Free Falke’s Captive by Madison Layle & Anna Leigh Keaton Page A

Kelan a look of irritation. His brother could be so obtuse sometimes. “I’m talking about finding what Axel and Gunnar have.”
    “Paranoia? Having to look after someone else? Guarding a woman? Have you lost your mind? I’m too young to do that. I’ve got too much living left first.”
    “We’re the same age as Axel and Gunnar.”
    “Yeah, and look at how nuts they’re acting.”
    “Gunnar seems okay.”
    “He’s not the alpha.”
    The two might share the same woman, but a lion’s share of the responsibility lay with the elder. When he and Kelan claimed their mate, that duty would fall to Kelan, so Reidar could see his point…somewhat. “That’s what has you worried?”
    “I didn’t say that,” Kelan said a little too fast. He sat back and lifted his drink. “Besides, what you’re obsessing over—”
    “I’m not obsessing.”
    “Who’d you fuck last weekend?” Kelan demanded as if just realizing what Reidar had said earlier.
    Reidar laughed. “You really do have your mind on other things if it took you that long.”
    “Who was she?”
    Reidar shrugged, but incriminated himself with a grin. “Just a hot German coed on summer holiday.”
    Kelan snorted. “She got a sister?”
    “Naw, but her two best friends were a lot of fun. They left town the next day anyway. Just stopping through on their road trip.”
    Kelan’s jaw dropped. “You…What the hell, man? All three?”
    Reidar winked. “Oh, yeah. All three. Damn if they didn’t wear me out!”
    “Asshole. Didn’t even bother to call me.”
    “Actually, I did. Remember? Saturday evening? You told me you were busy when I called and asked what you were up to.”
    Kelan slumped farther down in the booth. “Jackass.” Reidar laughed again, which made his brother smile. “And you’re willing to give up hot coeds for a mate and a litter of brats?”
    Reidar’s smile faded, and he sighed heavily. “I guess I’m tired of it all.”
    Kelan raised an eyebrow. “After three at once, I’d be tired too.”
    “No, man. That’s not what I mean. Three women in one night was great—some of the hottest, raunchiest sex I’ve had in ages. But I woke up alone.” He shrugged and lifted his drink. “It’d be nice to wake up, roll over, and find someone there next to me. Someone I really cared about.”
    “Fine, whatever. All I’m saying is it’s a moot point anyway. Where in this town are we going to find a woman who likes our…ahem…you know…? Our more adventurous side?”
    Reidar eyed his brother. He’d considered that thought a time or two himself. Not that he was ready to admit it to the man who would one day share his mate.
    They’d shared women in the past. Coeds on summer vacation were the easiest one-night stands because they left soon afterwards. And then there were a few trips into Seattle where they’d found an impressive fetish club called Inferno. Behind its doors they’d experienced some of the wilder, kinkier fantasies they’d only discussed before.
    They both knew exactly what the other wanted. But Kelan didn’t believe they’d ever find the right woman in their small hometown. Too few people.
    Sure, the tourism brought in variety. Dakota had been an outsider when Axel and Gunnar claimed her. But she was the exception, because she fit in around here. Most outsiders didn’t, and they weren’t normally welcome for the long haul in Leavenworth’s close-knit community.
    And their family secret was just too big. Look how much trouble Beth Coldwell had caused, and she’d been in town only a day or so. Outsiders were bad news. She proved it. But damn, she was hot.
    So, they’d no doubt have to go elsewhere to find the right woman, but where? Reidar had no earthly idea where to find a suitable mate—one willing to live here. Because when all was said and done, Reidar knew both he and Kelan wanted to stay near the family, no matter how mad Kelan got at their brothers.
    Don’t look now , Kelan muttered through their