by Kris Norris
He mentally told the beast to back down as he motioned to the doorway. “If you’re ready, I’ll see you safely to the clinic.”
She scoffed at him, lifting her medical kit then heading back to other table to collect her suitcase. “I don’t need an escort. Just tell me where it is, and I’ll make my way over.”
He tsked when she tried to grab her other bag, taking it in one hand as he turned to face her. “It would be best if I accompanied you there.”
“Are you afraid I’ll lose my way, being such a delicate flower in this harsh land?”
He couldn’t quite stop his smile from lifting his lips. “I’m more concerned you might get waylaid in the street and kill a few of our men. We really don’t have any to spare.”
She hitched out her hip, cursing when he started toward the door. She darted forward, nearly jogging to keep up with his long strides. “I told you before. I prefer not to kill people if I can manage it.”
“Yet, you just stitched up the man you shot. And need I remind you that you also said you’d just as soon kill anyone who challenged you as save them?”
“I won’t apologize for protectin’ myself, Sheriff. Qui—”
“Lucas. And I didn’t say it was wrong. Just pointed out that I’d rather you not be put in that position, again. Despite what you said, I get the feeling you don’t enjoy hurtin’ people. I assume it goes against your nature.”
Her eyes narrowed, the cockiness fading from her expression. She glanced back at the swinging doors, a rough sigh fluttering the wisps of hair around her face. “If I’ve learned anything working this far west, it’s that I can’t save people who don’t want to be saved. Who don’t value anyone’s life but their own.” She tilted her head to the side. “But while we’re on the subject, since when do you and Mr. James give a damn about my feelings?”
Lucas stopped short. He closed the distance between them, leaning in until his breath rustled her collar. “His name is Cullen, and who said we didn’t care?”
“Actions speak louder than words.”
“So, askin’ you to treat Jack? Having your back in there?”
“Damage control at best.” She tsked. “Please. Did you think I didn’t hear your friend back in the saloon? He was about to say that he’d asked for a doctor and all they’d sent him was a woman. Then, there’s that part where neither of you wanted to honor Mr. Gilmore’s offer of employment. I believe you were worried that I wouldn’t be welcome. Or was it my skills you thought were lackin’?”
Lucas sighed. God, he hated that she was right. On all accounts. He lifted his chin, not sure which to apologize for, first, when a voice sounded behind him.
“I’d say we’re sorry, but something tells me that might not be enough for you.”
Hollis spun, watching as Cullen closed in on them. Lucas didn’t miss the way her gaze ran the length of his mate, or how her breathing sped up when the other man stopped an arm’s length away. Lucas inhaled, rewarded with a hint of earthy musk that mimicked her usual scent. Just thinking that their presence aroused her, even if it was more of an unconscious reaction on her part, eased the tight feeling in his chest he hadn’t realized had taken root. It meant they still had a chance to change her perception of them.
The woman slid her glance toward Lucas, seemingly measuring them both up before grinning. “It’s a start.”
“Then, we’re sorry for jumpin’ to conclusions.”
A tentative smile teased her lips before she shifted her focus up the street. “I reckon that building at the end is the clinic. If you gentlemen will excuse me, it’s been a long day. And I still have work to do before I can rest.”
Cullen stepped aside but then fell into place beside her. “We’ll just see that you get settled.”
She laughed. “What is it with you boys and worryin’ about my safety? I think I’ve proven that I can handle myself. Besides, if I get myself killed, Mr. Gilmore won’t have to pay me, and you might get yourself a new doctor.” She paused for a moment then arched a brow at Cullen. “Maybe even a male one.”
Cullen took a quick stride forward, crowding into her personal space. “Don’t joke about getting yourself killed. Neither Lucas nor I find it at all amusing. And I already tried to apologize for my shortsightedness.”
Her expression softened. “The West is a dangerous place, Mr. Jam—”
“Cullen.”
She took a deep breath, glancing at Lucas before making eye contact with Cullen, again. “Cullen. I’m intimately aware of all the ways one can die after crossing the Mississippi River. If it’s not the natives raidin’ the town, it’s outlaws and gunslingers shootin’ it up. When that fails, there’s disease and infection. As I see it, survival out here is like a card game—equal parts skill and dumb luck. I do all I can to up the ante in the skill department, but luck… That’s beyond my control. No use worryin’ about what you have no control over.” She cracked a smile. “And I believe I said your apology would be a start. But it takes more than token words to prove sincerity.”
“Then, perhaps you’ll do us the courtesy of stayin’ alive long enough for us to earn that sincerity. Which means seeing you reach the clinic without having to challenge half the men in this camp. It’d be a shame to lose you so soon after finally finding you.”
“Finding me?” Hollis furrowed her brow, obviously puzzled by Cullen’s odd statement. She opened her mouth then shut it, looking as if she wasn’t quite certain how to continue. “What—”
Lucas tugged on her arm, urging them all forward. “What Cullen means is…you not only proved you can handle yourself with the townsfolk, you also gave us a glimpse at how skilled you truly are as a physician. Not sure we’ve had a doctor in our ranks, yet, that has displayed that level of grace under pressure. And seeing as it took us a few months of beggin’ to get you here…”
She nodded, though her expression suggested that she wasn’t quite convinced of his reasoning. Cullen darted ahead to grab the door for her, ushering her in. He’d already lit the oil lamps hanging from some of the posts, the warm light chasing away the shadows. Lucas smiled as she did a slow circle, taking everything in.
A genuine smile lit up her face as she turned to them. “I’ll be honest. I was expectin’ little more than a tent with an old wooden table in the center. This… It surpasses any rail camp I’ve worked in yet. Some of the small towns, too. I can’t imagine why the previous doctor left.”
Lucas shrugged. “Something to do with the caliber of patients. And there was that time someone fired a few shots his way.”
“I don’t scare easily. And I’ve been shot at before.”
A low rumble vibrated the air. Lucas cursed inwardly as he glanced at Cullen. The last thing they needed was to have Hollis wondering why they were behaving oddly. Hell, she already thought they were.
Hollis stared at Cullen, cocking her head to the side. She looked as if she was going to say something then seemed to change her mind. Instead, she nodded toward where Jack was asleep in one of the cots. “I’m surprised Frank isn’t hoverin’ over him. Or threatening to kill me if his brother doesn’t make it.”
Cullen took a step toward her, and Lucas noticed the hint of claws on Cullen’s hands before he tucked them in his pockets. His partner was obviously more agitated than Lucas had first thought. Though, he was certain the dried blood on Hollis’ forehead wasn’t helping. And knowing Frank had struck her probably angered Cullen far more than usual, now that they’d realized what she meant to them.
Cullen gave her a wry smile. “I had a…chat with Frank. If he’s got any sense at all, he won’t bother you.”
“I see. Then, I’ll just check on Jack, clean myself up, and get some sleep.” She turned then looked back at them across her shoulder. “Unless there’s something else you need?”
Lucas palmed Cullen’s shoulder, stopping the man from answering. “Nothing. We’ll see you in the morning. Good night.”
She tipped her hat, heading over to the cot. Luc
as didn’t miss the way she smiled as she touched Jack’s forehead, obviously pleased with whatever she found. There was a distinct change in her mannerisms. Where she’d been tough and somewhat indifferent in the saloon, she now seemed far gentler, genuine concern shaping her features. She wet a cloth, softly dabbing it on the man’s face as she sat on the edge of the bed.
Lucas gave Cullen a shake, motioning with his head toward the door. Cullen spun, taking one last glance at Hollis before walking out, his stride firm and steady. He stopped just outside the door, crossing his arms over his chest.
A frown tipped the corners of his mouth down as he huffed out a slow breath. “Any particular reason you rushed us out of there?”
Lucas matched his mate’s grim expression as he shut the door behind him. “You mean besides the fact you’re barely in control? Please, I saw your hands. And you growled. Twice.”
“Did you miss the cut across her forehead? Her swollen lip? Or maybe it was the part where she confessed she gets shot at on a regular basis.”
“She didn’t say that.”
“It was implied. As was the part where she’s basically resigned herself to an early grave.”
Lucas sighed. Cullen was definitely more intense than Lucas was, though part of it probably stemmed from them fighting their natural instincts to claim each other as mates. That, or it was simply that Kodiaks were more highly strung than other grizzlies. Either way, it meant his partner would have a Hell of a time remaining distant until they could figure out a way to court the new doctor. Convince her they were worth getting to know beyond friends.
He groaned inwardly. After tempering their urge to mate for months, he wasn’t sure how long either of them would be able to remain distant now that they’d found their missing piece. Just thinking about having to spend the next few months trying to win over Hollis—it made Lucas’ inner bear claw at his control.
Cullen snorted. “Looks like I’m not the only one fightin’ to keep their skin.”
“I didn’t say I was unaffected. I’m just not sprouting fangs and claws, yet.”
“I wouldn’t either, except, shit, Lucas. She’s human. Fully human. Which means simply telling her she’s our mate isn’t going to work. Hell, the fact there’s two of us…”
Lucas cupped Cullen’s forearm. “Pretty sure she wouldn’t be the other half of us if she didn’t feel an equal pull. We just need to convince her three’s the perfect number.”
“Right, because every girl grows up dreamin’ of being married to two men. And we don’t even care about the marriage part. Shifters don’t need vows.”
“Thinkin’ few girls grow up dreamin’ of becoming doctors, either, but there she is. Something tells me the woman isn’t that concerned about venturin’ outside the social norm.”
“Still. Wanting to help people and loving two men aren’t exactly on the same level. That’s assumin’ she could ever fall for us. She thinks we’re jackasses. And she’s right. We dismissed her without a second thought.” Cullen kicked at the dirt, before glancing at Lucas. “I dismissed her. I seem to recall you suggestin’ we give her a shot.”
“It was a mutual decision. I didn’t want to see her get hurt, either. Though, with the way she handled herself…” Lucas sighed. “Doesn’t matter. We can’t change the past. Gotta move forward. So, we have to grovel a bit. Pretty sure we can swallow our damn pride long enough to apologize. However many times it takes.” He nudged Cullen. “What, exactly, did you say to Frank?”
Cullen’s jaw tensed, the muscle in his temple flexing. “It was more along the lines of actions speakin’ louder than words.”
“Shit. Please tell me you didn’t threaten the man.”
“I simply made it clear any unwanted advances toward the good doctor would be taken personally.”
“So, you did threaten him.” He pushed out a rough breath. “Was that before or after you tossed his ass out onto the street?”
Cullen cracked a smug grin. “Before.”
“Christ.” Lucas carded his hand through his hair. “How good did it feel?”
“Far better than it should have. We’ve only known Hollis for what? A day? And that’s being real generous because she was only around us for five or ten minutes. But damn it… Already my bear is pacin’ back and forth inside my head—demanding I stake my claim. And not just with her.” Cullen gave Lucas a hard look. “It wants you just as fiercely. Not sure how long I can fight this. Already been far too long where you’re concerned.”
“You think I’m any different? I’m feeling more than a bit possessive. But if we go too far, too fast…”
“I know. I just hope I can keep my other half contained. Though, that does bring up another issue. At some point, we’ll have to tell Hollis what we are. What she means to us. Doesn’t seem right mating without her knowing exactly what she’s getting herself into.”
Lucas lifted one brow. “You worried she’ll run screamin’ in the other direction?”
“Aren’t you?”
He snorted. “Of course I am. But then, the girl just took on a room full of men. I can only hope that means she was telling the truth and that she doesn’t scare easily.” He gave Cullen a pat on the back. “Let’s just let her get settled. Then, we’ll see what we can do to bridge the distance. In the meantime, we’ll keep an eye on her. Make sure she’s safe.”
“Speakin’ of which…why don’t you head on in? I’ll hang out for a while.”
“If anyone’s going to stand guard at her door, it’s me.” Lucas held up his hand, cutting Cullen off from replying. “I’m the sheriff. Besides, you have to see that the crews get up and out on time. And I know you’ll be riding the line shortly after sunrise. Go. Sleep. I’ll stay for a couple of hours then get some sleep.”
Cullen growled. “If anyone comes lookin’ for her…”
“I’ll yell, promise. Not that you won’t sense it if she’s in trouble, anyway. Now, go get some sleep. You can check in on her in the morning.”
Cullen cursed under his breath as he looked at the closed door to the clinic one more time before spinning on his heel and marching purposely down the street. Lucas sighed as he watched the man pause, again, at his office before heading inside.
He glanced at the clinic. One slab of wood. That’s all that separated him from his other mate. All he had to do was figure out a way to actually open it to the point she’d be theirs.
CHAPTER FOUR
“She’s sleeping. Finally.”
Cullen turned, sighing as Lucas stepped out from the shadows lining the short walkway beside the clinic. Cullen leaned against the wall, crossing his arms over his chest. “I thought you were going to get some rest?”
Lucas pursed his lips, glancing at the closed door. “I tried to leave a couple of hours ago, but…” He huffed, punching Cullen in the shoulder. “Gloat if you must.”
“You think I’ve slept? If I’d paced that room any longer, I’d have worn a damn groove in the floor. I can’t get her off my mind. Her scent, the shape of her face, those eyes.” Cullen shook his head. “And it’s not just her. My damn bear is having a real hard time remembering all of those reasons we’ve stayed distant.” He locked his gaze on Lucas. “In fact, I can’t seem to recall a single one. Which isn’t helping with my control. My skin feels as if it’s going to split apart. There’s an incessant growlin’ inside my head. And if I got any harder…”
Lucas glanced at Cullen’s crotch. “I’d joke, but I’m not fairin’ any better. You think my shirt’s hangin’ low because I was too damn lazy to tuck it in? My bear hates this as much as yours does. I’m just not sure how to fix it. We just met her. Hell, she doesn’t even like us.”
“Have I told you how annoying it is when you’re always right?” Cullen scrubbed his hand down his face. “She can’t be completely unaffected, can she? I mean…we’re mates. There’s got to be some measure of attraction, doesn’t there?”
“I sure as Hell hope so.”
Cullen arched a
brow. “Whatever happened to three being the perfect number, mate?”
“It is the perfect number. I just didn’t count on feeling this…obsessive. I thought the pull would stay the same, just split between both of you, but… It’s so much more. Like a damn fire I can’t put out.”
“I’ve never had a problem letting you do whatever had to be done. Put your life at risk. Maybe it’s because I know you have your grizzly to back you up if things go wrong, but with her—can’t think past the next time she’s going to challenge some cowboy because he thinks he can best her. All the ways that encounter could turn ugly.”
“Nothing’s going to happen to her. We won’t let it.”
Cullen merely nodded, deciding not to push the subject further—not when he didn’t have a clue how to fix it.
Lucas glanced at the closed door. “Not sure if it’s a glimmer of hope or not, but I’m pretty sure I caught a whiff of arousal last night when all three of us were together. Of course, having her body react to us on a primal level doesn’t mean shit when she’s not a shifter. Women are stubborn enough. I have a feeling our feisty doctor is so much more.”
“Then, she’s not the only one. We can be just as hardheaded. Just as determined.”
“Of course, we can. I’m just not sure she’ll find those qualities endearin’.”
Cullen chuckled. “Probably not. You think she’ll open fire if I take a peek inside? Assure myself she’s okay?”
“Door doesn’t squeak. And seeing as she’s been up most of the night with Jack…”
“You’ve checked, haven’t you?”
“Spent the last twenty minutes watching her sleep. Had to drag myself away. Didn’t want you to think I was obsessed.”
“Or have her wake up and catch you inside.”
Lucas grinned. “That, too. Girl’s got a Hell of a shot. Makes me wonder who taught her how to handle those pistols.”
