Paige Cameron

by Commando Cowboys Find Their Desire

  Averil lay on the lounge and looked out at the dark sky filled with thousands of shiny stars. “Whenever I visit here, layers of stress roll off of me.”

  “I know. I love this place.” Kira handed her a cup of coffee and a small plate with the toast. They ate and drank in silence.

  “I don’t know why I’ve waited so long to return,” Averil said after she’d finished. She gathered their cups to refill and took the plates to the sink.

  When she sat back down, she looked across at Kira. “I hope this is decaf or I won’t sleep a wink tonight.”

  “It is, but before you retire, tell me what has you so upset. Even now I feel the energy flashing through your body.”

  “I told you about my time here in California. You remember a lawyer called and asked me to testify against the man who’d tried to abuse me. He had abused other women. And he was trying to frame one of his victims and send her to jail. Of course, I agreed to help. The men that arrived looked very much like the men from our tribe. I was surprised. Two of the men flirted with me. I threatened them. I told them I’d just taken a self-defense course.” She grinned at Kira. “It didn’t do much good. They continued to sit close to me in the car and flirt.”

  “What man doesn’t?”

  “These two have been persistent. They’re members of the other two tribes. You know, we’re having homes built on a ranch next to theirs. Payton Camilius and Cody Jessup are certain I’m the woman for them.”

  “Are you still planning on staying single?”

  “Yes. I don’t want to go through another bad marriage and definitely not with two men.”

  “I must say two handsome men making mad passionate love to me doesn’t sound that awful.” Kira looked over the top of her coffee cup at Averil.

  “I wouldn’t mind either if they just wanted to play. They insist on marriage, and you have to admit, sister, you’ve never contemplated the sanctity of wedded bliss.”

  “You know it would take a special man to understand all about me and, even if he didn’t understand, to at least accept me. I haven’t found one I trusted and cared enough about to share my secret. I’m too afraid he’d call the police and have me locked in a mental hospital.”

  Averil sat on the side of the lounge facing Kira. “Do you resent that you got the special gene and not me? We’re twins, but not identical. I could have been the one instead of you.”

  “It’s a heavy burden, but no, I don’t resent you. I’m not sure why the gene developed in me. I keep thinking there must be something I should be doing with my life to help mankind, but so far I haven’t found it. To be truthful, I haven’t looked hard for a reason either.”

  “I started to contact you when the battle raged between our tribes and the ones who came from our planet to try and take over. But with the help of our shape-shifters and the strong fighting men from all the tribes the group was destroyed.”

  “Next time call me. Maybe I need to be brave and present myself to the ones in charge of the three tribes. If they’ve accepted the shape-shifters, why not me?”

  “Come home with me when I leave. Mom would love to see you. The ranch being built is huge. I have a big plot of land, and you could live with me or build your own cabin nearby.”

  “I’ll consider it. I’d have a lot to do first, quit my job, empty my apartment, and winterize this cabin. We’ll see.”

  “I’m going to bed. It’s been a long, stressful day.” Averil kissed her sister’s cheek. “Don’t sit up too long, night owl.”

  Averil unplugged the coffeepot and turned off the kitchen light on the way to her bedroom.

  She had hoped to go to sleep instantly. Her body was tired and achy. But in her mind’s eye she saw Payton, the blood running down the side of his handsome face, and guilt swamped her. Was he really all right? What would he and Cody make of her sudden disappearance? So many questions but no answers.

  Averil turned on her side and stared out at the moon. A dark cloud drifted across, giving her a sinister feeling of danger. A shiver brushed across her shoulders.

  Kira knocked on her door. “Are you all right?”

  “I can’t get to sleep.”

  Her sister came into the room. She had her nightgown on, and her long, golden-red hair rippled down her back. “Scoot over. We’ll sleep together like we did when we were kids. I feel the uneasiness, too.”

  Chapter Two

  Payton looked up at his mother standing by the stove. “I’m feeling fine this morning, Mom. Thanks for letting me stay yesterday and last night, but I can’t stay in bed any longer. I promise, when I leave here, I’ll stop by Dr. Jack’s office at the hospital and have him check me over.” Payton ate the last of his pancakes and emptied his cup of coffee. He stood and pushed his chair in. “See you later.” He bent and kissed his mom’s cheek.

  Cody waited outside with their horses. Payton’s mom followed him out and stood on the porch. “Cody, you see he goes by and gets checked by Jack first, before you two do anything else. Tell Jack to call me.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He waved and grinned at Payton.

  “Don’t even start.”

  “Not in a good mood this morning?”

  “I still have a slight headache, but if I’d told Mom she’d have kept me in bed another day at least.”

  “You’re going to have to see Dr. Jack.”

  “I know. Let’s get it over with, and then I want to find our gal.”

  “Did she come by last night after I left?”

  “No. Why?”

  “Because she said she’d see me later when she came by to check on how you were doing. I’ve had an uneasy feeling ever since she didn’t show up.”

  “We’ll go by her cabin on our way to Dr. Jack’s office.”

  “That is the long way around. But if you’re up to it, I agree.”

  Fresh air blowing in his face felt good to Payton, but the bouncing of his horse made his headache worse. He didn’t tell Cody. He’d be as bad as his mom.

  Men were working all around the cabin. Payton saw Nick and rode in his direction.

  “Hi, Nick, you sure get around trying to keep up with all the building going on.” Payton stopped at Nick’s side and dismounted. He staggered slightly and Nick grabbed his arm.

  “I heard you took a lick to the head yesterday morning. Maybe you shouldn’t be out riding so soon.”

  “I’m fine. How soon will Averil’s cabin be done?”

  “In another week or two at the most. I came out to talk with her, but she hasn’t come around. I called her folks. They said she’d gone on vacation. Which is strange since she’d made an appointment to meet me here today.” He grinned at Payton. “Maybe she’s feeling guilty about pushing you down and wounding you. She must have left in a rush and forgot to call me.”

  Payton groaned. “I suppose that story is all over the ranch?”

  “Oh yes, it was too good not to be told. The mighty Payton taken down by a petite redhead.”

  “If I didn’t feel so…” A pain hit Payton, and he went down on his knees, grabbing his head. His vision blurred.

  * * * *

  Cody and Nick picked Payton up and put him in Nick’s car. “I’ll get him to the ER quickly.” Nick spun his car around and raced through the gate and toward the hospital.

  “I’m left behind again. But don’t worry.” Cody rubbed Payton’s horse’s neck. “I’ll get you back to the barn.” He talked to the two mares on the way back, trying to keep his fear regarding his best friend at bay. There were a lot of ways he could help protect Payton, but when it was medical, this was one battle Payton had to fight himself.

  He’d noticed Payton wince while they were riding to Averil’s place. He should have stopped and insisted they go see Dr. Jack right then. But he, like Payton, wanted to go to the ranch first, so he shrugged off his uneasy feelings. Guilt took hold of him and he couldn’t shake it.

  Cody rode faster toward the barn. Justin, one of the veterinarians, saw him rushing in with
the horses.

  “You in a big hurry?” Justin walked over to him. His Labrador, Rusty, was at his side.

  “Nick took Payton back to the ER. I’m in a rush to get there.”

  “Go on. I’ll unsaddle and rub the mares down.”

  “Thanks.” Cody ran to where he’d parked his truck and jumped in. It was only a few miles to the ER, but he couldn’t get there fast enough.

  As soon as he walked into the lobby, the receptionist waved him on into the ER. Jack saw him and came to his side. “Stop a minute and get your breath. Payton’s in the second exam room. He’s unconscious. I don’t know why in the hell he went riding this morning. But I have to admit it would have happened eventually. The bouncing on his horse just sped up the process.”

  “What process? What’s the matter with Payton?” The smell of antiseptic and other unrecognizable odors filled Cody’s nostrils. He hated hospitals, always had, since his dad died here when Cody was ten. The smells brought back the fear, confusion, and the memory of his mother crying. He’d been so scared, not understanding what was happening, and then the man he loved and admired more than any other person was gone, for good.

  He’d met Payton when school started that next year, and they’d become fast friends. Now, the old fear clawed at his insides again.

  “Cody, are you all right?”

  “Fine. Tell me about Payton.”

  “Payton has a blood clot in his brain. He’ll need surgery right away. If he was a normal human he’d probably be dead, but our bodies have amazing healing abilities. He has a chance, although not the best.”

  Cody staggered back as though he’d been punched in the solar plexus. Jack grabbed his arm.

  “Steady. Sit.” He pushed Cody into a chair. “I know he’s your best friend and this is rough. I called his mother and father. They’re going to need your support.”

  “Right.” Cody straightened. “Can I see him?”

  “Sure, go on in. He might be able to hear your voice. Be positive.”

  Cody nodded, stood, and took long, brisk steps to exam room two. Payton lay on a stretcher. A nurse was keeping an eye on his vitals. He walked to Payton’s side and touched his shoulder.

  “Damn, man, you frightened me. But Dr. Jack said they’re going to fix that hard head of yours. It’ll be even harder when the surgery is done.” He swallowed around the tightness in his throat. “I’ll be here waiting with your folks. Help the doctors in surgery. You know they aren’t perfect. They can’t do it on their own.” Cody heard the clearing of a throat behind him and knew before he turned he’d put his foot in his mouth, as the old saying goes. He turned slowly.

  “Good morning, Cody,” Dr. Rexford said. His gray eyes shone hard as flint. Many said the doctor had been named well as his first name, Lonato, meant “flint.” He walked to his patient’s side. “I’ve looked at the X-rays. We’ll be taking him to surgery in the next fifteen minutes. Time is of the essence.” Dr. Rexford looked at Cody. “But don’t worry. I believe I can succeed without Payton’s help, although if he wants to lend a hand I won’t refuse it.” He turned and walked out, leaving Cody and the nurse with open mouths.

  “I think that’s the first time I’ve ever seen him show any human emotion or make a joke,” the nurse said.

  “Yeah, we all call him the robot, but he is a damn fine neurosurgeon.” Cody shook his head in amazement and walked out of the room to see if Mr. and Mrs. Camilius had arrived. Maybe if he focused on helping them, he’d keep control of his emotions and not let the fear overtake him.

  * * * *

  Gala Secundus sat on her bed with a flashlight reading her father’s book. She didn’t want her parents to find the volume of information her dad had left her. He’d ignored her for many years until she finished school. Then he’d begun to speak to her at times when no one was around. He warned her, her mother would not be happy to see them develop a relationship, and so they met in secret places. She’d always wanted him to accept her. Gradually, he explained his plan and how he and Gala would become the reigning royalty of the three tribes. They, along with their followers, would be in control. He’d planned everything working with one other man on the outside. When the others landed from their home planet, her father and his partner were ready.

  Yet it had all failed. She and her father’s partner were the only ones left to revive the plan and win. She would take down all of the mightiest warriors. Her father had left her the details of how to start and what to do. Also how to contact the other one, the outsider who helped her father plan the attack.

  Tomorrow she would begin. They’d never figure out what was happening until it was too late. Gala rubbed her hand across the paper where her father’s handwriting was scrawled. Tears ran down her face.

  “Gala, are you awake?” her mother called out from the other side of the door.

  Gala flipped off the flashlight and quickly hid the volume under her mattress just as her mother came in the door. “I’m restless, Mom. I was too lazy today, and so I’m not sleepy now.”

  “I thought I saw a light around the door.”

  “No.” Gala nodded to the moonlight coming in her window. “It’s just the moon. I’m off tomorrow, too. I’ll go riding and get some exercise so I can sleep better.”

  “That’s a good idea.” Her mother bent and kissed her cheek. “Still, try to get some rest tonight.”

  Once her mother left, Gala wrapped the book and slid it underneath some shoes in a shoebox on the shelf in her closet. Her mother never bothered her things. Hopefully it would be safe there until she could decide on a better hiding place.

  She hadn’t lied. Tomorrow, she’d go riding and hopefully plant her first dose of the special resin her father left behind. She’d found it after reading his papers. Heart pounding, she’d snuck back into his room a few days after the battle ended. Gala had found the resin, along with a specific poison, right where he’d written it would be.

  She couldn’t sleep for making her plans. Her first victim wouldn’t die right away. It must be very gradual. She’d suffer first.

  * * * *

  The call came first thing in the morning. “Dad, I’m sorry I forgot to phone you when I got here as I’d promised. Kira was here, and we started talking. Time flew by and then I was tired and went straight to bed.”

  “That isn’t why I’m calling, Averil.” His voice sounded grave.

  “Is Mom all right?”

  “Yes, she is. It’s about Payton. He’s unconscious in the ER. They’re getting ready to take him to surgery. He may not make it. Cody called your mom asking for you.”

  A jolt of pain and guilt hit her in the chest. Payton might die and it would be her fault. She pictured his smile and his warm voice. She remembered how he’d challenged her for the title of Best Sharpshooter of the tribes. When they’d tied, he smiled and congratulated her. He was different, and she wanted more time to know him. He mustn’t die. He was too young.

  “Averil, are you still there?” her father asked.

  “Sorry. I was shocked to hear about Payton and that he might die. Tell Cody I’m on my way home. I’ll check with the airport and get the first plane out. Will you pick me up?”

  “Of course. You didn’t get much time to think.”

  “No, but I saw my sister, and I hope I’ve convinced her to move to the ranch.” Averil winked at Kira sitting next to her. “I’ll call with my arrival time. Thanks for letting me know, Dad.” Averil ended the call. She put down her cell phone.

  “You heard.”

  “I did, and you’ve almost committed me to go home.”

  “You just needed a little shove.”

  “All right, but not today. All the attention needs to be on Payton and his family. I will be there in a few weeks.”

  “Promise?”

  “Yes, I do.”

  Averil called the airport and made her reservations. “I’ve got to go. There’s a plane leaving in four hours. I have just enough time. Thank goodness I didn’t
unpack last night.” She hurried around putting her nightclothes, the outfit she wore yesterday, and her makeup in the bag.

  She wore jeans, a long-sleeved flannel shirt, and her boots. Using her brush, she pulled her hair back and fastened her ponytail with a rubber band and then a blue scarf.

  “I’m ready.” She came out of the bedroom rolling her suitcase behind her.

  “Eat. There’s juice, toast, and coffee. I’ll put your case in the car and warm the engine. It’s still chilly out there.”

  Averil ate fast. The cold orange juice and toast tasted good. She’d been hungrier than she’d thought. She poured her coffee in a to-go cup and took one last check in the bathroom mirror.

  Kira walked out with her. “When I’m ready, I’ll call.”

  “Don’t sell this place.”

  “Never. We’ll come back on vacations.” They hugged, and then Averil got in and drove back down the bumpy lane to the highway. She wished she could fly like Aleron, Jewel’s husband, or like her sister. What could have happened to make Payton’s condition worsen so much? Her guilt and fear made for uneasy traveling companions. Unconsciously, her foot pressed harder on the pedal. Luckily, she didn’t come across any animals on her way out of the forest.

  At the airport, she paid for the car and got to the gate with thirty minutes to spare. She opened her cell and dialed Cody’s number. She was thankful he and Payton had insisted on giving her their numbers.

  “Hello.”

  “It’s Averil. How is Payton doing?”

  “Do you really care, or is this just guilt for pushing him down that’s making you call?”

  She couldn’t speak at first. She was so stunned by the animosity she heard in his voice. The silence hung between them.

  “I do care, and yes, I am feeling guilty. Will you at least tell me if he’s going to be all right?” Her hand tightened around the phone.