"Red?" Leyland says on a gasp, not even acknowledging me. How does Le know Everly? My head whips back and forth as they chat in front of me like I vanished into thin air.
"Oh my god, Mountain Man?" She sounds as shocked as he looks. "It's Everly, by the way, nice to meet you again." She holds her tiny hand out. Leyland’s massive one completely engulfs it as he takes it.
"Man, this is crazy. I mean, it's a small town, but who could have guessed you would be the new girl Garrot told me about.” He still hasn't let go of her hand. "My name's Leyland, incase you forgot." Still, he holds her hand. I decide to interrupt.
"You guys know each other?" I ask, confused.
Everly
Holy mother of all that is fine in this world! Leyland and Garrot in the same space. I'm officially in heaven right now.
"Yeah, Everly and me go way back, right Red?" Leyland says on a laugh. Oh, my God.
"Um... we bumped into each other at the station when I arrived in Scarborough,” I automatically say to Garrot, not really having the capacity to think too much right now.
"Damn near knocked me on my arse," Leyland adds as he gives Garrot the strangest look. Hmm, I wonder what that's about? Garrot’s head is going back and forth between us like he's watching a tennis match and a little giggle slips out. Both sets of eyes flick to my face. I'm pinned between them, one set of emerald green, the other light grey, I feel like the meat inside the sexiest sarnie you've ever seen. Oh boy, please don't let me make a fool of myself. They seem closer, are they coming closer?
Shit, shit are they mad? No, why would they be mad? Sure, Garrot and I flirted with each other and I only briefly talked to Leyland, so neither has a claim on me.
“Yeah, Leyland works there, at the station, kind of. Everly will be working Mondays and Fridays like I told you. I’m kinda glad you've both met already.” Garrot looks from me to Leyland as he speaks.
“We've known each other since we were babies, we grew up together. Yeah, I’m glad we both already met Everly. I hope my brother isn't bothering you too much,” Leyland laughs as he says the last part. I see these two are close enough to rib each other without fear of a fight breaking out.
“Actually, Garrot is taking me for tea after we've finished today. He's been nothing but sweet. Well, except when he grabbed my arse on the way out of my house the other night.” I giggle like a schoolgirl. Leyland raises an eyebrow at Garrot. I don't know if it was the comment about him being sweet, or the arse grabbing incident that has him doing it. Just then, the door bursts open and the bell above the entrance is nearly knocked off its bracket.
"What the fuck is going on here, then?" the new guy shouts as he enters the shop. Fuck a duck, I almost shit myself from shock.
"Karl, perfect fucking timing as always. Shit.” I can't decide if Garrot sounds mad or not. A giant guy stands there, blotting out most of the light that comes in the front window. Wow. Just wow. This guy, he's something else. What do they feed their boys in Scarborough to make them grow up to look like Greek gods? His hair is chocolate brown. Its curly on top and short at the sides. Oh man, more curls! So adorable. I want to run my hands through them. He's a touch shorter than my guys. What now? My guys? Oh, Everly. You just met them, you naughty, naughty girl.
Dominance rolls off this new guy in waves, and my arse cheeks clench as he swings his gaze to me. The darkest chocolate brown eyes I've ever seen lock onto my own blue ones. Oh lordy. His face belongs in magazines, all three of their faces do. They're all staring at me. I can feel their eyes on me, and I feel tiny in the centre of them all. Military gear? He's wearing camouflage and sturdy boots, maybe he's been hunting? Yeah, there's a lot of land surrounding Scarborough that is no doubt hunted by barbarians looking to assert their position on the food chain. God, I hope he's in the army and not actually a dickhead that hunts for fun. No one has spoken for what feels like an age. Luckily, I don't have to cut the silence. New guy clears his throat.
"Ladies, are you going to offer your brother a hug, or should I just fucking leave?" Humour laces his voice, but I can hear the timbre of a man in charge too. Garrot and Leyland laugh and much to my surprise, they wrap the new guy in a big three-way hug, laughing and patting each other on the back. I cross one leg over the other at the ankles, squeezing my thighs together. Hoo boy, this is a dream. No way these three beefy, manly guys are hugging it out right in front of my eyes. I want in. I want to be in the middle. I want them, is that wrong? I don't actually care if it is.
"Everly, come meet our brother, Karl." I blink and notice Leyland is talking. I'm pulled forward by my legs before I've even given them permission to move. Which is, of course, when I catch the toe of my boot on the corner of the counter, which sends me flying through the air. Shit, Ever, you're about to smash your face on the floor in front of the three sexiest guys on this planet. Real fucking smooth. My forehead glances off the side of the counter. Ah shit, there's going to be blood. Light explodes behind my eyes.
Just before I land face-first onto the concrete floor, huge arms catch me. Oh, thank fuck, because that would’ve hurt like a bitch.
"Everly, I've got you." I look up into Karl's gorgeous face, his eyes search mine. He doesn't stand me up like a normal person would, oh no, the new guy actually lays me on the cold concrete floor.
"So, you're the woman who’s stolen both my brother's hearts, huh? Got room for another?” Warmth spreads through my head, and that's when the world goes black.
Chapter Five
KARL
I pushed open the door to Alan's shop. I felt more excited than I had in years. Not only have I not seen my brothers in six months, but they tell me they've both met their future wives. I'm happy for them, really I am. Both women sounded perfect for them, at least from what they described to me when I skyped with them yesterday. But I'd always assumed we would be with the same woman. I know that's not the norm, but the three of us are nowhere near normal. Our culture is not like the human ones. For us, sharing is very normal.
As I entered the shop, the scene before me stopped me in my tracks. My brothers were slowly closing in on a small, curvy girl. All I could see of her was flaming red hair and bits of shapely curves between their huge bodies. My hand automatically reached for the knife at my hip but I froze when I noticed the looks on their faces and took in their stance. No, they didn't look like they were going to attack the redhead, they looked like they were about to tear off her clothes and fuck her. Oh boy. Her eyes turned to me as I cleared my throat.
"What the fuck is going on here then?" I said on a chuckle. Damn, it's good to see these lads. I hate leaving them to go hunting for SS, but it's something I love to do when we hit a lull in the action in this small town. They pulled back from the girl and we embraced one another. Ah, the family back together again, it feels right to be...
"Everly, come meet our brother, Karl," Leyland says, interrupting my inner sob fest.
"Beautiful." Shit, did I say that out loud? One minute the redhead was walking towards us, the next, she was flying through the air. Her head nicked the side of the counter and blood immediately welled from a nasty-looking cut. I moved as fast as my body could take me and managed to catch her before she face-planted on the floor. I laid her on the floor, thinking the head wound might make her feel dizzy, so there was no point trying to get her to stand. It was then I finally got a good look at the girl. I stood corrected though, because the beauty before me was no girl, but the woman I've been dreaming about my whole life. We all had. But for me, it was way more than that. I'd never met her in real life before, but I knew her.
"So, you're the woman who's stolen both my brother's hearts, huh? Got room for another?" I'm not at all like my brothers. Garrot’s got commitment issues and has never been able to settle down. His motto is ‘shag, 'em and leave 'em.’ Leyland, despite being a Cupid, has never found a heart to call his own, something about the rules of his kind preventing him from shagging anyone until he finds his soul mate. And me? Well, I've been around t
he block a couple times, but I have never been in love. So, when I looked into this woman's eyes, I instantly felt like I'd found the one I was born to be with.
I've never believed in love at first sight. But now, as I stare at the face of my fated, I instantly feel love for her. Her eyes flutter closed as I stare into them. My hand gets a mind of its own as it reaches out to her, cupping around the wound on her head. Leyland slips his hand into mine at my side and Garrot holds onto his other one, grounding me. Heat begins to pour through my hand and onto the redhead’s bleeding head. Within seconds I feel her heart beating through the tips of my fingers. Inside my chest, my heart speeds up to match the pace set by hers. Turning my head to Leyland I manage to choke out, "Le?" Then to Garrot, "Gar?"
"I don't know what to say, Karl. She's ours, I think?" Leyland’s the first to answer me. Then Garrot gasps.
"We felt it too." I look down at the woman on the floor, my future, just as her eyes flutter open. The word "Ours" slips out from between my lips.
Everly
Why is it foggy here? I can't see a fucking thing. Something slithers past my foot. ‘Shit, what the fuck was that!?’ I jump so hard my feet leave the ground. I try to get my bearings, but that's hard to do when I can't see my hand in front of my face. Where am I?
"I see you,daughter," a voice booms around me, making me jump again.
"Who's there? Where am I?" My voice breaks with fear. I can hear the waves crashing but I can't see them. I stomp my foot. Yup I'm on land. Shit, shit.
"You will come home to me, and then your power shall be mine!" the scary as shit voice screams. Yeah, that's not happening creepy fucker! When menacing laughter pours into my head, that's my cue to run like Usain Bolt and get my fat ass the fuck outta here. I run as hard and fast as possible. I run for so long, my inner thighs rub together, creating a burning sensation. Fucking chub rub. Then out of nowhere, the fog dissipates and I pull up short. In front of me is a woman; her body is almost see-through, her long, blonde hair reaching all the way down to the back of her knees. The dress she's wearing floats around her like she's underwater. Her lips don't move when I hear her say....
"My little one, do not, under any circumstances go into the...."
Shit. Shit, shit! I fainted! And what the fuck was that shit? Don't go into what? Ugh. My eyes feel heavy, but my body feels like it's in a sauna. I bolt upright and narrowly avoid smashing my face into one of the three sexy men leaning over me.
"Shit, sorry! Is everyone ok? Did I hurt anyone? Oh, is the counter ok?" Damn, girl, chill the fuck out. The counter, pssh, who gives a crap. Look around you, Chica, you're surrounded by mountains. Huh, what? Mount... my eyes flick from emerald green to storm grey then to earthy brown, where they settle. I'm safe, they're here with me, for me. My guys. Oh no. Now I’ve gone and lost my marbles!
"Are you ok, babe?" Garrot says.
"Red, you alright?" Leyland asks. The two speak as one.
My eyes refuse to leave the dark chocolate ones that seem to be staring into my soul. Without looking away I tell them that I'm fine. My hand goes to my brow absently, just now remembering I hit my head on the way down. What the...? No blood, no bruise, it doesn't even hurt. Great! Maybe it wasn't as bad as I thought it was? I’m finally able to drag my eyes away from the new guy. Only because I’m wondering why it feels like I'm laid at the base of a volcano. When I see each of my three guys have a hand wrapped around my thigh, everything begins to make sense. Oh, for the love of all that is sexy. Not only are their hands on me, but each guy seems to be kneading the overly fleshy bit on my inner leg. Damn, it's turning me on. They must feel it when the muscle in that leg twitches from their contact because all three of them squeeze a bit harder. I can't help it; it just slips out.
"Fuck me sideways.” They burst out laughing and I dip my head, mortified at my outburst. Rough fingers pinch my chin, lifting my head up to meet new guy’s eyes.
"I'm Karl. Are you ok? You went down pretty hard. I don't think you got hurt, but you did pass out for a minute, Everly.” My wetness not only soaks my knickers, but it also makes my work pants damp too.
“Yes, I seem to be alright, thanks.” I take a deep breath and Karl helps me to my feet. My name rolls off his tongue like he's been saying it reverently all of his life. He draws in a huge breath. Shit, can he smell my juices? No, that's not possible. Leyland inches closer to me.
“Ever, I thought you were going to land face first. I’m glad you’re ok,” he says, concern clear to hear.
Yeah, me too, buddy, me too.
"Thanks for catching me, Karl," I say as I tidy myself up. So fucking hot in here. I look over at the clock to see that it's already five. Time to close up the shop and go for tea with Garrot. Nervousness rolls through my belly and I look at Leyland as he clears his throat as if to say something, when a phone starts ringing.
Chapter Six
LEYLAND
“Shit, Everly, my Dad broke down on the way to Newcastle, needs me to pick him up... " Garrot looks angry and disappointed at the same time. "Hey, I've got an idea, why don't you go out for tea with Leyland?” My head turns towards him as he says my name.
Hell yes, I want to take Everly on a date.
“Yeah that's fine by me. Leyland, fancy being my date... I mean showing me around some places?” She sounds a little flustered but doesn't appear to hate the idea of me taking her out.
So I say, “Yes, I would love to take you out, and show you the town. It would be my honour.” K and Gar roll their eyes at me. I’m a gentleman, they are dogs.
WE GO TO MY FAVOURITE little restaurant on the edge of Scarborough. The whole time we’re together, we talk about everything and nothing. She is so funny, sweet, and kind. I've never in all my long years met anyone like her. Her mother died recently so she moved here looking for a fresh start. She told me she couldn't breathe in the city. I've never lived in an overpopulated area, but I can imagine how suffocating that would be.
We go for a walk on the beach after our meal. I want to show her the beauty of the place she now calls home. Her little flirty comments and hesitant touches drive me wild. Humans are shy creatures. As a cupid I've seen it all. From those who see flirting as a swear word or a sin, to those who flirt with anyone with a heartbeat. I've been flirted with and I’ve flirted with others. What’s happening with Everly and me feels more like courting than mere flirtatious play. The way her cheeks colour with a soft pink glow makes my heart flutter inside my chest.
Now, we’re sitting on a bench in front of the ocean. “Everly, I've really enjoyed your company tonight. Thank you for allowing me to get to know you.” Too cheesy? I feel completely off my game.
“Aww, you're so sweet, Le. Thank you for taking me out. I've really enjoyed myself. Don't tell Garrot that though, let's pretend we had a horrible time so he doesn't feel too sad he had to pick up his Dad.” We both burst out laughing; she's so cute when she laughs. Especially when she snorts. “Let's go for a paddle, shall we? I've never been to the sea,” she suggests. Setting off at a quick pace she darts across the sand while taking her shoes off one at a time. She trips, and my heart jumps into my chest. But then she drops back into place when she catches herself by throwing one hand out, pushing off the sand, and stands at the waterline, her feet not touching the water yet. I join her, take my shoes off, and bend to help her take her socks off too; no one likes wet socks.
When I get them off and safely tucked into her shoes, I move them away from the water next to mine then join her at the water's edge again. She appears to be miles away, staring out at the vast sea before us. Just as I’m about to ask if she’s ok, she steps forward into the cold water. As soon as it touches her foot, she lets out a throaty moan, then slides in several paces, wetting the hem of her black trousers. Quicker than I thought possible for a human, she turns and throws her arms around my neck. Taken aback, I pause for a moment before wrapping my arms around her. Her hair smells like coconuts and sunshine.
“Everly, are you ok,
sweetheart?” Her trance breaks and she answers me.
“Yes, sorry. Shall we walk along the edge?” She pulls away and I slip my hand into hers. She looks down at our joined hands for what feels like hours. Finally, just as I'm about to let go, her grip tightens and she tugs me slightly towards our shoes. We pick them up and walk hand in hand along the water where it gently laps at the sand. When we can walk no further, she turns to me.
“Can you take me home, please, Leyland?” she asks, seemingly tired.
“Of course, the car’s this way,” I say with a smile. It's getting late and the breeze is cold. We walk in silence, our hands intertwined. When we reach the car, I reluctantly let go, and she slides in without a word, clearly lost in her own thoughts. It would be rude to interrupt her.
I drive with one hand all the way to Everly’s house, the other laced with her soft, small one. What happened back at the shop has me worked up as I replay it over in my head. Spending time with Everly made the feelings stirring inside me grow, my heart near bursting. I can barely think as she sits in my car, so close, yet so far. Can it really be true? She's ours? I really want that to be true.
My brothers and I, we’re not what others would consider normal. We've been through some shit together, which isn't something that's unique. But unlike normal bros, we have been together since Garrot and I were born and Karl was three. The village that took us in was burned to the ground by the enemy in the Battle for the Lands. That fateful morning, Garrot’s dad, Alan, loaded us into a horse-drawn cart and began the very long journey to Scarborough. The way here was not an easy one, and even when we got here, we weren’t safe. The Battle for the Lands raged on for more than 50 years.
The Everly Davis chronicles Page 4
