head imagining Dalton in the “scene”, dressed in tight leather pants. With his ripped chest on display, demanding she kneel before him. The throb in her lower region was insistent now, making her squirm.
“What about you, Dalton, how do you feel about what Ethan does?”
Dalton: NAC & The Holly Group (Alpha Team Book 2) Page 25