Mallory's Bears(28)

Gunner piled out of the truck, then lowered the tailgate and hopped into the bed of the truck. After Rick handed the calf off to him, Gunner set it down, then lifted a hand and waved to her. Rick strode around to the driver’s side.

“Follow us back to the house. You can lead Rick’s horse although he’d probably make it back on his own. Kid’s waiting for the vet to show.”

“Will do.” She’d rather have ridden in the truck with Rick, but gathered the reins of Rick’s horse then mounted hers. At least the ride back would give her time to think.



* * * *



Mallory and Kid stayed out of the way as the vet and the men talked over the calf’s condition. She was relieved to know that the calf wouldn’t be put down. Instead, they’d determined that he could stand on his own, and other than taking care of the wound, there was little else they had to do for his recovery. They moved the calf into a pen at the side of the barn, then brought his mother in for him to nurse.

She studied them, noting how tender they were with both animals. The sight of the mother pushing her nose against her calf warmed her, putting a lump in her throat.

“I don’t know how the little guy got away from—” Dr. Haskell glanced at her then settled his focus back on the calf.

Rick looked at her, too, then jerked his gaze away. Were they afraid to talk in front of her? Which, of course, meant she wasn’t about to walk away. If it wasn’t so obvious that she wanted to eavesdrop, she’d get closer. Instead, she wiped away the tear that slid down her face, then tried to act like she wasn’t paying attention. Her big friend wiped his own tear away.

“It’s the same, right? The way the bite is, as well as being like all—”

She concentrated, but she couldn’t pick up the rest of what Gunner said. Damn.

“But it’s definitely not a wolf’s bite. At least not a real wolf—”

Not a real wolf? What did Rick mean? What were they not telling her?

Gunner gave her a quick smile, then took Dr. Haskell’s arm and moved him farther away. Now she couldn’t hear anything they said.

“You’re stuck on them.”

She’d known Kid wasn’t going to let that subject go. “I said as much, didn’t I?”

“Yeah, but something’s changed.” He lifted his hands in defense. “I’m not talking about sex. Or at least, not entirely about sex. It’s more than that, more than you being hot for their bods. I was only half kidding before, but I think you made a choice.”

“A choice about what?”

“A choice that you made here.” He put his hand over his heart. “And not here.” He lifted his hand to point to his head. “I don’t think you could leave them if you tried. Hell, girl, it’s as plain as a roach on a bagel. You love them.”

“Are you serious? And I’m a prisoner here?” She laughed, yet wasn’t he right? Her love for them—and yes, now that he’d said it out loud, she knew she did love them—bound her to them. Had that strange sensation wrapped around her and tied her to them as surely as if it had been a rope? But she was a prisoner who didn’t want to be set free.

Oh, lord. How did that happen?

“Yeah. You’re a prisoner of the heart.”

She started to laugh again, but his serious expression drove that away.

“It’s okay, Mal.” He pulled her into a huge bear hug. “I know what you’re feeling and you’re lucky that you do. Not many people get to feel that way. I’m happy for you.”

Tears moistened her eyes as she laid her head against his belly. “Damn it, Kid. You make it sound like I’m losing you. Geez, you’re such a diva.”

His chuckle rumbled against her ear. “Yeah. I am and proud of it.”

When he pushed her away, she knew he had something more to tell her. “What’s going on?”

“Now don’t go getting all flustered, but while I was waiting for the vet, I got a call from my brother.”

“Is there anything wrong?” She’d known his mother was in failing health. Had, in fact, urged him to stay home with her. He’d refused, saying his mother would rather have him doing his job than playing nurse to her. Although she’d only met his mother a couple of times, she could easily see her telling her son exactly that. Louise Shorter was a large woman in both bulk and weight, with a sharp wit and an even sharper mouth. She told it straight and didn’t care if anyone liked it or not. Mallory had liked her from the start.

“Mack said she’s getting worse.” His big brown eyes were darkened with worry. “I need to get back.”