Alpha Province: Shining Beacons (Siren Publishing Menage Everlasting) Read online

  She’d thought her dream job would never be, but now there was a chance for her to realize that dream, she was excited. And she had three amazing men by her side.

  She didn’t think she ever be this happy.

  If Dusty hadn’t been tender from making love with all three of her mates, one after the other, she would have taken advantage of having Airen naked in the shower with her.

  “How tender are you, honey?” Airen asked as he dried her off.

  “A little.”

  Airen winced when he dried between her legs and looked contrite. She placed her hand on his head—the only reason she could reach it was because he was kneeling at her feet—and combed her fingers through his hair. “You have nothing to feel guilty for, Airen. I wouldn’t have agreed to make love with you if I’d been hurting. I think it’s pretty normal for me to be feeling a bit sore, since I was a virgin.”

  Airen nodded and then shoved to his feet. “I think it would be a good idea for Broden to check you out, just to be on the safe side.”

  “That’s not necessary,” she said. “I’ll be fine in a few hours.”

  He nudged her chin up so that she was looking into his eyes. “Just make sure that if the tenderness doesn’t lessen, you tell us. Our Kodiaks are going to be riding us to complete the mating bond with you, but we’ll keep our bears under control until you’re ready for the next step. Okay?”

  “Okay.”

  “I still think you should let Broden give you an exam.”

  Dusty’s cheeks heated with embarrassment, which she knew was totally ludicrous after all the things Airen, Archer, and Broden had done with and seen of her naked body the night before.

  Airen grinned down at her when he saw the color in her cheeks and winked. “Smells like breakfast is just about ready.” He walked toward the door. “I’m going to grab some clothes. I’ll see you in a bit, honey.”

  Dusty ogled his delectable beefy ass until he disappeared. He and his brothers were so comfortable with their own bodies, but she guessed that had to do with having to strip off whenever they wanted to change into their bears. With a sigh of happy contentedness, she walked toward the sink and, after brushing her teeth and hair, hurried into the bedroom to dress.

  Her belly was growling loudly with emptiness. She sighed again, this time dreamily as she remembered how amazing it had been making love with her three men, and then she mentally cursed when her simmering libido flamed to life.

  How the hell could just a thought of being with her guys again set her blood, her body, on fire?

  While she was trepidatious about completing the mating bond since it would mean that all three of her mates would make love to her at the same time, she was also eagerly excited.

  Dusty just hoped the growing knot of dread in the pit of her stomach wasn’t an omen of bad things on the horizon.

  If whatever was coming came down to a choice of giving herself up to keep her men and the rest of the people in town safe, she would do it in a heartbeat.

  She just hoped that things didn’t come to an explosive head.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Irish and Bennie scoped the town as they walked along the dark streets. He couldn’t believe how new and fresh the shops and buildings were. Obviously, whoever had written up the review on the internet about Ambrose had been wrong, or the review had been out of date. From what he could see, there was a diner, a pub which also had motel rooms, a doctor’s clinic, as well as a grocery and surplus store, and a few other businesses. The town wasn’t big by any stretch of the imagination, but had everything a person could need—other than a cop shop, and Irish, for one, was glad for that lack.

  He wondered if Con and Lance Haversham had seen anything to indicate the slut was in town, but since it was two in the morning, he doubted it. This recon was to memorize the lay out of the place so he and Bennie could come up with a plan to divert attention, although he had a feeling it wasn’t going to be necessary. Anyone who lived in this tiny hamlet had to be a sandwich short of a picnic as far as he was concerned. He doubted the locals would give them any problems. They were all probably dumb hicks who hadn’t even finished high school. Once he knew where she was hiding, they would make their move. Hopefully in a day or so, that slut would no longer be a threat.

  Irish chuckled under his breath and rubbed his hands together with malicious glee. When he had her, he would decide how long to keep her before he slit her throat. He was definitely going to use that super sexy body until he tired of her. He and Bennie were going to have some fun sharing the whore between them.

  He adjusted his hard dick and hoped it wouldn’t take too long before he had the bitch in his clutches.

  * * * *

  As soon as Dusty entered the kitchen, Archer knew that something was bothering her.

  “What’s wrong, sweetness?”

  “Nothing a bit of food won’t fix,” she replied lightly, but from the crease between her brows, she was stewing about something.

  Archer and Broden carried the plates laden with food to the table while Airen poured the coffee. As soon as Archer set down the plates he was carrying, he hurried over to his mate, wrapped an arm around her waist, and guided her toward the table. Once she was seated, he sat down next to her and picked up the mug of coffee Airen set down in front of him.

  “Eat up, baby,” Broden pointed at her plate. “We can all hear how hungry you are.”

  Dusty scowled at Broden but didn’t reply. Archer sighed quietly when she picked up her silverware and began to eat.

  “I think we were too hard on our mate,” Airen said after he finished chewing. “She’s sore.”

  “Airen! Geez, what is it with you guys?” Dusty rested her knife and fork on the side of her plate and scowled at him. “I’ve already told you, I’m fine.”

  Airen didn’t even glance her way, and he continued on as if she hadn’t said anything. “You might want to give her an exam, Broden.”

  “Stop it!” she yelled as she shoved to her feet with righteous indignation and leaned on her hands on the table. “You’re all talking about me as if I’m not even here, and it’s my body you’re all discussing.”

  Airen sighed drawing her gaze. “You’re right. I’m sorry for being rude and disrespectful, but I, we, care about you and only have your best interest at heart.”

  Dusty blew out a breath, and the angry tension eased from her taut frame. “I understand, and thank you for caring, but if I was in any real pain, I would do something about it. Okay?”

  “Okay, honey,” Airen answered. “I’m sorry for being an ass. Do you forgive me?”

  She nodded. “I do, but please don’t do that to me again.”

  “I won’t.” Airen nodded.

  Archer sighed with relief when Dusty sat back down and started eating again. He hated seeing her angry, upset, or sad and hoped that he and his brothers could keep her smiling as much as possible. He shifted in his seat as he eyed over what he could see of her body. She was so damn stunning his heart flipped in his chest. Her short blonde hair was wavy, and her features were so delicate he was worried about hurting her every time he touched her, but she’d already proven she wasn’t fragile. What he loved most about her was her pure soul and loving heart. Plus, she wasn’t scared to stand up for herself when it was warranted. He had a feeling their lives were never going to be dull with their sexy mate by their sides to keep them on their toes.

  “What are we doing today?” Dusty asked as she pushed the plate aside.

  Archer immediately picked up her plate, set it on top of his empty one, and began to shovel the rest of her breakfast into his mouth as if he hadn’t just eaten. Being shifters, it was hard to fill them, and sometimes he wished that he didn’t need to eat so much. Although why that bothered him, he had no idea. It wasn’t as if they couldn’t afford to buy as much food as the wanted and consume it. They had more money than they could spend in a lifetime, and they never put on any weight. Maybe it was because of the round-eyed look
s they got whenever they’d eaten out in public, or because he and his brothers were nearly always hungry when they served in the military. They hadn’t been able to fill their bellies like they normally would have, because they hadn’t wanted to incite any curiosity their way. Plus, they hadn’t wanted to gorge themselves in case other soldiers had missed out.

  “I need to go to the clinic,” Broden’s response drew Archer’s attention. “I’m supposed to get a delivery of supplies in sometime today.”

  “Do you think the delivery will make it?” Dusty asked. “The snow’s coming down pretty fast.”

  “It will,” Archer answered. “The roads are cleared regularly in this area because of the border. And as long as a driver is experienced driving in these conditions, they’ll have no trouble.”

  “The only time we haven’t received deliveries if it’s blizzarding,” Airen said as he stood and began to collect the used dishes.

  “Winter’s just started,” Broden said. “This weather is mild for this area.”

  “Huh.”

  “What does that mean, sweetness?” Archer asked.

  “What?”

  “You just said, ‘huh.’ What did that mean?”

  “I’ve hardly ever been around snow,” she answered. “It’s snowed in Tucson a few times, but that’s a rare phenomenon. I’m not used to dealing with all this white stuff.”

  “That’s something we need to discuss,” Broden said.

  “What?” She frowned.

  “We need to get you some decent clothes.”

  “But—”

  “No buts, baby. You’re not dressed for the weather. We don’t want you freezing that cute little ass off when you walk outside.”

  Archer frowned when Dusty lowered her gaze to the table and blushed. He pondered her embarrassment for about two seconds before a light bulb switched on in his head. She’d been on the run for weeks, months, and getting paid under the counter for any work she’d done. Their mate was no doubt strapped for cash.

  “Sweetness, you don’t need to worry about money.” Archer turned toward her. “We’ve already told you, we can afford to get you whatever you need and want.”

  “I don’t want your money. I like being able to pay my own way,” Dusty replied indignantly.

  Archer bit his tongue to hide his smile. He loved the fiery sparks in her beautiful green eyes, the indignant heat that flushed her cheeks a tantalizing pink. Seeing her skin flushed had his mind going straight back to the bedroom when he’d made love to and claimed her for all time the previous night. His hard cock throbbed against the zipper of his jeans, and he adjusted the uncomfortable fit.

  Dusty caught his movement, and her cheeks turned even redder when she glanced down at his crotch. He almost growled when he heard the hitch in her breathing, and he glanced at her chest and watched with mesmerized lust as her nipples hardened. His bear growled and chuffed as he butted his head against his insides. He and his animal were eager to complete the mating bond, but he drew in a deep breath and tried to push his desire to the back of his mind. There was no way in hell he was going to make his mate hurt more than she already was.

  “Why don’t you want to spend our money, baby?” Broden asked.

  “Because it’s yours. You all have worked hard to get where you are and what you have. It’s wouldn’t be right for me to take it.”

  “You’re not taking it, Dusty,” Airen said. “Not if we’re giving it to you freely.”

  “But—”

  “Enough,” Broden snarled as he rose to his feet and leaned over the table. “You need clothes so you don’t get sick. I don’t want to hear any more about it.”

  Dusty stood and glared at Broden. “So, that’s it. Do what you say and be done with it? Broden has spoken, and his word is law?”

  Archer could see the anger radiating off of Dusty in waves. The air was so fraught with tension, he was sure if he sliced a knife through it, he’d be able to see the cut.

  “Yes.” Broden pointed his finger at Dusty.

  She pointed back, jabbing her finger toward his brother with each word she spoke. “You’re. An. Asshole.”

  Airen got to his feet and moved to stand behind Dusty. He lifted her chair to the side and waited.

  “I don’t know why I love you all so fucking much,” Dusty sobbed. “You’re, you’re…all bullies.” She turned to flee and slammed into Airen.

  Airen wrapped his arms around her shoulders and held her against his chest.

  When Archer saw her shoulders shaking and she began sobbing, his heart broke. His mate was in emotional pain. He suspected the argument had just been her way of trying to release some of her anxiety. He stroked a hand over her hair and down her back and then started kneading the tight knots of muscles along her spine, in her neck, and over her shoulders.

  Broden frowned as he walked around the table and stopped beside Dusty and Airen. He smoothed a hand up and down her arm. “I’m sorry if I upset you, baby. I just want to take care of you, make sure you have all the things you need so you aren’t cold. I wasn’t trying to take over your life or squash your independence.”

  Dusty nodded and lifted her face from Airen’s chest. “I know. I’m sorry, too. I don’t know why I’m feeling so…aggressive.”

  “I do,” Brooks said as he and Emmy entered the kitchen.

  Archer hadn’t even heard the other shifter and his mate at the door. He’d been too worried about Dusty, and all his attention had been centered on her.

  “Are you okay, Dusty?” Emmy asked as she leaned into Brooks’ side. Brooks wrapped an arm around her shoulders and kissed the top of her head.

  Dusty nodded as she surreptitiously wiped the tears from her face and eyes with the back of her hand and sniffed.

  “Are you going to elaborate?” Archer quirked a brow at Brooks.

  “In a few minutes,” Brooks said. “I think we could all do with a cup of coffee first.”

  “I’ll get it.” Dusty straightened, and then turned toward the kitchen. Emmy followed to help her.

  Airen and Archer finished removing the dishes from the table and, after rinsing them, put them in the dishwasher.

  * * * *

  “What’s wrong, Dusty?” Emmy asked as they waited for the fresh coffee to finish brewing.

  “Everything’s happening so fast.” Dusty winced when her voice hitched. Her chest was aching so much, she had to concentrate on physically restraining herself from trying to rub the pain away. She’d literally blurted out that she loved Broden, Archer, and Airen, and not one of them had said anything in return. She was beginning to think she’d made a huge mistake.

  How could they be so blasé when she was so knotted up inside she felt as if she was about to crack?

  “Can we wait to have this discussion later?” Dusty glanced over at the table and sighed with relief when she noticed the men were talking amongst themselves and weren’t paying her any attention. She didn’t want them to know that they’d hurt her by their silence. Maybe it would be best if she hopped on the bus when it came Tuesday afternoon. Emmy gave her a knowing look and nodded.

  Just the thought of leaving and never seeing her mates again had her knees buckling. If she hadn’t locked them tight, she probably would have ended up sinking to the floor and making a bigger fool out of herself.

  Once the coffee was ready, she and Emmy carried all the mugs, sugar, and milk over to the table, and she went back for the full coffee pot. She didn’t want to sit with her mates right now, but if she didn’t, that would definitely draw unwanted attention to herself. So, after sucking in a deep breath and hopefully clearing all expression from her face, she sat next to Emmy. She mentally shrugged. She was allowed to sit wherever the hell she wanted.

  Broden, Archer, and Airen all frowned as they glanced her way, but she ignored them.

  “We’ve been where you all are,” Brooks said. “You’re all feeling antsy, and your emotions are roiling from happiness, to anger, and back again. Am I right?�
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  “Yes,” Broden, Airen, and Archer answered simultaneously.

  “Are you feeling the same way, Dusty?” Brooks asked.

  She nodded and gnawed on her lip. That wasn’t the only thing she was feeling. Her body wasn’t her own anymore. Each time she inhaled her mates’ delectable scent, her pussy wept with need and her clit pulsed. Her breasts felt swollen and heavy, and her nipples were so hard they were aching. Her skin was itchy and felt as if she had thousands of ants running across her flesh, and while she wanted to scratch, she resisted.

  “You need to complete the mating bond as soon as possible,” Brooks met each of their gazes. “The longer you delay, the more you’ll end up at each other’s throats.”

  “Brooks is speaking the truth,” Emmy’s voice rang with conviction and she locked eyes with Dusty. “Y’all are going to become moodier the longer you put off the final mating.”

  “Your bears aren’t going to let up until the bond is complete,” Brooks explained.

  “Y’all will end up fighting over petty things and blowing everything out of proportion,” Emmy said.

  Dusty frowned and wondered if this was why her moods were swinging from one emotion to another. She was usually an even-tempered type of person, but right now, she didn’t know what she was feeling. Maybe she was feeling some of her mates’ emotions, too, and because they weren’t hers, they were confusing her. Would she be able to tell who was feeling what after taking that final step? What if all this angst was her fault? Was she flawed in some way? Had her mates’ DNA mixing with hers sent her another step toward insanity?