Commando Cowboys Reclaim Their Love

Wyoming Warriors 4

Commando Cowboys Reclaim Their Love Cassandra Venitia returns to Lovettville, Wyoming, after ten years. Her mother is sick, and the two men she left behind haunt her memories. Seeing Lang Connor and Nick Kenric stirs old feelings. But she has an ex-boyfriend looking for her, and her mother needs her help. Although Cassie's body is saying yes to Lang and Nick, her mind wants to slow down. She has problems to fix first. Cassandra's mother's medicine quits working. Cassie asks the Warriors for help. Might their scientist be able to cure her mother? Someone starts a fire at Cassie's shop. Her gun is stolen. Before she discovers the culprit, her ex-boyfriend pays a visit. He shoots himself with her stolen gun and claims she shot him. Nick and Lang rush to her rescue, but can they clear her of the charges, and will her mother be able to take the experimental drug offered to her? Genre: Contemporary, Multiple Partners, Western/Cowboys Length: 50,837 words

COMMANDO COWBOYS RECLAIM THEIR LOVE Wyoming Warriors 4

Paige Cameron

EVERLASTING POLYROMANCE

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

ABOUT THE E-BOOK YOU HAVE PURCHASED: Your non-refundable purchase of this e-book allows you to only ONE LEGAL copy for your own personal reading on your own personal computer or device. You do not have resell or distribution rights without the prior written permission of both the publisher and the copyright owner of this book. This book cannot be copied in any format, sold, or otherwise transferred from your computer to another through upload to a file sharing peer to peer program, for free or for a fee, or as a prize in any contest. Such action is illegal and in violation of the U.S. Copyright Law. Distribution of this e-book, in whole or in part, online, offline, in print or in any way or any other method currently known or yet to be invented, is forbidden. If you do not want this book anymore, you must delete it from your computer. WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. If you find a Siren-BookStrand e-book being sold or shared illegally, please let us know at [email protected]

A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK IMPRINT: Everlasting Polyromance

COMMANDO COWBOYS RECLAIM THEIR LOVE Copyright © 2012 by Paige Cameron E-book ISBN: 1-61926-482-X First E-book Publication: February 2012 Cover design by Les Byerley All art and logo copyright © 2012 by Siren Publishing, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

PUBLISHER Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

Letter to Readers Dear Readers, If you have purchased this copy of Commando Cowboys Reclaim Their Love by Paige Cameron from BookStrand.com or its official distributors, thank you. Also, thank you for not sharing your copy of this book.

Regarding E-book Piracy This book is copyrighted intellectual property. No other individual or group has resale rights, auction rights, membership rights, sharing rights, or any kind of rights to sell or to give away a copy of this book. The author and the publisher work very hard to bring our paying readers high-quality reading entertainment. This is Paige Cameron’s livelihood. It’s fair and simple. Please respect Ms. Cameron’s right to earn a living from her work. Amanda Hilton, Publisher www.SirenPublishing.com www.BookStrand.com

DEDICATION To my wonderful ladies lunch group, who spontaneously started a brainstorming session on story ideas. It was fun, and one of your ideas will hopefully be a book someday.

COMMANDO COWBOYS RECLAIM THEIR LOVE Wyoming Warriors 4 PAIGE CAMERON Copyright © 2012

Chapter One Cassandra Venitia parked her car, after returning from Ellen, Sahale, and Jack’s wedding. Her insides still quivered from the sight of Lang and hearing his beautiful voice. For ten years she’d pushed the thought of the two men she’d left behind down deep inside her. Since she’d been home she’d gone out of her way to visit her mother on the ranch when she thought Lang Connor and Nick Kenric would be working. Until today, she’d managed to avoid seeing them. She climbed the back stairs of the wooden building to her apartment. The first floor was her shop. She’d rented the space when she moved back to Lovettville, Wyoming. Entering her small apartment, she went to the cubbyhole kitchen and put on the teakettle. Her mother had given her some of Nanna’s teas during her last visit. Nanna, Lang and Sahale’s grandmother, created teas for various ailments. This particular one was suppose to have a calming effect. The way Cassandra’s insides felt right now, she definitely needed to relax. She slipped out of her dress and heels and put on a faded pair of jeans and a T-shirt, leaving off her bra. Might as well be comfortable. Her friend, Cindy, enjoyed working in the shop and didn’t expect her

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back for at least another hour or so. The teakettle whistled. Cassandra poured the hot water into the small china teapot and left it to steep for a few minutes. She walked across her living room and stared at the small town and in the distance to the snow-covered mountains. Just looking out at the natural beauty made her feel better. After living in crowded metropolitan areas, Cassandra had been ready to return home. Funny, when she’d lived here, she had never thought of it as her home, had in fact rejected the ranch and the town. Her tea was ready. She poured a cup and sipped the sweet liquid. The warmth spread into the cold parts of her body. When the doorbell rang, she jumped. Who could be at her door? She never had company. She tiptoed cautiously across the room. She didn’t have a peephole. Keeping the chain lock in place, she cracked the door open. “You rushed away from the reception and didn’t give me a chance to say hello.” Nick, sunlight shining on his golden-brown hair, leaned his tall body against her doorframe. “Aren’t you going to ask me inside?” “I didn’t see you at the wedding.” “No, you were too busy looking for Lang and trying to decide how to get out of there before he joined the group at the reception.” “How do you know what I was thinking?” She frowned at him. “Honey, I always could read you like a book, except for that last time. We didn’t expect to not see you again for ten years. Can I come in to talk?” he asked again. She started to tell him no, to say she wasn’t feeling well. But she’d never been a coward. There was no need to start now. She shut the door and unfastened the chain, then opened the door to him. “Come in. Do you want a cup of tea?” Nick strolled to the kitchen and sniffed her cup. “Ah, one of Nanna’s famous brews. I think I’ll pass. I don’t guess you’d have a beer in that tiny box.” He nodded to her refrigerator.

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“It is small.” She smiled. “No beer, but I do have an open bottle of wine.” “No thanks, I’ll pass.” He strolled around her living room, looking at the paintings on the walls and the view outside. “Nice little place, Cassie. Not what I’d expected, nor is your shop.” Inside Cassandra’s nerves were jumping and her heartbeat tripped double time. His particular scent filled the air, and he was even more handsome than she remembered. The ten years had refined the young man’s looks. His shoulders were broader, tight abs were defined under his blue T-shirt, and snug jeans hugged lean hips and long legs. She wet her dry lips and caught a flash of lust flaring briefly in his summer-blue eyes. “When did you visit my shop?” she finally managed to ask. “One day last week. You were out.” “It must have been the day I took my mother to the city for her treatment.” Nick’s eyes darkened. “How is she?” “Not good. The treatments for her cancer aren’t working as well as we’d hoped.” “I’m sorry, Cassie.” Nick stepped toward her. She backed away. No one had called her Cassie in years. She hadn’t allowed it. The name reminded her too much of the way it sounded when Nick or Lang said “Cassie” in their deep, husky voices. “How is Lang?” she asked. “Lang doesn’t change. He’s the immovable object, calm, cool, able to deal with any emergency.” “It always surprised me that you two were such good friends,” Cassie said. “He had all the patience in the world and you had very little.” Seeing Nick reminded her of their uniqueness and how she’d admired and loved them. At least in the way an eighteen-year-old loved. She’d been full of angst, lots of emotion, and incredible lows and highs. She’d walked away from the feelings and the men. Nick sprawled on her sofa. “Sit down, Cassie.”

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“Is that an order?” “Still have that chip on your shoulder?” She grinned reluctantly. “No.” She sat in the chair across from him. “Why did you leave? We waited for a message.” His eyes pierced into her. She looked down at her hands. “You didn’t look for me.” “Yes, we did.” Cassie glanced up and saw the truth in his facial expression, one of regret and sadness. “But you didn’t contact me.” “We searched to make sure for ourselves and your parents that you were all right. But it was always your choice to come back, not ours to bring you.” “I wrote to Mom.” Her body stiffened in resentment to his unspoken accusation. “You did later. At first, she was worried sick, so we checked on you. It wasn’t difficult to find where you’d gone. Once we knew you were safe, we respected your decision and left you alone. But you didn’t answer my question about why you left?” “I’m not sure. I was eighteen and overwhelmed by all the new emotions flooding over me. You two were ready to marry and settle down at twenty. I didn’t believe it would last, or that I was ready for that kind of responsibility. And you know I never felt I belonged on the ranch.” “That was all in your mind, Cassie. Our people accepted you and your mom wholeheartedly.” “Perhaps I was too young to know what I wanted.” She stood and walked across to stare at the mountains again. **** Nick admired her slim body. Faded jeans clung to her sweet ass,

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and her T-shirt emphasized those lush breasts. He doubted she remembered she was braless. Her pert nipples had pushed against the soft, cotton shirt, pointing right at him when she opened the door. Hot desire had flooded his system and went straight to his dick. She had soft curves, long legs, and full, rosy lips that begged to be kissed. It had taken all his restraint not to grab her, kiss her, and hold her tight against his hungry body. “Neither of you two has married?” she asked, still standing with her back to him. “No. We plan to marry the same woman, as we told you before. But I finished getting my degree in architecture and worked away from the ranch for about five years. I just returned a few months before you.” She turned, and he savored her sweet, heart-shaped face. Her crystal-clear, green eyes shone like jewels guarded by long, dark eyelashes, a contrast to the light-blonde hair falling across her shoulders and down her back. “You were gone that long?” “Unlike you, I visited often. I was never completely happy living in a big city, in another state, far from Wyoming. The land is more a part of me than I realized.” Cassie moved closer to him, a puzzled look on her face. “But you’re an architect and a good one. I saw a few of the buildings you designed in a magazine. What job are you doing on the ranch?” “I’m in charge of all the construction, and I have other duties.” He shrugged, not giving her the full answer. She didn’t need to know he worked with Mitch and Daren, the leaders, when they went out on assignments. He stood and reached for Cassie. She tried to move out of his way, but he pulled her into his arms before she had time to put space between them. Feeling her curvy frame against him sent pleasure shooting to his brain and to his cock. He was hard instantly. His hand tipped her face upward. Her eyes were full of confusion

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and, though she tried to hide it, hunger. Lowering his head, his mouth covered her lips. Dear sweet heaven. I’ve missed her more than I thought. With his other arm, he moved her abdomen hard against his throbbing cock. “Feel how hungry I am for you, Cassie. My body recognizes you by touch, scent, and taste.” She opened her mouth to speak, and his tongue slipped inside to ravish the sweet interior. Damn, he ached to bury himself inside her so deep she’d never be able to forget him or leave them ever again. He wanted his scent on her, claiming her as his, warning others to stay away. The feelings rioting through him were more savage than the cultured man he’d thought himself to be. He picked her up and carried her into the bedroom. Then he threw her onto the bed and followed her down, covering her body with his. Before she could protest, his mouth was on hers. He ran his fingers along the outline of her earlobes and his lower body rubbed across her abdomen. She moaned and moved her body closer against his. Her fingers ran through his hair. His heart pounded in his chest. “Mine,” he whispered against her lips. “Mine.” One hand slipped inside the waistband of her jeans and panties to rub the tiny nub. Her body jerked with desire. Nick raised his head. “You want me.” It wasn’t a question. He saw her flushed face, her dark-green, hungry eyes, the pulse beating against the fair skin at her neck. He unfastened the button at her waist and yanked the jeans and her panties off. Spreading her legs, he licked her tender petals hiding the opening to her pussy. His mouth covered her swollen nub. He licked and sucked, bringing a low moan, and she whispered his name. Nick sat back on the bed and undid his jeans. He pushed them down and removed his boots and pants. He felt her eyes on him the entire time. Quickly he pulled a condom from his jeans pocket and rolled it onto his hard dick.

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Straddling her again, he grabbed the bottom of her shirt and whipped it off. Her full breasts and rose-colored nipples taunted him. His mouth closed over one, and he suckled the sweet taste of her while his other hand moved to her pussy. The scent of their hunger filled the room around them. His dick pulsed with the need to take her, to pound into her. He positioned his cock at her opening and watched her expression as he slid in to the hilt. Damn, she was tight. He tried to go slow, but his hunger wouldn’t let him. Moving faster and faster he pounded into her hot, wet pussy. She rose to meet his every thrust, taking him in as deep as he could go. Her inner walls began to pulse and quiver around him. Her body tightened, and she shouted his name as her eyes went dark and her head tipped back. Her pussy clamped tight and her inner walls rippled around his cock, draining him dry and spiking his body with intense pleasure. His heart almost exploded at climax. It had been years since he’d felt this kind of release. Even then, the feelings had not been this overwhelming. He rolled to the side, keeping her close against him. She’d closed her eyes and lay breathing deep and fast. A fine sheen of perspiration covered her creamy skin. “I hope the next time isn’t better. I don’t think I could handle it,” he said. Cassandra rolled to the side of the bed and got up. She grabbed her shirt and pulled it on. The hem came to the top of her thighs, covering the most delectable parts. “You shouldn’t assume there will be a next time.” He stared at her. “What? You enjoyed what we did.” “Yes. We were both overcome with memories of another time. I have no idea what I want, or if I will ever decide to marry. Don’t make assumptions about me.” ****

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His beautiful body moved gracefully up and out of her bed. When he turned and faced her, her breath caught. Handsome, tanned and muscled, how could any woman resist him? He raked his longer-thannormal brown hair off his forehead. “What was this?” He pointed to the bed. “A fun fling?” “I’m not sure. You took over and I just followed.” She shrugged. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had sex. You were hungry. I was too. We had a good time. Just don’t make too much of it.” She forced herself to turn and walk into her tiny bathroom. After she shut the door, she got into the tub and turned on the shower above, letting cold water pour over her hot body. Maybe that would cool her desire for a man she dared not encourage. She picked up the soap and quickly finished her bath. When she opened the door and went into her bedroom, he was gone. The bed was made. He’d put her jeans and panties on the chair. In the living room the quiet echoed around her. He’d locked the door after him. She buried her face in her hands. The words she’d said were the hardest she’d ever had to say. But she had no choice. She had a problem that had to be taken care of before committing herself to anyone. If Nick or Lang knew, they’d be determined to protect her. They’d be sure that no one could hurt them. She wasn’t taking a chance. The problem was hers. She hadn’t intended to see Nick or Lang until she knew for certain she’d escaped the man she feared. Or he’d lost interest in pursuing her. No way was she involving anyone else in a situation that she could have avoided if she’d just returned home sooner. Especially not the two men she’d left behind, and who she thought she might still love.

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Chapter Two “I thought I might find you here,” Nick sauntered into the large house he and Lang had recently finished building. “Still working on the little details? I told you everything is perfect. It’s just for us.” “Doesn’t matter. I’m not stopping until I’m satisfied.” Lang stepped back and viewed the fancy woodwork he’d done around the top of the kitchen cabinets. “And I think I’m finally done.” Nick threw himself into one of the two chairs they’d recently bought. “Are we going to ask Rae to do the rest of the furnishing and decorating?” “Yeah. She has a good eye for what suits the person.” “I think it goes along with her ability to see someone with all her senses.” Nick stared out the huge window that brought in sunlight to the living room and loft above. “You’re out of sorts. The visit didn’t go well?” “Seemed to until the end, when she basically showed me out the door after we had mind-blowing sex.” “Maybe it wasn’t mind blowing to her?” Lang grinned at his best friend. “Hell yes it was. She couldn’t hide her response now any better than she did ten years ago. But something is bothering her.” He noted the grin left Lang’s face and was replaced with the stoic look he often wore to hide emotion. “Doesn’t sound like she’s changed much in the ten years she’s been gone.” Lang turned his back and went to the kitchen sink to wash his hands. “Let’s go to the cabin and cook our dinner. I’m making rounds again later tonight.”

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The men walked out side by side. Lang went to his truck and Nick to his. Nick glanced across the hood. “Working twenty-three hours a day isn’t going to get her out of your system. You said you smelled her scent at the wedding. We’ve never gotten her out of our minds or hearts. But this time we won’t let her get away. She’s ours and we’re going to reclaim her.” “And if she doesn’t want us?” “For shame, when have we ever been unable to convince a woman they wanted us?” “Ten years ago, when she left us high and dry.” Lang’s dry tone masked the ache Nick knew he was feeling. Hell, he felt it, too. They’d found the one woman for them, and still she resisted admitting the truth. She loved them. He’d tasted, smelled, touched her need, her hunger to let go and be theirs. What was holding her back this time? Irritated with Lang’s comment and his own thoughts, Nick slammed his truck door shut and drove fast down the two-lane road toward the central part of the ranch where they had their cabin. In his rearview mirror, he saw Lang following. Rae was crossing the road to go to the leader’s ranch house when they turned onto the main road. Nick pulled his truck to the side and stopped. Rae walked to his open window. “You must have been out to see your new house. I visited yesterday. It’s really beautiful,” Rae said. “We like it. But it needs some decorating and furniture. We thought you might take on the job for us.” Lang had stopped and walked over to join them. “For pay,” he added. “You always want to make it a gift. You’re talented. You need to start treating your work as a business.” “I don’t know. I’ve thought about it, but I’m frequently gone on jobs with Mitch and the crew.” “Well start with us. We’re hiring you.” Nick flashed his convincing smile at her. She laughed. “All right. And since you say it’s business I’ll give

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you an estimate after I do my plans. I’m going to be expensive.” Both men laughed. “I think we can afford you.” They waved good-bye as they got in their trucks and drove home. “I’ll cook dinner,” Nick said as they walked into the cabin. “Yeah, right. It’s real hard to warm up those ribs Tessa cooked for us.” Lang waved and went on down the hall to his room. Nick put the ribs in the oven to warm and took out fresh vegetables to cook. He liked working in the kitchen. Some of his best ideas came to him while he cooked. If he hadn’t studied architecture, he thought he might have been a chef. He was convinced Cassie had a problem she didn’t want to share, and that was preventing her from committing to him and Lang. She’d responded fully to him until the end. What had brought the abrupt change? Lang came back and joined Nick in the kitchen. He opened a bottle of merlot and poured them both a glass. “I can see you’ve been deep in thought. Are we expecting company?” “No, why?” Nick raised his head and looked at him. Lang motioned to the salad bowl. “That’s enough for four people, not two.” Nick had to laugh. “Guess you’re right. My thoughts did get away with me, but I have an idea.” “Feed me first.” Lang sat at the kitchen table. “We really need to get married,” Nick said. “We’re beginning to sound like an old married couple.” He brought the salad, bowls, and silverware to the table and joined Lang. Lang ate several bites then put his fork down. “All right, I can’t stand you staring at me while I eat. Go ahead. What’s the idea?” “To get Rae to invite Cassie to help with decorating the house. She and Cassie used to be good friends, and Cassie has a flair for design and color. We’ll ask Rae not to tell her whose house it is.” “And you think she won’t know when she walks in?”

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“Probably, but hopefully that will hook her to be involved.” “I always knew you were devious, but it’s a good idea.” **** Rae peeked in the shop window. She wasn’t sure why she’d let Nick and Lang talk her into their plan. But she did like Cassie, and Nick and Lang were two of her favorite people. The shop looked empty. A good time to visit. As she stepped inside a bell over the door rang. Cassie glanced up from her work and smiled. “Rae, I haven’t seen you since I’ve been back.” “Mitch has kept me busy on assignments. I just returned a few days ago.” “You look wonderful.” “So do you. With your hair in that ponytail you still look eighteen.” “I have good genes, but inside, I don’t feel that young. Thank goodness. I was an idiot back then.” Rae wandered around the shop. “I like it.” She stopped at the counter where Cassie’s jewelry sparkled in the light. “You’re very talented.” Rae gazed across at Cass. “I’d never expected you to come back to Lovettville, much less open a shop with unique jewelry and Native American artifacts and paintings.” Cassie laughed. “Neither did I. But life takes you on different twists and turns.” “I’d love to hear the story sometime.” “You may be one of the few people I’d be willing to tell.” “Actually, I had two reasons to come see you today. One was to welcome you back, although I’m a little late for that. The other is to ask you to help me with a job.” “A job?” “I’m considering starting a decorating business. You know, both decorating and furnishing houses or apartments. I have a knack for it,

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and have been doing some minor jobs for free. This next one is for pay, and it’s a whole house.” Cassie wrinkled her forehead. “I don’t see where I fit in.” “We talked in the past about doing this type of work together. You have a great sense for color and arrangement. I’d like you to be my partner in this first venture.” “My business keeps me pretty busy, and I take Mom to the city every other week for her treatments.” “Perhaps while you wait for her you could scout out some pictures or pieces of furniture, that sort of thing?” “I do have a lady that helps me in the shop when I have to be gone. She’d like more hours.” Cassie shrugged. “It might be fun this one time. I can’t commit for any more than that.” “Good enough. After one time I’ll have you convinced. I need someone to handle the business when I’m away on assignment. This could work out perfect for all of us.” “My assistant, Cindy, will be pleased. When do we start?” “Can you get away this afternoon?” “Let me call Cindy. Just give me a moment.” Cassie went to the phone and dialed. Rae went back to the jewelry. She noticed Cassie had made several more bracelets similar to the ones she’d done for Ellen to give to Jack and Sahale after their wedding. One particular bracelet caught Rae’s eye. It was done in white gold, with gold and black stones intertwined around the eternity sign. She swallowed around the lump in her throat. “You have the look my customers get when I’m sure I’ve got a sale.” Cassie’s teasing voice brought Rae back to the present. “I like that one.” She pointed to the bracelet she’d been studying. “How much?” “I’ll let you have it at cost—” “No. I want to pay what you’d charge any customer.” Cassie stared at her for a second. “Six hundred and fifty dollars.”

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“That sounds like less than its value.” “I give family and close friends a twenty percent discount, so shoot me.” Rae laughed. “All right, I’ll take it.” After the sale was rung up, Cassie started to put it in a box. Rae stopped her. “I’ll wear it.” “It’s a man’s bracelet.” “I know.” “Seems I’m not the only one with secrets. Cindy said she’ll be here at one. Shall I meet you at the main ranch house at one-thirty?” “Yes.” Rae waved and walked out to her car. She slid in and stared at the bracelet hanging heavy on her wrist and heart. The stones reminded her of his hair and his golden eyes. And the fact was, he was in her heart for eternity. Wherever he’d gone. She blinked the tears away, raised her chin, and drove home. She had plans to make for her new business. No time for remorse or old memories. Rae stopped in at the main ranch house to see Sara and the children. Anything to keep her mind busy until time to meet with Cassie. **** “Where is this house?” Cassie asked as they rode deep into the heart of the ranch land. “It’s in a beautiful area, sheltered between the mountains and a tree-covered bluff. This road goes across one of the lower elevations,” Rae explained as she turned onto a narrow two-lane road headed north. Cassie saw the bluff covered with cottonwood and pine trees. The road they were on curved up the bluff. At the top, Rae stopped. “Let’s get out and enjoy the view.” Not waiting for Cassie, she opened her door.

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Cool breezes blew across Cassie’s face as she stepped out of the warm car. She pulled her jacket close around her and studied the panoramic view. The mountains looked much closer than they did from her apartment window. Between the bluff and the mountains was a wide expanse of pasture land with a creek winding through the area. In the middle, a house sat surrounded by trees and flowers. Sunlight flashed off a two-story window. In the distance, to the left of the house, was a barn and a three-car garage. On the right someone had a garden. Thick trees grew further on the right. “What an idyllic setting.” Cassie whispered the words. She turned around and gazed at the tall trees scattered across the bluff. “Whoever built this wanted privacy, to keep the world out.” “I agree,” Rae said. “Shall we go forward and explore?” “Yes. I’m anxious to see the inside of the house.” The road they were on wound down off the bluff. At the bottom was a gate and a sign. Private, Keep out. “I guess they don’t mean us?” Cassie asked. “No, I have the code to get in.” She got out and punched in some numbers on the metal box attached to the gate. The gate slowly swung open. They drove through and straight to the curving driveway. Up close, Cassie’s stomach churned with butterflies. There was a familiarity about the place. But what? She’d certainly never been here before. She followed Rae to the front door and stepped gingerly inside the living room. The fireplace had been built in the center toward the back of the open room. It was made of large stones native to the area. The chimney soared to the second floor. An area wide enough to sit on circled the chimney. There was an opening on both sides. The living room walls were a shiny, medium-brown wood, and the ceiling was tongue and groove. Parquet floors were a mixture of light and dark tones. Cassie’s heart ached. She walked behind the fireplace and saw the

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bar open to a dazzling modern kitchen. Above the kitchen and facing the front window was a loft. She turned to face Rae, who was watching her closely. “This is Nick and Lang’s home.” It wasn’t a question. She didn’t need to see the rest to know they’d built her dream house. The one she’d playfully designed with Nick so many years ago. Tears filled her eyes and spilled down her face. “They sent you to convince me to help you on this project.” “Yes, but I was serious about wanting a partner.” Rae walked to her side and put her hand on Cassie’s arm. “They love you. This”— she spread out her hands to encompass the room—“is an act of love. They want the house to be what you would desire.” Gently, she wiped Cassie’s tears away with her handkerchief. “There aren’t too many women who are lucky enough to find not just one, but two men who will do anything to make the woman they love happy. Why can’t you accept them? I believe you love Lang and Nick.” “It’s a long story, and not one I can share right now. There are some problems I have to take care of first before I allow myself to think about being in their lives.” “They’ve already waited a long time. I know at least two women trying very hard to get their attention.” Cassie bit her lip. “I’m not surprised.” She wandered away from Rae and went down the hall on the left. As she expected, there were two bedrooms with an adjoining bath and an office. On the right of the house was one large bedroom. She stepped inside onto plush green carpet. Side windows faced the forest. To the front of the bedroom, she walked past two big closets on either side and into a huge bath with a sunken tub and an enormous shower. Windows faced an enclosed garden. Going back into the bedroom she passed another smaller, twosided fireplace, one side opening to the bedroom and the other to a small sitting room facing the mountains. A door led outside to a wide

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veranda. “I’m jealous,” Rae said. “If you don’t marry them, I may just to get this magnificent house.” She gazed across at Cassie. “Any ideas on how to decorate and furnish the place?” “Oh yes. I’ve dreamed of doing this for many years. Next week when I go to the city, I’ll start looking for furnishings and such.” “Good.” They walked back out to the living room. “Let’s sit in these two chairs and discuss our ideas. I told them I’d present them with a plan and a bill.” She grinned at Cassie. “This is going to be so much fun.” Cassie glanced around her. It would be, if it didn’t break her heart.

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Chapter Three They were so engrossed in discussing various ideas, neither heard the back door quietly open. Cassie sensed his eyes on her and caught his scent. She raised her head and looked into wintry-gray eyes. Her heart throbbed, and heat rushed through her veins. Her mouth went dry. “I haven’t seen you in a long time, Cassie.” His words slid inside her, smooth and luxurious like a warm sip of cognac. He strolled into the living room. “Do you like the house?” “I love it. You all used the design Nick and I made together.” “We did.” “And all the fancy, carved woodwork is your special contribution,” she added. “I like to work with my hands.” Cassie glanced at his tanned hands holding his gloves. Briefly, a picture of those hands touching her, caressing her skin, molding her breasts, sent an ache straight to her pussy. Her inner muscles clenched with desire, and moisture pooled in her panties. His eyes darkened. He was aware of the feelings he’d aroused. “Rae, shouldn’t we be heading back? I’m sure Cindy must be ready to go home.” “Sure.” Rae gathered her papers. “I’ll get back with you soon, Lang.” “No rush. We’ve waited this long. We can wait a little longer,” he said and stared across at Cassie. Her face heated. She forced herself to turn and walk out behind Rae. Her body was screaming, “stay.” She wanted to walk up to him, wrap her arms and legs around him, and

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never let go. Lang’s words stopped her at the door. “I can save Rae the trouble of driving you into town. I haven’t seen your shop yet.” She stopped in the doorway, caught between the desire to run away and her need to face Lang. His footsteps rang across the floor, bringing him right behind her. She breathed in his wonderful scent, musky and male. “Haven’t you run enough?” Her body no longer listened to her mind. She leaned back against his warm frame. Rae looked at them, smiled, waved, and went to her car. They stood and watched her drive off. Lang had opened Cassie’s coat and placed his hands on her breasts. He bent to kiss the side of her neck. Her heart beat almost uncontrollably fast as his thumbs rubbed across her pebbled nipples through her thin blouse and bra. His teeth nibbled on her earlobe as a spark of sheer pleasure shot up her spine. “Haven’t you missed this?” His soft voice blew across her ear. “I have.” He stepped back with her and, reaching around, closed the door. Turning her, he cupped her face and just stared. “So many nights, I visualized your face in front me, and I wasn’t sure if I wanted to love you or hate you.” Anger flashed briefly in the depths of his eyes. They darkened like gray clouds before a storm. “I imagined this, finally having you in my arms. And still a part of me wants to throw you away.” “Why don’t you?” She stood on her tiptoes and brushed her lips across his. “I deserve to be punished for hurting you and Nick.” “Yes, you do.” He swung her into his arms and took long strides across the room and into the large bedroom with the plush, light-green carpet. “It’s the one furnishing I picked. It reminded me of your eyes.” He laid her on the floor and stood towering over her. From some of her recent past experiences, she should be frightened from the look in his eyes and the tension in his body. But

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neither Lang nor Nick would ever hurt her. His arrogant stance above her only raised her temperature and her desire. He unsnapped his shirt and threw it aside, and then sat and pulled off his boots. Next his jeans and shorts were gone, and he stood before her. His tanned body was well muscled. His wide, hard cock jutted out, ready to plunge into her. When he pulled the rawhide tie from his hair, it fell to his shoulders like black silk. His scent had gotten stronger and flowed around him, inciting her hunger. Straddling her body on his knees, he yanked the scarf off that held her hair back and ran his hands through the strands. Lang brought a handful to his nose and breathed in. “I recognized your scent at the wedding. It almost tripped me up during my song. I had given up expecting to find you here at the ranch. And then after the wedding pictures were taken, I looked around. You were gone as quickly as mist floating away on the early morning breeze. Nick saw you, though.” “On some level, I knew he’d be the first to seek me out. You wouldn’t.” “No. I wouldn’t.” “Can you forgive me?” “Are you ready to come home all the way?” Silence stretched between them. “Then this may be all there is.” His hands quickly undressed her. When she was naked, he ran his fingers across her body. “Soft skin, sweet scent, but an uncertain heart.” He kissed her chest where her heart pounded. Then his lips closed over her breast, while his other hand went down and separated her wet folds. When his thumb rubbed against her clit, she was on fire. His lips suckled her breast, and his fingers moved from her nub and into her pussy. She rose to meet the movements of his hand. He moved his mouth from one breast to the other. His teeth scraped across her sensitive nipples. Below, his fingers moved in and

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out of her wet pussy. She grasped his cock in her hand. He was soft as satin, and yet hard. Her finger ran across the wet tip, and she sucked his essence into her mouth. He’d raised his head and watched her lick her fingers and smile. Leaning down, he kissed her mouth, and his tongue plunged inside to taste her. His finger pinched the tip of her peaked nipple, and his other hand brushed across her sensitive nub. He surrounded her, and her body ached, screamed inside her mind for him to fill her. Her one hand moved up and down his cock, and with her other she grasped his silky hair as he tormented her hungry mouth. In this moment there was nothing but her and him. The scents, the taste, the touch of skin on skin surrounded her. Her pussy tightened around his probing fingers. She pulled her head back. “Take me.” “Please?” A wicked look gleamed in his eyes. “Please, damn it.” His deep chuckle rumbled against her chest. “I will in time.” He rose and pulled her up against him. “Let’s check out the shower.” Lifting her in his arms, he carried her to the bathroom and stepped around the brick shower wall. As her feet touched the floor, Lang turned on the water, cold at first. She shivered both from the cold and hunger as he licked the first drops of moisture from her face. His mouth kissed all along her body. No other part of him touched her but his mouth. She began to tremble and shake. “I need you inside me.” “Do you? I ached for you for ten years, and now you breeze back into our lives. For how long?” He held her head tight and tilted it to face him. “How long, Cassie? For today, or next month or forever?” Lang bent his head, touching his forehead against hers. He groaned as though a sharp pain cut through him and then stepped back and out of the shower. What was he doing? He’d taken a towel off the heated rack. His eyes pierced into her. “I can’t make love to you until you are surer of

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what you want.” He turned on his heels and left her standing with the now-warm water running over her. Anger gripped her. Grabbing a towel around her, she ran behind him and yanked on his arm. He raised an eyebrow when she jerked him around. Standing tall, she slammed her lips against his. Her tongue pushed into his warm mouth and did a dueling dance of anger and lust. When he didn’t move, she slid down, kissed his hard abdomen, and then took his large cock into her mouth. She moved her head up and down his length. Her tongue ran over his satin hardness. She cupped his balls, and satisfaction swept through her when he groaned and grasped her head to steady himself. Her tongue licked up the sides and swirled across the tip as her other hand gently massaged his sac. The air steamed around them with heat and frustration. When she thought he must be ready to explode, he stopped her. He pulled her up to face him. His throbbing cock pulsed against her abdomen. She put her arms around his neck and leaned harder against him. “Damn you! Hold on to me.” He gripped her legs, pulling them around his middle. In one quick move he pushed her back against the wall and his cock plunged into her. He was so big at first she felt a slight discomfort, but then she sat further on him and her inner walls clenched him even tighter. Heat and pleasure spread outward as he pushed deep inside. Ripples began to massage his cock and send sparks of excitement flowing in her blood. Lang savaged her mouth as he plunged in and out, taking them both out of themselves and sending them flying high until everything exploded around them. He held her trembling body tight between him and the wall. His hot seed spurted against her womb. As though reality hit him in the head, he moved quickly out of her and let her legs slide to the carpet. He went across the room and started to dress. She stood where he left her and watched. Throwing her a glance, he walked to the door.

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“I’ll meet you outside in my car.” He walked briskly away from her. She went back to the shower, turned on the warm water, and rinsed off. The water mingled with the tears sliding down her face. She got out and reached for a warm towel. The soft material caressed her supersensitive skin. Her hunger wasn’t gone, just slightly appeased. He was waiting in the car with the motor running when she came out to join him. He didn’t comment when she got in. Since her hair was still wet, she’d left it down. The car heater felt good. Her body was chilled inside and out. Lang drove quickly and silently down the roads to town. He stopped in front of her shop. “Will you come in?” “No.” He didn’t look at her, but stared straight ahead. Cassie got out and went around to his window. He lowered the glass. “Don’t worry. You aren’t compromised. I’m on the Pill.” Turning, she went inside. As she shut the door to her shop, she heard him drive off. Pain sliced through her, but she raised her chin and smiled at Cindy. There’d be time enough later to think about what happened. **** Lang was mad at himself. He believed in staying calm. He didn’t allow emotion to rule him, not until today. When he’d seen Rae’s car he had to find out if Cassie was with her. The first sight of her sent a piercing pain into his chest and desire flooded his system. He’d refused to admit how much her desertion had hurt him until he saw her. A confusion of desire, anger, and hunger all swamped him. Memories he’d buried deep rushed to the forefront and floored him. Part of him wanted her so badly he could hardly wait until Rae was gone. Then he promised himself to just taste and touch her skin.

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To take deep breaths of her sweet scent, but to hold back until she was sure what she wanted. But when he held her soft breasts in his hands and kissed her neck right where her pulse pounded, all his sense left him and his blood ran to fill his hungry dick. Still, he managed to pull away at the last minute and put them both in a cold shower. It took every bit of his self-imposed training to turn and walk away. But she followed, all angry and hot. His floodgates broke along with his control. He couldn’t stop himself. His world was shattering around him, but still he plunged inside her wet, hot pussy. He pounded inside her sweet pussy as her inner walls clamped tight around his dick. And he found the release he’d tried to deny them both. Nick was right. She was theirs, whether she wanted to admit it yet or not. They were going to reclaim her and marry her. They had her house ready. He drove past their new house toward the mountains. He took a side road and crossed the bridge to Nanna’s home. She raised her head from where she’d been tending her flowers, stood, and brushed the dirt from her hands. “Langundo.” She opened her arms as he stepped out of his car. She was one of the few people who called him by his full name. It meant peaceful, and she’d remarked that he’d been aptly named. But not today. All his peace had left him. He stepped into her soft embrace and leaned down to hug her. She patted his face. “You have come just in time to join me in a cup of tea.” Nanna ushered him inside her small cabin. As usual, the scent of herbs and spices filled the air. “What new flavors have you made now, Nanna?” Nanna washed her hands at the sink, and then filled her teakettle with water. “Sit.” She motioned him to a chair by the small table. “Nothing new today. I sense you need my calming tea.” She smiled. “It will be new to you, as you have not needed this particular tea in a

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long time.” Nanna sat and took his large hands in her small ones. “She is back.” “Yes.” She studied him for a long moment in time. They faced each other, and she stared into his eyes. “You have always amazed me. Even as a little boy, there was a look of maturity, a quietness about you. Your mother worried that you were not the normal rowdy child, but loved your books and the study of nature. But I told her you would do well, and you have.” The teakettle whistled. Nanna got up and made their tea. She cut pieces of banana bread and placed several on a plate for him. “Eat and sip some tea, then we will walk outside and talk.” A sense of calmness returned. His muscles loosened, and the anger biting at him smoothed out and evaporated. He smiled at the small woman sitting across from him. “What would we do without you, Nanna?” “You’d do just fine. Now come, let’s go outside and walk.” They walked toward the creek and along the bank. Sunlight glinted through the trees, sparkling off the water as it gurgled over stones and fallen leaves. “You’re right, Nanna. I was always fascinated with nature and the land around me. The time away at college to get my agricultural degree seemed to take forever.” She glanced at him. “That’s why you seldom go on assignment with Nick and the others.” “Yes. Mitch and Daren and I agreed I do best watching out for things here at home.” He grinned. “Mitch says the main times he needs me are when there are sensitive negotiations to be done and agreements to be made. I enjoy that part of the work, but I’m always glad to be back home.” She nodded. “You remind me of my father. He was a man of the land, settled as strong as an oak tree on his particular acres.” A soft laugh escaped her lips. “Momma would get frustrated trying to get

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him to travel, take a vacation. He told her he was on vacation every day when he rode across his land and saw the sun rise and set.” “Were they happy?” “Yes, in spite of their differences, they had a fierce love for each other.” She stopped walking and turned to him. “You fear the two of you are too different?” “Perhaps, and yet on another level I know she is the one for Nick and I.” “Once you find that special person, if you do, because not all of the men are so lucky, then you will not be satisfied without her.” “She isn’t even one of us, Nanna.” “No? Time will tell.” “She’s aware of our special skills, the extrasensory powers and strength. Which has made her feel inadequate. But others have found spouses from outside our community, and the women have not reacted as Cassie. Look at Mitch, Daren, Justin, and Ethan, and most recently Sahale and Jack to name a few.” “Ah, but Sara was found to be a descendent of the lost tribe, and her friends were not young teenagers. They were mature women. Your Cassie was only eighteen when she ran away. Something has brought her back. Give her time to settle, to see this is the place she can’t leave behind.” “Ten years isn’t enough?” But when Nanna didn’t answer him, Lang knew it was useless to try and get more information from her. They turned and walked back to the house. At her door, he bent and kissed her cheek. “Thanks, Nanna.” When he straightened and turned to go, she caught his arm. “Arrange for her to talk with the Priestess, when the time is right.” Lang stared into her beautiful aquamarine eyes. A quietness settled over his heart. “I will.” He drove away quickly. He had work to do and men to check on. For now, he pushed Cassie to the back of his mind.

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Chapter Four Cassie rushed. She’d overslept, and she needed to pick her mom up at nine sharp. This past week she’d worked late on designing her jewelry while trying to keep thoughts of Lang and Nick out of her mind. She didn’t go to bed until exhaustion claimed her. “You look as bad as I feel,” her mother said as she came out of the house. She handed Cassie the keys to her SUV. “Let’s take my vehicle. The seats are more comfortable.” “Are you having a lot of pain?” “Some. The last treatment didn’t seem to help as much.” “Put your seat back and rest.” Cassie helped her mother up and in the SUV. Her skin had a grayish color, and her mother’s golden hair hung dull and limp around her head and shoulders. She saw Cassie’s look. “It’s coming out. I thought I’d have you take me to the beauty shop next to the hospital, after my treatment, I’ll have my hair cut short. I can’t bear to shave my head, not yet.” “Sure, Mom. I’ll make an appointment for you while you’re with the doctor.” Her mother nodded and closed her eyes. Cassie turned on the radio to a jazz station her mother liked. “I’m glad you came home, Cassie.” “I came as soon as I knew. I’m sorry we missed these past years.” “It doesn’t matter. You’re back now.” She turned her head toward Cassie. “You are going to stay, aren’t you?” A lump formed in Cassie’s throat. “Yes.” She hoped she wasn’t lying. “My wish is to see you happy and married.”

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“I am happy, Mom.” “Not totally. You should be married already and have little ones running around. But it’s not too late. I’m certain Nick and Lang still care for you. They’ve never seriously dated anyone from the ranch or town. They’d make you good husbands.” “I know.” “Then do something about it, soon. I want to see my daughter at her wedding.” “The oldest of my brothers has married and given you a daughterin-law. Isn’t that enough?” Her mother gave her a glance like she did when Cassie was younger and spouting nonsense. “It’s not the same. You know it.” “I can’t just marry to please you. I have to be sure.” “You are sure. Whatever is holding your back, get rid of it.” After several minutes of silence, Cassie saw by her mother’s soft breathing that she’d gone to sleep. Get rid of what is holding me back. If only she was certain the threat was gone, she would go on with her life. **** She left her mother in the nurse’s capable hands and went to the salon, as her mother had directed, and made a hair appointment. That done, she decided to look for rugs for Lang and Nick’s house. There was a Native American shop a few miles away where she often bought items for her store. She’d seen some rugs that would look perfect in the living room and the family room behind the kitchen. Cassie wandered through the big store. She found several smaller items for her shop and two colorful rugs for the house. She also bought twin large vases to sit on either side of the front door of Lang and Nick’s house. Two of the men loaded the rugs and other items into the SUV. It was time to get her mother. She got into the driver’s seat and

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started the car. A chill went down her spine. Glancing back as she pulled out of the parking space, she saw a blond-haired man gazing after her. Peter? She gunned the motor and turned right at the corner. Quickly, she wove around several streets until satisfied he didn’t follow. Her fear squeezed her chest tight. Was it him standing there, or was her anxiety causing her to see him in every blond-haired man his height? And did he get the tag number? If he came nosing around her mother’s house, might he hurt her? She wasn’t sure what to do. She hadn’t planned to tell anyone about Peter, her obsessive, abusive former boyfriend. She’d still wait before speaking with her stepfather, Ralph. They were close, and she didn’t want to admit what a fool she’d been while she was gone. It was probably an overreaction on her part. She’d been almost certain she was free of Peter. There had been no messages or sightings since she’d left San Francisco. But with his wealth and connections, he’d have resources to try and find her. A headache started at the base of her skull. When she got to the hospital, she took a pill for it before going to get her mother. Dr. Castor stopped her as she started in the room where her mother got her treatments. “I want to speak with you. Come down the hall to my office.” He led the way. Once inside he walked behind his desk and motioned for her to sit. “She’s not doing well, is she?” Dr. Castor shook his head. “Not as well as I’d like. Shall I ask her husband to come in to talk with me, or can you tell him that she’s not responding to the treatments as much as we’d like her to?” “Are you ending the treatments?” “We’ll see. If she doesn’t begin to show some benefit from them, we’ll have to stop.” “I’ll talk to Dad. He’ll call if he has questions.” “Good enough.” Dr. Castor stood and shook her hand. “She’s been happier these past few months since you’ve been home.”

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“I know. Thank you, Dr. Castor, for everything. Taking a deep breath and forcing back the tears, Cassie walked slowly toward the room where her mother waited. The storm brewing around her these past few days had arrived, and inside her the pain and fear clutched tight. **** Her mother slept most of the way back to the ranch. She’d gotten her hair cut and in the process expended all her energy. Cassie parked the SUV and helped her mother inside to her bed. “I’ll ask Dad to take the rugs I bought out to Lang and Nick’s new house. I’m going now, but I’ll be back later to check on you.” Her mother reached up and touched Cassie’s cheek. “Don’t worry. I’m going to sleep. Ralph always comes home at lunch to see me.” Cassie sat on the side of the bed. “You’ve been happy with Dad?” “Of course.” She gave Cassie a weak smile. “I love Ralph and our sons. But you, my darling Cassie, are my only daughter. I want you to be happy. I’m sorry you felt like an outsider here. I never understood why. Ralph treated you like you were his own child.” “He did, and I love him like he is my real father. I love my brothers. It wasn’t anything you or they did. I had a restlessness inside me that I couldn’t get rid of. I had to leave to find out who I was. I hope that makes sense to you.” “Sort of. Are you settled now?” “I hope so. Don’t worry. I’ll find my home just as you did. Sleep now. We’ll talk more when you’re rested.” She sat and held her mother’s hand until she fell asleep. After she put the items she’d bought for the shop in her trunk, she drove to Rae’s house, hoping she’d be home. Rae’s cabin was close to her brothers’, the leaders, ranch house. Cassie saw Rae’s car in the drive when she turned onto the main street. Rae met her at the door. “I heard your car. Come in. I’m working

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on the plans.” “I found some beautiful rugs and left them in the SUV. Dad will take them out to the house.” “Great. You look exhausted. How about a glass of iced tea?” Cassie chuckled. “You remembered that’s my drink of choice.” “I did.” Rae led her to the kitchen, and Cassie sat and watched as she poured them tea and added sugar. Cassie leaned her head back against the wall and closed her eyes for a second. “That bad?” Cassie opened her eyes and saw Rae had sat across the small table from her. A tall glass of tea had been placed in front on her. She took a long swallow. “Thanks, I needed that. Yes, it’s bad. They’re considering stopping the treatments for Mom. The doctor said they aren’t working.” Suddenly anger overflowed inside her. She frowned at Rae. “You all are so smart. Don’t you have anything to help Mom? You have some of the brightest scientists in the country working all day on whatever.” “I’m not sure what all they work on, either. Let me talk to Mitch or Daren. They’d know. Most of the medical innovations have been done to adapt medicines and treatments for our people. One of the main problems has always been the difference in our blood. We can’t take blood transfusions from the usual supply. We have to keep our own. “Even if we have a treatment that might help your mother, she’d have to be checked thoroughly first. Our doctors would want to see if when she was pregnant, she got enough of our cells in her system to accept treatment geared for us.” “Doesn’t giving birth affect all the women the same?” “No. Some are more adaptive and pick up more cells in transference between the mother and the placenta. But before I get into a more involved explanation let me talk to my brothers and see

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what they have to say.” Cassie grasped her hand. “You’ve given me hope.” “Don’t assume we have the answer to cure her. I don’t want you to be disappointed.” “All right. I’ve got to get to the shop. Call me as soon as you talk with Mitch and Daren.” During her drive, Cassie couldn’t stop hoping, and the uplifting feeling built inside of her. When she parked behind her business, she sat for a minute. She wanted to know more about the people she’d felt so alien to in the past, and to understand them. Instead of rejecting all their offers to include her. Her friend, Caedmon, had encouraged her to come back. “What you seek, you have left behind. Go find the knowledge and you will find yourself.” She could hear his voice in her ear. And yet it had taken her another three years to finally follow his advice. Three years that had complicated her return. **** Mitch and Daren raised their heads from the map they were studying when Rae knocked on the open door. “Can I come in?” Daren smiled and walked across to hug her. “You know we’re always glad to see our favorite sister.” Rae wrinkled her nose at him. “I’m your only sister.” “True, and you’re still my favorite.” Laughing, Rae went to Mitch and hugged him. “He’s”—she nodded at Daren—“incorrigible.” “I know. Sara tells him that often. Have a seat. What brings you to see us in the middle of the day? I heard you had a new, big job.” “I do, and I’m getting paid. Actually I was working on the plans when Cassie came to see me. She’s my partner.” “Partner?” Daren asked from where he’d slouched down in one of the chairs.

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“I’ve decided to start a business in decorating and furnishing houses. Cassie can keep things going while I’m on assignment. She has an uncanny eye for color and design, too. We’ll work well together.” “Congratulations,” Mitch said. “That’s a great idea.” “Cassie is the reason I came by today. She just left my house. She has been taking her mother to the city for her cancer treatments. The doctor is concerned the therapy isn’t working. She may die unless we have something that might help.” She looked from Mitch to Daren. “All our medical research is geared to our anatomy and physiology,” Daren said. “Do we have medical care for cancer?” Rae persisted. “Our scientists have made some breakthroughs, but the risk of using them on a regular earthling could be fatal,” Mitch warned. “She may have some of our cells circulating in her blood,” Rae reminded him. “Probably not enough. If she was like Sara and a descendent of the third tribe, then she’d probably do fine.” Mitch walked from around his desk and put his arm around Rae. “I know you want to help. You should talk with Jack. He’ll have more answers than me or Daren. Ask him to check her. He’s done a lot of studying about the differences in our two races. He’d be considered the expert among our doctors in that area.” Rae started out the door. “Wait.” Mitch stopped her. “First talk with Ralph and Liz. See if they want you to check into this option for her. Explain the dangers.” “You’re right. I was so anxious to find something, anything that might help, I forgot to include the patient and her family. I’ll go over to their house now. It’s past lunch, but maybe Ralph will still be home.” She hurried to her car and drove quickly to Cassie’s family’s home. Ralph was just walking to his car. His shoulders were slouched, and his face looked drawn and worried.

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“Ralph, I’m glad I caught you. I have something to discuss with you and Liz.” “She’s so weak, Rae. I left her in bed.” “Let me tell you my idea.” Rae watched his face as she told him about her talk with Mitch and Daren. He shook his head. “I don’t know, Rae. I doubt she’s strong enough to handle that. Even if she has some of our cells or antibodies, the treatment would still be more difficult for her than us.” “That’s true.” She waited to let him think more on the idea. “I’ll drive by the hospital this afternoon and talk with Jack. I understand he just got back from his honeymoon.” A weak smile crossed his face. “Lang will give me the time off. I’d rather see what Jack says before talking with Liz.” “I’m sure you’re right. I’ll leave it up to you.” “Thanks, Rae. I appreciate the thought.” “Thank your daughter. Cassie was furious and demanding help for her mother when I saw her earlier.” “She called me and told me about the visit. She does love her momma,” Ralph said. “I hope Jack has good news for us. I may call Cassie and ask her to go with me to see him.” “That’s a good idea. I’ll talk with you later.” She waved and drove home. She’d done what she could for now. **** Cassie sat on the edge of her seat waiting to hear what Dr. Jack Talisman would say about helping her mother. They’d given him all the information they knew, and he’d called Dr. Castor and gotten a report from him. Jack leaned back in his chair and reached for a large book off the shelf behind him. “Let me check something. I do love a challenge and”—he flashed them a smile—“I like saving lives.”

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“Here’s what I want.” He read several pages while they watched. “All right. Here’s the plan. If Liz is agreeable, bring her to my office this evening. I see my last patient at four, so have her here at five. I’ll run some lab work. I’ll have the results later tonight and talk with several of our scientists, including my wife, Ellen. Tomorrow I’ll have a better idea whether we can even attempt using any new, experimental drug on her.” “Use it,” Ralph said. “She’s dying anyway. It may help. If it doesn’t it won’t make her worse. She’s already as bad as she can get.” “I understand your frustration. But we can’t work that way. There has to be at least a possibility that the medicine will help. Otherwise it might cause her a great deal of pain and shorten what time she has.” “Dad, he’s right. We’ll talk with Mom this afternoon, get the tests, and see what happens tomorrow.” “I may need you to be involved.” Jack looked across at her. “How?” “Are you the same blood type as her?” “Yes, I am.” “Good. If we start the treatment and she reacts, giving her your blood might bring her around. I’ll have my nurse draw blood before you leave for a type and crossmatch to be sure you are totally compatible.” Jack buzzed his nurse, and she led them out and to the nearby lab. Ralph stood by as the nurse drew some blood from Cassie. When they got in the car, Ralph turned to Cassie. “You’ll come home with me now to help me explain all this to Liz.” “Of course, Dad. I’ll do whatever it takes to make Momma better.” Ralph grinned at her. “It’s good to have you home. It’s been a long time since you called your mom Momma.” “I know. I feel like a little girl who wants to sit in her lap and be comforted, be told everything will be all right.” “I understand, and maybe it will.”

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Cassie sat on a chair by her mother’s bed while Ralph sat beside her mother and held her hand. He told her about the possibility of a treatment, giving her all the facts they knew. “We’ll know more after your blood tests tomorrow, if you agree.” She looked at Cassie. “What do you think?” “It’s your decision, Mom. I don’t want to influence you.” Cassie had called her three brothers and asked them to come to the house. They stood in the doorway. “What do you think?” her mother asked them. “Whatever will make you well, Mom.” The oldest, Ralph Jr., spoke for all three. “I know I want to live to see you all married.” Her two unmarried sons gave a laugh and a shrug. “You’ll change your mind in a few years.” She turned her attention back on Cassie. “But you should already be married. I worry about you.” “I’m fine.” “Stay here and go with us at five to see the doctor,” her mother said. She held on to Cassie’s hand. “I planned to. I’ll go cook dinner for you and Dad.” She looked at her brothers. “Do you plan to stay and eat?” “Judy will be waiting for me to get home,” Ralph Jr. said. It still amazed Cassie that he was married. He was only nineteen, but he and Judy had been an item since they were fifteen. They didn’t want to wait for anything, so six months ago they’d married. Cassie had missed the wedding. Cassie nodded at him and kissed his cheek. “What about you two?” Her single brothers grinned. “We won’t say no to a meal.” The middle brother spoke for both of them. “Just as I expected,” Cassie teased back. She went into the kitchen. Cooking would keep her busy until they could return to Dr. Jack’s office. It was going to be a long night. ****

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Cassie was surprised to see Ellen with Jack. Hope and fear raced through her. Was Ellen being here a good sign? “Have a seat. I hope you all don’t mind that I asked Ellen to join us. She’s knowledgeable on the scientific end and might be better able to answer those kinds of questions.” “Not at all,” Ralph said. “The more help, the better.” He smiled at Ellen. “Liz, I’m going to have my nurse draw a small amount of your blood for some tests.” He buzzed the front office, and his nurse came in. She was quick and efficient. When she left, Jack faced them again. “Once we have the results, Ellen and I will study them and discuss possible plans of action. You all need to know if we do decide to treat Liz it will be more dangerous than the conventional medicine. Even with antibodies her chemical makeup is still human. You need to fully understand the higher risks and ramifications.” Jack leaned forward, all of his attention focused on Cassie’s mother. His voice lowered and became gentler. “Liz, it may mean either complete recovery or death. I’m almost certain under the best circumstances it will be either-or. I won’t give you the medicine unless the odds are somewhat in your favor, and you have utilized every other possibility first. I want Dr. Castor to tell me he has nothing further to offer.” Cassie watched her mother’s face closely. Her mother tipped her chin up and stared back at Jack. “I have faith you will do the best you can, Dr. Jack.” She tightened her mouth and blinked her eyes. “I’m dying.” She put her hand on her chest. “I can feel it inside. The medicine I’m getting is making me weaker. I’ll think about what you said. Right now, I’d say go ahead. But I’ll”—she glanced at her husband—“talk with Ralph tonight. We’ll decide together.” Cassie’s mom took her dad’s hand and looked across at Ellen. “You know how lucky we are to have found one or two”—she smiled

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at Ellen—“of these special men to love us. I want to be with him and my children as long as I can.” “I do understand, and that is Jack and my goal for you,” Ellen said. “Well, honey, we’ve taken up enough of these kind folks’ time. Let’s go home.” Ralph supported Liz as they walked to the door. Cassie followed behind, after thanking Jack and Ellen and arranging the appointment for ten o’clock in the morning. “I’m going to head home, Mom and Dad. I’ll meet you here tomorrow at ten.” She was tired, not physically, but exhausted emotionally. The fifteen miles to town seemed very far. She’d been walking toward her car with her head down when she sensed she wasn’t alone. Nick stood beside his truck parked behind her car. “Ready to leave?” he asked. “Yes, I’m headed to town.” “Nope. You’re going home with me. From what Lang relayed, you probably have to be back here early. Staying with us will be easier than driving back and forth.” She moved on forward to her car. There was no energy left to deal with the emotions he and Lang created inside her. She’d face one thing at a time. As though he’d read her mind, Nick stepped in front of her car door. “It isn’t going to happen. Give in, sweetheart. We’re going to take care of you tonight, tomorrow, and we’ll be here for you through all of this.” His deep, caring voice soothed over deep aches. Cassie stared up at him. “I can’t.” “Sure you can. See how easy it is?” He lifted her into his arms. “You put your arms around my neck and your head on my shoulder, and I’ll take care of you.” “I’m too tired to fight.” “Good, because you’d lose.” He grinned. “I fight to win.” Her head sank onto his wide, strong shoulder as her arms curled

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around his neck. He smelled of pine, and the outdoors, and his own special essence. She took a deep breath and, without thinking, kissed his neck. The rumble of his laughter vibrated against her chest. Through all the tiredness and stress of the day, the desire for him still rose, flooding her system with warmth. Gently, he sat her in the passenger seat of his truck. “I’ll have you home in a moment.” Walking briskly around the front of the truck, he got in and drove toward the cabin. She’d been there once long ago. She saw lights in the windows and smoke curling out of the cabin’s chimney, as they got closer. A welcoming sight that beckoned to a feeling buried deep. Nick carried her to the door. Lang stood in the entryway. “Take her on to bed. I’ll bring her tea.” “I can walk,” Cassie protested. “Let us look after you.” Nick’s soft voice had her under his spell. She didn’t want to move. Just stay cuddled up against his warm body and feel safe. He sat Cassie on her feet and pulled the spread back on the kingsize bed. She glanced around at the room. “Your bedroom?” “What gave it away? All the pictures of towering buildings and unusual bridges?” His hands touched the top button of her blouse. “I’ll help you undress. Lang will get the water adjusted and you can soak in the tub before going to sleep.” Lang set the teacup on the bedside table. “Take a sip of this while your bathwater is running.” “Sit,” Nick instructed and handed her the cup. “I really am a big girl. I can take care of myself.” But I don’t want to. I want to let them baby me and hold me close. I want to stop thinking for just one night and only feel. “Are you going to sleep sitting up?” Nick raised her head and looked into her eyes. He held the cup in front of her.

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“Sorry. My thoughts took me away for a minute.” She sipped the sweet, hot tea. “Water’s ready.” Lang walked to her, set the cup to the side, and pulled her up. He finished unbuttoning her blouse before she got the energy to protest. Nick unfastened her bra, and both were thrown to the side. Shivers of desire brushed across her skin, puckering her nipples. Lang’s gray eyes darkened. He lowered his head and took the nearest nipple into his mouth. His tongue swirled around the tip. “Ah.” The sound barely escaped her lips. Her legs went weak, and Nick’s arm pulled her against his hard frame. “Do you want us to continue, babe?” Nick asked. “We can stop, let you bathe, and put you in bed.” Surrounded by their scent, the heat from their bodies radiating against her skin, all her mind could comprehend was her desire, the feeling of safety, the overwhelming need swamping her. “Hold me, take me.” The words whispered out through her tight throat. “I’m starving.” Nick chuckled against her back. “I don’t think she means food.” He spoke above her head to Lang. Lang had raised his head, waiting for her answer. Now, he undid her skirt and tossed her scrap of panties to the floor. Picking her up, he laid her on the bed. Cassie watched as he and Nick undressed. Lang covered his large cock with a condom. The anticipation of pleasure hummed through her blood. Each one went to the opposite side of the bed and joined her. Lang turned her to face him. He kissed her face all over before finally running his tongue across her lips. She opened her mouth, and his tongue went inside to caress and taste and brush along the edge of her teeth. Behind her, Nick wrapped his arm around her body, and his hand closed on her breast. His thumb grazed across the pebbled nipple while he kissed her neck and across her shoulders. Her whole body was on fire. Her pussy clenched with the hunger

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to be filled by one of their hard cocks. Moisture seeped from her pussy. They turned her on her back, and as Lang moved downward, Nick straddled her upper body. She took his cock into her mouth, licking the salty drop from the top and taking him in deep. Her tongue licked all around. She heard him groan and her body trembled with her hunger for them both. Lang pulled her legs wide and spread her folds, exposing her most private area to his view. He licked across her nub and down her folds to the opening to her pussy. “You taste incredible.” His tongue flicked just inside her opening, and she raised her hips in response. The fire building inside had her sucking and licking Nick’s cock harder. Nick reached behind and pinched her nipple just as Lang swept his tongue deeper inside her pussy. Spasms of pleasure began to tremble in her muscles. She moved her head faster, up and down Nick’s cock and tasted his salty release. He groaned and moved away as Lang plunged in, stretching her inner walls. Her powerful orgasm hit her with a jolt of euphoria, almost painful in its intensity. Her inner muscles held Lang tight and rippled around his cock. He moved in and out furiously. Leaning down, he bit gently on her nipple as another surge of pleasure spilled through her. She screamed as it swept her away. Cassie was dimly aware of his final plunge against her womb and his yell of release.

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Chapter Five Cassie woke to a feeling of emptiness around her. After she’d soaked in the bath last night, she had slept cocooned between Lang and Nick. Fear that she’d overslept had her looking for a clock. “I was just coming to wake you.” Nick poked his head in the door. “Lang had to leave early to check on his men and their jobs for the day. I’m cooking our breakfast.” “What time is it?” “Eight. You have plenty of time to shower and dress. I threw your clothes in the wash when Lang left, and they’re clean and dry. Just look in my closet.” “A girl could get spoiled.” “It’s time you were.” Whistling, he turned and went out of the room. She showered, dressed, and joined him in the kitchen. He had on a new pair of jeans and a blue shirt that made his eyes look even bluer. When he smiled, it warmed her all the way to her toes. How was she ever going to resist him and Lang? And did she really have to? With a flourish, he placed a plate with bacon, eggs, and toast in front of her. “For Madam.” He winked at her and then poured them both a cup of coffee. “Aren’t you eating?” “I did, earlier.” “You’re sort of dressed up.” “If you don’t mind, I’ll drive you to your appointment and wait outside.” “That isn’t necessary.”

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“No, but I want to be there in case you need me. Lang would be here, too, but he had several problems to solve. Also, I’ll leave off my proposal for Jack, Ellen, and Sahale’s new home after your meeting.” “I really am a big girl. I can handle difficult situations,” she said between bites of the delicious meal he’d prepared. “I’m sure you can. But why do the hard parts alone when Lang and I want to support you both financially and emotionally?” She scraped back her chair and started to stand. Nick reached across and covered her hand. “Why are you fighting having us along? You can’t tell me after last night that you don’t care for us. I think you’re scared of something.” He mustn’t guess. She wanted them safe and out of her problems. Still, whenever they were around her, she couldn’t resist letting them touch her and love her. “Silence is more eloquent than words,” Nick said. “Drink your coffee. We need to leave soon.” Refusing to make eye contact, she finished her coffee and went into the bedroom to freshen her lipstick and get her purse. It wouldn’t do any harm to be with Nick or Lang here on the ranch. Peter had sense enough not to come onto private property, hopefully, but if they took her home he’d see them. She feared what his jealousy might cause him to do. Silly, that wasn’t him I saw the other day. I was under stress and imagined the resemblance. “Are you ready?” Nick stood in the doorway looking sexy and too handsome for her weakened resistance. **** Cassie got out of Nick’s car just as her parents drove up. Her dad raised an eyebrow, and then smiled and went to the car window to speak with Nick. Her mother showed her pleasure at seeing the two of them together by giving Cassie a big smile and hug.

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“Now you’re headed in the right direction. I’ll sleep a lot better at night knowing Nick and Lang are watching out for you.” She took Cassie’s arm and they walked slowly into the building. “Doesn’t it bother you that I might be interested in two men?” “Of course not. Three-quarters of the women on the ranch have two husbands. Ralph and I decided differently, but I’m comfortable with all the other wives. Don’t let worrying about what your dad and I think hold you back. We both like and approve of Lang and Nick.” Her mother looked stronger today, but she still needed to lean heavily on Cassie’s arm. They went to the front desk and signed in. It was nine forty-five. Her dad soon joined them in the waiting room. Cassie held her mother’s hand on one side, and her father clasped her hand on the other. The minutes dragged by. When the nurse called her mother’s name, Cassie’s heart beat faster and her insides tightened. This was it. Jack sat behind his desk, and Ellen was in a chair off to his left. Three chairs had been arranged in front of him. “I hope you slept some,” Jack said to her mother. “I slept well. Ralph and I came to a decision. I’m at peace with it. Tell me what you found out.” “First, the good news. You have acquired a rather large number of our cells and antibodies from your three pregnancies with Ralph. I’ll try to explain.” Jack sat back and looked off in the distance for a moment. “When carrying the fetus, who has our blood and cells, there is some interaction with yours through the placenta. At first, our ancestors feared that if we married humans, and the female became pregnant, the fetus would not survive. This didn’t happen. It’s similar to when a brown-eyed person has a blue-eyed spouse. The brown eyes tend to be more predominant.” Jack smiled at them. “When we join with a human spouse and create a baby, our genes are much more predominant. This has kept the human woman from miscarrying the child. Does that make sense

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to you?” Jack asked Cassie’s mother. “Yes.” “The other good news is Cassie’s blood is compatible with yours.” He stopped for a second and glanced at Ellen. “What’s the bad news?” Ralph asked. “Not too bad. Our scientists have been working on a medicine to prevent cancer in our bodies. We have some natural resistance, but as we’ve intermarried with humans, our resistance to some human ailments has decreased. Also, since many of us have wives who are fully human, we have been looking into a cure. “We believe we may have something to kill the cancer, but no testing on humans has been done. It’s a very iffy proposition. I called Dr. Castor this morning. He has one more medicine he wants to try, and I concur with him that you should give it a chance.” Cassie’s heart dropped, and from her parent’s expressions, she knew they were feeling the same. In spite of being warned not to get their hopes up, they had. Her mother raised her head and looked at Jack. “What if this new medicine doesn’t work?” “Then I will talk with a board of physicians that we have here at the hospital. They make the final decisions on difficult ethical questions. If they agree the risk is worth it and you still want to try, then we’ll give you our medicine. But it has to be the treatment of last resort or they will never consider letting me give it to you.” Ellen stood and came to Cassie’s mother’s side. She knelt by her chair. “I promise while you are continuing with other trials, I will work diligently to adapt the research medicine to your body chemistry. I want to draw a little more blood today. I’ll use it to test the medicine against as I work. If that’s all right with you?” Liz put her hand on Ellen’s face. “Yes. You are a good, kind woman. I am very happy that Sahale and Jack found you.” She kissed Ellen’s cheek. “Thank you.” “I’m happy they found me, too.” Ellen glanced at Jack, and he

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smiled back. Cassie felt envious seeing the love on their faces. To have a man look at you like that. But she had, years ago, and she had run away from them. What a fool she’d been. “All right,” Jack said. “That’s our plan. Liz, I’ll be keeping in touch with Dr. Castor. I told him you’d asked me to be your doctor here since the city is a good distance away. He thinks that’s an excellent idea. Actually, I met him once at a seminar. I like him. He’s a good doctor, intelligent and caring.” Her dad and mom thanked Ellen and Jack. “Are you going with us, or was Nick waiting?” her mother asked. “Nick has something to give to Ellen and Jack. He waited. I’ve got to get back to my shop, but I’ll come by tomorrow. Let me know when you need to go to the city for a treatment.” “I will.” Her mom and dad waved good-bye. Nick came in the door as they went out. “Your nurse told me you all were about finished,” Nick explained. “I’ve been playing around with house plans since you mentioned a while back that you might want a bigger place later on. I like to work on ideas in my spare time.” He put a portfolio on Jack’s desk. “Take it home and study the design. Whenever you’re ready to get serious, let me know. We’ll talk about what you like and don’t like on my plans.” “This is great, but it won’t be right away,” Jack said. “I do these things as a hobby. Let me know what you think whenever the time’s right for you all. Ready to go, honey?” he asked Cassie. She glanced at Ellen. “If you’re not busy, I’d love to have you come visit my shop again. We’ll have some of Nanna’s tea.” “I’d love to. I’m off tomorrow afternoon. Is that convenient?” “It is, unless Mom has to go to the city. I’ll call you in the morning.” Nick put his arm around her and walked her out to his truck. He turned her so her back was against the door. Leaning in close, he

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kissed her. “You’re going to tell me you have to go home to your business.” “The man is right. He wins the prize.” “Are you as all right as you’re acting?” “Pretty much. It seems a sensible plan for Mother to try all other resources first. I wish I could see the future and know how all of this will work out.” Nick put his forehead against hers. “I know. Have dinner with us tonight?” “Tempting, but I have a lot of work to do catching up on the finances and some design work to finish. Maybe tomorrow night?” “It’s a date. Well, your car is right here. I’ll let you go for now.” He gave her a quick kiss and waved. Cassie slid into the driver’s seat, started the car, and backed up. She watched as Nick pulled out behind her and then drove off in the opposite direction. She felt more alone than usual. **** Cassie had worked late into the night, but was happy with her creations. She’d felt a spurt of energy from working with the gold and silver. As she’d worked she almost heard Caedmon’s voice, “Let the design flow from your fingers. Concentrate on the piece of metal in your hands. Close off all disturbing thoughts. When you’re finished you’ll find stress has been worn away like the hard edges of the silver or gold you’re working on.” She missed her friend. He’d given her his phone number, but suggested, in a gentle tone, that she not call unless it was an emergency. Occasionally he went out into the busy world, but he preferred to stay in his small house at the foot of the mountains in New Mexico. She envied him his peace. Caedmon reminded her of Lang, who’d always had a solid core in his center. The most emotion she’d ever seen him display had been at

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the new house the other day. I have to stop my reminiscing and get up. Outside her bedroom window the sun was shining. She hurried through her shower and managed to open her shop on time. A tour bus stopped on their way to the interstate, and she was busy all morning. Cindy came in at noon to relieve her. Cassie went up to her small apartment to get ready for her visitor, Ellen. She mixed a batch of chocolate chip cookies and had just put on the water for tea when there was a knock at the door. “Ellen, welcome. Please come in.” “Thank you.” Ellen looked around the room. “I love your place. It’s cozy. You’ve made it a home.” She laughed. “You should have seen my apartment when I met Sahale. Very few pictures, no decorations to make it personal.” “You weren’t happy?” “No. I was very alone. My two friends, Sara and Morgan, had married men here at the ranch. I was left behind, so to speak. Thanks to my wonderful husbands, my world has turned upside down in a good way.” “I haven’t seen Sahale lately, but you and Jack glow.” “Sahale’s been on an assignment, but he’s due back in a few days.” “He must have left right after you got back from your honeymoon trip.” “Yes, Daren asked him to do a special job for him.” Cassie fixed the tea, while Ellen wandered around the room looking at her pictures, some photos she’d taken in her travels. Cassie put the fresh-baked cookies on a plate and took Ellen’s tea to her. “This is wonderful. Cooking chocolate chip cookies always makes the house smell so good.” Ellen sat on the sofa as Cassie went back to get her teacup. Once they were both seated, Ellen looked across at Cassie and

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said, “I think you asked me to visit for more than just a friendly chat. Do you have concerns regarding your mother that I might address?” Ellen took a bite of her cookie and a sip of tea while she waited for Cassie’s reply. “I know we don’t know each other well,” Cassie started out. “But I heard about some of the difficulties you had, from my mother. She admires you immensely.” Ellen blushed and smiled. “Thank you. I don’t know why. I didn’t do much, if you’re talking about the assignment I went on with Jack and Sahale. They were always close and protected me.” “To be honest, I wanted to ask you about your first relationship.” Ellen wrinkled her forehead. “How did you hear about that?” “The ranch is like a small town. Someone overheard the conversations about how brave you were to face your fears and do what you did in Washington.” Cassie leaned close. “How did you escape him?” “Ah, you are running from someone?” “Yes. I thought I’d gotten away.” Cassie stood and paced around the small living room area. “But when I took Mom to the city for her last treatment, I think I might have seen him.” She turned to face Ellen. “Probably not, though. It was a man with blond hair about the same height as him. I was driving away and didn’t get a good look. I’m certain he didn’t follow me back here to Lovettville.” “So certain that you’re still worried.” Ellen glanced at Cassie wringing her hands. Cassie sat back down. “I didn’t know him all that long. We were introduced by mutual friends. He seemed nice. He’s well known in his community, handsome, rich.” She laughed. “What more could a girl want, right?” “How soon did he start being abusive?” “About a month after we met. Little accidents started to happen. He’d accidentally squeeze my hand too tight or bump me against the wall. Stupid me, I tried to ignore it at first, accept it as not intentional.

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Then one day I was late meeting him and he blew up. We’d arranged to go from his house to a party. “When I arrived and went inside, he attacked me. He slapped me, pushed me hard against the wall, but what happened to really frighten me was when he put his hands around my neck. “He said he expected me to be on time, to do as he said, or it was my fault if he got mad and hit me.” Cassie took a deep breath. “This is hard to say. I’ve never told anyone. I got angry and frightened. I rammed my knee into his private parts. He wasn’t expecting me to fight back. While he was doubled over, I ran out and got in my car. But it wasn’t over. He followed me around town for days and made threatening phone calls. “Did you go to the police?” “Once. They talked to him and believed his denial. Things got worse after that. I’d been thinking about coming home. When I got Mom’s letter that solidified my decision. I quit my job and drove out of town in the dead of night. I traveled a circuitous route to get here and left no forwarding address.” “And yet you fear he has found out where you are?” “A tiny fear, probably not grounded in reality.” “Have you told anyone but me?” “No. I didn’t want to worry my parents. They have enough to concern them.” “What about Lang or Nick? Jack said you three were close before you left.” “That’s something else I want to ask you, Ellen. How have you adjusted to living on the ranch? Do you feel like an outsider?” Ellen shook her head no. “Not at all. Of course going on the assignment helped me be accepted, I think. And Sahale and Jack are so loving and intent on seeing I’m happy. They make my world go around. Plus, I enjoy my work with the incredibly intelligent scientists and biologists. They’re really the best. But you didn’t answer my question.”

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“No, I haven’t told either one of them. This is my problem. I’d never forgive myself if one of them got hurt trying to fix something I started.” “First”—Ellen reached out her hand—“this isn’t your fault. You had no way of knowing this man was an abuser. My ex-husband didn’t physically abuse me. His father threatened me, and my ex became an abuser to his second wife. They’re clever and were able to hide their deviousness from friends and family. Many abused wives or girlfriends feel helpless or are too frightened to ask for help. So they don’t go to the police. At least not right away. I was happy my exhusband and his father were stopped.” Ellen took a sip of tea before continuing. “You surprised this man and hit back and went to the police. But from what you’ve told me, he’s a pillar of society and the authorities are more apt to discount one lone complaint. He’s also dangerous. At least tell Lang and Nick.” Cassie shook her head. “I can’t, not until I decide if I’m ready to commit myself to them. Otherwise it isn’t right to ask them to be involved.” “What’s holding you back? Don’t you feel part of the ranch community?” Cassie got up. “Wait here a moment.” She went in her bedroom and got some pictures she’d unpacked recently. Going back to Ellen, she handed them to her. “This is what I looked like when I lived on the ranch.” She watched Ellen start to smile, and then laugh. “You are a late bloomer. The original wild child written all over you. From your defiant expression, to the clothes you wore, and the hair blowing wild around you. So you rebelled, so what?” “Have you noticed the teenagers on the ranch? They might rebel a bit, but there is an innate sense of responsibility and direction, even at that young an age. It was like being in a foreign country and not knowing the language.” Cassie stared at herself in the picture. A

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gentle sadness filled her heart for the confused teenager looking back at her. “Lang and Nick were so mature for their age. They were certain I was the one for them, even though they were only twenty. They’d come home from college for the summer. “The thought of spending the rest of my life here in Wyoming and settling down, before I’d experienced all that attractive world outside of here, was too much. Also, the idea of two husbands didn’t appeal to me at the time. I flew away.” “But you returned.” “I couldn’t forget them. So many times I had started to come back. I thought I had to prove myself first.” Cassie picked up their teacups. “I’ll get us some fresh tea.” Ellen followed her into the tiny kitchen. “You found your talent. You make beautiful jewelry.” “Thanks. I love doing it. I met a man, a friend, in New Mexico. He lived near a small town I passed through. His home sat at the bottom of a mountain. I admired his work and asked him to make a piece while I watched. He made jewelry, pottery, all kinds of things. “I stayed in town for six months and worked with him.” She glanced at Ellen. “Now there was a man with talent. Strange, he reminded me of Lang. He urged me to go home, but I thought I’d make a few more stops in my travels first. Three years later, I finally came back. Mom was sick, and if I’m honest, the memory of Lang and Nick called to me.” They sat down to drink their tea. Ellen faced Cassie. “All right, I’m going to be blunt. I think you have two questions for me. You want to know if it’s really a good idea to marry two men? For me, the answer was that I loved them both and couldn’t imagine my life without them. Your mother chose differently. That’s the good thing about being in this close community on the ranch. Your decision is accepted either way. Whatever works for the couple or threesome is all right. Your second question regards your fear of this other man. I

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agree you need to be careful and I’d suggest you tell the men who love you. If not, be very vigilant and go to the sheriff if you see him. Don’t try to be a heroine on your own.” Ellen looked at her watch. “I hate to go, but I’m cooking a special dinner for Jack tonight. It’s his birthday.” “Thanks for coming by. I hope I wasn’t rude or impertinent with my questions.” “Not at all. I’m glad you asked. But do something now before you get hurt. Bye.” Ellen waved as she hurried down the steps to her car. Cassie closed the door and locked it. She’d known the answers to her questions before she’d asked. She just hadn’t wanted to admit it. Still, could she do what Ellen suggested? She wanted more time. Time to work in her shop, time to be sure of her feelings regarding a marriage to Lang and Nick, and time to reconnect with the ranch community. If not for Peter, she’d be able to let things occur naturally. Peter couldn’t have found her. She’d give herself a little more space before jumping back into the life she’d left behind.

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Chapter Six Nick knocked on her door promptly at five thirty. He’d called earlier and suggested the two of them go out for the evening. “Hi, honey. Are you hungry?” His wicked grin gave the simple question a double meaning. “I’m starving for food, if that’s what you mean, but I’m dressed in jeans, and you’re very dressed up.” She let her gaze roam from his dark-blue jacket with white shirt underneath, to his slim waist encircled with a thin black belt, and his long legs covered in dark-blue slacks to match his jacket. Polished black shoes completed the outfit. “I’ll have to fight off the women,” she teased him. “Give me the once-over like that again, and no one else will see me. We won’t get out of this apartment.” He flashed his sexy smile at her. “Go change. I started to call and thought I’d surprise you. We’re going to the big city for a real dinner.” Cassie’s heart lurched. “That’s not necessary. There’s a great steak house on the outskirts of Lovettville.” “Nope, I’m going to take you to a seafood restaurant. A friend of mine owns it and several more in other states. He has the fish flown in fresh.” She didn’t know what to say. She was being silly. It’d be like a needle in a haystack for Peter to happen to be at that restaurant on this particular night. “What’s wrong? I thought you’d like to get away from Lovettville for one evening.” “It’s a great idea. I was trying to remember if I had any dressy dresses left. I only brought the basics with me when I moved.”

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“Anything will do. You’re fine as you are.” “No. I have to look good to stave off all those other women.” She hurried toward her bedroom, but she saw the flash of doubt on his face. She hadn’t fooled him. Darn. When she returned dressed in a green, billowy, short-skirted cocktail dress, Nick whistled and smiled broadly. “You look great. The dress suits you and shows off those lovely, long legs. We’d better hurry before my other hunger takes charge.” “Where’s Lang?” “Puttering around the new house. He’s never quite finished.” “Is he mad at me?” “Not that I know of. Lang doesn’t get angry, but he likes to spend time alone and think about situations and people. I told him I’d like to surprise you by taking you to a fancy town restaurant.” Nick was a good, steady driver. She sat back and tried to relax. The sun set over the mountaintop, spilling a cascade of colors, yellow, red, and bluish purple, across the high peaks and the sky. He glanced at her. “Want to tell me what’s worrying you?” “How do you know I’m worried?” Cassie asked. “You have that little wrinkle in the center of your forehead. In the past, when you frowned like that, something was bothering you.” “How do you and Lang know me so well? We spent part of a summer together, a few months.” “You’ll find the men of our group are very observant, especially in regards to the woman we love.” “I know so little about your group, as you call it. What makes you different than all the other men in this world?” “Maybe we’re not of this world.” “Right, you’re men from Mars.” She grinned at him. “Where’s your antenna?” “I knew I forgot part of my outfit tonight,” Nick teased back with her. “Well you can’t go back for it. We’re almost in town, and I am

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hungry.” Nick reached out and brushed his hand along her thigh at the short hem of her dress. “Satin smooth. I’m hungry, too, but I’ll have to wait.” Between the warmth of his hand slipping under her skirt and the flash of fire in his eyes, a sizzle went up her spine. Her pussy clenched with desire. His male scent filled the air as his fingers rubbed across the top of her leg. “Don’t you need both hands on the wheel?” Her voice quivered as she asked the question. He removed his hand. “You’re right. There’s traffic ahead. I wanted to remind you of our dessert, later.” His husky tone sent another shiver across her body. “Perhaps, I won’t be hungry for dessert.” The car stopped at a red light, and he turned briefly to look fully at her. “I’m sure you will be, by then.” The streetlights shone across his high cheekbones, the chiseled jaw, and the sensuous mouth. His lightblue eyes looked darker and deliciously dangerous. “You are mine, honey, and Lang’s. The quicker you accept that, the less complicated your life will be. We’ll all be happier then, too.” The car behind honked. Nick grinned and drove on. “What if I never accept you two? My mother married one man and has been quite happy.” “Can you choose?” Nick turned and drove into the drive to a large restaurant. The doorman opened Cassie’s door. She was thankful she didn’t have to answer. At least not yet. A crowd of people sat or stood around waiting for tables. When Nick gave his name, the man called on his cell for someone. “My friend is going to come out to speak with me. He’s seldom at this restaurant. He keeps busier at the two he has in California. After we see him, then we’ll have a table waiting for us.” He put his arm around her waist.

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Thank goodness he did. Her legs went weak when she saw the smiling, blond-haired man making his way around the crowd and walking determinedly in their direction. “Peter, it’s good to see you.” Nick removed his arm from around Cassie and shook his friend’s hand. “I’m glad you’re here tonight. I want to introduce you to my special lady. Peter Illingsworth, meet Cassie Venitia.” “Hello, Cassie. We meet again.” He smiled. Cassie reluctantly put out her hand, and he squeezed it tight. Nick didn’t notice. He was looking in surprise at Peter, and then her. “You know each other?” “Yes. We met in San Francisco. A mutual friend introduced us.” “What a small world. This is great. Won’t you join us for dinner?” Cassie held her breath. She’d seen the anger burning deep in Peter’s eyes when he looked directly at her. But he was a chameleon. Nick would never see the real monster. “I’d love to, but I have to take care of a few things first. What if I join you two for dessert? The cook is preparing something special tonight.” “That would be fine. We’ll see you later, then,” Nick said. Peter told his maitre d’ to take them to his special table. “See you two soon.” He looked directly at Cassie. Her heart sank. What do I do now? Would Nick believe her any more than the one or two other people she tried to tell in the past? She doubted it, and now Peter had found her for sure. When the food came to the table, she forced herself to eat and tried to pay attention to what Nick was saying. But the food stuck in her throat, and she couldn’t concentrate. “Are you all right?” Nick asked halfway through the meal. “I’m not feeling well. I hate to spoil this lovely evening you had planned, but would you mind driving me home?” Guilt rushed through her when she saw his concern. “No, of course not. Let me pay the bill and we’ll be on our way.”

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Nick nodded his head at the waiter. He rushed across the room. “What would you like, Sir?” “My bill. My lady is not feeling well. Will you give my regrets to Mr. Illingsworth that we are not able to stay longer for a visit? Please tell him I’ll be in touch.” “Certainly, Sir. I’ll be right back.” But he must have called Peter. Cassie saw him taking long strides toward their table. “Cassie, I’m so sorry you aren’t well. Is there anything I can do?” “No.” She tried to smile. But the muscles in her face felt stiff and unable to respond. The waiter brought the bill, but Peter took it first and tore it up. He waved his hand when Nick tried to protest. “You did not get to finish. You must come back when you are feeling better.” He smiled again at Cassie. “I want you to enjoy a special meal prepared especially for you and Nick.” He bowed. “I must go. I do hope nothing is seriously wrong with you.” Nick took her hand as she stood. “I’ll see she takes care of herself.” He wrapped his arm securely around her waist. “Next time you’re in town, let’s meet for lunch,” Nick said to Peter. “I’ll call when I return.” He waved and walked away. Cassie leaned her head against the headrest in the car and closed her eyes. She felt Nick glance her way several times, but she didn’t look at him. The drive went on forever, it seemed. The car slowed, and Nick parked. “You’re home, Cassie.” She opened her eyes to see the back of her shop facing her. “Shall I come in with you?” Nick asked. “I hate to leave you when you’re feeling sick.” “I’m sure a good night’s sleep is all I need. I’ve been working on my jewelry late at night this week.” His fingers brushed across her forehead, and a flicker of desire stirred inside her. “Why do I sense there is more to this evening than I think? Did you and Peter date? He’s notorious for dating, and then

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walking away suddenly. He’s left many women wondering what happened.” “We dated a short time. I wasn’t interested.” Nick grinned. “That must have been a new experience for him.” “When did you two meet, Nick?” “A number of years ago. I built his home.” The irony of it all made Cassie want to laugh hysterically. She’d loved Peter’s home, sensed something about it, and yet at the end dreaded going there. “I’ve been there. It’s lovely. You did a good job. Now I really must go in, and, at least for tonight, I need to be alone.” Nick walked her up the steps and came inside to check her apartment. He tipped her face toward his. “I just wanted to be sure that everything was all right in here before I left. You call me anytime day or night, Lang or me, and we’ll come.” He brushed his lips across her mouth and then walked to the door. “I’ll call tomorrow.” She listened to his footsteps as he walked down the stairs. Part of her wanted to call him back, but she needed to think first. What if I tell him and he doesn’t believe me? I have no evidence. Peter was careful to not leave bruises where they’d be seen, or he had a ready explanation of how the accident happened. Maybe he’ll go away now that he knows I’m involved with Nick. I’ll wait and see. This might all work out for the best yet. Cassie undressed and got under the covers. The night had a cool nip to it. She huddled under the blanket and hoped it would all go away. Magical thinking, but it was all the comfort she had for now. **** Lang raised his head from the small wooden box he was working on to look at Nick. “You’re back early.” “Yeah, the evening didn’t go as planned.” “She didn’t like the fancy restaurant or you,” he teased, and then

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stopped and looked closer at Nick. “What is it?” “I have an uneasy feeling. I’m not sure why. We went to Peter’s restaurant. He was there. I had heard he’d flown in. Anyway I introduced him to Cassie. They already knew each other.” “Really, how?” “Introduced by a mutual friend. She’s been to his house on the bay.” A flash of jealousy streaked through Lang. It shouldn’t matter. They’d known she had to have had relationships in ten years. “Did they have an affair?” “She says no. They dated and she broke it off. But she was unsettled after meeting him, and she tried to hide it. Finally, she said she wasn’t feeling well and asked me to take her home.” “I didn’t like that Illingsworth guy the one time I met him,” Lang said. He picked up his sandpaper and went back to work on his box. “You said so at the time, but he’s never been anything but pleasant and cordial when I’ve been around. Still, her demeanor changed after he came up to speak to us. Are you going to work out here in your shop for a while?” “Yes.” “See you in the morning. I’m going to turn in early.” Nick started out and stopped. “I think I’ll do a little searching on the Internet to see if I can find any mention of Peter and Cassie. Peter gets attention from the press because of his connections and wealthy family.” “Good idea,” Lang said as Nick waved and walked off. **** The knock on Cassie’s door made her smile. It must be Nick coming to check on her. She was getting ready to go downstairs and open her shop. She swung the door open, and then tried to push it back shut, but Peter had his shoulder and foot in the doorway. She stepped back. “What are you doing here?”

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“That’s not a very polite way to greet me, Cassandra.” His hard, dark-brown eyes looked menacing. He shut the door behind him. “You didn’t really think you could disappear, and I wouldn’t find you.” He took a step forward. She backed up. He chuckled. “You broke my heart running away and right after I asked you to marry me.” “You know why I left. I would never marry you. Not if you were the last man on Earth. You’re a monster and need to be locked up.” “Such harsh words. Such brave words knowing what I can do to you with one hand.” He lunged and grabbed her throat in his right hand. With his other arm, he pulled her body tight against him. “Feel how aroused I am. You never let me in that pussy of yours. You kept me at arm’s length. That must have been why you were so intriguing, and I felt the need to propose.” Cassie pushed against his chest. “Is this the only way you can get a woman, by force?” Peter’s face got red, and his eyes darkened. “Just a simple twist, my darling, and you’ll be dead. But that’s too easy a punishment for leaving me, for making me look like a fool.” He put his face right up to hers. “I have something much more diabolical planned. The best part is you won’t know what to expect, until it’s too late.” He let her go so suddenly, and she almost fell. Laughing, he walked to her door. “See you soon, darling.” He started to walk out. “Don’t come back. I have a gun for protection.” “It didn’t do you much good this time.” He ran down the stairs. She went to the window and watched until his car was out of sight. He was crazy, but if he wanted to hurt her, he’d have done it today. As she suspected, he wanted her to be afraid. She refused to let him control her. She’d be more careful and keep her gun handy. She made herself take a moment and sit on a pillow on her floor. She went through the meditation session she’d learned from Caedmon. Gradually, her control returned and the shaking stopped.

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Cindy was off today. It was past time to open her shop. When she got to the back door and started to unlock it, she smelled the smoke. No, damn him. She rushed in and took the fire extinguisher from the wall. Grabbing her phone, she dialed the fire department and put it on speakerphone. Then she lifted the fire extinguisher and pointed it at the flames just beginning to lick at the treated wood walls. Yelling toward the phone she gave her address and told the operator she had a fire. She moved around trying to stop the flames and debating whether to grab her most valuable pieces and run. But she heard the fire truck siren close by. The firemen rushed in with hoses and told her to get out. She thanked them as one of the men led her to the door. Nick found her standing in front of her shop staring inside. He put his arms around her. “Thank goodness you’re safe. I saw the smoke when I came around the corner and was terrified you might still be upstairs, or worse, caught in the shop.” “They’re getting control of it. I caught it early and started trying to put it out while I called for help.” “You should have run out immediately.” His arms tightened around her. “Come and live with Lang and me. We’ll build you a work room. You can sell your work online. We want to keep you safe.” Cassie turned in his arms. “You can’t wrap me in cotton wool and hide me from life. I’ve managed for ten years alone.” “But you don’t have to anymore.” “I know, but you two want to smother me. I can’t handle it.” She pulled out of his arms. “Go. I can take care of myself.” The minute she said the words, she regretted them. Peter made her crazy and distrustful of all men. But she was independent. She didn’t want to lose that. All the men at the ranch were very protective and possessive of their wives. She didn’t understand why the women didn’t rebel. Nick had clenched his jaw. She saw a nerve beating under the skin

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at his temple. His light-blue eyes narrowed as he looked down at her. “I thought you’d grown up. I was wrong.” He spun on his heel and stomped to his truck. Cassie had never felt so alone as she did watching the dust settle as he drove out of sight. Two men had left today. One she hoped never to see again, and the other she feared might not ever come back.

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Chapter Seven In all the confusion from the fire, no one noticed Peter slip around the back, up the stairs, and into her apartment. He made it before the firemen arrived. He saw Cassie glance toward her bedroom when she mentioned a gun. Carefully, taking his handkerchief, he pulled out the drawer by the bedside table. She’d left it in an obvious place. Lifting the barrel with his large handkerchief, he dropped it into a plastic bag. Hurrying, he got back downstairs and into his car before the firemen came around to check the back stairs. He drove off toward the interstate. She’d given him the perfect idea for revenge. He grinned thinking about the pleasure he’d get when he saw her arrested. But he’d be patient. He’d leave and go home today as he told Nick he would. I’ll let her sweat for a few weeks. He had all the time in the world. **** The fire chief came to see Cassie later that day. She was cleaning up the inside of her shop. Some of her paintings and other Native American items had to be thrown out, but her jewelry had not been touched in the other room, behind glass cases. Her favorite rug she’d had hanging from the wall would need to be cleaned. Overall, she’d been lucky, but the shop needed some extensive repair in the main showroom. Cindy, having heard of the fire, came to help her. They worked steadily through the afternoon. Cassie went upstairs once to open the windows and get rid of the smoke smell. She threw

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some of her clothes into the washer. When Cindy left late in the afternoon, Cassie sat on the floor and looked around her. All the emotions she’d held back all day swamped her. Tears ran down her face, and she rocked back and forth. The door behind her opened. She looked around as a tall shadow darkened the doorway. Too tall for Peter, thank goodness. Lang stepped into the gloomy room. He stared into her tear-filled eyes and shook his head. “Doesn’t seem like you’d have time to cry. Tears can’t get the work done.” He wandered around the room checking the wood walls and floors. Then he took out a small pad and made some notations. Cassie stood and waited for him to finish. When he did, he turned to face her. “Nick said you tossed him out.” “I guess I did. I was a little upset.” “Hmmm. I’m busy during the day, but I can come at night and work on these repairs. Probably finish it better than it was before.” He glanced at the notes he’d made. “It’ll take longer if I do it. You can hire a team to do the work, but it won’t be as good.” “No one in the area has your gift,” Cassie confirmed. “I talked to the fire chief. He thinks some kids squatted here last night, outside against the back wall. They left some smoldering cigarettes and by morning the old wood caught fire.” Lang glanced around then back at her. “You figure that’s how it got started?” The question unnerved her. “Maybe.” Lang stepped closer. His scent wrapped around her, and heat poured from his body. She’d felt cold earlier. She wanted to walk into his arms and suck up his heat, taste that firm, unrelenting mouth, be wrapped in his strong arms. But she stood her ground. Until she was sure Peter had gone out of her life for good, she couldn’t involve him and Nick with her monster. “You want me to do the work?”

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“Nick told you what I said?” “Yep.” “Then yes, please repair my shop for me. I have insurance. It should pay me, and I’ll pay you.” He didn’t respond. She watched as he went out to his truck and returned with his tools. He removed his jacket and went to work. Cassie went into the other room and cleaned the glass cases and her jewelry. She heard Lang’s movements as he worked and his low hum. She smiled. His presence gave her a sense of peace. Strange, he’d always had that effect on her. Except when he makes love to me. Then I’m caught in a whirlwind of emotions. **** Two weeks later, Ellen contacted Cassie and asked her to come by the lab. Cassie had never been downstairs under the main ranch house. She followed Ellen down several corridors until they stepped into a small lab room. “This is where I do most of my work,” Ellen said. She sat in a chair by a counter holding several microscopes and motioned for Cassie to sit beside her. “I’ve been working with your mother’s and your blood. I got a surprise.” “What?” “Your blood works with our medicine better than your mother’s.” “What does that mean?” Cassie was confused by Ellen’s words and the big smile Ellen gave her. “It means we’re going to mix our medicine with your plasma. Let me see if I can give you a simple explanation.” Ellen stopped and thought for a minute. “Say you had a medicine in a powder form and you were instructed to mix it with water before taking. Our medicine, or treatment, whichever you choose to call it, is mixed in an ingredient that works best for the natural inhabitants of the ranch. The descendents from the first settlers.

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“It might react strongly inside a person like your Mom. But combined with your blood plasma, which is compatible with your mother, we believe the treatments will be more effective and less dangerous.” Ellen had been leaning toward Cassie. She sat back. “How did you discover this?” “I had a hunch, and did a bit of testing between your blood and your mom’s with the main ingredient we hope will stop the cancer,” Ellen said. “Look in this microscope.” Ellen directed Cassie to the one on her right. Cassie stared at the weird figures she saw through the scope. “Every series of rods are in a particular design and moving. Now look at the next microscope further down the counter.” She did as Ellen said. “I can’t see any difference.” “Exactly. There is a slight one if you’re professionally trained. But very minute. The first is our original formula. The second is the ingredients mixed with your blood.” “How can that be possible?” “This is going to shock you. Do you remember anything about your father?” “A little. I was six when he died. He’d gone on a trip. Mother said he had an accident. He was killed in a plane crash. “I loved him. He was tall, broad, and jolly. He used to throw me into the air and catch me. I knew he’d never drop me. He and Mom were happy together. She only worried when he left on business trips.” “I’ve talked with Rae. We believe he was a descendent of the third tribe. He probably never knew, or if he did, he chose not to reveal his secret, not even to your mother.” Ellen was watching Cassie’s response closely. “You’ve talked with her?” “I did.” Cassie looked back into the microscope. She studied the tiny particles circulating around. “It’s a lot to absorb.”

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“Go home and talk with your mother. Then I’d like you to have a healthy meal later today and return within four hours of eating. Your mother and you are AB positive. I want to take the same amount of blood that you’d donate to a blood bank, and then I’ll separate the plasma from it. “If the first batch works as well as the small amount of whole blood we tested, then you can donate more frequently because I’ll return your red cells to you.” “How often will Mom need the treatments, if the ones she’s taking now fail?” “I’d say every two weeks, but in her weakened state and not knowing the reaction, we’re going to start every four weeks.” “Great. I’ll talk to Mom and tell her that I’m starting the donations today. That way we’ll be ahead of when she needs it. How long can you keep the plasma? “We can freeze it for up to a year.” Her head spinning, Cassie walked out of the ranch house and straight into Nick. “Hi.” Cassie wasn’t sure what else to say. “I’d ask how you’re doing, but I heard from Lang about the work he’s doing on the building.” “Yes, as usual he’s doing a great job. The landlord should be happy. The place will be in better shape than when I rented it.” “Yeah, well, good to see you.” Cassie saw the flash of hurt in his eyes before he walked around her and into the house. As she drove to her mom’s, it dawned on her what she’d done. After saying she could take care of herself and sending Nick away, she accepted Lang’s help. She had hurt him. He probably thought she cared for Lang and not him. Which wasn’t true. She loved them both in different ways. Loved? She’d never really let herself acknowledge how deep her feelings went for them. Now what could she do? Had she lost Nick with her foolishness? She drove into the drive at her mom’s home.

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Later, she had to find a way to make things right with Nick. The day went quickly. Her mother’s spirits were up since she’d talked with Ellen. Her treatments in the city were still not doing as well as the doctor wanted. Ralph had been driving her to the appointments since the fire, and had talked with the doctor. If there was no significant improvement after she finished this course of treatments in two weeks, then they’d stop them. Cassie went back to the shop and asked Cindy to cover for her for the rest of the day. Just as she was leaving to go down the street to a small restaurant she liked, Lang came in the door. “You’re early,” Cassie said. “I thought I’d take you out to eat.” “You heard about the possible new treatment for Mom?” He nodded. “Mitch keeps me abreast of everything going on around the ranch. I happened to go by the ranch house, not long after you’d left. I ran into him and Ellen talking.” “I was going to Sally’s to eat the healthy meal Ellen said I had to have before donating.” “Sally’s has good food.” He held the door open for her. “Shall we?” “Thanks. I get tired of eating alone. And there is something I wanted to talk about with you.” They strolled along the sidewalk past the drugstore, a jewelry shop, and a small clothing store before getting to Sally’s. Lang didn’t talk. He was just a comforting presence at her side. “Hello, Cassie and Lang.” Sally, a tall, thin blonde greeted them at the door. “Not often I see you in town, Lang.” She gave him a quick glance up and down. He’d drawn those looks ten years ago and obviously still did. Sally led them to a booth. “Here are your menus. Coffee for you, Lang?” “Yes, and iced tea for Cassie.” He glanced her way, and she nodded yes.

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“Be right back for your order.” He sat back and looked across at Cassie. “How do you feel about the work Ellen has done?” “Great, especially since Mom is probably going to need the new medication. Did Mitch tell you about my real dad?” “Yes, we talked privately. You don’t need to worry that everyone will be told.” “I wasn’t. It was a shock. I haven’t had time to really think about the possibility that Ellen suggested.” Sally interrupted with the coffee and tea. She took their orders and hurried off. “Does the thought that you might have a kinship to us bother you?” Lang stirred the sugar into his coffee while he waited for her answer. “I’m not extra strong, or talented in any unusual way like you all are. It’s hard to believe that’s possible. And then look how uncomfortable I always was at the ranch. I didn’t feel I fit in.” “Maybe that was the reason.” Confused by his statement, Cassie asked, “What do you mean?” “Perhaps something inside you recognized our kinship. You didn’t understand, and it made you unsettled. Consequently, you put distance between you and the place that evoked those feelings the most.” Cassie was surprised both by such a long speech from Lang and by what he said. She thought about the time she came to the ranch and those years before she ran off. “The reaction was like a hum,” she muttered partly to herself, but loud enough for him to hear. He didn’t respond, just drank his coffee and waited patiently. “When I got to be a teenager, it got worse. I don’t know if I can describe it. A yearning, a questioning—” She shook her head. “I don’t know. I blamed my confusion and feelings on the fact that you all were different from me. I didn’t fit in. I’d noticed the extra strength,

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how well most of you could see better, further than me. And other small incidents that pointed out our differences. I told myself I was inferior.” “If you’d been older, like Sara, I believe you’d have responded differently.” “Perhaps, or maybe I would have been a pain either way.” She smiled at Lang, and he laughed. “Maybe.” Sally brought their food, and they ate in silence. But it was a comfortable quiet that was soothing to Cassie. “I never eat this much. I think that’s all I can get down.” Cassie pushed her plate to the side. “I ran into Nick today when I was walking out of the ranch house.” Lang glanced across at her and at her plate. “You ate enough.” He didn’t comment on her other statement. “Nick was polite, but distant. I hurt him, didn’t I?” “Yes.” Lang took a sip of his coffee. “Well, say something.” “What do you want me to say, Cassie?” “Tell me how to make it right.” “I can’t do that. You and Nick have to find your own way.” He continued to finish his meal. “Since I let you help me, he probably thinks I care for you and not him. It isn’t true. For some reason when I’m with you I’m calmer. With Nick it’s more teasing, laughing. I don’t know how to describe the difference. I need both, but right now I need your solidness, your strength more.” Lang put down his fork and sat his plate to the side. “I’m not always calming. I wasn’t at the new house the other day.” “I know.” “Nick has strength you can depend on, too.” Lang shrugged. “He just offers it in a more demanding way.” Cassie grinned. “Yes, he does.”

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“You two have to work that out.” “I’m not sure he wants to.” “Let’s go back to your place,” Lang said. He motioned to Sally, and she brought their check. After paying, he and Cassie walked back to her shop and went up the back stairs to her apartment. Cassie led the way inside and opened her living room windows to let in some fresh air. “Do you want some tea? I have several different specialties of Nanna’s.” Lang stepped into her space. “The only thing in this apartment that I want, is you.” A ripple of excitement shivered over her. She stared into his gray eyes and saw the need. Large, callused hands cupped her face. “Do you have any idea how beautiful you are? When I look at you, I ache to be inside your hot, sweet pussy.” He kissed her lightly on the mouth. His words sent heat flowing to all the parts of her body. She stood on her toes and leaned into him. Her arms curled around his neck. “How do you think I’ve felt watching you work? Your hands”— she stepped back, took hold of them, and kissed each palm—“do beautiful work. I’ve wanted those hands on me.” Lang wrapped his arms around her body and stood holding her tight. “This isn’t a game, Cassie. I love you, and so does Nick. We want you for our wife.” He kissed the top of her head. “I know. I love you, too, but I can’t commit to a relationship at this time. Not yet. There’s something I have to be sure is taken care of first.” He stepped back and held her shoulders. “Let us help.” “Let me try to deal with it first. If it gets too hard, I’ll come to you two.” He wasn’t pleased. He, like Nick, wanted to take over, but he nodded. “All right, if you promise to call us when needed.” “Deal.” She grinned at him. “Why are we talking?”

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“I have no idea.” He picked her up and carried her into the bedroom. When he let her down, her body slid against his hard frame, and the desire that almost constantly flickered when he or Nick were around grew into a roaring fire as Lang slowly unbuttoned her blouse and removed the rest of her clothes. Lang stood back and looked at her. “You are the only woman I’ve ever really wanted. I always knew it was either you or no one.” Cassie reached up and unbuttoned his shirt. “You’re way overdressed, cowboy, if you want to make love to me.” “Yes, Madam. That’s exactly what I plan to do.” He stood patiently as she unfastened his silver belt buckle and slid his jeans and shorts down his long legs. She stopped for a second and touched his large cock. Her hand wrapped around the velvety hardness, and her tongue licked the salty drop from the top of his dick. She heard his indrawn breath. His fingers grasped her head gently. A thrill built inside her as she took him in her mouth and wrapped her tongue all around his wide girth. His big body shuddered, encouraging her to cup his sac and increase her movements. She sucked on his cock and gently massaged his balls. “Darlin’.” His raspy voice had her glancing up at him. His face muscles were held taut, his jaw tight. “I love what you’re doing, but I want to be in your tight pussy when I come. So you’d better let me take off my boots and get rid of these pants.” “You’re sure you want me to stop?” “This time, yes.” She licked across the top one more time, before standing. “Hurry, cowboy. I want your body close to mine.” In a few seconds he’d discarded his boots and pants, sheathed his cock with a condom, and had her on her back on the bed. He glanced down at her. “Your wish is my command.” His warm body covered her and held her snug. “I’ve got you now. Let’s see, where do I start this feast?” He bent his head and kissed her neck. She giggled and scrunched

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her neck. “Ah, I forgot how ticklish you were if I kissed you in just the right spot.” He blew his breath across her neck and kissed her again. Goose bumps and shivers covered her arms. “No fair. I want you to make love to me. Not tease me.” “Ah, my love. I am making love to you.” He nipped at her earlobe, and the shivers changed to an aching desire. His lips caressed her cheeks, her eyes, her mouth. She opened her mouth, and his tongue slipped inside to caress along the inner walls and the edge of her teeth. She ran her hands across his muscled arms and down to his hard chest. His soft chest hair teased her nipples where they’d tightened and pebbled to a peak. Moving down, he kissed her neck again where her blood raced and her pulse pounded. His lips brushed across her nipples as he cupped her breasts. As he massaged them, his tongue tormented each sensitive pebble. Cassie couldn’t stay still. She moved under his body and pushed her breasts harder against his mouth. When his hand slid down and rubbed across her nub, she moaned. “Please go in me. I’m starving for you.” His chuckle vibrated against her chest. “Savor the moment, honey,” he whispered in her ear. His mouth did a leisurely stroll along her body, kissing every vulnerable spot. When he got to her pussy, he spread her folds covering her sensitive nub. He licked and suckled her clit until her body shook with her desire for him. When his tongue darted into her pussy opening, she screamed his name and bowed her body. Heat and pleasure rushed through her veins. A throbbing pulse beat inside her pussy walls. Moving quickly now, he positioned his hard cock at her opening and surged in hard and fast. She gasped as her tight pussy accommodated his big cock. “Are you all right?” he asked. “Oh, yes. Don’t quit now.”

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His grin, which he seldom showed to anyone, flashed again. “Good, because it would be difficult to stop.” He picked up his rhythm, and she met his every stroke. Her inner walls clenched and unclenched around his full girth. She strained against him, wanting more. As though he’d heard her thought, he pushed further into her and held as her pussy walls rippled around him. She raised her legs up and around him. Her inner walls held his cock tight as he lightly bit her nipple. A huge orgasmic wave surged across her whole body. Lang went in and out fast, and the orgasm hung suspended inside her before carrying her away. His shout of completion shook her again. They lay together, panting. A thin sheen of perspiration coated their bodies in spite of the coolness of the room. Cassie felt her face flush. “Do you suppose we shook the building, or that anyone heard our yells from the open living room windows? He raised his body weight off of her. “Too late to worry. I don’t give a damn.” He said the words softly, a wide smile on his face. Rolling to the side, he took her with him and held her close to his body. “According to your clock, you have about an hour before you have to leave to give blood. Sleep. I’ll wake you.” **** Lang waited until she was sound asleep, and then crept out of the bed. He took a quick shower and put on his clothes. The living room had gotten quite cold. While lowering the windows he stared at the town and distant mountains. This land had always been his home. A part of his being. And he felt the same way about Cassie. She smelled like the sweet roses his mother always had in her garden. The scent would flavor the air in the spring. Her skin was as

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soft as down, and her lush mouth tasted like ambrosia. He wanted to kiss her pussy lips and suckle her nub on and on. Her luscious breasts filled his hands, and her pink nipples begged to be tasted. When her orgasm hit her and she tightened on his cock his desire spiraled higher. When the pleasure hit it exploded to every cell in his body. No one else would ever do for him. He was determined that he and Nick would marry her. Starting now that was even more his mission than it had ever been before. He started to turn from the window. A man standing on the sidewalk across the street caught his eye. He looked vaguely familiar. He’d been staring at this building. Lang rushed out the door and down the steps, but when he got around to the front of the shop, whoever he was, he had disappeared. Lang took out his cell and punched in Nick’s number. “Hi, drive to town. I want to talk with you. And if you hurry you can take Cassie to the ranch for her to donate blood.” When Nick said he was on his way, Lang snapped his phone shut. Soon, he’d need to wake Cassie, but first he had to formulate a plan.

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Chapter Eight Slut, she never let me touch her intimately, but she opens her legs for those cowboys. But my plan will fix her. This revenge is going to be so sweet. Just a little more patience. **** Nick arrived at the shop a few minutes before Lang had to wake Cassie. Lang told him about the man watching the shop. “He didn’t do anything overt, but I didn’t have a good feeling about him. You were right. Cassie is worried about something, and feels she has to handle whatever it is herself.” “What do you suggest? She certainly let me know she didn’t want us taking over and being too protective.” “Tough. We’ll do what we have to, to keep our woman safe.” “I like it when you start thinking more like me.” “Heaven forbid.” Lang and Nick both laughed at his remark. “Go wake her and take her to the ranch. I’m going to work on my project inside. Cindy is working in the shop, but they aren’t using that room until I’m finished.” Lang smiled seeing Nick take the stairs two at time. He couldn’t blame him. That’s how he felt, too. **** Cassie woke and found herself alone. She stretched. Her muscles were loose and relaxed. Her whole body felt different in a good way.

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She started to get up when she saw the shadow of man in her doorway. Jumping back into bed, she reached for her gun. It was gone. “Hi, hope I didn’t frighten you.” Nick, handsome as ever and wearing his sexy smile, made her heart jump with joy. “You did scare me. I should have known it would be Lang or you.” She wrinkled her forehead and looked in her bedside table drawer. “I had a gun in here. I keep it for protection. It’s gone.” “Let me see.” Nick searched all around the area. “Who would steal your gun, and when?” Cassie remembered. “In my concern about the fire, I left my door unlocked for quite a while that day.” “Most people around this area don’t steal, and especially not guns. They all have their own.” “Unless it was the boys that the sheriff thinks started the fire. Maybe they lingered around and saw the opportunity to go upstairs.” “I don’t think so. They’d have taken jewelry, food, something of value along with the gun. Is anything else missing?” “I have little of value except my work. I haven’t noticed any of it being gone.” Nick glanced at his watch. “You’d better get ready. We’ll figure this out later.” Cassie was quick. She readily agreed to Nick driving her. “I might be a little weak afterward. Thanks for offering.” He drove fast along the road to the ranch. They met few cars. Cassie started to speak several times, but decided to wait until later. They arrived at Ellen’s office right on time. “I see you have your handsome escort.” Ellen smiled at Nick. “You can wait upstairs. I’m sure Tessa will have a delicious cake or pie to share with you.” “That does tempt a man. But I’d rather stay and hold my lady’s hand.” He held Ellen’s gaze.

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Ellen stared back at him. Cassie opened her mouth to tell him she’d be all right, and Ellen spoke. “I suppose I should know by now not to suggest you leave. Once you men have decided a woman is yours, no one is going to move the immovable rock.” She grinned. “I know from experience.” She looked at Cassie. “My husbands would be the same way. I’m very independent, but I’ve grown to like their always being there for me.” She turned and sat her equipment on the table by a large lounge-type chair. “Come sit here.” Nick pulled a straight chair to the side opposite from where Ellen was working. He took Cassie’s hand. “Now you can see giving in once in a while isn’t so hard.” Cassie laughed. “No. I don’t guess it was.” “Might as well give in, honey. Lang and I intend to take care of you.” “Keep this up and you may wear me down.” “Take this ball and tighten your fist. Let’s see what kind of veins you have.” She’d never liked having her blood drawn, so Cassie turned her head and stared into Nick’s blue eyes. She loosened her fist when told. Nick tightened his grip on her hand when Ellen stuck the needle in her skin. “Now that wasn’t so bad, was it?” Ellen asked. “No, not at all.” “You two relax. We’re going to be here for a while. I’m going in the next room to do some work. This nice lady”—Ellen nodded to a young woman who had just entered the room—“is a nurse. She’ll sit over at the desk in the corner and check you frequently. I’ll be back in too, but let her know if you want to see me sooner.” Ellen left and the nurse came over and checked everything before setting at her desk. “I’m glad we have this time to talk.” Cassie spoke softly to Nick. “I’m sorry about the other day. I’ve been mixed up lately. I was rude.” He took her free hand and leaned forward so they could keep their

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voices low. “Forget it. I pushed a little too hard. It doesn’t mean I’ve changed my mind. I understand your need to be independent to a point, but if we disagree, let’s discuss the problem.” “Nick, you and I are alike in a lot of ways. We’re both emotional and more apt to react in anger and snap at each other.” “I’d never hurt you. I wasn’t angry so much as I was frustrated.” “Lang and you are very different. Lang is calm, he thinks before he speaks, he has a steadiness, and all that is something I need. I love him.” She saw Nick’s stricken look and squeezed his hand. “I love you, too, for different reasons.” Nick stood and walked around the room. When he sat back down, he asked, “Would you rather only marry Lang?” His body was stiff, and pain flashed in his eyes as he faced her. “No. If I agree to marry, I’ll marry you both. I need your energy, teasing ways, and strong confidence. Lang shows his confidence in one way, and you show it in another. You are both strong, lovable men who make my heart race and my body ache to be near you. I don’t understand why you still want me after the way I left.” Nick kissed her hand. “Living at the ranch you must have noticed that when the men decide they want a particular woman, nothing changes their mind. When the right lady comes along, our bodies know it before our minds accept the forgone conclusion. “I thought if I went away to school, and then worked in the outside world far from here, I’d stop wanting you, stop seeing you in my dreams. It never happened. Finally I realized I preferred living here. And I gave up trying to find another woman to replace you.” “But how does your body know?” “I’m not sure. Our Priestess has said we can choose another, but our union will never be as strong. Our children will not inherit as many of our traits. I think it is a mechanism to make sure our line is preserved across time. Otherwise across the centuries, we’d have gradually become more and more fully human.” “Hoping to help me accept the ranch, my mother told me that your

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people came from outer space. I laughed at her and thought she was going a little crazy.” The nurse pushed back her chair and came across the room to check the tubes and Cassie’s arm. “It’s going well,” she said. “It’s going to take a little over an hour. Before you leave I’ll give you a snack and something to drink. Then after about fifteen minutes or so, if your blood pressure and everything is all right, you can go home. Don’t do anything strenuous or any heavy lifting for five hours, and drink plenty of fluids over the next twenty-four to forty-eight hours. Got that?” “Yes, thank you.” “And if she doesn’t get it, I do. I’ll watch her,” Nick said. “Good. Let me know if you need me.” She returned to her desk, picked up the phone and made a call. Nick took up their conversation as though she hadn’t been there. “Do you still think the idea is crazy?” “It still seems improbable in my head, but I’ve seen how much stronger you all are with your amazing strength and your five senses. I know each of you have special skills shared by a smaller group, like Lang’s ability to assess the health of the animals and his uncanny work with wood. He’s apparently able to calculate in his head and with his eyes what needs to be done.” “True, like Ethan driving cars. He has the same special gifts in a different way.” “And your special talent?” “Loving you.” Cassie laughed. “You don’t want to tell me.” “Someday I will.” He sat back in his chair. “Close your eyes and relax.” She did. Nick ran his fingers lightly up and down her arm. She smiled at him without opening her eyes. ****

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He studied her beautiful face. His love for her filled his heart. How could he tell her the truth? Would she be frightened if she knew his skill was as a warrior? His superior eyesight saw the slightest movement in the dark. When he honed in on his target, he never missed. He heard the slightest breath of wind, and he could snap a man’s neck in a second. They sent him out on first reconnaissance. He took out the guards and led their men inside. It had taken perseverance to learn to control his temper completely, to never use his abilities except on missions. When he had left the ranch, he pretended he had no unusual skills. But when Lang had written about a mission where they’d lost a warrior because of a guard they hadn’t seen, guilt had swamped Nick. Few had his particular combination of skills. Through the centuries, those traits had been watered down. Nick had found it a relief to return home and finally accept all of himself. “What’s wrong?” Cassie opened her eyes and stared at him. Her forehead was wrinkled. “I sensed you were worried about something.” “I’m fine, sweetheart. Are you all right?” “Yes, but I’m tired of lying here.” Ellen had made several checks back and forth into the room. Now, she breezed in again. “I’m letting you out of prison,” she teased. First, she and the nurse checked everything before the nurse removed the needle. “Hold this pad firmly against her arm,” the nurse instructed Nick. Coming around to the other side, she checked Cassie’s blood pressure and wrote it down for Ellen to see. “You’ve done fine,” the nurse said. “I have your snack right here, and some juice for you to drink.” In less than twenty minutes they were stepping outside into the fresh air. Nick kept his arm protectively around her waist. “You can let go,” Cassie told him. “I’m not feeling weak.” “I like my arm around you. Let me baby you for a little while.”

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He put her in his truck and went around to the driver’s side to get in. “Where to?” “Lang’s working at my shop. Let’s go see what he’s done.” As they drove along, Nick wondered if he dared ask her to move in with them. Although he hadn’t found anything on the Internet about Cassie to concern him, he still had a sense of unrest that wouldn’t go away. He wanted her where they knew she’d be safe. Nick glanced in her direction. “Cassie, I have a suggestion.” She looked across at him. “Well, first a question. How soon can you and Rae have the new house done?” “If you’re in a hurry, Rae and I might be able to take off one day and go to the city. We can find everything there and get it shipped to your house within a few days.” “Good. Do that. Hire any help you need.” “I’ll check with Rae to see how soon we can arrange a day to go together.” “When the house is done, we’d like you to come live with us. See how it goes. Maybe then you can make up your mind to marry us.” He caught the look of surprise on her face. “What do you think?” “Like a trial marriage?” “Sort of.” “That goes both ways. You and Lang might decide you’ve made a mistake and want to end the relationship.” “I suppose, but that won’t happen. Life is full of risks, Cassie. I never saw you as a coward.” He grinned inwardly when he noted her body stiffened. He’d known that would get her ire up. “I’m not. If you can handle it, I can.” Before she could retract her words, Nick sealed the deal. “Good. We’ll expect the house finished and you to move in within the next few weeks.” “That’s not much time.” He heard the wobble in her voice. She’d like to retract her agreement, but he wasn’t having it. “You can do it,” he challenged

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her. “Humph, you tricked me.” Nick laughed. “You fell for it, sweetheart.” Cassie crossed her arms and stared out the window. They rode the rest of the way into town in total silence. When he parked, she jumped out before he could come around and open her door. She stomped angrily around the truck. He stood back and admired her sweet derriere. Then he followed her inside the shop. Lang glanced around from his work. Nick nodded his head at Lang. They’d talked last night about getting her into their house with them. “All finished with the blood donation?” Lang asked. “Yes.” Cassie snapped the words. “I’m tired. I’ll let Cindy go and close up the shop. You must be ready to stop for the day.” “I thought I’d get Nick to help. I think we can just about finish tonight.” “Whatever.” Cassie walked into the other room. Nick heard her talking to Cindy and heard Cindy leave shortly afterwards. Cassie went out the back to go to her apartment. “She wasn’t happy with our idea?” “She agreed. Then wanted to retract her agreement, but I had her boxed in, you might say. She’s irritated that I fooled her. I think she’s scared she’ll like it, and we won’t. I tried to reassure her.” Nick raked his fingers through his hair. “She’s as changeable as a chameleon. Damn frustrating at times.” “When is she to move in?” “In a few weeks. She and Rae will get the house furnished, and then we’ll all move in together.” “Sounds good. I want her away from here as soon as possible.” “You didn’t recognize the man you saw watching this place?” “No. But I have the feeling he’s someone I’ve seen before. I’d bet on it.” “You think one of us should stay the night? I doubt she’ll want us

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around at this point.” “One of us will guard the place. She doesn’t need to know. I’ll stay. Cassie will be watching for your truck to drive off.” “You have to be at work early tomorrow.” “I’ll ask the sheriff to have a guy keep his eye on the place after I go.” “Fine, but tomorrow night’s mine.” Nick went out to his truck. He glanced up at Cassie’s windows. There was still light in her living room and bedroom. She had the curtains pulled, but he detected the slight movement at the edge and knew she was watching for him to drive away. He smiled and saluted her, then swung into the cab of his truck and left. **** How did he see her? She’d barely touched the curtain. He’d tricked her. It was her fault. Why had she jumped at the idea so readily? Because I want to be with them? At least I need to be honest with myself. I do love them. I want them to make love to me. I want to live in the house they built for me. There, I’ve admitted it. She had to meet with Peter and make him understand it was completely over between them, forever. If he persisted in hounding her, she’d talk with the police. He wasn’t going to take that well. Maybe he’d hit her. She’d go straight to the authorities. They could see the bruises and hopefully believe her this time. Peter had to be stopped before he seriously hurt some other woman. Tomorrow, she’d contact him.

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Chapter Nine Cassie woke determined to follow through with her plan. The sun was shining bright, and soon she’d need to go downstairs to open her shop. She was behind on working on her jewelry designs. Peter’s number was still in her address book. She’d put her hand on the phone when someone knocked. She really needed to get a peephole made in that door. But it didn’t matter. She’d be moving to the ranch soon. A thrill of excitement flashed inside her. She was surprised that she was beginning to like the idea a lot. The knock on the door became more insistent. “All right, already.” Leaving the chain lock on, she opened the door. “Peter? I was going to call you. What a surprise.” She blinked her eyes for a second, wondering if she was imagining things. “I’ve felt bad about the way we ended things. I wanted to talk and clear the air. Nick is a friend. I’d hate for him to think less of me.” Cassie was puzzled by his words and the sincere look on his face. This was the man she met and had started to date. “Can we talk?” he asked. “Let me get my purse. We can have coffee at Sally’s.” Cassie shut the door and went to her bedroom. When she returned, Peter was standing in her living room. She glanced at her door. Her chain lock had been cut. Dumb, she had left the door unlocked. Peter laughed seeing her expression. “You didn’t think I was sincere? I thought you were a better opponent than this. What a disappointment. We do need to talk, dear Cassie, but not in a public place. Sit!” She recognized the expression in his face and eyes. He was

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working himself up into a frenzy. Fear sizzled along her nerve endings. Mentally shaking herself, she stiffened. She would not let him see she was frightened. “Get out.” “Now, Cassie, you don’t want me to get angry, do you?” His evil smile made her want to hit him. He circled the small room and noticed her address book lying open. “You’ve played right into my hands.” Horrified, Cassie saw him pull a gun from his jacket. “My gun. You stole it.” “It was so easy. Everyone running around putting out the fire I started and they blamed on some innocent teenagers.” His harsh laugh grated on her nerves. “It was you?” Peter bowed. “I take all the credit.” Anger had her lunging at him. Her nails scraped the side of his face, and she shoved him back. His wild laughter made him look demented. “We might have planned this together, dear Cassie.” He turned the gun and shot himself in the shoulder. Stunned, Cassie jumped back, expecting him to shoot her next. Instead, he shoved the gun in her hands and ran out the door screaming, “She shot me. Cassie tried to kill me.” Near the bottom of the steps, he tumbled to the ground. Cassie stood at the top of the stairs staring horrified as the policeman looked up at her still holding the gun. The next few hours were like being in a terrifying dream. The first police on the scene called for backup. Her gun was taken for evidence, and she was handcuffed and driven to the jail. They’d loaded Peter into an ambulance. Between his moaning and groaning he’d managed to tell them repeatedly that she had called and asked him to meet her. When he came, she had shot him. As they had loaded her into the police car, Cassie remembered her address book open on her table to his name and number. He’d planned his revenge well.

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“Sorry to have to do this, Miss Venitia. But the evidence backs up his claim.” The sheriff put her in a cell and took off the handcuffs. “I’ll call Lang and Nick to let them know what’s going on.” He walked out of the cell and locked the entry. “Lang had just left about thirty minutes earlier. He’d been guarding your building all night. That’s why I had police close by. He asked us to keep an eye on you and your place.” Sheriff Willis shook his head. “They’re not going to be happy with what I have to tell them.” He left the holding area and shut the connecting door. All alone, Cassie sank onto the cot and put her head in her hands. What was she going to do? How could she ever prove her innocence? She started shaking and wasn’t able to stop. I’m so cold and scared. Will Lang and Nick believe me? If they can’t or won’t help me, I may go to prison. **** Lang had grabbed a quick cup of coffee and was headed to the barn for his horse, when his cell rang. “She’s what? You must be mistaken.” He listened to the sheriff’s explanation. “I don’t believe it.” “I don’t either, Lang,” Sheriff Willis said. “But the evidence fits all that he said.” “Can I bond her out?” “If Judge Ricter will see her this morning, we might be able to arrange it. She’ll be your responsibility.” “I accept that. Nick and I will be with her at all times.” “All right. I’ll call the judge and see what he says.” Lang ran back to the house where Nick was getting ready for work. He found Nick in the kitchen. “Cassie has been arrested for shooting Peter Illingsworth. I knew the man I saw looked familiar. It was him. I realized it as soon as I

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heard the name.” “How did it happen? And what makes them think she shot him?” Lang repeated the news Sheriff Willis gave him. “It doesn’t look good.” “You said it was her gun?” “Yeah. Why?” “She looked for it the other day. It wasn’t in the drawer where she kept it. We figured the kids that set the fire might have hung around and stole the gun during all the confusion. Nick shook his head. “Damn. I knew that didn’t seem right. Nothing of value was taken. But then we got busy going to the ranch for her blood donation and it slipped our minds. Damn, damn, it’s my fault. We ought to have reported the gun stolen immediately.” “You can tell the judge. The sheriff is trying to arrange a hearing this morning. I’ll call Daren and Mitch and tell them where we’ll be. Let’s get to town.” Sheriff Willis put his phone down as Lang and Nick came in the door. “That was the judge. The hearing’s in an hour. I guess you want to see Cassie?” “We sure do,” Nick said. They found her huddled on the cot, pale and shaky. The sheriff opened the door, and Nick and Lang rushed inside. Nick picked her up in his arms and sat on the cot with her. Lang brushed his hand across her head. “It’s all right, honey. We’re going to get you out of here.” “Short of shooting our way out like the old-time cowboys did, I don’t see much hope.” She gave them a wry smile. “Nothing so drastic,” Nick said. “But we would, if necessary. Sheriff Willis has arranged a hearing for you in less than an hour. We’ll bond you out, but you have to accept we’ll be responsible for you.” “I guess I can bear it.” She tried to joke again. “That’s our girl. Keep up your spirits.”

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“Tell us exactly what happened.” Lang sat down beside her and Nick. “We need to know everything you’ve been holding back.” Cassie wiped her eyes and told them of her relationship with Peter, her fears, and how she’d hoped to free herself of him before getting too involved with them. “Why the hell didn’t you say something to us?” Nick snapped, then took a deep breath. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to sound angry. To be honest, I am a little. That night at the restaurant was the time to tell me.” Cassie looked at him directly. “He was your friend. Would you have believed me? No one else had, not the police or his family.” “Enough recriminations. We go from here,” Lang said. He didn’t intend to let Nick and her get into whys. It was unproductive. “I had my address book open to his name to call him. I was going to ask for a meeting in a public place and try to get him to understand and quit stalking and threatening me.” She glanced at Lang. “I know, it was a stupid idea.” “Not stupid. You were hoping he’d be a reasonable man, but he hadn’t been before, and he would never have been with you. My guess is he ended his other relationships on his terms. When you left, you became his obsession.” Nick nodded in agreement. “And he is good at hiding his real persona. I’ve met him a number of times with different women. I’d never have suspected him capable of this.” He took Cassie’s hand and kissed it. “I want to think I’d have believed you. But I’m not certain I would have, at least not immediately.” “Sheriff Willis said you guarded my place and me last night,” Cassie said, turning to Lang. “I saw a man looking at the shop the other morning. I couldn’t place him, but something about his intense scrutiny concerned me. Nick and I decided we’d take turns each night covering your place and the sheriff agreed to up his patrols in your area during the day.” “He must have seen you leave and taken his chance,” Nick said.

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“Yeah, guess none of us were smart enough to stop his insane plan.” Cassie bowed her head. “No one will believe he shot himself and set this all up. He has money, the best lawyers—” Cassie jumped out of Nick’s arms and stood. “I know a very good lawyer. My friend in New Mexico. I’ll give you his name. If anyone can find a way to help us, he can. Give me something to write on.” Lang frowned. He didn’t like the idea that she had someone else she’d readily call for help. Reluctantly, he handed her a pen and a card from his pocket. “Who is this friend?” Cassie hugged him. “You and Nick don’t have to be jealous. We were never more than friends. He told me to come back home three years before I finally did.” “You took a long time taking his advice,” Lang said. “He tried to warn me I was going in the wrong direction. I should have listened. If I had, I’d have never met Peter. Let me give you his name and number. Talk to him. See what you think.” “You say he’s a lawyer? Where does he work?” Lang was still skeptical about this guy and his relationship to Cassie. “He doesn’t anymore, not as an attorney. He has a small cottage outside a tiny town. His work is creating beautiful objects of art.” “Cassie, you need someone actively involved with the judicial system. Well known and current in recent cases and the law,” Lang said. “Oh, he’s well known. He still takes a few special cases. He’s Caedmon Quinlain. I call him Cad.” “The Quinlain? He’s considered the best in the country. They say he cuts off his opponents at the knees with his elegance in the courtroom.” Nick stared at her. “You must be mistaken.” “He didn’t tell me how good he was. I guess he’s the one you mentioned. All I know is I trust him.” Lang took the name and number she’d written and tried to ignore the bitterness trying to swell inside him. He resented the easy way she

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had said she trusted the man. “You have his number memorized?” Nick spoke up. Lang saw the same concern in Nick’s eyes. They weren’t either one happy about this turn of events. “Cad insisted. He said if I didn’t go home, that sooner or later I’d need him. I wonder how he knew. He is very aware, psychic, sort of like Rae. He reminds me of her.” Sheriff Willis came back to the holding area. “Time for us to leave for court. Sorry, Cassie, but these cuffs have to go back on and Lang and Nick must leave.” Lang and Nick left the cell. “We’ll be in court,” Lang said. He held up the small card. “Meanwhile, I’ll call your friend.” In the truck, Lang opened his cell and punched in the numbers Cassie had written. “Let’s see if she was right about this guy.” The phone rang four times, when a man finally answered. “Quinlain here.” “Is this Mr. Caedmon Quinlain, the attorney?” “Who wants to know?” “Cassie Venitia is in trouble.” “And you are?” “Lang Connor.” “Ah, yes. She mentioned you and a Nick Kenric.” “He’s right here beside me.” “She must have gone home. How did you two let her get into trouble?” “It took her three years to get here.” “Tell me where to meet you.” “No problem. But do you have jurisdiction to work in Wyoming?” “Yes. I’m attuned to her and sensed she was headed for trouble. I applied for my license in Wyoming not long after she left New Mexico.” “We’ll send the company jet to bring you to us. Give me your address.” Quinlain told Lang where the nearest airport was located

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where they could land a jet. “The pilot will call you when he’s an hour out,” Lang said. “See you soon.” Quinlain hung up the phone. “He must be a man of few words, like you,” Nick commented as Lang drove toward the courthouse. “He is. We’ll have him here by tonight.” “And he is the attorney?” “Evidently so. But I’m going to check him online and see what he looks like. He’d better match his picture.” The court hearing was short. Judge Ricter looked sternly down at Cassie. “If I agree to bond you out, you’ll be under the supervision of Mr. Connor and Mr. Kenric. They’re taking responsibility for you and paying the bond.” “I agree, Your Honor.” “I’m making an exception because I trust these two men, and I’ve been told you’re engaged to Lang Connor. I’ve always considered him an intelligent man. After hearing this I’m not so sure of his judgment. We’ll see. Bail is set at fifty thousand dollars.” The gravel came down. He nodded and left the room. Cassie had tried to hide her surprise at Judge Ricter’s statement. “We’re engaged?” “As of now.” Lang pulled a ring from his pocket. “I’ve had this in a drawer at home for a long time.” He took her left hand and slipped the diamond ring on her finger. “It’s from both of us, but in town we always have one designated husband.” “So I’ve noticed.” Cassie studied the large, round, sparkling diamond surrounded by emeralds. “The emeralds reminded us of your eyes,” Nick added. “Do you like it?” “I do.” Cassie whispered the words and blinked away her tears. Lang put his arm around her waist. “Let’s go home and leave the past behind. This is a new start.” “My new start may include jail,” Cassie reminded him.

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“Not a chance with Quinlain and us on your side.” Nick opened the door and led the way to the truck. They put her in the middle. As he drove, Lang felt her hip up against his. Her fragrance filled the cab. Desire built into a roaring fire in his body by the time they drove into their drive at the cabin. He glanced across at Nick and knew he was feeling the same. Lang slid out and pulled Cassie into his arms. “Would you mind if we go right to my bedroom and celebrate our engagement?” He held his breath waiting for her answer. “I’m glad you asked. That way I don’t have to figure out how to get the two of you in bed.” “I’ll take that for a yes.” Taking long strides, Lang, carrying Cassie, headed to the house. Nick opened the door and locked it behind them. Not slowing down, Lang went to the left into a hallway and down to the end into a huge bedroom. He let Cassie slide down his body until her feet touched the plush gray carpet. He and Nick watched her expressions. She walked around the open space. “Rae did the decorating for you,” she said to Lang. He nodded. “The carpet color is a perfect match for your eyes, and the whole ambiance fits your calm personality. She’s very talented.” “I’m glad you like my bedroom, but I had other ideas for bringing you in here.” His gray eyes glinted with hunger. “Really?” Cassie trailed her fingers along the blue-and-gray bedspread. She pulled the covers back. “Did it include this enormous bed?” “Yes.” “Hmm, it does seem a bit warm.” She unfastened the first button on her shirt. After being in that awful jail, I need a shower.” She explored the room further and found the door to a dressing room, closets, and a bath. She turned on the shower and three sprays filled the large tiled area.

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By now she had her shirt unbuttoned. It dropped to the floor. Turning, she faced them where they stood after following her in. Lang’s patience was worn thread thin, but he wanted to let her go and play. He wanted her to forget the last few hours for a while. Heated blood raced through his veins. She’d better hurry, though, or he and Nick would have her undressed in a second. Reaching back, she undid her bra and let it fall. Her luscious breasts were freed. Rosy nipples pointed in their direction. Lang’s gaze went along her rib cage to her tiny waist. She was unzipping her pants. In one swipe, she pushed her slacks and pants down and kicked off her low-heeled shoes and her clothes. Raising her arms, she stretched. All Lang’s blood went straight to his cock. He heard Nick’s murmur behind him. “Aren’t you two going to join me?” Cassie flashed her sexy smile and stepped under the water. Lang and Nick were undressed and joined her in minutes. She held the soap in her hand. “I need someone to clean my back.” Their groans brought a smile to her lips. Lang moved in front of her and Nick behind. “We’d be glad to help.”

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Chapter Ten Lang soaped his hands and started at her neck to caress her skin. The combination of the warm water, the suds, and his hands made Cassie want to melt at his feet. Nick went behind her and lathered her back, massaging her shoulders and all along her backside. Lang’s hands slid down to her breasts. She moaned when he cupped them and rubbed his fingers across her nipples. Leaning toward her, he brushed his lips across her mouth. A fire began to smolder in her abdomen and spread out. A blissful hum tingled through her body as they both rubbed her skin and massaged her muscles. Nick reached around and ran his soapy finger over her nub and along her pussy lips. His hard body moved side to side against her sudsy posterior. Firm lips nuzzled her neck. In front, Lang continued to move downward. His tongue flicked into her belly button, and then he knelt to massage and kiss her inner thighs. He’d spread her legs wide, and her pussy pulsed with hunger. “I need one of those beautiful, hard cocks deep inside me.” Lang pulled her to the side facing the tile wall. “Put your hands against the tile.” She did as he said. “Bend slightly at the waist.” The sound of the condom package being ripped open increased her hunger. Lang put his sheathed cock at her back and slid his cock along her pussy lips to the opening. He rubbed her clit while he slowly filled her. Nick slipped up between her and the wall, high enough to rake his teeth across her pebbled nipple. With his hands, he caressed both breasts.

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She shivered and clenched and unclenched her inner muscles around Lang’s cock. He plunged in one more time, deep, and pleasure jolted throughout her system. She screamed his name as tremors of ecstasy raked across her already-oversensitive nerves. When Lang stepped back Nick kissed her and rubbed his finger across her clit. His hard cock pulsed against her abdomen. Almost immediately her body responded. Heat and desire swirled inside as the warm water cascaded along her and Nick’s bodies. He bent and drew her nipple into his mouth. She held on to his head as he lightly ran his teeth across the sensitive tip and his fingers worked their magic below. Her body shook with the desire building deep in her core. She wrapped her arms around his neck as her hunger spiraled high again. Nick pulled her legs up around his waist and plunged his sheathed cock into her aching pussy. Turning he put her back against the tile, and then ravished her mouth while his dick went in and out fast. Another orgasm hit her from her legs upward. She pushed down more on his cock to keep the feelings going on and on. His cock pulsed against her tight walls. When he groaned at his climax, she was held tight in his arms. They quickly rinsed off. Lang had already gotten out of the shower. Nick took a towel and dried Cassie. He carried her in to the bed and gently laid her on the sheets. He stretched out beside her. “This time, we’ll take it slow and easy.” Lang came to the bed carrying a jar. “Have you heard about the cream our scientist created? It relaxes you and intensifies the sexual experience. Are you game to try it?” His smoky gray eyes tempted her. “Sure.” After putting some cream on his hands, he handed the jar to Nick. Lang rubbed the lotion on the front and Nick on the back. At first all she felt was a coolness, and her muscles began to totally relax. As they continued, her body warmed inside and out.

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She would never have believed her passion could arise again so quickly. Deep in her body, heat and sparks of a wild, seductive yearning grew and flowed through her blood and up her spine. At least one set of hands was always touching her, caressing her, provoking her to feel more. Nick ran his fingers across her eyebrows, along her cheekbones, on the outline of her ears. His mouth followed, tasting, nipping, tormenting her to higher heights. Lang pleasured her breast. He spread the cream around and around in swirls. His teeth raked across the sensitized tip of her nipples. Her body shook with her desire and moisture seeped from her pussy. Their combined scents floated in the air, driving them on. Cassie’s body bowed with the need for more, more of what they were doing. When Lang put his fingers inside her pussy, she screamed his name and clamped down on him. His tongue laved across her nub. Her pussy’s inner walls quivered with desire. “Take me, please. I’m going to explode.” A swell began at her feet moving upward. Lang looked at her drawn face and moved his cock into position then surged into her as the orgasmic wave hit her fully. She bucked under him. Nick quickly ran his hands across her breasts and suckled one nipple. “More, more,” she hollered at them. Nick straddled her, and she opened her mouth and took his cock in deep in her throat. She sucked on his dick and ran her teeth along the edge at the top of his cock. The explosion hit them all. Cassie licked and sucked Nick’s salty essence as Lang held his cock tight against her womb. Nick rolled away as Cassie splintered into a thousand pieces. Lang leaned against her for a moment, and then rolled on the opposite side from Nick. “Maybe we better not use that cream too often. It might kill us.” Cassie and Nick chuckled between taking deep breaths of air. Nick rolled to face her. “Did that take your mind off your problems

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for a while?” “What problems?” She smiled and curled into Lang’s shoulder. Nick rubbed her back as she sank into oblivion. Lang gently moved her head onto the pillow. “I’m going to shower and call the sheriff.” “I’ll stay here until you’re out of the shower. Then I’ll get ready and dress.” He glanced out the window at the shadows. “I’ll be glad when her lawyer gets here and we can talk.” “Yep, me too.” **** They were eating when Rae knocked on the door. “Can I come in?” “Sure, Rae. You know you’re always welcome.” Lang held the door for her. “Want something to eat?” Cassie asked. “Lang grilled some steaks.” “No, thanks. I’ve eaten. I wanted to ask you about what happened today. I’m not being nosy. I thought some of us might be able to help.” Nick told her what they knew. She listened intently. “You think he set her up?” “We all do,” Lang said, indicating all three of them. “Cassie, you say none of the other women would come forth and admit he’d abused them?” Rae asked. “I think they were just glad to be rid of him. He’s set me up good. It’ll be difficult to prove my innocence.” “But not impossible. Cassie, our Priestess wants to meet you. She’s heard you may be a descendent of the third tribe and would like to ask you a few questions.” “And this will help her case, how?” Nick asked. “I’m not sure, but there must be a reason for her to request to see

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Cassie. You know she usually only gets involved if you ask her to,” Rae added. “I want to meet her,” Cassie said. “Then I can take you now. She said if you were agreeable, she’d be waiting.” “I’ll run get my shoes and comb my hair,” Cassie said, hurrying out of the room. Rae asked more questions about the charges Cassie was facing, and in a few minutes Cassie was back. “I’m ready. Let’s go.” “Rae, one of us wants to be with her at all times,” Nick said. “She can ride with you, but I’m going along. I’ll visit with the Priestess’s husband, Pruet. I haven’t seen him lately.” Lang walked outside with them. “I’ll stay here and wait for Cad Quinlain.” “The Quinlain?” Rae asked. “I’ve heard he’s a shark in court. He’s reported to be very good.” “That matches what we know,” Lang admitted. “See you all later.” Rae backed her car out of the drive and headed in the opposite direction of the main part of the ranch. “Our Priestess lives off by herself, surrounded by nature. She says it keeps her grounded.” Rae glanced at Cassie. “I’m sorry all this is happening to you, but I’m glad if it had to that you’re here where we can help you.” “I don’t know how I’ll ever thank all of you.” “By staying here and being happy.” Cassie grinned at her. “I knew there’d be a catch.” They both laughed as Rae drove further into the wilderness. Rae turned left and soon drove onto a long driveway. The Priestess’s house was a large A-frame, and lights spilled out of the windows into the dark surroundings. Nick pulled in beside them, and they all walked to the front door. Cassie wasn’t sure what she expected. Certainly not the slim

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woman dressed in jeans, a long-sleeved red shirt, and cowboy boots. Her midnight-black hair fell straight to her waist. “Cassie Venitia, this is our Priestess, Eleanor Benoit.” “Welcome to our home, Cassie.” She reached out and took Cassie’s hand. “Please call me Elle. This is my husband, Pruet. Hello, Nick, It’s good to see you.” She gave Rae a hug. “How are you, sister of my heart?” “Fine. I’m glad you wanted to see her tonight.” “I am most interested in getting to know Cassie.” “But—” Cassie started to speak. “You are part of us. I sensed our kinship when I took your hand. Can you truly deny it?” “I’m so confused. I don’t know what to think.” “Fair enough. Come inside. We will go to my study and the others can visit.” Elle stopped on her way out to kiss her husband on the cheek. Their love was evident in their eyes and the way they touched. **** She led Cassie around the corner and into a large room lined with books. Many of the books looked old. There were rolled scripts in one area of the shelves. Soft flute music played in the background, and the air smelled of violets. Two leather chairs were arranged by the fireplace. Gold curtains had been pulled to keep out the dark. “In the daytime I have a wonderful view of the prairie and mountains, but at night I prefer my bright-colored drapes. Sit by the fire. Then we will talk.” Cassie sank into the buttery leather. The warmth of the fire felt good. This was a restful room. She looked across at the Priestess where she sat in the opposite lounge chair. “You have heard about my blood test, and that some think I am part of the lost tribe?” “Yes. Do you have doubts?”

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“Who wouldn’t? This whole thing about you all being descendents of ancient astronauts who crashed on earth and having special skills, which I’ve seen, can be very confusing. Now to be told that through my father’s genes I am one of you—” “It is overwhelming. But I assure you between the blood test and what I felt when you touched my hand, I am certain. What made you run away from us ten years ago?” Cassie jumped up and paced the room. “I’m not sure. Lang and Nick were pushing me to marry them. My strong feelings for them made me want to, but whenever I was on the ranch I was too unsettled. I decided I was too young to marry, so I ran away.” “How were you unsettled?” “Inside of me, there was a constant hum, an uneasiness. I couldn’t identify it. I told myself I couldn’t live here. I had no special talents. Later Nick and Lang would regret having such a wife.” “Sit. May I touch your head?” “Yes.” Cassie sat back in the chair, and Elle moved to stand behind her. She placed her hands on either side of Cassie’s head and began to hum a soft tune. As she did a quiet calm spread from Cassie’s head down through her whole body. Cassie’s internal hum went away, and her muscles relaxed. A feeling of well-being centered inside of her. After what seemed only a few minutes, but Cassie realized later had been almost half an hour, the Priestess stepped back and sat in her chair. She closed her eyes, and someone knocked on the door. “Come in, darling.” Still distracted by what had happened, Cassie was surprised to see the Priestess’s husband walk in carrying a tray with two teacups. He sat the tray on the desk to the side and handed Cassie and then his wife a cup. “Drink,” Elle said. “It will refresh you.” “I hardly need it. I feel wonderfully refreshed and calm. What did you do?”

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“I stopped the hum. You will learn how to do that. My husband will teach you.” Cassie looked across at the tall, slim, dark-haired man standing beside his wife. “How can you help me?” “Although my lovely wife and I are both telepaths, she mainly connects with our past and me. She does not do that with anyone else. I have the stronger talent in that area. Your ability is powerful. You must be taught to control that power for your benefit and the others around you.” “I don’t understand.” The Priestess took her hands and held them tightly. “The hum is other people’s words. You didn’t know how to receive them or how to shut the noise out.” “That’s impossible. It never happened off the ranch.” “No, because we have more telepaths on the ranch than there are anywhere else. One here or there you’d ignore as outside noise or something insignificant. Here the noise becomes louder, more insistent.” Her husband knelt at Cassie’s chair and stared into her eyes. “I can help you learn to control what you want to receive and shut the rest out. Will you let me?” “I’m finding this all hard to believe. But I’m willing to have you try to teach me. But how will this help me with my present problem?” “I am going to visit your Peter Illingsworth. I will check that what you have said is truthful. Not that I don’t believe you. But I must be absolutely certain. Your first lesson is always make sure of the facts, regardless of who it is.” He stood and leaned against his wife’s desk. “What I do then is put the thought into his head that he should confess. If though he is truly evil, it may not take. So the other possibility is that by talking with him, he’ll think of other women he has hurt. I can retrieve their names. Then we can track them down. Hopefully one of them will agree to testify.” He moved away from the desk to the door. “We start

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your lessons tomorrow morning at nine o’clock.” The door shut behind him. “Do you have any questions?” the Priestess asked. “I’m too confused right now to know.” “Would you like for me to research as much information as I can on your father’s family?” “Please.” “Let’s go join the others.” Nick suggested they leave shortly after Cassie and the Priestess returned to the great room. Cassie thanked the Priestess and her husband, hugged Rae, and followed Nick out. He opened her car door. She got in, leaned back against the seat, and closed her eyes. It was wonderful to have the hum gone. She hadn’t asked how long it would last. “Tired?” When she opened her eyes, he was leaning toward her. “A little, but a good tired. Take me home.” “I hope you mean the cabin, because that’s where we’re headed. Lang will want to hear what happened. Me too. That is if you want to share, if not, we’ll understand.” “To be truthful, I just want to sleep. Can we talk tomorrow?” “Have you forgotten your attorney will probably be at the house when we get there?” “Cad. I did forget. I’m anxious to speak with him.” She gazed across at Nick’s profile etched by the night shadows and the moon’s light. A warrior’s mask. Now where did that thought come from? Lighthearted Nick had never seemed the type. And yet she was certain she was right. He glanced at her. “You won’t shut Lang and me out again, will you?” “Not at all. I’ll tell you everything that happened with the Priestess later.” “I must admit to a bit of jealousy concerning this guy.” She moved closer to him and put her hand on his thigh. She felt

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his muscle tighten. “Don’t worry. You and Lang are the only men in my heart.” His large, warm hand covered hers. “That’s enough reassurance for me, but you’d better let Lang know, too. He may appear calm and reasonable, but that’s up to a point. It doesn’t include sharing you with anyone, but me.”

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Chapter Eleven Cad was sitting at the kitchen table drinking coffee with Lang. “Cad.” Cassie ran forward as he stood. She threw herself into his arms. “I’m so glad you’re here.” “I told you I’d always come if you needed me.” His deep voice wrapped around her. She stepped back. “This is Nick Kenric. I see you’ve already met Lang.” “He tells me you are going to marry him and Nick.” “Yes.” She held out her hand to show off her ring. “That just happened.” She smiled at Lang and found he was frowning at her. “They’re a little jealous of you. I’ve tried to explain we don’t feel that way about each other.” “Certainly not. You are the sister in my heart.” He turned to Lang and Nick. “I recognized her when she came to my shop. Her vibrations hit me full in the chest.” “What?” Cassie stepped back. “You knew? How?” “I’m a member of the third tribe, Cassie. And I recognized you by your looks and your heart.” She studied him. His wavy black hair was tied back and glistened in the overhead light. His face was a blend of high cheekbones, deepset golden eyes, a firm mouth, and a square jaw. Cad was as tall as Lang, and his broad shoulders, lean hips, and long legs should have given her a hint that he might be kin to the men she’d left behind. Especially when he reminded her so much of Lang. “Why didn’t I feel the unrest around you?” “Do you around them?” He nodded to Nick and Lang.

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“Not all the time.” “You look like my family, Cassie. My guess is we are related through your father and my mother.” Cassie sank into a chair. “Why didn’t you tell me?” “You weren’t ready to hear me. But I knew you would have to return here. You couldn’t stay away forever, and when you did return, it would all come to a head. I did not foresee you getting into trouble with the law.” “Can you help me with that?” “Of course. I never lose.” His warm smile comforted her. “I’m exhausted. Can I go to bed?” Lang swept her into his arms. “I’ll be right back,” he said to the others. He took long strides down the hall to his bedroom. Setting her on her feet, he began to undress her. “I can do it.” “Doubtful. You’re almost asleep standing up. You’ve been through a lot in the past twenty-four hours.” He had her undressed and in bed before she could protest again. “Turn over.” “Why?” She saw a bottle of lotion in his hands. “I’m too tired to make love.” He grinned. “I could make you take back those words, but I won’t. This is regular lotion. I’ll rub your back until you go to sleep.” Lang dribbled the cool lotion on her backside, and then began to massage her shoulders, back, and down her legs to her feet. She moaned with pleasure. He leaned forward and kissed the side of her neck. “Sleep, little one.” “I forgot to tell you. You and Nick are in my heart, no one else.” The words came out slurred with sleep. “I know.” His hands continued to caress her as she sank deeper into her dreams.

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**** Nick and Cad sat across eyeing each other. Finally, Nick said, “Tell me what you know about her.” “We met three years ago. She wandered in from the hot heat of the summer. She looked like a lost child wandering around looking for her home. After I got to know her better, I realized my first impression was right.” Cad sipped the last of his coffee. “She stayed with me for six months. I discovered she was very good creatively with her hands. I taught her how to work the gold and silver. Her mind created the designs.” He glanced at Lang as he walked into the room. “She told me about you two. She’d tried to forget you and not care. It hadn’t worked.” Lang walked to the stove and poured a cup of coffee for him and Nick. He refilled Cad’s cup. “You told her to go home?” “I did. She said she would, eventually. There were more travels to do first.” “You could have convinced her,” Nick said. “Perhaps. But we must all find our place at our own time. I myself have wandered far.” “You’ve never gone back to your roots?” Lang asked. “Sadly none of us can go back to our original roots. I live closer to family now. But I’ve known all my life that my destiny was not totally with them.” “So it’s in New Mexico,” Nick stated. “No.” They didn’t ask any other questions. A man had a right to keep his own secrets. “I talked to Pruet tonight,” Nick said. He explained to Cad who he was. “Pruet is telepathic. He’ll go to the hospital early tomorrow morning to visit Illingsworth.

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“We checked and Peter is to be discharged later in the day. Apparently, in spite of all his groaning and carrying on, he wasn’t hurt seriously. The bullet hit just the right spot to miss anything vital.” “Ah, this Pruet hopes to use his telepathic skills to retrieve names of other victims,” Cad said. “It might help. I suppose you will check on them and try to get one to talk with the authorities?” Nick nodded. “That’s my plan. Lang will be here to support Cassie. He’s the calming one. I have to do something.” Cad smiled. “You two will be good for her. She will be happy. I’m tired. Where do I sleep tonight?” A knock at the door had Nick out of his chair and going to answer it. “I believe this is your ride now. Rae, Mitch and Daren’s sister, will drive you to the main ranch house. They’re our leaders. They’d like to meet you.” He opened the door and let Rae in. “Rae Stanton, Caedmon Quinlain, the attorney we mentioned earlier.” Rae walked forward and took his outstretched hand, but immediately started to pull away. He covered her hand with both of his. “I am very pleased to make your acquaintance.” Cad smiled at her. She frowned, and this time when she jerked her hand to free it, he let go. Puzzled Nick glanced at Lang. “Sit and have coffee, Rae.” “No, I’m ready to go. I’ll drop off Mr. Quinlain, and then I have work to do on my plans to decorate your house.” She gave Cad an uneasy look. Nick put his arm around her. “You go on home. I’ll drive Quinlain to the boss’s house.” “Thanks. I appreciate the offer.” She rushed out, and they heard her car start up. “I’ve never seen Rae act that way toward anyone.” He stared at Quinlain. “Why didn’t you let her hand go the first time she tried to pull back? You frightened her.” “She understands. She senses who I am and it shook her.”

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“Who the hell are you?” Lang demanded. “I’m the man who plans to marry her and bring our tribes back together.” “Shit, Mitch and Daren might have something to say about that,” Nick said. “It will happen, but not yet. Don’t worry. I won’t cause any problems for you all or Rae.” “You claim to be part of the third tribe?” Lang asked. “My brother and cousin are the leaders.” “Where are they? Why haven’t we been able to find them?” Lang frowned at Quinlain. “At the right time, those answers and others will be given.” Nick grabbed his keys from the table where he’d laid them. “Let’s go. It’s been a long night.” As they got out to the truck, Nick stopped and touched Cad’s arm. “For your information, Rae’s been in love with someone for a long time. She’s been waiting for him to return. You won’t change her mind about that.” “I know. He’s coming home soon.” “You know him?” “We worked together for a few years.” Shaking his head, Nick got in the truck and drove toward the ranch house. **** Rae drove home quickly. She shut off the car motor and leaned her head against the steering wheel. The cool night air and the quiet didn’t slow her pounding heart or relieve her body, flushed with heat and the smell of him. Who was he, and how did he have this effect on her? No one had touched her like that. At least not since Nate had left that day so long ago. She’d promised to wait. He’d told her not to. He might not come back. But she hadn’t had a choice. He took part of her heart with him.

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Her hands gripped the bracelet on her wrist. The black stones and the gold flashed in the moonlight. Had she bought this to remind her of Nate, or was it a forewarning of Quinlain coming into her life? She got out and walked to her front door. Shaking, she struggled to put the key in. Inside, she went to her meditation room and sat on a cushion on the floor. But she couldn’t shake him or his scent from her head. His thoughts had come into hers. “I have found you. You are mine. When I return, we will marry.” She’d sent angry thoughts back at him, but he’d only smiled, that certain look on his face. A mixture of excitement and fear rolled in her veins. His particular musky scent had surrounded her. With each breath, she took more of his essence inside. She had a strong will. He couldn’t make her do what she didn’t want to. But her fear was that his determination was stronger. Most of all her body wanted him, even if she said she didn’t. Desire had burned inside her. A shock wave had gone up her arm and through her when he touched her. Her pussy clenched in hunger and with a demand to feel him deep within her. That was why she’d tried to pull back. But he’d held her tight as the hunger built. He’d left her aching for him to touch her again, only more intimately next time. Rae closed her eyes and tried to force those thoughts away. She sat for hours concentrating on clearing her mind and body of him and his scent. **** Cassie woke refreshed and for a moment happy until she remembered the problem hanging over her head. She wouldn’t think about it. First, she’d shower. Then she’d promised to meet with Pruet at nine. It was eight. She had time for a quick shower and to dress. Lang knocked as she put the last touch to her makeup before going to find him and Nick. She called out for him to enter.

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“You’re dressed, good. It’s almost time for your meeting. Nick told me about the arrangement. Did you sleep well?” Lang’s eyes trailed from her face down to her feet. “I did.” “Come eat. I have it all ready.” She followed him into the kitchen and realized how hungry she was when he put the plate of eggs, sausage, potatoes, and toast in front of her. Lang went to the cupboard and got her a cup and poured her coffee. He sat across from her and smiled at her hurriedly clearing her plate. “I guess you were a little hungry. After your meeting, Rae will pick you up. Technically Nick or I are to be with you at all times, but we trust Rae to keep an eye on you. She’ll take you to see your mother on the way to the new house. We want the decorating and furnishing done soon. You two can work on it and buy what you need online.” “Most of it we can buy that way, but some things you want to see and touch in person.” “That will have to wait until we have this problem fixed. I have some work to do around the ranch. Nick has gone to town with Quinlain. Pruet is going to see Illingsworth right after your session.” Cassie had finished. She took her plate and cup to the sink and turned to find Lang’s smoldering gaze on her. Her heart quickened. He stood and ambled across the small space between them. She breathed in his musky scent. Then she put her arms around his neck and kissed his firm, warm lips. “You didn’t have to cook for me.” His hands caressed the sides of her body, and his thumbs brushed along the edge of her breasts. “We wouldn’t want you to lose these sumptuous curves.” A flash of hunger lit his eyes. He pulled her hard against his muscled frame and buried his face in her neck. “I want to strip and devour your alluring body, but there isn’t time.” She kissed the opening at the neck of his shirt. “We could make

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time, but I’d have to miss my lesson.” Her body moved against his hard cock. His expressions captivated her. Lang preferred to stay in control, and yet she saw the fight inside him to let go. She jerked his shirt out of his pants and put her hand against his warm skin. He took a quick, indrawn breath. “We can be late this one time.” Stepping backwards, Cassie unbuttoned her first button on her blouse. Lang’s gray eyes darkened like a storm on the horizon. A shiver went across her shoulders and down her back. He didn’t move for a moment. His silver-gray eyes stared into hers. She knew when he regained control. “We won’t be late, and there’s something that needs to be said before I drop you off. You wear our ring now. We waited so long for the moment to claim you. We won’t ever give you up again.” He stood toe-to-toe with her. “You understand? You are mine and Nick’s. There will be no going back, no games, all of that is over. You agree?” “And if I don’t?” “Then once this legal problem is cleared away, you will go and not return to the ranch. I’ve talked with Mitch, and he agrees.” “My family is here.” “They can visit you in town. I want to be sure you didn’t accept our ring because you’re in a bad place right now, and when it’s over you’ll want to do your own thing again.” “I won’t be controlled.” “We don’t want that, either. We want your love, your trust, and you as our wife. You say you trust Quinlain, and I believe it. I’m not sure I believe you truly trust us. Think about what I’ve said while we’re gone today.” His expression had a finality to it. He wasn’t going to make love to her. Turning on his heels, he walked to the door. The clang of his boots echoed as he strode across the floor.

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“Are you coming?” Cassie redid her top button and followed him out to the truck. As they drove along, the humming became more persistent, until they passed the busy part of the ranch and headed toward the Priestess’s home. Lang pulled in the drive and stopped. He reached across Cassie and opened her door. His warm arm brushed across her breasts, and his scent enveloped her even more. She started to get out. “Rae will be here at ten.” His hand cupped her face. “Remember, we love you.” She wanted to throw herself into his arms. She didn’t. She got out, slammed the door shut, and walked to the door where Pruet stood waiting. “Ready to go to work?” he asked. “Yes.” The truck wheels squealed as Lang drove off. “Lang sounds out of sorts. Strange behavior for him.” He glanced at Cassie but didn’t say any more. She followed him up the stairs to the loft. “This is my work area. We’ll sit on the floor, on those cushions. I need to be close enough for us to touch. I will put my palms out and you will touch them with yours. We’ll do this with contact at first. Later we can do it further and further apart.” “When do I learn to shut it off?” “We’ll work on that a bit each day.” She did as he said. A snap not unlike an electric spark hit her when they touched. “You will be very responsive. Now clear your mind and let my thoughts enter yours.” It was a struggle. She got glimpses and louder static. Pruet worked slowly, encouraging her, but close to the end of the session, he said, “Enough.” Cassie opened her eyes and swayed. He put his hands on her shoulders to steady her. “You may have a slight headache afterwards.

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It won’t last. This may take longer if you can’t give up some control. You will have to trust me, to let me through. Then I can show you how to let in what you want and shut the rest out. “To start with when the humming gets bad, stop and meditate for a short time. Clear your mind, tell it to not let in the noise. We’ll meet each day this week. Call me if nine o’clock isn’t good for tomorrow.” Cassie found Rae waiting for her when she came downstairs. “Wow, you look as bad as I feel.” “I didn’t sleep well last night,” Rae said. “You can take me back to Lang and Nick’s cabin. We don’t have to do anything today.” “I’d really rather work. We’ll stop and visit with your mom first.” “My head hurts. Maybe she’ll have something I can take.” Cassie walked out into the fresh air. The sunlight hurt her eyes before she slipped her glasses on. Her head was full of Pruet’s instructions, the humming in the air, and all the other problems crowding in. She wanted to scream, “stop it”, but nothing was going away that easily.

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Chapter Twelve Nick waited impatiently for Pruet to finish his meeting with Illingsworth. Quinlain sat and wrote on some papers while Nick paced. “Aren’t you worried?” Nick asked. “No. After meeting him, I know I can take him apart on the stand, if necessary. Hopefully, it won’t go that far.” “How can you be sure?” “Because I’ve met his kind before. He’s certain no one is as clever as him. That will trip him up.” “He’s evil personified,” Pruet said as he joined Nick and Quinlain. “He thinks his plan is working perfectly. I told him I was Cassie’s friend, and had a difficult time understanding how she had come to shoot him.” “What did he say?” Nick asked. “The same story he gave the sheriff. He’s insistent that she called him. He went because he felt bad about the way their relationship ended. The man has his story down pat.” “What do you think?” Nick persisted. “I’ve no doubt he’s lying. The man’s on a high because Cassie made it so easy for him. Her having his phone number right on her desk was a sign to him to go full speed ahead.” “Did you get any names?” Nick continued to question Pruet. “I prodded him. I asked about other women in his life. That shut down the conversation and he told me to leave. But I got one name before I left.” He handed Nick a piece of paper. “I wrote it down. My guess is she’s another one like Cassie. One that didn’t fear him

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enough. He gets off on the fear, but resistance fuels his anger. I’m not sure why he chose Cassie to go after instead of the other woman. Probably because she didn’t go to the police. But she’s in his mind. She may be his next victim.” “I’m going to head for California and check her out. Lang agreed with me. He’ll stay here and be sure nothing untoward happens.” “Good idea.” Pruet glanced over at Cad. “How did your meeting go?” “Nick introduced me as Cassie’s lawyer. Illingsworth laughed and said I didn’t have a case. I suggested he look my name up on the Internet. When I said I don’t lose cases, he said this one would be my downfall.” Cad laughed. “If it wasn’t for not wanting to put Cassie through a trial, I’d love to get the arrogant bastard on the stand.” The tone of his voice and the expression on his face told Nick that Cad Quinlain had definitely earned his reputation. “Are you staying around here for a while?” Nick asked him. “No. I’m headed home as soon as you can transport me. I have other business to take care of.” “Did you talk to Mitch and Daren last night?” “I did.” “I’ll let Mitch know you need a ride.” Nick started to flip his cell open. “You or Lang call me if I’m needed back here.” “Don’t worry. We will.” Pruet spoke up. “I did plant the seed in Illingsworth for him to confess his sins. I’ll be surprised if it takes. The man is bad news. Be careful he doesn’t get wind that you’re going to try and get this other woman to talk. If he does, her life will be in danger.” “I’d love for him to try to hurt her. He’d give me the excuse I need to rid this world of him.” Nick’s harsh voice had Quinlain staring at him. “Does Cassie know you’re a warrior?” “Not yet. How do you think she’ll react?” “I’m not sure, but you’d better tell her before she learns much

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more about telepathic communication.” Nick grinned. “Yeah. How do I keep her out of my mind?” “Don’t worry,” Pruet said. “She won’t do that without your permission. She’s an honorable woman, and I’ll teach her the rules.” “Guess it’s another matter of trust. And that hasn’t been a strong suit between us.” “Whose fault is that?” Quinlain asked. Then he turned and walked off to make a private call. **** Nick kissed Cassie good-bye. The jet was going to take him to California after dropping Cad off in New Mexico. “Don’t worry. I’ll find this lady and persuade her to go to the police. Just get our home ready so Lang and I can marry you when I get back.” She and Lang watched until the plane flew out of sight behind the clouds. Darkness was falling fast, and the air was getting cooler. Lang put his arm around her shoulders as they walked back to the truck. Inside the closed area, he faced her. “Did you think about what I said this morning, or have you been too busy?” “I considered your declaration while Rae ordered what we’d decided on for the house.” “You want to tell me what you think?” “Will you believe me before this is all over?” His eyes were hooded as he looked at her. “Of course, I know you wouldn’t lie.” “That’s a lot of trust.” “It’s always been there for you, baby.” “Can we go to the house?” “Sure, but it’s empty.” “Not quite. There are a few decisions Rae and I had already made. I had told her to go ahead and make the order. Those items came

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today.” Lang glanced her way, but didn’t comment. Cassie rolled down her window and enjoyed the scents of the evening. The hint of a wood fire drifted by, and somewhere the grass had been recently mowed. Stars began to appear in the sky as it got darker. When they got to the house, the automatic lights had come on around the house and barn. Lang helped her out. They walked to the door together. “Let me go first.” Cassie stepped inside and flipped the switch. The rug she’d chosen shone in the overhead light. A chocolatecolored couch and two matching chairs were set around a large, low, glass-top table. She watched Lang’s expression as he wandered around the room. On the wide fireplace chimney an eagle, fashioned of iron, had his wings spread as though flying. “Whose work is that?” “Cad surprised me by bringing it with him. I did the eagle while I stayed at his place. I told him I’d want it back someday. He figured now was the time.” “You are incredibly talented.” “It’s my best piece. I haven’t attempted any other large sculptures. How about the rest of the room? There are a few more pieces of furniture I want to add. It’s such a large area, but this is a good start.” “I like it. Don’t add too much more.” She felt her face flush with pleasure from his words. “I won’t. Maybe just a smaller chair for me.” “Then you do plan to be here?” “Absolutely. You can’t push me away with words. And I’m not only here until my problem is solved. I’m here to stay, buster.” She strode across the floor and punched her finger into his hard chest. “Understand?” He swept her into his arms and took long strides to the master bedroom on the right side of the house. Then he almost dropped her when he walked in the door and flicked on the light.

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A huge bed make of teak sat against the wall with bedside tables on either side. A comforter colored in gray, green, and brown covered the mattress. “We had to look and look through a ton of catalogs for one with all the colors I wanted.” In the corner was a small bookcase, and a chaise lounge sat between it and a side window. A chest of drawers, a mirror, and dresser completed the matching furniture. Several colored photographs of the ocean were hung on one wall. “Rae and I bought those from Daren. He does beautiful work. He wanted to give them to us, but we insisted we wanted to pay. So, what do you think?” “I love it. Especially the different shades of cream and green you used on the walls. It’s very comforting and restful.” “We thought so, too. The room still smells a little from the fresh paint. As I said, we’d ordered all of this before my problem happened. I was surprised when they called and said they’d deliver this afternoon.” She waved her arm toward the windows. “I’ve ordered drapes and towels, those sorts of things, but until they arrive, the plain pull-down blinds you put up with have to do.” “Stay here.” Lang left the room. Cassie heard him in the kitchen. She decided to surprise him. At her mother’s she’d collected a few of her suitcases she’d left there and never unpacked. Going to the closet, she pulled out a lacy negligee, and after removing all her clothes, she put on the thin wrap. “Where are you?” Lang called out. “Here.” Cassie walked out of the closet and stood where the subdued lighting showcased her and the negligee. Lang held two glasses and a bottle of champagne. He didn’t move. He just stared at her from her head to her bare feet. Moving slowly toward him, Cassie smiled. “See anything you like, cowboy?” Her voice purred at him. “I like the whole package, including that lacy white thing that doesn’t hide any of your jewels but somehow makes them look even

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sexier.” He held up the bottle. “I want to grab you and bury myself in your sweet pussy, but I’ll wait long enough for us to make a toast. I’ve already uncorked the bottle.” Without spilling a drop he poured the silvery liquid into two champagne glasses. After setting the bottle carefully on the floor, he handed Cassie a glass. “To us, Nick, you, and, me. May we live long and happy lives together.” They clicked their glasses, and Cassie took a swallow. The bubbles tickled her nose. “Champagne tends to lower my inhibitions,” she warned Lang. Lang lifted the bottle and filled her glass to the brim. “Then by all means, have more.” His husky voice set off a beat inside her. Hunger to taste him, touch him, be joined with him zinged along every nerve passage. “You are too dressed up for this occasion,” Cassie said. “No problem.” Lang went to the dressing area and disappeared, then stuck his head out the door. “You have clothes hanging in the closet.” “I’d left some of my stuff at my mother’s. The apartment closet was much too small. Rae and I moved them in today.” She sauntered toward him. “I’ve taken away your opportunity to change your mind.” “If I hadn’t changed it during the ten years you were gone, it wasn’t ever going to happen.” He disappeared behind the door. Cassie set her empty glass on the floor. She’d had more than she usually drank, and her head felt woozy. She refilled Lang’s glass and took the bottle to set it by the bed. Lang returned and came up behind her. “What are you doing?” “Making sure the bottle is close. In case we need a drink.” He pulled her backside tight against the front of his body. His hard cock pulsed along her derriere. Lang pulled her hair back and kissed the side of her neck. His other hand cupped her breast firmly as his thumb rubbed across her soft nipple.

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“Every spot on you is soft and sweet.” His tongue tasted the junction at her shoulder and neck. “I feel your heart pounding fast and hard.” “It always does when you or Nick or both of you get close to me.” She leaned her head back against his shoulder, exposing her neck to him. His lips began to taste her, and his teeth raked lightly across her skin. With both hands free, he cupped her breasts, massaging her luscious softness and gliding his thumb across each pebbled peak. She reached back and wrapped her fingers around his dick. Slowly she moved her hand up and down. Her finger brushed across the salty essence seeping from the slit at the top. Bringing one hand up, she put her finger in her mouth and sucked off the taste of him. His silver-gray eyes shone with his hunger. In response, he parted her robe and put his finger on her nub, rubbing and adding slight pressure. Then his fingers moved down across her wet folds to her pussy opening. He slid two fingers in and out of her while his other hand pinched lightly on her nipple. A shiver of desire shot up her spine, and more moisture wept from below. In one smooth move, Lang swung her off her feet and onto the new bed. As he straddled her body, he smiled. “Too bad Nick is missing out on this celebration. We’ll have to do it again with him.” His mouth closed over her breast, and he sucked hard as his fingers found her pussy opening again. He rubbed along the inside of her pussy and hit a spot that sent a surge of pleasure all through her body. Her pussy ached and clenched around his fingers. “I want your hot cock inside me now,” she demanded. He pulled back and looked down at her. “But then it will be over too soon.” She surprised him by twisting and pushing him just right to topple him over. He laughed. “I’m at your mercy.” Lang lay with his arms and legs spread wide. Cassie reached for the champagne bottle. “What?” Lang got out the one word before she tipped the bottle

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and a thin stream flowed out along his neck and chest. Cassie bent and licked at the liquid, moving her tongue across his neck, and around his chest. She spilled more over his nipples and sucked the moisture from each. Slowly, she licked each drop along his body to his wide, hard cock, where she poured more. Glancing at Lang’s face, she saw his high cheekbones and hard jaw were drawn tight. His eyes flashed with a smoky fire. She lowered her head and took him in her mouth all the way. She licked around the long, silky skin, and moved her head up and down. When Lang groaned, she smiled inwardly with satisfaction. Her hand cupped his balls, and she licked the top of his cock. He took a quick, ragged breath. Looking up to comment, he did her trick and swung her under him. “This is my turn.” He lifted her head and put the bottle to her mouth. “Drink some more.” She took a sip. He kissed her and swept his tongue around her mouth, tasting her and the champagne. Next, he poured the bubbly on her chest. He licked and sipped across her skin to her nipples. With his teeth, he pulled at each one, and then suckled at her luscious breasts. He cupped them in his hands and sat back on his haunches. “These are perfect, in size, texture, and taste. Just seeing the movement of them under your clothes can make me go hard.” His lips ran across her ribs. He kissed her soft belly. Finally, he moved to the juncture between her thighs and separated her folds. He licked across her tender skin. “Pink, delicious, beautiful as all the rest of you.” Her face flushed hot at his words. “Don’t tell me you are shy, my love. I thought the champagne would have you totally relaxed in your body.” “You’re embarrassing me.” “Better get used to it. I love all of you, and I like to look at your pussy.” His tongue ran across her nub, and sparks of fire heated her blood. Her heart thumped harder, and her body throbbed with the need to have him inside her.

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She reached out and guided his cock to her pussy. “I want you inside, now.” Lang rolled and took her with him, sitting her across his body. “You are in control. Take what you want.” Again she placed his dick at her pussy opening and this time gradually sank down, taking him in deep. He filled her completely. She sat for a second and stared into his eyes. They looked silvery today, and love radiated out to her. A slow warmth filled her body. Slowly, she began to move. Her inner walls clenched him tight as she went up and down on his wide cock. His hands cupped her breasts, and he mouthed the words, I love you. There was no hurry. It was a seduction of the senses as their bodies came together in pleasure and joy. When the slow, orgasmic wave rolled over them, Cassie leaned forward and kissed his mouth. Her heart lurched, and tears came to her eyes. His fingertips brushed the tears from her cheeks. “You won’t ever be alone again. You will be loved, cherished, and protected by me and Nick.” “I know.” She whispered the words and clung to his strong body. “I love you and Nick so much it makes my heart ache. I’ve been such a mess all these years and wasted precious time we could have been together.” Lang rolled her to the side still keeping her close against him. “It wasn’t your fault. We know that now. You suffered as much as we did. Thank goodness nothing really bad happened to you while you were off on your own.” He started to kiss her, and the phone rang. Cassie admired his tanned body, lean and hard muscled, as he walked to where he’d left his clothes. Lang took his cell out of his shirt pocket. “Nick? Right. I’ll tell her.” He hung up and turned to Cassie. “Nick is there. He contacted the woman right away and has convinced her to go with him to the police. He’s assured her she’ll be protected.

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He and some of our men will keep watch on her house until the meeting time tomorrow.” “That’s wonderful news.” “Mitch and Daren were smart to send several of our men with him.” “I’m glad. I don’t trust Peter at all.” “Don’t worry. I have no doubt he’s hurt his last woman.”

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Chapter Thirteen Nick had left two of his men to watch the house. He and another warrior, the one who was the best sharpshooter, had gone to the hotel to sleep. They had needed to be the most alert this morning. Nick sensed the most dangerous time would be when they got out of the car to go into the police station. Illingsworth would be a fool to try something there. Still, Nick’s hunch was telling him differently. “Payton,” he said to the sharpshooter, “find a place where you have a clear view of the parking area and the front of the building.” “Will do.” Nick drove to the house. Averil Stanwic was ready to go. She’d dressed in a high-necked white blouse, a pencil-slim black skirt, and a black jacket. Her fiery red hair was pulled back into a bun. “You look like you’re going to a funeral.” “I might be. Mine.” She tried to smile, but her pale face and haunted brown eyes showed her concern. Nick took her hand. “You don’t have to do this.” “Yes, I do. For one, it’s what I should have done a long time ago. Secondly, if he isn’t stopped now, he’ll go after me next. As you said, your fiancée and I are the only two that left him. Men like him have fragile egos.” “Then let’s go. The police chief is expecting us in half an hour. He knows we’re coming to talk about Peter, and how he treated you. Once you tell your story to him, he’ll call the sheriff in Lovettville. We’ll see if you need to go there to testify.” “I hope not. I want to go home.”

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Nick escorted her to the car. One of his men drove, and he sat in the back with Averil. They didn’t talk. Tension mounted as they got closer to their destination. Once the car was parked, his driver, Cody Jessup, and Nick got out first and walked on either side of Averil. Nick’s neck tingled. He glanced around and saw the movement to the right. He nodded his head, a quick signal, but he didn’t have to. A bullet shot out as the assailant stepped into the open, gun drawn. Nick whirled at the same time and saw Peter rise up from behind a car. As his arm moved, Nick had already spotted the gun. Nick’s bullet hit him in the center of his chest before he’d had time to aim. A startled look crossed Peter’s face. Nick ran forward and kicked the gun completely out of range. Police swarmed out of the building. Nick knelt close to Peter. “Who knew you were such a good shot,” Peter gasped out between breaths. “You picked the wrong woman to seek revenge on, but I’m glad. Because now you won’t ever hurt another one.” Peter looked at the blood pooling under him. “You shot to kill.” “You would have, too.” An evil grin crossed Peter’s face. “You’re right. I was given the information last night that you were coming here today. I intended to surprise you and take you and the bitch out.” He coughed up blood. Almost out of breath, he added, “You fooled me.” Ambulance attendants pushed Nick aside and started to work on Peter. Nick checked on Averil. Cody had covered her with his body and had helped her back up. “Are you all right?” Nick glanced at her up and down. “A few bruises from your manhandler here.” She frowned at Cody. “I had the good sense to get out of range of the bullets.” Cody, one of the best fighters they had, smiled at the tiny woman standing up to him. “I guess you did. But I enjoyed protecting you.” Averil’s face flushed. She glanced around at Nick. He laughed

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and shrugged. “My men never depend on the victim to take care of themselves. I’m going to find out the identity of the other shooter. My bet, he works for the police. They’re the only ones that knew about our meeting.” Payton stood talking to a tall man, in uniform, who looked like he was in charge. “Nick, this is the police chief. And that”—he pointed to the wounded man that was being lifted onto a stretcher—“is the man I shot.” Nick introduced himself to the chief. “He’s one of your men?” “Yes, guess you figured that out since no one but my men and I were to know of our meeting. He’s one of my detectives.” The chief watched as the ambulance sped off. He wore a chagrined expression. “This is embarrassing. I would never have believed any of my men, especially not one who’s been with the force for twenty years, would give out information to a suspect. Peter’s rich. I guess money was a strong motivator.” His gaze went from Nick to Payton. “You guys were prepared, and from what I saw, I’d guess you’re some of the best sharpshooters around.” “We practice at it,” Nick said. “Want to tell me who you work for?” “As the old saying goes, if I did, I’d have to kill you.” Nick grinned at the older man. He laughed. “Obviously you’re on our side. Let’s just tell the press our victim hired you to protect her. Is she too upset, or can I speak with her and get her story? It’ll help to wrap up this case. I’ll call and talk to your sheriff. He may want her to come to Wyoming, but my guess is with Peter and my detective in custody, it won’t be necessary.” “Sounds good. Let me bring Averil in to see you.” Nick walked to where Averil stood with Cody at her side. “Are you up to telling the chief your story?” “I want to get it done and leave this town.” Nick, Cody, and Payton went with her. As she told her story it

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was much like Cassie’s. “He was handsome and such a gentleman at first. The first time he hurt me he made it look like an accident. I was suspicious, but I thought I’d give him another chance. It started with little things, grabbing my arm too tight, squeezing my hand until I asked him to let go. He’d always apologize and have such an innocent expression. Peter had been doing this for some time. He was too smooth. I didn’t take it long before I confronted him and told him to stay away from me. He stalked me for a while until I stopped one day on an empty stretch of road. I confronted him with my high-powered rifle.” She gave a faint laugh. “He’d thought he had me. I swung out of my seat with the rifle pointed at his heart. I said, ‘give me a reason to rid the world of your evilness.’” “What did he do?” the chief asked. “His face turned white. He threw me a dirty look, got in his car and sped off. I’ve been tempted to come to the police, but I didn’t believe anyone would take my word over his. I kept my gun handy.” “I’m sorry to say you might have been right,” the chief said. “His family has a lot of money and power. But with two women telling the same story, you’ll be believed. I expect some more women will also come forward now. I’ll have my secretary get these notes printed. Once Ms. Stanwic signs them, you can leave. I believe the sheriff and your judge will accept your victim’s version of what happened in Wyoming, after they read this report.” “Thank you, Chief. I agree with you,” Nick said. Cody discovered a coffeepot and brought Averil a cup. He and Payton stood close to her. She gave them a curious look and stepped further away. The time seemed to creep by. Nick wanted to be on his way home, but he also had to know all the necessary papers to clear Cassie were taken care of and signed. They all gave a sigh of relief when the secretary walked toward them. “Read through this and make sure it’s correct. Then initial the bottom of each page and sign at the end.”

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Averil carefully read the pages and signed as required. She stood and moved her shoulders around. The chief came out of his office to thank them and tell them goodbye. “We’re out of here,” Nick said. He grinned, “By the way, we gave you false names.” The police chief smiled and shook his head as they went out the back door. They hurried Averil into their car and sped away. The news trucks were out front. “Do you have somewhere to go for a while?” Nick asked. “They’ll find out who you are and pester you to death until the story grows cold. And that will be a while. Peter was rich and well known in these parts.” “My mother lives in another state. I’ve been married and divorced. Stanwic isn’t my maiden name, and Mom’s remarried. So it will make it harder to trace me if I stay with her. Her husband and the other cowboys on the ranch will watch out for me.” “Payton and I wouldn’t mind going along to be sure you’re all right,” Cody said from the driver’s seat. Payton nodded his head in agreement. “Thank you, but no.” “We’ll let you go for now, but we’ll see you again,” Payton added. “I seriously doubt it.” Averil turned her head and stared out the window. “Well, at least we’ll wait for you to pack a few things, and we’ll drop you off wherever the closest airport is to your mother’s home,” Nick told her. She glanced at him surprised. “You have a private jet?” “We do.” “All right. Thank you for everything. I accept. I’ll call Mom to have my stepfather meet me at the airport.” While they waited in her living room, Nick took Payton and Cody

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to the side. His other man had been guarding the house, and he was still watching from outside. “Whatever you two think you want to do, cool it. This isn’t the time. I smell your scent and see the look in your eyes. Later, if you still want to, you can pursue her. But she’s been through too much right now. Understand?” Payton frowned. “We know. It’s hard as hell not to try to push her now, but we’ve got better sense than that.” “Just making sure.” He grinned. “I know how difficult it is to not forge ahead.” Averil came out carrying two cases. “This will do.” Payton and Cody jumped forward, each taking a case. Nick shook his head, a wry smile on his face. He put out his arm to escort her to the car. Somehow Payton and Cody managed to sit on either side of her in the backseat. Their other man drove, and Nick joined him in front. He gave his men a warning look, but he didn’t need to worry. Averil had already pushed them toward the doors. “If you move an inch, I’ll hit you. I just finished a self-defense course.” Cody and Payton laughed. “It didn’t help you today. And it sure wouldn’t stop us. But we’ll respect your request, because we want to,” Payton said, and Cody nodded. On the plane ride home, Nick reported to Mitch and then contacted Lang. “How are things?” “You won’t believe the house. Cassie and Rae ordered furniture and items on special delivery and stuff is arriving quickly. Cassie’s gone to her mother’s. They’re thinking about starting the treatments here later today or tomorrow.” “We’re dropping off the lady that helped us bring Peter out into the open. Then we’ll head straight for home. See you later tonight.” “You didn’t say, but I assume your trip was successful.” “It was. Averil gave her testimony to the chief. He’s going to contact our sheriff and send any paperwork needed. Once the judge

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sees what happened to Averil and what occurred today, I feel certain he’ll drop any charges against Cassie. “One of the men was a detective. Peter had him on the payroll. Payton shot him, but he’ll live. I shot Peter. He died at the hospital.” “Good riddance. He won’t be hurting anyone else.” “That’s what I figured.” “You need to tell Cassie what you do on your assignments.” “Yeah. As soon as we have a quiet moment I will. But if her mother’s getting worse, this isn’t the time.” “See you soon.” Lang hung up. Cassie didn’t know her lighthearted fiancé was one of the warriors. Nick wasn’t sure how she’d respond. Her stepfather was strictly a cowboy, and a good one, and Lang seldom ever went out on a job. He’d feel a lot surer about his and Cassie’s relationship after they had a talk. Nick shut off his phone and headed out of the plane’s office to join the others. He couldn’t wait to get home. **** Cassie, along with her mother and her stepfather, sat with Dr. Jack Talisman and Ellen in Jack’s office. Jack put down the phone. “Dr. Castor said he had told you he has nothing else to offer.” Dr. Jack came around his desk and took Liz’s hand. “I don’t want you to get any weaker. Conventional treatments aren’t doing the job, but it’s your decision whether to go the experimental route. Our treatment is more dangerous than the medicine you’ve been taking, because ours has never been tried on anyone.” He glanced at Ralph and Cassie to include them. “I talked to our committee the other day about this possible scenario. They agreed to you having the treatments if you knew all the dangers and wanted to proceed.” “The way I see it, I’m dying, and this new treatment is the only opportunity for me to live.” Cassie’s mom glanced at her daughter’s ring. “I’d like to see my daughter married before the first treatment,

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just in case things go wrong.” Jack looked at each of them before speaking. “Cassie, how soon can your wedding be arranged?” “I have to check with Lang and Nick. Soon, I think.” “There’s no time to waste.” Jack turned to Ellen. “Can you get it all ready to start as soon as the ceremony is over?” “I’m ready.” “All right, Cassie. Get hold of Lang and Nick, and let’s get this done.” When they walked out of Jack’s office and went to their cars, her mom put her hand on Cassie’s arm. “I hope I’m not rushing you into something you don’t want to do.” “No way, Mom. If I hadn’t wanted to marry them, I’d have never accepted the ring.” “We love you, Cassie. You’ll never know how I proud I am of you for doing this for your mom.” Her stepfather wrapped his arms around her. “You know I love you just as much as my boys.” “I wanted to help Mom. No matter what it took. And I’ve always been aware of your love. That wasn’t why I left.” She saw his expression of relief. “Did you think it was your fault?” “I wasn’t sure.” “Mom, when you get home, tell him what we’ve found. I’d tell you myself, Dad, but I have to find Lang and see when Nick is getting home. Love you all.” She waved and hurried to her car. She punched in Lang’s number. “Hi, honey. How’s your mother? “Not so good. How soon can we get together to talk?” “I’ll head home and meet you there.” Cassie turned her car toward the new house, her new home, and her new life, she hoped. If Nick had been successful on his trip. They’d kept the news of her possibly going to jail from her mother. Hopefully she’d never have to know about any of this. Lang got home just as she did. He tied his horse at a rail to the

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side of the house and came to the car. When she got out, he hugged her tight. She wrapped her arms around him and leaned into his strength. Lang guided her into the kitchen and put on the kettle for tea. He warmed himself some of the coffee left from breakfast. As he worked, Cassie told him about the visit to Dr. Jack’s office. He grinned when he heard her mother’s request. “That’ll please Nick and me just fine. Nick called.” He recounted what Nick told him. “You are almost certain to be free of any problems. The chief, in California, will be notifying Sheriff Willis of what happened. After what occurred today, it’s pretty evident Peter was abusing women and set you up. We may have to go to court one more time for the judge to officially announce the clearing of the charges, but then again, that may not be necessary.” “Do I call the Priestess about setting up our wedding in the next few days?” “I have to get back to work. Why don’t you call and make an appointment to talk with her? You missed your session with Pruet this morning. If he’s home you can see him, too.” Cassie called Elle while Lang poured her tea and placed it in front of her. When she hung up, he bent and kissed her. “Got to go.” “But you didn’t drink your coffee.” He pointed to a thermos. “Taking it with me. Be good and stay out of trouble.” He winked and went out the door. She watched him ride off. It was a fine sight, him and his horse riding across the pasture full of wildflowers. If it wasn’t for her worry about her mom, her heart would be bursting with happiness. **** Nick arrived home later that evening, tired, but happy to see Cassie and Lang waiting for him. Cassie ran across the tarmac and threw herself into his arms.

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“You saved me.” Her glowing face turned up to him. “I took care of the problem with some good help.” He motioned to his guys hurrying to their cars. He put his arm around her waist. “What’s been happening since I’ve been gone?” “I hope you won’t mind. We’re planning our wedding for two days from now. And right afterwards Mom will start her new treatments.” “Wow.” Damn, and I hadn’t talked with her yet. Cassie caught his expression. “What’s wrong? You don’t look happy.” “I am, believe me. But there is something we have to discuss. You might decide you’d rather marry only Lang.” “No way. I want you both.” “First thing in the morning, you and I are going on a horseback ride. We’ll take a picnic lunch.” “Sounds wonderful. We need to reconnect.” Her look told him he’d worried her. He rubbed his finger across the wrinkle between her eyebrows. “You worry too much. Everything is going to be fine.” He hoped. Sara called that night to invite them to dinner the next evening to celebrate their soon-to-be wedding. All Lang’s, Nick’s, and Cassie’s families were coming. Nick, Lang, and Cassie decided they’d spend this evening eating pizza and catching up on all the recent events. Cassie surprised them when she packed some of her clothes and told them she was staying at the cabin for the next two nights. “You two will be bachelors for the last time. Enjoy these two nights on your own. I need to be close for my dress fittings and planning with Rae and Elle. This way you’ll be very eager for your bride.” Although they groaned and protested, they reluctantly agreed. Nick followed her back to the main ranch area and saw she was safe inside the cabin before he left. “I’ll come by at seven and bring an extra horse for you to ride. Be ready.” He pulled her close and ravished her mouth. “Just so you

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don’t forget me before morning.” His mouth quirked up at the corner, and his eyes flashed with desire. “I won’t sleep until you are back in our bed for good.” Saying that, he left and took long strides back to his truck. Tomorrow, they’d have their talk. He didn’t sleep. He’d gone to bed in one of the bedrooms on the other side of the house. The clock hands moved slowly toward five. Then he got up, fed the horses, and started breakfast. Lang joined him, his hair wet from the shower. He buttoned his shirt and tucked it in as he came and sat at the table. “Had a rough night?” “It shows?” “Yes. You are worrying too much. She’ll be fine about what you do.” “We’ll see. I’ve never felt as confident about her feelings for me.” “You know you’re like a brother to me, so I can say this. You are stupid at times.” “I’d punch you in the mouth, but you’re right. And Cassie might not like to see marks on your pretty face.” He laughed when Lang gave him a warning frown. Chuckling, Nick put the eggs, bacon, and toast on their plates and joined Lang at the table. “Another long night, and then she’ll be ours.” “Keep that thought when you’re talking with her today. Don’t mess things up.”

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Chapter Fourteen When they finished eating, Lang headed to his truck and Nick went to the barn to saddle two of the horses. They had a pretty mare they’d bought with Cassie in mind. He swung onto his stallion and headed to the cabin. Cassie must have been watching for him. She came out the door before he could dismount. “I’m ready. Don’t get off.” She rushed down the walkway. Her blonde hair had been pulled back into a ponytail, and she wore a blue cowboy shirt with silver trim and new jeans. Her hat swung from her fingers. “You dressed up. That’s obviously a new shirt and jeans.” “Nothing’s too good for my fella. I missed you.” She swung onto the mare’s back and leaned across to kiss him. “Good morning.” His cock hardened at the sight of her, and his heart raced when her soft lips touched his mouth. “Behave, or we won’t go on a picnic. We’ll stay right here at the cabin.” “We can do that if you want.” “No. I want to be far from here, alone with you. And we can’t waste the delicious lunch Tessa packed for us.” He nodded to his saddlebags. “What fun. I just have to be back in time for my final fitting at three. The seamstress is working overtime to finish my wedding gown.” “I promise to return you in time. I don’t want to delay our ceremony tomorrow.” The scent of hay, cattle, and wildflowers was blown around on the

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morning breeze. Once they rode past the main section of the ranch, quiet prairie land stretched for miles around them. “Are we headed in any particular direction?” Cassie asked. “A little ways ahead there is a shady spot by the river. We’ll stop there and talk then have our picnic.” “Sounds good. I haven’t ridden much in the past ten years. I’d forgotten how much I love it.” “How’s your mare? If you like we’ll buy you another horse.” Cassie leaned forward and patted the horse’s neck. “She’s a beauty. I like her fine.” “Then name her. She’s yours.” “She’s so pretty and dainty. I’m going to call her Lady.” Nick gazed across at Cassie. Her slim body was held straight, and she sat comfortably in the saddle. She was his lady. Her hair glowed golden in the sunlight, and flashing green eyes smiled back at him. “What are you thinking?” “About how naturally beautiful you are whether outdoors riding or in your shop working, and most of all in our bedroom with all your luscious body exposed.” As he’d expected, her cheeks flushed pink. “I love the blush on your cheeks.” “Enough. You’ll give me a big head. Let’s race.” She took off riding fast toward a hammock of trees in the distance. Nick let her get a head start before he urged his stallion forward. “Come on, boy. We can’t let the ladies beat us.” The stallion’s thundering hooves ate up the distance, almost as though he’d understood Nick’s words. At the last moment, Nick pulled back on the reins and slowed. Cassie, eyes shining and lips curved into a smile, greeted him under the trees beside the river. “Is this the place we were headed?” “This is it.” Nick swung down and opened a saddlebag. “Here’s a blanket. Spread it out wherever you want.” She wandered around the trees. “Here’s a spot with lots of soft

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pine needles. The blanket is thick, so maybe they won’t poke through.” Nick brought an insulated bag and pulled out fried chicken, coleslaw, rolls, and grapes. In a smaller bag were two cans of soda and a bottle of water. “Everything we could possibly want, except a dessert. But that’s all right. You’ll be my afterdinner sweet.” “But what do I get for dessert?” Cassie teased. “Darlin’, you wound me.” He put his hand over his heart. “You don’t look sweet to me. More like a salty, spicy appetizer.” “So you have an appetizer and I have dessert. I’d say come and get me now, but”—he took her hand and motioned for her to sit—“we must talk first.” “Why do I think I’m not going to like what you say?” Nick leaned against the tree trunk, and Cassie sat where he could see her expressions. He’d started to pull her between his legs and hold her against him, but he wanted to see her face. “We’ve never discussed what all I do here at the ranch.” “You’re in charge of designing and building the houses and other facilities as needed,” Cassie said. “True, I am. But I am also one of the warriors who go on assignment. I’d only been back from my last one a few days when you returned.” “Can you tell me what you do on assignment?” “I can tell you about my skills, and why I decided to come back and work with Mitch and Daren and the others.” Cassie leaned forward, giving him all her attention. Nick opened a soda and took a long swallow. “A few of us have heightened skills at night. Some have better vision, some of the men’s ability to hear improves even more at night. But one or two of us have all those abilities and a sixth sense regarding danger. It’s hard to describe. But when it all comes together, someone like me can make an excellent scout.” “Can you give me an example? I’m trying to understand.”

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“The other morning when we were taking the woman to meet with the police chief our sharpshooter saw the detective draw his gun the same time I did. But I heard a slight whisper in the change of the air and a tension up my spine. I didn’t hesitate. I drew my gun and whirled around. Peter didn’t have a chance to get us in his sights. My bullet hit him before his arm came all the way up.” “Then you’re very valuable to the team.” “Often I go in first. When I find their guard, I take him out. Quietly, quickly, and efficiently.” He saw the shock in her face. “I have to be ruthless when necessary, but it’s never directed at anyone other than the enemy.” When she nodded her head, he felt a slight relief. He opened a soda and handed it to her. She stared into his eyes as their hands touched. “You went away. Why did you come back?” “There were several reasons I left. One, to get experience in my field. Two, to try and find someone to replace you, and to try and deny the warrior side of me.” “But you returned.” “I missed the ranch, my family, my friends, especially Lang. We’d been buddies since we were kids. And I never found a replacement for you. I hoped you’d come home too, someday.” “Did Mitch ask you to join the team?” “That’s the other reason I returned. I heard they’d lost a man on a mission. They hadn’t had a scout with them. There are only two others that have the same skills I do. One was sick, the other had just gotten back. The team decided to go without a forward scout. I left knowing they were shorthanded. I had convinced myself they didn’t need me. I carry some guilt over the loss of my friend.” “Why are you telling me this, Nick? Do you think I’ll feel differently about you?” “You might look at me and wonder. Perhaps be afraid I can’t control that side of my personality. You haven’t been too fond of the

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ranch, and I’m definitely part of it now.” Cassie had set her soda can down. She threw herself into his arms. “You silly man. I’ve never thought for a moment that you or Lang would hurt me in any way. I understand, as we all do, that many of the men on the ranch have a different persona when they go off on jobs. It isn’t talked about, just understood. And no one has ever, to my knowledge, come home and hurt a person here.” “No, they haven’t.” His heart beat fast and hard in his chest. She kissed his mouth and then pulled back a slight distance. “You don’t believe I love you as much as I love Lang.” “No, I don’t. But it’s all right.” He gave her a wry grin. “I have rougher edges.” “True, but that’s part of my fascination with you. With Lang, what you see is what you get. Not that he doesn’t have depth, but he’s more willing to let me see into him.” She ran her finger around the edge of Nick’s lips. His cock pulsed with the desire to take her, but he held himself in control. He wanted to hear the rest of what she had to say. “You cover a lot of your depth with jokes, teasing, laughter, and it’s worked for you. People think they know you, but I know I don’t. You have hidden layers.” “So do you.” “In many ways, we’re alike. We both denied our relationship to the ranch. Me, because I didn’t know, but I sensed something and ran from it. You, because you did know and you weren’t sure you wanted to commit yourself.” Cassie stood, her legs on either side of him. “If I promise to open myself to you, will you meet me halfway? I want all of your love, the same as you want from me. Think about it.” She unsnapped her shirt and shucked her clothes before he could answer. She ran to the river and plunged into the cold water. He sat and enjoyed watching the sparkling drops splashing around her. This section of river was deep, and she swam up and down a short stretch.

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Then she stood like a marble statue of light. The sun kissed her skin, and droplets of water shone like diamonds in her thick, golden hair. He wanted her so bad, his body hurt. She was right. He kept a part of himself back from everyone. Lang understood and never minded, but a wife was different. After all this time, he wasn’t sure how to remove his protective shell. He didn’t even remember not having it or why he had felt he needed it. Cassie flung her hair down her back and walked toward him. Her movements were poetry in motion. His heart ached with his love for her. But how did he show her? She stopped at his side. “You have on too many clothes.” “I do.” He got up, and her eyes followed his movements, leaving a trail of heat on his skin as he undressed. “Come swim with me.” She reached for his hand, and they went running and splashing into the water. She wanted to play, and he followed her lead. She threw water in his face, and he flipped her upside down into the deep river. She came up smiling. Taunting him to catch her, she swam away. He ducked under and came up in front of where she was headed. “No fair. I’m not as strong as you.” Her sweet mouth pouted, and his desire shot through him. “Did you want me to let you win?” “Well, not exactly.” “I’m the winner. I get the prize.” “I don’t have anything to give you.” He laughed and grabbed her close. “Oh yes, you do. Wrap your legs around me.” He carried her up the slope to the blanket, pretending all the way that she was too heavy. Her hand swatted at his shoulder. “Watch your mouth,” she teased back. “You hit like a girl.” He dumped her on the blanket and lay on top of her. “But you make love like a sexy woman.” “That’s better.” She brushed his wet hair out of his eyes and held

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his face between her palms. “I promise to open myself more to you, and to share all of me with you. The same as I do with Lang. For me, there is no difference in here.” Her hand went over her heart. “You will both be equally my husbands. I can’t imagine doing without one of you.” Nick kissed the top of her hand. “And I promise to be open with you. I may slip sometimes. If I do, call me on it. I want to be there in all ways for you and our children.” “You’ve made a good start today telling me about your gifts and job. I can’t say I won’t worry when you are away, but I understand this is a part of yourself you can no longer deny.” She surprised him and rolled him over. “And I’m not afraid of you. You’re a pushover.” “Only with you, sweetheart.” Finally, he let himself kiss her lips. All the love he’d bottled up for years poured out. Taking his time, he tasted, touched, and kissed all around her face and neck while his fingers ran through the strands of her lovely hair. He felt her heart pounding against his as he lay along her body. His teeth scraped along the edge of her jaw. He nibbled at her earlobe and felt her body shiver under his touch. Taking his time, he lingered at her neck and then cupped her full breasts in his hands. “They’re beautiful.” He dipped his head and sucked on first one and then the other. He raised his eyebrows at her. “And they taste so good. His hard cock pulsed against her soft abdomen as he massaged her breasts and bit lightly at her pebbled nipples. Her hands caressed his shoulders, and reaching between them, she ran her fingers across his nipples. An electric sizzle sparked across his nerves. Their scent hung close, increasing the smoldering fever building inside his core. He’d never wanted a woman as much. He wanted to show her the feelings she aroused in him. Sliding down, he separated her rosy folds and dipped his tongue into her pussy opening. She moaned and raised her body to meet him. Her soft, pink pussy lips tasted like sun-warmed strawberries. He rubbed his thumb across her nub as he tasted her sweetness. Cassie’s

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hips rocked back and forth, and his cock got harder as his balls tightened with the need for release. Raising his head, he stared into her emerald-green eyes as his dick moved slowly inside her tight pussy. Her inner walls clamped around his wide cock. Hot pleasure shot through his body. Pushing in all the way, he held his cock against her womb. Vibrations radiated from her to him. She began to move forward, back, and around, caressing every spot on his sensitive cock. He placed his finger on her nub and put pressure. She bucked, and her inner walls clenched again and again around his dick. They never broke eye contact until her head went back and she screamed his name. Her pussy rippled with orgasmic waves, bringing him to completion. He pushed hard one more time as his body exploded with a wild joy. He kissed her as they shivered in joyous delight. He rolled to his side and held her close as her body gradually quit trembling. Nick kissed her forehead. “I didn’t hurt you, did I?” “Only in the best way possible. I thought my body might explode from the wonderful feelings you created.” “That reminds me.” Gently, he laid her to the side and got up to get the new plans out of his saddlebag. “I can’t believe you had room for one more thing in there.” “Just this.” He sat beside her and she raised up to see what he had in his hand. “Lang and I would like to add an addition to the new house. If you agree with our plans.” He spread out the papers. “Where the patio is now, off the master bedroom, we’d put an extension of the sitting room. You’d have a larger room with the small fireplace. You can sit and read or”—he glanced across at her—“rock our baby.” He grinned. “The room to the left of that one, sort of behind the family room, would be your work area to design and make your jewelry. The only

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entrance would be from your sitting room or outside.” “You mean not have my shop?” “Oh, we don’t want you to give that up, but if you wanted you could hire staff to keep the shop in town open. You can go as often as you want to check on things. But if you wanted to stay home and work you’d have that option.” Cassie cocked her head to the side. He held his breath. He and Lang really hoped she’d stay at the ranch more often, but they weren’t going to insist or pressure her. “I often wished I had a private area to work in. At the store anyone can interrupt me. Also, if we have babies, which I hope we will, I could be home with them and still work.” She nodded. “It’s a great idea. Thank you. What’s the last room?” “It would be another bedroom, or a playroom for our children at the end of the other hall. Do you want a door to connect from your work space to that room?” “Yes, definitely, a double door. When we have children I can keep a better watch on them that way.” “Great. Lang and I will have the men build the basic shell and we’ll finish it off. That’s your wedding present.” She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him. “I love it.” Her lush breasts were snug against his hard chest, and his cock stirred. “If you don’t get dressed, I’m going to be on top of you again,” he warned. “I don’t have a problem with that. Do you?” He laid her flat on the blanket and held her close. “Not at all, my love.”

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Chapter Fifteen They got back just in time for Cassie’s final fitting. Nick had promised he and Lang would pick her up to go to Sara’s for the celebration dinner. Her dress fit perfectly. “You make a lovely bride,” the seamstress said as she stood back to check that the hem hung straight. Cassie had chosen an emerald-green color that highlighted her eyes. The silk sheath dress with the cowl neckline enhanced her slim figure. The long, loose sleeves were trimmed in delicate lace. Her mother had explained that the simplicity of the style denoted the sacredness of the ceremony. She’d said the ritual ceremony was the same for all except for the choice of music and the color of her dress. “There.” The seamstress stood from where she’d fixed a spot on the hem. “It’s finished. I’ll put it in a garment bag and you can take it home.” “I’m spending the night at Sara’s. I’ll take it there before the dinner starts. I don’t want my men to see it yet.” She drove straight to the main ranch house. Sara greeted her with Caitlin hanging on her leg. “See what you have to look forward to in a few years.” “I can’t wait.” “Bring your dress. I’ll show you which room you’ll use tonight. Do you have time for a cup of tea?” “Not really. I have one more stop before rushing home to change and get ready to come back here.”

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“Don’t worry if you are a few minutes late. The bride is always given some leeway.” Cassie hurried to her car. Pruet planned for her to have one more lesson before her wedding to help her keep the noise out of her head. With all the guests expected tomorrow, she’d need it. She was getting better. The hum when it came now was not as loud. Soon, she’d be able to hush it completely unless she had a good reason to use her gift of telepathy. Pruet was also teaching her the ethical responsibility of not intruding on people’s thoughts, no matter how enticing it might be, and especially to not do it to loved ones. Pruet greeted her at the door. “I thought maybe you’d gotten too busy for today’s lesson.” “I need to practice the meditation to keep the hum silenced. I’m doing better.” “Tomorrow will be a good test. Most all the ranch residents will be at your wedding. They don’t know you that well. But they do know Nick, and Lang is especially well known and respected. Nick was gone for many years, but he’s made a place for himself since he’s been back.” He patted her on the shoulder. “You will, too.” “I hope so.” She sat and followed his instructions. His even tone helped her center and focus. They worked steadily for thirty minutes. “That’s it for today. You have dinner tonight, and early tomorrow your big day starts.” “Yes, not only my wedding, but after a short reception Mom is going to have her first treatment. I didn’t want to have a reception, but she insisted. She said she wasn’t going to be cheated out of any part of my wedding. We compromised on a shorter party and then the immediate treatment.” Pruet waved as she drove off. She’d hadn’t seen Elle, but she’d been told the Priestess spent the day before a wedding centering herself and making sure all last minute details were taken care of. Except in an emergency, she saw no one until the morning ceremony. Cassie barely had time to shower, shampoo her hair, and dress

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before Lang and Nick knocked on the door. She’d chosen a gold dress that clung to her curves and dipped deep between her breasts. Her hair hung straight along her back to her waist. “Wow!” Nick walked inside and circled her. “If our parents weren’t going to be at this dinner, we’d never make it. But I do want to show you off.” Lang smiled watching Nick and her. “He’s right, honey. You look beautiful.” She gave both of them the once-over. “You two aren’t too bad yourselves.” They’d dressed in suits. Nick’s was a dark brown, and Lang’s was black. “We thought you’d want to dress up, so we’d better do the same.” He put out his arm. “Ready, darlin’?” Lang leaned down as they walked out the door and whispered in her ear, “Just think by tomorrow at this time, you will be all ours.” Cassie’s body clenched in desire, and a feeling of warmth spread across her skin. She knew her face had flushed when both Lang and Nick grinned at her. “She’s blushing all over, Lang,” Nick said. “Don’t you just love our gal?” “Yeah, I sure do.” Nick lifted her into their truck. “I’d love to see you try to get in on your own. You’d have to show those pretty legs, but I don’t want you to split your sexy skirt.” Excitement made her heart jump with joy. Sitting between her two men, she’d never felt so loved and protected. And she had all her life to enjoy them. Sara greeted them at the door. Cassie was glad to see she wasn’t the only one dressed up. Sara’s dark-green, flowing silk dress completed her coloring. She saw Mitch and Daren keeping a close eye on their wife. “You have two admirers,” Cassie teased. “Yes, and I love it.” Sara winked at her husbands. “Ah, here come

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you future in-laws to greet you.” Cassie had met Nick and Lang’s parents years ago, but hadn’t seen them since she’d been back. She wasn’t sure what type of greeting to expect. After all, she did walk away from their sons for ten years. Lang’s mother and father reached her first. His mother, Rozene, immediately hugged her. Then she stepped back and smiled. “We ought to be angry at you for hurting our son and keeping him dangling all these years, but we can’t be. He’s always loved you, and we see the joy in him now. Perhaps if you had married them before you were ready, you wouldn’t have been happy. The marriage would have suffered. We want you to know we will love you and be a support whenever needed.” Cathal Connor moved forward and hugged her. “Welcome home.” Lang had gotten his black hair and golden skin tone from his mother, but his beautiful gray eyes reflected back at her from his father’s face. “I believe you’ve met Nick’s parents before.” Mr. Connor moved out of the way so the other parents could greet her. Nick’s mom was a tall, slim blonde with sparkling blue eyes that reminded Cassie of Nick’s eyes. Her two husbands stood on either side of her. Nick favored the tall man on the right. Nick had Charles Kenric’s golden-brown hair and that sexy, charming smile. On his mother’s left was his other father, a tall, brown-haired man with a much more serious demeanor. Cassie suspected that Nick and Lang got along so well because one of Nick’s fathers had the same personality as Lang. Tad Pelham looked hard at Cassie and then gave her a slow smile. “Are you happy?” he asked. His dark eyes searched her face. “Very. I do love them both very much.” He gave her a satisfied nod. “Good.” Nick had stepped close to her when his father gave her the long, hard glance. Now he squeezed Cassie’s waist. “They’ve always been

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protective of me and my sisters and brother. You know that,” Nick said. “Yes, and I understand all of your concerns.” She looked at each parent. “I was a confused teenager when I left, and still somewhat unsure when I returned. But I have no doubts now. I will be a good wife to Lang and Nick.” “That’s good enough for me,” Mr. Connor said. “Let’s join the rest of this party and have fun.” He took Cassie’s hand and pulled her away from Nick. “Let’s go reintroduce you to the rest of our families.” The party was fun and the food delicious. Cassie walked to the kitchen to thank Tessa. She found her putting the finishing touches on Cassie’s wedding cake. “It’s beautiful, Tessa. Thank you.” “We want you to have a wonderful wedding. Your mother looks better tonight than she has in ages. She’s so happy for you,” Tessa said. “I know. I hope it all goes well tomorrow.” “Don’t worry. We have the smartest people in the country working downstairs in our labs. If anyone can help her, they can.” Tessa put the finishing touches on the cake and handed her the spatula. “Here, eat the last of the icing.” Cassie laughed and sat down. She ate every last drop of the fluffy, white frosting. Nick found her as she finished. He grinned. “You look like a little girl getting a special treat.” “Didn’t you know all of us are still little girls at heart?” Nick picked her up and sat back down with her in his lap as Tessa slipped out of the kitchen. “I was worried about you. You looked sad a few times at dinner.” “I hope no one else noticed.” “They didn’t, but Lang and I were keeping a close eye on you, so

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we did.” She kissed his mouth. “I love you and Lang.” “We know.” He licked his lips. “You taste like sugar.” “I should. Tessa’s made us a delicious wedding cake.” “It must be time to go home. I want to hurry the morning up.” “I’m staying the night here with Sara, remember. I brought my stuff over earlier.” “What?” Nick said. “You can’t see the bride until I walk down the aisle.” Lang had come to the kitchen door and heard her statement. He grinned. “Then get plenty of sleep tonight, because there won’t be any tomorrow night.” Then, looking more serious, he walked inside. “Are you going to be all right tonight? You won’t stay awake worrying about your mother?” “Probably yes, between that and the excitement of our wedding. Don’t worry, I’ll be able to keep up with you two tomorrow.” “Maybe you’d be better with us tonight. The hell with traditions. We’re taking you home.” Lang’s gray eyes had that determined look. No one gave Lang an argument when he’d really made up his mind. “Wouldn’t you rather do that sweetheart?” Nick asked. “We’ll deliver you to Sara’s care early in the morning. You’ll have plenty of time to get ready. We won’t see your gown until the ceremony.” “I was rather dreading the long night alone. Can we go home now?” “Yes,” they both said at once. Sara and the rest of the guests waved good-bye to them as they went out the door. “I’ll see you at four thirty,” Sara called out. “We’ll have her here,” Lang promised. Nick got in the driver’s seat and headed for the cabin. Lang put his arms around her shoulders and leaned close, sniffing her hair. “Damn, but you smell good, darlin’.”

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**** Lang carried her into the cabin and straight to his bedroom. “We’ll help you undress and then cuddle you. You need to sleep. Tomorrow will be long and stressful with your mom getting her first treatment.” Nick joined them and unzipped her dress. Lang pulled the front down, and then Nick lifted her so Lang could take the dress off of her. “I really can undress myself.” “You’d deprive us of this enjoyment?” Nick asked as he unfastened her bra. “Well, since you put it that way.” She grinned back at him. Lang slipped the straps down and flung the bra to the side. Cassie stood in only her tiny, lacy panties. “You didn’t have on much under that dress.” Lang’s eyes darkened with desire. He cupped her breasts in his warm hands, and moisture seeped from her pussy. Nick’s hands caressed her shoulders. “Are you sure you just want to cuddle tonight?” Cassie asked in a teasing voice. “We want to let you rest.” Lang stared at her breasts. “I’d sleep better if we made love first.” “You’re sure you want this?” Lang asked, and Nick leaned forward to see her face. She hesitated to tease with them. “Let me see. I can have my two men make mad, passionate love to me, and then for sure sleep. Or I can lie between them all night in a frenzy of unsatisfied desire.” Nick leaned her back into his arms. “The last thing we want is for you to suffer. I guess we’ll have to make that wild, passionate love for your sake.” His wide grin and the glow in his eyes warmed her heart. “Then what are you two waiting for?” It amazed her how quickly they got out of their suits and the rest of their clothes. Lang stepped into the bathroom and returned with a small jar. “Remember this?” He held it up.

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“Ah, yes. The cream that relaxes, among other things.” She grinned and turned on her stomach. “Why don’t you start on my back?” Nick took the jar from Lang and opened it. “We don’t mind, but it won’t take as long as the front.” After quickly removing her panties, he straddled her body and placed a large blob of the cream in the center of her back. His lean, strong hands massaged her shoulders and upper back while Lang caressed her legs. Lang’s fingers slid from the crease at the top of her thighs, along the inside of her legs, and all along the backs. Together they had her sinking into the bed in a puddle of relaxation, but deep inside hunger flared and turned into a roaring fire of desire. Cassie moved her hips from side to side as her need to feel one of them deep in her pussy increased with each stroke of their hands. When she didn’t think she could stand it another moment, they turned her to face them. Nick’s eyes flashed with the fire of desire. He bent and kissed her. When she opened her lips, his tongue invaded and ravished her mouth. Lang put more cream on his hands. Cassie cried out in ecstasy at the seductive movements of his fingers as he massaged her breasts. Nick nipped her bottom lip, and scooping more cream out, he caressed her earlobes and lightly rubbed her neck. Cassie no longer knew where their hands ended and her body began. It was as though they’d become a part of her, massaging, kissing, teasing her most sensitive spots. She screamed out as Lang sucked hard on her nipple, and his fingers, coated with the cream, rubbed across her nub. Her body bowed as an orgasmic flood of sensation swept over her. Lang’s fingers glided along her pussy lips and slipped into her opening. She yelled for him to go in her. He quickly sheathed his hard cock and plunged in deep as Nick’s tongue, in her mouth, mimicked Lang’s motions below. “Give it to

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him, baby. Fuck him good.” Nick’s rough words sent her heart rate into the stratosphere. Her pussy clenched Lang’s wide cock hard. She met Lang’s every move. She took Nick’s aroused cock in her hand and ran her fingers around the sensitive top. Both men groaned with pleasure as she gave back as much as they gave her. Lang surged one more time hard and deep and held. Her pussy pulsed around his cock, and pleasure spread through her body. She turned her head and took Nick’s hard cock into her mouth. She tightened her lips around his wide girth and licked across the top. He groaned and stopped her. Moving quickly, he sheathed his cock with a condom and slid down to plunge into her pussy. A jolt of electricity shot up her spine. His fingers tightened around her pebbled nipples as he went in and out fast and hard. A familiar ache built into a wave of desire that swept them both into a wild, impassioned orgasm. He pulled away and lay beside her, taking deep breaths. Lang cupped her face in his hands, and his love shone out of his eyes. Cassie held on to Nick’s hand and smiled at Lang. “I love you both so very much. I think my heart may explode with the pleasure and joy you give me.” Bending his head, Lang touched her forehead with his. “You do the same for us, darlin’.” Nick pushed him aside and bent over her. “That goes for both of us, sweetheart.” He kissed her lips. “You always were the only woman for us.”

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Chapter Sixteen As promised, Lang and Nick delivered her to Sara’s care at four thirty. Cassie had slept well through the night. She waved at them as they left and followed Sara inside. Sara helped her into her gown, buttoning up the back. When she turned Cassie to face her, she said, “Wow. That emerald-green color makes your eyes shine like jewels, and this style gown is made for your tall, slim figure.” “Thanks. I fell in love with the color when the seamstress showed me the choices.” “I don’t suppose you have any questions about the ceremony,” Sara said. “You’ve been to more of these weddings than I have.” “But every time they’re a little different because of the couples. The music, the words, and the vows all make me tearful. It’s a much more moving ceremony than many of the ones I’ve gone to at other places.” Sara nodded her head. “I agree. I remember my own, and how awestruck I was. Who will you be marrying in the civil service, and when do you plan to have it?” “Lang and Nick decided Lang would marry me at that service. As Nick said, Lang’s the oldest by six months.” Sara laughed. “That sounds like Nick.” The old Nick, Cassie thought. But she knew the real reason was Lang was here more, and if something happened while he was gone, Lang would have the legal authority to deal with it. He was thinking of her, not himself. “Lang’s the one here most of the time,” she told Sara. “And I’ve

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been seen with both of them in town, but with Lang more. I’m glad they made the decision. I couldn’t.” “That’s usually the way it works.” Sara took the fragile lace veil and put it on Cassie. She stepped back. “Another beautiful bride. It’s almost time. I’ll see you at your wedding.” Cassie stood at the door and watched as Sara slipped between the circle of trees. She moved onto the satin walkway and began to move forward into another life. The hushed darkness greeted Cassie when she walked through the opening between two tall trees. She saw shadows of people sitting nearby and the hint of the white pavilion down the aisle in front of her. Light began to flicker through the tree leaves, people stirred, and then the sun cast a brighter light as it greeted the day. Music soared overhead. In the trees, birds awoke and flew up into the open sky. A hush came over the guests as Lang and Nick stepped forward. Nick held his guitar. Cassie had heard he played, but never for an audience, and not for her, either. Lang’s strong, clear notes rang out as Nick accompanied their song of love on the guitar. Tears ran down Cassie’s face. The loving words of the song wrapped around her heart. Nick’s playing was a gift, and his way of saying he planned to be open and share as he’d promised. Lang’s voice had always touched her deeply. When the music softly came to a close, the audience stood as one and clapped as Nick and Lang bowed to Cassie. Sara stepped to her side and handed her a handkerchief. “I thought you might need this. I wanted to warn you, but they swore me to secrecy.” Cassie wiped her eyes. Then Sara gave her a huge bouquet of white roses. Cassie smiled. “They gave me a corsage of white roses for my prom. I never would have thought they’d remember.” “Better give me that wet hanky,” Sara said. “You’re going to have your hands full. Both sets of parents had joined them. As the flute and the regular

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guitarist began to play they started down the aisle toward the white pavilion, decorated with flowers in all the colors of the rainbow. Lang and Nick never took their eyes away from her as she walked toward them. Both were dressed in gray suits. They each had a small white rose pinned in their lapels. Gorgeous and sexy were the two words that described them in her mind. I love them so very much. The Priestess looked directly at her. “Cassandra Venitia, have you come to be joined with Nicholas Kenric and Langundo Connor?” “I have.” Cassie glanced at Nick and Lang as she spoke. Her parents and Nick’s and Lang’s stood behind them. Without her mother touching her, Cassie sensed her happiness for her only daughter. The Priestess smiled at Cassie’s mother. “The bride’s parents are not always included in the ceremony, but Langundo and Nicholas asked to have you and your husband stand here also. Do you and your husband agree wholeheartedly to this marriage?” “Without any reservations,” Cassie’s mother spoke, and her father nodded. Turning to Lang’s and Nick’s parents, the Priestess asked them, “You agree and will support and welcome this union?” “We do,” they said in unison, and then each couple placed one of Cassie’s hands in their son’s. Then all the parents sat in the front row. They formed a strong link to support their adult children. Lang and Nick stepped close to Cassie. Their scent and warmth encircled her. The Priestess raised her hands and began to speak in the flowing language of their ancestors. She swayed back and forth, moving her hands from over Cassie’s head and then to Lang’s and Nick’s. Cassie felt a jolt as the music of the words flowed over her. First, she realized the hum had been gone all morning. Second, she understood the words. Startled, she stared into the Priestess’s eyes. Comprehension dawned on the Priestess’s face.

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The Priestess stopped her chanting. Cassie thought she’d done something wrong. Had she spoken out loud? She didn’t think so. A smile curved the Priestess’s lips. In the ancient language, she spoke directly to Cassie. “You are a jewel in our mist. We did not recognize you, nor you us. Because of you the winds of change are in the air. You have started the course to our reunion. My friend, my heart welcomes you home.” Cassie understood most of what the Priestess had said, but was confused about the changes she predicted. Still, if the Priestess was pleased, the changes must be for the good. Cassie put her hand on her heart and answered very quietly in the ancient language. “Thank you, my friend.” The guests could not hear her words, but Lang and Nick did. They stared at her. No one but the Priestess, her husband, and Mitch and Daren’s family knew the ancient language well enough to speak it. The Priestess raised her hands and began to sing more words as the haunting music of the flute wrapped around them. Finally, a sense of affinity and kinship settled in Cassie’s heart, and she truly became one not with just Lang and Nick, but with their people. When the music stopped, the Priestess led them through the marriage ceremony. Nick and Lang each took their turn saying the vows to Cassie. They spoke in strong, clear tones that carried, so all the people heard them make their commitment to her. Then they handed two rings to the Priestess. She blessed the rings before Nick and Lang each slipped his section onto the ring finger of her right hand. The two halves made one wide gold band. The number ten was written in diamonds, with a heart engraved on each side. Cassie chuckled when she saw the number. “I hope that’s for years I was gone and not the number of children you want,” she whispered. Nick and Lang grinned at her. Nick answered back. “We’ll keep you guessing about that.” “Put out your wrists,” the Priestess instructed. She bound the golden cloth around their wrists, Nick’s on the bottom, Lang’s on top,

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Cassie’s in the middle. The Priestess clamped her hands on the top and bottom. “Go forth forever bound to each other.” She raised their hands and sang again. The audience joined in. They might not understand all the words, but they knew the songs. When they finished, the gold cloth was hung around Cassie’s neck. “You are the center, the one who holds the whole together.” The guests cheered and threw a cloud of white rose petals into the air. Cassie and her new husbands ran down the aisle as rose petals fell onto them. A tent had been set up next to the trees for the reception. Lang and Nick pulled her to the side first to kiss her, and then Nick asked, “How did you know those words? Had you practiced with Pruet?” “No. I was as surprised as you when I realized I understood the words and was able to respond in the language. I spoke softly so I wouldn’t shock the rest of the people.” “That was smart. We’d best keep this to ourselves for now, until we understand what happened,” Lang said. “But the Priestess was pleased,” Nick added. “Did you all understand what I said and she said?” “No. We, like most of us, know the ritual words, but few can speak it fluently and understand.” Lang gave her a strange look. “If as we suspect you are an ancestor of the third tribe, my guess is your line was part of the leaders, or royalty as they were known in ancient times. But how you knew the language after all these centuries is a real mystery.” “It doesn’t make a difference in your feelings for me, does it?” Nick and Lang pulled her close to them. “Not a bit,” Nick said. Lang touched her cheek tenderly. “Nothing will stop us loving you.” “Not until our hearts stop beating,” Nick added. Their sweet words brought tears to her eyes. “You two have made

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me cry twice today. Once with your music and now with your loving words.” Lang wiped her tears off her cheeks. “In the future, we’ll try to keep you happy without making you cry.” “We’d better join the others,” Nick reminded them. “I think our reception has started without us.” **** Ellen took them downstairs afterward. “Do you want to rest for an hour or so first?” she asked Cassie’s mom. “I feel wonderful. Let’s get it over with.” Cassie looked around the room filled with her father and her husbands. “Can we all stay?” “I’m going to give her the infusion very slowly. I hope she’ll sleep part of the time. You should stay, Cassie, but all of you big guys will be more comfortable upstairs. You can watch football or play pool. It’ll keep you busy, and you won’t be hovering over her down here.” Cassie’s dad started to protest. Ellen stopped him. “There’s an emergency buzzer upstairs. It’s there in case help is needed immediately down here. If she has a problem, I’ll push it and you can be with her in minutes.” “All right,” Ralph said. Lang and Nick urged him out and went with him. Nick winked back at Cassie, and Lang gave her that look that always made her feel warm and calm inside. “Now it’s just us ladies.” Ellen smiled. “Let’s get to work on making you well.” Cassie held her mother’s hand. Her mom smiled at her. “You’ve made me very happy. I know Lang and Nick will take good care of you and all the grandchildren I’m looking forward to spoiling. This will work. The treatment has your love for me inside it. How can it fail?”

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Epilogue Six months later Cassie put the finishing touches on the presents she’d been working on for Lang and Nick. They were going to her parents’ home tonight to celebrate her mom’s birthday and her amazing recovery. After six treatments, the cancer was gone, and she looked and felt well. She touched her stomach. There was no way to wrap her main present for her mother. Cassie had found out two weeks ago that she was pregnant. She’d waited until Nick got back three days ago from an assignment so she could tell them both at once. They’d been overjoyed. Nick poked his head around the door into the workshop they’d finished building for her. She’d been doing most of her work here the past month as Cindy managed the shop in town. “Are you all right?” His eyes went to her hand on her stomach. “I like to touch myself and hope our baby can feel my love radiating through to him or her.” Nick wrapped his arms around her. “What a great homecoming present.” They hadn’t had time to talk much since he’d gotten back. Cassie sat by the fireplace. He joined her sitting in the opposite chair. “Was it a hard trip?” “Not bad. Pretty simple. The instructions we got were good. In and out quick.” He smiled at her. “I’m fine. I promise.” He’d worked at being more open with her and they’d become

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closer. He got up and went to the kettle she kept on a small stove they’d added to her room. She liked tea, and this way she could warm the water and fix it while she worked. After heating the water, he sorted through her teas. “This is the one Nanna said would help make our baby strong and healthy.” He poured the tea leaves into the water and sat back down with her while the tea steeped. “Are you planning to tell your mother and the rest of the family our good news tonight?” “It seems a good time, since all our families will be together.” “I agree,” Lang said as he joined them. His black hair was loose and wet. He must have come in with Nick and went straight to the shower. Cassie raised her head for his kiss. Lang kissed her before strolling to the teakettle. He checked the tea and poured it through a sieve into three cups. Cassie got up and went to a drawer in her desk. “Since I have you both here I have a late wedding present for you two.” She pulled out two wrapped packages and handed one to Lang and one to Nick. Surprised, they just looked at the packages. “We didn’t get you anything,” Nick said. “Of course you did.” She held out her left hand where she wore the beautiful diamond set Lang had given her during their civil ceremony a week after the first wedding. And her fingers brushed across the pearl necklace with the diamond clip that Nick had given her that same night. “Open the presents.” Nick tore his paper off and was the first to lift the lid on the white box. Inside was a gold-chain necklace. He lifted it out, and a medallion swung from the chain. The tiny outline of a guitar was engraved in diamonds on the front. On the back in very small script, the words my warrior were written. With tears in his eyes, Nick gazed at her.

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Without words, she knew he understood. Her heart loved the man who played beautiful music, and the one who had accepted his duty to his people. She glanced at Lang. He held his medallion in his large, capable hands. Like Nick’s the top was outlined in diamonds. Lang’s was a dove with two musical notes on either side of it. On the back, the simple words a peaceful man. She’d checked with his mother. His name Langundo stood for peaceful. It was how she felt when he was with her. Lang came to her and pulled her up out of the chair. “Fasten it around my neck. I will wear it forever.” She put it on him and kissed his firm, warm lips. Then she turned to Nick and put his necklace around his neck. “I, too, will wear this medallion always. When I travel it will keep me connected here.” Nick placed his hand over his heart. “I’ll be with you at all times.” Her husbands were very different, but she loved and needed them both equally. Lang had always known that. Nick had learned to trust her acceptance and love for them both. “I think we should show our appreciation of our gifts to our lady wife,” Nick said. Lang swooped her up in his strong arms. “I was thinking the same thing.” Cassie laughed as they headed to the bedroom. As Lang laid her tenderly on the bed, she warned them. “Remember, we have to be at Mom’s house by seven.” Nick glanced at the clock. “It’s five o’clock. We have all the time in the world.” His sexy grin and Lang’s warm kiss told her they’d never make it on time.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Born in Florida, Paige Cameron’s early dreams included being a movie star. Of course, it didn’t happen. Later, she escaped into daydreams full of fascinating stories. Her friends had to endure her reading those tales to them when she began to put them to paper. There were detours in her life for marriage, children, and traveling to foreign countries where her husband’s job took her. She continued to be an avid reader and dream of the day she’d have a book published. She finally got started writing and divorce sidetracked her. Now, happily married to her hero, with grown children, she decided to pursue her dream career, writing.

Also by Paige Cameron Siren Classic: The Earl’s Intriguing Imposter Siren Classic: Scandalous Seduction Everlasting Classic: The Duke’s Blind Temptation Siren Classic: Propositioned by a Lady Everlasting Classic: Wives for the Western Billionaires 1: The Billionaire Cowboy Takes a Wife Everlasting Classic: Wives for the Western Billionaires 2: The Billionaire Rancher Buys a Wife Everlasting Classic: Wives for the Western Billionaires 3: The Billionaire Maverick Bargains for a Wife Everlasting Classic: Wives for the Western Billionaires 4: The Billionaire Cattleman Wins a Wife Everlasting Polyromance: Wyoming Warriors 1: Commando Cowboys Capture Their Mate Everlasting Polyromance: Wyoming Warriors 2: Command Cowboys Rescue Their Bride Everlasting Polyromance: Wyoming Warriors 3: Commando Cowboys Seduce Their Woman

Available at BOOKSTRAND.COM

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com