“Damn, I’m calling this meeting to an end. There’s been enough surprises. We can think about all of this and meet another day.” Mitch started out of the room.
“Are you upset with my plans, Mitch?”
“No. In fact, I’m happy for you. But I don’t handle change easily, especially not so much at once. I just need time to let it filter through my brain. See you.” He strode out as the rest followed at a slower pace.
Chapter Eight
When they got outside to their horses, Garth turned to Lann. “When in the hell were you going to tell me?”
“Let’s ride out to where our tribe’s main ranch house is being built. It’s very close to being completed. We’ll talk there and you can yell at me all you want.”
Garth sprang up on his horse. “I might want to punch you.”
“You can try.”
They rode in silence the whole way. The house was on a side street away from what would be the center of their ranch.
Garth tied his horse and strode into the empty building.
The front was to be offices for him and Lann and community areas similar to Mitch and Daren’s home. Lann followed him in.
“There’s no place to sit,” Garth growled.
“Keep your leopard under control. We can sit on the floor.”
“My leopard is upset because I am. We’ve been like brothers. You never mentioned any plans to leave.”
“I’ve tried to tell you several times but decided to wait. Then today after all the revelations about Kira, I felt I had to say something.”
“You’re just like Cad. You never really wanted the job of leader.”
“It was my duty. I did it.”
Garth flung him an angry look and shifted suddenly into his cat. The white leopard paced back and forth across the new wood floor. He growled loudly. Then he stalked close to Lann and growled in his face.
“You aren’t going to hurt me. Get over it.” Lann pushed him away.
He shifted back and flopped down beside Lann. “You know me too well. I haven’t gotten to scare anyone lately. I miss it.”
Lann laughed. “There’ll be missions coming up as soon as we completely eradicate this last enemy.”
“I know, but it’s taking too long. Tell me about Texas.”
“You’ll have to come visit us. The acreage is huge. There’s rolling hills, a stream and a lake, an old farmhouse, a barn, and a bunkhouse for the cowhands. I’m going to do some cleaning up and rebuilding. It’s an adventure.”
“I can’t remember ever seeing you this enthused about anything. I’m glad you’ve made the decision to change your life. I’ve suspected you haven’t been happy for a long time.”
“Content, my friend, but not happy.”
“Build an extra bedroom so Cad, Rae, and I can visit often. Have you told anyone else?”
“No. Let’s leave it that way for now. The others in the meeting will keep my secret. I’ll announce my departure when the time’s right.”
“All hell is going to break loose. People may find it difficult to have one leader for all three tribes.”
“You and I will reassure them. They’ll like Kira.”
They’d walked out to the horses. Garth kicked the toe of his boot in the sand. “I’m like Mitch. I hate change. I’m going for a ride. I’ll see you later.”
Garth felt Lann watching him as he rode out of sight. He wasn’t fit company for his family. He’d shift and run, and then he would find Rae. She soothed him and his leopard better than anyone.
* * * *
Kira watched as Ellen drew Averil’s blood and then put it in the centrifuge. They sat talking during the time it took to get the results. Kira still had difficulty believing the story the Priestess, Elle, had told her, that she might be a descendent of royalty from their planet. She’d read the scrolls. Elle would be right. Kira felt it inside her. But she hated to accept the truth. She liked being anonymous and didn’t want to be the leader of all these people.
Averil took hold of her hand. “You haven’t heard a word we’ve said. You’re worried.”
“A little. What happened in the meeting is a lot to take in all at once. I have to try and close that out of my mind if I hope to find this killer.”
Ellen got up and went to the centrifuge. She made samples on several slides and then put a slide under her microscope. No one talked until the last slide was read. Ellen straightened and turned to Averil and Kira.
“I can see the beginnings of antibodies. If Averil stays safe for two more weeks I believe she’ll have a natural resistance to this particular poison. But I don’t see how her blood will help Harry at this point.”
“It will. My system’s recovery is faster than Averil’s. Take a pint of my blood and inject it with some of the serum from Averil’s. This will be the best way to try it the first time. You can monitor the blood, and as soon as there are enough antibodies, you can transfuse a pint into Harry.”
“It’s dangerous. We’re going against protocol. The transfusion might kill Harry. Your blood might not be compatible for him.”
“Harry is going to die if we do nothing.” Kira frowned at her.
“I’ll discuss this with Jack and the Ethics Committee. If they and Harry’s wife agree, we’ll risk it.”
“Then I’ve done all I can. Come on, Averil. Let’s go visit the Priestess and find out more about our history.”
Ellen took hold of Kira’s arm. “Are you mad at me?”
“No, I know you’re right, but it’s frustrating when a life is in danger.”
“We can’t put him in more danger.”
“I respect and like you, Ellen. Do what you have to, and I’ll accept whatever is decided.”
* * * *
Gala watched Averil and Kira leave the ranch house. She was uneasy about the secret meeting held downstairs today. What did they know? They couldn’t know much of anything really. She’d left no traces but the resin. They’d never break that down.
“Want me to do some of those dishes, Gala? It’s time for you to go home.” Tessa came to her side.
“I missed the other day. I’ll finish here to help make up my hours.”
Tessa shook her head. “I was lucky to find such a good, conscientious worker. You leave after you finish those. I’m going to take a break until it’s time to finish dinner.”
This gives me a chance to plant another dose of poison. But how do I just get to one of them? I’d better let it go for now and think about the best way to strike next. But I’m tempted. I have a small, special vial of the liquid poison in my purse without the resin. I could mix it in a liquid, and it would be colorless and tasteless according to my father’s notes.
Gala studied the room. The metal tea pitcher caught her eye. Tessa often drank a glass when she was cooking. Gala could put a tiny drop in the tea. She liked Tessa and she didn’t want to kill her, just make her a little sick.
But no, that would tell them their enemy could come and go freely in the house and she might put suspicion on herself. She’d wait. An idea or opportunity would happen soon.
* * * *
Averil asked Cody to drive them to the Priestess’s house. She didn’t explain to him why they were visiting. When she and Kira went into Elle’s office, he stayed in the living room with Pruet.
“You’re convinced I am the descendent of this baby who was adopted?” Kira asked Elle.
“I am. Garth called and said he’d be by to show me a picture of your ancestor in one the scrolls his tribe recently gave me. He said you look just like the picture when you shape-shift. When I find it, I’ll call you.”
She and Averil glanced through several papers. “Can I take these to more thoroughly read them?”
“I would not let them out of my sight to anyone other than you.” Elle smiled. “Accept it. You are our leader.”
“Thanks, but no thanks. I’ll take care of these.” Kira took three of the scrolls, and they went out to where Cody waited.
“If you don’t mind, Cody, we need to see our mother next.”
“No problem. I’m to stay right with Averil. So you just tell me where you want to go.”
As they walked to the car, Kira grinned across at Averil. “I like him. You should marry him and his friend.”
“Kira!”
“I like you, too.” His smile was stretched from ear to ear when he opened the door for Kira. “Just keep telling her that, and I’ll be your most adoring brother-in-law.”
At their mother’s house, Averil and Kira went inside and left him waiting in the car. “Mom, we need to talk with you. Is Dad home?” Kira called out.
“No. He’s helping with the building of the other cabins. What’s wrong?”
“Sit. This will probably be as big a surprise for you as it was for us.” Kira told her what she’d found out about herself.
“That’s impossible. I come from an ordinary, hardworking family.”
“But remember what I said, Mom. Apparently your ancestor was the child of a princess on our home planet and adopted by a regular family.”
“I can’t believe after all these years I’m finding out I had a baby who is derived from royalty.”
“Mom, do you know any of your family history or my father’s?”
“Very little of both. I had some old papers stuck away somewhere, but they got lost in the move.”
“If you look like the picture in the scrolls”—Averil spoke up—“you won’t be able to keep denying it.”
Averil’s cell rang. “She’s right here.” She handed the phone to Kira.
“Excellent. We’ll meet you at the hospital.” Kira ended the call and handed the cell phone back to Averil. “We have to go, Mom. Are you okay?”
“I’m still stunned. I have to think about all you’ve told me. I can do that on my own. Go wherever you’re needed.”
“We’re headed to the hospital. But here are three of the scrolls. You can read them. Just keep whatever is in them private.”
As they walked out Kira told Averil about the call. “The committee is going to allow Harry to have the transfusion. Apparently, his wife begged them to allow it. And the antibodies are reproducing faster than even I expected.” They hurriedly got in the car. “Take us to the hospital, please.”
Cody glanced at Averil in the backseat. “Do I have to come in?”
“Nope. You can wait in the car or the lobby.”
Kira glanced from one of them to the other. “I’ll explain later,” Averil said. She winked at Cody. “Onward, gallant escort.”
When they got to the hospital, Cody decided he needed to stay with Averil. “I’m your protector. I can’t do much from the car.”
“Then come on.” Averil followed her sister to the elevator. He stayed right by her side. “What can we do here?” she asked Kira.
“I want to see if they have the transfusion going.”
In ICU a nurse stopped them at Harry’s door. “They’ve just started the blood. The doctor is with him. Wait out here.”
“These two can wait. I’m needed inside.” Kira stared down the nurse, who surprised them by stepping aside.
“You all go on home. I’m going to be here most of the night. It’s getting late. I’ll call you in the morning, Averil.”
Cody put his arm around Averil’s shoulders. “That’s a good idea. Averil just got well. She needs to rest.”
Averil glanced up at him and saw the mischief in his eyes. “I’m fine if you need me.”
“No, go rest.” Kira opened the door and slipped in and closed it behind her.
“You are so bad. You know I won’t get any rest at your place, at least not for a while.”
“I hoped you were thinking the same way as me. Let’s go play.”
“You are insatiable.”
“With you I am.”
The moon was full and high as they drove toward Cody’s place. Averil closed her eyes and must have dozed because she woke when he parked the car. He came around to her door and lifted her out.
“You are tired. It’s straight to bed for you.” He had his keys in his hand. “Take my keys and…”
“Welcome home. I was beginning to worry about you two.” Payton opened the front door. A small table lamp cast a soft glow of light from behind him.
“When did you get here?” Cody asked. “I thought your mom was holding you prisoner.”
“She agreed I could sleep here just as well as at home. I planned to head out first thing in the morning anyway. Has Averil had a relapse?”
Cody stepped inside and let Averil stand but kept hold of her. “She fell asleep on the way here. It’s been a long day. I’ll explain while I fix us a quick supper of soup and a sandwich. Have you eaten, Payton?”
“Mom has stuffed me full every day. I can hardly look at food. But she sure is a good cook.” He sat at the kitchen table and pulled Averil onto his lap. “I don’t suppose you can cook?”
“Is it a deal breaker?” She raised her eyebrow at him.
“No. You won’t get away from us that easy.”
“Then I’ll tell you the truth. I learned to cook as soon as I was tall enough to reach the stove. Mom taught Kira and me.”
“That’s a relief. I was getting tired of Cody’s cooking. Although he can make great lasagna.”
“He eats my food like he hasn’t had a meal in a month,” Cody added. “Here’s your sandwich and tea. The soup’s almost ready.”
Payton let go of her so she could sit in the seat next to him. Averil was hungry and started to eat.
“This is the way I pictured us.” Payton leaned back and smiled. “It feels right.”
Averil agreed but didn’t want to tell him or Cody just yet. She wanted to see how it went on a daily basis. Instead, Averil explained as much as she could about the meeting and the hopes that the antibodies in her blood might help Harry survive. She didn’t mention her sister’s involvement or who Kira was believed to be. Kira wanted most of the information kept quiet until she decided when to let the others know.
“I suspect there’s more you can’t tell us. Mitch will probably hold a meeting with the warriors and tell us what he wants us to know.” Payton stretched his long legs out in front of him. “We definitely need to find out who’s trying to kill our people. I’m disappointed we missed someone during the battle.”
“I don’t think we did.” Cody brought the soup to the table and joined them. “I was one of the last to leave the field. No, this is someone that hid themselves from all of us.”
“Do you think Rae’s old boyfriend, Nate, might be involved?” Payton asked. “I know they released him recently, and he’s stayed on the ranch to work.”
“Rumor has it a GPS monitor was inserted inside his body. They know everywhere he goes. I doubt he’s our person.” Cody got up and refilled Averil’s tea. “This has to be someone we’d never suspect.”
“That leaves us with a lot of people to check on. But right now, since we’re all through eating, let’s take our conversation to the great room. Averil can snuggle in the large lounge chair with me. You’ve had her a whole twenty-four hours. It’s my turn.”
“Do I have a say?” Averil asked.
“Of course, honey, but you’re still going to snuggle with me.”
“That’s what I thought. You are both too bossy.” She smiled to take the sting out of her words. She wanted to cuddle with Payton, but with these two she needed to try and keep the upper hand.
Payton picked her up out of the chair and walked into the other room. He put her down in the lounge chair and sat beside her. She moved over so that she was sitting in his lap with her head on his shoulder. Cody brought their tea and settled in the chair across from them.
“Do you like our house?” Payton asked.
“It’s lovely. You have a beautiful master suite not being used. I’ve never seen one so spacious.”
Payton glanced across at Cody. “Why don’t we christen it tonight?”
A
veril sat up straight. “You’re taking a lot for granted. I haven’t agreed to marry you.”
“Relax. I think you will. In fact I’m so certain I’m willing to take a chance and use that new room.” Payton pulled her close and kissed her mouth.
Her blood rushed through her veins as his kiss deepened. His hand cupped her chin, and her whole body cuddled snug against his hard muscles. He raised his head. Steel-blue eyes looked deeply into hers.
“Aren’t you ready to give both of us a chance to show you how much we love you, and how we can care for you?”
She licked her lips and saw a flash of desire in Payton’s eyes. “Yes.”
He smiled a slow smile that had every nerve in her body tingling and awakening. Payton carried her to the master bedroom. Cody followed close behind.
When Payton sat her on the side of the bed, Cody knelt in front of her. “You’re not too tired?”
She rubbed her hand along the edge of his face and kissed his sensuous mouth. “I want the two of you to make love to me.”
“That’s good enough for me.” He straightened and began to remove his clothes.
Payton had already undressed and sheathed his large cock. “Here, honey, let me help you out of those clothes.” He pulled her boots off and then unfastened her jeans. He slipped both her jeans and panties off and put them to the side. His warm hands massaged her feet and up her legs.
Averil lay back on the bed as Payton’s fingers kneaded her muscles. Cody sat beside her and started unbuttoning her blouse. He flicked open her bra and threw both on a nearby chair, then his hands cupped her breasts as he leaned forward and kissed her.
Her muscles were loose and Payton easily spread her legs as he massaged closer and closer to her pussy. When his breath swept over her folds and his teeth lightly brushed her clit, Averil’s eyes partially closed. She shut her mind off and let the titillating sensations bombarding her body take over.
Cody bit the edge of her earlobe, and a flutter started in her stomach. Then he kissed her neck and nibbled on her shoulder before covering her breast with his mouth. Desire shot into her system, sending heat flashing through her veins and a throbbing beat to her pussy. Moisture seeped out of her pussy, coating her lower lips.
Paige Cameron Page 8