Outback Love

House Calls

The driving rain had continued through the night and Blane woke to the sound of it the next morning. This was a new experience for him, hard rain on a tin roof. He found its melodic drumming soothing. It was still hot, and the air was thick with humidity. The windows were open, but it barely helped cool the room, however it did let in the smell of the rain.

Blane again wondered if he could make this his life. He had felt all the pressure and expectation melt away from him since his arrival in this town. The pressure to succeed, to make money, to have influence that he had been raised with.

He wondered if that pressure had been thrust onto Luke and Emily. He needed to get in touch with them and make sure they were ok. He eased himself out of bed and pulled on a pair of jeans, walking out to the bar.

“Davo.” He said, greeting the man behind the bar.

“Blaney, big night aye?” Davo replied with a wink.

“oh, ah.” Blane began, not sure how to answer that question.

Davo pointed to his neck. “Oh yes, big night.” Blane smiled. “Is there any chance the phone is working?”

“Should be all good for a couple of minutes mate.” Davo said, bringing the phone closer.

Blane picked up the phone and dialled Emily’s number. The phone picked up on the second ring.

“Hey birthday girl.” Blane began.

“Try again son.” James Wrights deep voice answered.

“Father.” Blane said, squeezing the phone a little tighter.

“So you finally decide to call and I am not the first number you dial?” James asked.

“Its Em’s birthday, I didn’t want to miss it.” Blane mumbled.

“And what about the deal? Or are you ok with missing that?” James snarled.

Blane looked out the window at the pouring rain.

“I’m going to recommend not going ahead with the deal. It was built on lies. This land has thriving communities on it and cultural significance to the First Nations People. I can not, in all conscience sign this deal.” Blane began defensively.

“Do you know how many of these deals you have signed off on over the years boy? How many of these deals have made you wealthy? Get your head in the game and get those contracts signed!” James roared.

Davo looked up as Blane held the phone away from his ear.

“Where is Emily?” Blane asked as he returned the phone to his ear.

“In Australia, retrieving your body. She thinks you dead still. Why didn’t you check in?” James demanded.

“Phones don’t always work here father, it’s very remote.” Blane began.

“And what, you’re head no longer works?” James asked sarcastically.

“Actually no, it doesn’t. I haven’t been able to link with anyone since the crash.” Blane mumbled.

“As soon as Luke gets there you will return with him, do you understand? I have been in negotiations for marriages for both you and your sister. Its time you settled down and took your position as Alpha and CEO of my company seriously!” James roared.

“I am a 28 year old man, you do not get to choose who I marry.” Blane growled. “And I will be damned if I will sit back and watch you marry Em off to someone else. She needs to find her mate!”

“You mean Luke?” James laughed. “My daughter will never marry a second best.”

“He is her mate!” Blane replied angrily.

“Fairytales. Responsible adults find suitable partners that enhance their position. I have found the perfect partners for both of you. You will return by this time next week or I will have your visa cancelled and let the government send you to one of their detention islands.” James ended the phone call.

Blane stood staring at the phone.

“You ok mate?” Davo asked.

Blane nodded as he sighed. So Emily and Luke were in Australia and they would be together for her birthday. That was one piece of good news.

Again, he tried to open his mind to either of them. He desperately wanted to let them know he was ok. Again, he felt something, but it wasn’t a connection. Why couldn’t he mind link with them?

He walked back down the hallway to his room and opened the door. Mira was still sound asleep. He smiled as he watched her chest rise and fall. She was amazing, he would never get tired of watching her. He never knew women like Mira existed. His whole life revolved around business women trying to climb the ladder in a dog eat dog corporate world or women who coveted the title of Luna. The only real woman he had ever met was his sister. She was the only female in his life that never wanted anything from him. Until now.

He took his jeans off and slid back into bed, wrapping her up in his embrace. She moaned softly as she moulded er body back into his. She began to gently grind back into him, and he chuckled. She was insatiable!

He began to kiss her neck, moving across to her shoulder. He slid his hands a little higher, gently kneading her breasts. She rolled over and he took her n****e into his mouth, teasing her with his tongue.

She moaned as he moved one hand down to cup her firm butt, squeezing as she moved her leg over his hip.

“Good morning.” He whispered.

She smiled in return, bringing his head down to kiss him. He rolled so he was on top of her, and she wrapped her legs around his waist.

“Marry me?” He whispered in her ear as he kissed her neck. She nodded her head smiling. “Yes.” She answered in his head. Blane looked at her in surprise.

“We have a link?” He replied.

“Of course.” She said through the link.

He smiled as he entered her slowly, almost lazily. She relaxed into the rhythm of his body.

“You’re so beautiful.” He breathed against her lips as he kissed her again. She lifted his chin, so they were looking into each other’s eyes. He felt like he could drown in her eyes, they held such knowledge and understanding.

He could feel himself losing control, his inexperience still a slight hinderance to his endurance. He slid his hand down her body, finding her c******s.  He gently began to rub it as he fought for control of his own body. She began to quicken the pace and he knew he couldn’t hold on. She was moaning wildly without inhibition as she raised her body to meet his. He could feel her muscles tighten around him as her voice floated into his head.

“Let go.”

He roared his o****m as she quickly followed. He looked deep into her eyes, lost in her soul. He didn’t quite understand what it was about Mira but he knew she was incredibly special and she was his.

Moments later a knock on the door brought him plummeting back to earth.

“Aye Blane, cops are here mate. They brought the meat wagon for ya friends. Said they need to talk to you for a report.”

“They came out here in all this rain?” Blane murmured to Mira.

Mira shrugged.  Blane got up and pulled on some jeans and a tshirt. He wandered down the hall to the front bar, taking a seat at the table the police officers sat at.

“Blane Wright?” One of the officers asked.

“Yes.” Blane nodded.

“Just need some details for the coroner.” The man continued.

Blane nodded his head.

“Can you tell me what happened son?” The police officer asked.

Blane took a deep breath. “We were flying in to meet some people about a mining contract. There was myself, Peter Smythe and Arthur McAllister. We hit some turbulence and when I went to check on Peter, who was the pilot, I saw the thick smoke and weather conditions. We were essentially flying blind. We were told to re route, but it was to late.”

“Photos were taken before the bodies were removed; can you explain why the male in the bedroom of the plane did not fasten a seatbelt when you realised there was an issue?” The officer questioned.

“I believe he had been unwell. I was reading over some contracts when this occurred, so I wasn’t really paying attention if I’m being honest.” Blane answered him.

“Do you believe he might have survived if he had been restrained?” The officer asked.

Blane looked up to see Doc walk in. He walked over to the table and shook the police officers’ hands.

“All ready.” He smiled, nodding at Blane.

The police officer looked questioningly at Blane.

“I don’t know the answer to that, but I can tell you I worked for Arthur McAllister, not the other way around. I have no say at all in whether he sat or stood or wore a seatbelt. I asked him to take a seat, I asked him to wear the seatbelt, but he didn’t take the situation seriously. He was known for that.”

The police officer nodded. Blane went to stand but the other officer stopped him.

“It is your name on the plane though, right?” He asked.

Blane sighed. “It is my fathers name on the plane actually but yes, I am the current CEO of Wright Mining. That means nothing to the Shareholders. If I’d had my way Arthur wouldn’t have been there at all. It was not planned for him to be here. He was literally waiting for me at the airport. As I said, shareholders do as they please. I ensured he had all the paperwork he needed to be in Australia, but that was the best I could do.”

“Come on Son, we need you to do an official identification of the bodies.” Doc said, putting his hand on Blanes back. Blane nodded and stood up, walking towards the door.

He went in to the clinic where the bodies lay on gurneys, ready to be taken to the waiting vehicle. Doc pulled back the sheet on the first body to the chin.

“Peter Smythe. The planes pilot.” Blane said in a flat tone.

Doc nodded and pulled back the second sheet.

“Arthur McAllister. Shareholder and Board Member.”

Doc covered both bodies and they were removed.

“You ok?” Doc asked, putting a hand on Blanes shoulder. Tears glistened in Blanes eyes as he nodded.

“Where’s Mira?” Doc asked.

“Having a shower.” Blane replied smiling.

“If you boys are all done I might take my friend here on some house calls.” Doc said, walking out onto the verandah.

“In this weather Doc?” One of the officers asked.

“In any weather my friend.” Doc smiled.

The two men got in their car and pulled out in front of the vehicle the two bodies had been placed in.

“They’re going to find drugs in your friends system. We’ll have to hope they don’t investigate the plane to closely. Even with the Wet, it will still be traceable.”

Blane nodded. “My father will pay to have it covered up to save face for the company.” He muttered.

“Go let Mira know you’re coming to do rounds. I need someone able bodied in case we get bogged.” Doc winked.

Blane laughed. “Of course.” He walked back into the pub and found Mira getting dressed. She walked over to hug him, her n*****s brushing across his chest.

“Goddess help me.” He whispered as she kissed him. He could feel his body responding to her touch. He took a step backwards.

“I’m heading out to do rounds with Doc.” He mumbled

“That’s great.” He heard in his head.

“He said he needs someone able bodied in case he gets bogged.” Blane replied rolling his eyes.

“He’s a great bloke, good company.” Mira replied in his head.

Blane smiled, it was amazing to finally hear Mira speak.

“I’ll see you later.” He smiled, kissing her quickly.

Mira put her hand to her heart. Blane smiled and did the same.

He walked outside and got into Docs car. Doc drove out in the opposite direction to where Blane and Mira had been the day before. The roads were flooded and Doc took it slow.

“My wife saw Jack last night.” He began looking straight ahead. Blane stiffened in his seat.

“He was saying goodbye. My wife feels Mira is ready to move on with you and it has freed Jacks spirit to return to where he belongs.” Doc continued.

“Doc, I…” Blane began.

“Blane this is a good thing. I’m sorry for the losses you suffered but you were meant to be where you were when Mira found you. We very strongly believe that. We love Mira and we have mourned with her for to long. We are happy to see her moving on. Our only concern is, what will you do?” Doc asked.

Blane sighed. “First thing I’m going to do is marry her. The sooner the better.”

Doc smiled. “Here or the States?” He asked.

“I cant imagine Mira in the states.” Blane thought out loud. “This place is to much a part of her. I don’t feel that same connection to my land or my country.”

“I’m glad you can see that. This place is important to Mira.” Doc replied.

“But there are things I need to take care of in the states. I am independently wealthy, money is not a concern. Although I could live in a cave with Mira.” He smiled.

”Maybe don’t tell her that.” Doc laughed. “Davo told me you made a phone call this morning that seemed to get you a little riled up. Now, you don’t have to tell me about it but please know you can if you feel the need.”

Blane stared out the window for a moment, trying to get things straight in his head before he shared them with Doc.

“It was my father. I rang my sister for her birthday. Today she will find out my best friend and Beta is her mate. Luke and I have known for quite some time and I couldn’t ask for a better partner for her.” Blane began.

“And did you get to speak to her?” Doc asked.

“No, she has accompanied my beta and some of the others to repatriate our bodies. For some reason I cant link with them so they still think me dead. I am sure Luke brought her so that he could be with her on her birthday when she realized he was her mate. But knowing Luke it was to protect her as well. My parents have arranged marriages for us both. He doesn’t believe in love, he believes in power and that we should find people who will elevate our position.” Blane said bitterly.

“The answer to that seems obvious to me.” Doc shrugged.

“He has threatened to have my visa cancelled if I don’t return with Luke and Emily.” Blane replied. “It’s not just that, I have a responsibility to my pack. I am the Alpha. My father has reclaimed the position of Alpha. He runs the pack very differently to Luke and I, everything about that man is cut throat. I cant just desert the pack and leave them to his ways. Many would leave and be rogues, or live amongst the humans without a pack. Being here I feel like I can breathe, like for the first time I am free to make my own choices and be myself. There’s something about this land, it’s like it’s calling to me.” Blane sighed.

“Maybe it is son. Talk to my wife when we get back, she is a deeply spiritual woman. Maybe she can help you with all this turmoil.”

“I will, thankyou.” Blane smiled.

“You know, if you decided to work the land, you would need staff. Takes a village to run a station.”

Blane looked at Doc with a smile. “You know, that never occurred to me.” He said laughing.

“Its not as hard as you might think to get visas to work up here, not many people want to do it.” Doc smiled. “I’m sure we could rustle up enough people to support your applications.”

“This place is amazing.” Blane said as they pulled up to the front of an old homestead.

“The guy inside is a crotchety old coot, don’t get offended by him ok.” Doc said as they got out of the car.

“Kenny, where are you ya old goat?” Doc called out.

“You again, what are you doing here?” The old man asked with a look of disgust on his face.

“Its time for your health check Kenny,” Doc answered putting his bag down.

“Baaah.” Kenny grumbled, sitting down at the kitchen table.

Doc walked over and began to take his blood pressure. “Kenny, have you been changing the bandages on those sores on your legs?” Doc asked.

“Who’s got the bloody time aye? Me fences are down, they have to be fixed or I’ll lose me herd.” The man muttered.

“Them fellas are up from the community for the Wet. I’ll send some out to give ya a hand.” Doc said.

“Who’s this?” Kenny asked eyeing Blane off.

“This here is Miras new fella.” Doc smiled.

Kenny smiled at the mention of Miras name. “How’s that girl doing Doc?” He asked.

“Damn good Kenny, damn good.” Doc replied.

“You better treat her right boy, ya hear me?” The old man threatened.

“Yes Sir.” Blane nodded trying not to smile.

“He’s a bloody yank!” Kenny roared. “What the hell is Mira doing with a bloody yank?”

“Calm down Kenny, its no good for your blood pressure. He’s a good guy, yank or not.” Doc laughed.

“What do you do for a living there yank?” Kenny asked.

“Blanes in land acquisition.” Doc stepped in quickly.

“And whose land would you be acquiring?” The man asked suspiciously.

“I’m really just looking at the moment. I’d be happy to come out and help with your fences though sir.” Blane replied.

“Baahh, Mira can bring ya I spose.” The old man spat.

Blane smiled.

Doc knelt down and began to remove the bandages and dressings on the mans legs. “Kenny, I warned you about this. You’re going to lose your damned legs.” Doc said, recoiling at the smell.

“It’s to hard to do meself.” The man barked defensively.

“We have extra people in town. What are your shearers quarters like?” Doc asked.

“Roofs leaking but clean enough.” The man replied.

“I’m going to send some of the people from the community. The women can cook you some proper meals and change your dressings and the men can give you a hand around the property.”

“Yeah, til they go home.” Kenny replied.

“They can’t return home Kenny, the community is a mess.” Doc replied. “It could be months before they can return.”

“On with it then, they’re welcome to the shearers quarters.” Kenny grumbled as Doc re dressed his wounds.

“I’ll have people out here in a couple of hours.” Doc said as he finished with the dressings and stood up.

“You tell that little lady of hers to come and see me!” Kenny called out as they walked out the door.

They got back into the car and Doc laughed. “Get used to that, everybody loves Mira.”

“I can see that. She is amazing.” Blane sighed.

“Don’t ever forget that.” Doc smiled.