Strands of Love

Tapestries - 7

by

N.J. Walters

Thank you to all the incredible fans of the Tapestries series. This series has come a long way since I wrote Christina’s Tapestry. Thank you for embracing my dream and the world of Javara.

Chapter One

“I’m sorry, Sam, but the bank is not willing to loan you any money at this time.” Karen Simmons peered over her thick bifocals, a false expression of sympathy on her face. “Your best option is to sell. The farm is too much for you to run on your own. From what I hear you’ve already sold off all the livestock. Sell before it gets so bad you lose everything.”

Samantha Calloway was shaken to the core of her very being, but outwardly she projected the calm, in-control persona she always did. No way did she want Karen knowing how deep her words cut. The old witch had never liked Sam or her family anyway.

Slowly she stood and gave the loan officer a curt nod. “Thank you for your time.” She turned on a well-worn bootheel and walked out the office door, needing to get away from the annoying hum of the computer and the stale air. She needed to be outside where she could breathe, where she could think.

Sam yanked her father’s old John Deere hat out of her back pocket and pulled it on, yanking the brim low. She didn’t want to talk to anyone right now. The low hush of the bank lobby set her nerves on edge and she had to fight the urge to stand in the center of the room and scream.

Like that would help. The manager Augie Rawlins would only call for the sheriff. Then Sheriff Pritchard would have to drag her off to jail and cite her for disturbing the peace. Wouldn’t that set the tongues to wagging in this town?

No, better to keep quiet for now. She could do all the screaming she wanted as soon as she was home.

Home. If the bank had their way, Calloway Farm would soon be no more. How had it come to this?

Head down, Sam left the bank behind and hurried across the parking lot to her beat-up truck. It was only half past nine, but it was already hot. She’d lost the better part of the morning for this appointment and there were chores waiting to be done.

She ignored the twinge of pain in her chest and wondered how much longer she’d be doing them. How much longer until she lost the land her family had farmed for three generations.

No, she would find a way. There had to be some other solution.

“Sam.” A male voice, one she easily recognized, called out to her.

Her steps slowed. He was the one person in this town she’d stop for no matter how foul her mood. Taking a deep breath, she halted and turned toward the tall, lean man who came up beside her. “Hey, Tim.” Tim Lannon was her father’s best friend and the closest thing to an uncle she’d ever known. And right now he and his wife were the only family she had left.

“Well, what did they say?” He jerked his head toward the bank. He knew all about her meeting with Karen. She’d talked with him about it, wanting his take on things. She often turned to him now that she was alone.

Sam shook her head and Tim swore under his breath. He stopped halfway through his tirade, his face turning red. “Sorry about that, Sam. You didn’t need to hear language like that.”

Impulsively, she reached out and hugged him. “It’s exactly what I needed to hear,” she assured him. Having someone upset on her behalf made her feet not quite so alone.

Tim’s strong arms tightened around her. “We’ll figure something out, girl. Come over tonight and have dinner with Mary and me. You haven’t been over in ages and she misses you.”

Mary was Tim’s wife of thirty years and a surrogate mother to Sam. As much as Sam loved both of them, right now she wanted to be alone to think. She pulled away and shook her head. “Tell her thanks, but another time. I’ve already lost the morning and I’ve got a ton of things to do today.”

Tim scowled, giving his bearded face a fierce expression. If she didn’t know him, she’d probably be half afraid of him. In fact, many folks in town were. But she knew his rough exterior hid a heart of gold for those he cared about. “I won’t be able to hold her off much longer,” he warned.

Just the thought of Tim’s tiny wife bullying her into coming over for supper made her smile. And she’d do it too, because when Mary Lannon put her mind to doing something, it got done. “Okay,” she relented. “I’ll come tonight.”

Tim’s weather-beaten face brightened as he smiled. “That’s a promise I’ll hold you to, little girl.”

Her heart ached at the term of endearment. Her father had always called her his little girl and Tim had picked up the nickname early in her life. Didn’t matter that she was a fully grown woman and stood five eight in her stocking feet.

“I gotta get going.” Sam whirled and walked as fast as she could without running. She could feel Tim’s worried gaze on her as she climbed into her truck and headed out of town.

The window was cranked down and the hot Texas air buffeted her skin as she drove down Main Street. She passed the town limits and hit the single-lane blacktop that led toward home. At this time of the morning, this road was fairly empty. Anyone running errands in town was already there and everyone else was working their spreads—either farming crops or raising cattle.

She passed one lone driver and he raised his hand in greeting. She tooted her horn in return. Everyone knew everyone around Mission Gulch. Like her, many of her neighbors were hanging onto their homes by a shoestring. It was tough all the way around.

She pulled off the road and onto a dirt one, signifying she was home. Her grandfather Horace Calloway had started Calloway Farm back in the fifties. His only son Calvin had taken over in the early eighties. It was supposed to be her brother John’s turn next. But a war and a roadside bomb in Afghanistan had ended that dream.

Sam parked the truck in front of the white clapboard house and stared. What once had been a home, ringing with laughter and voices, was now silent. A house, not a home.

After John’s untimely death, her father had worked himself even harder. Worked himself to death as far as she was concerned. He’d had a massive heart attack six months later and dropped dead in the middle of the wheat field. She’d gone looking for him when he hadn’t turned up for supper and had found him there. It had been too late to save him. He’d been dead for hours.

Her mother, already battling cancer, had given up the fight. Sam had buried her eight months ago.

“Thinking about it doesn’t change it.” She spoke aloud to give herself a pep talk. It didn’t work. Still, she’d had a work ethic drilled into her from the cradle. There were chores to do and sitting here thinking about them wasn’t going to get them done.

She climbed out of the truck and drank in the silence that surrounded her, the peace of the land. It was so quiet here now. She’d sold off the last of the cattle and the horses just after her mother’s death. The medical bills had almost broken her. But she’d found a way to keep her home. The farm had shrunk from five hundred acres to one hundred after she’d sold off some of the land. The price hadn’t been as high as she’d hoped, but it had paid off the worst of the bills and kept the creditors from the door.

Sam didn’t bother going into the house, but headed for the barn instead. She was already wearing jeans and a T-shirt. Maybe she should have dressed up to go to her meeting at the bank, but she hadn’t seen the point. Those who worked there knew most of the money in the area came from farming of one kind or another.

The yard was dusty and she squinted toward the horizon, wondering if there would be any rain today. The cloudless sky made her heart sink. If it didn’t rain soon she’d lose the wheat and hay crop, as well as her experimental fields of sweet corn and green onions.

“An experiment is all it will ever be if the bank has its way,” she muttered. With the smaller size of her spread, she’d decided to try some new crops that other farmers in the area were having success with. If she could get the crop to grow, she could make more money on it than with the traditional wheat and hay her father had always planted to supplement the cattle.

Stepping into the cooler shade of the barn, Sam let the darkness envelop her. She heard a loud meow and looked down to find Arrow twining between her legs. The large male cat had one ragged ear and was totally black except for a patch of white in the shape of an arrowhead on his chest. “Hey, boy.”

Sam leaned down and scrubbed the cat behind his ears, taking comfort from him. “What big plans do you have for today? Mice to catch? Naps to take?”

He blinked his large green eyes and stared up at her. She could almost feel him willing her to go to the bin by the barn door. “Ah, I know what you want.” She headed toward it and he followed closely behind. “Just like a man. Lots of attention when you want something.”

She opened the bin and noted it was getting low. She’d have to pick up some cat food on her next trip to town. Hopefully, there was enough money in the account to cover groceries. Things were getting pretty tight.

Arrow waited patiently while she dumped a scoop full of food into his dish. Then he attacked it, eating with gusto. He purred like a well-oiled motor.

“At least one of us still has an appetite.” She was about to head to the tractor to go check the fields when she heard a vehicle approaching. “What now?” She was tired of dealing with people this morning and just wanted to be alone on her land.

She walked back out into the sunshine and swore under her breath, muttering a few of the choice words Tim had used this morning. Just what she didn’t need—George Rawlins, local lawyer and the man she’d once thought she might marry someday.

He climbed out of his shiny new black truck and smiled, showing a mouthful of straight white teeth. The best money could buy. She’d been fooled by that smile once. By the pleasing features and well-trimmed brown hair. She’d thought he’d genuinely cared about her.

He’d come around after her father had passed, offering condolences and a shoulder to cry on. Wasn’t long until he was offering more than a shoulder.

She’d slept with him and when he’d broached her about selling off some land to help her settle the worst of her family debts after her mother’s death, she’d assumed all he wanted was to help her, to shoulder some of her burdens.

Sam snorted under her breath as he approached. He’d given her plenty of attention until she’d told him she’d sold all the land she intended to. Turned out, he was buying the land himself, and at a rate far less than she would have gotten from another buyer. Then he’d turned around and sold it to her neighbors at the going rate, pocketing the difference. Sam had made the mistake of allowing her grief to blind her to his true nature. Never again. He was one of the reasons she was in the fix she was in.

“Morning, Samantha.”

“What do you want, George?” Sam wished she had a dog, a really large, vicious dog she could sic on her unwanted guest.

“No need to be like that.” He reached out to touch her and she stepped out of reach. No way did she want him putting his dirty paws on her.

“What do you want?” she repeated. Better to hear him out so he’d leave.

He shook his head and sighed, as though he was the wounded party. He was good at that, getting sympathy and making her feel as though she was the one doing something wrong.

Objectively speaking, he was a good-looking man. He stood about six feet with a lean build. His brown hair was kept trimmed in a style that suited him. He usually wore suits to work, but this morning he was wearing new jeans and a crisp, button-down shirt. His boots were the finest leather and shone in the sunshine. Those boots had never seen a hard day’s work. Not like hers had.

“I heard about your trip to the bank.”

Sam stiffened and stood her ground. She’d known it wouldn’t take long for word to get around Mission Gulch that she’d been into the bank to visit Karen Simmons. Everyone in the bank lobby had seen her and there was only one reason anyone had a meeting with Karen—they needed a loan.

She shrugged nonchalantly. “So. You got a point? Day’s a wasting.” She turned and spit into the dirt, knowing the display wouldn’t please him. He’d spent much of their time together trying to turn her into a girly girl, which wasn’t going to happen at this point of her life. She was raised working a farm, following her father and older brother around the fields. She was a tomboy for life.

Not that she didn’t enjoy being a woman, because she did, but George didn’t need to know that. He’d see it as a weakness and do his best to exploit it. George was a snake in the grass. Shame she couldn’t just shoot him to be rid of him like she could any other varmint.

As expected, he took a step back. Probably didn’t want to risk his shiny boots. “I thought you might like to talk about selling the place.”

Sam laughed at his audacity. The man was a total ass. “I have no plans to sell. If I did, you’d be the last man in the world I’d sell to.”

“Now, Sam. No need to be like that. It was just business.”

And to him it had been just business. To her it had been a betrayal. “You bother me any more about this and I’ll call the sheriff. You’re not welcome here.”

George stiffened and fury flashed in his eyes. For a brief second, she was very much aware of being a woman alone in the middle of nowhere. Then the moment was gone and his normal bland expression was back. “I’m in no hurry. You’ll have to sell eventually. And when you do…” He left the sentiment hanging.

She finished it for him. “And when I do, I’ll sell it to anyone but you.” She gave him a fake, sugary smile. “Now leave, unless you want to help me spread manure in the fields.”

He turned on his heel and stalked back to his truck. “I thought not,” she muttered. “That would mean you’d actually have to do some work.” Not that she planned to fertilize, but he didn’t know that.

The tires kicked up dirt as he sped away and Sam was alone once again. Arrow trotted up to sit beside her. “Here to protect me now that the threat is gone, are you?” She stood there until the dust settled. Still, she made no move to go to work.

Sam was tired. Tired of being the strong one, the one to hold things together. She needed someone to lean on and all she had was a disreputable-looking tomcat. There was work waiting, but there was always work on a farm, less now that the animals had been sold, but she was still one person trying to do everything.

“To hell with it.” Sam walked toward the fields, not bothering to detour for the tractor. She wanted to walk the land, to feel the heat on her face, to smell the dirt and vegetation. This was still her land and she wanted to enjoy it.

She set out, her long strides leaving the house and her problems behind. It was just past ten in the morning, but it had already been a hell of a long day.

* * *

Jace Hunter shook hands with Radnor Craddock. “We have a deal.” The trade was a fair one and he was now the owner of the massive gray-and-white stallion currently munching on some feed in the stall behind them.

Radnor slapped him on the back. “Good. You’ll share a meal with us before you set out for home.” It was more a command than an offer. Jace glanced toward his brother, not surprised when Darian shook his head. As usual, they were in accord.

Jace turned back to his host. “Thank you for the offer, but we need to be on our way. Looks like there’s a storm brewing and we want to make it home by nightfall.” They’d only been at Craddock Keep a matter of hours, having camped just beyond, up in the mountains the night before.

A light step came toward them and Radnor’s face broke into a smile. Jace knew who was there even before he turned around and she was part of the reason he didn’t want to stay. Roxanne Craddock was a tapestry bride. One of those rare creatures brought to Javara by the magic tapestry to be a bride to some worthy men.

He faced her and bowed in greeting, noting his brother did the same. She was pretty enough with her black hair and gray eyes, but when she smiled at her husband, she positively radiated beauty. Jace swallowed hard, ignoring the ache in his chest. He was thirty years old and felt each of those years. It was hard not to covet what the Craddock brothers had found.

“These are the Hunter brothers.” Radnor put his arm around Roxanne and pulled her close. “Jace and Darian.”

She smiled and offered her hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

Jace glanced at Radnor, getting his unspoken permission before reaching out to shake her hand. No need to offend his host. Some men were very possessive over their women. They were rare treasures and very protected. “It’s a pleasure,” he assured her.

Darian stepped forward and took her hand. “My lady.”

Jace could feel the tension constricting his chest. “We need to be going.”

Radnor nodded. “We’ll come in a week to collect the agreed-upon spices.”

“That’s fine.” Hunter Keep might not be as large or as prosperous as some, but they did well enough, mostly with spices and plants used in cooking and medicines. Some were very rare and grew only in the mountainous region around their home. Some were deadly unless harvested properly, and those at Hunter Keep kept that knowledge a carefully guarded secret. They also had an abundance of salt, which everyone needed to some degree. It allowed them to trade for what they could not produce themselves.

Sednar, the other Craddock brother, joined them. He had the saddle from Jace’s gelding cinched on the stallion in a matter of minutes. Jace thanked him and mounted the massive horse, bringing him quickly under control. He was a spirited beast and suited Jace well.

“Until next week.” Jace led the way. Darian came behind him leading the horse Jace had ridden here. Neither spoke until they were well away from Craddock Keep.

“That went well.” Darian came up alongside him on the path as he spoke.

“It did.” Jace quickly calculated what was left of this season’s spice crop. “We have enough to barter for some new lambs to expand the herd.”

“I heard Carn sired a litter of pups.”

Jace knew his brother wanted one of those pups to train. Carn was a massive wolfhound owned by the Dannon brothers and was one of the best protectors a man could have for his home and his flock.

“If they’re not wanting too much for them,” Darian continued, “I think we should claim one of them if they’re willing to sell.”

As elder of the two by three years, Jace’s word was the final one when it came to what happened at Hunter Keep. But he always listened to his brother’s counsel.

“He’d be a prime bloodline to breed more pups,” Darian pointed out.

His brother was right and, as usual, they were thinking along the same lines. It was the same reason they’d dug deep into their coffers and paid the price for the horse he was riding. If they could breed the stallion with some of the better mares they already owned, they would likely get some fine colts to fill their empty stables.

They’d spent the last five years since their father’s death trying to make their home more self-sufficient. The old man and his two brothers had almost driven the place into the ground before they’d been killed in a freak hunting accident, buried beneath a deadly landslide in the mountains.

Jace glanced up at the darkening sky. “We can send word to Dannon Keep as soon as we get home. I don’t want to leave again so soon.” His mother was in charge while they were away and, while he didn’t doubt her capabilities, he hated to put that burden on her.

They rode for a few more hours, but Jace knew from the ominous clouds gathering above them, they weren’t going to beat the storm home.

“The wind is really picking up.” Darian glanced toward the woods at the base of the mountains. As if on cue, a bolt of lightning struck the ground, illuminating the world in a brilliant flash of light. A boom of thunder rocked the earth. Fallen leaves and debris kicked up, swirling around them. The horses shied and his new stallion tried to bolt.

Jace held on tight to the reins and wrapped his thighs around the beast. “We need to take cover.” A sense of urgency filled him. Out in the open was no place to be in a violent storm.

The skies darkened further and rain began to pound down, stinging his skin. Jace cursed the weather. He’d hoped they’d be home long before the storm was upon them.

“This way,” Darian yelled above another boom of thunder. His brother led the way to a small outcropping of rocks sheltered by some trees.

When they were close, Jace dismounted and tethered the horse to the trunk of a tree. He didn’t trust the branches to hold beneath the might of the creature.

His hair and clothes were dripping by the time he stepped beneath the outcropping with Darian. His brother was in the same shape, his long, blond hair hung in hanks around his face. The difference was, his brother was smiling. Even now, he found the joy in the power of the storm.

“It’s really coming down, but should blow over quickly.” Darian swiped a lock of hair out of his face.

Jace started to answer, but froze when the air in front of them began to shimmer.

“What is that?” his brother asked.

Jace cursed the fact his sword was still lashed to his saddle, but quickly drew the knife from his boot. It wasn’t as powerful a weapon as his sword, but the blade was six inches long, extremely sharp and he knew how to use it. Darian moved up beside him, his knife in his right hand.

The shimmering solidified and a tapestry hovered in the air in front of them, the rain seeming not to touch it. It was about two feet wide by three feet long and the picture on it changed repeatedly. He’d seen it once years before at Castle Garen. It was the magic tapestry, the one that brought potential brides to Javara from other worlds far away.

“Is that the tapestry?” He could hear the disbelief in Darian’s voice. “Doesn’t it bring a woman with it when it comes.”

They both peered through the thick sheets of rain coming down around them, but there was no one there. The horses whinnied and trumpeted their displeasure as the storm continued unabated.

Jace squinted at the tapestry, watching the image on it change. There were no stone castles or keeps on it. No huts with thatched roofs and no horses. Instead, there was a vast, dusty land with a white structure in the distance.

He leaned forward, drawn to it, wanting to see more.

“No!” his brother yelled. He felt Darian’s hand wrap around his arm and then Jace was falling into darkness, into nothingness. He heard his brother cry out and reached for him. Then the world went black.

Chapter Two

Jace’s eyes snapped open and he sprang to his feet, knife in hand. Where was he? Where was Darian? He looked around and his heart skipped a beat when he saw his brother lying in the dirt at his feet. He fell to his knees. “Darian.” He shook his brother, grateful to see the slow rise and fall of his chest. He was breathing.

He shook him again, keeping one eye on his surroundings. He had no idea where they were, but it didn’t look familiar. Stalks of dry brown wheat stood still, the hot air thick and unmoving. Above him, the sky was clear and blue.

What had happened to the storm? The horses? And why was his clothing dry instead of wet? How long had they been here?

“Darian.” He tapped his brother’s face, maybe a bit harder than was necessary, but he’d feel better about the situation if Darian was awake and on his feet.

His brother’s eyes shot open and he sat up quickly, barely stifling a moan as he grabbed his head. “What happened? Where are we?”

“I don’t know.” Jace slowly stood and had to squint against the brilliant sunlight. As far as he could see there were no people or homes, nothing beyond the sea of grain.

Darian slowly came to his feet and brushed the dust off his leather pants and vest. “The tapestry. What happened to it?”

Jace couldn’t see a single thread of the tapestry and swallowed down his rising anger. Were they stuck here, wherever here was? “I don’t know,” he repeated. He hated not having answers.

“One thing for certain. We’re not home.” Darian turned in a full circle. “Any idea which direction we should head.”

Jace went with his gut and pointed off to his left. “That way.”

They walked in silence, both of them on their guard, knives in hand. He had no idea if the people here were hostile or what kinds of animals they might encounter. It was hard to come to grips with the idea, but the tapestry had not brought a potential bride to them. Instead, it had ripped them from their home and taken them somewhere unknown.

Had they offended the gods in some way? The sorceress who’d created the tapestry?

What would happen to their mother, their people and Hunter Keep when they did not return home? Thankfully, no one would miss them for a day or two. If the tapestry worked as it normally did, it would return within three days and they could go home. Until then, all they had to do was survive. He refused to consider any other outcome. Once again, he wished he had his sword. Unfortunately, it was back in Javara with the horses. They had no food, no water and no idea where they were.

“This happened once before, didn’t it?” Darian broke the silence. Jace could tell his brother had been mulling over the same things he had. “Marc Garen got pulled away to his woman and then brought right back to Javara.”

That was the only time in their history that such a thing had happened. Jace didn’t know what was going on here. Why they’d been taken. But the tapestry was gone and they appeared to be stuck here for the time being.

Jace heard a rustling and then the brittle snap of vegetation being trod on by a boot. He grabbed Darian’s arm and dragged him down until they were both crouched among the stalks of grain. It wasn’t much cover, but the brown of their clothing and their blond hair helped them blend.

“Damn bank.” A disgruntled female voice reached them and Jace glanced toward his brother, who raised his eyebrow in silent question. He shook his head, indicating they should listen a bit longer before revealing themselves.

“And who does George Rawlins think he is, sniffing around my land?”

It was obvious the woman was upset. Her voice was deep and husky and Jace wanted to see her, to put a face to the voice. He eased up just enough to catch a glimpse of a tall woman wearing some kind of pants and extremely short tunic. He frowned. The tunic clung to her breasts like a second skin and it was more than obvious she had an ample chest.

Her hair was obscured by a strange covering of some kind, the brim blocking the top half of her face from view. He needed a better angle.

Suddenly, she froze, her gaze shooting around and landing right on him. Her eyes widened and she took a step back. “Crap,” she muttered.

Jace slid his knife back into his boot and slowly stood, hands open in front of him. The last thing he wanted to do was frighten her. She didn’t appear to be armed and she was a lovely creature.

Her face was lightly tanned, her lips full, her nose straight. Dark-blue eyes narrowed and anger snapped in them. “Who are you and what are you doing on my land?”

Her land? She must be wealthy indeed if she owned land. And where was her man? Her father? It was unheard of for a woman to be alone in their world.

Darian stirred beside him and stood. Fear flashed over her face before it was quickly covered by anger. She straightened her shoulders and he felt pride at her courage. He wished her head covering was gone so he could see her hair more clearly.

Jace took a step toward her and she held out her hand. “Stop right there, mister. Start talking or I’m calling the sheriff.”

Sam’s heart was racing and her palms were sweating. What were these two enormous men doing in her fields? Both of them were tall, well over six feet. Their clothing was identical—leather pants, moccasin-style boots and open vests, which exposed a vast amount of tanned, muscled flesh. There wasn’t an ounce of fat on either of them.

She wanted to swallow but dust and fear had made her mouth too dry. Two sets of pale-blue eyes watched her. She felt like a mouse about to be pounced on by a hawk. Make that two hawks. Even their faces were hard and their jaws looked as though they were hewn from granite.

The one who’d stood first had a skinny braid on either side of his face. Both had hair so blond it was almost white.

“I am called Jace.” At least she had a name for the one with the braids. His nose had a slight bump in it, as though it had been broken at some point in his life. A white scar, about three inches long, bisected his left cheek.

Vikings. That’s what they reminded her of. They were even wearing bronze arm- and wristbands. They looked as though they should be on the cover of a romance novel, much like the ones she kept under her bed. All they needed were swords to completely pull off the look.

“Jace what?” She was pleased with how calm her voice sounded. She slowly pulled her phone out of her back pocket and prayed she could get service from here. It wasn’t always reliable.

“Hunter.” It was the other man who spoke. He was slightly shorter than Jace, but no less intimidating. “My name is Darian. Darian Hunter.”

He smiled and it made him less intimidating. He looked remarkably like Jace, who was obviously his brother, except his hair was longer, falling to halfway down his back. Jace’s hair hung to just below his shoulders. None of the men around here would wear their hair that long, but it certainly didn’t detract from their masculinity. If anything, it added to it.

“Why are you here?” They didn’t look like crazed killers. And they’d made no move to attack her. In fact, they seemed to sense her unease and were keeping their distance. Sam relaxed slightly, but kept her phone at the ready. She had the sheriff’s office on speed dial, considered it only practical since she lived and worked alone.

Jace shook his head. “We’re not sure.”

Okay, what exactly did he mean by that? “I’m Sam Calloway and you’re trespassing. This is my land.” Maybe they worked for one of her neighbors and had gotten lost. It was easy enough to do if you weren’t familiar with the land and these two boys certainly didn’t look local. “Are you lost?”

Darian nodded. “Yes, lost.”

Sam sighed, knowing she just couldn’t leave them here, not in this heat. They didn’t have any supplies with them, no water at all. A body could die of heat stroke if he wasn’t careful.

“Who are you working for? Adams? Cutler?” Those were her two closest neighbors. A bead of sweat rolled down her temple and she took off her hat and rubbed her arm over her forehead before pulling it back on again.

The men exchanged glances. “We are not working for anyone.”

Great, just great. They were drifters. Just what she didn’t need. “Well, you’re out of luck with me. I’m not hiring. And there’s no money to steal back at the house. I’m dirt poor.” Hopefully that piece of news would get them moving along quickly.

“You might try the feed store in town. They always know who’s hiring.” She pointed off to her right. “Road is about two miles that way. Go left when you hit it and it’s about twenty miles.” No way was she going to feel guilty for not offering to drive them. She couldn’t afford to waste the gas.

Both men stiffened, but it was the tough one who spoke. “We are not thieves.” Jace propped his hands on his hips and scowled at her.

She mirrored his stance and scowled right back at him, her patience almost shot. “I’m not accusing you, I’m just laying out the facts.”

“We mean no offense.” Darian offered a smile. Damned if he wasn’t just about the most handsome man she’d ever met. Both of them were, but Jace was a little more rugged, less pretty than his brother.

A tingling sensation low in her belly caught her off guard. Oh hell, not that, anything but that. She was attracted to him, to them. Crap, she was attracted to both of them. Okay, so they were handsome in a rugged way with muscles that looked as though they’d been sculpted by the hand of God, but she didn’t need that in her life right now. She had enough troubles without adding a man to the mix.

“Look, you guys need to go.” Cursing herself, she knew she couldn’t simply boot them off her land without at least giving them some water. “You can follow me back to the house and I’ll get you some water. After that, you can be on your way.”

No way was she offering them anything to eat. It didn’t appear as though either of them had missed a meal. They were both filled out nicely.

Stop it, she admonished herself. No noticing how sexy they both are. Of course, her hormones paid her no attention and both her nipples stood at attention. She fought the urge to hunch her shoulders, hoping they wouldn’t notice.

“Follow me.” Making her decision, she turned her back on them and strode toward the house. It would take at least twenty minutes to get there. She cursed herself for not taking the tractor, for allowing George to upset her.

She’d get rid of these men and then figure out what she was going to do about her situation. Sam glanced over her shoulder and was relieved to note that they were keeping a good distance between her and them.

Then she realized they were talking and wished they were close enough for her to hear what they were saying. She raised her phone and was pleased to see she had service. Should she call Sheriff Pritchard? Her finger rubbed the button but didn’t press down. She didn’t feel threatened but, then again, she didn’t always have the best judgment when it came to men. George was a case in point.

She hurried, lengthening her stride. The quicker they got back to the house, the quicker they’d be gone. She ignored the slight pang in her chest at the thought of being alone again. That was her life now and she’d just have to get used to it.

Darian did his best not to watch Sam’s ass as she walked, but it was impossible. The clothing she was wearing emphasized her small waist and curvy hips. His gaze went up her slender spine, noting the black braid that hung just below her shoulder blades, but then it went back to her swaying behind.

“What do you think?” Jace asked, keeping his voice low.

“I want her.” His cock was semi-erect and he wanted to make a place for himself between her firm thighs and fuck her until she screamed with pleasure.

Jace cursed. “Besides that?”

Darian dragged his gaze away from Sam. Jace was staring at him, his expression a combination of anger and need. There was no doubting Jace wanted her too. Good, that meant he’d fight for her. With both of them trying to convince her, maybe they could sway her mind and have her agree to belong to them.

He had no idea how things worked in this world, but he was willing to learn. He was also counting on the tapestry returning in three days to take them home. He didn’t want to think about what they would do if that didn’t happen.

“Why is she alone?” Darian glanced around. “Where are all the people?”

Jace shrugged. “I don’t know, but we can’t let her send us away. The tapestry brought us here for a reason. Sam is obviously alone. Maybe she needs us.”

Darian turned his gaze back to Sam’s straight spine and her delectable behind as he considered his brother’s words. The tapestry usually brought a woman to Javara, a woman who could fit into their world, one with little to leave behind. But that wasn’t the case here. Sam said she was poor, but that wasn’t quite true. She was obviously wealthy if she had land. How much of it was hers? And would she want to leave it?

“For the first time, I feel great empathy for the women who have been brought to Javara by the tapestry. I am in awe of their courage. To lose everything familiar.” Darian gave an uneasy glance around. “It is disconcerting.”

And that was an understatement. They didn’t know the land or the customs or what to expect. At least they had each other to depend upon. The women who were brought to their world had no one.

A building came into view. It was small, but tidy. Darian was struck by how desolate and alone it was.

Sam turned and motioned them forward. “You two wait on the porch and I’ll get you some water.”

Darian tried not to appear too curious, but he had no idea what the metal structure on wheels just beyond the house was. How did it move? Was it drawn by horses? It didn’t appear to be very efficient.

The back door slammed shut behind her, but was covered with a see-through mesh-like material so he could still see her. Rather than sit in one of the two seats on the porch, as she called it, both he and Jace stood at the door and watched her.

She bustled to the cupboard and drew down two goblets made of glass. They shared a glance. She must be very wealthy to afford such luxury. Wood cups were for everyday use and metal ones for special occasions. He’d never seen ones made of glass.

Sam stood beside a metal bowl that was sunk into the counter and turned a metal handle. Water flowed from the spout and she quickly filled both glass cups.

When she turned and saw them both standing there watching her, she took a step back. Water sloshed over the rims and onto the floor. “What are you looking at?”

Darian could not lie to her. “You, Sam. We’re looking at you.”

Chapter Three

It was official. Sam was totally freaked out. Both men were standing at her screen door peering inside. They reminded her of stray dogs who were afraid the kindness she’d offered would be taken away at any second.

Her phone was back in her pocket and she cursed herself for not immediately calling the sheriff. She was alone with two strange men.

“We mean you no harm.” Darian kept his voice low as though he didn’t want to spook her. Too late, seeing them both watching her so intently had already done that.

The walk home had been bad enough. She’d felt their eyes on her the entire time. It had left her feeling twitchy and unsettled. And, to her shame, slightly aroused. What was wrong with her?

“Yeah, well stop looking.” Determined to get this over with, she strode to the door and nodded toward it. Darian pulled it open and she stepped out, thrusting the glasses toward them. “Here’s your water.”

Jace’s fingers stroked hers as he took his glass. She jerked away and all but tossed Darian’s glass at him. Both men drank eagerly, their Adam’s apples bobbing. She wondered how long they’d been wandering in the heat and felt bad, not bad enough to invite them to lunch, but bad enough to offer them more water.

“You want more water?”

“Please.” It was Darian who spoke and smiled. Jace just kept staring at her in a manner that made her slightly uncomfortable and very aware of herself as a woman.

“You’re not from around here, are you?” She pulled open the door and motioned them inside. Keeping them on the porch in the heat made no sense. They could get inside if they chose to. It wasn’t much cooler in the house. She’d stopped running the air conditioning months ago to save money, but having the shades pulled low made a slight difference. At least the sunshine wasn’t beating down on them.

She went to the sink and turned the tap on, letting the water run cold. “Help yourselves.”

Jace stepped up and did just that. He filled his glass twice before his thirst was slaked. Darian did the same, but when he was finished drinking, he turned the taps on and off several times as if testing them. The expression on his face was that of a kid in a candy shop. He seemed enthralled by her plumbing.

Once again, she wondered where they’d come from and how long they’d been walking. They didn’t have any gear with them. Not a knapsack or a duffle bag. Only what they wore, and there wasn’t a whole lot of that on top. The only thing of value they seemed to have were those bronze metal bands around their wrists and upper arms. She mentally shrugged. Not her business.

Sam crossed her arms over her chest to hide the fact her nipples were standing at attention like good little soldiers. She was attracted to them. So what? They were both good-looking, strong men in their prime. Only proved she was human and healthy. It didn’t really mean anything.

“You boys need to tell me who you are and how you got here.” She wanted answers and she wanted them now.

Darian glanced at his brother and Jace shrugged. She frowned and wondered if they were a danger to her. They didn’t look like escaped convicts or criminals but, then again, she hadn’t really met any, other than Joe Bob Riley who drank too much on Fridays and tore up the local bar at least once a month, and he didn’t really count.

Darian took a deep breath and slowly released it. She tried not to notice the way his broad chest expanded and contracted, or the bead of perspiration that rolled down his tanned neck. “We are from Javara.” He paused and seemed to be waiting for some reaction.

“Where is that exactly?” She didn’t recognize it. Maybe it was a town in Mexico. Maybe they were illegal immigrants despite the fact they looked more Nordic than Hispanic.

Darian took a step forward and she took one back, deeming it prudent to keep her distance. She was already gauging how quickly she could run and be out the front door and to her truck if she needed too. The keys were still in the ignition. She never bothered to remove them, as there was no need. There was no one else around for miles.

He stopped and glanced at his brother once again. This time it was Jace who spoke. “It is not of your world.”

Great. Just great. She’d invited two lunatics into her home. “So, you’re aliens?” She’d humor them until she could make a run for it and call the sheriff.

Jace frowned. “I do not understand this word. We are from Javara.”

“How did you get here? Your spaceship?” Way to go, Sam. She had to stop antagonizing them.

“The tapestry brought us to you.” Jace raked his fingers through his hair, looking as confused as she felt. “That is not the way it works. The tapestry brings the woman to Javara, not the other way around. You should have been brought to us.”

Okay, this was so not good. Whoever they were, they obviously went around kidnapping women. Sam whirled around and ran for the front door. She heard one of them call her name, but didn’t stick around to see which one it was. She hit the front door running, yanked it open and launched herself off the porch.

Heavy feet thundered after her. She could hear them getting closer. Heart pounding, lungs burning, she reached for the handle of the truck. Her fingers grazed the metal when strong arms scooped her up, ending her bid for freedom.

“No!” She kicked her pursuer, the hard heel of her boot landing on an unprotected shin. Like a wildcat, she fought, bucking hard against him.

“Stop. I don’t want to hurt you.” It was Jace who had her and he wasn’t letting her go. He tightened his grip on her, wrapping one arm around her upper body and the other around her waist, keeping her arms locked down by her sides.

She threw back her head, but with their height difference she caught his shoulder instead of his jaw. She was frantic now. What would they do to her?

“Calm down, Sam.” Darian stood in front of her, his hands open in front of him, his eyes sad. “We will not hurt you. We would die before we’d harm you in any way.”

The sincerity in his words sank in and she stilled her wild struggle, panting heavily in Jace’s unbreakable embrace. Darian reached out and touched the side of her face, gently rubbing his thumb over it. “Please, hear me out.”

She nodded. She really didn’t have much choice.

“Darian.” There was a strain in Jace’s voice. She felt Jace’s body shift and he turned them so they were both facing back toward the house. There, suspended in midair was a small rug of some kind, which should have been impossible. There was no wind to blow it around. In any case it wasn’t moving, just sort of hovering there.

“The tapestry.” Fear coated Darian’s voice as he grabbed her arm.

Now she was seriously freaked out. “What is it?” For some reason she found herself whispering.

“It’s the magic tapestry that brought us here from Javara.”

“I don’t understand.” The air was charged around them and the hair on the back of her neck stirred. There wasn’t a single cloud in the sky, but she felt as though lightning could strike any second.

“Neither do we.” Jace’s grim tone scared her more than anything else had today. “Hold on to me and don’t let go.”

All around them the dust stirred, spinning faster and faster until it felt like being stuck in the center of a tornado. Her house, the sky, the entire world disappeared. All she felt was Jace’s strong arms around her and Darian’s unbreakable grip on her arm.

The ground seemed to disappear from beneath her and she was falling, plummeting into nothingness. Sam screamed.

* * *

Jace’s eyes flickered open when something wet hit his face. Rain. He started to sit up, but there was something on top of him, weighing him down. No, not something, someone. Sam Calloway was sprawled across his body, his arms still wrapped around her.

But where was Darian?

He sat up quickly, careful to cradle Sam in his arms. His brother was slowly sitting up beside them. They were all safe. A huge weight fell from Jace’s heart. But where were they?

A low whinnying sound came from the left and Jace smiled when he saw the gray-and-white stallion and their other horses. They were home.

“We’re back.” Darian rolled to his feet and stretched before crouching down in front of him. “How is Sam?”

She hadn’t stirred and Jace was beginning to get concerned. “Sam.” He shook her lightly and was rewarded with a low moan. He shook her again. “Wake up, Sam.” He used her name again, liking the way it rolled off his tongue. Her eyelids fluttered open and he found himself staring into dark-blue eyes.

She licked her lips and his cock roared to life, making his leather pants very uncomfortable. “Where? Where are we?”

Darian smiled at her. “The tapestry has brought us home to Javara. Welcome to our world, Sam.”

Jace felt her stiffen and didn’t try to hold her when she jumped out of his arms. He rolled to his feet and inhaled deeply, drinking in the moist, cool air that was such a contrast from the dry heat in her world.

“What the hell have you done to me? Did you drug me?” Sam was angry, but beneath the anger he could hear her fear, and that just wouldn’t do.

“Do you remember the tapestry?” Jace asked her, keeping his voice low just as he would when dealing with a high-strung filly.

“The small rug.” She rubbed her temple and frowned. “Yeah, I think so. But that couldn’t have happened. A rug doesn’t simply float in the air.”

“This one does. A powerful sorceress created the tapestry a very long time ago.” Jace relaxed his stance as he continued speaking, keeping his arms loose by his sides. Darian carefully inched slightly behind Sam, ready to catch her if she decided to run.

“In Javara women are scarce and the sorceress gifted our world with the tapestry. Once or twice a generation, the tapestry brings a woman from another world to ours. It is a woman who has the potential to thrive in our world.” Jace frowned, still not understanding what had happened. “The tapestry has come several times in our generation and this is only the second time in history that the tapestry has taken any of us with it when it went to find the woman.”

Sam crossed her arms over her chest and scowled and Jace. “That’s all fine and good for you, but I want to go home.”

“Sam,” he began, but she wasn’t having any of it and actually stamped her foot.

“No, I don’t want to hear it. I want to go home. Now.”

Jace shook his head slowly, his heart breaking for her, for all of them. Obviously, the tapestry had made a grave error. Sam was a wealthy woman in her world, a landowner. Nor did it seem as though she was interested in them at all.

He, on the other hand, was totally enthralled by her, her strength and obvious courage, her beauty and kindness. She’d taken two strangers into her home, offering them refreshments from such priceless glass cups. What could they offer her here?

Their hearts and their love. It was all they had to give. Their loyalty and the promise of a family. But would it be enough?

Sam was desperately trying not to panic. She had no idea how long she’d been unconscious, but it had to be quite some time. She definitely wasn’t on her farm or anywhere near it. The woods here were thick and moist from recent rain and a mountain rose up behind them.

It was obvious both men believed the tale they were spinning and expected her to do the same. Not happening. There were three horses off to her right. She planned on borrowing one and finding civilization. Her phone was still in her back pocket. As soon as she was away from Jace and Darian she’d call the authorities. She hardened her heart against the sadness in Jace’s eyes. They’d somehow kidnapped her. Still, she didn’t want to get them in trouble with the authorities. They were both like wild stallions and would die in prison.

“If you let me go, I promise I won’t call the cops on you.” That was the most she could offer them.

It was Darian who stepped up and took her hand in his before she could pull away. He rubbed his thumb over the back of her hand. “We will take you to our home. You will meet our mother. If you wish to contact anyone then, you are free to do so.”

Why did that sound all too easy? She glanced at Jace and he nodded his agreement. She slowly pulled her phone out of her back pocket. Both men watched as she tried to turn it on. It was dead. She didn’t know if it had been damaged when they’d taken her to this place or if the battery had simply died. She didn’t always remember to charge it.

Darian touched her face and she jerked her head up. He thumbed a tear from her cheek, making her aware she was crying. She never cried, couldn’t afford to. She was a Calloway, and Calloways were tough. They just did whatever needed doing without complaint.

“Do not cry, Sam.” Darian leaned forward and touched his lips to hers. The light brush of his mouth against hers sent all her senses spinning. Her lips tingled when he eased back. “All will be well.”

Sam suddenly wanted to crawl away somewhere safe and have a good cry for all that she’d lost—her brother, her father, her mother and, now, potentially her home. But she wasn’t safe and couldn’t afford to shed any more tears. She swiped them away with the back of her hand and straightened her shoulders. “Let’s get going.”

Jace reached out his hand to her and she walked toward him, but didn’t take it. He slowly lowered it back by his side. His expression didn’t change, but she felt as though her action had hurt him. She almost reached out and apologized before she reminded herself she was the injured party here, the one who’d been kidnapped.

“So where is Javara exactly?” She wondered if they’d tell her the truth or continue to spin their tall tale. No one liked a story better than a Texan and the wilder the better. But this wasn’t funny. This was her life they were playing with.

Jace shrugged. “Javara is our world.” He turned his back and strode toward the horses. “Come, we must be on our way.”

She followed him, with Darian right behind her. She didn’t think he was worried about protecting her as much as he was with keeping her from running. But where would she run to? She wasn’t stupid enough to take off into an unknown forest. She’d watch and wait for her opportunity. And, on the off chance they were being honest with her, and she thought they were, she could contact Tim when she got to their home. Wherever she was, Tim would come for her.

Whatever she could say about the men, they were damn fine judges of horseflesh. Sam’s eyes widened when she got a glimpse of a gorgeous stallion, a sturdy white mare with black stockings and a black gelding.

“Well, hello.” She spoke low and approached the animals slowly. The stallion stomped his feet, but the mare put out her head for Sam to scratch. “What’s her name?” she asked.

“Morning Star.” It was Darian who answered her. “We call her Morning.”

“A beautiful name for a beautiful girl.” Sam crooned to the gorgeous animal. Her eyes were filled with intelligence and she had elegant lines.

“Can you ride?” She turned toward Jace’s gruff voice and almost laughed. She was born and bred on a Texas farm. Of course she could ride.

“Yes.” She left it at that.

Darian hovered beside Morning as if waiting to help her mount, but Sam put her foot in the stirrup and swung up on the horse. She hadn’t ridden in a few months and the joy of being back in the saddle almost overshadowed the fact she’d been kidnapped. Almost.

Not matter how much she liked these men, they’d taken her from her home. The black gelding had no saddle, but Darian mounted him easily, gathering the reins. Jace swung up on the stallion and they were off with her horse situated between the two men and Jace in the lead.

The trees were tall and the path narrow. Sam was used to wide open spaces and now she felt hemmed in, almost claustrophobic at times. Yet, there was so much lush beauty surrounding them. There were trees of various kinds, shrubs, flowers and thick mosses on the ground. She saw several different kinds of mushrooms and heard several birdsongs.

They rode in silence for a long time and finally she couldn’t take it any longer. “Tell me more about this place.”

“Why?” Jace shot back. “You don’t believe what we’ve already told you.”

Darian interrupted and picked up the story where Jace had left off earlier. “Women are scarce here and, as such, are valued. Brothers will compete with one another to see who can win a woman’s hand. Only one brother can marry her, but all share in her bed.”

Sam pulled the mare to a complete halt. “Whoa. What do you mean, compete? And what’s this about being shared between a couple of men?” She didn’t like the sound of this at all. Were they taking her to a cult of some kind?

Jace pulled the stallion around in a tight circle until he was facing her. “The tapestry brought you to us. If you are willing, we will compete sexually for your favor. If you decide to stay you will pick one of us to be your husband, but the other brother will also share in your bed.”

Her imagination exploded with images of the three of them naked in a huge bed. Heat suffused her body and her pussy clenched. Oh God, it was all too easy to imagine Jace on top of her, plunging his cock into her pussy while Darian suckled her breasts. She’d read about ménage à trois scenes in some of the romance books she liked, but never had she really imagined being part of one.

She shook her head and Jace’s scowl deepened.

He spun the horse back around and continued to ride. “We will not force ourselves on you.”

Once again, she felt as though she’d hurt him somehow. But what did he expect her to say? Let’s get it on. She’d just met them. Yes, she was attracted to them, but they were practically strangers.

“It’s only for three days.” Darian’s quiet voice came from her right and she turned to look at him, trying to gauge if he was telling the truth. “The tapestry always returns in three days and it is the woman’s choice. She can stay or go.”

“And women have stayed?” She couldn’t imagine anyone giving up their life to live with a couple of strange men after only three days.

Darian nodded. “Many of them. Most, in fact. In all our history, only a handful of tapestry women have chosen to return home.” The path widened and he rode alongside her now with Jace still in front of them.

Sam was uncomfortably aware of Darian watching her and the desire smoldering in his pale-blue eyes.

“It would not be so bad, Sam.” Darian stroked one rough fingertip over her cheek. “Belonging to us. You would want for nothing, in bed or out.”

Before she could catch his intention, he leaned forward and captured her mouth with his. His tongue traced the seam of her lips before slipping inside. He was seducing her with his words and touch.

Did he have any idea how appealing the idea was to lay all her troubles down and have someone else take care of them and her? To forget about the much-needed bank loan, the money she already owed the bank, the drought and poor crops and the worry of bills and simply allow herself to sink into the sensual spell he was spinning. It had been months since a man had kissed her. The last one had been George “The Snake” Rawlins and she wanted to forget him.

Darian’s lips were warm and tender as he drew back, leaving her slightly bemused and more than a little aroused. “Give yourself some time with us.”

Sam sucked in a deep breath and shook her head. As appealing as it was, she was the kind of woman who stood on her own two feet and dealt with whatever life threw at her. And right now she was trying to save her family farm.

“We are home.” Jace’s voice cut through her thoughts and Sam jerked her head in his direction. Heat crept up her cheeks. She’d kissed his brother even after everything he’d told her about the two brothers competing sexually. What kind of woman did that make her?

A horny one for sure. She fought the urge to squirm in her saddle and did her best to ignore the ache in her breasts and the dampness between her thighs.

She rode up alongside Jace. “Where exactly?”

“Home.” Jace pointed and she realized they’d left the woods behind them and open land lay before them. “Welcome to Hunter Keep.”

Her gaze followed his hand and she gasped. There before her was a small stone castle, like something out of a history book. She blinked, but it didn’t disappear.

The castle rose up out of the base of the mountain that loomed behind it like a hulking protector. Dark-gray stones shone in the afternoon sun. A huge wall ringed the castle. Beyond it were smaller huts with thatched roofs. There were fields in the distance with some sort of crops and several pens with sheep and chickens.

Wherever she was, she sure wasn’t in Texas.

Chapter Four

Jace did his best to hide his disappointment and anger at Sam and his brother. Maybe he was being too hard on her, but he’d hoped in his heart she’d give his world a chance. He wasn’t sure she even believed either him or Darian when they’d explained about the tapestry and Javara.

And who could really blame her? It would seem a lie, nothing more than a story to her. To him, it was all the hope he had of ever having a family with his brother.

At least Darian had managed to kiss Sam. It was more than he’d done. He longed to know her taste, to feel the softness of her lips beneath his. But he’d given his promise he would not force himself on her. She would have to come to him and that was as likely as the sun rising at night and the moon at dawn.

He watched Sam as they rode toward the stables. She hadn’t been lying when she’d said she could ride. She sat on the back of the horse with an ease that told him she’d been doing so for years. And Morning Star eagerly responded to her easy commands. Sam had a light hand on the reins, which came only from years of experience and a confidence in her own skills.

Rex, the stable master, hurried out to greet them. Whatever he’d planned to say died on his lips when he caught sight of Sam. He glanced at the brothers before nodding to her. “Welcome to Hunter Keep.”

Sam nodded. “Thank you.” She looked around. “Where’s the phone? I need to call Tim.”

The sound of another man’s name on her lips angered Jace. “Who is this Tim?” He swung down off the back of the new stallion and handed the reins to Rex.

Sam dismounted before either brother could help her. “He’s my father’s best friend and the closest thing I have left to family.”

Jace frowned and wondered what had happened to her family. Once again, he was reminded of just how alone she’d been when they’d found her. “He will worry about you?”

She shrugged. “Both he and his wife Mary will. I’m supposed to go to dinner at their place tonight. If I don’t show, yeah, they’ll be worried.”

There was nothing they could do about that now. When she returned home in three days they would discover Sam was fine. Putting the matter from his mind, he turned to his brother. “Take her to meet Mother.”

“Where are you going?” Darian asked him.

“To work.” Anything to get his mind off Sam’s soft skin, her full lips and distressed blue eyes. He wanted to scoop her into her arms, carry her to his room and spend the next three days with her in his bed. And if he did that, she’d hate him. And, while she might not be planning to stay, he couldn’t bear the idea of her thinking of him with fear and possibly hate in her heart. He’d told her he wouldn’t force himself or his company on her and the only way to keep that promise was for him to stay far away from her.

Otherwise, he might compromise his honor and love her until she screamed his name. He turned his back on all of them and walked away, heading toward the fields.

It was a first for him. Jace had been born responsible. A good thing since his sire and uncles were anything but. It had been Jace and his mother, and later Darian, who’d kept their people fed, sheltered and clothed, who’d kept the storage rooms filled with food and goods for consumption and trade.

But, for the first time in his life, he didn’t care about responsibility or about Hunter Keep. All he cared about was Sam and the fact she didn’t want him, didn’t want to stay and didn’t even seem willing to give them a chance.

His chest ached and he looked ahead to all the lonely years that loomed ahead. He knew in his heart this was their one and only chance for a bride.

“Where is he going?” Sam felt as though she’d driven him away. She also felt abandoned, which was stupid. He didn’t owe her anything. Nor would she see him again once she was home. Why then did she feel as though something special was slipping through her fingers?

Darian shrugged. “The fields. Come inside. I want you to meet our mother.”

Their mother. They really had been telling the truth about that. Sam pulled her phone out and tried again. It was still dead.

“Sam.” Darian’s voice was soft and gentle. “Whatever that device is, it won’t work here.”

“Right. Because we’re in this other world called Javara.” How long would they keep this up?

He put his arm around her waist and guided her toward the small castle. She glanced over her shoulder, wanting to catch another glimpse of Jace. He seemed so alone. She knew what that felt like. But he wasn’t alone. He was home and had his brother and mother, and a whole lot more people. She couldn’t afford to empathize with him.

She faced forward and squared her shoulders. “Let’s go inside.”

Sam followed Darian up the wide stone stairs to a massive wooden door. This place was truly amazing. He held the door open and she stepped inside, stopping for a moment to allow her vision to adjust from the brightness of outside to the more muted lighting inside. They were in a foyer of sorts with stairs off to her right and left and an open archway before her.

“This way.” Darian pressed his hand against the small of her back and urged her forward. The warmth from his palm sank through her T-shirt, warming her. It was chillier here than it was at home. Just how far had they brought her?

“I really need to use your phone.” If her cell phone wouldn’t work here that had to mean they had a landline she could use.

When Darian said nothing, she glanced back at him. His jaw was tight, a muscle twitching in the side of his face.

“Welcome home.” The deep female voice gave her a start. She’d thought they were alone. A woman rose from a high-backed chair that sat in front of a cold fireplace. She was probably in her early fifties with long white hair that had tinges of blonde in it. Her figure was well rounded and a smile wreathed her face. Her familiar pale-blue eyes told her this woman was related to them. She was wearing a dark-green dress that fell to her ankles.

“Mother.” Darian strode toward the woman and embraced her.

Sam watched them, jealous of their obvious closeness. She was very conscious of her old jeans and scuffed boots. She started to brush them and stopped. Anger flooded through her. Why should she care what she looked like? What they thought of her? She was the one who was kidnapped.

“Excuse me, but I need to use your phone.” She really should tell the woman her sons had kidnapped her. But maybe that wouldn’t surprise her. Maybe they did this all the time.

That thought was depressing.

She felt like banging her head against a wall. Why should she care if they kidnapped women all the time? Because, in spite of it all, she wanted to be special to them, to feel as if it was her they wanted and not just some random woman.

She really needed therapy. She’d obviously been alone for way too long.

Darian released the older woman. “Mother, this is Sam Calloway. Sam, this is my mother Edwina.”

“Samantha,” she corrected as she stepped forward and offered her hand. “But everyone calls me Sam.” The older woman took her proffered hand, but held it rather than shake it. Edwina studied her, taking in Sam’s appearance.

“You’re not from here, are you?” She looked at her son for confirmation.

Darian shook his head. “The tapestry brought her here.”

Sam noted he didn’t tell his mother that the tapestry had brought him and Jace to her ranch first. At least, that was the story they told her. She didn’t know what to believe any longer.

Edwina paled and her grip on Sam’s hand tightened. “Oh, my dear, I’m so thrilled you’re here. Welcome to Javara.”

While the woman really did appear to be happy, Sam had had enough. “Look, I really don’t know what kind of con you and your sons are running.” She slowly disengaged her hand and took a step back from mother and son. “But enough is enough. I need to get home.”

Edwina glanced at her son for an explanation. Darian shrugged. “She doesn’t believe what we told her.”

The older woman waved her toward a second chair before the empty hearth. “Sit, Samantha, please. I’ll answer any questions you have.”

“I don’t want any questions answered. I just want to go home.” Sam was suddenly tired. Tired of the lies and tired of the pressures of her life. She didn’t need this whole kidnapping thing on top of everything else.

Sadness suffused Edwina’s face. “And you shall go home, if that is still your wish in three days when the tapestry reappears.”

“More like two and a half now.” Darian didn’t sound the least bit pleased.

“So, your sticking to the whole three-day thing, are you?” Sam went to the chair, sank down onto it and closed her eyes. God, she was so tired.

Large hands enfolded hers. She opened her eyes to find Darian kneeling at her feet, concerned etched on his handsome face. Behind him, his mother stood, one hand on his shoulder. She looked worried as well. You couldn’t fake that kind of emotion.

“I think Samantha could use a rest and some food.” Edwina gave her son’s shoulder a squeeze and released it. “Take her upstairs and I’ll have a tray sent up.” The older woman gave Sam a forced smile. “Please remember, if you have any questions at all, I’m here.”

“Thank you.” Sam didn’t quite know what else to say. She should be railing at her kidnappers, demanding to be set free. Instead, she felt as though she should be on her best behavior, as though she were a guest in their home.

Darian held out his hand. “Come.”

Sam rose without taking his hand. She was already getting in way too deep with the Hunter family.

Darian didn’t know whether to curse or fall into the depths of despair. It was obvious Sam still didn’t believe she was in another world. She believed they’d brought her somewhere else in her world.

How could she deny the magic of the tapestry?

Neither of them spoke as he guided her up the winding stone staircase. He thought about taking her to the guest room, but detoured instead, taking her to his room. He ushered her inside and closed the door behind him.

Sam’s eyes widened as she took in the space, and he tried to see it through her eyes. The hearth was cold, but there was wood and kindling waiting to be lit. Two large wood chairs with embroidered cushions sat before it with a small table in between. A fur rug lay in front of the chairs. There were two windows, both tall and thin, allowing in light. Two big storage chests sat along one wall and another at the foot of the bed. He noted it was his bed she was staring at. He wasn’t a small man so his bed had been crafted with his size in mind. A carved head and footboard kept it from being too plain.

Some clothing was hung from pegs on the wall by the bed and several swords and daggers were mounted above the hearth. Darian noted someone had brought up his baggage from his trip. His sword and his satchel of clothing sat on the trunk at the base of the bed.

Sam looked at him and swallowed hard. “This is your room, isn’t it?”

He nodded and slowly walked to her. “You will be safe here.”

Her gaze went to the bundle at the end of the bed. “You own a sword?”

He inclined his head. “Our world is different from yours, Sam. We protect ourselves with our swords. I’m also a fair archer and am skilled with a knife.” He wanted her to understand he could and would protect her.

Darian went to the trunk and picked up his sword. He drew the four-foot blade from its scabbard and brandished it in front of him. Sam made a squeaking sound and took a step back. He ignored the fear in her eyes and did something he hadn’t planned on doing, something he knew he shouldn’t do without discussing it with Jace.

The pledge was one every young man learned from his father from the time he was old enough to understand he might never have the opportunity to use it. It was a sacred oath, the foundation of their very civilization. Darian took a deep breath and repeated the words that he prayed would change his life forever, would make her understand his depth of commitment to her.

He went down on one knee before her and held his sword in his two hands, offering both it and himself to Sam.

“You are the heart that beats in this chest and in this home and if you would take me for husband I will give you my love, loyalty and devotion for as long as I live. With me, you gain the love, loyalty and devotion of my brother as well, who will be lover to you, and would also be your husband should I die before you. In return, I ask for your love, loyalty and devotion and any children that the gods see fit to gift us with.”

Sam felt lightheaded. This couldn’t be happening. Darian couldn’t be proposing marriage to her. He’d only known her a few hours. This was insane. “Why?” The word came out of her as a croak, but it was the best she could do. Her throat was dry, her knees weak. “I won’t give you my land.” That was the only reason she could think of for this elaborate ruse.

Darian raised his head. “I want nothing from you but your love, Sam, and I’m willing to wait for that to grow.”

“You don’t even know me,” she countered, trying to ignore the rapid beat of her heart. No man had ever proposed to her before. His words struck a chord in her heart, especially when he spoke of children. But she wasn’t sure about the whole “having his brother as her lover as well” deal. Although, there was no denying she was as attracted to Jace as she was Darian. And what kind of a woman did that make her?

He stood and set his sword aside before coming to stand before her. “I know you are alone in your world.” He took her hands in his and rubbed his thumbs over the hard calluses on her palms. “I know you are a hard worker and a compassionate woman. Courageous too. And I know the tapestry brought us together and that is pure magic. We are meant to be together.”

She swallowed hard when he released her hands and cupped her face. “And I know, Samantha Calloway, that you are very, very beautiful.”

She closed her eyes, not wanting to admit how much she loved the sound of her name on his lips. He grazed her cheekbones with his thumbs and she felt his breath on her face a scant moment before his mouth touched hers.

Tender but thorough, was the only way to describe the kiss that followed. His tongue traced her lips before dipping inside to taste her. And she didn’t object. Maybe she was tired of fighting, of being alone, but she knew she couldn’t fight the attraction between them any longer. Nor did she want to.

She truly believed they’d let her go home in three days and, after that, she’d probably never see him or Jace again. Why shouldn’t she get something out of this? Something that made her feel good and gave her some memories to hold close on the long, winter Texas nights ahead. She had no idea what would happen with the farm. She could still lose it. But she was here now and could enjoy this minute.

Maybe it was crazy. No, scratch that, it was crazy. Darian was basically a stranger who’d kidnapped her. Yet, she didn’t feel threatened in any way. If anything, she felt protected. It was a strange feeling. Sure, her father and brother had loved her, but she’d always been expected to stand on her own two feet and handle whatever came at her. She was a Calloway.

Darian deepened the kiss, his tongue sweeping over the inside of her mouth, stroking hers and encouraging her to play. Sam threw caution to the wind and embraced the moment.

She slid her hands over his broad chest, loving the way the firm muscles hardened beneath her palms. He groaned, low and deep when she sucked on his tongue and angled his head to deepen their kiss.

Large hands cupped her bottom and then she was lifted right off her feet. He rubbed her against his erection, wringing a moan from both of them. She instinctively wrapped her legs around his waist, wanting to get closer.

He pulled his lips from hers and dropped heated kisses along her cheek, down her jawline and around to her ear. “Let me have you.” His deep, erotic plea made her cream her underwear.

She couldn’t speak so she simply nodded. He carried her, not to the bed, but to the soft fur rug in front of the hearth. He knelt on the floor with her still in his arms. He held her easily even though she was five eight and no lightweight. Darian made her feel feminine and desirable in a way she’d never felt before.

He captured her earlobe between his teeth and tugged lightly. Rivers of pleasure shot through her body, making her breasts tingle and her pussy spasm.

“So beautiful,” he crooned as he laid her on the rug in front of him and tugged at her top. She raised her hands, allowing him to draw it away. His breath caught as he stared down at her breasts. She might be a tomboy, but she loved nice lingerie. The bra she was wearing was white, but it was made of stretchy lace that enticed more than it really covered.

He thumbed her distended nipples through the thin fabric and she shivered. He smiled and pinched them lightly and she gave a small cry of pleasure. Darian tugged at the straps, pulling them down her arms until her breasts popped free.

He gave a low growl of pleasure before dipping his head to taste them. His tongue was wet and warm as he swiped it over one hard tip and then the other. She moved her hips as a growing need began to consume her. She was hot, her skin sensitive wherever he touched her.

“Samantha, such a beautiful name.” He nuzzled one firm mound before capturing the nipple and sucking it into his mouth.

Her fingers tunneled into his hair, holding him to her. His hair was longer than hers, falling to his mid back while hers was just past her shoulders. Somehow it suited his masculine face, enhancing the features.

Sam was suddenly self-conscious. She knew she smelled of horse and sweat, not exactly feminine or inviting. Darian must have felt her tense because he released her breast and sat back on his heels. “What is it?”

She tried to shrug it off, but he sat there, patiently waiting. “It was a long ride,” she began.

“Are you sore?” Concern made his eyes darken.

She shook her head. “It’s not that.”

Darian leaned down and kissed her, his lips tender, his voice soft and seductive. “Then what is wrong?”

“I smell like a horse,” she blurted out.

He frowned. “I don’t understand.”

Really, was the guy obtuse? “Maybe I should get a shower or a bath or something.” Okay, her cheeks had to be blazing red. They certainly felt hot. The sensual mood from moments ago was quickly slipping away and she crossed her arms across her chest, suddenly very aware of being half naked.

“Sam,” he began and shook his head. “You smell earthy, like sunshine on a hot day.” He leaned down and sniffed her neck. “Spicy and slightly sweet.”

“Really?”

“Do you think I smell bad? That I should bathe?” he countered.

She shook his head. “No, you smell earthy and male, like leather and horse and the forest.” And it was true. His scent was intoxicating.

He nodded. “It is the same with me. I love how you smell.” He took her hands and moved them away from her body, spreading her arms wide and exposing her breasts to his view once again. “And how you look.”

She smiled at him and he smiled back. Beneath his gaze, her breasts seemed to swell and the tips puckered even tighter. His smile grew wider.

Darian reached for her bra. “How do I remove this?”

She thought it was a strange question, but answered. “Back closure.”

He reached behind her and struggled for a moment or two. It was as if he’d never removed a woman’s bra before. And maybe he hadn’t. He was so damn sexy and good-looking, women probably got naked the second he showed any interest in them.

She shoved that thought out of her head when her bra came free and he set it aside. He cupped the full mounds before sliding his hands down her torso. “You are incredible.”

And for the first time in her life, she truly felt that way.

Chapter Five

Darian didn’t question the amazing gift he was being given, but he was incredibly grateful for it. Sam was in his room, all sleepy eyed and sexy, and she wanted him. Her skin was pale and smooth beneath her short tunic, a sharp contrast from the darker, tanned flesh on her arms and neck. Her breasts were the color of fresh cream and just as enticing.

“If your name is Samantha, why did you say it was Sam when we first met?” He liked Samantha. It sounded as beautiful as she looked spread half naked on his rug.

“Sam is what everyone calls me.”

He could tell she didn’t want to talk about it and he didn’t want to risk breaking the intimate mood between them. He nodded his agreement. “Then I will call you Sam.” He deliberately placed his hands on the top closure of her pants. It wasn’t hard to figure out how to open them, even if they were different from what he was used to.

He shifted so he could pull her pants down her thighs. She was wearing a lacy covering over her sex, made of the same material that had covered her breasts. He wondered why she bothered at all they were so thin. He removed her footwear and pants, leaving her in her lacy garment.

Sam crossed her arms over her chest. “It’s not fair that I’m almost naked and you’re not. Take off your vest.”

He was more than happy to comply with her demand. He shrugged out of the garment and tossed it aside. Sam shivered.

“You’re cold.” He berated himself for not taking her to his bed, but he loved how she looked all but naked, spread across the thick fur rug. He moved to the hearth, grabbed the flint and quickly lit the kindling. Within seconds it caught and he soon had a cheerful blaze going. He turned back to find her watching him with a bemused smile on her face.

“You didn’t have to do that.”

He frowned and moved back to her, settling between her thighs. “You were cold.” It was as simple as that. She needed something and it was his job to provide it for her.

Sam didn’t quite know what to make of Darian. She shivered so he made a fire. And he wasn’t trying to score points to get her into bed. She was already pretty much naked and a sure thing. Therefore, the only reason he’d had for doing it was because he thought it would make her more comfortable.

The wood crackled and the heat warmed her skin, but his thoughtful gesture warmed her heart.

He traced a finger along the band of her panties where it ran across her hips. Then he moved lower, traced the fabric toward her pussy. The crotch was already wet. She’d never met a man who turned her on as fast as Darian did. Okay, his brother had the same effect on her as well, but she wasn’t going to think about that now, not with Darian hovering over her, his broad chest and shoulders naked and gleaming in the firelight.

She’d seen well-built men before. Most of the men she knew worked their farms and ranches and they worked hard. There was no shortage of muscles among them. But Darian looked as though the hand of a master had sculpted him. Defined pecs and washboard abs that would stop traffic led down to a trim waist. She reached out and touched him. His skin was so warm it was almost hot.

He captured her hand and slid it upward until it was covering his heart. Desire blazed from his eyes, but he didn’t seem to be in any rush. He lifted her hand and brought it to his mouth, kissing the palm before taking her index finger inside and sucking on it.

Her pussy clenched and she sucked in a breath. Oh God, she wouldn’t last long at this rate. “Darian.” His name came out more as a moan, a plea.

He licked the side of her finger and playfully nipped at the tip. “Hmm.”

“Take off your pants.” She wanted to see all of him, wanted to touch him.

Darian slowly stood, rising to tower over her. His eyes never left her as he unfastened the tie at his waist. He bent down and yanked off his boots before slowly peeling the leather pants down his thighs and off.

He wasn’t wearing any underwear.

Sam swallowed hard. Oh my, but he was fine. She’d never seen a man like him before. His thighs were rock hard, but it was what hung between them that really caught her attention. His cock was fully erect and pulsing with life. The mushroom-shaped head was large and slick. He wrapped his big hand around his cock and pumped. She’d never seen anything quite so erotic. It made her entire body hum with pleasure.

Darian knelt back down and moved between her thighs. He planted his hands on either side of her shoulders and leaned down. “Let me love you.”

Love. She did her best to ignore the word even as it made her heart pound faster. He couldn’t love her. He barely knew her. This was all about sex, mutually satisfying sex, but sex nonetheless.

“What’s wrong?” He leaned down and kissed her forehead, her cheeks and her nose.

Sam shook her head and placed her hands on his broad shoulders. “Nothing.” Darian frowned and started to speak, but Sam didn’t want to talk, not anymore. She wanted to feel, to get lost in the sexual desire that threatened to drown her.

She pulled Darian down and kissed him, letting her tongue slide past his lips and into the heat of his mouth. And oh what a talented mouth it was. He kissed her like no other man ever had, like there was nothing he’d rather be doing. He took his time and explored every crevice and corner. His cock was hard against her belly and she reveled in the attraction that made every nerve ending in her body tingle in anticipation.

Darian released her lips and moved lower, working his way down her neck and over her collarbone to her breasts. He teased each nipple until the tips of her breasts were pebbled. Her hips moved restlessly beneath him and she moaned when the hard ridge of his erection rubbed against her panty-clad clit.

Darian raised his head and smiled at her, his pale-blue eyes smoldering with desire. He moved lower, his long hair brushing her bare skin in a sensual caress. He paused at her panties and gently rubbed his finger over the crotch. She hissed out a breath, eager for more.

Taking his time, he pulled her panties down and off, tossing them aside. She was totally bare now, but she wasn’t self-conscious, couldn’t be with the way he was looking at her. She knew her body was toned and strong from years of backbreaking work on the farm, and her looks were okay—straight black hair, dark-blue eyes and a slender nose—but she’d never had a man look at her the way Darian was.

He wrapped his hands around her thighs and spread them wide, staring at her pussy. When he licked his lips, she almost lost it. Most guys she’d been with hadn’t been much for foreplay, but Darian was different. If anything, he was going a little too slow. She wanted him. Now.

He lowered his head slightly and lifted her hips at the same time. Hot breath fanned over her slick core before he used his tongue to explore and taste. Sam gripped the thick rug beneath her and held on tight as her entire body arched into his touch. He lapped at her slick folds, eventually finding her swollen clit. He circled the hard nub of nerves before teasing it with his tongue.

“Darian.” She squeezed her eyes shut, not sure if she’d survive the next few minutes.

“Come for me.” The plea in his deep voice sent her over the edge and her body splintered from the pleasure. She cried out, but he didn’t stop. He continued to suck and lick her pussy until she couldn’t take any more and managed to push him away.

Totally drained, she lay there, eyes closed, listening to the crackle of the wood from the fire. Darian stroked her legs, her stomach and her arms, his touch soothing rather than arousing. Yet she was very aroused. Her pussy ached to hold him, to feel him powering in and out of her.

Her eyelids fluttered open and she stared up at him. He looked like some pagan god come to life with his long, blond hair falling around his shoulders and his broad, tanned chest flickering in the firelight.

But his heavy cock was all aroused male. As she watched, he lifted her, angled her hips toward him and positioned the broad tip at her opening. She reached for him, needing to touch his skin, to have that connection with him.

A muscle in his jaw tightened as he slowly pushed inward, past the initial resistance of her body. Her nails dug into his skin, leaving deep half-crescent shapes on his forearms. There was no past, no future, only this moment.

He filled her slowly, one delicious inch at a time, until he was seated to the hilt. Perspiration gave his skin a glow and every muscle in his body tensed as he waited for her to adjust to his invasion. He looked like a living sculpture. His breathing was as harsh as hers, both of them fighting the urge to move, enjoying the first moment of joining, of discovery. His cock was thick and long and filled her completely. Her vaginal muscles rippled around his hard length as he stretched her to the limits of comfort, but not beyond.

It was exciting and arousing and, if she was being honest, a little scary. She was having sex with a man she barely knew, but one who attracted her on many levels. She pushed aside all her doubts and focused on the here and now.

He didn’t speak and neither did she. The moment was too perfect to risk spoiling with words. Darian leaned down, the motion pushing his cock even deeper. She moaned and he captured her lips. He didn’t kiss her. He consumed her, his tongue dueling with hers, sliding in and out, mimicking the sex act to come.

Her hands slid up his arms to his shoulders and she held on as he began to move. He rocked slowly at first, but quickly picked up steam. “Hold me,” he commanded and she wrapped her arms around his neck, shoving her hips toward him, needing to reach the glorious climax she knew was just out of reach.

She’d never come twice in a night before, but knew Darian was different. If any lover could make it happen, he could.

Darian thrust faster and harder and only his grip on her waist kept her from sliding across the rug and onto the stone floor. The fire continued to crackle, her heavy gasps and his grunts the only other sounds that broke the silence. The air around them was warm and perfumed with the scent of leather and wood smoke, the earthy smell of sex, of male and female coming together.

“Sam.” He yelled her name and his entire body stiffened as he came. He reached between them, found her clit with his thumb and lightly rubbed it, pushing her over the edge again. She clung to him, wanting the moment to last forever. He gave another groan and wrapped his arms around her, holding her so tight she could barely breathe.

Gradually, she became aware of the room once again. The rug was thick, but lying on the floor was beginning to get uncomfortable. She shifted position as much as she could with a large male lying half on top of her. Darian raised his head and smiled at her. She smiled back until he slid out of her. Sam couldn’t suppress the low moan as his cock stimulated her tender pussy.

Her thighs felt wet and she froze. They hadn’t used a condom. What had she done?

Darian felt the change in her. “What is it? What’s wrong?”

“You didn’t use a condom.”

He looked at her as though he didn’t have a clue what she was talking about. “You know. Protection.” She sat up. “Where’s the bathroom?” Not that cleaning herself up would help. The damage was done. “I’ve never had unprotected sex before so I’m safe.” She only prayed he was too.

“Safe?” Darian was frowning at her, a slightly lost look in his eyes.

Angry with herself and with him, she scooting into a seated position and wrapped her arms around her legs, pulling them close to her chest. “You know. Safe. I don’t have any sexually transmitted diseases. Do you?” she demanded.

He shook his head. “There are no such things in our world.”

Of course there wasn’t. For a moment there, she’d forgotten all about his crazy “this is another world” beliefs. “Sure,” she muttered. Staring into the fire, she prayed he was safe and she didn’t end up with some STD. “The worst that can happen is I’ll get pregnant.”

Heavy hands fell on her shoulders and she looked up at him. Darian frowned. “Would that be so bad?”

Would that be so bad? She couldn’t believe he was asking her such a thing. “You’re telling me you’d be happy about an unplanned pregnancy?” No single guy who’d just had hot sex with a virtually unknown woman would be happy about that.

Darian smiled and nodded. “You would look beautiful carrying my child.”

Sam was totally taken aback. This was getting just a little too strange for her, but she couldn’t suppress the flash of pleasure she got at the idea of a blond-haired boy or maybe even a dark-haired girl like herself. A family. It was what she wanted most in the world.

She needed some time alone. “Bathroom?” she asked again.

Darian rose and offered her his hand. She thought about grabbing her clothes and tugging them on, but that would require more energy than she had. The day had been long and she was suddenly very tired again. The sexual sparks between them had held it at bay for a while, but it was back with a vengeance.

“This way.”

She took a step and stumbled, and he scooped her into his arms, carrying her to the corner of the room where a door was set into the wall. He opened it and carried her inside. It was a fairly large room with a deep wooden tub, but there were no taps. He set her down in front of a wooden cabinet with a wooden basin on top of it. The basin was filled with water. Again, there were no taps.

Darian stood next to her, arms crossed across his massive chest. His cock was still semi-erect and it didn’t look as though it would take much effort on her part to have him fully aroused again. Her body responded but she ignored it. She’d already done something stupid. No reason to compound it.

“You can wait outside.” No way was she washing with him watching her.

“Are you sure?”

“Absolutely.”

He sighed, kissed the top of her head and went to the door. “When you are ready, we will talk.”

She waited until he was gone before searching for the toilet, but the only thing she could find was a stone bench with a seat in the far corner. She opened the lid and discovered it seemed to open up into some kind of drain system. Rudimentary plumbing for sure, but beggars couldn’t be choosers.

When she was done, she padded back to the vanity, grabbed the washcloth that sat next to the bowl and began to clean herself up. There was also a small bar of soap that had a woodsy scent to it that reminded her of Darian. It didn’t lather as well as her soap at home, but it certainly did the job.

Thankfully, the water was warm. Not hot, but not cold either. What she really wanted was a hot bath, but there didn’t seem to be any way to pipe water into the tub.

Sam washed away the evidence of their lovemaking along with the dust and grime of the day. She knew her hair had to be a complete mess, but there was no mirror in the room either. She ran her hands over her hair, groaned and undid her braid, setting the covered elastic on the edge of the vanity. There was no brush, but there was a comb. She used it, ruthlessly yanking it through the tangles. She thought about braiding it again, but decided not to. Once they’d talked, she planned on getting some much-needed sleep.

Was it only this morning she’d had her meeting with Karen at the bank? Seemed like a lifetime ago.

She tossed the washcloth back into the bowl and took a deep breath, knowing she couldn’t hide in here all night even if she wanted to. A large robe hung on a peg by the door and she pulled it on. It dragged on the floor and would almost wrap around her twice. Had to be Darian’s. She tightened the belt and left the bathroom behind.

Darian waited impatiently for Sam to join him. The only thing that kept him from checking on her was that he could hear her moving around in the other room. He’d never had a woman in his room before and he liked the feeling. He’d added more wood to the hearth, not wanting Sam to get cold. If the heat he’d felt today was any indication, her world was much warmer.

When the door finally opened, he strode toward it. Sam stepped into the room, her long, black hair falling around her shoulders like a curtain. She was wearing his robe. A jolt of sheer possessiveness shot through him. Sam belonged here with him, with Jace, a part of their lives.

He held out his hand and was thrilled when she took it. Outwardly, he kept his expression calm, not wanting to overwhelm her. “Food arrived while you were bathing.” Actually, he’d found it covered and waiting in the hallway. The staff had known better than to knock on the closed door, knowing full well what they’d be doing. His mother had probably told everyone in Hunter Keep by now that Sam was a potential tapestry bride, and all who lived here would do everything in their power to see that she wanted to stay. And that included leaving her alone with him.

She shook her head. “I’m not really hungry now. Maybe later.”

He worried about her not eating, but didn’t push. He led her toward the bed and motioned her to climb in, slightly surprised when she did so without argument. “You are tired.” It wasn’t a question, but she answered him anyway.

“It’s been a long, crazy day.”

He nodded. “Rest. I will be here when you wake.”

Sam nestled her head against his pillow, but jolted upward when he climbed in beside her. “What are you doing?”

“Resting with you.” He pulled her into his arms and loved the way she settled against his chest with a little sigh.”

“Will you let me go home?” Her softly spoken question almost broke his heart.

“It is not up to me or to Jace.” He wasn’t certain she believed him, but he wanted her to. “The tapestry will return for you in a little over two days.” He rubbed a hand over her head and toyed with her hair. It was soft and lovely. “I wish you would consider staying with me. With us.”

“You’d really share me with your brother?”

He knew she didn’t understand their world and customs, didn’t really believe they were telling the truth. “Yes. It’s expected here. It’s all we know.” He tightened his arms around her. “I would do anything to keep you.”

She said nothing, but he felt the fine shiver of tension that gripped her. She said nothing else, so he let things be for now. There would be more time for talk tomorrow. Better, there would be time to really show her his world.

Eventually, she relaxed in his embrace. He knew the moment she fell asleep. Darian shifted his grip so he could look at her face. She was quite lovely. He wanted to memorize every curve, every line so he’d remember it forever. Because he couldn’t quite shake the fear that Sam was going to go home.

He turned onto his side, tucking her body against his. She fit there as though she’d been made for him. As Darian stared into the fading firelight, he wondered where Jace was.

Chapter Six

Sam wasn’t quite sure what woke her, but when she opened her eyes it was dark. She blinked several times and eventually her eyes adjusted so she could make out some of the shapes in the room. Nothing looked familiar.

Reality came slamming back at her with the force of a freight train. She’d been taken from her home by two gorgeous men, men who thought they came from another world. Sure, she’d seen a tapestry floating in midair, but that was simply the wind blowing debris around her yard. Had to be. Right? Because the alternative was too mind-blowing for her to even consider.

The fire had died down in the hearth, but she could still see the faint glow of the embers. All was quiet, except for the heavy breathing of the man sleeping peacefully next to her.

She swallowed down the lump of rising panic in her throat. She was safe. She certainly hadn’t been harmed. If anything, they were going out of their way to make her feel welcome.

That was all fine and good, but she had to get home. She had crops in the field and a loan payment she had to figure out how to come up with. As tempting as it was to stay curled up in bed next to Darian, she had to move. Maybe she could find a telephone and call Tim to let him know she was okay.

Of course, the lack of plumbing facilities didn’t exactly give her hope of finding a phone that actually worked.

Moving slowly, she slid out from under Darian’s arm. He grunted in his sleep, but didn’t wake. Sam eased her legs over the side of the bed. Thankfully, she was still wearing the robe she’d found in the bathroom. The belt had come untied, so she quickly tightened it. She’d need a candle or lantern if she was going to wander around the castle. If she was remembering correctly, there was one on the table by the fireplace.

The stone floor was cold beneath her feet and she shivered. She’d taken one step when a deep, male voice spoke. “Going somewhere?”

Sam shrieked and jumped about a foot in the air. Heart racing, she faced the corner of the room where the voice had come from. The sound of her scream hadn’t even died when a naked Darian stood in front of her, a large sword gleaming in his hand. Where had he gotten the weapon? She certainly didn’t remember seeing it in bed with them.

Darian lowered his sword and sighed. “Should have known it was you.” He stored the sword back in a sheath built into the side of the bed before turning to her. “Are you all right, Samantha?”

She noted he was using her full name instead of the shortened version and wondered why. Her heart was still racing, but it no longer felt as though it was going to pop out of her chest. “Yeah, I’m okay.”

Movement from the dark corner caught her eye and then the darkness seemed to release Jace. There wasn’t much light coming in through the two thin windows, but it was enough for her to know it was him.

“Where were you going?” Jace repeated.

No way was she going to admit she’d planned on searching for a phone. She wasn’t stupid. “If you must know, the bathroom.” She started off in that direction, figuring a minute or two to herself couldn’t hurt. Why was Jace here?

She’d barely rounded the end of the bed when she stubbed her toe on the corner of the trunk that sat there. She’d forgotten about it. “Ouch.” She grabbed her toe and hopped around on one foot, swallowing the curse words she really wanted to say.

Large arms plucked her off her feet. “Are you hurt?” Darian asked. “Stoke the fire,” he commanded his brother. Darian carried her to one of the two chairs flanking the hearth and seconds later light filled the room. Jace added wood to the embers as they flared into flames.

Sam blinked. It was disconcerting to have two large men kneeling at her feet. One of them was naked and the other was fully dressed. A candle flared and was placed on the table, adding more light to the room.

Darian lifted her injured foot, holding it to the light. “You didn’t break the skin.” The robe slipped open, exposing her entire leg. She clutched the material tight, making sure she didn’t show more skin than she wanted to.

Now that the moment was passed, she was feeling foolish. She pulled her foot from Darian’s grasp, or at least tried to. He wasn’t letting it go. “I only stubbed my toe. It barely hurts at all anymore.”

She pulled her foot away again and this time he released her. “Ah, I think I’ll just go to the bathroom now.” Sam stood, grabbed the candle and fled to the other room as fast as her dignity allowed.

Two sets of pale-blue eyes watched her. She could feel their gazes on her. As she shut the door behind her, she wondered once again why Jace was here. He’d been standing in the shadows watching them sleep. It was kinda creepy and sad at the same time.

Sam set the candle down on the wooden vanity and used the facilities before washing up with the now-cold water in the basin. What was she going to do? She couldn’t stay in the bathroom all night. Although sleeping in the round tub sounded a lot better than returning to face her two handsome kidnappers.

Jace watched Sam walk to the bathroom, frowning when he noticed she was limping slightly. “She’s favoring her foot.”

Darian nodded. “It is not broken, only bruised.” His brother faced him. “Why didn’t you join us in bed?”

Tension invaded Jace’s entire body. His cock was thick and heavy after watching Sam sleep in his brother’s arms. He hadn’t been there long, having worked until late before retiring to his own room to bathe and sleep. But sleep had evaded him so he’d come to Darian’s room, knowing he’d find them both here. He’d noted the covered trays still filled with food sitting on the table.

“Why didn’t Sam eat?”

Darian sighed and raked his fingers through his hair. “She was too tired.” He paused for a moment. “After.”

A muscle quivered beneath Jace’s left eye and his jaw tightened. “You didn’t feed her first.” Jace was angry that his brother had already taken Sam. He found her clothes scattered around the room and the fact she’d been wearing Darian’s robe had confirmed his suspicions. Darian had seen Sam naked, stroked her soft skin, tasted her sweet cream and felt her pussy clench around his cock.

It could have been him. But stubborn pride had kept him away. That and his promise he wouldn’t force himself on her. How had Darian gotten past her guardedness so quickly? He wanted to hate his brother, but didn’t. He envied him instead even as he was glad his brother had found a way to entice Sam into his bed. If one of them could bind her physically to him through sex, maybe she might be willing to stay.

“I gave my pledge to her.” Darian’s low confession sounded like a shout. Jace’s chest actually hurt.

“And?” he asked.

Darian shook his head. “She did not accept.” He stared back at the door Sam had gone through a few minutes before. “I’m not sure she believed I was in earnest.”

Some of the tension bled from Jace. There was still a chance for him to claim Sam. As soon as he thought it, he felt disloyal to his brother. If Darian had claimed her, he would be happy for him, for all of them.

“You called her Samantha?” Jace liked the name. It was feminine, yet strong.

“When she met Mother, she called herself that name, but she says that everyone calls her Sam.” Darian’s patience was obviously at an end because he stalked over the door to the bathing chamber and knocked. “Sam?”

The door slowly opened and she stood there, candle in hand. Her black hair flowed around her shoulders and she looked small enveloped in Darian’s oversized robe. It practically swallowed her whole. Her toes curled into the stone and Jace knew her feet were probably cold.

She sidled by Darian and came back to the fire, setting the candle carefully on the table. Standing on the fur rug, she faced them both. “So what happens now?”

Jace could sense her nervousness, see it in the way she twisted the belt of the robe between her hands. He knew he should leave, allow her to be at ease, but he could not.

“I told you I would not force myself on you.” Jace walked toward her, not stopping until he was standing right in front of her. She didn’t back away, but tilted back her head to look at him.

Pride and longing filled him. He cupped the back of her head in his large hand, leaned down and kissed her. Her lips parted on a surprised gasp and he took advantage, sliding his tongue into her mouth. He groaned when he got his first taste of Sam, no Samantha. He liked that name much better. He lost himself in her sweet warmth, almost yelling his triumph when he felt her fingers digging into his shoulders.

He eased back and stared into her dark eyes, easily reading her arousal and confusion. “Invite me to your bed,” he commanded. He needed her to want him, to offer him what she’d shared with his brother. “Samantha.” He whispered her name, stroking the sides of her face with his thumbs. “Give yourself to me.”

A deep shudder went through Sam. She felt as though a wildcat, a golden lion or maybe a tiger, was stalking her. Dangerous and deadly, yet enticing as hell. Jace was weaving a sensual spell around her that was almost too tempting to ignore. But she’d slept with Darian. She couldn’t turn around and do the same with Jace.

She glanced at Darian, a very naked and aroused Darian, looking for something—anger, reassurance. Some idea how he was feeling. He simply smiled at her. “It is your choice, Sam. We both want you. We told you that.” Darian came to stand beside her and nodded toward his brother. “It is your choice.”

“But it’s wrong,” she blurted out. Really, what kind of woman was she to want two men?

It was Jace who answered her. “In Javara it is normal for a woman to have two men in her bed, sometimes three. There is nothing wrong or shameful in that.” He slipped his hands inside the neck of the robe. The fabric parted, exposing the tops of her breasts. “Let me touch you.” His fingers danced over the mounds, sliding slower until he was almost touching her nipples. “Pleasure you.” His lips brushed against her forehead. “Taste you.”

Sam couldn’t think, couldn’t reason. Not with two, hot sexy men staring at her with unrestrained lust gleaming in their eyes. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, something to remember when she was back on the farm, toiling away alone under the hot sun.

A pang of regret and loneliness almost brought her to her knees, but she stiffened them. She was a Calloway and would not falter now that her decision was made. “You’ll let me go home?” For some unknown reason, she trusted them to keep their word. Some might call her crazy, and maybe they were right, but that didn’t change the way she felt.

Both men stiffened. Darian appeared sad and Jace angry.

Way to kill the mood.

“Yes, we will let you go when the tapestry returns.” Jace pushed the plackets of the robe wide, exposing her breasts to both their views. “But if you are going to leave, I plan on making the most of the time I have with you.”

Her breasts felt heavy and swollen and she couldn’t suppress a moan of pleasure when Jace cupped them in his hands, tracing the puckered nipples with his thumbs. “So lovely.”

Another pair of strong arms came around her from behind. Darian untied the belt to the robe before easing it from her body. The heat from the men and the fire drove back the night chill and it wasn’t long until she felt hot.

Sam licked her lips and put her hands on Jace’s chest. He was a little taller than his brother, a little wider, his features more rugged. There was no denying his strength. It was evident in every thick muscle in his arms and legs, the width of his shoulders and broadness of his chest. She traced the lines that delineated his abs, absorbing his heat and measuring his strength.

Jace moved suddenly, reminding her that he might be big and muscular, but he was also very fast. He scooped her into his arms and carried her to the bed. He dumped her on the mattress and stood back watching her as he shucked his boots, vest and pants. When he was as naked as she was, he loomed over her, his expression dark and grim.

“Ask me?”

She realized then how much she’d hurt his pride earlier. In spite of her unspoken invitation, he would not take her to bed until she invited him. He was aroused, his cock hard and ready, the thick veins that ran through his shaft pulsing in need, but he made no move toward her.

“Be sure,” he added. “Once you say yes, I will not leave your bed while you are here.”

Sam glanced toward Darian, who was still standing naked by the fire. He slowly nodded.

She looked back at Jace and noted the pain in his gaze, the hurt, the expectation that even now she might reject him. She held out her hand. “Come to me.”

If she was expecting him to jump into bed with her immediately, she was sadly mistaken. He put his hands on her thighs and shoved them wide. His fingers tightened and he gave a low growl of pleasure as he leaned inward. “I have to taste your pussy.”

Sam had never met two men more earthy and plainspoken when it came to sex than Darian and Jace. She’d also never known two men who seemed to enjoy going down on a woman like they did.

Jace ate her as though he was a starving man and she was a banquet. He tasted and teased, nipped and stroked. His tongue flicked the hard kernel of nerves at the apex of her thighs and she came halfway off the bed, her back arching into his touch. She almost came, but he stopped just before it could happen.

She moaned, grabbed his hair and tried to pull him back where she wanted him. His low laugh of pleasure sent a shiver of desire rocketing through her. His tongue probed the opening of her slick channel, pressing inside. “Jace.” She cried his name, wanting more of him.

She reached for him, wanting to stroke his cock, to learn his shape and size, but he kept just out of reach. Frustrated, she started to sit up, but the other side of the bed depressed and she fell back.

Then she was lifted slightly, her shoulders supported by strong arms and a flat stomach. Darian was behind her, his thick shaft digging into her spine. He cupped her breasts and teased her nipples.

Sam’s gaze flew back to Jace, wondering how he would react to Darian joining them in bed. He gave her a reassuring nod before diving between her spread thighs once again.

The two men surrounded her. With Darian behind her and Jace between her spread thighs, she was totally vulnerable. They could do anything they wanted to her and she wouldn’t be able to stop them. She had a feeling no one in the castle would lift a finger to help her either. Jace and Darian were obviously in charge here.

She should have been frightened out of her mind. Instead, she’d never felt safer in her entire life.

Sam gave up thinking and reasoning. She shoved worry aside, losing herself in the heat the two men generated. She reached one hand behind her head and touched Darian’s face. He nuzzled his cheek against her palm. She stretched out her other hand toward Jace, pleased when he lifted his face into her touch.

His lips were wet from her cream and the sensual sight sent a shudder of longing throughout her body. “Jace.”

He licked his lips before kissing her inner thigh. “Hmm.”

“Don’t wait.” She needed him and she needed him now.

His entire body tensed as he knelt on the edge of the bed and lifted her thighs over his. His balls hung heavy between his legs and the top of his cock was damp. She wanted to touch him, to feel him pulsing between her palms, but there was no time.

Later, she promised herself. Later, she would touch both of them, returning the pleasure they’d given her.

Jace fitted the head of his cock to Sam’s slick opening and pushed his way inside. Her pussy was snug and he took his time, not wanting to hurt her by going too fast. He clenched his fists, shoving them into the bedding on either side of her waist to keep from ramming into her.

He met Darian’s gaze and relaxed slightly when his brother nodded. She’d taken Darian earlier so she could take him too. He leaned forward, pushing his cock inward, sucking much needed air into his lungs, as her vaginal muscles rippled around him. He was breathing as though he’d run ten miles by the time he was fully seated.

Sam reached for him and he leaned forward, pleased when she yanked his head down so she could kiss him. Her tongue teased his, rubbing it and then pulling back so he would chase it into her mouth.

His balls were tight against his body and he knew he was running out of time. Sam had to come before he did. He needed her pleasure, needed her to know he’d always put her first.

Jace tucked his hands beneath her, cupping the firm mounds of her ass. Then he began to move. Slowly at first, he rocked in and out of her. When she moaned into his mouth, he sat back and began to move faster.

Darian stilled cupped her breasts and played with her nipples. They looked so pretty, a lovely shade of pink. Jace leaned down and lapped at one of the puckered tips before sucking the nipple into his mouth.

Sam’s pussy clutched wildly at his shaft and, for a moment, Jace wasn’t sure he could hold back. Somehow he managed to keep from coming, but it was a close thing. He released her nipple and began to thrust heavily, loving the way her channel squeezed him on every stroke.

“Come for me.” It was part plea, part command. Jace reached between their joined bodies and found her clit, stroking it with his thumb.

Sam’s head jerked back against Darian’s chest. Her mouth opened and she screamed Jace’s name as she came. Her pussy spasmed and Jace couldn’t hold out any longer. He yelled, coming hard and long, emptying his seed into Sam. Maybe it was wrong of him, but he longed to give her a child, wanted that more than anything.

He collapsed and his cock drove even deeper. Burying his face between her breasts, Jace struggled for breath and composure. Somehow, someway, this woman had taken his heart. And she was still determined to leave.

He tightened his arms around her, wondering how he was ever going to let her go.

Chapter Seven

When Sam woke, the room was filled with light and she was alone in bed. She pushed herself up until she was in a seated position, grabbing the thick fur covering when it fell to her waist. She was naked and yesterday really had happened. Two gorgeous men had kidnapped her. Either that, or she’d been whisked away to an alternate world where it was okay for a woman to have two or more men as lovers. In fact, it was expected.

She was getting a headache just thinking about it.

“Two more days,” she muttered. If they were telling her the truth, then she’d be free to go in a little more than two more days. She shoved aside the tiny voice in the back of her head that whispered that staying here with Jace and Darian wasn’t such a bad thing. She had a life to get back to and a farm to save.

Sam slid off the mattress and grabbed the thick robe lying across the trunk at the end of the bed. One of the men must have put it there for her. She felt her cheeks heating as she remembered last night. She’d really had sex with both brothers.

She shoved her arms into the sleeves and belted the robe. It felt heavy against her sensitive skin. Her nipples were puckered and not because of the slight chill in the air. Her stomach growled, reminding her she hadn’t eaten in quite some time. “Shower and clothes first, then food.”

The stone floor was cold beneath her feet as she padded to the door in the corner, listening for a moment to make sure it wasn’t occupied before she pushed it open. The wooden tub was filled with steaming water. She frowned, wondering how someone had managed that without waking her.

Sam walked around the room and found a hidden door on the far end. What she’d thought was a decorative panel on the wall was really a door. There was no handle, but there was a slot built into the design that acted as one. She curled her fingers into the opening and pulled. The door opened easily. She looked out into the corridor but saw no one. She shut the door again.

It seemed likely that the water elves had come that way. Still, she wasn’t about to cut off her nose to spite her face. But she wasn’t getting into a tub of water without finding some way to secure the door. No way did she want some stranger walking in on her when she was naked.

The washstand wasn’t overly large, but it was sturdy. She put her hands on it and shoved. It slid easily over the floor and she kept going until it was in front of the hidden door. It wouldn’t stop anyone from getting in, but it would hinder them. More importantly, it would give her enough warning to jump out of the tub and grab the robe if someone tried.

Satisfied the door was as secure as she could make it, Sam padded back to the tub and stuck her hand into the water. She nearly moaned aloud when the heat permeated her chilled skin. She was sweaty and sticky after everything that happened yesterday and dearly wanted to get clean. And since there was no shower, the bath would have to do.

She slipped off the robe and draped it over a small stool that stood beside the tub. A washcloth, bar of soap and a towel sat on a ledge on the opposite side. Gripping the wooden sides for stability, Sam stepped into the tub and lowered herself into the steaming hot water.

“Oh, this is wonderful.” Working on the farm left her little time for relaxing. A quick shower in the morning and another one before supper was what she was used to. This was sheer decadence.

The tub was large, probably because it had to be big enough to fit Darian. No, scratch that thought. She didn’t want to imagine a naked Darian, all the prime male flesh and muscles wet and aroused as he relaxed in the water.

Sam groaned and slid entirely beneath the water, letting it flow over her. No worries about it cooling off, not with the hot fantasizes her mind was weaving. She pushed up to a seated position, shoved her slick, wet hair away from her face and reached for the soap.

She examined the large bar first, sniffing it. A light floral scent tickled her nostrils. It smelled a lot like lavender and seemed to be infused with bits of herb or flower. She normally used a cheap brand of soap—the same kind her brother had used—so this was a luxury. She rubbed it over her arms and legs, enjoying the way it lightly bubbled.

Closing her eyes, she inhaled the light fragrance. Immediately, her mind conjured an image of a bubble-covered Jace reclining in the tub. She groaned and covered her face with her hands. “Stop it.” She had to quit thinking about the brothers in such a way. In two days they’d go their separate ways and probably never see one another again.

She opened her eyes, ignoring the tight feeling in her chest when she thought about never seeing either man again. Looking around, she didn’t notice anything resembling shampoo so she used the soap on her hair, scrubbing her scalp and lathering her tresses. When she was ready, she slid down in the tub again, using her hands to try to rinse it. What she’d really like was a bucket of clean water, but this would have to do.

Sam sat upright in the tub, swiping the water away from her eyes. A towel appeared before her. She jerked around, sending water sloshing over the rim of the tub and cascading onto the floor.

Jace crouched next to her, calmly holding the towel. He was dressed as he’d been yesterday with leather pants, boots and vest, along with those metal arm- and wristbands. Once again, he had two skinny braids on either side of his rugged face. He was even better looking than she remembered. Or maybe she only felt that way because she was coming to know him better. None of which mattered. What mattered was he was in the bathroom with her.

“How did you get in here?” The secret door was still barred by the washstand. She almost smacked herself in the head at her stupidity. She hadn’t blocked the bedroom entrance. She’d assumed the closed bathroom door would be enough to keep someone from coming in unannounced. Obviously, she’d been wrong to believe that. She pulled her legs up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them, feeling very exposed and vulnerable.

Jace sighed and wiped the water from her face. “Do you want me to rinse your hair for you?”

“There’s no clean water.”

Jace reached around to the bottom of the tub and pulled out a bucket. Somehow when she was pushing the washstand against the door, she’d missed seeing it.

She chewed on her bottom lip. It would be stupid not to use the water. “I can do it,” she began.

He shook his head and lifted the bucket, holding it expectantly.

Sam sighed, recognizing the stubborn glint in his eyes. She knelt, careful to keep as much of herself covered as possible. Maybe it was stupid. No, scratch that, it was totally stupid. He’d already seen all there was to see of her last night. But she’d never been one to flaunt herself and wasn’t comfortable having him here while she was naked in her bath.

Lowering her head, she waited.

Jace slowly poured the clean water over her hair. Strong fingers combed through the strands, making certain all the soap was gone. Sam sighed, enjoying the feeling of being pampered and cared for. Moments like these had been far and few in her life, especially coming from a man.

When he was done, he lowered the bucket and squeezed the excess water from her hair. “Sit back.”

Sam maneuvered into a seated position, all the while keeping her legs bent to her chest. Thankfully the soapy water helped to hide her.

Jace sighed and cupped her face in his hands. He leaned down and kissed her, the quick movement startling her. He deepened the kiss until their tongues were tangling together and Sam forgot why it wasn’t a good reason to be kissing him.

Before she knew it, her traitorous body was responding to his nearness. Her hands crept over his firmly muscled chest to his broad shoulders, clinging to him while she lost herself in their heated kiss. Oh, he tasted good, like apples, tart and sweet at the same time.

By the time he pulled back, she was gasping for breath, but she wasn’t alone. Jace was just as affected by the kiss as she was. “Why?” he asked her. “Why hide yourself from me. I told you to be sure last night. I will not leave you now.”

She remembered him telling her that last night, but she’d been too far gone with passion to care. “I’m not used to having a man see me naked in the bathtub in the middle of the morning.” Or at any other time of the day for that matter. She’d only ever gotten naked with a man in bed. This was a new experience for her.

Jace smiled. “I am glad.”

Oh, yeah. No mistaking the satisfied male smile. But, surprisingly, it didn’t piss her off. Instead, she found herself smiling.

“I will dry you.” Jace stood and grabbed the towel. Shaking it out, he held it and waited. Sam sat in the cooling water, trying to decide what to do. Should she let him dry her or should she send him away? In spite of everything, she felt in her heart he’d leave her if she truly wanted him to. The question was what did she want?

Sam took a deep breath, grabbed the sides of the tub and stood.

Every muscle in his body was tense as Jace waited to see what Sam would do. He’d risen early, as was his habit, and after breaking his fast went to the stables to check on his new stallion. But he hadn’t been able to stay away. The picture of Sam, soft and warm in his brother’s bed haunted him. He’d held her through part of the long night, marveling at how well she’d fit in his arms.

Pride and self-preservation had driven him from her side, but curiosity, need and, yes, a small sliver of hope had driven him back to her side.

When he’d entered the room and found the bed empty, he’d panicked for a moment, wondering if the tapestry had already appeared and taken her home. The magic seemed to be working to new rules this time around. Ones he didn’t understand.

His heart had skipped a beat and then started racing when he heard the water splashing in the other room. Sam was taking a bath. The temptation to see her wet and naked was too much to resist. He’d stood for several long minutes in the doorway, watching her scrub her hair. She’d been humming a tune he didn’t recognize and he’d been totally enthralled by the sensual picture she made.

Her back was narrow, her neck slender. In his opinion, she was a tad too thin. There were muscles under her skin though, proving that whatever she did in her world she worked hard. He knew there were calluses on her hands. Once again, he wondered where the men were—father or brothers, uncles or cousins.

When Sam stood, every other thought fled. The water rolled down her supple body. A bead dripped from the tip of one pert breast and Jace had the sudden urge to lick the remaining water from her body. His cock was hard and ready, but he restrained his urges. Today was all about Sam. About showing her how good it could be between them if she stayed.

He took a step toward her and she nibbled on her bottom lip again. It was a gesture he’d noticed she made when she was nervous or uncertain. Another bead of water gathered on her nipple. Unable to resist this time, he leaned forward and sipped the drop from her breast.

Sam sucked in a breath. “Jace?”

He straightened and licked his lips. She shuddered and both her nipples tightened beneath his gaze. He was glad she was as affected by the sensual pull between them as he was.

Jace reached for her hand and helped her climb out of the tub. When she was steady, he wrapped the drying cloth around her and rubbed. He dried her arms and back before turning to her full, pert breasts.

He paid careful attention to each mound, rubbing the cloth over the tips. Sam moaned, but didn’t stop him. Her blue eyes seemed even darker than normal, filled with a sensual hunger he longed to sate.

He worked the towel lower, over her torso and her stomach, caressing more than he was actually drying her. Not that she seemed to mind. Her body swayed closer and he almost shouted his pleasure. She’d allowed Darian to touch her yesterday. Now it was his turn.

Jace dropped to his knees in front of her, ignoring the ache in his balls and the throbbing in his cock. “Open your legs for me.”

Sam hesitated for a moment before doing as he asked. He ran the cloth up and down her thighs, moving closer to her pussy with each stroke. She was already damp, but he didn’t know if it was because of the bathwater or if she was aroused or both.

Determined to discover the truth, he nuzzled her curly pubic hair before delving deeper into her slick folds. She moaned and dug her fingers into his shoulders for balance. He loved the slight sting from her short nails where they dug in just past the edge of his leather vest.

“Jace.” Her name fell from her lips like a lover’s caress and he shuddered with growing need. He wanted to fuck her. Desperately wanted to slide his cock into her pussy. She’d be so tight around him and would milk his cock until he came, just as she’d done last evening.

Jace used his iron will to clamp down on his lust and push it aside. He wanted to pleasure Sam, feed her and show her around his home. He wanted her to truly understand what kind of life she would have if she stayed at Hunter Keep.

Using his thumbs, he pushed her slick folds of her pussy wide, determined to make her come.

Sam hung onto Jace’s shoulders, knowing if she let go she’d end up in a heap on the cold stone floor. She gazed down on his broad, leather-clad shoulders. His blond hair fell over his back and shoulders and stroked her thighs in a sensual caress every time he moved.

Jace was aroused. There was no hiding the large bulge in the front of his pants, but he didn’t seem to be in any hurry to fuck her. She was naked and obviously willing.

His tongue lapped and sucked at her pussy and she threw back her head and cried out. Oh God, was she ever willing. There was something about Jace and his brother that pushed all her sexual buttons.

Wherever he touched her, he left her skin feeling hot and sensitive and aroused. It was almost frightening how easily she responded to him, but it was mesmerizing too. Her earlier awkwardness and shyness vanished the moment he’d touched her to be replaced by an intense longing for something she didn’t want to put a name to.

Instead of wanting things she couldn’t have, she concentrated on enjoying what she did have—Jace on his knees in front of her with his face buried between her thighs.

His tongue circled her clit before he captured it between his lips and sucked. Sam cried out his name and burrowed her fingers into his hair, pulling him closer. No way did she want him to stop now, not when she was on the verge of an orgasm.

Strong, thick fingers trailed up her inner thighs before delving between them. Sam knew what was coming and could hardly wait. He pushed one inside her sheath and withdrew it. She gasped and tugged on his hair. “More,” she demanded.

This time two fingers filled her, pushing deep before withdrawing. Her entire focus was centered on what was happening between her legs. Never in her life had reaching orgasm seemed so vitally important.

“Jace.” She didn’t know what to say, how to convey what she needed.

It didn’t matter. He understood. He worked a third finger inside her and sucked hard on her clit. A series of mini explosions seemed to detonate within her, setting off a major one. Her entire body shook and she cried out his name as she came. Her inner muscles clamped down hard on his fingers. He curled them inward and found a spot that triggered another round of spasms.

Sam fell forward but she didn’t fall. Strong arms caught her and held her while she rode out the most amazing climax. A heavy heartbeat drummed against her ear and a thick cock pressed against her side. Yet all Jace did was rub his hand over her back and arm as he held her.

She swallowed back the lump in her throat and willed the tears back. She had no idea why she was so emotional. It was just sex and she’d had sex before. Granted, none quite this intense, but still.

Problem was it felt like much more than just sex. Sam was starting to have feelings for Jace and his brother. How could she not? In spite of everything, they treated her better than any men ever had, which was a sad commentary on her life.

Determined not to be sad and to enjoy the moment, Sam turned her face into his chest and kissed it. She could return the favor and bring Jace some pleasure. But the moment she slid her hand toward his dick, he stood and placed her on her feet.

Bewildered by his actions, she looked at him and cocked one eyebrow, silently questioning him.

“This is all about you, Sam. Or should I call you Samantha?”

She shook her head. “Sam is fine.” She hesitated before asking the obvious question. “Don’t you want me?” George had always been trying to change her, encouraging her to wear the occasional dress and makeup. Even though she thought it hadn’t, it had obviously left her with some insecurities.

He grabbed her hand and placed it over his erection. Even though the leather of his pants she could feel his cock throbbing with need.

Jace removed her hand and carefully hooked a strand of damp hair behind her ear. It was only then she wondered what she must look like. Probably a slightly drowned rat. She hadn’t even combed her hair and it was still mostly wet.

“This time is about you, about your pleasure.” Her stomach chose that moment to growl and embarrass her. Jace grinned. It was so quick she almost missed it and it made him seem younger and much more approachable than usual. “And it is time to feed you.

“You still have almost two days here and I plan to make the most of them.”

Sam didn’t know if that was a promise or a threat. Before she could decide, Jace retrieved the towel and wrapped it around her.

“When you dry off there are clean clothes on the trunk in the bedroom. I’ll be waiting in the hallway and when you’re done I’ll escort you down to break your fast.”

He spun on his heel and stalked from the room, closing the door behind him. Sam sagged against the wall and took a deep breath. Her toes were curled, her skin tingled and her breasts felt swollen and tender. Not to mention the throbbing aftershocks still echoing between her thighs.

Her stomach growled again and there was no ignoring it. She grabbed the wet cloth from the tub and gently washed between her thighs. When she was done, she found the comb and untangled her hair, quickly braiding it. Thankfully, the elastic was still sitting on the edge of the vanity where she’d left it last night, and she used it to secure her hair. Taking a deep breath, she left the bathroom and entered the bedroom.

True to his word, Jace wasn’t there and there was a bundle of clothing on the trunk. Excitement and hunger warred inside her as she hurried to get dressed and join Jace.

Chapter Eight

The clothes Sam was wearing were really comfortable. She’d feared the clothing Jace had left her might include a dress much like the one Edwina had been wearing when she’d met the older woman. Really not her style.

Instead, she’d found a pair of leather pants, which she cinched tight to keep them from slipping over her hips, a pair of boots that fit rather well and a long-sleeved tunic that fell to just below her hips. What she wasn’t wearing were panties or a bra, both of which had been missing from the room along with the rest of her clothing.

As promised, Jace had been waiting in the hallway for her. He’d taken her hand and led her downstairs to the large room she’d seen yesterday. A long table sat at one end with some plates and bowls of food. She’d thought he’d join her. Instead, he’d left her with his mother, which was a little awkward considering she’d had sex with both the woman’s sons.

“Have you had enough, dear?” Edwina asked. Like yesterday, the older woman was wearing an ankle-length dress, this one a bright yellow. The cloth appeared to be somewhere between a cotton and a linen and was embroidered with tiny flowers around the neck and cuffs.

“Yes, thank you.” Sam pushed aside the bowl of porridge she’d just finished. Her stomach was nicely full. She’d had the porridge, two slices of thick grainy bread and several slabs of a mild yellow cheese that was absolutely delicious. And she’d washed the works of it down with a mellow apple cider, the taste of which reminded her of Jace’s earlier kiss.

Edwina picked up her wooden mug, taking a sip of tea before placing it back on the table in front of her. “I know all this must seem strange to you,” she began.

Sam hesitated, not wanting to be impolite to the older woman, but there was no getting around the fact that she was somewhere she didn’t want to be. Great sex aside, she had a life. Might not seem like much of one to some folks, but it was hers. “I really want to call home and check in with my friend.” Tim would be worried sick considering she was supposed to have shown up for dinner last night with him and Mary.

Her cell phone had disappeared along with her clothes, something she was definitely going to ask Jace about when she saw him again. He’d disappeared so quickly she hadn’t had time to question him about it.

Edwina appeared concerned, wringing the poor mug between her hands. “I’m not sure what you mean by calling home.”

Sam studied the older woman. It didn’t seem as though she was lying. “You know, use the telephone.” She held her hand to her ear and curled the middle three fingers inward before motioning with her pinkie and thumb like she was using the phone.

Edwina sighed and stood. “Come, let me show you something.”

Sam dropped her hand and pushed out of her chair. Fine with her. She obviously wasn’t going to get a straight answer from their mother. It was time to find and confront Darian and Jace again.

“This way.” Edwina led the way out the front door of the castle, pausing on the wide stone steps. “Look around you. Everywhere you look is Javara. This is not your world, child. You must come to some acceptance of that fact. Denying it will not change it.”

“Look,” Sam began. “I honestly think you believe what you’re saying, but I can’t.”

“Then how do you explain your being here?”

“I can’t.” She wasn’t about to mention her theories about being drugged. Strangely enough, she didn’t want to upset the older woman who was not responsible for her sons’ actions.

Edwina sighed and shook her head and Sam knew she’d disappointed the other woman. “If you’re looking for Jace and Darian, you’ll find them in the training ring this time of day.” She pointed beyond the stables. “Look around if you like. None will stop you.”

Sam nodded and started down the stairs, suddenly gripped with the need to see both brothers. She was halfway down when Edwina called out to her.

“Samantha.”

Sam paused and turned.

Edwina squared her shoulders and met Sam’s gaze. “Be careful with my sons. You hold their hearts and their futures in your hands.” With that, Edwina turned and went back inside.

Her words shook Sam to her core. Edwina was mistaken. No way was she in any way responsible for either man’s heart. They’d had sex. That’s all it was. Three consenting adults engaging in some sexual fantasies, nothing more.

She ignored the way her breakfast curdled in her belly and the pang of regret in her heart as she hurried toward the stables. The familiar whinny of horses teased her ears as she passed. She had a quick peek and promised herself she’d check out the equine inhabitants a little later. Sam missed having horses on the farm.

There were several men working just outside the building and they nodded at her as she hurried by. She nodded back, but didn’t stop. She did, however, feel their gazes on her. Her spine tingled and it was an uncomfortable sensation.

She turned the corner of the stables and slammed to a halt like she’d hit an invisible wall. Both Jace and Darian were naked from the waist up, except for those wrist- and armbands they wore. Both were wielding extremely large, and what appeared to be extremely sharp swords.

Darian’s weapon cut through the air, heading toward Jace’s heart. All the blood drained from her face and she felt lightheaded as Jace countered at the last second. The two blades struck and one slid along the other, leaving a shower of sparks.

“Almost got you, old man,” Darian taunted.

“Old man, my ass. I’m only letting you think you have a chance to beat me. Wouldn’t want you to become too discouraged,” Jace fired back.

Sam leaned against the corner of the stable and watched as the two fought. These were no recreational warriors. The blades were an extension of their arms, cutting and hacking through the air, always being struck aside at the very last second before either of them could lose a major body part. She was afraid to speak, afraid to distract them. And she was utterly mesmerized by the display of swordsmanship.

Sam took a deep breath and forced her gaze away from the Hunter brothers. There were a few other people around, mostly men, although she did see the occasional woman. In the distance she could see more people working in the fields and tending animals.

What she didn’t see were power lines or telephone towers. Come to think of it, there weren’t any electric lights or even outlets in the castle. It was all like something from several hundred years ago.

She swallowed hard and looked back toward Darian and Jace. Sweat shone on their broad chests and shoulders as they continued their deadly dance. She thought about the weapons they had—knives and swords. She thought about the tapestry she’d seen yesterday morning floating in midair in spite of the dead heat.

Oh God. It was true.

All of it was true.

She really was in another place, another planet or dimension. She wasn’t quite sure which. Another world was probably the best place to put it. Javara. They’d all told her as much but she hadn’t really believed it. But this place, these people. It was too much of an elaborate setup to be anything but real.

There was no way they could have taken her somewhere else so quickly, not somewhere like this without leaving the country. And, really, why would the Hunter brothers turn up in the middle of nowhere Texas and kidnap a penniless farmer? It didn’t make any sense. There was nothing in it for them—certainly not money.

Feeling slightly nauseated, Sam slid down the side of the barn until she was sitting in the dirt. She lowered her head and sucked in a deep breath. She really was in another world.

Worry hit her hard. Would she ever see her farm, her home again?

“Sam?”

It was only when she heard her name she realized the clang of metal had ceased. She looked up to see both men staring down at her with concern in their eyes. They really were in earnest when they said they wanted her to stay here and marry one of them.

Sam thought of the pledge Darian had already given her, offering himself, his life and his brother’s, offering her love and devotion. But he couldn’t love her. Neither of them could. They didn’t really know them any more than she knew them.

Her breathing was getting faster and it was getting harder to take in enough air. Her vision dimmed.

She was plucked off the ground and into a strong pair of arms. Neither man seemed to notice her size and weight and carried her around as though she weighed next to nothing. She knew without looking that it was Jace who held her. Amazing how quickly she’d come to know each man’s touch.

Darian stood beside his brother. “Breathe, Sam. Take a slow, deep breath.” His voice was low and soothing. She wished she could tell him she wasn’t losing her mind, just coming to accept what should be totally unbelievable.

She followed his instructions as best she could and was grateful when her vision cleared.

“Bring her inside,” Darian ordered, but she shook her head.

“No. Outside.” She always did better outside than in. She was afraid if they took her inside the castle walls might close around her. “This is real,” she managed to get out. “All of it.”

Jace’s arms stiffened around her. “You finally believe.”

She nodded, not sure what else to say. It was all too strange, like something out of a book or movie. Not the kind of thing that happened to an ordinary woman like her.

Darian took her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “The tapestry brought you here for a reason, Sam. The magic only brings a woman who has the potential to thrive here. It’s up to you if you stay or go.” His expression darkened. “There is only one chance. Three days and you must choose. There is no changing your mind once it is done, so be very sure.”

In three days—no make that two days if the time counted from when she’d first found them on her land—she’d go back to her farm and they’d remain here. She’d never see them again. Her heart ached and she trembled. She had to go back. She didn’t belong in this world where the people lived like something out of a medieval tale, except for the whole “sharing her bed with two men” deal. She really didn’t think a ménage à trois had been commonplace back in Medieval England, but who really knew.

“I need to walk.” When she had something on her mind it always helped her to walk. Back when they’d still owned horses, she’d ridden.

Jace set her down, but she felt his reluctance, the way his arms tightened briefly before he released her. “We will go with you.”

She didn’t argue with him. She didn’t know this world and what potential dangers lurked beyond the walls of the castle. Sure as she was standing here, they didn’t train with those lethal swords for nothing. She nodded. “Okay.”

Darian touched her arm and nodded his head off to the right. “If we go this way, you can see the fields. There is a lake just beyond.”

The farmer in her was curious to see what they were growing. “Lead on.”

With Jace on one side of her and Darian on the other, the three of them headed toward the lush fields and the men working them.

Both men fell in beside her as they walked. She sensed their awareness, the way they scanned their environment constantly monitoring it for danger. That was something ingrained in them, totally natural, like breathing.

Warriors. Both men truly were warriors.

It was hard to wrap her head around their culture. “Don’t men fight over having to share a woman?” The question popped out before she could stop it. Usually she liked to brood and think when she had stuff on her mind. Of course, this wasn’t a normal situation.

“Our history tells of a time when there were as many women as men, but something happened. No one quite knows what, but there were less and less girl children born each generation.” Darian brushed her hand with his before twining their fingers together. “Men fought. Brothers killed brother,” he continued. “It was a bloody time in our history.”

Two of the male workers in the field called out to the brothers and they waved. Sam wondered what crop they were growing, but didn’t ask. She had other questions she needed answers to first.

She couldn’t imagine what it must have been like for brothers and friends, all wanting the same woman. And the poor women. It had to have been hell for them too.

“What happened to change that?” How did a society evolve to accept a ménage à trois as normal?

“Survival.” It was Jace who spoke. The low timbre of his voice sent a shiver of desire through her. “It was a matter of survival. Too many of the young men were dying in the fighting over the women. The most powerful families got together and came up with the idea to allow one woman to be claimed by up to three brothers. She had to marry one of them and only he can claim her children as his own, but they might very well belong to his brothers. As well, each brother has at least one night each week alone with the woman. That way no one is left out and everyone is happy.”

They left the open fields behind and entered the woods. It was darker here, the sun not penetrating the thick growth as easily. Sam felt the cold seeping into her bones. Neither man seemed to notice even though they were both bare chested.

“That’s a lot to ask of a woman.” Physically it wouldn’t be easy to keep up to three men satisfied. Emotionally it would be even more difficult. How did a woman choose? And what if she really didn’t like her husband’s brothers?

Darian gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. “We understand and respect that fact and treat our women well.”

“The decision was a long, long time ago and women are raised to expect it, just as we are.” Jace’s voice was flat and matter-of-fact. “Our history is divided into the time before the tapestry and the time after.”

“And how did the whole tapestry thing come about?” She was doing her best to understand their world, but it was very different from hers in this fundamental way.

“A sorceress.” Darian continued, edging closer to her as the path narrowed. “No one knows where she came from, but when a family decided to try to claim her, she fought back with her magic. The tale came out about our problem and she created the tapestry. Once a generation, sometimes twice, it appears, bringing a woman from another time and place to Javara.”

Sam swallowed hard. “So there are women living here now who come from my world?” That was a lot to wrap her head around.

“Yes.” Jace stopped and faced her, the sunlight and shadows falling across his face like stripes, giving him an even more fierce appearance. “Christina Garen, Jane Bakra, Kathryn Garen, Roxanne Craddock and Audrey Dannon.”

“Umm.” Sam was boggled by the idea of five other women being plucked out of their lives and brought here. Then something Darian said earlier struck her. “I thought you said the tapestry came once, maybe twice in a generation?”

Jace raked his hand impatiently through his hair. “That is how it has always been. But something has changed.”

“Kathryn is actually a descendant of the original sorceress,” Darian added. “Maybe that has caused the change.”

Jace whirled around and continued walking, his long, muscular legs eating up the ground in front of him. Sam hurried to keep up. “Are they the only women who came or did some return to their own world?”

Darian’s hand tightened around hers making her wince. He immediately released her. Her fingers felt chilled after his warmth. “They all stayed,” he whispered.

Great, just great. So she’d be the only one who went home. Maybe the other women had lives that sucked. Hers wasn’t so bad. She missed the heat of Texas, walking on land that belonged to her and her family. It wasn’t wrong for her to want to return to everything that was familiar.

The forest ended abruptly and she stepped into a meadow of wildflowers. The ground looked like an intricately woven carpet, alive with vibrant color. Red, yellow, orange, purple and blue circled and swirled as far as the eye could see.

“Wow, this is incredible.” She’d never seen anything quite so lovely. The mountains loomed high in the distance and the sky was clear and blue. There was no sign of pollution, no noise from jets or planes of any kind. The only sounds were those that came from the gentle lap of the water on the shoreline and the animals that lived around the lake. A bird sang its song as it flew by and Sam caught a glimpse of yellow wings before it disappeared into a tree.

“Come.” Jace stood on the edge of the shoreline, hand extended.

She walked to him, loving how the soft leather boots made little sound. It seemed a shame to step on the flowers, but there was no place to walk where she wouldn’t step on some of them. Their perfume teased her nose and made her smile.

Jace’s hard hand closed around hers and he motioned to the lake with the other. “This is all Hunter land. It goes up into the mountain.”

She could hear the pride in his voice. It reminded her of her father and the way he’d always spoken about Calloway land. “It’s beautiful.”

“And bountiful.” Darian came up on her other side and took her free hand. “The mountains are filled with rare plants that are used for medicinal and culinary purposes. We harvest them for use and trade.”

She peered up at the tall, unforgiving mountain. “That can’t be easy.”

“It is if you know the mountain’s secrets, which we do. Only those from Hunter Keep, and then only a precious few, know the way.”

“We might not have as much wealth as some, but we are rebuilding.” Jace’s voice was as harsh as his expression. Sam could see pain and determination on his face.

“You’ve got the land. That’s more important than wealth.” She knew that better than anyone. It was the same philosophy her father and grandfather had held. If a person had land they could make their way in the world somehow.

Jace turned to her, his frown deepening. “You understand this.” He placed his hand over her heart, which quickly picked up its pace when he touched her. “You know it here.”

She nodded. “I do.” She gazed up at the majestic mountain, which was obviously a huge part of life at Hunter Keep. “I know what it means to have land and a family legacy.” She had to make them understand that her leaving wasn’t due to them. She liked them, much more than she should, considering how little time she’d known them. But they were admirable men, strong men, men a woman could trust.

“My family has been on our land for several generations now.”

“Where are your men?” Jace demanded. “Your father, your brothers?”

Pain lanced through her and she pulled away from them both, moving closer to the edge of the pond. “My brother was killed in a war.” She wasn’t about to go into the politics that led to his being overseas in a foreign country. They were warriors. They understood battle.

A gentle hand cupped her shoulder. Darian. “I am sorry for your loss.”

Sam nodded and swallowed hard. She missed John so much, his big grin, the way he always teased her when they were kids. He’d been the best older brother a girl could have.

“Your father and mother?” Jace prompted.

“My father died of a heart attack six months after we got word about my brother.” She could still remember the heat of the day and the smell of death.

Darian’s arms came around her, offering her solace. “What of your mother?” he asked.

Sam sighed. “She’s gone too. Cancer.”

“Is that an illness of some kind?” Jace asked, reminding her they weren’t from the same world.

“Yes.”

“So you are all alone now?” Jace continued. He took a step closer, boxing her in between the two of them. Darian was behind her and Jace in front of her.

“Yes, but I still have the land. And I owe it to my father and brother to hold the land they loved so much.” Her heart ached for how much she’d lost. How could she lose the land, her last link to her entire family?

She simply couldn’t.

Chapter Nine

“You will go back?” There was no longer any doubt in Jace’s mind that Sam would return to her world.

“I have to.” There was a wealth of pain in her voice. Jace felt it in his heart. The worst part was that he understood her, even admired her commitment to her family and their land. It was exactly how he felt about Hunter Keep so how could he fault her for it? He couldn’t. But that didn’t keep him from wishing she could somehow transfer that intense love and commitment to him, his brother and their people.

Sam was a woman worth fighting for.

And the battle wasn’t over yet. She was still here and they had two more days before the tapestry returned her to her world.

Jace was more determined than ever to convince Sam to stay. He glanced at Darian and got a slight nod from his brother. Reaching out, he cupped Sam’s face, wanting to erase the sadness he saw there.

“You are here now.” Jace leaned down and kissed Sam. She stiffened at the first contact, but quickly softened, parting her lips slightly as she returned the kiss. Jace ran his tongue along the seam of her mouth before slipping inside to tease, to stroke, to entice.

Her arms came up to twine around his neck and he groaned in satisfaction. He angled his head, wanting to get deeper, to taste every inch of her. How would he live without her when she was gone? She’d given them both a taste of heaven and would take it with her when she returned to her world.

He almost walked away and left Sam and Darian alone, but could not make himself do it. There was too much at stake. Until she was actually gone there was a chance either he or Darian could do something that might make her stay.

Jace leaned back far enough so he could study her face. Her long, black hair was braided, but he wanted to see it, run his fingers through it. He pulled the holder off the end of her hair and unwound it slowly. Her breathing was coming in fast little puffs and her cheeks were flushed.

He finger-combed her hair, loving the sensual slide of the strands. Behind her, Darian reached for the hem of her tunic and eased it up and over her head. Sam raised her arms to help him. The moment her breasts came into view, Jace bent down and captured one pert nipple in his mouth, lapping at the tip with his tongue before sucking deeply.

Sam moaned and her fingers tangled in his hair, tugging him closer. Jace’s cock was throbbing, an unending ache that only Sam could satisfy. His balls were tight and hard, a sign he didn’t have long. Yet he ignored the sexual needs pulsing throughout his body, ignored his instinct to take her to the ground and mount her. More than he wanted to claim her, he wanted her pleasure.

Darian cupped her full breasts in his hands and held them up as offerings, and Jace was more than willing to worship them. Back and forth, he sucked and lapped, teased and tasted. Sweet sensual sounds broke from Sam’s parted lips, music more beautiful than the songbirds of the forest.

“Let us love you,” Jace whispered. He left a trail of openmouthed kisses over her collarbone, up her neck all the way to her ear. “Let us have you. Here. Now.” He caught the sensitive lobe of her ear between his teeth and gently tugged.

Sam was lost in a sea of sensual bliss. Darian was behind her, his erection long and thick against her lower back, telling her just how much he wanted her. His big hands cupped her breasts so gently, holding them for his brother to suckle.

And Jace. The way Jace was touching her brought tears to her eyes. Never had any man made her feel so special. The way he kissed her and stroked her body, as though there was no rush, that all he wanted was to make her feel good, was incredibly arousing. It was also breaking her heart.

She’d never forget these two men. These few days would haunt her for the rest of her life.

“I want you naked. I want to fuck you among the wildflowers.” Jace’s words made her moan aloud.

“Yes.” Throwing herself into the moment, Sam reached for Jace. Time was short and she wanted to run her hands over every inch of both men, to learn their bodies, to caress them as they had her. She wanted to memorize every hard, sculpted muscle and line of their chests and torsos.

Sam ran her hands over Jace’s taut abs, loving the way his muscles jumped beneath his skin. She was glad he was bare from the waist up. Saved time. But he was still wearing too much clothing.

She reached for the tie at the front of his pants and the side of her hand brushed the bulge beneath the leather. Jace swore and pushed her hand aside, making quick work of the ties himself. He pushed the leather away and his cock sprang forward, free from its confinement. It was hard and hot and pulsing with life.

Sam wrapped her hand around his shaft, feeling the heat against her palm. She licked her lips, wanting to taste him.

Leaning forward, she ran her tongue across his chest and found it slightly salty with perspiration. She knew Darian was behind her, watching what she was doing to his brother. Sam felt slightly naughty. Who knew she was an exhibitionist? Not that she ever imagined doing something like this in front of anyone else, but with Jace and Darian nothing seemed wrong. Just the opposite. Everything felt very, very right.

Jace’s lean, strong fingers dug into her hair and massaged her scalp. “Samantha.”

She shivered, loving the way her full name sounded coming from him when he was so aroused. His voice was so low, almost guttural.

Slowly, she lowered herself to her knees in front of him and pushed his pants down around his hips to give her better access. He parted his legs slightly, widening his stance, which allowed her to cup his heavy testicles. She rolled the sac between her fingers, loving how firm and heavy it was. So hot and full of life.

He growled her name once again and guided her face closer to his cock. Sam stroked his shaft from root to tip and back again. Jace wasn’t a small man in any way, but rather than intimidate her, his size made her pussy throb. Oh yeah, she wanted a piece of this.

Jace’s fingers threaded through her hair and he pulled her toward him until his cock head brushed against her lips. She parted them and lapped at the slit before circling the tip with her tongue.

“No more teasing.” He pushed inward and she took him into her mouth. She kept a grip on the base of his cock so he couldn’t go too deep, too fast.

His taste—a combination of heat, musk and saltiness—exploded in her mouth. She moaned and the vibration went through his shaft. Jace’s fingers tightened in her hair and he groaned.

Sam pulled back until only the tip of his cock was in her mouth. She circled the head, dragging her tongue over the thick ridge, before plunging her mouth back down and taking as much of him as she could.

Behind her, Darian swore. She felt him kneel behind her and then his hands were at her waist, opening her pants. Darian shoved the fabric down her thighs and it pooled at her knees. Hot, large hands stroked her stomach before dipping between her thighs and finding her hot core.

Sam cried out as Darian pushed two thick fingers inside her. “I want to fuck you while you suck Jace’s cock.” His breath was hot against her neck and a need unlike any she’d ever felt overtook her. She wanted that too. She wanted Darian’s hard cock powering in and out of her while she sucked Jace’s cock. She nodded, unable to speak.

Jace pulled his shaft away and Sam found herself pulled upright. Her pants fell to her ankles and Darian wasted no time yanking the garment and her boots away while Jace held her steady.

Probably less than a minute passed before Sam found herself back in the same position on her knees with Jace’s cock in her mouth. She pumped his cock, squeezing his hard length, using her mouth and hand in tandem to pleasure him.

Darian knelt behind her, his bigger body surrounding her. “Spread your legs.”

Sam did as he asked and inhaled deeply when she felt the nudge of his cock head against her slick opening. The air was thick with the perfume of musk and arousal and the sweet scent of wildflowers. The cool air brushed over her skin like a lover’s caress in perfect counterpoint to the heat generated by the two brothers. Every inch of her skin felt alive and sensitive. Even her scalp tingled.

Darian wrapped his arm around her waist and held her as he pushed into her, filling her, stretching her.

Jace caught her head between his large hands and fed her more of his cock. And she took him, swallowing hard against the head. He groaned and began to rock his hips, pushing his cock as far as it would go on each thrust.

Sam was completely surrounded by them. Darian started to fuck her, slowly at first, but his movements quickly grew faster. One of his hands slid downward until he found her swollen clit. He stroked the sensitive bud and she cried out, the sound muffled by Jace’s thick cock powering in and out of her mouth.

Darian cupped one of her breasts, teasing the nipple, tugging lightly, even as he continued to stroke her clit. His movements grew jerky and his cock swelled within her.

Sam cupped Jace’s balls and squeezed gently. He seemed to grow even larger as he thrust into her mouth. The hand she had wrapped around the base of his shaft helped her control the depth of his trusts. It also allowed her to feel his cock hardening and she knew he was close to finding release.

Jace came first. His fingers tightened in her hair seconds before his entire body tensed. She felt his orgasm rocket from his testicles, all the way up his shaft and into her mouth. Sam swallowed, milking his cock, giving him every ounce of pleasure she could. His shout filled the clearing and several birds took flight from a nearby tree.

Darian stilled behind her while Jace was coming, but the hot pulse of his thick shaft would no longer be denied. The second Sam released Jace, Darian hammered his cock in and out of her slick core. Her pussy ached and throbbed. She needed to come. Badly.

Jace dropped to his knees in front of her and captured her mouth. She knew he could taste himself on her lips and that was incredibly arousing. Jace stroked her breasts and played with her nipples while Darian continued to fuck her hard.

Sam pulled away from Jace’s mouth and let her head fall back against Darian’s shoulder. She cried out, her body clenching hard. Spasms shook her as her orgasm overtook all her senses.

She heard Darian cry out, felt the flood of wetness between her thighs, the ripple and pulse of his cock and knew he’d come too. The only thing keeping her upright was Darian’s arm around her waist and Jace’s hands on her breasts. Sam relaxed completely, knowing they wouldn’t let her fall.

Pleasurable aftershocks rocked her, leaving rivers of delight in their path. She felt completely boneless and totally relaxed.

Strong arms lifted her. It was a sign of how much she was getting used to the Hunter brothers that it didn’t even seem strange anymore to have one of them carrying her.

“Can you swim?”

She opened her eyes and stared at Darian through a haze of post-orgasm lethargy. Could she what? Swim? “Yeah.” What an odd question to ask her at a time like this.

“Good.” He grinned at her and then she was falling. Sam gasped and managed a half scream before her naked body hit the water. She had the presence of mind to close her mouth before the water enveloped her. The freezing lake cooled her heated body and snapped her senses back. He’d pay for that.

She broke the surface just in time to get soaked again from a large splash alongside her. Sam tread water and watched Darian surface. The moment his head rose above the water, she jumped at him, shoving it back down again.

But he didn’t go down alone. At the last second, he caught her around the waist and dragged her down with him. She opened her eyes, surprised at how well she could see beneath the water. Darian grinned and kissed her, stealing the last of her oxygen just before they surfaced.

Gasping for breath, Sam held onto him, letting Darian do all the work to keep them afloat. “You’re crazy, you know that?”

He shook his head, sending droplets of water spraying everywhere. “No, I’m happy. Thank you, Sam.”

The teasing was gone and she felt the import, the weight of his words. “You’re welcome.”

Sam glanced back at the shore. Jace was standing there, arms crossed and a slight smile on his face. He looked far too alone for her liking. “Come and play.”

He hesitated and looked around. She realized he was scouting for hidden dangers. “Is it safe?” She shivered and the water seemed suddenly colder.

“It is safe,” Darian assured her. “We are deep in Hunter territory. No one will bother us here.”

“Then join us.” Sam issued another invitation to Jace. She hated seeing him so aloof, so alone.

Jace hesitated and Sam was sure he was going to decline. Suddenly he gave a huge war whoop and jumped. Water sprayed over her and Darian in a huge wave. Sam laughed and then yelled as she was playfully pulled underwater. Jace’s strong arms wrapped around her and yanked her back to the surface. Then his lips were on hers, driving back the cold.

Darian sprawled across a bed of wildflowers enjoying the heat of the sun as it seeped into his bare skin. The day was wasting, but he felt no urge to move. Sam lay sprawled between Jace and him, the three of them naked and exhausted. After making love to Sam in the water, they’d all crawled out of the lake and collapsed. It was well past lunch and he was hungry, but not enough to end this interlude with Sam.

She stirred and shivered slightly. Darian sighed, knowing it was time to get dressed and head back. The last thing he wanted was for her to catch a chill. She was accustomed to a much warmer environment. He put his arm around her and pulled her into the cradle of his body.

“You’re always so warm. Both of you.” Her words were sleepy and content. His heart ached at the thought of losing her. She fit perfectly in his arms.

Jace sat up and began to haul on his pants and boots. “It’s time to get dressed and go back.” His brother stood and strapped on his sword, which was lying on the ground beside him.

Sam sat up and stretched, giving another shiver as she reached for her pants. “What time is it anyway?”

Resigned to leaving, Darian stood and dragged on his pants. He looked up, squinting at the sun as he noted its position. “About midafternoon.”

Sam stood and shook out her tunic before slipping it on and tugging it down around her hips. Her hair was damp and slightly tangled. Anyone who saw her would have no doubt as to how she’d spent the past few hours.

Darian smiled and motioned her to come to him. She ambled toward him, stopping when she was in front of him. “What?” she asked.

He shook his head, leaned down and kissed her. “It was too long since I last kissed you.” He took hold of a length of her hair and tugged. “And you need help with this.”

Her cheeks turned a delightful shade of pink, making him laugh. Darian spun her around and raked his fingers through her hair, smoothing it as best he could before he braided it. He’d braided many a horse’s mane and made swift work of the task. It was only when he was done he realized he had nothing to tie it with. The holder she’d used in her head was lost somewhere among the wildflowers, never to be found again.

Jace had anticipated that and held out a short strip he’d sliced off one end of the ties of his pants. Darian wrapped the small piece of thin leather around her hair and tied it off. It would do.

“Come.” Darian held out his hand and waited until Sam took it. Jace was pulling back from them again and Darian knew his brother’s actions were confusing Sam.

“So who’s the older of the two of you?” Sam asked.

When it was obvious Jace wasn’t going to answer, Darian did. “Jace is the older by three years.” He motioned to the thin braids on either side of his brother’s face. “The braids show that he is the eldest. It is the same with every family.”

“What kind of crops do you grow?” When Darian gave her a questioning look, she shrugged. “What can I say, I’m a farmer.”

Darian launched into a brief overview of Hunter Keep, including the crops they grew, the herbs and flowers they harvested from the mountain and the animals they kept. He wanted her to understand exactly what they were offering her and was pleased by her interest. That had to mean she was considering staying. Didn’t it?

He refused to believe otherwise and wanted to kick his brother’s ass for being so silent and withdrawn. Now was the time to engage Sam, to let her learn more about them.

“Wow, that’s quite the operation you have here.” Sam glanced over at Jace. “So you’re in charge of it all?”

Jace nodded. “I am the head of the family, the firstborn. It is the way it is done.”

Sam nodded. “My brother would have inherited the farm if he’d lived.”

As though a curtain had been drawn, sadness descended on Sam. Darian felt it like a living, breathing entity. “I am sorry for your loss, Sam.” He stopped and pulled her into his arms. “You could have a new start here. With us.”

Maybe he shouldn’t be pushing her, but Darian was willing to do whatever it took to get Sam to stay in Javara.

Jace shook his head. “Sam doesn’t want a new start. She just wants to go home. Isn’t that right?”

Anger hit Darian like a lightning bolt and for the first time in his life he wanted to punch his brother. Was Jace out of his mind? He was practically telling Sam he didn’t want her to stay.

Sam faced Jace and frowned. “What’s wrong with my wanting to go home?” She waved her hands at the surrounding woods. “I hear lots about women coming here, having to leave their homes. What do you give up? What do the men here sacrifice? Nothing. It’s easy to judge me when you’re not giving up anything.”

Darian stood back, wondering how Jace would answer her accusation. He didn’t have long to wait.

“We don’t give up anything?” Jace marched straight to Sam, grabbed her by the shoulders and pulled her up until she was balancing on her toes. He leaned down until they were nose to nose. “If you don’t stay, we give up the chance at ever having a family of our own, children to pass our legacy on to. After having you under my body, after being inside you and tasting your uniqueness, we give up the chance of ever having you again. We give up the chance of happiness and love.”

Darian had never seen his brother so angry. Usually Jace was calm and in control. This was totally out of character and told Darian just how deeply his brother felt about Sam. “Jace.” It was a warning to back off and one he hoped his brother heeded.

But Jace wasn’t done yet. “We give up everything while you go back to your home and forget us.”

“I won’t ever forget you,” Sam fired back. “Ever.” Her voice dropped and a lone tear rolled down one cheek.

“Enough.” Darian put a hand on each of them before either of them said something they would regret forever.

“I just want to go home. Is that so wrong?” The pain in Sam’s voice was Darian’s undoing.

“No, Sam, it’s not wrong. I just wish you wanted to stay.”

“I wish she could go now if she wants to so badly.” Jace’s harsh words made Sam flinch and Darian knew his brother regretted the words as soon as they were uttered, but there was no taking them back.

The air around them thickened and began to shimmer. Darian had only felt the sensation twice before. The tapestry.

“It’s only been a day and a half.” This was not normal. Darian turned to his brother. “What have you done? You’ve wished the tapestry into being.”

Jace jumped in front of Sam, pushing her behind him, but the tapestry would not be denied. Darian grabbed Sam’s arm as Jace reached for him. The three of them were connected by touch when the world around them exploded. They were sucked into black void. Darian struggled to hold onto Sam, terrified what might happen if he lost her in this world between worlds.

Then everything went black.

Chapter Ten

Sam groaned and grabbed her aching head. What the heck had happened? One minute she’d been arguing with Jace and the next…

The tapestry. The tapestry had come back. She opened her eyes and saw nothing but bright blue sky. No mountains or trees or clouds. Bolting upright, she stared at an unending sea of brown, brittle hay. Heat surrounded her, rising like waves from the parched ground. There was no other place on earth like this. She was home.

But had she come alone?

Sam swallowed hard, ignoring the ache in the vicinity of her chest. It was only because she was glad to be home. The fact she might never see Jace or Darian again had nothing to do with it.

Dry hay crackled off to her left. “Darian? Jace?” She hurried toward the sound and almost stumbled over Darian as he pushed himself off the ground.

“Where are we?” he asked as he drew his sword and turned in a slow circle.

“Texas.”

Darian slowly lowered his weapon and sheathed it. “Then your wish has been granted.” He looked around. “Where is Jace?”

Sam could hear the fear in his voice and felt her own rising. Had something happened to Jace?

“I’m here.” The deep voice came from behind her. She spun around and watched as Jace rose from the field like some mythical god. He swiped at the dust on his pants and squinted into the sun.

Sam was unsure what to do next. Where was the tapestry? Shouldn’t it be taking the men back home to Javara? “So what happens now?”

Jace shook his head. “Unless the tapestry returns we are trapped here.”

Trapped. Not exactly words she wanted to hear. Sam thought about their mother and all the people at Hunter Keep who were dependent on them. What would happen if the brothers never returned home?

“I’m so sorry.” She wanted to reach out to Jace, but he looked so aloof, so hard and unapproachable standing there with his hands on his waist, peering across her fields. “Weren’t you supposed to come with me?” She was a little fuzzy on how the whole tapestry thing worked.

“No.” It was Darian who answered her. “The tapestry has always brought the women to Javara, never the other way around. Not until now.”

Crap, this couldn’t be good. “But it will come back for you in three days, right?”

Jace shrugged. “Maybe a day and a half or a little longer since you weren’t in Javara for quite a day and a half.” He paused and, if possible, his expression grew even grimmer. “Maybe never.”

As bad as she felt for them, she couldn’t help but point out how their situations were similar to the one she’d found herself in. “Now you know how I felt.”

Jace shook his head. “No, you always knew the tapestry would return in three days and bring you home. This is unprecedented. We may never see home again. It is not the same thing.” He turned his back and stared across the dry vista and she knew he was imagining the lush mountain forest around his home.

Well there was nothing to be done about it. She wished they could go back to Javara but only time would tell. In the meantime, she had to get to the house. Sam turned, orienting herself easily enough. She’d walked and ridden her family’s land since she was old enough to walk and knew the way home.

“We should go back to the house.” She reached toward her back pocket only to discover she was wearing the leather pants, tunic and boots they’d given her. There was no sign of her cell phone or jeans. Oh well, she had plenty more jeans and could probably swing a replacement for her phone.

Sam started walking, very aware of the two large, bare-chested men behind her. They said little and she felt their concern deepen with each step they took. It was all too easy for her to imagine Edwina staring out a window, watching for her sons who might never come home.

Crap. She spun on her heel and faced them both. “I’m sorry this happened to you and I’ll do whatever I can to make sure you get home.” She started to turn back around, but Darian stopped her. His hands were firm, yet gentle on her shoulders. Both men were very aware of their strength and were always careful to temper it whenever they touched her.

“Thank you, Sam.” Darian grinned, but it was a faint imitation of his usual one. “I will use my time here trying to convince you to return to Javara with us.”

Sam ached for all three of them. If she’d been able to get her hands on the sorceress who created the magic tapestry in the first place, she would have given the woman a piece of her mind. Playing with people’s lives like this was downright cruel. All of them were hurting and there was no way for anyone to win.

She placed a hand on his chest and felt his heart beating heavily against her palm. He was one determined warrior, but she couldn’t give him false hope. “This is my home.”

Darian shook his head. “This is where you live. Home is where the people who love and care for you reside. Where are those people, Sam?”

His simple question cut her to her very core. All her family was dead and she was alone.

“Enough.” Jace’s harsh voice silenced them both. “Sam has made her choice.”

Darian spun around to face his brother. “Actually, you made the choice for her when you called the tapestry into existence. Sam never had the full time to make her decision. There is still time. Until the tapestry returns this is not over.”

Sam’s head pounded, she was hot and thirsty, and wanted to get home. She wasn’t up to getting between the two brothers if they started fighting. Home was only twenty minutes away and the sooner she got there, the better. She started walking again and assumed they’d follow her. For a few moments she heard nothing. Then she heard muttering and the crunch of boots hitting the dry grass.

First thing she had to do after she got a shower and changed was to go over to Tim’s place. He and Mary would be worried about her because she hadn’t shown up for dinner last night.

Her life had changed so much since yesterday morning. Not quite a day and a half, but her life would never be the same. She glanced over her shoulder. Darian was studying the surrounding area. She could have told him there was nothing to worry about, not here. The worst they could run into was a snake and they were most likely seeking out shade this time of day. Jace, on the other hand, was staring straight at her.

Angry pale-blue eyes met her darker-blue ones, but Jace said nothing. Sam swallowed hard and looked away. She might not have known them long, but both brothers meant a great deal to her and the thought of not seeing them again deeply hurt her. But the thought of them being trapped here, of them never seeing their mother or home again hurt her worse.

No, as much as she’d love for them to stay with her, she’d do everything in her power to make sure they got home.

Sam stopped and shaded her eyes when she saw movement in the distance. Just beyond the house there seemed to be a bunch of vehicles, including the sheriff’s truck. “Oh shit.”

Jace and Darian flanked her immediately, both with swords drawn.

“Put those down now.” She shoved Jace’s hand, but she might as well have been pushing against a concrete wall. It didn’t move and the sword remained in front of him, and after seeing him practice, Sam knew that Jace sure knew how to use the lethal weapon.

Sam tried again. “Those men have guns, weapons that can kill you from a distance.” She grabbed Jace’s arm and shook it, or at least tried to. “If they see you holding a four-foot sword they might shoot first and ask questions later. They don’t know you and will most likely assume you’re threatening me.”

She turned to Darian, hoping to reason with him and was relieved to see he’d already lowered his sword. “What do you want us to do?”

Sam released a sigh of relief. “We need to hide your weapons.” Both men looked at her as if she’d lost her mind, but she pushed onward. “No, listen to me. We can come back for them later, but you need to hide them for now. Just until I can get rid of the sheriff.”

Jace slowly lowered his blade. “Who is this sheriff?”

“The law. Because I was missing, Tim probably called him.” She motioned to the vehicles in the distance. “They’re probably getting ready to search for me, thinking something happened.”

Sam grabbed a rock and tried to dig a swallow hole, but the ground was hard and dry. She tossed the rock aside. “Just put them here, we can pile some hay over them. Lose the armbands too.”

She heard a shout in the distance. “Hurry.”

Darian and Jace shared a look and slowly unbuckled their swords and placed them carefully on the ground. They quickly tossed their arm- and wristbands beside them. Sam hurriedly threw some dried grasses over everything all the while praying no one would get nosy enough to find them.

She straightened and wiped her hands against her leather pants. Damn, Tim was bound to notice she wasn’t wearing her usual jeans and T-shirt. Well, it couldn’t be helped. She’d figure out how much to tell him once she got rid of the sheriff and the others.

“We’ll say you’re old buddies of John’s. That you stopped by on your way through Texas to visit.” She knew she was babbling, but they were running out of time to get their stories straight. “We spent last night swapping stories about my brother and lost track of time. Okay?”

Jace narrowed his eyes, but nodded. “This is your world. We will trust you.” He glanced toward the men striding across the field. “But we will protect you if the need arises.”

Sam threw her hands into the air and stalked off. She didn’t want to be anywhere near the hidden swords when she met with Sheriff Pritchard. Tim broke away from the group and hurried toward her.

“Sam.” Tim called her name and she wanted to run to him and feel his strong arms around her. He and Mary were all the family she had left. But she forced herself to walk, trying to appear as normal as possible.

“Hey, Tim. What’s all the commotion?”

Tim grabbed her by the arm and thrust her behind him, leveling the rifle he carried at Jace and Darian. “Where the hell have you been and who the hell are these guys?”

Not a good sign when Tim started swearing. Sam swiped a lock of hair off her forehead. “This is Jace and Darian Hunter. They served with John.” Sam carefully pushed the barrel of Tim’s rifle down until it was facing the ground.

Before Tim could respond, the sheriff and the rest of the group joined them. Her two nearest neighbors were there, along with two deputies and, unfortunately, George Rawlins.

“Told you she wasn’t hurt, Tim.” Sheriff Pritchard holstered his gun as he eyed Jace and Darian’s bare chests. Sam didn’t like the smirk on the sheriff’s face and knew what he was thinking. “In fact, looks to me like she was enjoying herself.” The sheriff chuckled at his own joke, but stopped when both Darian and Jace glared at him.

Sam hurried to stand between the Hunter brothers, praying they wouldn’t do something stupid and land themselves in jail. “This is Sheriff Pritchard.” She turned to the sheriff. “I was just telling Tim that this is Jace and Darian Hunter and they served with John. They were passing through Texas and stopped to pay their respects. We were up late last night talking and I wanted to show them the farm before they left.”

“You weren’t answering your phone,” Tim accused.

“I dropped it out in the field and it smashed on a rock. I need to replace it.” She clamped her mouth shut before she started babbling and said too much. She never talked this much, was usually closed-mouthed about her business. The sheriff was nodding, but Tim was staring at her as though she’d grown two heads.

George stepped forward and reached for her, but she took a step back and brought up solid against Jace’s chest. Jace’s large hands dropped on her shoulders. She wasn’t sure if it was to comfort her or simply to keep her there. Beside them, Darian shifted slightly, bringing him into a better defensive position. Both men were ready to fight if necessary. She couldn’t allow that to happen.

George stopped in his tracks and his eyes narrowed. “Who did you say these men were again?”

Sam had had enough. “That’s none of your damn business, George. I’m a grown woman and can invite whoever I want to stay at my farm.” George’s face grew red, but she ignored him and turned back to the sheriff and her neighbors. “I’m really sorry you were worried and I appreciate you coming out here, but I’m fine.”

Both Seth Cutler and Burt Adams tugged on the brim of their hats. “Glad you’re okay, Sam,” Seth said before turning to the sheriff. “I gotta get back to work. Day’s a wastin’.”

“Thanks for your help.” The sheriff individually thanked the men before they all headed back to their vehicles. Then he turned back to Sam. “You sure you’re okay?” The sheriff eyed the Hunter brothers, giving them the once-over yet again.

Sam forced a smile. “I’m fine. Thank you again for your concern.” She wished they would all just leave so she could figure out what to do next.

The sheriff started to leave, but stopped when he realized George and Tim were still standing there. “You coming, George?”

George gave her his most winning smile, the one that had tricked her months ago when she was grieving. She saw it for the crocodile smile it was now. It did nothing for her. Come to think of it, neither did George. After being with Darian and Jace, she couldn’t even remember what she’d seen in George all those months ago. He was manipulative, greedy and grasping, nothing at all like the very blunt, honest Hunter brothers. She had to have been truly desperate to turn to him in her time of sorrow.

“I’ll call you, Sam.”

She gave George her best fake smile. “I broke my phone, remember? Might be a while before I get a new one.”

Tim’s rather large hand came down heavily on George’s shoulder. “Thanks for the help, George. Appreciate it.”

Sam wanted to giggle, but managed to stifle it. George had been dismissed and he knew it. He didn’t like it either, but there was nothing else for him to do but leave. He walked slowly to his truck, glancing over his shoulder several times.

The four of them stood there, watching and waiting until the last vehicle pulled away. Then Tim turned to her. “You want to tell me what the hell is really going on?”

Sam should have known better than to try to lie to Tim. He was too much like her father and always knew when she was telling an untruth. She raked her fingers through her hair, suddenly fatigued. “It’s a long story.”

“I got time,” Tim informed her.

Jace spun around and walked back into the fields, aiming straight for the spot where they’d left their weapons and belongings. He tossed Darian his arm- and wristbands before putting on his own. Jace picked up his sword and strapped it around his waist before grabbing Darian’s. He strode back and handed Darian his weapon. Tim’s eyes widened and his rifle came up again. He aimed right at Jace’s chest.

“You might want to move your hands away from those fancy swords, boys.”

Only Tim would call two warriors like Jace and Darian boys. She expected them to bristle beneath the command, but they moved their hands away from their weapons. And it wasn’t because they were afraid of Tim. She could see it in their eyes and so could Tim. No, what she saw there wasn’t anger or fear, but respect. Tim lowered the barrel of his rifle slightly, but she knew he could aim and fire in the blink of an eye.

“Either of you boys want to tell me what’s going on since it seems like Sam isn’t going to?”

Jace and Darian shared a look before Jace spoke. “You are the one who is like a father to Sam?”

Tim gave a curt nod. “I am.”

“Listen, why don’t we go up to the house and talk about this?” Sam would just as soon they didn’t try to explain what had happened. But none of the men were paying her any attention. “Or not,” she muttered.

“I am Jace of Hunter Keep from the land of Javara.”

Tim’s eyes narrowed. “Go on.”

Sam held her breath while Jace explained about the tapestry and Javara. Tim growled when Jace got to the part about the brothers both sharing her bed. He gave her a hard glare and she shrugged her shoulders, trying to appear as innocent as possible. When Jace was done, Tim turned to her. “This true, girl?”

“Yeah.” She didn’t want to talk about it out here in the blazing sun. She was sweaty, thirsty and the house was so close. Sam decided if they wanted her opinion they’d have to follow her. She took a step toward it, not waiting to see who was coming with her.

Tim swore and hurried to her side. “Sam, we need to talk about this. Maybe you need to see someone. A doctor or something.”

Sam stopped in her tracks and glared at Tim. “I’m not crazy.”

“Of course not,” he placated.

Throwing her hands in the air, she released a sound of frustration and stomped to the house, leaving a trail of dust in her wake. The back door was unlocked and she sighed when she stepped inside. She heard the men come in behind her, but ignored them and went straight to the sink for some water. She filled the glass twice before facing them.

“I’m getting out of these dirty clothes and into the shower.” She wanted to wear her own jeans and T-shirt, to feel more like herself again. “If you’re still here when I’m done, I’ll talk.” Sam left them in the kitchen and went up the stairs to her bathroom.

Guilt ate at her with each step she took, but she ignored it. She’d had to manage in their world with their family and friends, now they could do the same in hers.

She grabbed some clean clothes, went into the bathroom and stripped out of the leather garments. The woman staring back at her in the mirror looked outwardly the same as she had yesterday morning, but inwardly she’d changed more than she’d ever thought possible.

Sam placed her two hands on the chipped vanity and stared. “You are in such big trouble.” As much as she wanted to deny it, she cared about both brothers. Deeply. She wasn’t quite ready to say she loved them. She couldn’t. It would hurt too much when they went home.

But what if they stayed? A little voice in the back of her head whispered the words, but she ignored them. They wouldn’t stay. They had responsibilities back in Javara, not to mention family.

But what if the tapestry never returned?

Sam felt guilty for even thinking such a thing. The last thing she wanted was for them to be trapped here. This wasn’t their world. They belonged at Hunter Keep. Indeed, they were Hunter Keep. What would happen to all those people if they couldn’t go home?

No, Sam was determined to help them find their way back. And if her heart broke when they left, it was a small price to pay for getting them home.

Chapter Eleven

Jace studied the older man standing by the table. He held a long piece of metal in his hand. A gun Sam had called it. He would have liked a closer look at the weapon, but knew better than to ask. Tim was a warrior. It was in the way he held himself, in his eyes. He would not relinquish his weapon to a stranger.

“Now that we’re alone, I want the truth,” Tim demanded.

Jace had already told him the truth. Problem was, the older man didn’t want to hear it. Obviously magic was not well-known or accepted in Sam’s world. “I have told you the truth. We are from Javara and want to claim Sam as our own. Never doubt that we will protect her with our lives.”

Tim rubbed his hand over his bushy beard. “You don’t look like you’re lying and that’s the damnedest thing. I need to call Mary.” Tim took a small black object out of his pocket. It looked like the one Sam had that she’d always been checking. A phone she’d called it.

Tim pressed buttons and then spoke. “Hey, Mary. I found her. She’s safe.”

Jace glanced at Darian, but his brother was totally enthralled by the small box Tim was holding. It was obvious he was talking to someone. How was that possible? How could those of this world profess not to believe in the tapestry when they possessed great magic of their own?

“No, I’m not sure what’s going on. She has company.” Tim paused. “No, I’ll explain later. I will. Okay. Bye.” Tim pressed a button and put the device back in his pocket. He realized both men were staring at him. “What?” Tim asked.

Darian motioned to Tim’s pocket. “You spoke to someone through that box?”

“Yeah.” Tim seemed confused by the question.

“Yet you do not believe in the tapestry when you possess great magic?” Darian’s words echoed Jace’s thoughts.

“You’re not kidding, are you?” Tim slowly lowered himself into a chair. “Okay, explain to me again about this tapestry and the world you’re from. And why the hell it came here and took Sam.”

* * *

Sam stepped out of the shower feeling refreshed. She should feel guilty. She hadn’t offered the brothers anything to drink and wasn’t sure they knew how to work the taps, although Darian probably did considering he’d played with them quite a bit on his first trip here.

“Damn it.” She dragged the towel over her skin, wiping away the water before she dragged on her clean clothes.

When she was wearing underwear, jeans, a T-shirt and sneakers, she felt much more like herself. Her hair was wet, but she towel dried it and braided it. She really shouldn’t have left the men alone with Tim. No telling what Tim might do if he got mad. She knew in her heart neither Hunter brother would hurt Tim, but still.

She slung the damp towel over the shower rod and hurried out of the bathroom. She could hear voices as she went down the stairs. They were still talking. That had to be a good sign. Right?

Sam walked into the kitchen to find Tim sitting at the head of the table shaking his head at whatever Darian was telling him. They all turned to stare at her when she walked into the room.

Determined to get through this as quickly as possible, she raised her chin and walked over to the counter. She turned on the tap, took down two glasses and filled them with water before handing one to Jace and the other to his brother. Both men offered their thanks before quickly downing the water, making her feel worse than ever for not offering it sooner.

“Samantha Rose Calloway.”

She flinched slightly when Tim used her full name, but faced him squarely. “Yeah?”

“What kind of a mess have you gotten yourself into, girl?” Tim rubbed his hand over his bearded chin.

She shrugged. “It wasn’t my fault. I was walking the fields, minding my own business, when I found them.”

Tim sighed. “Don’t rightly know what to do or what to tell you.”

She frowned at him. “What’s to do? I’m home now.”

Tim pushed to his feet and came around the table to stand in front of her. “From what I understand, you still have a choice to make. You can go home with them when this tapestry returns.”

“If it returns,” she muttered. She didn’t look at either brother. She felt awful for even suggesting such a thing.

“There is that,” Tim agreed. “Of course, either of these men could choose to stay here. Or even both of them could stay if they were so inclined.”

Even as her heart jumped at the possibility, Sam was shaking her head. “Their mother would be devastated. Plus, they have a lot of folks depending on them.”

“And what do you have here, Sam?” Tim asked in a gentle voice that made tears well in her eyes. “Your parents and John are gone and you’re struggling every day to hold on to the farm. It’s a hard life for a woman alone.”

“What are you suggesting?” she cried. How could Tim even propose such a thing? This was her home. Where she belonged.

Tim pulled her into his strong arms and hugged her. He smelled slightly of the same soap her father had used and Sam closed her eyes, inhaled deeply and, for a brief moment, pretended it was her father holding her.

“I’m not suggesting anything, Sam. I’m telling you to weigh your options and really think things through before you make any decisions. Whatever you decide to do, I’ll support you.”

Sam’s head was spinning. Tim was actually suggesting she leave her home, her only connection to her family, take a leap of faith and go back to an unknown world with two men she’d met less than two days ago. The implications were staggering.

Tim released her and took a step back. “Think about it. If you want to talk, come on over to the house.” He collected his rifle and turned a hard gaze on the Hunter brothers. “You take good care of her. You hurt her and it won’t matter if you’re in another world. I’ll find you.”

Jace inclined his head. “You have our word.”

“Good enough.” Tim rubbed his hand across the top of her head. “You think on what I said, little girl. You know where to find me if you need me.” He handed her his phone. “You said you lost yours. You call Mary’s number if you need me.”

Tim departed, leaving her alone with Jace and Darian. She wasn’t ready to face either of them at the moment. She was so confused. Mostly, she missed her family—her father, her mother and her brother. She missed her father’s gruff voice, the way her brother teased her mercilessly and the way her mother always smelled of honeysuckle soap.

The last two days had rocked her world. First, there was the threat of losing the farm and everything her family had worked for if she couldn’t manage to turn things around. Then there was the whole tapestry thing and the trip to Javara. Was it any wonder she was feeling so emotional?

Sam knew she couldn’t hold it together much longer. She had to get away before she broke down and started crying like a baby. “There’s food in the refrigerator if you’re hungry.” She gestured toward the twenty-year-old, white refrigerator so they’d know what she was talking about. “I’ll be back.”

She walked toward the back door and pushed it open. Tim’s truck was a cloud of dust in the distance. Sam blinked as the image wavered. Just dust in her eyes. That’s all.

Darian called her name, but she ignored him and hurried toward the barn as fast as her feet could carry her. It was empty now, but still carried the scent of the horses that had once lived there. Practically running now, she pushed the door open and stepped into the cool shade.

Arrow stepped out of the shadows and meowed at her as if to ask where the heck she’d been. His food and water dishes were empty. “I’m sorry.” She worked quickly to fill both bowls and the cat dove into the food with great zeal. From his reaction, you’d swear the cat hadn’t eaten for a week instead of a day. And Sam knew darn well the cat caught the occasional mouse to feast on.

The minute she was finished the chore, the first sob broke from her lips. Sam stumbled toward a bale of hay in the corner. Before she got there, strong arms closed around her, protective and sheltering. Arrow hissed his displeasure at the intrusion and darted away. The cat didn’t like strangers and would probably stay away as long as Jace and Darian were around.

Sam burst into tears. As appalled as she was by her emotional outburst, she couldn’t stop it. Now that the dam had burst open, there was no way to close it.

“Everything will be all right, Sam.” Jace held her in his arms as he walked toward several bales of hay and sat, settling her on his lap. Darian lowered himself onto the bale beside them and Jace could feel and see his brother’s concern.

Was there anything that could make a man feel more helpless than a woman’s pain and tears? If there was, he hoped never to find out. Jace ached for Sam, for everything she’d been through and every trial she had yet to face in her life.

From what Tim had told them and what little Sam had shared, he knew her life hadn’t been an easy one. All her family was gone and she was alone. Jace wanted to roar at the heavens, demanding they return her loved ones to her. But that was impossible.

It was probably the reason the tapestry had brought her to Javara in the first place. She was a woman alone, a woman who could make a life in their world.

But she was still too deeply attached to her family and the land they owned. Jace couldn’t fault her for that. All he wanted was to return home. But he wanted her to go with them.

For the first time, he truly understood how unfair the tapestry was to the women it brought to Javara. His entire life, all he’d thought about were the benefits of having a tapestry bride—a woman to love, children, family and a future. He’d never truly understood the magnitude of what each woman had to give up when they stayed.

Like any world, this one had its problems. Sam’s brother had been killed in a war and the land seemed harsh and unforgiving. But Sam had neighbors who cared and people who loved her. She had land and a family legacy.

Asking her to give this all up and step into the unknown with him and Darian was too much.

“Shh.” He rocked her like he would a child, but the woman in his arms was no child and his senses stirred. The warmth of her skin enticed him even as her tears wet his bare chest. He wanted to keep her safe in his arms and he wanted to strip her naked and fuck her. The polar emotions had him on edge.

“Sam, you’re home and you’re safe.” Jace didn’t know what to say to get her to stop crying. He kissed the top of her head before tilting her back slightly so he could see her face. Her cheeks were blotchy, her eyes red.

He dropped a kiss on her forehead, her nose and both cheekbones. She sniffed and he could see her trying to pull herself back together. He rubbed his thumb over her cheek, swiping at the tears rolling down her face.

When she tried to smile at him, Jace lost it. He kissed her. There was no stopping him. He slammed his mouth down on hers, plunged his tongue past her parted lips and took what belonged to him.

Sam gasped, but didn’t push him away. She reached for him, wrapping her arms around his neck, clinging to him as though she’d never let him go.

He had to say something to her before this went any further. She had to know how he felt.

Jace tore his mouth away from hers, not wanting to release her sweet and salty lips. “I’m sorry, Sam. I didn’t mean to bring the tapestry back to Javara and send you away.” He thought he’d mastered his temper years ago, but obviously he hadn’t succeeded as well as he’d hoped. Sam was able to prick his temper where others could not.

“I know.” She rested her hand on the side of his face, the one with the scar. Not that Sam seemed to even notice the mark. He placed his hand over hers, holding it against his skin for a brief moment before turning it so he could kiss her palm.

“What are we going to do?” Emotional anguish spilled from her as she asked the question to which he had no answers. Another tear trickled down the side of her face.

Tim’s suggestions were still echoing in his head. Sam could still return with them to Javara. Jace hadn’t even entertained such a possibility, but Tim was right. Sam could change her mind and leave her world behind.

Tim’s other suggestions left Jace reeling. Either he or his brother or both of them could stay here with her. Jace immediately dismissed the idea of both of them staying. What would happen to their mother? All their people? Hunter Keep?

Maybe Darian could stay here with Sam? He was more easygoing, more able to adapt than Jace was. But how would he live without his brother? They’d been inseparable since they were boys. Jace could still remember the day Darian was born, even though he was only three years old. He’d always felt responsible for his younger brother.

“I don’t know what we will do, Sam.” Jace lifted her until she was facing him, straddling his lap. “But I know what I want to do at this moment.” He tugged her shirt from the waistband of her pants and slid his hands beneath.

He loved the feel of her soft skin against his rough, calloused palms. Jace didn’t want to face the possibility of losing Sam, of never being able to touch her again. He needed to love her, to show in the only way he could how sorry he was for the words he’d spoken in anger.

Jace pushed the shirt up and over her head. Her breasts were encased in a lacy covering that was the same color as fresh ripe berries. It was such a contrast to her plain, utilitarian shirt it made him smile. That was Sam—tough and hardworking on the outside, but soft and womanly on the inside.

His cock was swollen and uncomfortably pressed against the inside of his pants, but he ignored it. He rubbed his thumbs over the hard nubs pressing against the delicate material. Her nipples were swollen, ripe and sweet, and he needed to taste them.

He pulled the material aside and closed his lips around one puckered bud. Sam gasped and tilted her head back.

Darian moved, as though unable to resist any longer. Truthfully, Jace had no idea how he’d held out this long. Darian thrust his fingers into Sam’s loosely braided hair, tilted her head back, swooped down and took her lips in a torrid kiss.

Jace felt the tightening of Sam’s body, the hard jerk followed by the slow melting as she kissed Darian back. He sucked on her nipple before teasing it with his tongue. She squirmed against him, her mound pushing against his swollen shaft.

He growled and tugged at the straps of the garment, pulling it down her arms. Darian helped him free her breasts and rid her of the bothersome piece of clothing. Naked from the waist up, her thick braid of hair falling over her shoulder, her eyes dark with desire, Jace wanted her and he wanted her now.

Jace started to lift her off his lap. Darian helped by quickly wrapping his arms around her and picking her up, taking her weight from his lap. Jace bent down and pulled off her shoes. His fingers hovered over the fastener of her pants. “Sam?” He didn’t want to do anything she didn’t want. It would kill him to have to stop, but he would if this wasn’t what she wanted.

She shoved his hands aside and his stomach sank. Before he could sink into despair, her clever fingers had her pants open and were shoving them down her thighs.

Desire roared through Jace like a runaway stallion. He wanted Sam. Had to have her. He wanted her to ride him while she faced him, wanted to see her face when he took her.

Her underwear was the color of ripe berries too, lacy and feminine. Another time, he might enjoy seeing her wearing nothing but them, but not now. His cock was ready to explode and he ripped open the front placket of his pants, needing to give the poor abused part some relief. His shaft popped free from its confinement, hard and ready.

Sam shimmied out of her clothing and reached for his cock. Jace caught her wrist and shook his head. “I’m too close.” He wanted her to understand just how much he wanted her, how she affected him.

Jace shoved his pants around his hips and sat back, leaning against the wooden wall behind him. “Come here.” He held his arms wide open. “Ride me.”

Sam glanced at Darian who smiled and nodded. She licked her lips and, for a second, Jace thought it was all over for him. He could practically feel those lush lips and that hot tongue against his pulsing erection. As much as he wanted that, he needed to be inside her, to feel the hot clasp of her pussy pulsating around his cock.

Home.

Sam was beginning to feel like home to him, a safe place where he could lay down his burdens and simply be a man.

She crawled up onto the bale of hay and settled over his lap. Jace gripped her hips and guided her opening to the tip of his cock. “I can’t wait,” he warned. He knew they should take her inside and spend hours teasing her, bringing her to orgasm again and again. Should show her how good it could be with them.

Not take her quick and rough in a barn.

Jace hesitated, his hands tightening around her waist. Then she lowered herself and he was lost. Her body resisted slightly as the flared head of his cock tunneled inward. She made a low sound of pleasure before sitting down hard. The walls of her slick channel rippled around his shaft before softening and expanding enough to take him in.

He buried his face in the curve of her neck. Breathing was becoming more difficult by the second, but he didn’t care. He had Sam in his arms. Nothing else mattered.

Chapter Twelve

Sam knew this probably wasn’t the smartest thing to do, but she was past caring. The clock was ticking and time was running out for the three of them. Half her time with Jace and Darian was over and soon decisions would have to be made.

Both brothers were extremely strong, but unlike some men, they were very aware of their strength and tempered it when dealing with her. It was a huge turn-on to have two physically powerful men touch her so gently. It was an even bigger rush when they forgot themselves and got a bit rougher in their lovemaking.

She clung to Jace’s shoulders, enjoying the way the muscles bunched and rippled beneath her fingers. His breath was hot on her neck, and his fingers squeezed her waist as he pushed his cock deeper. Her pussy rippled around him, wet and eager.

God, she was so ready. All either man had to do was look at her and her panties got damp.

“Jace.” His name broke from her lips as he pulled her down, seating his cock to the hilt. He filled her completely, his shaft pressing tight against the delicate walls of her slick channel. He pulsed deep inside her, like a heartbeat racing out of control.

Sam gasped for breath, her body poised on the edge of an explosion.

The air behind her stirred and then Darian was touching her. He eased behind her and palmed her breasts. She moaned, low and long. She loved having four hands on her, touching her, bringing her pleasure.

“So beautiful. So responsive.” Darian rubbed his thumbs over her nipples. “Sweet too.” He held her breasts and offered them to Jace. “Taste her, brother.”

A low rumbling sound came from deep in Jace’s chest, a mix between a growl and a purring sound. He leaned forward and captured a nipple and sucked hard. Sam leaned back, her head and spine pressing against Darian’s chest as Jace tongued her nipple.

“Do you know what I’m going to do after Jace finishes fucking you?” Darian asked.

Sam shook her head, unable to speak a coherent word.

Darian leaned down and nipped at the sensitive skin just below her ear. “I’m going to take you standing up with your back against the wall.” He nipped at her earlobe. “I’m going to drive into you again and again and again until you scream my name and your pussy squeezes my cock.” His tongue twirled around the delicate whorls of her ear, making her shiver. “Would you like that, Sam?”

Would she like it? She was on the verge of coming simply thinking about it. Then Jace gently pulled on her pert nipple with his teeth and she gasped, her entire body tightening around him.

Jace left a trail of hot kisses on the slope of her breast, over her collarbone and up her neck. He nipped at her jawline before capturing her mouth.

Sam tangled her fingers in his hair and pulled Jace closer. Darian was still behind her, his hands back teasing her breasts. She was completely surrounded by the Hunter brothers, a situation she was quickly becoming addicted to.

Jace’s tongue dueled with hers, advancing and retreating, leaving her wanting more. She started to move, rising slightly before lowering herself over his hot, hard cock. He groaned in her mouth and his hands cupped her ass, helping her to move over him.

With each advance and retreat, his shaft rubbed and bumped against all the sensitive spots in her pussy. Sam writhed and squirmed, needing him harder, faster.

Jace suddenly moved, lifting her while he was still inside her. His long, powerful arms curled around her back and held her shoulders as he knelt on the bales of hay with her beneath him. His arms protected her from the worst scratches of the hay, but she could feel the rough grass beneath her. She didn’t care. Sam locked her arms around his shoulders and her legs around his lean hips and held on.

Jace’s hips hammered into her, his hold keeping her steady. He powered in and out of her pussy and the heat inside her rose to a boiling point before spilling over. She tore her lips from his and called out his name as her orgasm ripped through her. Jace’s thrusts got even faster and deeper. Suddenly his entire body went rigid and hot liquid flooded her core. Jace didn’t stop, his hips bucking against her until she came again, pushed over the edge once more by the power of his passion.

Her hands fell away from his shoulders and she collapsed. Jace’s arms were still around her, but she could still feel the occasional stray piece of hay digging into her skin. She moved slightly, trying to find a better spot to rest on, but the movement had them both moaning again when his cock flexed deep inside her.

Jace slowly sat up and she stared into his masculine face, his eyes were half closed and satisfaction was written all over his face. He kissed her cheek, her nose and lips, the caress so soft she melted against him.

“My turn.”

Sam turned her head to find Darian watching them. He’d opened his pants while she and Jace were fucking and was stroking his thick cock. The head was red and damp and while she watched a bead of pre-come seeped from the tip. She licked her lips.

Darian laughed and walked forward until his cock was only inches from her lips. “Want to taste?”

Sam reached out and wrapped her fingers around his shaft, which pulsed wildly beneath her fingers as blood pumped through the engorged organ. His cock head was plum-shaped and broad. She leaned down and licked the crown, her tongue finding the ridge that encircled it.

Darian groaned as he pulled her closer, pushing his erection farther into her mouth. Sam tasted him on her tongue—spicy and salty, wholly masculine. She swallowed, felt his cock jerk and knew he liked that.

Inside her, Jace stirred to life, his cock filling her again. Sam moaned, the vibration going straight to Darian’s shaft. He pulled her away and she reluctantly released him.

“I need you. Now.” His pale-blue eyes seemed darker. Darian’s usually laid-back personality gone, replaced by an intensity that reminded her more of his brother.

Sam nodded, knowing Jace would not object. She was coming to trust, to believe the Hunter brothers when they said they could share her, that there would be no jealousy between them.

She wanted them both. God help her, she was falling in love with them both.

Darian lifted her off Jace and she cried out at the separation. Jace’s cock was wet with her juices and his, his shaft erect once again. Her pussy throbbed, aching to be filled.

She wasn’t empty for long. Darian pressed her spine against the smooth post near the wall and pushed into her. He gripped her upper thighs and she wrapped her strong legs around his flanks. She gasped as her sensitized inner core stretched to accommodate him. Gripping his hair, she rode out the sensations pummeling her from all angles.

Her skin was alive, all the nerve endings exposed. She felt the hard beam at her spine, the warm air buffeting her skin, the hard thrust of his cock as he forged his way inside her and his rough hands on her thighs, holding her steady. He leaned inward and her puckered nipples rubbed against his hard chest, sending rivers of desire flooding through her.

“Take me,” he commanded. “All of me.”

Sam forced herself to relax at the same time Darian thrust. His shaft slid all the way home and they both breathed a sigh of relief. But that relief didn’t last long. Darian withdrew and just as slowly pushed back into her. She turned her head to one side. Jace was watching them, his large hand wrapped around his hard cock, pumping up and down, keeping time with Darian as he fucked her.

“Look at me.” She turned back to Darian. His jaw was clenched and a muscle pulsed beneath one eye. “No one will ever want you more than I will, than we will.” His hips moved faster, picking up speed with each inward stroke.

Sam didn’t want to think about tomorrow or even two hours from now. All she wanted was to forget her worries and lose herself in the moment. Darian was inside her and Jace was watching them. She’d never considered herself an exhibitionist before, but she loved knowing Jace was watching his brother fuck her just as Darian had watched when Jace had taken her.

Darian’s movements grew more frantic, almost rough. Sparks seemed to explode inside her and Sam felt herself coming. Her entire body clenched around Darian, her thighs squeezing around his flanks, her arms around his neck and her pussy around his cock.

His roar echoed in her ears and the hot flood of his release filled her. Sam let go, let herself slip away in a pool of pleasure that threatened to drown her. And she didn’t care. She trusted Darian to take care of her.

Darian locked his knees to keep from collapsing. Sam’s pussy spasmed around his cock, bringing him endless pleasure. He’d come moments ago but wasn’t anywhere near ready to release her. He’d never be ready.

Her skin was slick with perspiration and he leaned down and licked her shoulder. Her skin was salty and soft. She smelled musky, like sex and hay. He could also smell the fresh scent of her soap rising from her body, feminine and enticing. His cock rippled and she moaned, her head dropping onto his shoulder.

Sam was totally limp in his arms. The sign of her trust made his chest swell. He wanted to yell to the world that she belonged to him, but he wasn’t quite that stupid. Sam didn’t belong to him or his brother and she might never, not unless they could talk her into returning with them.

Darian had hoped sex would help tie her to them, but that was a double-edged sword. Every time he had her, he wanted her more and wondered how he would leave her when the time came if she refused to return to Javara with them.

He breathed in her unique earthy scent and kissed her temple. He didn’t want to let her go but felt Jace behind him. He turned his head and met his brother’s heated gaze. Jace wanted her again. So did he.

Darian straightened and tightened his grip, hugging her close, enjoying the weight of her in his arms. When Jace reached for her, he relinquished his hold. He would have her again. They both would.

But, for now, she was exhausted. A rest would do them all good.

Darian gritted his teeth as his semi-erect cock slid from her heated depths. Sam shivered as she was passed to Jace. Both men frowned.

“She needs a bath and food,” Jace declared.

Darian agreed with his brother. “We will go inside and see to her.” They hadn’t taken very good care of Sam since they’d met her and that had to change. How would she know how they would treat her unless they showed her?

His pants were around his hips so he tugged them back into place, not bothering to tie them. He didn’t expect to have them on for long. Maybe Sam had a tub big enough for two or even three. He quickly squelched that idea. Sam needed a break from sex, at least long enough for her to get cleaned up, rested and fed.

But the night would be long and he and Jace would be more than ready to pleasure Sam again and again.

* * *

Sam slowly slid from bed, not an easy task when she was sandwiched between two very large men. Both Jace and Darian were sound asleep and so had been she until moments ago. Now she was awake and her mind wouldn’t stop working.

She carefully plucked her robe from the back of her closet door and pulled it on as she crept down the stairs to the kitchen. The room was dark, but she knew her way around. She opened the cupboard and pulled down a glass and a dark bottle.

Whiskey wasn’t normally her drink of choice, but tonight she was making an exception. She poured two fingers into the glass and lifted it to her lips, sipping the strong, mellow liquor. It warmed her throat and belly but did little to stop the manic thoughts charging around her brain.

The room still smelled of slightly burnt toast and eggs. A faint smile touched her lips as she recalled the brothers’ adventure in her kitchen. They’d been determined to feed her and, once they’d gotten the hang of the stove, they hadn’t done half bad. Darian had enjoyed himself playing with the toaster and they’d ended up with an entire loaf of bread browned. Bacon, eggs, toast and some frozen hash browns had filled the hole in her belly, but it had done little to quell the ache in her heart.

She recapped the whiskey bottle and put it away before heading to her father’s study. Her muscles ached and her body hurt in places it never had before. After a hot bath and supper, Jace and Darian had led her upstairs and proceed to make love to her again.

After the hot tussle in the barn she’d been expecting more of the same. They were all aware that time was running out on them. Instead, they’d surprised her. With a man on either side of her, they’d licked and touched, kissed and stroked every inch of her body from her toes to the top of her head. Her skin tingled at the mere thought. She’d felt like a gourmet dinner spread before two food connoisseurs.

Then they’d made love to her. Yes, made love. It had been more than just sex. The way they’d touched her and the way she’d responded to them had been infused with a deep emotional connection that went beyond the physical. They hadn’t talked about their feelings, but she’d come to know the brothers well enough to know they were in this as deep as she was.

Sam took another drink, needing the burn to focus her thoughts. It would be too easy to lose herself in the physicality of their relationship and allow time to run out. But she was no coward. This was her decision to make, one way or the other.

She sat at her father’s desk, feeling closer to him here than she did anywhere else in the house. The land was where she felt him the most, but this was second best.

She set her glass down on the battered wooden desk that had served several generations of Calloways. Moonlight gave the room a glow, but not quite enough for her to see. The brass desk lamp sat where it always had so she had no trouble finding it. The click seemed loud in the room and the light bright. Sam blinked several times until her vision adjusted.

Several journals sat on the desk and she opened one, staring at the numbers. She closed it just as quickly, knowing the bottom line already. Sam stood and went to the family picture on the wall. She lifted it off its hook and revealed the safe beneath. The combination hadn’t changed since she was a kid. She put in her father’s birthdate, then her mother’s, then her brother’s and finally hers. “Twelve, thirty, seventeen, twenty-two,” she muttered as she spun the dial.

The handle turned easily and she opened the safe, pulling out the documents she wanted before closing it and returning the picture to its original spot. Sam sat back at the desk, took another drink and unfolded the papers. She stared at them for at least ten minutes before picking up a pen and drawing a fresh piece of paper to her. There had to be a way to make things work.

She thought and wrote and thought some more. Finally, she gave up, folding all the documents together and placed them on the corner of the desk. Tim’s phone was still in the kitchen. She hadn’t planned on using it, especially not so late at night, but she had to talk to someone not involved in the situation.

Sam turned off the light, grabbed her drink and padded silently back to the kitchen. She turned on the light above the stove and picked up the phone from the table, dialing before she talked herself out of it.

It rang twice before it was answered by a gruff male voice. “Sam? You okay, little girl?”

Tears pricked her eyes. How she loved Tim and Mary. They were like second parents to her. Sam lowered herself to one of the kitchen chairs, the phone clenched tight in her hands. “Hey, Tim.”

She heard rustling and knew he was getting out of bed. “What happened?”

She’d worried him for no reason and guilt filled her. “Nothing happened. I just can’t sleep. I don’t know what to do.”

Tim sighed. “Just the fact that you’re thinking about it at all means you have feelings for those fellas.” Tim gave a gruff laugh. “I still can’t wrap my head around that one. Neither could Mary when I told her. Let me tell you, it took some doing to keep her away from your place. She wanted to march right over and check them both out.”

Sam chuckled. She could easily imagine big Tim having a hard time corralling his tiny wife. “I’m surprised you won.”

“Well.” Tim paused for a moment. “I pointed out that you might be busy, so to speak.”

Sam felt her cheeks turning red. Tim and Mary would have definitely gotten an eyeful if they’d turned up after supper. “Yeah, that was probably for the best.”

Tim cleared his throat. “So what’s on your mind?”

She pulled one foot up onto her chair. “I love this farm, this land. It’s my home.”

“But?” he prompted.

“I might lose it. Not now, but maybe a year or two down the road.” She picked at a loose thread on her robe. “But how can I let it go without a fight? It would be cowardly to walk away from the farm, from my family.”

She could almost hear Tim thinking through the silence on the other end. Finally he spoke. “Well, like I said earlier, one of them boys could stay with you.”

Sam shook her head. “No, Tim. That’s not right. Their mother would be heartbroken and they have so many people depending on them.”

“It’s their choice,” Tim pointed out. “How long do you have?”

“One full day and another night. Then it’s anyone’s guess if the tapestry will even reappear.”

“Take tomorrow to think about things. Show the boys around and let them see your land. I assume they showed you around their home?”

“Yeah.” Not quite as much as she would have liked, but she’d seen the stables, the fields and the people living in and around the small castle. She’d hung back, determined to return home and hadn’t given any of them the chance to really meet her. Now it was too late.

“There you go. Let them work with you and see how you feel tomorrow night. Why don’t you all come over for dinner?”

“I’m going to take a rain check on that, Tim. I think we need to be alone to figure this out.”

“Good enough. But, Sam, call any time you want. And remember, I love you.”

Sam wished he was close enough to hug. “Love you too.”

“I’ll see you day after tomorrow. Early. Whatever happens, I’m gonna be there.”

“Okay. Thanks, Tim.” She ended the call and put the phone back on the table. Sighing, Sam downed the last of the whiskey before she pushed away from the table. She placed the empty glass in the sink and turned off the light before heading back to bed.

Sam paused in the doorway of her bedroom, studying the two men who currently occupied it. Thank the heavens she had a king-size bed, but even with that it was a tight squeeze. She removed her robe and quietly climbed between Jace and Darian. Sighing, she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

Beside her, Jace lay still as a stone. He’d awoken the moment Sam climbed out of bed and it had taken all his self-control not to go after her. Darian was wide-awake too. Neither of them had spoken, but Jace knew his brother was as worried as he was. Two days were almost over. Tomorrow was their final full day together.

He had to go home to Hunter Keep. Too many people depended on him and then there was his mother. He couldn’t leave her alone.

But Darian could stay if he wanted. Jace swallowed hard as emotion threatened to choke him. How would he lived without his brother and Sam?

A heavy hand fell on top of his and he clasped his brother’s hand, knowing Darian was thinking about tomorrow as well. Jace sighed and released his brother and wrapped his arm around Sam.

All he could do was try to change her mind. Although the longer he spent with her here in her home, the less likely that possibility became.

Chapter Thirteen

The sun was high in the sky by the time the three of them finished breakfast. Sam had run upstairs to use the bathroom while Jace and Darian headed outside. She was just washing her hands when she heard a vehicle pull up outside. Assuming it was Tim, she didn’t hurry. Sam rubbed some moisturizer with sunscreen on her face and neck and slicked some lip balm on. That would help protect her against the unforgiving Texas sun.

She was almost to the back door when she realized the voice she was hearing didn’t belong to Tim. “Son of a bitch,” she muttered. George was back.

Darian and Jace had both faced off against George. The white T-shirts they wore—which had belonged to her father—were pulled tight across the shoulders and around the biceps. The material looked as though it would rip at any moment. Her father hadn’t been a small man, but the Hunter brothers were much wider through the shoulders and arms.

“What’s going on?” Sam stepped out onto the back porch and glared at her former lover. Honestly, the more time she spent in his company the more she wondered what she’d ever seen in him.

She supposed he wasn’t bad looking, when taken on his own. But next to the brothers he was lacking, not just in size, but in character too.

“Wanted to see if you’re ready to talk business.” George removed his sunglasses and twirled them between his fingers. Sam found herself wishing the slender sidepiece would snap off. Then she felt petty for thinking it, which only irritated her further.

“I’m not selling the farm to you, George. Get over it.” She didn’t step out from beneath the meager shade of the porch. Today was another scorcher and she wasn’t going to bake her skin until she absolutely had to.

“Come on, Sam. You know you’re not going to be able to get another loan so where does that leave you?” George turned to Jace and Darian, who had been silent since she appeared. “Sam trying to get the two of you to invest in the farm? Is that why you’re here?”

He turned back to her. “Shame on you, Sam, for trying to get two army veterans, friends of your brother, to flush their money down the drain.”

Sam fisted her hands by her sides. Over and over she repeated to herself, If I hit him, he’ll call the sheriff. It didn’t help. Sam still wanted to sock George in the mouth and rattle his perfect teeth.

George looked her up and down, a sneer marring the perfection of his face. “Or maybe you sweetened the pot a bit. I know what she’s like in bed and she’s not that good.”

Jace moved so fast, he was a blur. One moment George was talking, his shirt crisp, despite the morning heat, his jeans pressed. The next, he was on his butt on the ground with Jace standing over him. “You don’t talk to her like that.”

As much as Sam enjoyed seeing George on his ass, she couldn’t allow the scene to escalate out of control.

Jace reached down and yanked George to his feet, dragging him toward his truck. “Leave.” He yanked open the door and threw George behind the wheel, with one hand. Sam tried not to be impressed, but couldn’t help being just a tiny bit amazed by Jace’s show of strength.

Darian was beside his brother holding George’s sunglasses, which he’d dropped when he’d landed on the ground. Darian held them out. “You might need these.” The words were polite enough but they were laced with pure menace.

Sam pushed her way between the two Hunter brothers and faced George. “Don’t come back. You’re not welcome here. I’ll sell to anyone else in the world before I’ll sell my land to you.”

“No one around here will buy it if the time comes. I’ll see to that.” George grabbed the door and slammed it shut. “You’re lucky I’m not pressing charges against him.” George jerked his thumb toward Jace.

“You do that, George, and I’ll tell everyone in town you slept with me so you could cheat me on the price of my land. Then we’ll see who loses.”

Sam hadn’t told a soul, not even Tim, what had happened with George. As far as anyone else knew, she’d sold off some land and pocketed what it was worth. She hadn’t kept silent to protect George’s reputation, but to keep herself from appearing foolish. Maybe she should have spoken out, but she’d been too raw, too hurt at the time. By the time she was over it so much time had passed there hadn’t seemed to be any point in making a big deal over it. But she would if it meant protecting Jace.

George’s face darkened with anger, but he started his truck and drove away. She’d seen the last of him, for now. But he’d be back. She could count on that as easily as she could count on the hot, dry Texas summer.

“Well, that wasn’t pleasant. Sorry about that.” She barely had the words out of her mouth when Jace grabbed her by the shoulders and lightly shook her.

“You are going to lose your land? Your home?”

Jace’s concern was a soothing balm against the harshness of George’s nastiness. Sam shrugged. “Maybe. But that’s my problem, not yours.”

Jace frowned, his eyes narrowing, his jaw tightening. He dropped his hands and stalked off toward the barn. Beside her, Darian sighed. “He worries about you. We both do.”

Darian took her hand in his and pulled her until she was resting against his chest. “I know you say you must stay, but that doesn’t lessen what I feel for you, what we feel for you.”

Sam breathed in the fresh scent of soap Darian had used in his morning shower. Both men had been fascinated by the shower, each of them spending almost a half hour there. Thankfully, neither of them seemed to care when the water went cold on them.

Sam gave a rueful laugh. “Right now I’m thinking Jace finds me more of a nuisance than anything.”

Darian sighed again and this time it ruffled the top of her hair. “Don’t let his outward appearance fool you.” He pulled away and led her toward the porch. “Let me tell you a story.” He sat in one of the Adirondack chairs and pulled her down onto his lap.

The air was still and warm and thick, but it was slightly cooler beneath the shade of the porch. Bees hummed as they flitted from one sunflower to another that grew along the edge of the porch rail.

Sam stared out over the land. For as far as her eyes could see belonged to her family, to her. It was dry, harsh land, but it was theirs and they’d managed to hack a living from it even during hard times. She wouldn’t be the one to throw in the towel and give up. She couldn’t. Not without tainting everything her family had sacrificed their lives for.

Darian’s big palm cupped the back of her head and eased it down onto his shoulder. “Our father was a good man, but not a wise one. He and his brothers squandered the wealth of our home, what our forefathers had built up. There were hard winters, hungry winters for our people.”

And for him and his brother too. Sam knew without him saying that neither brother would have a full belly if there were others in need. It pained her to think of them as two little boys, cold and hungry.

“What about your mother?” She hadn’t spent much time with Edwina, but the woman seemed very kind and compassionate.

“She did what she could when we were boys. I remember going with her when she visited the homes of Hunter Keep bringing grain and whatever vegetables she could scrounge. She started hiding part of the harvest from my father and uncle, storing it in a cave at the base of the mountain.”

“Wise woman, your mother.”

“She is.” Darian paused and Sam felt his lips brush the top of her head. “We grew older and started taking more of an active role in the running of the keep, but our father’s word was law and there was only so much we could do. The stables grew thin as he sold off the best of the stock, the sheep herd grew smaller and smaller. It was hard on all of us, but especially Jace. The land and the people are his to protect, his very soul, his reason for being.”

“I know.” And she did. It was one of the reasons she respected him so much.

“It was as much a blessing as a curse when our father and uncles were killed in a freak landslide. We all mourned deeply, but we now had the power to change our lives. Jace threw himself into rebuilding our home. I’ve never seen my brother let anything get in the way of his plans for Hunter Keep. We’ve come a long way, but still have a ways to go. A strong woman by his side would be a great help to him, to us.”

Sam stilled. “Are you trying to convince me I should be with Jace?” Honestly, she still had a hard time wrapping her brain around this whole idea of sharing herself with two men.

Darian flashed her a mischievous smile. “With him, with me. It’s one and the same. We make our own rules behind closed doors. The children will have one father, but we will both care for them.”

Children. The thought of two little boys with blond hair and blue eyes left her breathless. She’d always wanted a family, but had put those dreams on hold when her brother died and her parents fell into a depression, bad health and eventually died.

“For the first time in our lives, there is something more important to Jace than the land and the people under our care.”

“What?” Sam couldn’t imagine Jace not being focused on Hunter Keep. There was no doubting his love of the land, his family and all those who lived there.

“You, Sam.” Darian tipped his arm so she was looking up at him. “He cares deeply for you. That is why he is acting so aloof. He is trying to protect himself from the hurt he will experience when we return home without you.”

Sam swallowed the thick lump in her throat. What could she say? She cared deeply for both men, but enough to give up her home, her legacy, and live in an unfamiliar land? That was too much for them to ask of her. Wasn’t it?

“What about you?” she blurted out. “Why aren’t you hiding your feelings?”

Darian kissed her gently on the lips. His mouth lingered on hers until she sighed with pleasure and kissed him back.

“Ah, Sam. Because I still have hope that things can work out for all of us. I want you to come home with us. We can offer you a land to replace what you’ll be losing, people who will grow to care for you, a mother who will treat you as her own daughter, and two men who will love you and put you before all others.”

Slightly breathless, Sam stared up at Darian, not quite believing what he was offering. She’d believed a handsome man once before and where had that gotten her—cheated and alone. If she went with them to Javara and it didn’t work out, there was no going back. She’d be stuck there for the rest of her life.

Darian stood and let her body slide down his. “Think about it, Sam. And I will think about staying here if you refuse to return with us.”

“What?” To say she was dumbstruck was like saying a twister was a slight breeze. It went far beyond dumbstruck into total disbelief. “You can’t stay here. Your life, your family is in Javara.”

Darian cupped her face, his eyes filled with emotion. “But you are here, Sam, and you are my heart. What man can live without his heart?”

He stepped away from her and held out her hand. Feeling as though her entire world had been knocked off-kilter, she reached for it to anchor herself. Not once had she truly considered the possibility that Darian or Jace would stay with her.

“Jace cannot stay,” Darian continued. “No matter how much he might wish to. He is responsible for all those who live in Hunter Keep. And,” he added, “it would break our mother’s heart to lose both sons.”

Sam opened her mouth but closed it again. What could she say? She loved the thought of having Darian stay with her. But she would miss Jace terribly. And what about his mother and friends? What would they do without Darian if he stayed with her? She knew how much the loss of her brother had affected her parents. It wasn’t right to put someone else through such pain.

Her temples throbbed and she absently rubbed one of them. What were they going to do?

“Don’t think about it now, Sam.”

She snorted in disbelief as they walked toward the barn. Jace was in there by himself and that just felt wrong. He belonged with them.

Sam stumbled over her feet before she regained her balance. Not that she would have fallen, not with Darian holding on to her. It felt right when the three of them were together. There was no denying it.

How had that happened so quickly?

Only a couple days ago she hadn’t even known who they were. Now they were a part of her, like the air she breathed and the land she walked.

Jace stepped out of the barn as they neared. He looked totally unapproachable, but after talking with Darian she knew better. She’d known better before that, she reminded herself. Jace was a lot like she was. Both doing what needed to be done, shouldering the bulk of the responsibilities because someone had to.

Sam held out her free hand to Jace, not wanting him to be alone anymore. “Come with us. I want to show you my home.”

* * *

Hours later, Jace sat on a deeply padded seat in what Sam referred to as the living room. The three of them had walked the land for hours today as Sam showed them the various crops she had planted. They were stunted and desperate for water and he knew if rain didn’t show up soon all would be lost. This was indeed a harsh land and took a courageous, strong woman to work it.

She knew her land as well as he knew his—every field, every slope, the weaknesses and strengths. She loved it too.

He glanced over at his brother, but Darian was watching Sam remove something from a shelf. Jace swallowed hard, still tasting the dust on his tongue even though he’d had many glasses of water since they returned from their tour of the farm. He was losing his brother.

Darian was going to stay with Sam. Jace didn’t blame him. If not for his mother and responsibilities he might stay too. This land was strange to him with its dry heat and unforgiving soil, very unlike the lush hills beneath the protective embrace of the mountains at Hunter Keep. The weapons, the machinery, the customs were all strange too.

The tapestry and the people of Javara asked a lot of the women who were brought to their world. How strange it must all seem. And how much must they miss their homes? Such bravery was to be respected and commended.

And what did the women get in return? Love, undying and complete. Respect. A new home that was strange. Was it easy for them to find a place in their new home? Jace could easily picture Sam on the back of a horse riding through the fields. He could just as easily see her working those fields side-by-side with his people. They would adore Sam as much as he and Darian did.

Sam returned and sat between them on the padded bench. No, sofa. She’d called it a sofa. She opened a large bound book to reveal lifelike images. “This is my father and mother when they were young.”

Jace touched the page. “What magic is this?” There was powerful magic in the world Sam lived in. The ability to speak to people over long distances, artificial fire and light, machines that moved without the power of horses and now this. It was a strange and fascinating world.

“Not magic, photography. Although, I suppose it is a form of magic.” She turned a page. “This is me when I was a kid.”

Jace studied the image of a younger Sam. He could recognize her features, see the woman she would become in the child she’d been. He wanted a child like this, a dark-haired little girl who would fill his arms with love and his home with laughter. She’d have brothers who would look out for her and protect her. But her mother would make sure she could take care of herself.

His blood ran cold as the image faded. Neither the child nor the woman would ever belong to him. But his brother had a chance. Agony ate at his soul at the thought of never seeing either Darian or Sam again. But he could survive if he knew they were here in her world, happy and healthy. Darian had a chance at a family of his own and should take it.

He would talk to his brother tomorrow morning, but it would have to be early. No telling exactly what time the tapestry would arrive to whisk them home. Jace wondered how his mother was. Was she grieving? Did she hold out hope that the tapestry would return them?

Sam turned another page and pointed. “This is John in his military uniform.”

Jace could hear the love and sorrow in her voice. He understood what it was to care deeply for a brother. She understood what it meant to lose one and he was sorely afraid he was about to learn the same thing. Difference was, his brother would still be alive and happy. Hers would never have that chance.

For the first time in his entire life, Jace resented Hunter Keep and everyone who lived there. Almost as soon as he had the negative feeling, it disappeared. He wouldn’t change his life for anything. He loved the land, his family and people. He only wished Sam could share it with him, with all of them.

Jace sat back against the cushions and listened to Sam’s voice, soaking in the excitement, the emotion as she shared her world, her family with them. Darian was leaning against her, asking questions and pointing at things in the book. A lock of his brother’s hair draped over Sam’s darker tresses. She turned to his brother and smiled and Jace wanted to roar as pain sliced through him.

Even though he was still with them, Jace felt alone. He hardened his heart even as it threatened to shatter under the pressure. Morning would come soon enough. By this time tomorrow evening, he would be back at Hunter Keep and he was very afraid he would be alone.

Chapter Fourteen

Conversation had flowed easily today but now they were all silent. It was as though they were all afraid to speak, afraid to destroy the tentative peace that surrounded them. What went unspoken was the fact the tapestry would appear tomorrow.

At least she hoped it would. That was another worry. What if it didn’t come? What if Jace and Darian were stuck here?

Sam studied Jace’s face, but his emotions were blocked off, closed to her. He’d grown quieter as the night had progressed, but he’d grown stone-cold silent when she’d shared her family photos and memories.

Was he thinking about his world? His mother? Was he missing them? Wishing he could stay? Wishing she would go back with them?

Resentment flashed through her and for a brief moment she wished she’d never met either of them, that the tapestry had never appeared to them or to her. Almost immediately she regretted her thought and nervously glanced around, half expecting the tapestry to magically show itself. She had to be careful of her thoughts or she might accidentally summon the tapestry as Jace had.

She couldn’t regret meeting them or seeing their world. It had given her a new perspective on her life, made her appreciate all she had. It had shown her that loyal, honorable men did exist. And it had certainly spiced up her sex life.

She knew they would all sleep together tonight. Or at least she hoped they would. Amazing how quickly she’d gotten used to having two other bodies in bed with her. She felt safe and secure and, dare she say it, loved with Jace and Darian lying on either side of her, their strong arms around her.

Sure, she knew it couldn’t last, but she would enjoy it while it did. “Umm, I’ll just be a minute.” She hurried into the bathroom and closed the door behind her. Leaning back against the door, she took a deep breath. No need to be nervous. It wasn’t as though they hadn’t done this before.

Last time.

The two words made her breath catch in her throat and her heart skipped a beat.

Last time.

After tomorrow morning everything would be changed forever.

Last time.

Sam gave a frustrated growl and pushed away from the door. She braced her hands on the vanity and stared at her reflection. Her eyes seemed wider and filled with emotions she didn’t want to name. Other than that, she looked exactly the same as she had yesterday, the day before and the day before that. The experience hadn’t outwardly changed her, but inwardly she was a different woman.

She twisted the tap on and splashed some water on her face hoping to cool her warm cheeks. Didn’t help. Sighing, she brushed her teeth and hair and used the bathroom.

She wished she’d brought her sleep shorts and tank in with her so she could change. Not that she expected to be wearing any clothes for long.

“Stop being silly,” she muttered. She’d slept with both men before. There was no reason to feel like a nervous filly about to confront two stallions.

She snorted at the comparison and opened the door. Both men were waiting for her. Their borrowed T-shirts were long gone as were their boots.

Darian held out his hand. “Come.”

Jace watched his brother take Sam’s hand and lead her toward the bed. He wanted to touch her so badly his fingers ached. Instead, he curled them inward, making them into fists to keep from reaching out.

His ears were still ringing from the short conversation they’d had while Sam was in the bathing chamber. No, bathroom was the name she used.

Jace had approached his brother with five simple words. I think you should stay. That had set off a short, but intense argument between them. Darian still believed Sam could be convinced to return with them. Jace was more realistic.

He loved his brother and he loved Sam and he wanted them both to be happy. If that meant they stayed while he returned home, then so be it.

All the rage, frustration and uncertainty that had filled him all day slowly drained away, leaving Jace with a sense of peace. He would accept whatever happened and he would be happy for them.

But he was here now and this would almost certainly be his last night with Sam. He grabbed her arm and tugged her away from Darian. Her eyes widened when he pulled her into his arms. He didn’t give her a chance to speak, to question. He covered her mouth with his and kissed her.

Her lips were soft and supple in spite of the dry heat of the land. And sweet. They were so very sweet. He licked the thicker bottom lip before tracing the top. He felt a little puff of air against his mouth when she moaned and slipped his tongue inside, tasting mint and desire.

Not breaking the kiss, he lifted her and carried her to bed. It was a tight fit for all of them, but they would manage. Darian had the sheets turned back and Jace set her down in the middle of the bed.

Darian quickly removed her shoes and socks while he went to work on the rest of her clothing. He tugged and pulled. Material ripped and delicate lace tore. He had to get her naked.

A sense of urgency was riding him hard.

When the last piece of clothing was gone, Jace knelt between her legs and devoured her with his eyes. Her breasts were perfectly shaped, plump mounds that begged a man to touch them. He leaned inward and cupped both of them, rubbing his thumbs over her sensitive nipples.

“Jace.” She breathed his name and it felt like a caress. His spine tingled and his cock swelled.

He kissed the valley between her breasts, tasting the salt of her skin. Her fingers tangled in his hair, holding him to her. Jace wished she would hold onto him forever. When she was with him, his burdens seemed to lighten. They didn’t disappear, but they seemed more manageable, less overwhelming.

No one knew how many sleepless nights he’d had since the death of his father and uncles. Long, dark nights where he’d wondered if he’d made the right decisions, if his people would have enough food for the long, cold season.

He was tired, but she invigorated him.

Darian stripped off his pants and stretched out on the bed beside Sam. His brother lapped at one pert nipple before taking it into his mouth.

Jace almost smiled at the inarticulate sound Sam made, the way her hips arched upward, seeking relief.

There was a long night ahead and he didn’t plan to sleep. He could sleep when he was back in Javara. He knew his dreams would forever be haunted by Sam and this night.

So be it.

Jace stood long enough to shuck his pants and climb back between Sam’s outspread legs. He circled her ankles with his hands before sliding them upward, moving inward as he stroked her thighs.

He lifted her legs and draped them over his shoulders as he leaned inward. He smelled her arousal and licked his lips, more than ready to taste her. Jace glanced at her face and found her watching him. Darian was teasing her breasts with his hands and mouth, but her eyes were on him.

Jace parted her slick folds with his thumbs and kissed her sex. Sam’s entire body jerked and he felt the flood of her cream against his mouth and hands. Determined to bring her pleasure, Jace lapped at her pussy, tasting and exploring. He dipped his tongue into her channel, wringing a long moan of pleasure that made his balls clench.

“Come for me,” he commanded. He wanted Sam to come, over and over and over. Wanted her never to forget this night or him.

Her clit was swollen, the nub of her desire pushed out from its protective hood. He flicked it with his tongue and she cried out his name. Her hips pumped wildly now and she gripped Darian’s hair, holding him to her breasts. Jace wished it was his hair she was clinging to, wanted to feel the slight sting against his scalp as she tugged.

She was making small, incoherent sounds of delight, her hips working against his mouth. Jace slid two thick fingers into her sheath and she came. Her entire body shuddered and his hand grew wet with her cream. He licked it up, letting it coat his tongue. It was his turn to moan when her pussy clamped down on his fingers. He wished it was his cock instead, but this was enough for now.

He changed the intensity of his fingers and mouth, soothing more than arousing. Darian sat back and Jace got a lovely view of her red, distended nipples. Her skin was glowing, her eyes half closed and a lock of hair was stuck to her forehead.

She was absolutely beautiful and he could wait no longer to claim her.

Jace spread his legs wide for support before lifting her into his arms. Her breasts were plastered against his chest and her hot, wet pussy pressed against his throbbing cock. They both moaned at the same time. Her eyes flew open and met his and she smiled.

Jace lifted her until his cock head nudged against her pussy. She braced herself against his shoulders, her short nails biting into his skin as he slowly lowered her onto his thick shaft. His cock stretched her inner channel, which rippled around it and squeezed, drawing him deeper into her core.

Jace clenched his teeth and tightened his hold on her waist. He didn’t want to come yet. He wanted to savor the feel of her slick pussy gripping his cock, holding him inside her, welcoming him home.

She squirmed and he banded his arm around her waist to keep her immobile. “Not yet,” he managed to get out. “I want to feel your pussy squeezing my cock.”

Sam made another one of those inarticulate sounds that tightened his sac. Her breathing was labored, her breath warm on his neck. “I have to move.”

Darian moved in behind her and held her hips in his hands. Both men lifted her and slowly lowered her over Jace’s cock. The ache in his balls increased and his shaft throbbed. Jace captured her mouth and kissed her.

Sam was floating in a sea of pleasure. She’d already had one orgasm thanks to Jace’s clever mouth and fingers. He was always intense, but seemed to be even more so tonight. She knew he felt the ticking of the clock as much as she did.

Jace kissed her and she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back with everything she had inside her. His tongue tangled with hers, dueling and retreating. She couldn’t let him go and followed until it was her tasting his mouth.

Jace’s cock filled her, stretching her until it hurt, but in a deliciously good way. His hands grasped her waist as he moved her up and down his thick shaft. Then Darian was behind her, his cock pressed against her back, his hands on her hips as he helped lift her up and down his brother’s erection.

Sandwiched between two men, two hard, aroused bodies sent her libido through the rooftop. Sam couldn’t get enough of them.

She broke off her kiss with Jace and peppered his hard, stubbled jaw with butterfly kisses. Her nipples ached so she rubbed them against his taut, smooth chest. Her heart was pounding, but so was his. She could feel it thunder against her each time she pressed against him.

Darian chose that moment to nip her nape, making her jump. The motion seated her even harder on Jace’s erection. Pleasure rocked her, intense and all consuming.

Her skin was slick, her breasts heavy. Between her thighs, she could feel the pressure building again. “Harder,” she gasped.

Both men quickened their pace, lifting and lowering her faster and harder, pushing Jace’s cock deeper and deeper. The telltale ripple rushed through her and then she was coming. Her pussy milked his cock and she heard Jace yell. His big body jerked against her and warmth flooded her as he found release.

Darian was breathing heavily against her neck, his cock pressed hard against her back, rubbing her spine. He yelled her name and a hot splash hit her skin. Darian wrapped his arms around her, anchoring his hands on his brother’s shoulders.

Another spasm rocked Sam. A second, smaller orgasm left her breathless and clinging to Jace. Not that she needed to hold on to anyone. Both brothers were wrapped so tight around her it was impossible to tell whose breath she felt on her shoulder.

Jace cupped her face and kissed her. It was an impossibly sweet embrace that made her feel cherished and cared for. Even loved.

“Thank you.” The low rumble of his voice sent another shiver down her spine. She shuddered, her pussy automatically clenching his cock. Jace gave a rough laugh and hugged her.

Darian moved first. He climbed off the bed and she heard him walking away. Water ran in the distance and then he was back with a wet towel, washing the evidence of his orgasm from her back.

When he was done, Darian lifted her off Jace, who was still surprisingly hard. He laid her on the bed and washed between her legs before tossing the damp towel onto the floor. “How do you feel?” Darian asked.

“Mmm,” was the most she could manage.

He smiled at her. “That good?”

“Better.”

Jace stretched out beside her and she rolled onto her side to study him. His shoulders were massive, his biceps thick even when he was at rest. These weren’t muscles built in a gym, but through hard work and training, which made them all the sexier to her.

There was something about a man who wasn’t afraid of hard work, of sweating from the exertion of honest labor that really turned her crank.

She flattened her palms against his chest. Muscles rippled beneath her fingers and his cock flexed against her belly. “You can’t be serious,” Sam said as she slid one hand down and gripped his thickening shaft.

Jace shrugged his wide shoulders. “You have that effect on me.”

Sam licked her lips, wanting to taste him. Now that the edge was gone there wasn’t such a sense of urgency. She wanted to play.

She might never have another chance.

The black cloud of the tapestry threatened to push aside her sensual pleasure, but she hung onto it, not wanting to ruin their final night together.

She pushed against Jace’s chest and he rolled onto his back at her prompting. Sam rolled onto her knees between the two men and raised an eyebrow at Darian. He grinned at her and rolled onto his back.

Had any woman ever had such incredible specimens of manhood laid out before her? The other tapestry women. The tapestry brides. The insidious whisper came from out of nowhere, but it was right. The other women who’d stayed in Javara probably experienced the same thing every night.

But their men weren’t as sexy or fine as hers. They couldn’t be.

Hers. They weren’t hers. Not unless she returned with them.

Confusion and anger warred with sexual desire. For tonight, desire won and she wrapped a hand around Jace’s cock, then the other around Darian’s, loving the way the hot flesh jumped against her palm.

“Harder,” Darian prompted.

She shook her head and slowly slid her hand from the root all the way to the flared head. “I want to take my time and touch.” She stroked all the way back down to each man’s balls. “Taste.”

She released Darian, leaned down and drew her tongue around the broad head of Jace’s cock. His entire body tensed, his abs tightening until she could have bounced a quarter on them.

Pre-come seeped from the tip and she lapped it up, enjoying the musky flavor. Jace smelled all male—soap, warm flesh, sweat and sex. Totally yummy.

Jace growled, the sound primal and arousing. She leaned down and rubbed one of her breasts over the rough hair of his thigh, making a little humming sound of pleasure at the contact. The vibration went through the head of Jace’s cock and he moaned.

Thick fingers tunneled through her hair and he nudged her head downward. She laughed and obliged, opening her mouth and taking his shaft deep, stopping only when the head pressed against the back of her throat. She swallowed and Jace yelled her name.

Sam felt more alive than she had in her life. Every second seemed longer. Every sense she possessed seemed heightened, from the perfume of sex that seemed to surround them, to the sound of Jace’s sigh of pleasure and the salty taste of him in her mouth.

Her skin tingled and her pussy pulsed in time with Jace’s cock.

A quick glance at Darian assured her he was enjoying the show. He had his large hand wrapped around his cock, pumping lazily as he watched her pleasure Jace with her mouth.

Sam turned her attention back to Jace, wanting him to understand how special he was to her. She swallowed again, sucking the head hard to bring him maximum pleasure.

She slid his cock almost all the way out of her mouth, circling the tip with her tongue before taking him deep. With her hand wrapped around the base, she controlled each stroke. She squeezed and sucked and licked, enjoying watching him squirm with pleasure.

Jace’s hips arched upward on each down stroke. “More. Take all of me.” His tortured whisper almost broke her heart. He meant more than simply her taking more of his cock into her mouth. He wanted her to accept him and his home. He didn’t have to say it. She felt it in her bones and knew it in her heart.

Sam blinked back tears, feeling suddenly emotional and vulnerable. But she didn’t stop. She used her free hand to cup Jace’s balls, rolling them carefully between her fingers.

His big hands fisted in the sheets and she heard a rip as one of them gave way beneath his assault.

“I’m coming.” She knew he was warning her, giving her time to pull away so he could come on his stomach instead of in her mouth.

Sam took him deeper, sucking and swallowing around his shaft and cock head. She wanted to give him everything, wanted to give him what she’d never given another man. She’d never swallowed before, hadn’t wanted to and had always broken off before it had happened with her previous lovers. But not with Jace.

“Sam. Sam. Sam.” He chanted her name over and over as she drove him closer to coming.

His balls tightened and his cock rippled beneath her hand. Then he was coming in her mouth. She swallowed and kept swallowing until he was done. His heavy hand rested against her head and he sighed a deep sigh of contentment.

Sam sucked him clean and sat up, wiping the edges of her mouth. Jace opened his mouth to speak, but closed it again and shook his head. She didn’t know what she’d been expecting. Certainly not a declaration of love, but something other than silence.

She started to turn away, but he grabbed her and pulled her down until she was sprawled on top of him. He held her face as he kissed her, pouring everything he couldn’t or wouldn’t say into it. She wasn’t sure what it meant, but she knew her own heart was more than a little involved.

How could she have fallen in love with a man who was going to leave her?

Sam slowly sat up and moved off Jace, whose pale-blue eyes followed her as she reached for Darian.

Two brothers. One intense and committed to his land and people. Loyal. The other just as loyal and committed but more lighthearted, less burdened. Similar, yet different in so many ways. Darian would always be the easier of the two to live with, the one to bend more to compromise. Not Jace. He would always be difficult and unbending. But his loyalty was unshakeable and so was his tenacity.

How was it possible for her to love them both? Because there was no longer any denying that she did.

Staring down at Jace, who still managed to look dangerous and sated at the same time and then over to Darian who waited patiently for her to come to him, she admitted the truth to herself.

Love had finally come into her life, not once but twice. But it had come at a deep cost. Both men would go tomorrow. As much as she wanted one of them to stay, she couldn’t allow it. She wouldn’t be responsible for breaking up their family.

Family. It was what she missed the most, what she wanted.

What was she staying here for?

The question shocked and surprised her, but before she could really think about it, Darian reached her for. Sam shook her head and wrapped her hand around his cock, wanting to give him the kind of pleasure she’d given Jace, a night of pleasure he’d never forget.

Darian groaned as she slid her mouth over his cock, his fingers threading through her hair. Sam lost herself in the moment, more able to show her feelings than to voice them out loud.

Chapter Fifteen

Darian was a man torn between two worlds, between the people he loved the most in the world—his brother and Sam. He stood on the back porch and watched the sun rise and push back the darkness. The stars slipped away and dawn was ushered in.

Today was the day. The tapestry would come and choices would have to be made.

How could he choose?

Sighing, he raked his fingers through his hair. There were no easy answers. If he stayed with Sam he’d never see his brother or mother again. If he went home with Jace he’d never see Sam again.

He swept up his sword and stalked to the center of the yard. Training always calmed and centered him. He set his bare feet on the warm dirt and began a series of movements, exercises designed to strengthen his body and his skills. Darian easily fell into the rhythm of moving body and weapon together. It was familiar. Comforting.

The early morning sun soon had him sweating, but he didn’t mind. He was becoming accustomed to the heat, just as he had become accustomed to having Sam in his bed.

None of them had slept much last night. After Sam had given him a taste of heaven with her mouth, they’d taken turns making love to her again and again until she’d fallen into a fitful sleep. A twinge of guilt made him wince. They’d been all over her and she’d likely be sore today. Desperation had ridden him even as he’d ridden Sam.

To his amazement, his cock stirred. After last night he’d figured the organ wouldn’t even twitch for several days. But all it took was a thought of Sam.

Darian ignored the physical discomfort and focused on the moves of the exercises until all else slipped away. The blade cut through the air as his body sinuously twisted and turned. His movements started slow, but soon picked up speed. He kept his breathing even and deep. The exercises were as much about mental control as they were about physical development.

He felt the ripple in the air, the way every cell of his body seemed to come to attention, and knew Sam had stepped outside. He lowered his weapon and turned to face her.

“Wow, that’s incredible.”

Darian inclined his head. “Thank you. We’ve both trained since we were children.”

Several beads of sweat rolled down his chest and his fingers gripped the handle of his sword. He wished there was a foe to fight and vanquish. That would be easy. It was impossible to fight Sam’s memories and a lifetime of family expectations. He should know. He was battling with his own.

He strode toward Sam, admiring the way she looked with her dark hair pulled back in the familiar loose braid. She was wearing pants and a shirt that clung to her breasts. Her skin smelled fresh, like soap and sunshine. He leaned down and nuzzled her neck, inhaling deeply.

Sam laughed, but it was tinged with nervousness. Darian pulled back and caught her chin with his hand. “What is it?”

She shrugged. “I’m worried about today.” Sam nibbled on her bottom lip and Darian groaned. All his peace and calm fled in an instant, replaced by lust and a tenderness that nearly dropped him to his knees.

He kissed her, not with passion, but with love. Gently, he laved her abused bottom lip before deepening the caress. Other than his hand on her chin the only place they touched were their mouths, yet Darian’s body was on fire.

It would always be this way. He knew it to the depths of his soul and accepted it.

When he released her and stepped back, he’d made his decision. “I will stay with you.”

Sam’s mouth dropped open. He could tell his pronouncement stunned her. Did she think they would both leave her here alone? Or perhaps she didn’t want him here. She might as well run his sword through his heart if that was the case.

“Do you not want me to stay?” He squared his shoulders and watched her face. Confusion and hope warred there, but both were chased away by a deep sadness.

Sam wrapped her arms around herself and shook her head. “As much as I want you to stay I can’t let you.”

Now he was confused. “Why not?”

Sam didn’t know how much more she could take before she collapsed in a heap of tears and regret. Her body ached from their sexual play last night. Both men had been insatiable, taking her again and again. She was sore, but she didn’t regret last night. No woman could have felt more wanted and cared for then she did.

Emotionally, she was a wreck. She’d left Jace in bed and come downstairs to find Darian. What a sight he’d made, wearing only his leather pants and the familiar bands on his arms, as he’d trained with his sword. Swinging the weapon as though it was as light as a feather, he’d moved through a series of intricate movements that reminded her somewhat of martial arts stances. It was a mesmerizing, deadly display of raw power and very, very hot.

Sam had settled herself to the fact that both men were leaving today and now Darian had thrown this latest revelation at her. “Because, you can’t.” Great, that was totally articulate. She sighed and shook her head. “You can’t do that to your mother.” No way was she being responsible for breaking up a family.

She’d give anything to have her family back. A deep well of pain and emptiness filled her. She desperately wanted a family and he was willing to give his up.

Darian returned his sword to its protective sheath and propped it against the porch railing. “My mother will understand and she will have Jace. If I leave, you will be all alone.”

His words sliced through her like a blade. Alone, as she’d been all these months.

The door opened behind her and Jace joined them. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, snuggling against her from behind. She leaned against his strength even as she berated herself for doing so. She couldn’t get used to depending on either of them.

“What is wrong?” Jace’s deep voice rumbled through her. She loved the sound of it, the deepness, the hint of command.

“Nothing,” she replied.

“I told her I was staying,” Darian said at the same time.

Jace tensed behind her but then he relaxed. “I expected as much.”

She whirled in his arms and shoved against his chest until he backed up a step. Like his brother, Jace was naked except for his leather pants, which hung low on his hips. His hair fell around his shoulders with the familiar skinny braids on either side. A lot of men would have looked awkward or even feminine wearing two braids in their hair. Not Jace. If anything it accentuated the sheer masculinity of his face.

“He can’t stay. I already told him that.” Why wouldn’t either of them listen to her?

Jace frowned. “You do not wish him to stay?”

“What is wrong with you?” She drilled her index finger against his chest. “He’s your brother. Don’t you want him to come home with you?”

Sadness suffused his face. “I want one of us to be happy.”

The implication that he didn’t want to leave her almost sent her to her knees. This situation was getting worse by the second. Sam spun away and walked to the edge of the porch.

She stared out over the familiar landscape, not really seeing it.

“Sam.” She ignored Darian and continued to stare at the sky. For the first time, she noticed the clouds building on the horizon. Rain. It would be a godsend to all the farmers in the area. A healthy crop would allow her to pay off her existing loan and maybe even give her some breathing space to try some of her experimental crops. If not, she could put that off for yet another year. But the farm would survive. She would survive.

Why wasn’t she happier about that? It was what she wanted.

Dust flew in the distance. “What now?” she muttered. She hadn’t even had a cup of coffee yet.

The familiar truck came into view. She should have known Tim wouldn’t stay away today. She turned and found both Darian and Jace watching her intently. “We’ll talk about this later.”

Jace’s features hardened while Darian’s filled with sadness. “There is no later, Sam. Today is the day.”

But it hadn’t happened yet. The tapestry hadn’t appeared. Maybe it wouldn’t, and all this worry would be for nothing. Of course, if it didn’t come, she’d be worried about their mother and the people of Hunter Keep.

Sam hurried down the steps to greet Tim, needing a familiar face, one from her past, from her world. “Morning, Tim.”

He swept her into his arms, hugging her tight. As she always did, she returned his embrace and soaked in his caring, his love.

Tim released her and brushed a stray lock of hair off her forehead. “You okay, little girl?” His gaze shot to the two men standing on her porch. “Everything okay?”

“Oh, Tim. What am I going to do?”

He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and turned her toward the house. “Whatever you want to. It’s your choice, Sam.”

Her choice. The words struck her hard. In her entire life, had she ever done anything that was her choice? She’d worked the farm because it was expected. She loved it too, but there was never talk of her doing anything else. She’d worked harder when her brother had been killed. She’d taken care of her mother after her father died. And then she’d taken care of the farm after her mother passed. Sam had spent her entire life simply reacting to the situation at hand and doing whatever needed to be done.

She was tough and resilient. A survivor.

But wasn’t life supposed to be about more than simply survival? What did she want? Now that was a loaded question. “I need coffee.” Avoiding the question for now, she pushed past all the men and went into the kitchen.

The men came in behind her and she heard the sound of chairs scraping over the scarred wooden floor and knew they were sitting at the table watching her.

Making coffee was a familiar task and it only took her seconds to have a pot brewing. “What brings you out here this morning, Tim?” Oh, she knew why he was here, but she needed to break the awkward silence.

“I came to check on you.” Tim was nothing if not blunt. “And to see what these two young fellers were doing.”

“I am staying,” Darian announced. He sat across from her, massive arms crossed over his chest, almost daring her to disagree with him.

“You can’t.” The words felt as though they were strangling her even as she said them. The denial was automatic, but really, Darian could stay. It was his choice. He was being proactive, deciding what he wanted. Unlike her, who always seemed to be reacting to whatever situation arose.

Jace leaned against the wall, getting tenser by the second. Sam turned back to the counter and poured coffee for her and Tim. Neither brother liked the bitter brew and preferred to drink water or juice. She handed Tim his coffee before she went to the refrigerator and got the orange juice. She pulled two glasses out of the cupboard and filled them. Her hands were shaking slightly as she gave Darian, and then Jace, the juice.

Silence surrounded them again and she couldn’t take it anymore. “I’m going for a walk.”

Jace straightened. “The tapestry.”

“If it comes the same time it did when it brought you here, it shouldn’t return for a few hours yet.” She softened her tone slightly. “I need some time alone, time to think.” Sam turned to Tim. “Are you staying?”

“Yeah, I’ll be here when you get back.” He stood and ruffled the top of her hair. “Go and do your thinking.”

Sam took her mug of coffee with her and left the kitchen and the men behind her.

Jace watched her walk down the porch stairs and across the yard, the ache in his gut growing with each step she took. Every moment with her was special and he resented losing even one of them. But he understood her need to think. There was a lot at stake.

He glanced at Darian and met his brother’s even gaze. He swallowed hard, shoving the emotion down. He would lose both Sam and his brother today.

“So you’re staying?” Tim’s question gave both brothers something to focus on other than Sam’s slender figure retreating in the distance.

“I am,” Darian acknowledged.

“But you’re not?” Tim asked him.

“I cannot.” Jace had to force the words out of his mouth. He loved his home, his mother and his people, but a man should never have to choose between his heart and his honor. Losing Sam was like losing his heart, but he owed his people everything he could give them. They depended on him. They needed him.

Sam would have Darian. They would be fine together.

Sam sipped her coffee as she walked and when the mug was empty she longed for more. There wasn’t enough coffee in the world to help her make this decision.

Why was she staying here?

Because it was home. It was familiar. It was her family’s legacy.

But what did she want?

Now that was the big question. She wanted a family. She wanted to be loved and needed. She wanted children.

She could have all of that with Jace and Darian. All she had to do was leave behind everything she knew, everything that was familiar. She’d have none of the modern conveniences. Not that she needed much. She didn’t need fancy clothes or jewelry or computers.

What did she want to do with her life?

What she’d always done—farm. She loved to grow things. She loved the horses and animals, the sense of satisfaction with planting something and seeing it through to harvest.

Why was she staying here?

Because she was a coward. Because it was easier to stay than to take a risk and go with Jace and Darian.

How could she let Darian stay and Jace go?

She couldn’t. Either both men stayed or both men went home.

The first drop of rain hit her on the nose, startling her. The clouds had blown in while she’d been lost in thought and the sun had disappeared. The next drop hit her cheek and made her laugh.

Rain. The drought was over.

Sam laughed and spun in a circle with her arms wide open, embracing the life-giving rain.

As quick as her elation came it died. There’d been nothing in the day’s forecast about rain when she’d checked the weather station this morning. If anything, they’d been predicting another day of dry heat. The tapestry. Jace had told her the tapestry had first appeared to them during a storm.

The rain came down heavier, soaking her and the ground beneath her feet.

Sam tossed her mug aside and started running. What if the tapestry appeared and she wasn’t with Jace and Darian. What would happen?

Legs pumping, heart racing, Sam ran as fast as she could toward home. As the house came into view she started to yell their names.

The three men sat on the porch and watched the sky grow darker each passing minute. “I don’t like this.” Darian paced from one end of the porch to the other, searching for a sign of Sam.

“Wasn’t any rain in the forecast today.” Tim leaned against the railing and stared out toward the horizon.

“It’s the tapestry.” Darian turned to his brother. Both of them were completely dressed and had their swords strapped on. Even though he was staying with Sam he wanted to honor his own culture one final time before he embraced hers.

He started to remove his sword. “You should take this home with you.”

Jace put his hand on Darian’s arm, stopping him. “No, it is part of your heritage. Keep it and tell your sons and daughters about us.”

Darian swallowed hard. “I will.” He grabbed his brother, hugging him tight. “I will miss you.”

“And I you.”

“Rain is coming down harder now.” Worry tinged Tim’s voice and both brothers walked over to stand beside him. “Don’t want Sam out there if it comes to thunder and lightning.”

“Where is she?” Jace growled. Darian knew his brother feared he might not see Sam again before the tapestry appeared to take him home.

Then he saw her. She was a dot in the distance at first, but she was coming fast. “There she is.”

He stepped off the porch into the driving rain with Jace beside him. When they heard her yell their names they took off, sprinting toward her as fast as they could. Darian reached her first, but only because Jace held up at the last second.

“Sam. Sam.” He caught her as she threw herself into his arms. “Are you all right?”

“You’re still here. You’re still here,” she chanted over and over. “I was so afraid. The tapestry.” She was breathing heavily, having obviously run a long distance.

A bolt of lightning lit up the sky. A clap of thunder quickly followed it. “Come on. We need to get out of the storm,” Jace yelled. He grabbed Sam’s arm and the three of them began to run toward the house.

They were almost at the porch when the air began to shimmer in front of them. They stumbled to a halt. Darian met his brother’s gaze and knew this was it.

The tapestry shimmered into existence before them. Darian swallowed hard and beat down the panic welling inside him. In the distance, Darian heard Tim’s exclamation of surprise.

Sam screamed at Tim. “Stay back.”

Darian gripped her hand and began to pull her toward the house, but she clung to Jace’s arm and wouldn’t release him.

“You have to let him go,” he shouted.

Jace started to pry Sam’s fingers away as the design on the tapestry began to change. “No, I can’t,” she cried.

A powerful female voice rose above the storm. Darian wasn’t sure if he actually heard it aloud or if it was just in his head. You must decide now or the tapestry will decide for you.

The sorceress. It had to be the sorceress who’d created the tapestry.

Fear ripped at him and he tugged at Sam. “Come on. We have to get back to the porch and away from Jace.” It was killing him to leave his brother behind. Jace looked stoic and resigned, but Darian knew his brother well and knew this was killing him too. But he’d survive because it was what he did, what they both did. Sam was a lot like them in that respect.

“No,” she cried. She ripped her hand out of his and stood in the pouring rain, hands on her hips, looking utterly magnificent. “Tim,” she yelled over the driving rain. “Check the papers on my desk. And take care of Arrow.”

Before Darian could figure out what she meant by that, Sam grabbed Jace’s arm and yanked him close. Then she reached out to him. “Hurry.”

Darian locked his hand around her wrist as the wind started swirling around them.

“You have to go,” Jace yelled at Sam.

“I know.” Darian could barely hear her voice over the din as the world itself began to spin. It was too late. Whatever would be, would be.

Then he was ripped away from Sam’s world. He yelled her name and Jace’s as the black voice swallowed him whole.

Chapter Sixteen

Jace came awake in a rush. He leapt to his feet and drew his sword, but there was no enemy to fight, no foe to vanquish. He was back in Javara at the lake beyond Hunter Keep where they’d taken Sam. The sun was shining, the birds were singing and the mountains rose behind him, tall and majestic.

He was alone.

He roared in anger and pain and dropped to his knees. His sword slipped from his hand and fell to the ground in front of him. His brother and Sam were gone. He was alone.

Jace swallowed hard, ignoring the tears filling his eyes. He was home, but home had never felt so empty before. He wanted to curse the gods even as he was grateful his brother and Sam were together. At least Darian would be happy. It was enough. It had to be.

A low moan reached his ears and he scrambled toward the sound. Lying on the ground was his brother. “Darian.” As much as it pained Jace to see him, he couldn’t help but feel glad he wasn’t alone.

But did that mean Sam had been left to pick up the pieces of her life by herself? What had the tapestry done? Was it Sam’s will that both brothers return home?

He shook his brother’s arm. “Darian, wake.”

Darian’s eyes shot open and he rolled to his feet. Jace slowly stood and faced his brother. “We’re home.” Darian spun in confusion.

“Yes.”

“Where is Sam?”

Jace shook his head and rubbed his thumb and forefinger over his eyes.

Darian roared and Jace could hear his own pain echoed in his brother’s voice. Neither of them would ever be the same again. “Why?” Darian asked. “Why did she send us both back? It had to be her will. The tapestry always allows the woman to decide.”

“Because she loved you both.” The tapestry shimmered in the air, but above it the ghostly outline of a woman appeared, as wispy as morning mist.

Both men took a step back. “The sorceress,” Darian whispered. “I heard your voice at Sam’s home.”

“Yes.” The woman was beautiful and ageless, more mirage than reality. “The tapestry is done with this generation. The magic has been used too much, but there was such need that I allowed it.”

“Why? Why did you allow it if you knew Sam wouldn’t stay?” Jace demanded.

“Jace,” Darian warned. He knew it wasn’t smart to disrespect a powerful sorceress, but Jace didn’t care.

“It is always the woman’s choice,” the sorceress reminded them. Then she smiled. “Live long in happiness. May you enjoy your sons and daughters.” She faded slowly and the tapestry faded with her.

It was done.

“What did she mean by that?” Jace demanded. “Without Sam there will be no children. I will have no other.”

He sat on the ground and stared out over the lake, oblivious to the beauty around him. It all seemed so peaceful, so normal, so very ordinary. This was his home and he loved it, but not even the mountains could fill the empty hole in his soul.

Darian lowered himself to the ground beside Jace. “I would have stayed with her. I don’t understand why she sent us both back alone.”

“I didn’t.” The familiar female voice had both men stumbling to their feet. Just beyond them, Sam stood amid the wildflowers, her hair windblown, her plain, white T-shirt dirty and torn.

“Sam.” Darian whispered her name as he ran to her. “Sam,” he yelled as he lifted her into his arms and twirled her around until she was breathlessly demanding he put her down. He quickly set her back on her feet. “I’m so sorry,” Darian began. “I know this wasn’t what you wanted.”

“Wasn’t it?” she countered. Sam looked toward him and Jace wanted so badly to reach for her but didn’t dare. She hadn’t wanted this. But his heart rejoiced that she was here. He would make her love him. Love them.

This was what the sorceress had meant about enjoying their children. She’d known Sam was here with them.

Jace frowned. If the sorceress knew about Sam then she must have known Sam wanted to remain in her own world. “Why are you here?” he demanded.

Sam swallowed hard, wondering if she’d made a huge mistake. Darian seemed happy to see her. Or maybe he was happy because he was home. Jace, on the other hand, seemed more unapproachable than ever.

“You didn’t want to be here,” Jace reminded her.

“I was afraid.” She owed them the truth. “Plus, I got so used to doing what needed to be done and forgot to ask myself what it was I truly wanted of life until Tim pointed it out to me.”

Feeling totally wrung out and exhausted, Sam lowered herself to the ground. The air was so different here, fresh and slightly cool, not dry like back in Texas. Oh God, this was her home now. There was no going back. Her breathing quickened and both men were beside her in an instant.

“Breathe slowly, Sam,” Jace instructed. Like she wasn’t already trying to do that. She kept her gaze locked on his and the calm she saw there helped drive back the terror that threatened to swamp her.

When her heart dropped from a gallop to a trot and she thought she could talk without passing out, she continued. “Home was familiar, what I’d always done, what I was expected to do, you know?”

“I understand.” And she knew Jace did understand. He knew what it was like to do what needed to be done, to fulfill everyone else’s expectations.

“I started thinking about what I really want.”

“And what do you want, Sam?” Darian asked.

“I want a family, someone to love, someone who needs me. I love to plant and watch crops grow. I love to harvest and plan for the next season.”

“You can do that here,” Darian pointed out.

“I know.” She rubbed at a spot of dirt on the knees of her jeans. “But do I have the first part?” That was what scared her the most now that she’d made the leap of faith and left her home and everything she knew behind her.

The tapestry had forced her to choose fast—almost too fast. But she’d done the best she could, made the best choice possible for everyone, but especially for herself.

Jace rolled to his feet, towering over her. He was a big man. His bare torso gleamed and his shoulders and torso blocked her view of the sun. Muscles rippled in his arms and torso as he ripped his sword from his scabbard. The razor-sharp blade caught and reflected the sunlight. He flipped it around in a motion so fast she gasped. But he caught the flat of the blade and the hilt with both hands.

His expression was totally unreadable as he went down on one knee before her and held the sword out in front of him. “You are the heart that beats in this chest and in this home and if you would take me for husband I will give you my love, loyalty and devotion for as long as I live. With me, you gain the love, loyalty and devotion of my brother as well, who will be lover to you, and would also be your husband should I die before you. In return, I ask for your love, loyalty and devotion and any children that the gods see fit to gift us with.”

Sam’s heart skipped a beat. She recognized the words. It was the same pledge Darian had given her when she’d first arrived in his world. God, was that only three days ago? It seemed like a lifetime. And in some ways it was. The life that she knew was gone and a new one about to begin.

Darian knelt beside his brother and offered the same pledge again.

Sam swallowed back tears. “How can I choose? I love you both.” She whispered the words, her emotions raw and tender, but she wouldn’t hold back, not any longer. She was determined not to be a coward.

“You love me?” Jace asked. “Us?”

She nodded and gave him a watery grin as tears seeped from the corners of her eyes. “Yes.”

Jace tossed aside his sword and pulled her into his arms. “I love you, Sam. No man could love you more,” he paused, “save for Darian.” He kissed her temple and his words were fierce. “You will not regret this. I promise you. We will make you happy.”

She held him as tightly as she could, sensing he needed the embrace as much as she did. Then she lifted one arm and looked at Darian. He was smiling as he joined them. The three of them sat in the beautiful field with the water lapping at the shoreline while the flowers perfumed the air. The moment was perfect.

Darian cupped the back of her head and drew her close for a kiss. She let herself sink into it. Nothing else mattered but being with him and with Jace.

Before the kiss could get too intense, Jace tugged her away from Darian. “My turn.” Then Jace was kissing her, his tongue tangling with hers, their breath mingling.

“We should get back to Hunter Keep. Mother will be worried.” Darian stood and held out his hand to Sam.

Their mother. She’d forgotten all about their mother. She took Darian’s hand and let him pull her upright. Jace rose, grabbed his sword and sheathed it.

“But how will I chose?” That was the biggest worry she had about this entire situation. “I can’t pick one.”

Jace rubbed his thumb over her cheek. “You can and you will. It is a mere formality,” he reminded her. “What we do in the bedroom is our business. We will share equally.”

“Equally. I like that.”

“I think she should marry you.” Darian pointed at his brother. “You’re the eldest. Plus, I think you need the binding agreement more than I do. I am content as long as I have Sam’s love.” He grinned. “And of course hot sex.”

Sam knew Darian was right and loved him even more for the way he put his brother’s needs above his own.

Jace frowned at his brother and then turned to her. “What is your choice?”

“I choose you both, but I think Darian is right. I’ll marry you.”

Jace’s lips curved into a smile and he suddenly looked like a younger version of himself. It was as though the years and responsibilities had melted away. Sam knew she’d made the right choice.

He lifted her in his arms and began to walk toward Hunter Keep. Darian laughed and fell into step beside them. “Let me know when you grow tired and I will carry Sam for a while.” Sam could hear the teasing note in Darian’s voice and frowned at him over Jace’s shoulder.

“Never. I shall never tire of carrying Sam.” The truth of that struck her like a bolt of lightning. Sam knew both men would love her, now and always.

“Take me home.” She reached out a hand to Darian and linked fingers with them as the three of them made their way home.

* * *

Tim snapped several pictures on his phone and prayed they’d come out. Mary would never believe him otherwise. The wind swirled and grew stronger until it became difficult for him to stand upright. He tucked the phone in his pocket and linked his arm around the porch railing to keep from being swept away by the powerful force of the wind.

Sam’s voice reached him over the growing din. “Tim. Check the papers on my desk. And take care of Arrow.”

He tried to answer, but his voice was swallowed by a powerful gust. The world seemed to explode and he was knocked on his ass. When he sat up, choking on dust, the three of them were gone and so was the tapestry that had appeared out of nowhere.

He’d seen the whole damn thing with his own two eyes and still couldn’t quite believe what had happened. It was all true, everything Sam and the two boys had told him.

Sam was gone. Forever.

Tim climbed to his feet and rubbed his eyes, then spit the taste of dust from his mouth. He’d never see Sam again.

The door banged shut behind him when he entered the empty house. His boots felt heavy on the wood floor and seemed to echo. It was as though the house knew the last Calloway was gone for good.

He knew where the office was, had spent many an hour there with Sam’s father and brother. There was a small pile of papers sitting on the corner of the desk just as she’d said. He lifted them and started reading.

“Sam, what have you done?” She’d given the farm to him and Mary with instructions to do whatever he wanted with it. The only stipulation she made was they weren’t to sell it to George Rawlins. As if he’d give that low-down jackass the time of day.

He plucked his phone out of his pocket and went straight to his pictures. There were two good ones of Sam standing in the rain with Jace and Darian on either side of them. There was no denying the love and concern he saw in both men’s eyes.

Tim tucked his phone away and walked to a family picture sitting on the shelf. He lifted it and rubbed his thumb over the faded images. “Well, Cal, your little girl has grown up into a fine woman. She met a couple of men who will take good care of her.” Felt strange to be saying such a thing. He didn’t know how such a relationship could work, but who was he to judge.

“Sue,” he addressed Sam’s mother. “Your little girl will be just fine.” He set the picture back on the shelf. They were all gone now.

Tim suddenly had a deep need to hold his Mary in his arms. He pocketed the papers and walked through the house, pausing long enough to shut off the coffeepot. He’d deal with the legalities in a few days. It would be easy enough to spin a story about Sam running off to marry one of the Hunter brothers. No one would wonder about her wanting to leave the backbreaking work of farming and her family tragedies behind and start anew.

He shut the door behind him and breathed in the cooler air. A light rain pattered gently onto the ground. It was the perfect kind of rain for the crops. Tim foresaw a good harvest this year.

Plenty of time to figure out what he was going to do with two farms. He would need to talk to Mary about that. He pulled the door shut behind him and trudged to his truck. His heart was heavy. Sam was like a daughter to him and Mary, and they would miss and mourn her. They’d never see her children or know that she was okay.

Arrow appeared out of nowhere and twined around Tim’s feet. He stared down at the rather large feline. “Guess you better come with me, boy.” He lifted the large black cat and carried him to the truck. Arrow quickly made himself at home on the passenger seat. Tim shook his head, knowing the cat would be ruling his barn by this time tomorrow.

He started the truck and stared back at the yard where only moments ago Sam had stood. He’d have to have faith that she was happy and healthy. If the Hunter brothers had anything to do with it, she would be.

“Goodbye, Sam,” he whispered as he drove away.

Epilogue

Sam looked out over the crowd that had assembled to celebrate her joining with Jace. Personally, she looked at it as the three of them getting married. Both men knew that and seemed equally amused and pleased by her attitude.

The great hall was filled with music, conversation and laughter. Food and drink flowed freely. Sam couldn’t believe how quickly Edwina had organized the whole thing. You’d never think they’d had only had a few weeks to pull together a wedding feast for such a large group.

She was still amazed how quickly she’d found a place here among the people of Hunter Keep. She loved working in the fields alongside the men. Though the men had a hard time watching her do hard physical labor—they were very protective of their women here—they accepted that she was good at it and it made her happy. Sam was constantly learning more about her new home each day and loved it.

And Edwina was the best mother-in-law a girl could ever have. Totally accepting, she encouraged Sam and supported her having a hand in the farming aspect of the keep. She knew she could go to Edwina for help or advice any time at all.

Sam rubbed her hand over the fancy dress she currently wore. The material had been dyed a soft yellow and was embroidered around the neckline and hem with beautiful flowers. Edwina had made it for her and it was obvious the other woman had a talent when it came to making clothing. They’d already put their heads together to plan a new wardrobe for Sam. Lots of pants and tunics, but a few skirts and dresses as well.

Currently her two men were chatting with some of the guests who’d come from across the land to help them celebrate. They were both incredibly handsome in their leather pants and embroidered tunics. They’d replaced their regular bronze-colored arm- and wristbands with ones made out of silver. Jace wore a silver torque around his neck, a symbol of his leadership and his rightful place as lord of Hunter Keep. Beside him, Darian was no less impressive.

Jace and Darian had sent word to the families of the other tapestry brides, inviting them to Hunter Keep. She knew they’d done it for her, knowing she’d want to talk to the other women who’d left their former lives behind to live in Javara.

Sam smiled when she saw Christina Garen and her husband. Jarek was a big man—as most of the men in this world seemed to be—and he doted on his wife. They’d brought their five children with them, but it was obvious all the brothers doted on their sister. The little girl—Allina—twirled in circles, the hem of her dress belling out around her while her two older brothers Baron and Derrick kept a watchful eye. Her two younger brothers played at their father’s feet.

Then there was Jane Bakra. The woman had a great sense of humor and was a font of information about how to deal with two overbearing warriors. Sam had a feeling she and Jane would be exchanging more than one letter in the coming months. Her husband Zaren Bakra was more than a little intimidating and his younger brother Bador wasn’t much different. They hovered around Jane as though they expected someone to try to steal her any second. Sam figured anyone dumb enough to try deserved what they got. They had twin boys who were a whirlwind of energy and seemed to be everywhere at once.

The younger Bakra brothers—Garrik and Jarmon—had shown up with their bride as well, but Genita was from this world. Sam liked Genny, as her husbands called her. Sam knew she was married to Jarmon, but she considered both men Genny’s husbands. She knew how she herself felt about Jace and Darian and figured the other women felt the same. Genny was pregnant and both men watched her like a hawk.

Sam smiled as Jarmon plucked Genny right off her feet and carried her to one of the chairs before the fire, plunking her down in the seat. She chuckled when Genny popped right back up and out of the chair.

“What are you laughing at?” Strong arms came around her from behind and she leaned back into Jace’s arms.

“Nothing, really. I’m happy.”

Jace rubbed his chin on the top of her head. “I’m glad.” He dropped a kiss on her neck and she sucked in a breath. Too much of that and they’d be deserting their guests early.

“Tell me about Kathryn and Marc Garen.” The two of them kept mostly to themselves or remained near Marc’s brother.

Jace rocked her lightly from side-to-side. “Kathryn is related to the original sorceress who created the tapestry.”

“Wow.”

“Hmm.” Jace brushed a kiss over her temple. “It is the only time in the time of the tapestry that two brothers have been allowed two wives. Some tried to take Kathryn from him and the sorceress appeared, ready to wreak havoc on us if that happened. We’d forgotten the most basic rule of the tapestry—it is always the woman’s choice.”

Magic was so accepted here. Sam couldn’t quite wrap her head around the entire idea of magic and sorceresses even though the tapestry had brought her here.

“The Craddock brothers don’t seem too friendly.” The men kept to themselves, but Sam had found their wife, Roxanne, much friendlier.

“They have not had an easy life. Suffice to say their elder brothers were not good men. They are not like their brothers, but many have a hard time accepting that. Roxanne’s life was not an easy one before she arrived here.”

Sam had heard bits and pieces about Roxanne running from an abusive ex-husband. But she seemed happy enough with her two men and her one-year-old baby boy.

Darian strode over to stand beside them. He leaned down and kissed Sam and she eagerly returned the caress. “What are you two talking about? You both look so serious.”

“Sam wanted to know more about our guests.”

“What about Audrey?” she asked. “Your mother told me that she’s only been here a year.”

“Audrey appeared in the middle of a storm and almost died before Heroc and Abrah found her.” Jace’s arms tightened around her. “In fact it was Carn that found her.”

Sam had seen Carn and wasn’t quite sure the creature was really a dog. The enormous wolfhound was always alert and always by Audrey’s side.

“We have something for you.” Darian’s eyes twinkled with delight.

“What? I don’t need presents.” She knew the fact that they weren’t as well off as some of their friends and neighbors rankled her men’s pride. But according to Edwina, Hunter Keep had been on the verge of total collapse when her sons had taken over. In a few short years they were well on their way to being prosperous once again.

Sam knew the feeling well and understood Jace and Darian. And she was determined to help them rebuild Hunter Keep into the vision they had. It would be something to pass on to their children.

She placed a hand on her stomach and swallowed hard. Kids. She’d almost given up hope of ever having any, but that dream was now a reality. She’d missed her period since she’d been here. Maybe it was the excitement of planning a wedding. Maybe not. Her breasts were tender and, though she couldn’t really explain it, she felt pregnant. She hoped to have good news to share with her men soon.

“What troubles you, Sam?” Jace tilted her head back until she was looking up at him.

“I don’t need presents.” The concern in his face eased.

“I know you do not, but you will like this one.”

“It’s not just for you,” Darian piped up. “It’s really for all of us.”

“Okay, what is it?”

“Not what, but who.” After making his pronouncement, Darian disappeared through a doorway and reappeared moments later with a rather large puppy.

“Oh, he’s adorable.” Sam immediately reached for him. She missed Arrow, but knew Tim would take care of the irascible cat.

The puppy wiggled and threw his paws around her shoulders, licking her face until she laughed. His head and paws were huge and she knew he would be an enormous animal. His gray coloring looked very familiar.

Sam stared over at Carn who was watching her intently. “He’s going to be the size of a small horse, isn’t he?”

Darian laughed. “The Dannon brothers rarely part with any of their pups, but they made an exception this time when we told them we wanted it as a wedding gift for you. When he’s grown, we hope the pup with sire offspring with our strongest dogs so we can build our own line of hunting and guard dogs.”

“But mostly, he is your companion, your protector.” Jace rubbed the dog’s head and the pup whined in ecstasy.

“Thank you.” Tears pricked her eyes as emotion filled her. Only two months ago she was alone on her farm with little hope and not much of a future. Today she’d officially married to Jace—unofficially to both men—and the future looked bright.

“No, it is we who thank you.” Jace kissed her, claiming her mouth. Heat and love surrounded her and she accidentally squeezed the pup too tight. They broke apart when the pup gave a little whine.

“I’m sorry, puppy,” she crooned. The dog immediately forgave her and started licking her chin again.

“What will you call him?” Darian asked.

Sam thought about it for a moment. “Texas, Tex for short.” It was a reminder of her old home blended with her new one.

Darian plucked Tex from her arms. Before she could object, Jace scooped her into his arms. All eyes in the room turned toward them. “Thank you all for coming to Hunter Keep to join in our happiness. Enjoy the feast and the music. It is time for us to retire. Sam is tired from the festivities.”

The women laughed at Jace’s obvious lie, while the men called out encouragement and bedroom advice. Sam buried her face against Jace’s chest and groaned. “I’ll never live down the humiliation.”

He laughed, the vibration flowing into her body. “You’ll survive, Sam. You’re strong.”

She sensed the seriousness underlying his words and raised her head as they left the great hall behind and started up the stairs. “I’ll do more than simply survive now that I have you two.”

Darian had handed off the pup to his mother on his way out of the hall and followed them up the stairs. They’d agreed to all spend their wedding night together. And most nights in the future if she had anything to say about it.

Darian opened the door to Jace’s room and Jace carried her over the threshold. Darian stepped in behind them and closed the door with a heavy thunk.

Sam had a sense of the door to her past closing behind her. But the future ahead of her was a bright one and she was ready to face any challenge as long as her two men were beside her.

“I love you, Jace. I love you, Darian.” She wanted them to know how much they meant to her.

“You are my heart.” Jace set her on her feet and began to unlace her dress.

“You are my home.” Darian helped his brother remove her clothing.

Sam smiled at them, knowing this would be a night to remember.

Content

Strands of Love
Tapestries - 7
by
N.J. Walters

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Epilogue