Now it was time to face her men, and she wasn’t sure she had the courage to get off at the right tram stop. She could breeze on by and perhaps shop. That easy solution appealed to her, but when the men’s station arrived, she stood and walked to the door.
It whooshed open.
Decision time.
You have to do this.
Like someone walking to her death sentence, she put one foot in front of the other and got off. As she neared their house, her pace slowed. She rehearsed what she wanted to say. Her decision to stay the course was rock solid. That much she knew.
Before she was emotionally ready, she found herself standing in front of their door. As if someone else was behind her and lifted her arm, she knocked. Brin answered. Lust and depression filled her so much that she couldn’t move.
His smile disappeared. “What’s wrong?”
He led her inside before she got a chance to answer. She opened her mouth, but nothing came out.
“You want something to drink?”
“Water?”
“Sure.”
She edged her way to the sofa, took hold of the arm, and eased down. With her back straight, she clasped her hands together. Brin must have let Larek know she was here, because he came jogging down the hallway.
“Hey, babe.” He stopped short. “What happened?”
As soon as he slid down next to her, she regretted choosing the sofa.
Brin handed her the glass, and she guzzled the contents. He took a seat opposite her. “Please tell us what’s going on.”
Despite her rehearsed words, none of the eloquent phrases came to mind. Just say it. “I don’t think we should see each other again.” Her words got stuck in her throat.
Larek’s hand squeezed hers tightly and Brin jumped up and stepped toward her. “What do you mean?” She could tell Brin was trying not to shout.
“Let me first say that you two are the most amazing men I’ve ever known, but I know you two. You’ll try to change me, and I like the way I am.” She notched her chin up.
“That’s bullshit,” Larek said. He waved a hand. “We love you for who you are. Why would we want to change you?”
“Trust me, you would. After a lot of thought, I know that teaching the old way is best for the kids and me.” She had to get out of there. They would never understand.
“I repeat. That’s bullshit.” She wished he wouldn’t hover. “It hasn’t been that long since we were in the cave. Did you forget how excited you were when you got to share the discovery with Frania? Or how thrilled you were to see the wolves’ tomb? We know you are yourself when you are exciting students and exploring the unknown.”
She stood, and he stepped back. “I do excite my students, and I’m proud of it. The path I’m choosing preserves the relationships I love.”
The tears were about to fall, and she didn’t want to be here any longer. She swiveled around and rushed out as fast as she could.
Do not cry. This is the right thing to do.
It was far better to end it now before they asked her to be theirs forever.
* * * *
“What the fuck just happened?” Larek dropped his head on the sofa. “Maybe we should go after her.” He knew the answer was no, but he felt the need to express his frustration.
“She’s got cold feet, that’s all.” From the way Brin’s jaw was clenched and his fists were tight, he was lying to himself.
“You heard her. She thinks we care if she teaches the old way.”
“In a way, we do.” He dropped back on the chair. “Let me ask you this. When did you fall in love with her?”
He’d never voiced those words, but they both knew they had “I think I finally turned the corner when I saw her with Frania in the cave. She had such passion and seemed willing to go to any lengths to help the girl.”
Thinking about all of Madra’s wonderful characteristics got him hard. A lot of good that would do him now. “I think the frosting on the cake, so to speak, was when she went to all the trouble to get to wolf territory.”
“That took tremendous courage and determination.”
He closed his eyes for a moment and exhaled. “Where is that woman now?”
“She’s hurting. There is more to this than she’s letting on.”
Larek sat up. “I say we go for a run in the forest. That always clears my head.”
A small smile lifted Brin’s lips. “I say we do it. You know me. I never let anyone defeat me, and wonderful Madra isn’t going to be the first.”
* * * *
Madra thought her decision to enjoy her job and not worry about the men would make her happy. Now she wasn’t so sure. It had been a little over two weeks since she’d seen them, and she missed them more than life itself. Getting up in the morning took effort, and as soon as school was over, she couldn’t wait to get home. Even when she got to help a student with a problem about a best friend or a parent, she didn’t get the usual joy.
Rein had stopped over to see if she could patch things up, but Madra had pretended she had to be someplace and asked her to leave. She knew that was no way to treat her friend, but right now, she didn’t want to scrutinize her life more than she already had. Perhaps when this school year finished, she could regroup.
As she was headed into school, she ran into Frania and her dad. She thought about pretending not to see them, but Frania raced up to her.
“Ms. Madra. Am I glad we caught you. My dad wants to speak with you.”
I don’t want to talk with him. She didn’t need any more grief. “Sure.” Frania looked too hopeful.
She waited for Frania’s dad to approach. The man’s gaze darted to the ground then looked at his daughter. He seemed to be having trouble talking. Given the way he’d grabbed Madra at the bar and had been abrupt in the cave, she really had no desire to be near him.
He held out his hand. “I’m sorry.”
Stunned, it took a moment before she offered her hand. “Okay.” She figured he was apologizing for his actions.
He finally made eye contact. “After I left the cave, I realized I’d lost control of my daughter.”
Only because the man seemed to be struggling with his words did she wait for him to continue.
He inhaled. “On the way home, Frania and I had a heart-to-heart talk. She’d always hated school, and I guess I gave up trying to push her into studying. Her mom was the brains in the family, but as you know, she passed a few years ago. Frania looked up to you as her role model. Because you always weren’t afraid to be different and go after the truth, she decided she wanted to be that way, too.”
She glanced at Frania, who was looking at her dad with pride. Madra’s heart swelled. “I’m very proud of Frania. She really seems interested in history.” After I taught about the cave drawings.
“I’ve been talking to some other parents, and we were wondering if you might be willing to teach a class or two this summer to our kids.”
“I believe the summer schedule is already fixed here.” She hadn’t been asked to teach.
“No. I wasn’t talking about being affiliated with the school. I was too stubborn to see that the traditional teaching methods don’t work for my daughter. She’s a hands-on-learning type of girl. I know there are other parents who would support you helping the kids learn other subjects, too.”
Her mind couldn’t take in all this information. “I’m flattered, but I really need to think about all this.”
“Sure, sure. Take your time. I know you might not believe me, given how I’ve acted in the past, but I think you’ve done wonders with Frania and I thank you.” He stepped back as if he’d said his piece and knew he should leave.
The fifteen-minute warning chime sounded, indicating school would be starting soon. “You’re welcome, and I’ll consider what you said.” She turned to Frania. “Ready to learn something?”
The girl smiled. “You bet.”
For the rest of the day, Frania’s dad’s comments rang in her head. S
he’d made a difference because she’d dared to be different. She thought back to her conversation with Rein. She, too, thought there was a way to connect with the students and teach the way she wanted. Could this be that way?
The idea of breaking loose held some appeal, but doing all the hard work to set it up did not. No matter what she chose, she didn’t think she’d get the men to accept her, so she had to decide what was best for her.
Teaching one class in the summer might be nice, but then the students would be coming back to the same setup here. What seemed like forever ago, Rein had jokingly said she ought to start her own school. Madra had laughed and said she didn’t have the space and she didn’t have the money to buy supplies.
Was that true anymore? What if she used the great outdoors as her classroom and the parents donated some of the supplies? Many parents couldn’t afford the private schools, and public education was only for the most needy. Those parents who were in the middle either had to sacrifice or teach their children themselves. She bet they might be willing to pay a little money to help with supplies, purchase some programs, and cover the cost of her salary if she promised the parents she’d focus on their children’s welfare.
She decided she’d spend two hours a night doing research on the feasibility of the idea. If she could get it to work, she just might do it.
* * * *
Six weeks later
Madra was exhausted but happy. Somehow she got through the end of school without incidents. Okay, that wasn’t true. There had been a very uncomfortable moment when she went into Principal Aban’s office and handed in her resignation. She told him she could no longer teach in a school where freedom of ideas wasn’t endorsed. He ranted and threatened, but in the end it didn’t matter. She was committed to doing what her heart told her was the right thing.
How had she been so blind before? Here she’d tossed out the two best men in the world, alienated Lara, her mentor, and almost lost Rein’s friendship. She prayed the women would forgive her. Her parents didn’t seem keen on the idea of her going rogue, but they said they’d support her decision.
In a few minutes, her new school would begin. True, the students would be sitting on blankets in a field near the entrance to the underground instead of at comfortable desks, but she didn’t think they’d mind. If the weather turned ugly or someone or something threatened them, they could head inside, but a school wasn’t about its pretty borders. It was about teaching students to love learning.
Frania’s dad had come through with free tablets for all of the students, and some anonymous donors had given her homeschooling modules. She wanted the students to work at their own pace and explore where and how they wanted. So far, she had ten students, but a few parents said that if this worked out more would come next semester.
Frania was the first to arrive. She plopped down in front of her. “I can’t believe you really did this. Thank you.”
“Well, I’m counting on you to help a few of the younger students with their study skills.”
“Me?”
“You’ve grown tremendously as a student. I can always use role models.”
While Frania didn’t squeal, Madra could see the excitement dancing in her eyes. One by one the students arrived. The parents brought them, but that was to be expected on the first day. Once everyone was settled in, she told them her philosophy.
Rema raised her hand. “Will we be able to go on any trips?”
Anterra Prep frowned on taking the students outside because of the dangers. “I think that would be an excellent idea. I’m sure I can get some protectors to join us. Where would you like to go?”
“The cave,” a few shouted in unison.
“I’ll see what I can do.” She was pleased they wanted to explore the drawings.
“How about Earth?” Frania asked.
That took her by surprise. “I love the idea, but I think maybe we should get into a routine before I tackle that.” However, if she got Sella’s husbands to help, and maybe Malik and Cavon, she could pull it off.
After three hours of class and getting the students acquainted with how she planned on running things, it was time for lunch. Since it was the first day, she’d ordered tomato pie for the class. She’d messaged the restaurant to tell them she was ready since they’d said they delivered. She was surprised they actually sounded excited, but perhaps getting outside was good for them, too.
A few minutes before noon the entrance to the underground whooshed open. She spotted five boxes from the restaurant, but she was shocked to find out who was holding their meal.
Chapter Fourteen
When a smiling Larek and Brin peeked their heads from behind the cartons, she jumped up and brushed off her pants, her heart beating so fast her mouth turned dry. She opened her mouth to say something, but nothing came out.
All she could do was stare at the two most incredible men in the world. Perhaps it was how her body was throbbing and her nipples were pebbling that told her finding a way to repair the relationship should be the most important next step. A million questions battled to get out, but the only one finally erupted. “What are you doing here?”
Please say you forgive me.
“Bringing you food.”
Is that all? From the way they were waving the cartons, they had something else on their minds.
Sex, love, and companionship for life?
The kids rushed up, and Larek and Brin handed them the boxes. The chatter nearly deafened her. “Leave some for me,” she forced herself to say. Right now, food was the last thing on her mind.
Larek tossed her an exaggerated frown. “What? No hug?”
She wanted to do more than hug them, but she wouldn’t put herself through the pain until she knew their intentions. “Not in front of the students.” It was a lame excuse, but it was the first thing that came to mind.
“Ah, I see.”
Brin stepped in front. “Well, I don’t have any restrictions.”
Before she could ask what that meant, he lifted her off her feet and placed a toe-tingling kiss on her lips. When the students started clapping and cheering, he set her back down, and she took a step back. Her body reeled from his wonderful touch.
“Br-in.”
Larek grinned again. “We heard about you starting your school, and I thought I’d do an article on you.”
She tried not to let her disappointment show. Maybe the kiss was all for show. “Sure.”
Larek moved closer so the students wouldn’t hear. “We’ve missed you, Madra, and we want you back.”
Her heart nearly burst, but now wasn’t the time to discuss her private life. “I’m kind of teaching here.”
“You’re teaching them to love life. We both think that’s wonderful.”
“You do?” When she’d started the school, she’d tried to push aside how she thought they’d respond and just do what she believed was best for all.
“Yes, we do.” Brin nodded to the students. “Have they asked about the caves?”
They must have spotted Frania and thought of their time there. “Yes, but I need to find some escorts to take us.”
They both puffed out their chests. “How about us?”
She laughed. “You’d take us?”
“Why not?”
“You both have jobs. Aren’t you busy?”
Larek wrapped an arm around her waist. “You’re more important. We took the day off so we could be with you. Do you think the kids would like to go now?”
Their sentiment shot straight to her heart. “I can’t think of anything more wonderful.”
* * * *
The journey to the cave and the exploration had been a huge success. The men even walked around and told what they thought the drawings meant. It was almost like no time had passed. When she had to tell the students it was time to leave, they all moaned and begged her to bring them back the next day.
“We’ll see. Tonight, you have a reading assignment.” They made a little fuss, but she
had a feeling they all would do the work.
Once back at their outdoor school, they gathered their supplies and went underground. After being outside all day, going underground was a nice change from the heat. She wasn’t certain about the men’s plans. “I want to thank you for spending the afternoon with us. I know the kids loved it.”
“We loved it, too.”
Brin followed her onto the tram. “Larek made dinner. How about coming back with us?”
Her heart wanted to scream a resounding yes, but she wasn’t positive how they felt. “Why?”
She was seated in front of them on the tram, and they were standing. Brin tugged on her hands and pulled her to his chest. “This is not the most romantic spot, but if it means you’ll come with us, we’ll tell you. We both love you and want you in our life forever.”
Her pulse raced and her pussy contracted. She tried to remember all of the reasons she’d given why the three of them couldn’t be together, but none of that mattered anymore. She’d overcome her obstacles and had found a way to teach what she loved, how she loved, and still be able to connect with the kids. “Yes! I love you both so much.”
Somehow not only the students but the rest of the riders on the tram got wind of the proposal and started cheering and clapping. If their house hadn’t been at the next stop, she wasn’t sure she wouldn’t have ended up naked on the floor of the tram making love with these two men.
Larek wrapped an arm around her waist and escorted her off. “We need to get you to our place before we lose any more control.”
She leaned her head against his shoulder. “Can I ask you something?”
“Sure.”
“I haven’t seen either of you in close to two months. Why show up today?”
They shot a grin at each other. “We’ve been totally aware of what’s going on in your life.”
“You have?”
“You are the most important person to us. We realized that you needed time to figure out what was really important to you. Brin has said all along that you’d find a way to get what you wanted. And you have.”
Hard and Easy [High-Country Shifters 5] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 13
