Tangled by Temptation [Doms of Destiny, Colorado 7] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting)

by Chloe Lang

  She nodded, feeling her own eyes well up with tears of regret.

  “But now I think it might’ve been for the best, Belle. Kip Lunceford is my brother. We have the same genes. What if my child turned out to be like that monster?” Cindy’s voice shook. “I’ve always wanted children. My whole life. I just wanted to be a mother. It might be old fashioned, but it’s true. Now, I’m afraid to bring a baby into the world. I’m thinking about talking to Doctor Ryder about tying my tubes.”

  “Cindy, don’t do anything permanent. I don’t think there’s anything genetic with Kip. I just think he’s a selfish, mean bastard. I’m sure the prison system has run tests on him. I doubt there is anything you need to worry about.”

  “I hope you’re right, but I just don’t know what to think anymore, Belle.”

  “Having a baby is the most wonderful, rewarding feeling a woman can have. Back in Chicago, I worked in a maternity ward for several years. I’ve seen that special bond that only comes when a mother holds her baby for the first time. It’s the closest thing to the divine that exists on earth. No words can express what a woman feels when she carries life inside her for nine months. She’s the conduit to the world for her baby. Even after the birth, a mother never ceases to feel that magical connection. I’m so sorry you lost your baby. But there is time for you to have children, many, if you want.”

  “How many children do you have?”

  Paris walked in, saving her from sharing her horrible truth with Cindy.

  * * * *

  Corey threw another log on the campfire he and the boys had built.

  Off to his left, Cody had a group of three of the young hunters looking at rocks, though according to Cody they were clearly dragon fossils.

  To Corey’s right, Belle was keeping the rest of the young dragon hunters in line perfectly.

  They were gobbling up their hotdogs and chips as fast as they could, anxious to get some last minute hunting in before they had to head back to the Boys Ranch.

  All Belle needed to do was give them a stern look and they would settle down. A smile from her, and they would do anything she asked.

  He couldn’t get over how wonderful Belle was with Juan and the other orphans. Raising a family with her and Shane would be wonderful. Though Belle had never said she wanted to adopt Juan, Corey and Shane were pretty sure she did. That suited both of them just fine since they already felt a fatherly attachment to the boy.

  Little Jake came up to Corey, his big brown eyes wide. “May I give the horses some carrots? Miss Belle brought some but told me I had to ask you first. My horse is hungry from all the dragon hunting.”

  He rustled the kid’s hair. “Sure, but take Juan with you.”

  “Yes, sir.” Grinning from ear to ear, Jake ran off to get Juan.

  “I’ve got your plate ready, Corey.” Belle waved him over to the blanket she’d spread out for the meal.

  The boys were already done and off checking out the perimeter of the site for any signs of dragon tracks, their pockets full of cookies.

  Even after riding for an hour, Belle looked as beautiful as could be.

  “We’ll head back in about fifteen minutes, sweetheart. That’ll put us back at dusk.”

  She smiled, handing him a plate. “The boys had such fun today.”

  “Cody knows how to mesmerize them almost as well as Patrick O’Leary.”

  “He does sound like a true believer, doesn’t he?”

  “Of course he does, Belle. We’re Destonians. We all believe in dragons.” He put his arm around her shoulder and pointed to the three highest peaks across the valley. “When I was about Juan’s age, I swear I saw a dragon circling right there.”

  “Now, you’re just teasing me.” She laughed. “Is it everyone’s duty in town to make sure the unbelievers come into the fold?”

  “Not officially, but we do win prizes when we convince someone. Are you becoming a believer yet? If you swear fealty to the dragons, I’ll get a new grill for my house.”

  “So you’re just using me, Mr. Blue.” Her eyes sparkled. “Is that it?”

  God, he couldn’t get enough of her. “You caught me.”

  “Not hard to do, Corey. You’re like an open book.”

  It was good to be out here with her by his side. She seemed more relaxed than she’d been in some time, but it was still obvious to him that her plan at dinner tonight was to end things with him and Shane. Not happening.

  He’d talked with his brother about how they were going to get her to open up. Dinner. Wine. And then they would turn the conversation to why she was holding back. Once they knew her fears, then they would be able to win her for all time. That was the goal and that was exactly what was going to happen.

  Jake screamed.

  Instantly, they ran, reaching Jake just steps before Cody and the other boys.

  Juan was on the ground, holding his hand. Corey and Belle got down on their knees next to him.

  “I’m so sorry, Juan.” Tears streamed down Jake’s cheeks.

  “It’s okay.” Juan looked up at Belle and held up his hand, which had two little wounds. “Rattlesnake got me, Mom. It was in a hollow log. Jake stuck his hand in. He thought it was a baby dragon. I pulled him away but the snake got me.”

  “He saved me,” Jake choked out.

  Juan’s hand and arm were already swelling up.

  Corey brought out his phone and called Doc Ryder. He put it on speaker.

  Jake’s eyes widened. “Is he going to die?”

  “No, Jake.” Belle turned to Cody. “Bring me my saddle bag.”

  Cody ran to her horse and brought back the bag.

  “Hello.” Doc’s voice came through loud and clear, thank God. Reception up here was hit-and-miss most of the time.

  “Doc, Juan got bit by a rattlesnake.” Belle cleaned the wound on Juan’s arm. “I’ve got everything in the kit you gave me.”

  “Give him the shot and keep the epinephrine ready.”

  “Sweetheart, relax.” She stuck the needle close to the bite. “Everything is going to be fine.”

  The bars on Corey’s cell went down and static came through, muffling Doc’s voice. “You’re doing great, Belle. Be sure… keep the epinephrine…in case you need it. Paris and I…set up here.”

  The line went dead. Fuck.

  Cody had the boys standing back, and he was kneeling by the hollow log where the snake had been sleeping. “I sent a text to Emmett. He’s driving to the crossing point to meet you. That way you can drive the rest of the way into town.”

  Belled kissed Juan on the cheek. “Sweetheart, relax. Everything is going to be fine.”

  Juan smiled weakly. He was being so brave. “I think I can ride, Mom.”

  She shook her head. “You need to stay as still as you can, baby.” She turned to Corey. “You’ll have to carry him.”

  He nodded. Corey was amazed at Belle’s skill and how calm she was being. She knew what had to be done. She must’ve been pushing her fear way down deep.

  “It’s odd this time of year for a snake to bite, but it does happen sometimes.” Cody retrieved the rattlesnake and cut off its head. “Bring this back with you to Doc Ryder. I’ll take care of the rest of the boys. You two go. Get Juan to town.”

  Juan’s breathing became somewhat labored.

  Corey bent down.

  “I’m going to cut your shirt off of you now, honey.” Belle brought out some scissors from her bag. “Your arm is swelling and we don’t want it to cause any constriction.”

  When she was done, Corey lifted the little dragon hunter into his arms, heading to the horses. “I love you, buddy. Just hang on. You’re in good hands.”

  Chapter Ten

  Several hours had passed since that damn rattler had bitten Belle’s sweet boy. Juan’s hand and arm had nearly doubled in size by the time they’d arrived. Her nurse’s training had kicked in the very instant she’d heard little Jake scream even though she was terrified for Juan.

  Bell
e watched Paris check Juan’s IV drip. This was the hardest thing she’d ever faced in her life. Thank God, she didn’t have to do it alone.

  Amber was in the chair reading a magazine. Her sister had driven down with them in the Boys Ranch van. Amber’s support meant the world to her.

  Belle glanced over at Corey, who hadn’t left her and Juan’s sides.

  He turned to her. “Our little guy has finally fallen asleep.”

  Corey had been so amazing with Juan, holding him in his arms while riding down the mountain on his horse. She’d followed, making sure to keep smiling in case Juan glanced at her.

  Shane came into the room for the umpteenth time. “How’s he doing?”

  She smiled. “He’s resting. Black is going to fire you if you keep leaving your station, Agent Blue.”

  Shane came over and put his arm around her. “I don’t think so. Jason’s got it covered. I’m allowed breaks. Besides, this little hero is more important to me than anything else at the moment.”

  He’s right. Juan is a hero.

  Juan had saved Jake. She hated seeing him like this, but knew he was getting the best care available. Plus, the entire town was in the courtroom, which was doubling as a waiting room at the moment, lending their prayers and support.

  Paris grabbed her hand and squeezed. “He’s doing great, Belle. Doc should be in any minute to talk to you.”

  Belle was glad to have such a good friend. “I’m so glad you’re here, Paris. It means the world to me.”

  “I’m going to stay all night, Belle. I would tell you to go home and get some rest but I know you won’t.”

  “You’re right about that.”

  “I’ll bring you a pillow and a blanket after I check on my other patient.” Paris left the room, heading to Cindy Trollinger.

  “My shift ends in twenty minutes. I’ll go get us something from the diner to eat.” Shane’s eyes never left Juan. His concern for him nearly moved her to tears. “What would you like, Belle?”

  “Anything.” She’d planned on breaking up with him and Corey tonight, but the snake had derailed that plan.

  After seeing how Shane and Corey were with Juan, she wasn’t sure how she could bring herself to end it with them. Ever.

  She knew in her heart it was wrong to let it go on like this. Maybe Amber was right. Maybe she just needed to tell them her truth. Maybe it would work out. Maybe they would be okay with adopting. That’s a ton of “maybes,” Belle. But she just couldn’t bring herself to take away the chance for Shane and Corey to father their own children. It would be completely selfish of her to do so. They would choose her no matter what. But that wouldn’t be fair to them. Telling them she couldn’t have children wouldn’t dissuade them one bit. She had to find another way to end it with them. It was the best thing to do.

  I’ll wait for just the right time to break it off. Now is not that time.

  Doc Ryder came in with Juan’s chart in his hand. “It’s good to see my patient resting,” he said in a hushed tone.

  “Paris just checked his vitals,” Corey told him.

  “I see that here. Good. I won’t disturb him. Belle, why don’t we go out in the hall and I’ll give you an update on his condition.”

  “I’ll stay with Juan. I’m still on break,” Shane said. “I’m sure Amber and Corey want to hear what Doc has to say, too. You can fill me in later.”

  Belle leaned over and kissed him. “Thank you.”

  Out in the hall, they found Gretchen and Ethel talking to Jason. He was standing guard at Cindy’s room, which was next to Juan’s. The two sweet women rushed to her side.

  “How are you holding up, dear?” Gretchen asked Belle.

  “I’ll know how to answer you after Doc tells me Juan is going to be okay.”

  Doc smiled. “He is going to be fine, Belle, thanks to your quick thinking. Are you okay with me talking about Juan’s treatment in front of everyone.”

  “Screw HIPAA rules, Doc. These are my friends and family. They can hear everything.”

  “Excellent. Juan’s vitals are stable. He’s responding to the antivenom perfectly. The swelling in his arm hasn’t increased and I expect it to begin to go down in the next few days. His lungs are clear. His heart is strong. We’re going to keep a close eye on him, though I’m very confident that he’s going to be back to dragon hunting very soon.”

  Belle had been holding back her tears for so long, but hearing Doc’s words caused them to fall from her eyes.

  Corey hugged Belle, and she leaned into his strength.

  Amber’s voice shook. “Thank God.”

  Ethel and Gretchen were wiping their eyes.

  Doc smiled. “I want to keep our little hero here for a few days.”

  Trollinger came out of her room with Paris. They both walked over to her, with Jason close behind.

  Cindy walked right in front of Belle.

  Corey pulled her in tighter, taking a step back from the woman.

  A frown appeared on Cindy’s face for a split second but disappeared when she turned her attention back to Belle. “How’s your little boy doing?”

  “Doc assures me he’s going to be okay.”

  “That’s great news. I told Paris to stop checking in on me. I’m not sick. She needs to spend all her time with Juan.” Cindy held up her pack of cigarettes. “Time for a smoke break. It always clears my head. Belle, I’ll check in on your boy tonight. You look like you could use some rest.”

  “That’s okay. I’m not going anywhere.”

  “Neither am I.” Corey’s stare on Cindy didn’t waiver.

  “Seems I need to get more pillows and blankets.” Paris grinned. “I’ll be back in a flash.” She left.

  “Well, time for my evening break.” Cindy turned to Jason. “You coming, Mr. Bodyguard?”

  The sheriff didn’t smile. “Yes.”

  Trollinger and Jason went to the end of the hallway that led outside.

  Belle turned to Amber. “You should go home, Sis. I’m sure the boys are anxious, especially Jake. I always tuck them in. I just can’t tonight.”

  “I’ll do it, Belle. Don’t worry. If you need me, no matter what time, call me. Promise.”

  “I promise.”

  “You have our numbers, Belle.” Gretchen smiled. “We’re here for you, too.

  Ethel added, “Don’t hesitate to call us.”

  “Thank you. I will. But I’m sure Corey, Shane, and I have things covered.”

  Corey, Shane, and I? The words came out as naturally as could be. She was surprised how right they felt on her lips. “Please tell everyone thanks for coming and showing their support.”

  Doc put his arm around Gretchen and Ethel’s shoulders. “Belle, if you don’t mind, I’ll fill everyone in on Juan’s condition. Then I can send them all home.”

  “I don’t mind.”

  “That’s good,” Doc said. “I’ve already got wind that Juan is going to be on the front page of tomorrow’s Destiny Daily.”

  She smiled. “He’ll love that.”

  “Seriously, Belle. My brother had a snakebite last year and we pulled him through just fine. We’ll do the same for Juan.”

  “Thank you, Doc.”

  Leading Gretchen and Ethel to the courtroom, Doc walked down the hallway the opposite direction Cindy and Jason had left.

  Amber gave her a hug. “I love you, Sis.”

  “I love you, too.”

  Her sister followed Doc and the ladies, leaving Belle alone with Corey.

  “Honey, I’m going to put you in the recliner. After we finish eating whatever Shane brings us, you’re going to close your eyes.” Corey kissed her on the forehead. “I’ll take the first shift with our boy. You need to get a little sleep. I know you are exhausted.”

  God, he was such a loving man, always looking out for her. “Corey, I don’t know what I would’ve done if you hadn’t been there.”

  He smiled. “I was there, baby. By your side. That’s where you and I belong. Together
.”

  She felt tingles all over her body. I’m in way too deep. “Let’s go back in.”

  He nodded and opened the door.

  Belle walked in and the first thing she saw was Juan smiling.

  “Once I get your hero badge, I want you to wear it everywhere.” Shane was leaning over the bed, holding Juan’s unbitten hand. “I want to make sure everyone shows you the respect and honor you deserve. You saved a life today. You’ve got the courage of ten men in my estimation, son.”

  Her heart swelled in her chest for Shane.

  Juan spotted her. “Mom, Shane is going to get me a hero badge to wear.”

  “I heard.” She moved next to Shane, gazing down at their little champion.

  Corey moved to her other side. “Guess what, Juan?”

  His eyes were wide with wonder. “What?”

  “You’re going to be on the front page of the paper tomorrow.”

  “I am?”

  “You are.”

  Belle leaned down and kissed Juan. “Close your eyes, baby.” She pulled up his covers, like she did every night. “Time to go to sleep.”

  “I love you, Mom.”

  “I love you, honey.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Shane stood in the hallway with Corey, their parents, and sister just outside Juan’s room. “Doc says it will be another day or two before he releases our boy.”

  “It’s been three days, and Juan is fit to be tied.” Corey smiled. “Christmas is in a few days and he wants to be home.”

  “I bet he does,” Dad Curtis said.

  Her mother smiled. “Juan reminds me of you two when you were that age.”

  “Oh boy, Mom. That means they’ve got their hands full, doesn’t it?” Phoebe stood next to Jason, who, like Shane and Corey, had been relieved from guard duty thanks to the arrival of the three new agents.

  Once Juan was back in full commission, Shane and Corey would return to the rotation, but Jason would not. Black had determined that with his other duties as sheriff, it was best to let Jason off the hook.

  There had been no new developments on the Kip Lunceford issue. Nothing. Nada. Black had mentioned to Trollinger that he wanted to move her to the Dream Hotel because it had been so quiet. Cindy had seemed frightened by the prospect.