by Jane Jamison
“Like I said. Just be ready to leave in the morning.”
She watched Rick eat up the distance to the barn. Anger and hurt swirled amid the flow of the strange sensation that always existed between them. Before they’d gotten into the argument, she’d plan on asking them more about it. Was it fate? Or just an excuse to get laid?
Now it looked as if that next time would never come.
“It’s okay, baby. Give him some time.”
Burning tears stung her. “No. He meant what he said.”
“No, he didn’t.” Gunner snatched his hat off, then held it to his chest. “I don’t want you to leave and neither does he.”
“He sure has a fucked-up way of saying so.”
“Yeah, he does. But that doesn’t mean he means what he says. Especially when he gets riled up. Let him calm down.”
“No. I’m sorry. I have to go.” She couldn’t take it any longer. Even if Gunner cared for her, it was all too evident that Rick’s feelings didn’t run as deep. She couldn’t imagine a world with just one of them, much less a life living on the ranch with the other brother around, tempting her day in and day out. She knew enough to know the brothers would never separate.
“Baby—”
“Don’t call me that.” Darting away as he tried to take hold of her, she rushed into the house. Tomorrow morning couldn’t come fast enough. Or, if she wanted to admit it, slow enough.
Chapter Six
Mallory woke up early then remained in bed and listened to the birds singing outside her bedroom. She’d slept fitfully throughout the night, at one time hearing the howls of wolves, but she hadn’t gotten out of bed to investigate. The idea of leaving Rick and Gunner had drained her of any desire to do anything but lie there and wipe away the tears that kept rolling down her cheeks.
Could she tell Rick she was sorry? She’d stood up for her principals, but had she lost the loves of her life by doing so?
She no longer cared that they raised cattle. They were right in saying that it was a necessary business. People ate meat. How else were they supposed to get it? And wasn’t it better to have the cattle raised by men who cared about the health and well-being of their animals? Men who would make sure that they were put down using humane methods?
Damn it. I’ve made a mess of everything.
She could hear them moving around downstairs. Although they hadn’t knocked on her door, she assumed they were waiting for her. As soon as she’d packed her suitcase, she’d have to hold her head high and go downstairs. She wouldn’t bother with breakfast. How could she eat knowing she’d never see them again?
It was just a stupid argument. She could make things right if she’d get over her bullhead stubbornness. What if she told them that she loved them? Would that make everything right? Or would it give Rick another reason to ask her to leave?
Wiping away what she was determined would be her last tear, she swung her legs over the side of the bed and headed to the bathroom. A quick shower would give her the strength she needed to get through the day. At least, she hoped it would. If not, she’d break down on the way to Shatland and beg them to let her stay.
No. If nothing else, I’m going to keep my dignity.
* * * *
“Damn it, Gunner, I don’t want to talk about it any longer.” Rick put his back to his brother. Not only to signal that the discussion was over before it began, but to keep Gunner from seeing his pain.
He’d acted like a jackass. He knew it, Gunner knew it, and he was pretty sure Mallory knew it. Yet as hard as he tried, he couldn’t bring himself to apologize. What good would it do anyway? She’d never fit in on a ranch that raised cattle for meat.
“Come on, man. Are you willing to give her up?” The agony Gunner felt was entrenched in his tone. “Because I’m not. I’d give everything up, including our home, to keep her.”
“She won’t leave.” The connection they shared, the bond between intended mates, would keep her there. After spending time together, the primal instinct that drew them together was growing stronger with every minute that passed. Even if she wanted to leave—which he doubted—the connection would keep her with them. Wasn’t that the way it was supposed to go? He had to believe that.
“Oh, I get it. You’re counting on the connection to make her stay. Instead of admitting that you never wanted it to go that far, you’re going to rely on that to keep her with us? Fuck, she’s going to need you to say something. Didn’t you see her face? Didn’t you see how hurt she was? That tore me apart. Hell, someone could’ve ripped out my heart and it wouldn’t have hurt as much.”
Rick growled, warning Gunner not to grab hold of him again. “I admit it. You’re right. It was a shithead way to act. But I don’t think it was enough to make her leave. Even if she manages to ignore the pull toward us, she won’t ignore her feelings. She’s falling for us, just like we’ve fallen for her. I can see it in her eyes.”
He wished he could believe what he’d said, but doubt churned his gut. “She’ll come down in a minute and say she was sorry and that’ll be the end of it.”
“I wouldn’t bet on it.” Gunner sneered at him. “Oh, wait. That’s exactly what you’re doing. You’re both as stubborn as mules, and right now, almost as smart.”
His inner bear roared to life, ready to lift up onto its hind legs and strike out at his brother. They’d fought often while growing up, each one leaving wounds on the other, but they’d never fought as full-grown men. He shoved his animal back down, unwilling to give in to his anger. And, if he had to admit it, his fear.
Fuck. What if she really does want to leave?
“I’m telling you, Gunner. Back the hell off.”
“How about I apologize for you? I’ll do anything to keep her here. Even that.”
“Don’t you get it?” Rick tunneled his fingers through his hair, resisting the need to tear a chunk out. “If that argument sends her away, then it wasn’t meant to be. Maybe we’ve got our wires crossed or something. Maybe it’s fate’s way of telling us that she’s wrong for us. She’ll stay if she’s really feeling the connection.”
Gunner stared at him like he’d grown a third eye. “Or maybe it’s just an asshole’s damn pride fucking up the rest of our lives. Come on, man. She needs to know that you give a damn.”
“Let it go, Gunner.”
Gunner gritted his teeth, then let out a low growl. His eyes flashed amber and his fangs snuck over his lower lip. “Bullshit. So you’re testing her? If she doesn’t do what you think she should, then that’s it? Fuck that.”
“I’m ready.”
Her voice floated over to Rick. The sound had a lilting quality to it, yet was tinged with a tremor that only his werebear hearing could’ve picked up on. She stood at the entrance to the living room, her suitcase in her hand. Although he wanted to hold out his arms and have her hurry into them, he kept them at his side.
“Rick?” Gunner, his body shaking as he shoved his beast back down, darted his gaze from him to her and back, urging him to go to her.
“You’re leaving?” It was a stupid question, but it was the only thing he could think to say.
“That’s the plan.” Her tremulous smile came and went.
Did she want to stay? Had what he thought they’d share been real? He almost gave in, ready to do whatever he had to do to keep her there. The words asking her, hell, begging her to stay, were on the tip of his tongue. Instead, he said, “Want to grab some breakfast before we go?”
Gunner snarled, then put his back to her. Rage burned in his eyes as he glowered at him. It wouldn’t have surprised Rick if his brother hauled off and belted him one.
“No thanks. I don’t want to miss the bus.”
“Yeah. You’re right.” He was trapped, caught between his stubbornness and his hope that the force of the connection would keep her there. “Let’s get going.”
* * * *
Her mother once told her that she was more stubborn than a preacher with a sinner in one hand an
d an invitation from God in the other. The preacher, torn between meeting God and saving the sinner would hang on to both, too stubborn to let go of either one. Mallory couldn’t help but think she was in the same predicament as the preacher. Either she gave up her principles or she gave up the men she loved. Like the preacher, she was too stubborn to choose which one to turn loose.
No. That’s not the way this is. All Rick has to do is ask me to stay. If he did, then I’d do whatever I could to find a compromise.
She took a glimpse at Rick as he pulled the pickup into the parking space in front of the Earline’s Eatery. None of them had spoken a word since they’d gotten into the truck and driven to Shatland.
I have to say something. If I don’t, it’s over.
Shatland was a small town with one central street, with side streets heading west and east, all running outward from Main Street. The shops were quaint, with flower pots and lots of homey charm. The people, however, were, for lack of a better word, different.
Although she knew Rick and Gunner came into Shatland every so often for supplies, the looks they garnered from people walking along the sidewalk had her wishing she could tell them to turn the truck around. Some of those people stopped and stared with eyes that were cold and hard. Others, those who reminded her of the men, regarded her with more interest than hostility.
“Um, guys, why is everyone staring at us? Er, at me?”
Gunner, who’d remained quiet, too, turned away from the window and took her hand. The current that had seemed lost during the ride came rushing back, bringing tears of relief mixed with sorrow.
“Don’t let them get to you. Shatland’s a friendly town.” He inclined his head, indicating two men dressed in dark clothes and standing in the shadows. “There are a few folks who aren’t all that sociable, but you rarely see them out during the day.”
“Why? Do they work the graveyard shift?”
He blinked, then gave her a soft smile. “You could say that. And the other folks just need a little time warming up to strangers. That’ll change once they understand that you’re with us.”
“But they can already see that I’m with you.” She forced a smile as a young man and woman paused along their way, then slowly lifted their hands to the men.
“Not just physically with us, but really with us.”
As in a threesome? She nodded, fresh pain washing over her, then startled as Rick opened his door and slid out. Gunner did the same, but offered his hand to help her out.
“Come on. Earline’s got the best breakfast around these parts. We think it’s even better than Milly’s Coffee Spot over in Forever.”
“I wouldn’t know. I haven’t been to Forever.” She followed Gunner as he led the way into the restaurant.
The restaurant was filled with wonderful aromas. Scuffed tiled floors weren’t pretty by any means, but they were clean enough to eat off them. A yellow counter stretched along the wall with napkin holders and wire stands filled with laminated menus. A jukebox rested against the wall leading to a hallway and the restrooms. The place reminded Mallory of a diner straight out of the fifties.
Rick groused, his tone low and grumpy. “Don’t bother going to Milly’s. The people there don’t like us much.”
“Why?” She didn’t really care. She just wanted to keep him talking to her.
“Because they can’t stand that we’re all so damn happy, that’s why.”
“Hey, guys.” A pretty young woman swayed over to them.
“Hey, it’s good to see you. Are your men here?”
Mallory scanned the room, following Gunner’s gaze.
“Two of them. Josh had other business to attend to. See? Right over there in the corner.” She reached out her hand in welcome. “Hi. I’m Mayla Weaton. You’re new in town, aren’t you?” The girl’s big brown eyes were the perfect shade for her long, auburn hair.
“Sort of. I’m Mallory Quinn.”
“So, Mallory, how do you like the Triple X Ranch? That’s some name, isn’t it?”
She wasn’t sure how to answer. If she went into too much detail, Mayla might ask her how she’d come to stay there. “I like it. And yeah, the name kind of threw me at first.”
“Then you’re staying for a while?” Her gaze jumped from Rick to Gunner. “Maybe for a long while?”
She’d never believed that a heart could actually hurt. Now she knew the real meaning of the word heartache. “No. I’m leaving today. On the bus, that is.”
“Really?” Mayla frowned at first Rick then Gunner. “I thought I heard from Dr. Haskell…” She trailed off, then fortified her smile. “Never mind. You know small towns. If they didn’t have gossip, they’d dry up from boredom.”
She hooked her arm in Mallory’s and tugged her along with her. “Come with me. I’m dying for some girl talk. I’ve been cooped up on the ranch far too long and Earline’s too busy to talk. Guys, go keep my men company.”
She waved at the older woman who was slipping from one table filled with customers to the next. “That’s Earline.”
Earline appeared as though she was old enough to have opened the restaurant years earlier. And yet, the woman had a spry step and a sweet smile that made Mallory feel more welcomed.
“Are you sure you don’t want to get back to your table?”
“It’s okay. You two go on.”
Rick and Gunner ambled over to two men, large men like themselves, who were busy scarfing down a plate piled high with food. Were they Mayla’s partners? Or husbands? Or just friends like Kid was to her?
“My guys, Jadon and Curt, would rather me leave them alone so they can get caught up on all that ranch stuff. And then there’s the problem with the were—” She froze, then slipped into a chair at one of the few open tables. Two empty mugs waited for coffee. “Uh, with the wolf that’s killing cattle.”
Mallory took the chair across from her. “We, I mean, Rick and Gunner found a calf the other day that had gotten bitten. So they’re sure it’s a wolf that’s killing livestock?”
“We think so. Don’t worry. The men are on it.”
“Have you lived in Shatland all your life?” Somehow Mayla didn’t look like the rest of them. It wasn’t the way she dressed or looked, but something else she couldn’t define. She studied her harder, but couldn’t put her finger on it.
Mayla flicked her auburn hair back over her shoulder. “No. In fact, I only got here a month ago, but I love it here.”
Mallory could sense the stares still settled on her. “I don’t mean to be rude, but do they always stare at newcomers?”
“Yeah, they kind of do. But don’t let it bug you. It’s just their way. Folks around here are really nice. Okay, maybe not the vam—” She darted her gaze away, then back. “A few tend to keep to themselves, but they don’t bother anyone. Not much anyway.”
“Not much?”
Instead of answering, she waved at Earline. “Hey, Big E, when you get a chance, could you get some coffee for my new friend? And a plate of your breakfast special, too, please.”
“Thanks. I’m starving. I’d better eat something soon. Otherwise, I get as grumpy as a bear.”
Tension rippled in the room as everyone stopped talking and stared at her with more intensity. She stared back for only a moment, unable to stop doing so when she saw the flash of amber in their eyes.
“Anyway, how are you getting along with the Northman brothers?”
“Oh. I, um, I mean, we were doing okay.” Could she tell Mayla the truth? Although she sensed that they would probably have many things in common, she wasn’t ready to spill her guts.
Mayla leaned over the table toward her. “Did you feel it?”
Was she talking about the strange, wonderful sensation? Or was she fixated on that? “I’m not sure I know what you mean.”
Judging from the tilt of her head, her new friend didn’t believe her. “Yes, you do. I can see it in your eyes.”
“Mayla, really, I don’t know what you’re talking about.
”
“Don’t start slinging that shit with me. You felt it, all right. The invisible cord that runs between you three? The feeling that if you don’t have their hands all over you, you’re going to go insane? Tell me you haven’t felt that.”
She didn’t want to lie. Besides, she couldn’t force the truth from her face.
“You did. I knew it.” Mayla leaned back with a satisfied smug. “You love them.”
Mallory sucked in air and tried to check to see if the others had heard. And yet, the simple declaration Mayla had made tore at her heart. She’d love to hear Rick and Gunner tell her that they loved her, but that wasn’t going to happen. “It doesn’t matter now.”
She was almost relieved when Earline deposited a cup of steaming coffee in front of her. Trying hard not to focus on the others, she shifted her attention to Earline, the fascinating owner of the restaurant.
Earline was a heavyset woman with graying hair that was pulled back and ran down her spine. Mallory had a feeling that, if she ended up in a physical fight, the large woman could hold her own with some of the men. The same sweet smile she’d been greeted with flashed at her.
“I guess you’re Mallory.”
“Uh, yes. That’s me.”
Gray eyes that held a gleam of humor were flanked by laugh lines. “Then you’re Rick’s and Gunner’s woman.” She fisted one hand on her hip as she held a coffeepot in the other. “I hear you’ve been giving them hell about how they treat their animals.”
Mallory wasn’t sure how she was supposed to respond to that. If she got defensive, she assumed that most of the others would jump onboard to take the men’s side. No doubt a lot of them ran cattle ranches, too.
Mayla held her cup up for Earline to fill. “Don’t go giving her a hard time, Big E. She doesn’t know what it takes to run a herd. I bet she’ll come around to our way of thinking soon enough. You know, once she becomes a permanent fixture around here.”
Permanent fixture? If only.
She added a packet of sugar to her coffee. “No, Mayla, you’ve got it all wrong. I’m leaving today. I’m taking the next bus.”
