Ghostwalker 02 - Mind Game

there was no need to be upset, ma cher,” Gator said. “We wouldn’t want the men to be getting bored. I put them to work.”

    “Still, I hate the loss of control,” Dahlia said, determined to try to fit in with the GhostWalkers. If she was the same as they were, and they could understand the complications facing her and maybe find a way to make her life better, she was going to give it her all. “I’ve worked very hard for as long as I can remember and yet I’m still making childish mistakes. Part of it is my own temper.”

    Nicolas ruffled her hair, wishing he could find the right words to say to comfort her.
    “You’re too hard on yourself. We’re all learning about this. Did you ever think one of the other missing girls might be out there somewhere alone, not knowing what happened to her? Maybe thinking she’s insane? The more we find out what you can and can’t do, the better it is for all of us. Experiments are risky and there are mistakes made, but they’re necessary. You have to think of being around the GhostWalkers as an experiment. None of us would ever condemn a mistake.”

    The men gaped at Nicolas. “That’s the most I’ve heard him say in three years,” Sam said. He turned to the others. “You ever hear him talk that much?”

    “I wasn’t sure he could talk,” Tucker Addison replied straight-faced.

    “He talks,” Dahlia said defensively.

    “Beggin your pardon, ma’am, but he’s just plain antisocial,” Sam pointed out. “Always has been, always will be.”

    Dahlia lifted her face to the breeze, inhaling deeply. “Why is it so much easier? Is it because I’m outdoors? What are you all doing differently?”

    “We’re capable of keeping our own emotions in check, Dahlia,” Kaden said. “We talked it over and decided that was the best course of action for your comfort when you’re around us.”

    Unexpectedly she felt tears burn behind her eyes and she slipped her hand into her pocket to feel the familiar comfort of the amethyst spheres. “Thank you. It’s amazing that all of you can keep a barrier up around your emotions. None of you are going to suffer any ill effects are you? I’m well aware the use of talent can sometimes be painful.”

    “No, it just requires a little discipline,” Gator said. “Some of us have it naturally, but Tucker there, he’s working on it.”

    The men grinned at Tucker. Tucker’s one of the most patient and calm on the GhostWalker team. Nothing riles him. He used to work on the antiterrorist team before he came to us and he’s as steady as a rock , Nicolas supplied via their mental connection.

    “Can you teach me the same thing?”

    “Sure.” Kaden spoke again. “Lily has us all do mental exercises every day, just like weight lifters. It’s stopped most of the side effects, although the first few weeks were difficult. Now we just do them automatically. It keeps us sharp for the work we do.”

    Dahlia walked with Nicolas around the cabin to the front entrance where a new door and frame were already in place. “Do all of you have different psychic abilities?” It was much easier dealing with the men now that they were doing their best to barricade all emotions, sparing her another bombardment of energy.

    “We share various talents,” Sam said, “although each of us has several and some unique only to us. For instance, Gator comes in right handy when guard dogs come running at us. He can get wild animals to turn into pets.”

    Dahlia turned her head to look at Gator, who was draped against the wall looking sexy in his open shirt with his white teeth flashing and his dark hair spilling across his forehead.

    Gator grinned at her. “I’m reading your thoughts, ma cher cherie .”

    Nicolas pulled a knife out of his boot and studied the long blade. “She isn’t your anything, swamp man.” His voice was as cold as ice, but Dahlia dealt in energy and to her relief, Nicolas was definitely amused.

    “That be the jealousy talking,” Gator said, in no way perturbed. “I can’t help the way the women love me. I was born with the gift.”

    The men hooted and made rude noises. “You were born with a gift of bullshitting,” Sam pointed out, “but that’s about it.” He looked at Dahlia. “Pardon me, ma’am, but it’s the truth.”

    “I rather thought it was,” she agreed.

    Another roar of laughter went up. Gator clasped both hands over his heart. “ Tu m’a casser le coeur, j’va jamais