Commando Cowboys Captivate Their Lady [Wyoming Warriors 5] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Polyromance) (8 page)

“All right. Cool it.”

“Say you promise. You were always sneaky as a kid, Rae. You let us think you agreed. Then did whatever you wanted.”

Rae yanked on her arm. Frowning, she stared into his eyes. “I promise. Satisfied?”

His familiar grin wreathed his face. “Yes.”

Sara came to Daren’s side. “You two looked like you were arguing.”

Daren put his arm around both her and Rae. “Both my favorite ladies can be very stubborn at times. I’m hungry. Is the food ready?”

“Almost. Both of you come and talk with our other guests.” Rae held on to Sara’s arm. Daren walked toward Nick and Lang and their new bride, Cassie.

“Sara, I know you’ve been working with Elle regarding your psychic abilities. Elle said recently that you were doing well and were very astute,” Rae said.

“Yes, how can I help you?”

“Come to my house tomorrow. We can talk privately. Jewel will be visiting friends and family most of the time she’s here.”

“It’s a date. Shall we meet around ten?”

“That’s good for me.”

“Ah, Tessa is calling us to the table. I hope you’re hungry. She’s made all your favorites including apple pie.”

The food was good. There was lots of kidding at the table, especially to the newlyweds. Rae envied the happiness of the couples surrounding her. She wanted that for herself. Cad and Garth popped into her mind.

No. She wanted a man from this ranch. One who she’d known a long time. She’d know what to expect.
One whose powers aren’t as strong as mine.

Ridiculous, she never had a problem with others being strong and gifted. She wasn’t such a petty person.

“Are you going to hold the bowl of mashed potatoes and admire them or pass them on?” Jack spoke from across the table. “I want a second helping, too.”

“Sorry. I got lost in my thoughts.”

“No problem. You look pale. Call and make an appointment and I’ll check you over,” Jack said.

“I’m fine. I do not need a doctor.”

Jack took the bowl and put a large helping of the fluffy potatoes on his plate. “Come in anyway.” He handed the bowl to Ellen.

At the end of the meal, Mitch stood. “We had two reasons to invite you all to dinner tonight. One, we enjoy your company. Two, Daren and I want to have a meeting with the men and Rae to discuss our next assignment. I hope you ladies will excuse us and enjoy visiting with Sara.”

Nick, Lang, Sahale, Jack, Ethan, Justin, and Rae stood to follow Daren and Mitch. Tessa came in with plates of apple pie and ice cream on a tray.

“I’m not missing dessert.” Jack reached for a plate. Soon they all had one.

Tessa shook her head at them. “I’ll bring coffee to the office as soon as I serve your ladies.”

Rae took a chair off to the side and began to eat her dessert. “Hmmm, wonderful.”

Mitch sat behind his desk. Daren slouched in a lounge chair, and the others grabbed whatever was left.

Tessa brought the coffee just as they were finishing their dessert. She cleared the plates and closed the door when she left.

Daren explained about the earlier meeting. Rae was shocked they’d left her out.

“Why wasn’t I included? I seem to have been part of the discussion.”

“You aren’t thinking clear or at least you weren’t when you left here,” Mitch stated. “Since seeing Nate your world has been upset. Then you go to a place where you hope to relax and regroup, and you don’t stay long enough for it to help you. You couldn’t expect to be clear and focused. Don’t get your back up.”

“I told you it did help. You said Nanna told you these two men want to marry me?”

Sahale spoke. “Nanna said you might be the bridge between our tribes. But time will tell if that occurs. Don’t make any decisions against what is in your heart.”

“Absolutely,” Mitch said. “You will be the one to decide who you want to marry. Only marry your true mate.”

“I wish I knew what I wanted. My mind and heart have taken a beating lately. Right this minute I want to rest far from all of this.”

“Then you must. I will give you a map to my hideaway. You are welcome to use it,” Sahale said.

“Can I go tomorrow?”

“Nanna is going home in the morning by helicopter,” Mitch said. “You can ride along with her, and be dropped off at Sahale’s.”

“Better take food with you. The refrigerator is usually empty,” Sahale said.

Tomorrow she’d be alone. Rae wanted the morning to hurry and get here. She had heard of Sahale’s cabin, the beauty surrounding it, and the peace. Just what she needed, and far away from any men.

* * * *

The helicopter flew off into the blue sky. Rae watched as Nanna waving good-bye disappeared out of her sight.

The pilot soon landed at Sahale’s place. He helped Rae gather the groceries and suitcases, and then they headed to the cabin. The house was built on the side of the mountain with a drop-off just a few feet from the back of the building. Rae walked inside first. The pilot put down her suitcases and waved good-bye, as she took the groceries into the kitchen and put them on the table.

Rae heard the sound of the helicopter as it took off. She was finally alone.

She moved around the kitchen putting up the groceries. There was no sound but the whistle of the wind as it rolled across the small cottage.

Standing at the back windows, she saw wild horses racing across the bottom of the canyon. Wildflowers of every color bloomed. She’d have a cup of tea and several of the chocolate chip cookies Tessa had baked early this morning.

After her tea, she was tired. She’d take a nap on the couch. But first she’d put a protective shell around the cabin and the land close by. She sat cross-legged and closed her eyes. In her mind’s eye she visualized the golden curtain protecting her and the land from strangers. She muttered the chant three times.
There
. Now she’d lie down and let her body relax.

* * * *

Mitch’s phone rang shortly after Nanna and Rae had left. “This is Mitch Stanton.”

“Mr. Stanton, we haven’t met. I believe we should become acquainted. My name is Garth Sherwyn. I’m Cad’s cousin.”

“He mentioned a cousin, but not your name. I agree we need to talk.”

“I’d like to bring Cad with me. He’s been to your ranch. Also I want to bring my brother, Raoul, and his friend, Aleron.”

“Where shall we meet?”

“Will you grant us permission to come onto your ranch? We’re nearby.”

“If you agree to be checked at the gate for weapons and cameras, and you’ll be watched closely while here.”

“I agree to your terms.”

“Then my brother and I will meet you all at, say two o’clock. Does that fit your schedule?”

“Yes.”

Mitch hung up and called Daren. He explained about the meeting. “We must have four of us to equal them.”

“Let’s look at the skills we need,” Daren said. “I’d suggest Nick and Sahale.”

“A good mix. I agree. Will you call them?”

“Sure.”

“I’m going for a ride.”

Mitch went in the barn to the stall holding his stallion, Satan. “We need a ride.” He spoke to his horse as he saddled him. “And I need time to think.”

He swung up on the saddle, rode outside the barn, and Satan took off flying across the prairie.

A cool wind blew in Mitch’s face, and the sun shone bright across the land. He had a deep love and respect for this country. It was the only home he’d ever known. The stories of their ancestors had passed down through the families, but this world was his home and where he was born. He slowed Satan and stopped by the river.

They had to be very careful about trusting the third tribe. What were their real reasons for wanting to join with them? Mitch suspected they’d known, for some time, how to contact them. Why the urgency to meet now?

He’d warn his men to be alert to any danger to their people or to the ranch. He turned Satan and let him have the lead to gallop toward home.

There was time for a shower, lunch, and then a quick meeting with Daren, Sahale, and Nick before the others arrived. He strode across the road and into the house.

He was impatient to meet these
relatives
. Too bad Rae wasn’t her usual self or she’d be sitting in to assess and report after the meeting.

Sara was almost as good as Rae. He’d have her join them. He looked in the dining room and kitchen.

“She put the little ones down for a nap after their meal. You might find her there,” Tessa said. “Your lunches are almost ready,” she added.

Mitch took long strides to his bedroom. He quickly stripped and stepped into the shower. Sara stuck her head around the bathroom door.

“I was in my room and heard you come in.” She walked into the bath. “Hmmm, you look very sexy.”

“Want to join me?” Mitch’s cock had immediately gone to full attention.

Sara started to remove her clothes. “Tessa will be mad if we’re late for the noon meal.”

When she got close, Mitch swept her up in his arms and kissed her. “She’s used to us. But we have to be ready for company by two.”

“Then we don’t have any time to waste.”

* * * *

Mitch pushed his plate away and glanced at his watch. “One thirty, we have a few minutes to talk with Sahale and Nick before the others arrive.”

“Are you sure you want me to join you all? I’ve never tried to read a stranger. I’ve just practiced on willing friends.”

“You’ll do fine,” Daren said. “And afterwards I want time to play with you like Mitch did. I feel quite left out.”

“You’ll learn to grab the moment whenever you can.” Mitch grinned at Daren.

“Let’s go.” Mitch stood and pulled back Sara’s chair. “Nick and Sahale will be waiting in our office.” He took Sara’s hand and led the way.”

“Sara”—Mitch motioned to a chair close to his desk—“I want you to sit there and appear to pay little attention to the visitors.”

“I know. I’m to look like the adoring wife who has a little brain focused on sex and procreation.”

Nick and Sahale coughed and looked at each other. Mitch and Daren both grinned.

“I doubt we can hope for such a magnificent performance since neither I nor Daren have ever had a glimpse of such a paragon.” Mitch stood in front of her with his arms folded. Daren hooted behind him.

“And you won’t. Except in dire circumstances when you need my expertise in acting.”

The teasing eased the tension in the group. Mitch impressed on the others to watch the visitors closely. They’d compare notes afterward.

Phillip came to the door. “Your guests have arrived.”

Sara, Mitch, and Daren went to the front door. Caedmon Quinlain stepped in first and introduced the others. His cousin, Garth Sherwyn, came in right behind him, followed by Garth’s brother, Raoul, and Raoul’s friend, Aleron.

Quinlain and Mitch met eye-to-eye, but his cousin, Garth, was at least an inch taller, had broader shoulders, and blond hair. Garth’s brother was not as large a man, but certainly as tall as Daren. Raoul had light silver-blond hair and steely gray eyes. His friend, Aleron, had been introduced last. He did not resemble the other three. He had chocolate-brown hair, midnight-blue eyes, and was as tall as Mitch and Quinlain. As Mitch assessed them, they were doing the same.

“Follow me to my office,” Mitch said. Nick and Sahale stood as they entered.

After more introductions everyone found a seat and Mitch sat in his chair behind the desk. “Since you all asked for this meeting I suggest you tell us what you want to discuss.”

Garth studied Mitch. They stared at each other for several minutes. Tension spiked so high the others got restless in their seats.

“As Cad mentioned to you when he was here, we’d like to consider the three tribes reuniting. We believe it can be beneficial to all of us.”

“We’re doing well on our own,” Daren said. “I can’t see a benefit to us. And why should we trust you?”

“Exactly my reaction if I were in your shoes.”

“Tell me, if you had a choice, would you go back to our planet?” Garth asked. “If you had to choose an alliance between this world or the one our ancestors left hundreds of years ago, which would be your choice?”

Mitch and Daren spoke at once. “This is our world.”

“Perhaps it could really be our world. We could be in charge.”

“You mean take over the whole world?” Daren snapped. “Are you crazy?”

Mitch saw the men stir and thought he heard a brief growl. What the hell was that? He glanced out his window, but saw nothing.

“Where is this conversation going?” Daren asked.

Raoul spoke up. “Have you a stronger telescope than the ones available to the general public?”

Mitch nodded yes.

“Recently, one night about six months ago, we noted a strange blip on our screen. Just that. We didn’t see anything, but our scientists estimated whatever is was wasn’t a small object.”

“And your theory?” Mitch kept his expression blank. They had noted the same thing around that time period. But he wasn’t showing his hand yet.

“We’d rather not talk further on this subject until more trust is established,” Garth said. “We invite you and the others in this room to visit our compound. We are located in the mountains of New Mexico.”

“If we are to be reunited in the future, you will return the stolen documents.” Mitch looked straight at Garth.

“And you will share what you have with us,” Garth emphasized.

“Agreed, if or when we reunite. Would you care to visit for a few days?” Mitch asked. “You will be watched closely as I stated earlier.”

“We’d expect no less,” Quinlain said. “I’d like to see Rae during this visit. Perhaps today if possible.”

“I’ll see if she wants to talk with you.”

Quinlain nodded, and they stood to leave.

Mitch buzzed for Phillip. At his knock, Mitch asked him to come in. “See these gentlemen are shown to two of our visitor cabins. They’ll be staying a short time with us.”

When they’d left the house, Mitch and the others talked. He turned to Sara. “What did you pick up?”

“There is a strangeness about the leader Garth and his brother Raoul. They had walls all around them. I wasn’t able to get a glimmer of their thoughts. In personality, Quinlain and Garth are the strongest, but in different ways. Garth is the leader. I believe he’s shrewd and extremely confident. Quinlain and he are close, and Quinlain is probably the only person whose advice he takes.