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  Wyoming Warriors 7

  Commando Cowboys Find Their Desire

  Payton Camilius and Cody Jessup want Averil Stanwic. But Averil's divorce has left her uninterested in having a relationship with any man, much less two.

  When they come by her cabin, Averil pushes Payton. He stumbles, hits his head, and ends up in the hospital. Cody takes his anxiety and anger out on Averil, putting distance between them. Then before Payton is released from the hospital, the enemy poisons Averil.

  Kira, Averil's twin sister, unknown to everyone but her family, comes to the ranch to save her sister's life. She has abilities few know about. A special blood transfusion saves Averil. She goes with Cody and Payton to their house. But the killer persists and gets past Payton and Cody's defenses. The next attack on Averil puts her at death's door.

  Will Averil respond to the desperate attempts to save her and find happiness with Cody and Payton? And who can stop the enemy who moves freely around the ranch?

  Genre: Multiple Partners, Paranormal, Western/Cowboys

  Length: 54,544 words

  COMMANDO COWBOYS FIND THEIR DESIRE

  Wyoming Warriors 7

  Paige Cameron

  EVERLASTING POLYROMANCE

  Siren Publishing, Inc.

  www.SirenPublishing.com

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  A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK

  IMPRINT: Everlasting Polyromance

  COMMANDO COWBOYS FIND THEIR DESIRE

  Copyright © 2013 by Paige Cameron

  E-book ISBN: 978-1-62242-203-6

  First E-book Publication: January 2013

  Cover design by Les Byerley

  All art and logo copyright © 2013 by Siren Publishing, Inc.

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission.

  All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

  PUBLISHER

  Siren Publishing, Inc.

  www.SirenPublishing.com

  Letter to Readers

  Dear Readers,

  If you have purchased this copy of Commando Cowboys Find Their Desire by Paige Cameron from BookStrand.com or its official distributors, thank you. Also, thank you for not sharing your copy of this book.

  Regarding E-book Piracy

  This book is copyrighted intellectual property. No other individual or group has resale rights, auction rights, membership rights, sharing rights, or any kind of rights to sell or to give away a copy of this book.

  The author and the publisher work very hard to bring our paying readers high-quality reading entertainment.

  This is Paige Cameron’s livelihood. It’s fair and simple. Please respect Ms. Cameron’s right to earn a living from her work.

  Amanda Hilton, Publisher

  www.SirenPublishing.com

  www.BookStrand.com

  DEDICATION

  To my dear husband, who understands when I’m quiet and my mind has drifted off while I’m thinking about another story to write. And thank you for continuing to be my strongest supporter. I love you. You’ve helped me make my dream come true.

  COMMANDO COWBOYS FIND THEIR DESIRE

  Wyoming Warriors 7

  PAIGE CAMERON

  Copyright © 2013

  Chapter One

  Averil Stanwic stood looking out over the property she’d chosen for her own. A cool breeze blew across the prairie, and she took a deep breath of the clean air. Since the battle against the invaders had ended, Nick Kenric, the Commandos’ architect, had been busy designing and seeing to the construction of the third tribe’s new ranch. With the help from all three tribes, the ranch was taking form quickly. Many houses and buildings were already completed.

  She glanced around at her new barn and behind her at the almost-finished cabin. She hadn’t wanted a big house. Averil walked toward her future home to check inside and see how much more they had to do. Workmen nodded as she stepped around doors and other materials set out to finish the interior.

  The sound of horses’ hooves had her looking toward the fence surrounding her acres. Two cowboys rode through the gate heading toward her.

  She almost groaned out loud. Payton Camilius, the sharpshooter for the other tribes, rode beside his best friend, Cody Jessup. They’d been hassling her since the battle ended. They were convinced she was their soul mate. She didn’t agree, although her heart did beat faster when they were around.

  They stopped their horses right in front of her and swung down. There was a grace to their movements, and they were extremely good looking. She fought her feelings for them. They wanted marriage, and she was wary of committing herself after her first attempt failed.

  With her arms folded and her legs spread in a wide stance, she faced them. Maybe they’d take the hint that they weren’t welcome, but she doubted it.

  “Good morning, darlin’. It’s a beautiful day, and you’re the prettiest part of it.” Cody grinned at her in spite of her frown.

  “You may think you’re a silver-tongued devil, but I’m immune.” She wasn’t, but if they knew she was attracted to them at all, they’d be more persistent. “And I’m sure I told you two that you weren’t welcome to follow me around every day.”

  “We didn’t come by yesterday.” Payton’s deep tones made her shiver inside, and his steel-blue eyes raised her temperature whenever he looked at her.

  “There isn’t any work you can help with, and I haven’t the time to be a gracious hostess. Go away.”

  “Payton, do you think she really means she isn’t interested in us?” Cody quirked an eyebrow at Averil.

  “No, she’s playing hard to get. We’ll wear her down.”

  A rush of unwanted desire and frustration hit Averil the wrong way. On impulse she shoved him as hard as she could. Payton hit the heel of his boot on a piece of wood and fell, hitting his temple on the corner of another plank. Blood poured out of the cut on his head.

  “Oh my gosh, I didn’t mean to hurt you. You make me so angry. Cody, call for help.”

  “I already did.”

  “I’m not going to the hospital in an ambulance for a little cut.” Payton jerked off his shirt, losing several buttons in the process. He folded the shirt and put it against the cut. “It’ll stop in a minute. I’ll ride my horse to the emergency room.”

  “Too late, they’re on their way.” Cody grinned. “This’ll make a great story back at the ranch. A
tiny, redheaded woman knocked Payton Camilius flat and injured him.”

  “Stop teasing him. He’s in pain, and it’s my fault. Why didn’t you two stay on your own ranch and leave me alone? Then this would never have happened.”

  Payton frowned. “You’re blaming me? I didn’t attack you.”

  “You came on property clearly marked Private—Stay Out. Can’t you read?”

  “Heck, honey, we never believed you meant us.” Cody walked to her side and knelt by Payton. “Are you all right except for the cut?”

  “I’m not sure. My stomach doesn’t feel good, and I’m dizzy.”

  Cody went to the horses and came back with a blanket. “Put this under his head.”

  She raised him up and tucked it under him. As she did she took a deep breath of his fresh yet spicy scent, a mixture of citrus with the woodsy scent of cedar and sandalwood, along with his own special essence.

  Averil glanced into his blue eyes. His pupils dilated, and for a second she forgot everything around her as her whole being was held captive by the possessive expression on his face.

  The sound of the ranch’s ambulance broke the spell. Her face flushed hot when she saw the knowing look on Cody’s face.

  Pulling her dignity back around her, she stood and waited while the ambulance parked, and the medics grabbed their bags. They rushed to Payton’s side.

  Soon, the crew had Payton on board, and they left, headed for the fully serviced hospital here on the main ranch. Cody and Averil watched until they were out of sight.

  “I’ll take our horses back and then go to see how he’s doing.” He waved and walked off.

  A number of the men who’d been working on her house had gathered to see what happened. Averil motioned for them to get back to work. She got in her father’s truck, which she’d borrowed, and drove off toward the hospital.

  She had to be certain he was all right. If that darn wood hadn’t been lying around he would never have fallen. But she did push him. As she drove, Averil remembered how he’d looked when he took his shirt off. His wide, tanned chest was all muscle. He had dark-blond chest hair that narrowed to a point at his belt buckle.

  Averil had wanted to run her hands across his chest and kiss his sensuous mouth. All the feelings she’d been keeping stern control of broke through and spilled into her, creating heat and hunger. She shook her head, trying to clear her mind. When the hospital came into view, a sense of relief swept over her. After she checked on Payton, then she’d go far away from him and Cody. She’d give herself a chance to think about what she wanted in her life.

  The ER, as usual, was busy. Jack Talisman, one of the doctors she’d met, walked by. She called out to him.

  “Hi, Averil. What brings you to the emergency room?”

  “Ah, Payton Camilius fell and got hurt. Could you check on his condition for me?”

  “Sure.” Jack went to the desk and spoke with a nurse then went down the hall and disappeared behind some curtains.

  It was only minutes but seemed much longer before he came out and walked back in her direction. Jack took her hand.

  “He has to have a couple stitches in his scalp, and they’re trying to convince him to stay overnight because he has a minor concussion. Don’t cry. He’ll be fine.”

  Averil wiped the tears from her face. “It’s my fault. I pushed him.”

  Jack laughed. “You knocked Payton down? No way.”

  “Don’t laugh. I did. He made me mad, and I pushed as hard as I could. He stumbled backward over a piece of wood, fell, and hit his head. They’d rode out to where I’m building my cabin.”

  “You mustn’t blame yourself. It was an accident. He’s going to be fine. But he may never live down the fact that a tiny woman put him down.” Jack shook his head and grinned at her, then added, “The doctor may send him home today, if Payton has anything to say about it. They were arguing when I left. I must admit, for such a minor ailment, his mother can take just as good care of him as he’d get here. I’ve got to get to my office. See you.”

  Averil wandered around the waiting area. She was anxious to get away from both of them for a while. She needed her alone time. This might be the best chance to disappear. They would have no idea where she went. There was one place that only she and her parents knew about, and they would never tell.

  When she got to her truck, Cody parked beside her. She got in and started the engine.

  “What’s the hurry? How’s Payton?”

  “He’s not seriously hurt and will probably be sent home soon.”

  “Good. But you didn’t say why you were in a rush to leave.”

  “I forgot something at home. I’ll check later and see how Payton is doing. Dr. Jack said he would probably be sent home to his mother’s house.”

  “See you then.” He waved and went inside the ER.

  She didn’t have much time. She’d better hurry, pack, and leave.

  * * * *

  Her stepfather, Bud Bevyns, drove her to the nearest airport. They’d checked the flights, and luckily she found one leaving at two o’clock. It gave her just enough time to pack and get to the air terminal.

  “Averil, I hope you’re making the right decision. Payton and Cody are two good men, and they’re obviously crazy about you. They’d make good husbands, not like that loser you married at nineteen.”

  “Dad, I’m not the marrying kind of girl. I didn’t like much of anything about being married.”

  “Well, think about your choices. Your mom and I have noticed the way you look at them. We think you’re scared, not disinterested.”

  “This trip will give me time to sort out my thoughts. We’ll see. Thanks for the ride.” Averil grabbed her one bag out of the truck. “I’m fine. You have work to do back home. I’ll call when I get to my destination.”

  Her dad waved, and she hurried inside the terminal. Since she had her boarding pass and wasn’t going to check her bag, she got the gate number and walked briskly in that direction. They were calling the first-class passengers when she arrived at the gate. Averil showed her ticket and boarded.

  After the plane took off, she had a glass of wine and put her seat back. In Sacramento, California, she’d rent a car and disappear into the northern part of the state. She would have to drive winding mountain roads through thick forests to get to where she was going. But it was worth it.

  Averil ate the snack offered on the plane, and then she closed her eyes and didn’t wake until the flight attendant touched her shoulder and said they were getting ready to land.

  At the car rental kiosk, her father had a car leased and standing by for her. She checked her maps to refresh her memory. It had been several years since she’d been to the cabin. Then she drove out of the airport and headed north.

  Darkness was falling fast. She drove the speed limit and watched especially close for deer or other animals that might cross the road. At one spot her headlights caught a deer’s eyes. Averil immediately slowed. There was a doe and a fawn. Startled, they ran across the highway. Thank goodness, they made it safely to the other side.

  After a few more miles, Averil looked for the narrow, dirt lane that most people missed passing by at the speed limit. It was intentionally left unmarked and unpaved, so as to discourage people from exploring. If she went past it, she’d have to go ten miles farther before she could turn around. Slowing way down, she searched the side of the road with the flashlight the man at the rental kiosk had loaned her.

  “There.” She slowed. “Yes, that’s it.” She turned right and bumped along the rutted lane. It curved in several spots and went on for a mile before ending in a wide opening where a cabin faced mountains and trees.

  Averil was surprised to see lights on around the outside of the house. She shut off her car and got out. The scent of pine and other woods drifted past her nose. When the sun dropped, so did the temperature. She shivered and rubbed her arms as she walked toward the cabin’s front door. It was unlocked. She felt along the wall for the light
switch and flipped it on. The scent of fresh coffee greeted her.

  “I wondered when you’d arrive, little sister.”

  Swirling around, Averil took two steps and hugged her twin sister, Wakanda but known by most as Kira. “I suspected you were here. Who else would have the lights on and fresh coffee made?”

  “No one but me. I keep this place very well hidden from anyone else but you.”

  “Let me look at you. My, I like the dress and the new hairdo. You appear to be a normal, modern woman,” Averil teased.

  “I am normal except for one difference. I was glad Dad let me know you were on your way. I’ve needed to get out of the city. Your coming gave me an excuse.”

  “Tell the truth. You knew I’d be heading this way even before Dad called. When did you put in for vacation?”

  “Yes, I still pick up on your vibes, dear one. You’ve been upset by something. I knew you’d come here, so I asked for vacation a few days ago.”

  “It’s been too long since we visited the cabin. In town, our visits are different.” Averil glanced out the windows. “Have you been out flying?”

  “I was thinking about it when I saw your headlights. Take your suitcase to your bedroom. I’ll pour us a cup of coffee.” Kira went into the kitchen area, and Averil continued on down the short hall to the downstairs bedroom and bath where she had stayed during previous visits. She decided to take a quick shower and put on her flannel nightgown, robe, and slippers before rejoining Kira.

  Kira grinned when she saw Averil’s outfit. “I heard the water running and thought you’d come out dressed for bed. I toasted some bread and put jelly on it. It’ll be good with our coffee.” She carried the tray to a small table situated between two lounge chairs. The chairs faced two huge windows with a fireplace in between them. Kira had built a fire and turned on soft music in the background.