Mountain Man's Proposal

by Lauren Wood

  “Easy. The doctors thought you’d be out for another day or two. Just relax while I get someone in here.” He reached over the squeeze her hand before bolting out the room.

  She prayed it wasn’t Littleton. Christ, if that man had seen her naked, she’d die.

  A flashback sliced through her memories. Stabbed. Immediately, she lifted her dressed the sheets and fumbled with her dressing gown. Lifting it, she stared at the stiches that ran across her abdomen. Someone must have found her pretty quickly.

  “Ms. Bronson.” She turned her head as a new voice entered the room. A short and jovial man smiled at her as he carried her chart. Micah wasn’t far behind him. “I’m Dr. Gratsky. How are you feeling?”

  “Where am I?”

  He exchanged an uneasy look with Micah. “It’s a private clinic just outside the Swahalla Forest. I’m work directly with Micah and his pack. I hope you’re okay with that.”

  “I’m alive, so I guess I’m okay with that,” Stacey said with a small smile. “How long have I been here?”

  “Two days.”

  “Two days!” She jolted up in bed. “Why was I unconscious for two days?”

  Again, she watched the two men exchange a look. What the hell was going on? “I need to speak to the police and report the attack,” she said suddenly. “And I need to call the hospital and let them know why I haven’t been at work.”

  “I’ve already taken care of the hospital,” Micah said smoothly. “They think you’re out of town for an unexpected funeral.”

  “And why the hell would they think that?” Stacey demanded.

  “Because that’s what I told them.”

  She clenched her jaw. Why was Micah even here? “Dr. Gratsky, may I speak to you in private?”

  He looked at Micah helplessly, and an uneasy feeling came over her. Micah sat on the edge of the bed. His eyes were pools of desperation. “Stacey,” he said softly. “You almost died.”

  Suddenly, she knew what was happening. “No,” she muttered. Fear and denial both gripped her chest. She tried to slide away from Micah, but there was nowhere to go.

  “I had to make a choice,” he continued. “You just had seconds left. I came as fast as possible. Maybe if I had been faster…” he shook his head.

  She ripped off the sheets and began to examine her body. “Where?”

  “Stacey,” he said softly.

  “Where did you bite me?” she demanded harshly.

  He seemed to shrink in front of her bitter gaze. “The left side of you abdomen,” he said finally.

  She ripped up her gown and frowned. Sure enough, there were fading remnants of a bite mark. The whole world stopped as she stared at it. She could hear the pounding of her heart in her ears, but everything else fell away. What would happen to her now? What would she do?

  “I would like to speak to the doctor in private,” she said softly.

  Micah closed his eyes, but he nodded his head. Whispering something to the doctor’s ears, he walked out and left them alone. “What’s going to happen to me?” she asked.

  “Unfortunately, we’re not sure. Your body accepted the shift gene. If it hadn’t, you wouldn’t be alive right now. But the truth is that no one has bitten a human in decades, so our medical studies are not all that up-to-date. There are three different scenarios. The first is that the body rejects the bite. Nothing happens, and if that were the case, you would not be here. The second is that the body only carries the secondary gene. That means that while you do not change, it’s possible that your offspring do. And finally, your body could completely accept the change.”

  Stacey absorbed the information. “And you don’t know what differentiates between the three alternatives?”

  Dr. Gratsky shook his head sadly. “I’m afraid I don’t. I have a feeling that it helps that Micah carries the alpha gene, but for him to have bitten outside the full moon, it means he would have only partially shifted. It’s possible in the stronger shifters, but it means that the bite might carry less punch. And of course, I have no idea what your body carries. Cross-contamination is widespread today. You could carry any number of different genes whether it be shifter, witch, vampire, or demon.”

  She ran her hand over the bite. It was amazing how one mark could have such influence over her future. “You haven’t run the tests yet?”

  “Micah didn’t want to intrude any more on your privacy. If you’d like, I can take a blood sample, but research into the differences of our kind is still preliminary. I can find common markers and make a hesitant educated guess, but that’s about it.”

  “Don’t,” Stacey said suddenly. “I’m a firm believer that what’s meant to be will be. Am I okay right now?”

  The doctor nodded enthusiastically. “More than okay. I prepared you for a blood transfusion, but your body began to heal itself at a remarkable rate. It wasn’t even necessary. The wound itself is taking a bit longer to heal, but other than that, you are the picture of health.”

  Stacey snorted. Sure. The picture of health. “I get why Micah lied to my coworkers, but I was attacked. Why didn’t he call the police?”

  “The pack takes care of its own. Rest assured, Micah seems to have a vested interest in you, my dear. He’ll take care of the problem himself.”

  Of course he would. It seemed that Micah made quite a few decisions on his own. It was bitter thought, but one that Stacey couldn’t shake.

  Still, she knew that without him, she would be dead. And when she really searched her soul, she knew that she’d rather be a shifter than be dead. So really, she owed him her life.

  Chapter Eight

  The accommodations in the condo were far better than she was used to. Her own house was practically falling apart, but here, she had state of the art appliances, a fireplace, a beautiful patio overlooking the woods, and high-end designer furniture. Never if her life had she imagined that she’d be staying at a place like this. But Micah’s message convinced her that she’d be safer here.

  Stacey, I’ve made arrangements for you to stay within my territory. I have reason to believe that your attack was because of me.

  Why would any of his enemies attack her? It wasn’t like she meant anything to him.

  With the exception of the message, Micah hadn’t communicated with her again. She’d stayed under Dr. Gratsky’s care for another day, and a few hours ago, two men escorted her to her new home. Her head was still swimming with thoughts.

  But most of all, she remembered seeing the pain on Micah’s face when she’d sent him away. Somehow, she needed to tell him that it was okay. She needed to know that he wasn’t feeling guilty on her behalf.

  There were clothes in the closet. As she shuffled through them, she realized they were all her size. She’d been wearing her scrubs when she’d been attacked, and the client had some sweats for her leave the clinic in.

  She pulled on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. She nearly laughed out loud when she realized the shirt had Bite Me scrawled out in white lettering.

  If she could laugh about it, that was a good sign.

  Pacing nervously, she finally opened the door and stepped out into the hall. No one jumped out at her and screamed for her to go back inside, so she bolted down the hall and hit the elevator button. She was restless, and she wanted to find Micah.

  An older woman was already in the elevator when the doors opened. She was attractive with silver hair and a gentle smile. Stacey nodded nervously as she stepped in. Glancing at the buttons, she realized the woman should have been getting off on this floor. Hastily, she punched the doors open button. “Is this your floor?”

  The woman looked her up and down. “It was,” she said softly.

  “But now it’s not,” she asked slowly. Suddenly, it dawned on her. “Oh. You were looking for me.”

  “I was.” The woman stuck out her hand. “Lynette Gordon.”

  “Gordon as in Micah Gordon?” Stacey asked nervously.

  “He’s my son.”

  Stacey no
dded and racked her brain for something to say. Awesome job raising an alpha bear? I’m sorry your son bit me? I’d really like to spend all night in your son’s bed?

  Nope. None of those things sounded appropriate. Luckily, Lynette broke the silence first. “You must be feeling brave if you’re leaving your apartment so quickly.”

  “It’s more like a hotel room,” Stacey said hastily. “I’m sure I’ll go home once Micah has this all figured out. But I’m a little restless. And hungry. There’s no food in the condo. And now I realize that I don’t have my wallet on me. So that’s also going to be a problem.” Stacey frowned. She was babbling.

  “I’ll treat you to dinner,” Lynette said with a smile. “I’d like to get to know you more, and the pack is curious about you. I’m sure they’d love to meet you.”

  She wanted to reject the woman’s offer, but her stomach picked the inopportune time to rumble. She smiled. “I’ll pay you back.”

  Lynette nodded. “I have no doubt that you will,” she said mysteriously. “The diner is actually just down the street. Are you okay to walk that far?”

  Stacey nodded. She felt better than okay. She felt like she could run a marathon. Lynette chatted amicably as she pointed out the different buildings they passed. Stacey listened half-heartedly. There were clearly questions simmering below the woman’s friendly façade, but she, for whatever reason, chose not to ask them.

  All eyes were on her when they entered the diner. Most of them were curious, but she felt waves of hostility coming from a couple of the patrons. Lynette led them to a booth, and Stacey slid in and immediately held a menu up to her face. “Everyone is staring,” she moaned.

  “You’re all anyone can talk about, my dear. I’m sure the doctor told you that it has been some time since a bear shifter has bitten a human. You’re a bit of a celebrity around here.”

  “But I’m nothing special,” Stacey muttered. “I just happened to die at the right time.”

  Lynette laughed softly. “Oh, my dear. You’re more special that you can even imagine.”

  “Why would you say that? You don’t know even know me.”

  “Everything Micah does is deliberate. If he saved you, it’s because you’re special to him. And everyone knows that.”

  Nervously, Stacey tucked her hair behind her ears. “We just went on one date. That’s all.”

  “It’s more than that. But I think you already know that. Excuse me. I’m going to go wash my hands. Look over the menu,” Lynette ordered as she slid out of the booth.

  No sooner had Lynette left than a beautiful blonde slid into her place. Stacey blinked when she felt the waves of hostility. This woman hated her. “Stay away from Micah,” she hissed.

  Stacey blinked. “I’m sorry. Do I know you?”

  “I’m Bridgette. Alpha bear. Micah belongs to me, and I’ll be damned if I let some weak human get in the way,” she snarled.

  The need to protect Micah rose up within her. Before she knew it, Stacey was slapping the menu on the table. “I don’t know who you are, but Micah is a grown ass man. He can make his own decisions,” she hissed. “And I don’t appreciate you getting in my face like this. I don’t know you. You don’t know me. And frankly, I think I’d like to keep it that way.”

  The entire diner fell silent as people stopped to stare. Bridgett’s face was so contorted with rage that Stacey was braced for a fight.

  “Bridgette. Hello, darling. I see you’ve introduced yourself to Stacey.” They both turned as Lynette plastered a fake smile on her face. “I’m sure you’re planning on giving Stacey a warm welcome. I believe she and I are going to be good friends.”

  And just like that, the power shifted. Bridgette flushed but scooted out of the seat. Lynette nodded her head before sitting back down. Craning her neck, Stacey watched the blonde return to her seat a few booths away. A man was sitting next to her, and he looked just as angry.

  “What just happened,” Stacey muttered.

  “As the wife of the past alpha and the mother of the current alpha, I am the most powerful woman in the clan. You are my guest, and Bridgette seriously overstepped her bounds by provoking you,” Lynette said with a smile. “The burgers here are to die for.”

  “Who is that with her?”

  “Her brother. Travis.”

  Stacey frowned. “Is she engaged to Micah?”

  Lynette sighed. “It’s a delicate situation.”

  “It’s really not,” Stacey snapped. “Is that woman engaged to Micah?”

  “Pack law states that the alpha must mate with the strongest eligible woman in the pack. That would be Bridgette. Of course, if you turn, it’s possible that you’ll outrank her. And Micah will be yours, fair and square.”

  Stacey bit her lip. “What makes you think I want him?”

  “It’s written all over your face, dear. Now order something hefty. You’re going to need your strength.”

  Chapter Nine

  Micah paced outside his window. Everyone had reported that Stacey seemed to be in good health. That was good news. But he’d kept his distance from her. He was sure that there was no way that she would want to see him.

  Jackson had reported back his findings. There was a faint trace of magic that Micah hadn’t detected earlier. That didn’t bode well. Vampires weren’t known to mix with magic, but Jackson had also said that he felt the vampiric energy. None of it made sense, but one thing was certain. Humans didn’t attack Stacey.

  Still, he didn’t know why someone would attack her. It’s not like anyone knew about his feelings for her. Hell, he was still sorting out his feelings for her. They’d known each other all of a week before she was attacked. So why would they zero in on her?

  He opened his file on the desk. All of his findings were the same. Stacey was as human and normal as they came. She’d grown up toeing the line of poverty, and her parents had died when she was only eighteen. She’d graduated high school and used that money to fund a portion of her nursing school. But she was still tens of thousands of dollars in debt. She had no other family. She had no boyfriend, and she had no connections to his world.

  The attack had to be about him. But none of it made any sense.

  Suddenly, he stared at the door. He felt her even before she knocked. He could smell her through the wood. She was stressed. Anxious. Angry.

  “I know you’re in there,” she called out after he’d ignored her knock. “Open the door, Micah.”

  With a half smile, he opened the door. “You should be sleeping,” he said softly.

  “Really? You thought I was going to sleep after being attacked, nearly dying, being bitten by a bear shifter, being moved into a luxury condo, having dinner with your mother, and nearly attacked by your girlfriend?”

  “Bridgette attacked you?” he growled.

  She put her hand up. “Relax. She just verbally warned me that you are her territory.”

  “She shouldn’t have told you that,” he muttered.

  “No. You should have. Let me in. We need to talk, Micah.”

  Having her cross the threshold into his home was dangerous. He knew that, and yet he couldn’t say no. As she stepped in, the atmosphere was suddenly charged with energy. Every step she took, every action of her body, it suddenly meant something.

  She sensed the shift and clasped her hands nervously. “Micah, how did you know what had happened. Were you following me?”

  “No.” He shook his head. “I would never do that.”

  “Okay.” Her eyes searched him. “Then how? How were you there at the right time?”

  “I didn’t plan the attack,” he growled. “I would never hurt you.”

  “That never crossed my mind. I’ve thought of a million things, that was never one of them.”

  “You called me,” he said simply. It was easier to lie than to admit the truth.

  She closed her eyes briefly. “Dr. Gratsky gave me my phone. I checked it. I didn’t call you. I tried to find my phone, but I couldn’t. And then I
tried to crawl to the house, but I passed out from the blood loss. There was no way you would have gotten there in time had I called you after that point anyways. Just tell me the truth.”

  He crossed the room in an effort to put some distance between them. “It’s not that easy, Stacey.”

  “None of this is easy, Micah. I met you a week ago, and now I’m about to join your pack. Something happened between point A and point B, and everyone seems to know but me.”

  Micah ran his hands through his hair. She was asking him for an answer he wasn’t sure he was ready to give her just yet. It would only bring on more questions. “It’s not important.”

  “Damn it, Micah!” she swore angrily. He jumped at the frustrations behind her voice. Alarmed, he saw her eyes filling with tears. “My entre life has changed. If I’m going to be a part of this pack, then I need to know my place in it. Maybe it’s not important to you. Maybe you did it just to see what would happen, but if you did, I need to know. I need to know why this is happening.”

  In a flash, he’d crossed the room, but she backed out of his reach. “Stacey,” he said desperately. “Do you really think I’d be so callous?”

  She wiped away the tears. “I don’t know what to think. You’re so wrapped in enigma. I can’t read you. I can’t understand you.”

  “I felt you dying,” he said quietly. “I felt the blade enter you, and I knew you were going to die.”

  She stared at him. “Why would you feel that?”

  “I don’t know. But what I do know is that someone is trying to kill you. And I don’t know if it’s because of me or because of something else, but I can’t lose you, Stacey. That’s the one thing I do know. I need you,” he said harshly.

  In two steps, she was in his arms. He bent his head to possess her mouth, and she tangled her fingers in his hair. This beautiful woman had ensnared him, and now he needed to show her just how much she meant to him.

  * * *