Paige Cameron

by Commando Cowboys Find Their Desire

Kira shook her head. “I don’t think so. In fact, I sense much more will happen before this ends.”

  “You meditated this morning?”

  “I did, and I smelled evil in the wind blowing toward the ranch.”

  “Have you read any more of the scrolls?” Averil asked.

  “All of them, and I saw the picture. Elle was right. I’m planning to go to her house again, later today.”

  “I’d better get out of your way. You’re going to be very busy.”

  “You just want to get home to your men,” Kira teased.

  “I do, and I hope there are two hunks just as gorgeous and loving as mine, here on the ranch, waiting for you.”

  “I am not looking for anyone. I’m going to be very busy for a long time,” Kira said in a firm voice.

  Averil just smiled and waved. Payton got out of the truck and opened her door.

  “You don’t have to get out just to help me in.”

  “Yes, I do. It’s called being a gentleman to my lady.”

  He put his hands around her waist and lifted her onto the seat, then he kissed her. “I missed you.”

  “Hmmm, I’m worried.”

  “Why?”

  “I’m becoming addicted to you and Cody. It’s a little frightening.”

  Payton got in the truck and turned around to head for their place. “Don’t be scared. You can trust us. Just trust me more if you have to go the doctor or hospital.”

  She laughed. “Poor Cody. Nothing scares him but the smell of antiseptics and medicine. Yes, you definitely have to deal with that part, if we marry.”

  “You keep saying if we marry, and yet when we make love I don’t feel any reservations between us.”

  “There aren’t. Still, I want to be doubly sure. My first husband appeared wonderful and loving. Within three months, he’d changed. He started staying out late in the evening and acted cold when he was home. Later I found out he didn’t really care for monogamy. His other bad habit was he liked to gamble.

  “Mom and Dad had warned me to take more time before jumping into marriage. But I was in love and thought I knew it all.”

  “Ask others about us. They’ll tell you neither one of us has changed at all since we’ve become adults. Our people on the ranch know us well.”

  “I will.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Nanna was a tiny woman with white hair and bright aquamarine eyes. Her smile was warm and welcoming. She opened her arms and wrapped them around Kira. “Welcome, our queen.”

  Kira stepped back. “How can you be so sure?”

  “Come sit beside me.” She directed Kira to a chair in front of Mitch’s desk and between her and Mother Aileen.

  Mitch had stepped out after introducing them. He was waiting for one more person to join their meeting.

  “I have felt the rumblings in here.” Nanna put her hand on her chest. “Both good and evil are going to collide, and the fate of our people will rest on the strength of the person who’s returned to us.” She looked directly at Kira. “I can see the fire halo around you.”

  “No one, not even the Priestess, has told me that.”

  “She has allowed you time to read the scrolls and see for yourself. She called me right after you arrived.”

  “So you already had your mind made up before we met.” Kira frowned.

  “No, my dear. Not until I touched you, but then I knew you were the one to lead us. Mitch and Daren are wonderful, but no one has your particular abilities.”

  “I don’t plan to stay here and make this my home. I am no threat to Mitch and Daren.”

  “We aren’t threatened. We look forward to working under you. You cannot deny your heritage.” Mitch stepped into his office. A tall, broad-shouldered man with black hair and golden-brown eyes walked in behind Mitch.

  “This is Nate. He’s one of our people who’s recently returned. He was controlled by our enemies against his will. I thought he might be able to add some information about who we might be dealing with at this time.” Mitch motioned for Nate to take a chair, and he sat at his desk.

  “Where shall we start?” Mitch asked.

  “You must wonder, Mitch, why I asked for you to wait two days before coming for me.” Nanna smiled. “I needed time to study up on poisons, types, methods, special teas to lessen the impact, all of the information I could find in my old books.”

  Mitch leaned forward. “You’ve heard about the blood that saved Harry?”

  “Yes. Ethan flew me here. He explained.” Nanna turned to Kira. “That is another reason I knew you had to be who I suspected.”

  “I’ve explained most of this to Nate. Nate, do you know of anyone on the ranch who might have been in league with the enemy group?”

  Nate had slouched in his chair and looked at the floor. “I remember my wife once insinuated that the leader had family who no one knew about.

  “She said the leader was encouraging someone in his family to continue his fight if anything happened to him. But she shrugged and said their group was strong and the outcome of the battle was a foregone conclusion. Of course she ended up being very wrong.

  “She never mentioned it again,” Nate said. “I’d forgotten. My brain still isn’t totally clear. But when you talked to me just now, something brought the conversation back.”

  “Phillip had family?” Mitch leaned back in his chair. “I’d never heard of anyone.”

  “You never suspected he was your enemy either. Phillip was devious. If there’s an innocent somewhere here influenced by him, he or she won’t stop unless you find them. That person is most likely under the same type of spell they put on me,” Nate said and looked back down at the floor.

  “We searched his rooms the day of his death and didn’t find any notebooks or evidence of his involvement. We thought that rather strange,” Mitch commented.

  “Who would have had access to his quarters that day?” Nate asked.

  “I’m not sure. I’ll talk to Daren and see if he can remember who was in the house during the afternoon or evening.” Mitch shrugged. “But the person could have sneaked in and gotten to Phillip’s rooms unseen.”

  Mother Aileen leaned forward. “I have a suggestion. Nanna, Kira, and I can sense and smell evil. Let us wander around the ranch and meet people casually. We’ll see if we can pick out who this person might be.”

  “I like that idea.” Nanna patted Mother Aileen’s hand. “We suspected Phillip but had no evidence. This time I’m sure Mitch and Daren will be glad to question any suspects, no matter how innocent they appear.”

  “I certainly will. After Phillip, nothing would surprise me.” Mitch smiled at Nanna.

  “I’ll go to the community store and sit in the back. No one will notice me.” Mother Aileen looked at Nanna and Kira. “Where will you two start?”

  “I’m going to check with Ellen in the lab, see Harry at the hospital, and lastly visit Elle,” Kira explained.

  “I think I’ll stay here if Mitch doesn’t mind. I want to show Tessa some new tea I’ve brought and get a piece of cake or pie whatever she has.”

  “You are welcome to stay however long you’d like.” Mitch and Nate walked out.

  Nanna whispered, “I want to see if evil still lurks in this house.”

  “I’m off to the community store.” Mother Aileen hurried out.

  “Be careful, my dear. I noticed Mitch didn’t tell the young man about you. That’s smart. You’d be a prime victim for our person if they found out.”

  “But I have antibodies. The poison won’t kill me.”

  “Do you think this person only has the one type? He or she may very well have an arsenal of weapons. Don’t underestimate evil.” Nanna put her hands on Kira’s head and sang a short verse.

  “What does that mean?”

  “I asked my ancient ancestors to protect you and guide you in this battle.”

  “I can use their help.”

  * * * *

  Pearce Rexford lay on the motel floor with
his life’s blood flowing out of him. Damn the witch. I never suspected she had the guts to try and kill me. But I intend to live, and she will die along with the others, including my arrogant-ass brother. He tried to pull himself up by holding on to the bed. The door slammed open.

  “Damn, what happened in here?” The owner, a huge man both in height and girth, pulled Pearce onto the bed. He ran to the phone and started to dial 911.

  “No, stop.” Pearce got his wallet out of his pocket and handed the man a number. “Call…” He took a breath. It was getting harder to speak. “They will fly here.”

  “The emergency number will be faster.”

  Pearce shook his head. “Call.” He managed to get the word out.

  The proprietor hesitated then dialed. “I have a man here.” He glanced at the name. “Pearce Rexford. He’s in bad shape from a couple of bullet wounds. He said you would come get him.” He gave them the directions and hung up. “If you die before they get here, it’ll be your own fault.” Walking to the bed, he grabbed a pillow and placed it over the larger wound then put pressure on it. “Maybe it’ll lessen the bleeding. Did you know the person who shot you? I don’t see anything missing.”

  Pearce shook his head no and closed his eyes as the blackness took him away.

  * * * *

  Lonato Rexford had just finished in surgery and was taking his scrubs off when he got the call.

  “Dr. Rexford, a man called here and said your brother has been shot. The helicopter and one of the doctors has gone to get him.”

  “Where the hell is he?”

  “At a motel in Reunion. We didn’t call your parents yet. Do you want to call them?”

  Rex ran his hand through his hair. He didn’t really care about Pearce. Maybe that was harsh, but it was truthful. But Rex did care about his parents. “Yes, I’ll do it. Thanks.” He hung up. There were no more scheduled surgeries for him today. He’d drive to his parents’ house and get them. He called Hakan to let him know what was happening.

  “I’ll stay here with my parents as long as I’m needed.”

  “All right. See you whenever.”

  “I’m walking to my car now. I wanted to tell them in person. Mom will have hysterics that her little boy is hurt. Once she’s calmer, I’ll bring them to the hospital.” Rex got in his car and started it.

  “Try to keep the sarcasm out of your voice when comforting your mother.”

  He had to grin. “Smartass.” Rex hung up the phone and headed toward his parents’ house, where he and Pearce had grown up. He’d disliked Pearce from the moment they’d brought him home at three years old.

  At first Rex had to admit it was sibling jealousy, but later he realized Pearce was mean and clever. Somehow he’d managed to hide that side of himself from his mother. Although, Rex suspected in the past few years his father had grown concerned about Pearce and was relieved when he moved away.

  Whatever mess Pearce had got into this time, it was more dangerous than his usual antics. He dreaded telling his parents, but it was his responsibility. As Pearce had grown more out of control, Rex realized his self-control had gotten stronger as his feelings had in regard to being responsible.

  He turned in to his parents’ driveway and parked. When he went in the side door to the kitchen, his mother turned from the refrigerator and his father put down his paper. Both looked surprised.

  “My, we haven’t seen you in weeks. You’re just in time for lunch.” His mother smiled and walked across the room to hug him. “Sit at the table with your father.”

  “Mom, I need for you to sit with us.”

  Her hand went to her throat. “What’s happened to Pearce?”

  “Sit.” Rex took her arm and pulled out the chair. His father waited patiently, a concerned look on his face, but not as distressed as his mom. Rex sat across from them. “Pearce was shot in Reunion. You knew he was on his way here. I don’t know how it happened or who shot him. The helicopter and a doctor are on their way to get him.”

  “No, no, no.” His mother cried out and put her head on the table.

  Rex took hold of her hand, but he’d never known what to do with crying women. They made him uncomfortable. His father came around and picked his wife up and sat her in his lap. She cuddled into him and sobbed against his neck.

  “She’ll be better in a moment. I can drive us to the hospital when she’s ready. You don’t have to wait. I know you’re a busy man.”

  “I’ve checked out for the day. I’m here for you and Mom. I can check on Pearce in the ER so you’ll know exactly what’s wrong and how he is.”

  His father stared at him across the table. “You are so responsible, but we did not give you the love you needed. Pearce seemed to require more of our attention. And you have grown into an isolated man with the reputation of being cold and hard but a very fine neurosurgeon.”

  “I have friends. Hakan and I live in the same house.”

  He was hurt by what his father had said. Others called him cold, hard, and other such words, but they rolled off his back. But for his father to confront him about his coworkers’ words, it struck him in the heart.

  “Hakan is a fine man and your cousin. He sees the qualities the others don’t, or you don’t let them. My hope for you, son, is that you’ll meet a lady as good as your mother and the wall you’ve built tight around your heart will crack. We want you to be happy.”

  Rex paced around the kitchen. A lump of hurt had formed in his throat. “I am happy. I have everything I need.”

  “You don’t have a wife and family.”

  His father persisted. Why now? “I may have that soon if Hakan has anything to do with it. He’s discovered a woman he says is our soul mate.”

  “Really?” A strained smile crossed his father’s face. He patted his wife on the back. She’d gradually quit crying and listened to their conversation.

  “Yes, so you don’t have to worry about me. Neither of you did when I was growing up.” He slammed out of the house, got in his car, and drove off.

  Damn, damn, damn. I lost control. The first time in years and years.

  Rex stopped the car and started to go back. His father was able to drive them. He’d wait and see them at the hospital, after he was calmer and more himself. He drove on and parked his car in his spot in the hospital parking lot.

  Taking long strides, Rex headed into the hospital and took the elevator up to Harry’s floor. He’d check on him. Harry had always been kind to him as a child, and Rex hadn’t forgotten.

  When he opened the door to Harry’s room, a woman with golden-red hair and misty purple eyes turned and stared at him.

  His body jolted in recognition, and he knew this had to be the woman Hakan spoke of last night.

  “I’m Dr. Rexford, a friend of Harry’s.” He walked to the other side of the bed.

  “Hi, Doc.” Harry grabbed his hand. “Look at me. I’m almost well thanks to this young lady’s blood. This is Kira. She’s Averil’s twin sister.”

  “It was a concerted effort between the lab, my sister, and me. I can’t take all the credit, Harry.”

  Her face had flushed at Harry’s praise. Rex felt as though someone had given him a punch in his gut. She was extraordinarily beautiful, and her scent of roses combined with an exotic musk had desire rushing through him and straight to his cock.

  Harry glanced from Rex to Kira. “I think she might be the lady for you, Doc. You need someone to make you smile more.”

  Rex felt his face flush. “That poison must have gotten to your head, old man. You know no one makes me smile but you.”

  Harry laughed and turned to Kira. “He used to come to the store when he was a little guy. Whoever would have suspected he’d end up being such a great neurosurgeon?”

  “You operated on my sister’s friend Payton.”

  “Yes, he did well.”

  “Thank you. She’s very fond of him.”

  “I understood you two were twins. You don’t look exactly alike.”

>   “We’re more like fraternal twins, although there are many similarities between us.”

  Her honey-toned words curled inside him and warmed his body. He had to get out of here before he made a fool of himself and threw her over his shoulder and took her home.

  “I’ll see you later, Harry. I’ve got work to do. Nice to meet you.” He nodded at Kira and rushed out of the room.

  Hakan stood at the nurses’ station. “You look like someone’s after you.”

  “I met the woman you talked about last night.”

  “Ah, she does have that effect on a man, but more so on us.”

  “We’ll see. I’ve got to go to the ER. My brother must have arrived by now.”

  Rex got on the elevator and drew a deep breath when the doors closed. He wanted to concentrate on helping his parents and forget the woman who shook him up too much.

  * * * *

  Pearce was barely aware of the helicopter arriving. The doctor rushed into the motel room and started an IV to give him blood. Gradually, he roused enough to hear the conversations around him.

  “Don’t you have to check his blood type first?” the motel owner asked.

  “He grew up on our ranch, so as a child he would have been typed and crossmatched at our hospital. It saves time in an emergency.”

  “I guess that’s why he insisted I call you all. It may have taken longer to get his blood transfusion where he wasn’t known. I’ve never heard of your ranch.”

  “We have a large spread out from Lovettville. Ethan, he’s ready to go. You get one end of the stretcher. I’ll get the other.”

  “Thanks for calling us, sir. Here’s some money to compensate you for the mess in the room and your time. I hope you won’t mention us to anyone. We like our privacy.” Ethan handed the money to the man and gave him a hard stare.

  “No, sir. I’ve already forgotten you all exist.”

  “Good.” Ethan grabbed the end of the stretcher, and they put Pearce on the helicopter. In minutes they were in the air and shortly afterward landed at the hospital.

  The blood had strengthened Pearce enough that he was able to see people as his stretcher was rushed into the ER. Orders were called out to the nurses and soon a team of medical personnel crowded around doing various jobs.