After all the excitement of the previous day with arriving in Alaska and meeting the dogs and all, the four women were completely wiped out. They had gotten back to base camp and after a few last minute instructions from the people there they all crashed hard and tried to get as much sleep as possible for the upcoming days. Bette and Tina slept in one tent while Alice and Dana shared another. Needless to say, all the sounds that could be heard were the light snoring of the city girls and the silence of nature. Bright and early Tina awoke with a refreshed attitude and a desire to get out there and get things going. She woke up and woke Bette up to get their day started earlier so they could have a jump on the other two.

T, have you really thought this through? Bette asked, staring warily at Tinas legs as they happily kicked from under the tiny bed they had shared last night. People are really serious about this. Theyve been doing it for generations and you and Alice decide that it might be fun to join in? Baby there is no way this is going to be fun

How do you know if you dont try? Tina said her voice muffled as she struggled with the sleeping bags. What if I would have had the same attitude as that when you kissed me? Bette snorted, folding her arms across her chest.

I hardly think dog sled racing…

Its sled dog racing

Excuse me, sled dog racing is the same as me kissing you T. Look Alice will be here any minute now, we dont have much time left, we dont have to do this. Tina came out from under the bed. She surveyed the endless suitcases, pursing her lips as she contemplated checking if theyd forgotten anything for the sixth time that morning. They had an hour until they had to leave the inn and already Tina was nervous with excitement. Just remember everything Lynne taught us and well be fine

Tina told herself, recounting the months of lessons she had endured with their teacher on the trail. Bette frowned with a mixture of fear and disbelief. Tina was actually going to make her do
this. The fear in Bettes eyes grew as Tina started reciting the rules, her eyes closed in concentration as she repeated the words like a mantra. Rule one, check points. A musher must personally sign in at each check point before…

T, please tell me why the ***** were doing this?

Because this will untie us with nature. Inside of us all Bette is a need, a desperation to be one
with our love for adventure, animals, and the wilderness. When weve completed the race well feel stronger than weve ever felt

I dont have a love for adventure or animals or the wilderness, this whole thing is stupid and I
refuse to do it! Bette sulked sitting down on the bed.

But baby… Tina began sitting astride Bette smiling into her scowling face. …you have a love
for me and if you do this…for me…then I promise you can have anything… She pressed her lips to Bettes exposed neck smiling with victory as she felt that familiar shiver run down Bettes back. …and I mean anything you want

Fine Bette sighed her resilience wavering as Tinas soft lips met hers. But I dont believe any of the ***** you just said. Why dont you just admit that the only reason youre doing this is because you want to beat Alice to the finishing line

And you dont? Cmon babe shes been grilling our asses for months now, just because shes writing an article on this she thinks she can win. She hasnt even done any research, and besides we have a pretty impressive trick up our sleeve Tina said, her hands subconsciously stroking Bettes thick, soft, hair.

Yeah? And whats that? Bette asked, her voice softened with pleasure.

I spoke to this man whose been participating in Iditarod for years and he has his own chain of
clothing for the event, and I mean it babe he has everything from hats to ear cozies to leg warmers. So were going to wear this stuff over the clothes we already have on and you know… Tina pulled the garments out from under the duvet. Bette eyed the knitted clothing with disgust but forced her best smile as Tina started to dress her, placing a bobble hat ontop of her head, Bette calmly reminded herself that Tina was her wife and that no matter how hideous the matching outfits were she loved Tina too much to offend her by not wearing them. …you wont even feel the cold She grinned kissing the end of Bettes nose.

Dana pressed herself against the back wall of the wardrobe, curling herself into a ball, she prayed that Alice wouldnt find her. Did you see the booties I…Dana? Dana clasped a hand over her mouth trying not to breath as Alice walked over to the wardrobe. Dana I can see you ok? So come on get out of there I need you to try on this jacket I bought before we meet Bette and Tina

Dana came out of the wardrobe shuffling over to Alice on her knees. She wrapped her arms around Alices waist, pressing her face into her warm stomach. Please dont make me do this. I hate the cold, I am not a cold person and I dont like dogs, I really dont like dogs

Dane we wouldnt win if our sled was pulled by cats though would we? And anyway Ill keep you warm, I promise Dana nodded, looking down as her cheeks blushed crimson. Alice smiled letting herself get caught up in how adorable Dana looked right now Ok I got me something that is guaranteed to win us the race and make it into my article. Ok are you ready? Tina is going to die when she sees this. So every team needs a slogan right?

I guess so

Ta da! Alice exclaimed excitedly as she handed a jacket to Dana the words Dana Fairbanks emblazoned across the back.

This is my name?

Well done Dana thats right

So Im the slogan?

I thought itd be good publicity for you. I could get a picture of you on the sled, have the sun
hitting you just right so you look all flushed and tanned and *****. It could majorly increase your female fan base Alice babbled, holding Danas smiling face in her hands.

Dont you want your name on it Al? Alice shook her head more than aware of the way
she seemed to be sinking into Danas eyes, she cleared her throat. Besides how else could I bribe you into going ahead with this? Dana nodded, smiling with her pearly white teeth. Ok Ill do it, but only because you want me to. And Im not touching the dogs, promise me Al that you
wont make me touch them? Alice placed a hand in between her chest. I promise

Stop struggling Dana Dana shivered involuntarily as a tongue licked her hand, soft fur brushed against her as one of the dogs rolled onto his back waiting for Dana to rub his stomach. Gross She remarked closing her eyes as she kneeled down and tried to put a bootie on one of his
kicking paws. The dog became excited as Danas hands nervously reached for him, he stood up on all fours panting and wagging his tail as he stood up on two legs, his front paws digging into Danas jacket. What’s wrong with this thing? I thought huskies were supposed to be…eww…I thought they were supposed to be controlled?

Youre never going to be able to do it that way Alice sighed stroking the dogs neck until it yielded, she placed the bootie on its paw with ease. Look at that Alice said shaking her head as she watched Tina adjusting the reigns to her pack of perfectly behaved huskies. We got stitched up I tell you She tapped her pursed mouth with a finger, deep in thought. I bet Tina came down here last night and swapped our dogs around

I dont think Tina would do that Dana said absently as she tried to look at the sole of her shoe.
Great She groaned, wiping her soiled shoe against crunching snow. You know I never had this problem with Mr P

Mr P was a gentleman now come on we need to haul ***** and get those suitcases onto our sled before they do

Bette packed the last of the suitcases onto the sled under the watchful eye of Bernie the team
official. Bernie sucked his gums his eyes roaming from dog to dog. You a rookie? He asked folding his arms across his chest. I…I guess so

Well I assume you have completed two approved qualifying races? Are you the musher?

No that would be… Bette glanced over her shoulder at Tina as she squared up to Alice her
eyebrows raised comically, her arms folded across her chest.

***** you Alice, Bette and I will be at the first check point before youve had time to breathe

Oh yeah? Dana, Dane show her your arms Dana looked up frowning. Go on babe show her that muscle She squeezed Danas biceps and turned back to face Tina. You havent got a chance

You better watch your mouth because under those suits Bette wears shes got a body like a rock …that would be her Bette said, blushing as Bernie nodded his head. Yep I like me a competitive woman, you girls sisters? He asked his eyes lingering on Tina as he smacked his lips together. Bette scowled at him. Shes my wife, actually. And she might be a competitive woman, but shes my competitive woman. Got that? She asked, hands placed firmly on her hips, her cold eyes daring him to make a single comment. Bernie made a movement that looked like a cross between a shrug and a gulp. What about the other blonde, she your wife too? Youre only actually supposed to have the one Bette answered dryly. Makes no difference to me He checked his watch. Youve got five minutes to get your little lady onto that sled, race is about to start

Bette shivered, her teeth chattering from the howling wind and intense cold. Her lips felt numb, her face frozen, but as she glanced sideways at Tina as she yelped mush! at the top of her voice with relish, she found that she was still able to raise one eyebrow questioningly. She held onto the sled for dear life as Alices sled approached them. Even with the commotion of the wind, Tina shouting, and the panting huskies she could still hear Alice laughing like a maniac. The check point isnt far away Tina explained. If we can just beat them there Bette rolled her eyes finding amusement in Danas mortified face as Alice edged closer to them. Thats a ten four good buddy Alice bellowed. Team of Portard move your asses over, Dana and me are about to beat you to the check point

Not on my watch! Tina shouted, pulling on the reigns as the pack of dogs sped off into the distance. Eat my dust! Tina shouted back, her face flushed with victory as they reached the check point. I demand a recount Alice exclaimed as she stepped off of the sled. Or a drugs test

Face it Alice, were going to win this thing we practically have already Tina boasted as she tied up the dogs with help from Bette. Whatever, I bet you I can get our tent up before you Alice challenged. You want to put a wager on that, missy? I lose, you get Dana. You lose we get to swap one of the dogs

Thats against official rules

Dana doesnt mind, besides youre not going to win

Fine… Tina spun around on the soles of her shoes advancing towards the sled. …youre on! She called back to Alice. Minutes later Dana and Bette sat far away from the fallen debris of the two unmanned tents. Both of them had been dismissed from helping although Bette was start to suspect that Alice and Tina were going to seriously regret that in the morning. Tina glanced at the standing tent, beaming with pride and chuckling as Alices tent fell down ontop of her. Slowly she walked over to the crumpled tent, lifting it up she offered her hand to Alice. Want
some help? Alice took the proffered hand. You cant have Dana She protested as they both began to pitch the tent. Thats ok Bette is more than enough for me Tina said as she dug the snow stakes into the ground.

Its only one check point, just wait until Ive had a little r and r and youll wish you never helped me at all Tina laughed. Alice youre so full of ***** She placed an arm around Alices shoulder. But I love you I love you too Kennard The two friends embraced as other participants began to set up tent. Slowly the sun began to fall and night was almost upon them. Dana lay on her side, shivering and sniffling. She could feel the effects of an oncoming cold.
Silently Alice laid down beside her, their bodies fitting perfectly as she spooned her from behind. Are you ok Dane? Dana nodded, the pleasure of Alices tight arms cutting off her voice. Just cold, and a little scared She mumbled. Scared of what? Alice asked. You dont think well get eaten by polar bears or anything do you? Because you hear stories, didnt Bette drop some of her sandwich outside our tent? Oh god they can smell food for miles away…

Dana the only thing you have to worry about is keeping warm and I think I remember promising to do that Alice said, her voice soft but suggestive as she wrapped an arm around Danas waist, bringing their bodies even closer together, a quiet groan passing through both of their lips. She stroked Danas stomach through her cotton pajama top, slipping her hand under
the material to touch naked skin. Dana gasped as Alices hand moved slowly upwards, cupping pert ***** in her hands, feeling Danas excitement against her stroking fingertips.

We cant Dana protested lamely. Bette and Tina…somebody might walk by… Alice kissed her trembling lips, pushing her nervousness to the back of her mind. …polar bears She sighed, her hands finding there way to Alices face as they kissed. Alices hand stroked its away across Danas soft taught body, leaving her ***** and slipping into the elastic of pajama bottoms. When her fingertips fluttered across the curve in Danas hip bone Alice groaned with arousal. She slipped under the sleeping bag thinking that there was nothing she wanted more right now than to taste Dana. She coaxed the pajama bottoms down until they remained a clump at Danas
ankles, Danas half hearted complaints falling on deaf ears. Placing both of her hands on Danas hips she brought her lips inbetween Danas thighs, her tongue sliding and caressing as Dana gasped for breath. Drinking in the sweet taste of her she almost sighed with relief as she felt Danas hand slide into her hair, gently pulling on it as she grew wetter and wetter. *****… She gasped as Alice slipped her fingers into her swollen *****, her tongue gentle in comparison to her thrusting fingers…

Bette slid into her sleeping bag sighing with relief as the warmth enveloped her. Her muscles ached and throbbed, she felt like shed just done the work out from ***** and there was more to come. She watched with tired eyes as Tina slipped into the tent, zipping the door shut before undressing. Light from the moon sneaked through the tent like a spot light on Tinas naked body. She picked up her pyjamas and Bette stirred. Baby why dont you forget them and come get
in my sleeping bag with me? Tina turned to face her and the sight of Tinas exposed body made Bettes mouth gape open. Tina smirked getting down on her hands and knees, crawling
towards Bette. She unzipped one side of the sleeping bag, climbing inside, her cold body greeted by the warmth of Bette. Their lips joined instinctively, Bettes arms wrapping around the softness of Tinas waist as Tinas arm encircled her neck. You having fun baby? Tina asked, her voice almost a whisper as she ran her fingers through the thick tendrils of Bettes hair. I am now Bette grinned, capturing Tinas lips with a soaring kiss. Tina lowered herself ontop of Bette, their lips touching as she settled herself inbetween Bettes legs. She cupped Bettes face in her hands, kissing her slowly, the tips of their tongues meeting with uncontrollable desire. As Tinas lips moved downwards Bette could feel her kiss away all the tension in her aching body. See baby this is much better than dog sled racing

Sled dog racing Tina corrected her. Bette slipped her hand inbetween their joined thighs, her fingers seeking out the wetness she found there. Whatever She whispered as Tina groaned into
her neck. Their sleeping bag became a haven of warmth as Tina captured Bette in her arms, Bettes fingers slipping easily into her as Tina gasped and groaned with pleasure. Their lips touched and parted uncontrollably as waves of pleasure pervaded every inch of Tinas body. Feeling Tina, fitting inside her so neatly, Bette could feel her own desire damp inbetween her thighs. Sometimes just making love to Tina was enough for both of them. Thick blonde hair
fell over Bettes chest as Tina buried her face into the softness of her lovers neck. Gently Bette placed a finger underneath Tinas trembling chin, lifting her face up until they made eye contact. Face to face, their bodies impossibly close, Bette slid a finger up and down Tinas throbbing *****. Watching with lust filled eyes as Tina threw her head back, subconsciously exposing her neck and chest for Bette to kiss. Her kisses were damp and warm and lingering as her fingers remained forceful, caressing and thrusting into her until Bette could sense that she was almost there.

Bette Tina cried out, clutching the hand that moved so perfectly inside of her as if in fear that
Bette would for some reason take it away. Bette brought Tinas lips to hers, her tongue slipping
automatically inbetween those full cherry lips. She felt Tina tense around her fingers, throb against her as she groaned into Bettes kiss. Slowly she pulled her fingers away, holding Tina to her as their chests rose and fell in unison. When Tina finally opened her eyes as she smiled at Bette, her cheeks flushed, her skin somehow glowing. That was great Bette Tina purred, gently pushing Bette onto her back. But I seem to remember promising you anything, and Im a
woman who keeps her promises Tina grinned, popping open the buttons of Bettes pajama top. Bette laid back sighing with satisfaction. I love sled dog racing

…Dana collapsed against the softness of the sleeping bag she was sharing with Alice, barely
recognising the figure that slid upwards and into her weak arms. Her body was damp, a sheen of sweat decorating her body with a glimmer as Alice gently kissed her cheek. She turned to face Alice, smiling faintly as Alice kissed her. I love sled dog racing