by Becca Van
“Do any of you have any suggestions?”
Bronsin and the others shook their heads. “God, I hate this shit,” Trace said. “I don’t want to leave Brooke while she’s pregnant.”
“You don’t have to go,” Ward said. “We understand that you and Coult and Corbin want to be near your wife, especially since she’s suffering from morning sickness. Why don’t you stay here and let the rest of us go.”
“I’m one of the leaders. I can’t ask you all to go if I don’t.”
“Of course you can,” Codi said. “In fact, we insist you and your brothers stay here with the women. At least we’ll know they’re safe with you around. After what happened the last time, I don’t like leaving the women alone.”
“Thanks, guys,” Coult said. “We appreciate your understanding.” He stood. “Okay. Get to work. I want you to head out at 0400. That way you should arrive in Miles City by lunchtime.
“Stedman, Ward, Bronsin, I want you to move Alicia into the spare room at the other end of our house. That way if she needs help while her hand is healing, Mom and May will be on hand. Have you three boneheads made a move on her yet?”
Bronsin tried not to show how startled he was by the question. “You know how we feel about her?” He thought he had kept his attraction hidden.
“Of course we know.” Trace smiled. “We wouldn’t be any good at our job if we didn’t notice the small details.”
I should have known. “Yes, we started today.”
“It took you long enough. That girl has been waiting on you three ever since she got here.”
This time Ward reacted with surprise. “She has?”
“God, you are such dumbasses when it comes to women.” Coulter smirked.
“Hey, watch it,” Stedman snapped. “We didn’t want to make a move until we knew it was safe. Plus, we hadn’t told her about the other stuff yet.”
“So she knows now?”
“Yeah, she knows,” Bronsin replied. “She looked a little stunned at first, but when we explained, she looked a bit awed.”
“How did she take the empathetic abilities?” Coulter asked.
“Just like Brooke and Janie.”
“Women are so predictable.” Trace laughed. “They’re okay with enhanced physical skills, but as soon as you tell them you could feel what they do if you wanted, they balk.”
“Don’t be such a bastard, Trace. You know we all felt the same until we learned how to shield and control our talents.”
“Yeah, I know. I was just teasing.”
“For fuck’s sake, don’t let Brooke hear you say any of that. She’d have your guts for garters.”
“Yeah, she would.” Trace smacked his lips together and smiled. “God, I love a feisty woman.”
“You’d better watch out, guys. Your little Alicia is full of fire, too. She’s just slow to boil. Just don’t do anything to piss her off, because if you do, she’s gonna have you all tied up in knots.”
“Don’t you worry about Alicia. We’ll handle her just fine,” Bronsin snapped.
Trace slapped him on the back. “Famous last words, buddy. Famous last words.”
Bronsin and his brothers headed back to the living room. Alicia, Brooke, and Janie were still talking, but he could see small white lines around Alicia’s mouth, indicating tension and pain.
“It’s time you had some more painkillers and went to bed, darlin’,” Bronsin said as he picked Alicia up and began to carry her from the room.
“Hey, I was still talking,” she said grumpily.
“That may be so, but I can see how much pain you’re in. So just be quiet and let me take care of you.”
“Good night,” Alicia yelled as Bronsin walked out the back door, which was being held open by Ward.
The others’ reply was cut off when Ward closed the door behind them.
“The cut on my hand doesn’t affect my legs, you know.”
“I know that, but I like the feel of you in my arms,” Bronsin declared. He only got a “harrumph” in reply. He hid his smile when she looked up at him.
“We talked about you, you know.”
“Did you?” Bronsin winked at her when he didn’t take her bait. She was definitely feeling pain. Her glare indicated as much. Stedman held the door to their place open and he sailed through, being careful not to bang her into the doorjamb. He carried her through the house and into her bedroom.
“Put me down, Bronsin. I need to use the bathroom.”
“You’re in a lot of pain, aren’t you, darlin’?”
“I’m fine,” she grouched as he lowered her feet to the floor.
“No you’re not. You don’t need to lie to me, Alicia. You’re trying to hide the pain, but I can see it on your face.”
“Look, I’m not in the mood to be patronized, so please, just back off.”
“Go to the bathroom, darlin’, and by the time you’re back Stedman will have brought your medication.”
“I already have,” Stedman said as he entered her room.
Alicia just glared at them and then closed the bathroom door behind her.
“We’re going to have to wake her up early tomorrow morning,” Ward said as he entered Alicia’s bedroom. “I don’t want her having to shower by herself after we leave.”
“She’s not gonna like being woken up so early.”
“That’s just too damn bad. I don’t want her falling in the shower and not being found for hours. She’ll get over her grump eventually.”
The bathroom door banged open again. Alicia stood inside it, glaring at them. “Are you three talking about me again?”
“Yes, we are.” Bronsin grinned. “Don’t go getting your panties in a twist, darlin’. You admitted you were talking about us with the other women not long ago.”
“Come here, Alicia.” Stedman crooked his finger.
Alicia stomped over to Stedman, placed her hands on her hips, and scowled at him. “What?”
“Open your mouth.”
She opened up reflexively, and before she could close her mouth, Stedman popped two pills on her tongue. He then lifted a glass of water to her mouth. “Drink.” And again she did as told.
“Good girl. Now, let me help you with your clothes.”
“I’m not old and senile. I can undress myself,” she huffed.
Stedman lifted his hands up as if in surrender. “Have at it, baby.”
Bronsin and his brothers watched as she removed her clothes, albeit slowly, but when it came to her bra she had trouble.
“Turn around,” Stedman sighed. “You are just so damn independent, aren’t you, baby? You don’t like being incapacitated, do you?”
“Would you?” Alicia glared at Stedman over her shoulder.
“No. I suppose not.”
“I rest my case.”
Bronsin moved closer to his woman and helped her get into one of the large T-shirts she used to sleep in. Once she was covered, he helped her into bed.
“Darlin’, we have to go on a mission tomorrow. We are going to be leaving at 0400 hours. We don’t want you here by yourself, so we are going to wake you up bright and early to shower.”
“Do you have to?” Alicia snapped. Then she looked guilty, probably because she realized how ungrateful she sounded. She wasn’t usually so whiny and petulant, but the pain in her hand seemed to make her grumpy.
“Yep, and I don’t want any ifs or buts out of you, little girl. We aren’t going to leave you alone. The last thing we want is for you to hurt yourself.”
“Okay. But don’t blame me if I wake up on the wrong side of the bed. A girl needs her sleep, you know.”
“Good, now that that’s settled. We need an early night, too.”
“What’s going on?” she asked around a yawn.
“We’re not really sure yet, baby,” Stedman answered.
“Is it the organ black market again?”
“We don’t know yet, honey,” Ward replied and began to strip his clothes off.
> Alicia eyed him, and then her gaze went to Stedman and Bronsin as they, too, began to undress.
“We’re getting ready for bed, darlin’.”
“Oh, that’s nice.”
Bronsin smiled as her eyes drifted shut. He wondered what she was going to do and say when they slid into bed beside her. It didn’t take long for her to react. Stedman and Ward got in next to her, and Bronsin crawled in at the bottom.
She sat bolt upright and eyed them sleepily. “What are you doing?”
“Getting into bed,” Bronsin answered. “Lie down, darlin’.”
“This bed isn’t big enough for all of us.”
“Yes it is, honey,” Ward said and helped her to lie back down.
“I’m going to end up kicking someone.”
“You let us worry about that, baby.” Bronsin smirked to himself. He knew they’d be giving her something entirely different to worry about before long.
Chapter Six
Alicia woke to hands rubbing up and down her body and kisses on her lips. She felt like she had just gone to sleep, so she was decidedly cranky.
“Go away,” she grumped.
“Sorry, baby, but it’s time to get up. We have to leave soon, and you need to be over at Coulter’s house.”
“Time?”
“It’s 0330 hours, darlin’,” Bronsin replied.
“Do you have to sound so frickin’ happy about it?”
“Whoa, you definitely are a grumpy bum, aren’t you, honey.” It sounded like Ward was smiling. “Come on, Alicia. Get dressed. We have coffee waiting.”
Alicia finally pried her eyes open and squinted at the three men sitting around her on the bed. They were all dressed in black jeans and jackets. She saw bulges beneath their jackets and wondered what they were trying to hide.
She stared at each of them until the penny finally dropped. Then she jerked upright. “You have weapons on you.”
“Yes, we do,” Stedman replied. “We’re going out on a mission, baby. We need to be prepared for any eventuality.”
Dread and nervousness filled her stomach, making her feel queasy. “I don’t want you to go.”
“We don’t really want to, darlin’, but it’s our job. We have to find those missing women.”
Alicia covered her mouth in horror. “More women have been kidnapped? Oh God. Do you think it’s the same people?”
“No, those people are still behind bars.”
“Then what the hell is going on?”
“I’m sorry, baby, but we’ve been given orders to keep things quiet.”
“You don’t trust me?” The pain of rejection pierced her chest.
Ward reached out for her and pulled her onto his lap. “That is far from the truth. Of course we trust you, honey, but we’ve been given orders, and we have to follow them. Dumbass over there has already said too much.”
“Here, drink your coffee, and then we have to move.” Stedman picked up a cup from the bedside table and handed it to her. Ward continued to hold her and rub his hands up and down her back. Bronsin moved closer and placed a hand on her thigh, while Stedman just sat staring at her.
“What are you looking at?”
“The most beautiful, sexy woman I have ever seen in my life.”
Tears pricked her eyes and the knot in her chest diminished. How could such a controlling, dominant man turn her into a puddle of jelly? They all took such good care of her. No one had ever brought her coffee in bed before. Between them and the other members of the Elite Dragons and their women, as well as Martha and May, Alicia almost felt as if she were part of one big, happy family. If things worked out between them all, she knew she would be happy and content for the rest of her life.
Alicia finished her coffee and dressed after she’d showered with help. The three men walked her over to the main house. Lights were already blazing in the kitchen windows, and through them she could see Martha and May cleaning up. Obviously the two women had risen early to cook the men breakfast.
“We aren’t coming inside, baby.” Stedman’s voice halted her progress up the steps.
Alicia turned to face her men. They were standing shoulder to shoulder in front of her, and since she was three steps up she was on eye level with them. She reached for Stedman, and he stepped forward. Clasping his face between her hands, she kissed him. He quickly took over the kiss, thrusting his tongue into her mouth and tangling it with hers. She whimpered when he pulled away before she was ready.
Ward stepped in and picked her up. His kiss was so hungry and carnal that her body softened against his, ready for more of his touch, but he, too, pulled away before she was ready.
Bronsin swept her up into his arms. As he kissed her ravenously, she clung to him and tried to take over the kiss by pushing her tongue into his mouth. He sighed softly, giving her some of his air as she inhaled, and then withdrew his mouth and slowly lowered her to her feet.
The three men gave her one last searing glance and turned away.
“Stay safe.” They gave a wave and then headed toward the waiting vehicles.
Alicia watched from the verandah until she could no longer see the tail lights. With a sigh she finally turned and headed inside.
* * * *
Stedman hated to admit it, but Miles City had been a waste of time. Weary from a day of fruitless searching, he slammed shut the door to their truck and looked up at the motel where they’d stay the night. He wasn’t looking forward to explaining the situation to the Healy brothers, who’d held down their impromptu base here.
The back door slammed, and Stedman glanced over his shoulder at Bronsin. His brother looked even more tired than Stedman felt. His mouth was taut. As the most skilled empath out of the whole team, Bronsin’s mental shields had been down all day, far longer than any of the others had risked lowering their shields. Being out amongst the people of Miles City bombarded them with feelings and thoughts. Little wonder Bronsin was exhausted.
In silence, they let themselves into their room and shed gear onto the beds. They wouldn’t really disarm tonight, nor would they stand down. Even though Bronsin hadn’t picked up anything, it was safest to assume that the enemy was still close. Especially since Bronsin had been saying that kind of thing all day.
Stedman slipped his brother a look, but Bronsin, checking his weapons, was in a world of his own. He’d been acting off all day, and Stedman couldn’t quite figure it out.
He knocked on the door connecting their room to the Healys’. Linton admitted him immediately. Seton, Wolf, and Lander were already sitting at the small table and chairs by the window. Presumably they’d already started to fill in the Healys, since Codi’s first words to Stedman were, “Nothing, huh?”
“Fucking nothing,” Stedman answered. He sat down in a too-small motel chair with a frustrated sigh.
“Hang on, Stedman,” Seton said. “We were just telling them about the clinic.”
“Right, the clinic.” Stedman had a hard time getting enthusiastic about it. “Go on, then.”
Seton turned back to the Healys. “There’s only one clinic, and both women who were kidnapped had been there recently.”
Codi nodded. “So, just like last time.”
“It’s got the organ smugglers all over it,” Seton agreed.
Stedman’s hands clenched into fists. That was the part that had him worked up. This damn organ-smuggling ring was supposed to be destroyed. They’d put its mastermind in high-security prison and scattered its henchmen.
And he was supposed to be back at the stud farm, getting on with his life.
Thinking of Alicia, he made himself take a breath and relax his hands. We’re doing this for her. For Brooke and Janie and those two women who are still out there. We’re doing this for anyone who might be in danger from these monsters.
Seton was still explaining what they’d found to the Healys. “A Dr. Jones breezed into that clinic a few months back, but he hasn’t been seen in days. Just hasn’t shown up for work.”
&
nbsp; “But that sounds promising,” said Bryden. “If these assholes have stopped using the name ‘Smith,’ something like ‘Jones’ is right up their alley.”
“Set up an alert on the name, by all means.” Stedman couldn’t help sounding weary with the idea. “But even if that’s a new alias, Jones has moved on. They all have.”
“If this is another branch of the organ-smuggling ring,” Bryden said, “they’d be pretty fucking stupid to hang around the town they just abducted two women from.”
“But they took the women with them,” Stedman said. “If they’re still alive.”
There was a moment of silence as everyone digested that thought.
Stedman was the one to break it. “We’ll set up an alert on Jones’s name. If he uses that alias to practice medicine anywhere in the Midwest, we’ll find him. We also have a lead on where he might have gone, but it’ll take some time to follow.”
He couldn’t bring himself to admit it, but it would probably take too long for the kidnapped women. It was impossible to stop thinking about Alicia in this same situation a few months ago. They had to find them before the smugglers killed them.
Codi spoke up. “Bronsin didn’t detect anything off while you were searching the clinic?”
“None of us did.” Stedman glanced toward the connecting door to assure himself that it was closed, with Bronsin on the other side. “He’s been weird today. Doesn’t want to put his shields back up.”
“Is that a bad thing?” asked Bryden. “If anyone’s going to detect some sign of a problem, it’s him.”
Before Stedman could answer, the connecting door slid open. Bronsin himself came in, followed by Ward. “Where’s the map?” Bronsin asked.
Ward produced one from his backpack and laid it out on the table. All the men gathered around, looking over one another’s shoulders or between gaps to see. Stedman hung back a little. He managed to catch Ward’s eye and raised his eyebrow with a significant look toward Bronsin. Ward just shrugged.
