Paige Cameron by Commando Cowboys Find Their Desire

until a flash of exquisite pleasure shot up her spine. He groaned as he found his own release. She lay forward, and he sprawled lightly across her back. He kissed her neck before rolling to her side.
    Just then his phone rang from across the room where he’d placed it on top of his chest of drawers. He sat on the side of the bed for a minute to get his breath before walking across to answer it. “Hello, Mitch. Yes, Averil’s here. I’ll put you on speakerphone so we both can hear you.”
    “Someone else has been hospitalized with the same symptoms as Averil. We’re having a meeting at ranch headquarters, and I want Averil to join us.”
    “Who was poisoned?”
    “Hilda’s husband, Harry. He was working in the community store for her this afternoon. He’s not responsive so we can’t ask who came in and out. Hopefully, he’ll regain consciousness, but the doctors say it looks bad. He got a bigger dose than Averil.”
    “We’ll be there as quick as possible.” He cancelled the call.
    Averil came to his side. “I can’t remember Harry.”
    “I don’t think you’ve met him, but Harry and his wife Hilda are proprietors of the community store. We need to get ready and go to the main ranch house.”
    “I’ll head to my room.” Averil hurried to shower and then dressed in jeans, a T-shirt, and boots. She was only a few minutes behind Cody. She saw him go out the front door to the truck. Grabbing a long-sleeved shirt, she hurried after him.
     
    * * * *
     
    The conference room was full. Dr. Jack was the first person Averil saw when she walked in. Then she looked around and spotted Kira sitting with two ladies. There was another woman further down and all the leaders.
    “I’m leaving you in good hands. I’ll be upstairs if you need me.” Cody squeezed her hand and went to leave.
    “You aren’t staying?”
    “No, this is a high-level meeting. They’ll tell the rest of us when it’s time.”
    She watched him walk jauntily off. She had to smile. His whole persona showed he was a confident, capable man. Several people were smiling at her when she turned around. The whole ranch must know about her, Cody, and Payton. There goes my blush, again.
    “Come in, Averil. We’re ready to start the meeting.” Mitch motioned for her to join them.
    Averil went to the seat Kira had saved for her, and everyone sat down. She sensed the tension in the room. Once she was seated, Mitch introduced the unknown lady as their Priestess, Elle. Then he started the meeting.
    “It appears we missed one or two of our enemies.” Mitch glanced at each person. “And this enemy is more dangerous. He or she is determined to create fear in our people and to kill randomly. The doctors do not think they will be able to save Harry. Jack, can you explain what’s happening?”
    “Sure. This poison goes through the skin and attacks the vital organs like a mutant virus. It’s a devilish concoction. Our scientist are working twenty-four hours a day trying to break down the formula, but so far they’ve had no success.
    “They checked all of the places where Averil was before her attack. Now, they’re thoroughly checking the community store and Harry’s home. Hilda is fine, but we’re keeping her downstairs here until this mystery is solved. That’s all I know for now. It’s damn frustrating.”
    “Dr. Talisman.” Kira spoke up. “I understand you know more about our physical and chemical makeup than most of our doctors.”
    “I’ve done some individual studies and written several research papers for our other physicians.”
    “Then I’d like to make a suggestion. As most of you know, Averil and I are twins, but not identical. Although we do share more than most fraternal twins. To explain, I’d say we were not totally identical, nor totally fraternal.
    “Averil has survived the poison that apparently attacks the body like a virus. I’d like you to take some of Averil’s blood and put it in me. Then we’ll wait twenty-four