“What the hell happened last night?” I murmured to myself as I pulled on some tights and a cute oversized sweater. I needed to get to my cell phone which was most likely downstairs where I originally passed out. As I walked down the steps, though, I started smelling something like waffles and bacon cooking. Had Scout come over already? But she never cooked? I hurried down to the kitchen, ignoring the dull ache in my side.
When I turned the corner, I almost fell over. “Oh my god!” I yelled. My eyes didn’t know who to land on. The one standing shirtless at the stove, his tanned and muscled torso all on display. Or the one lounging at the breakfast bar with his hair all sexy and disheveled. Thankfully he had a shirt on.
“Wow, look at how beautiful she is,” the one in the gray shirt smiled at me, all bright and chipper. It took me a second, but then it dawned on me.
“Last night…was real?” I asked, beyond shocked.
“You honestly thought all of that was a dream? Were we so forgettable?” shirtless asked me. He had a little smirk that made him look all the more gorgeous. Had they told me their names…?
“Sioux? Right, and you’re Aleister?” I asked, glancing at them both.
“Yes. Though I must admit, I’m a bit hurt,” Aleister said slowly. I bit my lip, feeling all kinds of sheepish.
“It’s not that I don’t remember last night. Even if I was drunk, I don’t think I’ll ever forget it. It’s just that the edges are a bit…dream like,” I sighed. Sioux finished what he was doing at the stove and turned it off.
“Well, we’re all yours now. Maybe we always have been, but we don’t have to hide in the trees anymore,” Sioux said happily.
“Okay…I’m lost,” I chuckled. Aleister stood up and took my hands in his, leading me to take a seat in the dining room. I saw there was already three places set and everything. He held a chair out for me to sit and kissed my neck once I was settled. The small gesture sent thrills through me, and I felt like a sixth grader getting a kiss from her long-time crush. I couldn’t even begin to wrap my mind around the fact that they were real. Unless in reality, I hit my head again and was in some sort of coma on my couch.
“We came last night to see how you were recovering,” Aleister said. I watched as Sioux brought out the pile of homemade pancakes and the plate of bacon to the table. He set everything down in the center and sat down across from me, next to his brother.
“Can I just ask…if I dreamt of you two? Does that mean you really did have something to do with how I got away from the bear?” I asked while stretching to get a pancake but winced as I moved the wrong way. They both jumped into action. Making sure to serve me some food and orange juice before they sat back down.
“We did, we saved you from it,” Aleister said.
“We killed the bear,” Sioux added.
“Wait…how? You…how?” I asked, perplexed. Both Sioux and Aleister shared a glance, and it was quiet until Aleister finished chewing. I had yet to touch my food.
“We have something to tell you,” Sioux said, and Aleister simply looked at me with a quiet intensity.
“My brother and I, we know…we knew your father,” Aleister said softly. The news hit me like a ton of bricks in the chest.
“What do you mean you knew him? How’d you…I—” I was babbling. Aleister pulled me closer to him and wrapped his arms around me. I took deep breaths as I held onto him, trying to calm myself down some.
“As the park ranger, he’s seen us so many times. He covered our tracks, we hung out together…he was like a father to us,” Aleister said, his voice full of melancholy. “Before he was killed he’d tell us so much about you and your sister Scout. It went unsaid that we would look after you both. Then when he died…we renewed our vow to look after you. So, it was you who led us to the bear, we were simply circling the trail you were walking when we caught the thing’s scent. There was no way we were going to let you die by that thing. We couldn’t let Mark down twice.” Aleister’s voice was heavy. I felt the remorse in his voice. But couldn’t believe that all the time my dad had been a ranger, he’d known these two! It’s no wonder he’d always come down from Fir Point to visit Scout and me rather than having us come up to see him. It made so much sense now.
5
“So…you guys watched over both my sister and me, huh?” I asked Aleister. We’d gone back inside to finish breakfast. Though I was worried about Sioux, Aleister didn’t seem too bothered.
“Well…Sioux and I are more often on this side of town. Another of ours keeps an eye on Scout,” Aleister said blithely. I don’t know why I felt such satisfaction in hearing that…but I couldn’t really stomach the fact that they gave Scout attention, too. Not after what we did the night before.
“Should Sioux be back by now?” I asked, unable to eat anymore. I barely touched the pancakes and bacon even though both were really good.
“He’ll be fine, don’t worry…” Aleister smiled at me as he got up to help clear the table. “How does your side feel?” he asked.
“I can ignore the pain, so it’s not bad,” I said, almost dismissively. “So…what exactly are we doing here?” I asked plainly. The back door opened at that precise moment and Sioux came into the kitchen, a scowl on his face.
“Holden, please excuse my language,” he said, his tone definitely excited. “But those fuckers are barreling into the wrong territory!” he said to Aleister, all in a huff.
“How many were there?” Aleister asked him. He was a lot more centered than Sioux was.
“Two giant ones. I swear they just keep getting bigger,” Sioux took deep breaths and shook his head. “We have to figure something out soon,” he mumbled.
“You fought more bears?” I asked him. I couldn’t help but be a little wide-eyed and worried. Even though he didn’t appear to have a scratch on him I couldn’t help but imagine that fight and how badly it could have gone for Sioux.
“Hey…it’s nothing to be worried over. I’m fine. Honestly, there’s not a scratch on me. Three others flanked me, and we took those bears down easy.” His tone was reassuring as he came over to wrap his arm around my waist. He was without a shirt, wearing nothing but jeans. His skin smelled of pine and warmth. It was kind of heady. I felt as if I could inhale his scent all day.
“No one got hurt?” Aleister asked. Sioux went ahead and gave him a full report it sounded like.
“Tag caught a few swipes, but nothing serious. We closed ranks and went for the kill. It was arguably easy,” Sioux said. His arm tightened around my waist in reassurance. I don’t think I would have called taking down two bears ‘easy’ though.
“Once everyone checks in we’re calling a meeting. This has gone on too long; those bears shouldn’t be getting so close to town,” Aleister said gruffly.
“Are you…like the leader or something?” I asked Aleister, a bit surprised.
“We both are. We’re the sons of the old leader. When he stepped down, our father made me the one in charge, and I made Sioux my second.” Aleister said as a matter of fact.
“How many are there in the group?”
“Something like thirty, but it’s only because we have so much territory to keep,” Aleister said.
“So, they aren’t all central to the town, huh?” I asked, and Aleister nodded.
“A lot of us just simply live out in the woods. All a man really needs is his cabin and his family,” Aleister said with a smile.
“Well that and…” Sioux’s voice was suggestive, and he kissed my temple to make his point. I watched Aleister’s reaction, and he didn’t seem jealous in the slightest. Actually far from it; he seemed contented in a way.
“So, back to my earlier question, what exactly are we doing here?” I asked, glancing at Sioux who seemed confused for a moment. It was one thing to have a steamy night with sexy twin brothers, but to pursue a relationship with both? I wouldn’t even know how to approach that.
“Well…it’s like we said last night, though you may not remember. You’re st
uck with us,” Aleister said, almost proudly.
“What does that mean?” I asked, distracted by Sioux nuzzling my neck and the small thrills he sent across my skin.
“It has to do with our nature. Since we’ve been in such close proximity to you for a long time, as well as focused on you for a considerable portion of each day, we’ve created a bond with you… we’re yours and you’re ours,” Aleister said softly. He’d come around the breakfast bar to stand a breath away from me.
“Not in a creepy way. More like you’re our person who we want to protect and love forever…and also sleep on top of,” Sioux said, making me crack up. Aleister smiled at my laugh and tilted his head to kiss me. I loved the feeling of being pressed back against Sioux’s warmth.
“But um…is it weird at all for you guys?” I asked after Aleister’s lips left mine.
“Surprisingly enough, there’s no awkwardness whatsoever. This feels natural,” Sioux answered.
“How is it for you?” Aleister followed up, his expression more curious for my answer than concerned.
“Well this feels really nice,” I touched both Aleister’s arm and Sioux’s hand behind me. “But I’ve never been in a situation like this before,” I admitted with a small chuckle.
“Which is what makes it all the better. We have no script and don’t need one. We can simply see where this takes us,” Sioux said optimistically.
“Is that all right with you, Holden?” Aleister asked me, his gaze searching mine. It wasn’t like I’d say no; already I felt connected to both of them.
“Yes, of course it is,” I said without hesitation.
“Great…so can we have lunch?” Sioux asked in all seriousness. I glanced at the clock, but it was a little early for lunch still. Just barely eleven.
“I can make you something quick,” I said, while moving towards the kitchen. But Sioux caught me around the waist before I could get away.
“No, no…you misunderstood,” he grinned. His smile reminded me of the silly one he gave me earlier.
“Oh…” I smiled, already turned on just thinking about what we did the night before and the many variations of it we could do. Both Aleister and Sioux grabbed a hand, but instead of pulling me towards the bedroom or any surface really. Their heads both turned towards the front door and, about two minutes later, I heard a key rattling around.
“My sister! I almost forgot she was supposed to come by,” I said, panicking more than a little. I knew Scout would be highly suspicious if she walked in seeing two gorgeous identical twins sandwiched on either side of me, not to mention one of them being shirtless.
“Would you like us to hide?” Aleister chuckled. I nodded vigorously, but appreciated the fact that they didn’t ask any questions. They moved silently and quickly to the kitchen door. They snuck out just as Scout came in with Luis in tow.
“Hey…” I smiled, trying to act natural. Thank goodness Aleister and I…well mostly Aleister cleaned up the kitchen and such. My sister and I shared pretty much everything so she’d question it if she saw I’d had a big breakfast made. And I wasn’t sure I was ready to tell her about Aleister and Sioux yet.
“Hi, sorry I’m late. But I uh…had a little thing with Isaac and the kitten situation. That and Luis is freaking out about being a father. He’s not himself,” she said, setting him down. “He keeps running away to be with Isaac’s cat,” she added on a mumble.
“Is that so bad? Luis is different. He has a true romance with Isaac’s cat,” I chuckled, bending down to greet the affectionate animal.
“I guess not, but I had to run up to Isaac’s house like three times since I got home late last night!” she huffed.
“Scout, just admit it…you like Isaac,” I said, reading through to the root of her attitude. She sighed heavily and went to collapse on the couch. Only then did I realize that Sioux’s red shirt was draped over the armrest opposite her. Feeling like I was eleven, and about to get in trouble, I tried to inch towards the shirt all nonchalant. But, as soon as I stepped to the side, Luis jumped right on top of the shirt, inspecting it thoroughly.
“I don’t want to like him…” she sighed, admitting it. She hadn’t noticed the shirt, thankfully.
“Why not?” I asked curiously and sat down next to her, curling my legs under me.
“Wait a second. You seem a lot better,” Scout noticed.
“I’m pushing through the pain. Anyways, it’s not as bad as it used to be…” I said. “I think moving around more helps.”
“Yeah, that’s true. So, how’s your head? Did you wake up hungover?” she asked. She was trying to deflect from the subject we were on.
“Scout…Isaac,” I said plainly, and she gave a heavy sigh.
“What else is there to say? He’s a gorgeous man, super successful, and his cat is pregnant with my cat’s babies,” she said with a shrug. At that precise moment, Luis gave an innocent meow. I tried not to laugh but couldn’t help my smirk.
“Maybe instead of going to his place to reprimand Luis, you set up visits, and you know…spend time with Isaac,” I suggested with a waggle of my eyebrows.
“Really? Are we really discussing visitation rights for my cat right now?” Scout asked, laughing, though.
“Yes, Luis is helping you get a man!” I said, laughing with her. “So, does it seem like Isaac is interested?” I asked after we sobered up a bit.
“I think so…I mean I’m not sure. I usually run away after five minutes around him,” she said sheepishly.
“Wow…that must mean you really like him,” I said incredulously. She rolled her eyes at me but couldn’t hide her love-struck grin. “We should come up with a game plan,” I smirked.
“How about over brunch? I’m starved,” Scout sighed as she got up.
“How is Zoey? Have you checked on her yet?” I asked.
“No, I was thinking of heading over there now, but should we call first? She does have a beau now. It’d be awkward if we interrupt anything,” Scout said. I thought back to just a few minutes ago. I technically had two beaus, and Scout definitely interrupted something. But I’d rather not let her know yet than go through a lengthy questioning.
“Yeah, let’s call…” I said, my eyes briefly touching on Sioux’s shirt. Luis was wiggling around on it as if it were sprayed in catnip.
“Luis! See, he’s still acting crazy,” Scout said as she fished for her cell phone. I went to grab Luis. It seemed as if he was just marking territory. It made sense if he was just around another cat who’d been in heat; the urge was compulsory.
“He may need to be neutered, but it looks like he just wants to mark his territory. That means his baby mama and all,” I said while soothing Luis with some nice jaw scratching.
“You know I don’t want Luis under the knife,” Scout said distractedly. She was still attempting to call Zoey. After Scout had gotten through to her, we made plans to go for lunch, and I spent much of the day with the girls. I was there, but my mind was off with Sioux and Aleister. What were they doing? Where did they live? Did they work? Were they off fighting more bears? Were they watching me from somewhere?
It was all so strange, going through my life normally.
“Hey, where’d you go?” I glanced over at Scout when she called my attention. We were walking back to my house so she could pick up Luis.
“I’m sorry I’ve been zoned out,” I chuckled.
“You’ve been zoned out a lot lately,” she observed. I was about to answer when one of my next-door neighbor Ryan’s boys jogged up to us on the porch.
“Hey Holden, hi Scout!” he said excitedly, Jaxon always made me think of Tom Sawyer. He was Ryan’s youngest at nine years old. He had the bright blue eyes and messy blond hair. Accompanied by an expression that always made it seem like he was up to something.
“Hey Jaxon, what’s up?” I said, greeting him.
“Your cat, Luis, must have gotten out. We found him roaming near our trucks out back. My dad scooped him up, and he’s been keeping u
s company at our place,” he said.
“Seriously? How’d he get out of your house?” Scout asked me. I shrugged while she sighed, and we followed Jaxon over to Ryan’s.
“Hello, ladies! You’re looking beautiful as always,” Ryan greeted us right at the door, Luis in his arms. That cat was super friendly.
“Thank you, Ryan, for keeping him inside,” Scout said gratefully.
“It was no problem at all. I was worried you may have left a window open and you know how the smaller animals like to poke in and snoop around. So, I went to your place to make sure everything was fine, but your back door was wide open…?” Ryan said curiously, gauging my reaction. It was most likely Sioux or Aleister, though I hardly ever locked my doors or my back gate since the neighborhood was so safe.
“It was? Holden, we have to see if everything’s all right in there?” Scout said, clearly concerned.
“Did you check it out at all, Ryan?” I asked him and he nodded.
“I didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary. I was thinking that maybe this cat is smarter than he looks and maybe just pressed down on the latch and pushed the door open from up on the counter,” he said. A logical explanation ready for me to use as an excuse.
“That sounds like Luis. He’s been really crafty this past week,” I said, looking at the increasingly famed cat.
“I need to have a talk with this one, but thanks again, Ryan. You’re always so vigilant,” Scout smiled.
“It’s the least I can do,” he said modestly. After catching up with Ryan for a bit, Scout and I walked back home. The house seemed empty when we stepped inside, but I just knew that they were there. I felt as if I could sense their presence.
“So, when you get back home are you going over to Isaac’s?” I teased, but was also kind of serious.
“No…but the next time we have to get together, I’ll stop being weird around him,” she sighed, as if giving in to Isaac Denison was so horrible.
Attraction: A MFM Menage Romance Page 4
