Animal Heart(31)

“Welcome to your new home, Maddy,” Lucas said quietly. She said thank you and smiled at him in return and then turned, nervously, to look around the rest of the table. Her gaze fell on Aden's and her eyes lit up.

“So, what household task shall I take on?” she asked him pleasantly.

“Well actually, I was just thinking about that,” he began, turning towards Mia. “As you aren't that keen on working with the horses, especially with the colder weather approaching, perhaps you could work inside? We need some more exposure for the ranch. Would you like to do some promotion for us, on the internet? Find out all about that stuff?” he suggested thoughtfully. “Then Maddy can come and help me with the horses, can't you?” he added, turning back to her with a smile.

“How wonderfully convenient,” Lucas growled at him. Aden stared at him as if to say... don't you dare...

“As Maddy loves horses, it's a very convenient position for her,” Aden said levelly.

“I meant, how convenient for you,” Lucas emphasized, getting up and leaving the table abruptly.

“Well, I'd love to do that,” Maddy replied, with enthusiasm, obviously trying to ignore Lucas' embarrassing and possessive behavior.

He looked to Mia again, awaiting her reply.

“I suppose it might be more interesting than hay, oats, and horse shit,” mumbled Mia ungraciously. He wasn't sure if she was delighted or annoyed. Delighted to get away from the stables maybe, but not so keen on the new stable girl who'd be constantly at his side.

“Right, now that's all sorted... time for food, methinks!” Shane said, rubbing his hands as he rose from the table. He was closely followed by Sammy, as they went off to collect their meal.

They all ate the gigantic beef steak pie and creamed potatoes enthusiastically, and even Maddy seemed to be ravenous. Shane was such a good chef, he thought in appreciation. He seemed to think this very same thought after every meal.

“Now that was what I call a pie and a half,” Aden sighed, patting his full and contented stomach.

“I'm not surprised, being as you ate at least a quarter of it!” laughed Maddy.

“I did not!” he objected with good humor and a smile.

“I was watching, you cut three big slices.”

“Maybe I did. I had a stressful day. I need to eat when I'm stressed. I burn through the calories like hell.”

“You had a stressful day did you? Jeez, I had such a boring one myself...” She suddenly couldn't stop herself and burst into loud hysterical laughter, to her surprise they all joined in. Even miserable Mia.



After spending a pleasant evening talking and drinking with the whole pack, during which Lucas returned, seemingly much happier and in control of himself, he noticed she was yawning.

“You'd better go to bed. Work starts at seven thirty. Rain or shine.”

“Okay boss. I'll be off then. 'Night everyone.”

They all bade her goodnight and he rose to see her to her room. He didn't need to, but he wanted to have a quick private word.

They stood in the corridor.

“Maddy. Don't take this the wrong way, but I think I should sleep in your room for the next few nights.”

“Oh really? Now why is that?” She raised her eyebrows at him.

“Night times can be quite frightening, as you're more likely to change in your sleep. It's something that naturally comes under control in time, but just now, I don't think it's wise for you to sleep alone.”

“It's okay, I can keep it back. Sammy told me how to think of cold things. That definitely helps.”

“Oh it does, I know... but at night the change is much harder to hold back.”

“What about Sammy, can't she stay?”

“She's done enough to help today. She can spend some time with you tomorrow. And besides, she has Shane.”

“I know. Is that acceptable to you, the two of them pairing up?”

“I realised a while back they have a thing going, and as they're fairly subtle about it, I've kinda given them my permission, unofficially.”

“You have a nice caring nature, don't you?” Her question surprised him. Nice and caring weren't his main strengths in his opinion. Strong, determined, and protective were more fitting perhaps. “Look,” she carried on, without waiting for his answer. “You do what you feel is best as far as I'm concerned. I trust you not to take advantage.” She grinned.

“As if I would? It's purely precautionary. To ensure you're safe and sound, until you become more stable inside. Nothing may happen in the night, I really don't know.”

“Well, as I have two beds, you're welcome to have the other.”

“Of course. That's what I intended.”