“Jasmine’s man is here to pick you up,” Jenny calls from the front of the bakery. My nerves are shot, I had hardly slept last night worrying that I would make a fool of myself today; worrying that someone would touch me and I would freak out. I had come in extra early today, I know I had overdone-it with the goodies I had made to take with me, but I really wanted them to like me. 

I did not have friends I could hang out with, except for Jenny and Lucy here at the bakery. I did not want to lose Jasmine just because I’m different. Bracing myself I take a deep breath, preparing myself to go out, at least it isn’t Bjarni who came to pick me up. I don’t know if I’m disappointed or pleased that it isn’t him. Looking over at Lucy I give her a wink. “Ready or not. Will you help me take all these things outside? I hope that he isn’t picking me up on the bike.”

Walking out of the kitchen I see Wulf standing by the counter, damn but these men are all hot. He has on a black T-shirt and low-waisted blue jeans. Wulf has long hair that today, is tied back in a man bun and aviator sunglasses. He has a real alpha male aura about him. There’s a tableful of five ladies at the back of the bakery, having drinks and cake. All of them are eating him up with their eyes and he stands there, completely unconcerned that he’s giving everyone mini-orgasms by just being there.

“Are you ready?” he asks in a deep gravelly voice. I had never really spoken to him before, as all the times Jasmine came in, he had stood back, letting her do all the talking.

“Hi, yes thank you. I have a few boxes to take with me. I hope you’re not on your bike as I don’t think everything will fit.” I know that I’m rambling but I’m nervous, I just want to make a good impression.

“I brought Brandr’s dodge pickup. Are those the boxes?” he asks, pointing to the three big boxes I was carrying.

“Oh, oh good! No, the ones that Lucy has, and the two bags on the counter too please.” Wulf looks behind me to Lucy who is holding another two big boxes and two smaller ones, and then around to the counter I had pointed at, where there were another two huge bags with more cakes, biscuits and savouries that I had baked.

I see his eyebrows raise, but he doesn’t comment. Turning he takes hold of the two bags, making his way outside with Lucy and I following him. After putting everything in the pickup, I say my goodbyes to Lucy and Jenny who are standing by the bakery door, raising and lowering her eyebrows at Wulf. I shake my head, trying not to laugh at her silliness and then we are on our way. Jenny’s locking-up for me today in another two hours or so. She has turned out to be a real godsend.

“Thank you for picking me up,” I say. Looking over at Wulf, I see him nod but he doesn’t reply.  I wonder if he’s okay with me visiting their club. After all, when Jas had invited me to come over today, Bjarni had communicated his concern about whether she had asked Wulf.

“Is it okay for me to be over at the club?” I notice that Wulf glances at me then he looks back at the road.

“We are nearly there. It will be fine. Jas is looking forward to having you there.” I see him glance to the back, where all the boxes are and a slight smile lifts his lips. “I don’t know what is in those boxes but as soon as we get to the compound you will be all the guys’ favourite person.”

At his words I relax, pleased that I had done something right. I enjoy making treats and seeing people enjoy them. After driving for about twenty minutes Wulf turns at these two huge metal gates and stops; looking up at a camera. After about a minute the gates open. I’m so surprised, looking around, all I can see are huge trees on both sides of the road that we are travelling on. This is a beautiful forest area. Just beyond the gate, I see two guys standing by the wall that surrounds the property. 

I hadn’t seen those two before. I noticed that they both looked at the pickup, and then over at Wulf, but didn’t glance at me. That was strange. “Who were those two guys? I asked. “I haven’t seen them before, but I’m sure that there are quite a few of you I haven’t met yet.” I ramble on looking at Wulf. I’m getting nervous again as I get closer.

“That was Gunner and Sven, two of our prospects. You will meet everyone up at the compound.” I wonder what he means by prospects. I would have to ask Jasmine later. I don’t want to ask Wulf anything else as it looks as if he’s finished speaking to me.

After what seems like about ten minutes of driving, we reach an open area with a building built up against the foot of a mountain that I hadn’t seen from the main road. Wulf parks in front of the building, turning to face me he stretches and unhooks the seatbelt. “Don’t be nervous, we don’t bite.”

“I’m sure lots of women would wish that you did,” I respond, instantly covering my mouth with my hand. Oh shoot, I hope he doesn’t think I’m flirting with him. I can feel myself blushing. “I mean, you’re hot and all, no, no! What I mean is … damn. I’m not flirting with you. Oh God, just shoot me now.” I turn my head away, too embarrassed to face him. After a minute, I hear the door open and him stepping out. Breathing deeply, I open my door and step out of the pickup, prepared to try and apologise again.

Just as I open my mouth again, Jasmine comes rushing out of the main building towards us. I see Wulf out of the corner of my eye stiffening and starting towards her. “Dammit woman, stop running around. You’re going to trip and hurt yourself.” He has reached her halfway between the building and where we had parked, lifting her off her feet in bridal style. Jasmine places her hands around his neck and kisses him, it’s amazing how the tenseness leaves his shoulders at her kiss.

Looking away I move to pick up some of the boxes of goodies that I had brought, when I hear footsteps behind me. Looking around I see that Wulf and Jasmine have stopped kissing and they are walking towards me, with Jasmine still held against him. “Put me down Babe, I’m not an invalid. Hi Gabriela, I’m so excited you’re here.” I notice Wulf only puts her down once they are standing next to me.

“Hi Jasmine, thank you for having me.” I tense as Jasmine starts to hug me but luckily, she did not touch any of my skin with hers, as I’m wearing a long sleeve shirt. “Oh, my word, are all those goodies for us?” she asks spying the boxes at the back of the pickup, that Wulf was now unloading.

I smile at her as I see her start to peep into the boxes that Wulf is already holding. She looks like a little girl with presents. “You brought me brownies. Yay!” she’s already taking one out of the box. Looking at Wulf, I’m surprised to see a smile of such love as he looks down at Jasmine. Anyone looking at him could see that he loves her. I wish someday I will be able to find that for myself, the men that I had dated hadn’t stuck around long enough for a relationship.

Then there was Craig my ex-boss, I didn’t even want to think about him. He made my life a living hell until I managed to get away and come here, to be with my father before he died.  If I never heard from him or saw him again, it would be too soon.

“I tried to make a little of everything for everyone here; I hope they all enjoy it.” I reach out to lift the two bags from the pickup when Wulf stops me. 

“Don’t worry about this stuff. I will get it inside. Angel, why don’t you take Gabriel inside and show her around?”

“Come on then, let me show you around.” Smiling, Jasmine turns, reaching for my hand, she pulls me after her. It was so exciting! Jasmine is talking nonstop all the way into the building. I only realised she was touching me when we were nearly at the door. I hadn’t felt or seen anything about her when she touched me. I was so surprised that I stopped in my tracks, Wulf nearly walked into my back, I hadn’t even realised he was following us.

“What’s wrong?” Jasmine asked, stopping and looking at me.

“You’re touching me!” At my answer she looks at me in surprise, letting go of my hand. “No, don’t let go, it’s okay, really.” I take hold of her hand again, expecting maybe to have a reaction now, but nothing happens. I laugh, I know she is looking at me as if I have gone mad, but it has been so long since I have been able to touch anyone without having a reaction. “I’m sorry, I know that I’m acting strangely but I promise it’s okay. I’m just so happy that you’re touching me.”

“You do know that you going to have to explain that to me, right? But for now, let’s carry on.” She turns and enters the building. The first thing I see is a long bar area on the right-hand side. One of the guys I had seen before is sitting at the bar talking to a woman behind it. On my left side is a pool table with a few couches scattered around. It was a nice cosy area to sit and relax. Jasmine is making her way towards a door at the back of the bar area, when the guy at the bar turns towards us.

“Hey Sweet Thing, what is that wonderful smell?  I see we are in for a treat.” Stopping, Jasmine turns towards the guy, smiling. This guy has light brown hair with dark brown eyes. He’s got a real naughty smile that makes you wonder what he is up to, when you look at him. He’s wearing a black T-shirt like Wulf, but he hasn’t got a kutte on. I can see the tattoos down his arms and the muscles on this man. Wow! How does Jasmine manage to keep her mouth closed around all this muscled candy?

“Ceric, this is Gabriela. She will be staying with us tonight. She has also been kind enough to bring a few of her treats for all of us. Gabriela this is Ceric. Don’t trust anything he says, okay?” Jasmine introduces us with a teasing tone in her voice.

“Nice to meet you Ceric,” I say. He winks at me, getting up from his seat.

“There are more of these boxes and two bags in the pickup. How about making yourself useful?” Wulf interrupts us, as he walks past us towards the back door.

“Gloria, this is Gabriela she is the one that made that wonderful cake for Draco’s birthday.” Jasmine calls to the woman behind the bar as I see Ceric walking towards the outside.

“Hi, if the things you have brought today are as good as that cake, be prepared to never leave. The guys will lock you in the kitchen for their personal use, especially Bjarni.” She laughs as she carries on cleaning the glass in her hand. I smile as I feel Jasmine tugging on my hand, pulling me towards the door.

As we go through the door I see a long corridor ahead of us, with an open door on the right. When I glance in, I see it’s a garage with various bikes and cars parked inside. Wow! These guys must have some serious money, going by the bikes and cars parked in there. As we continue, the corridor opens into a courtyard. I now see that we are up against the mountain, as the walls around the courtyard are rock, but as I look up I can see the sky through an opening at the top. I notice though, that the opening has been closed with mesh. 

There is a beautiful tree in the middle of the courtyard with a bench for anyone to sit on. From the outside, no one would ever be able to tell this was here. “This is beautiful. You are so lucky, Jasmine.” I comment, a bit in awe as I look around. 

Jasmine just laughs, tugging me towards an area to my left. We walk into a spacious kitchen with a huge table where most of the guys are sitting. Wulf has placed the boxes on a counter by the sink. As we enter, I feel everyone’s eyes on me, and I can feel my cheeks start to flush. It is very awkward when you have a group of drop-dead gorgeous guys looking you up and down, as if you are a piece of candy.

“Gabriela, these are most of the guys. That is Draco; he is the Elementals MC President.” One of the guys sitting at the head of the table with the bluest eyes I have ever seen, smiles at me. Oh wow! Those dimples when he smiles just make a girl want to sit and stare at him.

“The one next to him on his left is Bion, he’s our medic.” This guy is sitting at the table with no shirt on, with longish dark blond hair and green eyes. His hair is wet-looking like he’s just come out of the shower. There are beautiful tattoos going down his arms and a tattoo of wings on his chest. “I’ve never seen a doctor like you before. I think I’ve just come down with something.” As all the guys start to laugh, I realise I said that out loud, making me blush.

I hear a growl behind me like an animal. Looking around in shock I see Bjarni propped up against one of the walls, his one leg is bent, with his foot resting against the wall seeming relaxed, but his hands are balled into fists. Looking up at his face I see a scowl, but he’s not looking at me. His look is directed at Bion the guy I have just been introduced to.

“Bjarni? My goodness you gave me a fright, I hadn’t seen you there. What’s wrong?” I could hear the concern in Jasmine’s voice as she makes her way towards him. Suddenly Wulf is between her and Bjarni, just before she reaches him. I also notice that all the men have got up from the table. Wulf has picked Jasmine up as he did outside, and is striding out of the kitchen with her. I didn’t know what to do as suddenly all the men are surrounding me. 

“Bjarni. We discussed this, calm down my brother. You are frightening Gabriela.” Draco was standing a few feet ahead of me between Bjarni and myself, but I can still see Bjarni’s face. He’s a scary sight, his muscles are now bunched. He’s a big man; one of his arms is the width of both my legs together. He isn’t leaning against the wall anymore. Therefore the muscles in his legs are bunched, his jeans pulled tight around his legs and thighs.

I noticed Bjarni’s eyes are still trained on Bion. I wonder if he’s upset with him about something. Looking to my side at Bion, I notice he seems unaffected by Bjarni’s anger; maybe a little tense but he doesn’t look as angry as Bjarni does.

“Bion, leave!” Draco calls out to Bion, who is still standing in front of Bjarni. Bion nods, turns and leaves the kitchen. I can see Bjarni is breathing heavily as if he’s trying to calm down; the funny thing though is that I’m scared of him. Maybe I’m being silly, but deep down I believe he wouldn’t hurt me.

“Bjarni. Mmm, I made you your favourite cupcakes.” Why the hell did I just say that? They are all going to think I’m mad. The man is having a melt down and here I’m offering him food. Bjarni’s eyes turn towards me. After what feels like an eternity I see his lips lift up in one corner and that damn yummy dimple of his appears. With that little rise of his lips I feel the tension ease in the kitchen. 

Draco turns his back on Bjarni, walking towards the kitchen door I see him nod to the guys that are still standing around me. He must have given them a silent signal because all of them start to leave. As he draws closer to me, he nods with a smile, which feels welcoming. Could it be that he was pleased with what I did. I hope so as I don’t want to get into trouble as soon as I’ve arrived.

As all the men leave, I stand here facing Bjarni who is now looking more like the guy that used to visit the bakery, a more relaxed hunk of a man.

“So, Baby Girl, you think you know what my favourite sweet is?” At his gravely teasing tone I feel my body flush with heat. How is it possible for me to have such an instant reaction to this man? And now he’s also going to think I’m a stalker, because I know what his favourite cakes are.

“I just noticed that you like to eat my velvet cupcakes.” At his raised eyebrows and his widening smile, I realize that my answer might have come out wrong.

“Baby Girl believe me, I would love to eat any of the sweet cupcakes you are offering to me. It is a pleasure that I can’t wait to have in my mouth.” Was he implying what I think he’s implying or am I just hopeful.

“Are you going to kiss me?” Oh my word! Did I just ask him that? My whole body starts to flush with heat as I see the desire in his eyes. My heart is racing and my stomach does a flip when I notice him taking a step towards me.

“Would you like me to kiss you?” his voice is sex in itself His beautiful hazel eyes shine with an inner light that holds my attention and won’t let me look away. My breathing accelerates with anticipation and I nod, not taking my eyes off him, I couldn’t talk, even if I wanted to. My mouth is suddenly dry. Without even noticing I take a step towards him, as if his energy is drawing me closer.

“Come to me Baby Girl, let me kiss you.”

“Woah! Hold on just a minute, I need your lips somewhere else right now.” At Ceric’s, words I jump back, feeling as if I had been in a trance and have just woken up. What does he mean, he needs his lips?

“Are you gay?” I ask looking from Ceric’s stunned face to Bjarni’s angry one. 

“What!” Ceric yells the word.

“No! Fuck! What the hell Ceric?” Bjarni says furiously in such a low voice I wasn’t sure if I heard him right; it seems as if he’s having difficulty speaking. Suddenly Bjarni turns towards the door and walks out, bumping Ceric with his wide shoulders as he goes.

“Do I look gay?” Ceric asks with a concerned look on his face. He brought his hand up and is stroking his fingers through his hair as he speaks. I notice how his light brown hair is left standing up on end after he lowers his hand.

“No, I don’t think so. But you said you wanted his lips, so I obviously thought that maybe you two were a couple.” I explain at his still shocked face. 

“What’s going on? I just saw Bjarni stomp outside as if he was contemplating murder,” one of the guys I still haven’t met asks, as he walks into the kitchen. This one has light green eyes that were twinkling now, with reddish brown hair. Even though he looks relaxed and is smiling he has an air of danger about him; like you never know what’s going to happen next, but you know it will be hazardous.

“I think he’s upset with me. I asked if Ceric and he were gay,” I reply.

 It seemed as if Ceric wasn’t going to answer him.

“Gay!” The new guy chokes out in a guffaw. Looking at Ceric, he pats him on the back, still laughing uproariously. I can feel my cheeks are red with embarrassment.

I replied, “I didn’t mean to assume anything, but what else did they expect? I don’t know them, and when Ceric said what he did, what was I to think?”

Ceric pushes the other guy as he turns and leaves, grumbling. “Not funny.”

“So, tell me Sweetheart, why you would think those two are gay?” the guy asks still chuckling.

After I tell him about the whole confusion and more laughter he finally calms down, introducing himself as Brandr. “I actually came here to collect you and show you to your room. Jasmine will meet you there. Follow me Sweetheart. You have made my day! I must go tell all the other guys; this will crack them up.  It’s about time we got one on Ceric.”