Mallory's Bears(53)

She took in the downed fence. What kind of wolf could break a fence like that? Not an average size one, but the one she’d seen in the barn could have.

“These animals aren’t our pets. We treat them right, but in the end, ranching’s a business. Sometimes it can be a rough business, a heartless business. When an animal needs to be put down, then we do it. We don’t like it, but we do it because that’s what’s right for the animal. Despite what you might think right now, we don’t let our animals suffer. To not put her down would’ve been cruel. That’s the way it is on a ranch. If you can’t handle that, then maybe you need to leave.”

He wanted her to leave? He couldn’t have hurt her more if he’d pulled out his rifle and shot her.

“Rick, shut the hell up.” Gunner shook his head, his glare still aimed at his brother. “He didn’t mean it, baby.”

She didn’t want to believe him, didn’t want to let the nagging idea that he was right surface past her heartache. Defiance and stubbornness joined her denial. “I know you’re hiding things from me.” The need to confront them had finally boiled to the surface. Her pain and her fury had to have a target, and right then, that target was Rick.

She’d gone that far and there was no turning back. Her plan had failed, so what did she have to lose? “I’m talking about how your eyes get this amber color in them whenever you’re turned on or angry.” She pointed at Rick. “See? That’s not a normal change in color.”

Rick closed his eyes. Had he done so out of frustration or to hide the amber from her?

“And your arm. You can’t tell me that your wound just went away. Hell, even a scratch would still have left a mark on your arm.”

He opened his eyes, eyes that were filled with pain. “Are you finished?”

“Answer me, damn it.” She clenched her fists, holding back the need to strike out. “I swear, if you two don’t give me some answers, I will leave.” She narrowed her eyes at Rick. “But I guess that’s what you’re wanting anyway.”

A flash of the tender side of Rick came back, but it was gone so fast she wondered if she’d even seen it.

“I shouldn’t have said that. Gunner’s right. I didn’t mean it. I spoke out of anger. But at the same time, if you can’t accept us the way we are, then what else is there to say? It’s your choice, Mallory. All I ask is that you make it soon. Don’t drag it out.” Rick took hold of the reins, then swung his horse around. He turned and gave her another sorrowful look, then put his horse into a gallop.

She couldn’t stand all the emotions warring inside her. Seeing the cow put down had struck her in the core, digging its sharp claws into her. Part of her denied that he was right, and yet, another part, the part of her that reasoned, grew louder.

“Baby, try and understand. Rick’s not the best with words, but once his anger takes over…” He closed his eyes as though gathering his resolve, then opened them and met her gaze. “We want you to stay. More than anything, we want you to stay. Let me talk to him.”

She yearned to hold him, but couldn’t give into the need. He sighed and stepped away.

“And what about the poor animals?”

Gunner mounted his horse. “There’s nothing we can do now except drag their carcasses back to the house and dispose of them.”

“He just shot her. Without even trying to get her help.” She clung to her need to be right. Was it a matter of ranch life? Or were Rick and Gunner not the caring men she’d thought they were?

“You’re wrong about that.” He glanced in the direction Rick had gone. “You pushed him when he didn’t deserve it, Mallory. He’s as torn up about the animals as you are. Maybe more so. Your pushing him didn’t help things.” He leaned back in the saddle and took the reins. “Are you coming?”

“In a minute.”

Gunner looked in the direction Rick had gone. “I don’t like leaving you out here by yourself.”

“I’m okay. It’s not that far anyway. I want some time alone. Please. I’ll be all right.”

He didn’t like it. That much was written all over his face. “Can you get back to the house on your own?”

“Yes.” She wiped fresh tears away, tears that had nothing to do with the cow and her calf. “Should I leave?”

“Hell, no. I’m asking you to stay. Don’t let Rick’s short temper run you off. Please, Mallory, stay. I promise you we’ll answer all your questions when you get back.”

She tried to answer, but the words caught in her throat.