Paige Cameron (7 page)

“Yes, she is.”

Kira put her seat back and he took the hint and left. Hopefully, she’d allayed his interest in her.

When the plane landed, she waved good-bye to her curious flight attendant. But she had an uneasy feeling it wouldn’t be the last time they met. As soon as she collected her baggage and stepped out of the terminal, her dad waved to her. He hurried to her side and took the two suitcases to put in the back of his truck. Kira swung up into the passenger seat, and soon they were on their way to the ranch.

“Averil is better. Whatever happened to her raised all her blood levels dangerously high. But she’s in a regular room now, and her levels are coming down.” He glanced at Kira. “The doctor said if she has another attack it would probably be fatal.”

“And they don’t know what caused this one?”

“No. They’re checking our house and her cabin for any substance she might have had a reaction to, but so far nothing.”

“I won’t let her die.”

“Even your special abilities may not be enough to save her, Kira.”

“But no one knows of my skills, so if it isn’t environmental and someone is responsible for her attack, they’ll be surprised. I’m going to find out what’s going on.” She told him about the flight attendant. “I can’t explain it, but his questions didn’t seem as casual as he tried to pretend. He’s one of those people that give you the willies. I need to talk with the leaders and see if they’re certain they got all the bad guys when the battle ended.”

“We’ll stop by the hospital, and you can see Averil. I’ll call and ask for a meeting with the leaders of the three tribes. I hope you’re wrong.”

They rode in silence the rest of the way. At the hospital, Kira rushed to see her sister, a sense of urgency speeding her along. Her dad stayed downstairs to make his call and give them some alone time.

“I knew you’d do something to make sure I came home.” Kira peeked her head around the door to Averil’s hospital room.

“Kira, you’re here.” Averil held her arms out to Kira.

“I came as quick as I could. The cabin is taken care of, and I’ve quit my job. The only thing left for me to do is empty my apartment and cancel the lease. I’m here to stay.”

“That makes me feel much better. Mom and Dad are going to be very happy.”

“Are you really better, or are you putting up a good front?” Kira touched her arm and found it cool. She leaned forward and breathed deeply then backed off, coughing. “There’s still some of whatever it was, in your system. Who’s your doctor?”

“My main physician is Dr. Jack Talisman. Do you remember him?”

“Vaguely. Is he good?”

“Yes. He also had another specialist check me. A doctor who studies substances and poisons dangerous to our species. He came in a few minutes ago. He said I’d been poisoned and for me to have had such a severe reaction, where it almost destroyed my internal system, the person who developed it knows our bodies’ makeup. It’s been concocted by one of our own.” Averil took hold of her sister’s hand. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

“I am, too. Rest and get better. We’ll find out who’s doing this. If it is one of our own, I’m afraid he or she isn’t finished.”

* * * *

Gala heard the news as she served lunch at the main ranch house. She wanted to shout with joy but managed to keep her expression calm and pleasant. Her first success. She’d almost killed her.

She went back to the kitchen to get the tea pitcher. But in her mind she pictured her next step. This time she’d hit randomly and use a full dose. She’d choose her victim carefully. That would confuse them as to whether the attacks were caused by the environment or a skillful assassin. She liked that description. Her father would be proud. She pictured him smiling down on her.

“Gala, they’re waiting for the tea. It’s not like you to daydream.” Tessa stood in the kitchen doorway with her hands on her hips.

“Sorry, I felt dizzy for a second.”

Tessa hurried to her side and felt her forehead. “I hope you’re not getting what attacked Averil.” She took the pitcher. “You go on home. Let me know how you are later today.”

“Thanks. I haven’t felt good, but I just had two days off. I didn’t want to miss any more work.”

“Nonsense. No one expects you to be here when you’re sick. Go home.”

Gala grinned to herself. She hadn’t thought of a way to get off until Tessa came to the door. She was brilliant, as smart as her father or smarter. She was going to succeed where he failed.

Gala took off her apron and slipped out the back door. Now to find her random victim and arrange his or her demise.

* * * *

Kira left the hospital with her father to meet the leaders at the main ranch house. When they arrived, Sara, Mitch Stanton and Daren Connor’s wife, greeted them.

“All the men are downstairs in the soundproof meeting room. I’ll lead you to them.” She had them get on an elevator and they went underground. Then they followed her to the door of the conference room. “Go on in. They’re waiting for you.” Sara smiled and turned back toward the elevator.

Four sets of eyes looked at her and her father as they walked inside. She’d heard their names but hadn’t met them.

A tall, blond man with smiling gray eyes got up and walked toward them. “Hi, I’m Daren Connor. Welcome.”

Her father introduced Kira. “She’s the twin sister of Averil. But we’d like that information kept quiet for now.”

“I’m Mitch Stanton. Please have a seat and you stay, too, Bud. Daren and I are the leaders of the two tribes.” He motioned his head toward the other two men. “Do you know them? They’re the leaders of the third tribe.”

“No.”

“The man at the end of the table is Garth Sherwyn and next to him is Lann Quinlain. The majority of the third tribe recently joined us here in Wyoming. They’re building a ranch next to ours.”

Kira and her father sat at the long table. She looked at each man before speaking. “I have seen my sister, and I think she was attacked by one of our own. There is someone else who didn’t die in the battle. If we don’t find them, he or she will strike again.”

Lann leaned back in his chair and studied her face. His brilliant emerald eyes gave her a slight shiver.

“What brings you to this conclusion?” he asked. He glanced at his watch. “You have only been here a few hours and yet you know more than us?”

Kira sat straighter in her chair and didn’t break eye contact with him. “When I saw my sister, I touched her skin and smelled her hair. Whatever got in her is still not completely gone. She said a doctor told her she’d been poisoned and whoever made the poison knew our bodies’ makeup. You can help or I’ll do it on my own. But I’m looking for an enemy right here on one of these ranches.”

“Do you have special skills to help you?” Garth asked.

“I do. But I won’t disclose them at this time.”

The leaders looked from her to her dad. “You knew about this daughter ever since you married her mother?”

“Yes, that’s the main reason we didn’t live at the ranch until they were old enough to be on their own. Averil chose to come here with us. Kira wanted to be private. She’s been living in Sacramento.”

“We’ll allow you to do it your way, for now,” Mitch said. He looked down the table. “Does everyone else agree?” They all nodded.

“But,” Lann added, “we will be doing our own investigation, too.”

“Also we’d like Sahale Connor to ask his grandmother to be your assistant with Garth’s mother. You’ll understand why when you meet them.” Daren smiled at her. “Believe me, they’ll be invaluable.”

“My curiosity is aroused. When can I see them?”

“Nanna will be flown here if she’s agreeable. Garth’s mother is here on the ranch, so you two can meet tonight at dinner. You and your parents are invited, but your parents will not be in the meeting afterwards. Understood?” Mitch waited until she shook her head yes.
“Then until supper tonight at six o’clock.

“Kira, I’ll walk you down the hall to the labs where our scientists work.” Mitch guided her along one of several hallways. “I think you might like to talk with Ellen, one of our scientists and Sahale and Jack’s wife. She’s the one in charge of finding out what happened to your sister.”

When Kira met Ellen, she immediately liked her. Mitch left them alone and Ellen led her into a small office.

“Welcome to my cubbyhole. But I’m seldom here. I’m usually in the lab.” She studied Kira. “You and your sister look much alike, but she has brown eyes and your eyes are a misty purple. They’re very different.”

“We aren’t identical twins. But we do fool people who don’t know us well.”

Ellen sat behind her desk and motioned for Kira to sit. “I was in here looking up some information I read several years ago. I just found it. It further convinces me your sister was poisoned. But with what, we have no idea. I’m going to have my crew working to break down the tiny spot of resin one of them found on the handle of the coffee cup.”

“Poison hidden in resin?”

“According to this article written by one of our research specialists several years ago, a little-known type of resin will absorb the poison, and when touched by one of our people, it goes through the skin. I’m copying this article for the ones working on the resin. It may give them an idea of how to break into it and separate the poison.”

“How soon might you have a cure?”

“We’re talking at least months. Hopefully the person can be found before then.”

“If not, our tribes will have lost the war they thought they won.” Kira knew then it was up to her to win this battle.

“Young lady, I’m letting you go home this morning.” Dr. Jack Talisman stood at Averil’s door. He walked on into the room. “Your blood levels are back to normal. You’ll be fine unless you get another attack. I have one stipulation about your discharge. You may not like it.”

“What?”

“You have to be protected. So you need to stay somewhere that’s not your home or your parents’. I’ve talked with Cody.” He shook his head. “I see your glower. Relax. The man loves you and would lay down his life if necessary. He and Payton have a place far from the main ranch. You will stay there with them. Payton will join the two of you once he’s fully recovered. One of them will be with you at all times.”

“Why? My sister can be with me at home.”

“Mitch called. Your sister is going to be busy looking for the person or persons who poisoned you. She’s convinced it was done by one of our people.”

“Will my parents take me to Cody and Payton’s house?”

“Your dad is waiting outside. I wanted to talk with you alone. This is important. One more attack on you would most likely be fatal. We have to keep you safe.”

Averil nodded her head. Inside her nerves jumped with frustration and if she was honest, a bit of excitement. At least she’d have a chance to get to know them better without making a commitment. Heat raced through her body, and her pussy pulsed with desire.

“I think I may be too weak to go anywhere yet.”

Dr. Jack gave her a knowing smile. “I don’t believe it’s weakness making your face flush.” He grinned and went to the door. “I’ll send your dad in.”

“Hi, honey. Are you glad to be getting out of here?” Her dad came to the bedside and kissed her cheek.

“I was when I thought I could go home with you and Mom. Whose idea was this? I bet Cody came up with it.”

“You’re right, darlin’.” Cody stuck his head in the door. “And I think it’s a brilliant plan. We can all get to know each other, and then maybe you’ll say yes when we propose.”

“I might have known you’d be lurking around.” She frowned at him. “You don’t like me. Why would you want to marry me?”

“I was an ass. I admit it. But I’ll make it up to you, I promise.”

She tilted her head at an angle. “I’m in control at your place about what happens. You know what I mean?” She was glad her father had walked out when Cody came to her bedside. Her face blushed with just Cody present.

“We won’t do anything you don’t want.”

“Promise?”

“You are a hard, distrustful woman. Still, I love you and so does Payton. I promise.”

“Send Dad back in to help me get up and out of here. I’ll see you at your house.”

“No, you’ll see me downstairs at my truck. You are riding with me. From now on, until we know what happened to you, you will have Payton or me at your side.” He sauntered out of her room.

The man made her so irritated that most of the time she wanted to throw something at him. Her dad came in with a wheelchair. “It’s hospital policy that you ride out of here in one of these.” He hung the bag with her clothes on the chair arm. Then he helped Averil out of the bed.

“I feel as good as new.”

“Dr. Jack said you were. No restrictions on activities. Thank goodness our species has a much faster recovery time than an earthling. The dose you got would have killed a human.”

“Then you’d better put an extra watch on the warriors’ wives. Aren’t a number of the two tribes’ wives earthlings?”

“Yes. I’d better call Mitch now.” He dialed the number on his smartphone. When Mitch answered, he told him what Averil had suggested.