Mallory's Bears(31)

“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.”