If only Lily’s older sister wasn’t such an ornery female. Melody’s stubbornness had Gabe sleeping in his office. He’d been shocked, when Melody had first suggested it to him. From the stair way, as she had thrown blankets and a pillow at his head.
His pride refused to allow him to beg for his place in bed back. Even though the couch in his office was rock hard, and had a few springs poking him in the back. It’d be a cold day in hell before he’d give her the satisfaction of knowing, that he’d been losing sleep over that stupid fight.
“Give my regards to the missus.” Doc Bixby called out in parting.
“Pity him, who makes his opinions a certainty.”
An Irish proverb
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
“Hunter, would you care to join us for some lemonade?”
“No thank you Mrs. O’Malley. I’ve got work to do.”
Shifting an uneasy glance from the boss’s wife, to the talkative red head he’d just delivered. Hunter quickly declined the invitation. In all the time that it had taken for the pair to arrive at the ranch, Hunter hadn’t heard Ms. Serena draw a silent breath, or heard her utter a sentence that hadn’t included Alec Wentworth’s name in it. Needless to say, Hunter had heard more than he’d wanted to about the Mayor. Seems she held him somewhere in between admiration and contempt. Extolling his virtues one minute then swiftly criticizing the man for having any good points at all. Women! He’d never understand them.
“Thank you again for the escort.” Serena called out to his hastily departing back.
“I wonder what that was all about.” Melody muttered to her friend. It wasn’t like Hunter to be so rude. Melody knew Hunter didn’t like to carry on conversations, but he was usually polite.
“I believe it has something to do with me.” Serena laughed.
“I’m sure that’s not true.” Melody assured her.
“Oh, it has to do with me. Trust me.” Taking a quick sip of tart drink, Serena told Melody all about the scene in town today.
“After I ambushed Hunter for an escort out here, along comes Alec. He actually had the nerve to order me out of the wagon!” Serena fumed again, at the utter humiliation she’d suffered. “He claimed that the reason he was doing so, was because of Mr. Billings’ murder. Alec argued it wasn’t safe to come out here.” The fiery woman snorted.
“Serena I’m sure Mayor Wentworth was concerned for your safety. You are a citizen of his town.” Melody tried to sooth the irritated young woman.
“It’s more than that. He sees me as some honorary little sister. One that he has to constantly look out for as if, I’m not capable of taking care of myself. I’m a grown woman, why can’t he see that?” The sadness in her new friend’s voice quickly enlightened Melody to her friend’s true problem.
Serena became overly interested, in arranging her skirt. Making sure that it was safely tucked around her ankles dusting a piece of lint from the dark brown fabric she asked, “Is this a new settee?”
“How long have you been in love with him?” Melody guessed.
“Who?”
“Alec.” Melody smiled, not at all fooled by her friend’s nonchalance.
“I don’t love him!” Serena denied vehemently.
“I know we’ve only been friends for such a short time, but I want you to believe that you can trust me.” Melody assured her. “I won’t pry, but I’m here if you need to talk.”
“I think, I’ve ranted and raved enough to Hunter today.” Serena chuckled ruefully.
“I’m sure he didn’t mind.” Melody smiled.
“You should have seen the look on his face, when you asked him to join us.” Serena let out an unladylike snort.
“Yes, but it’s only because he’s just a tad shy.” Melody explained.
“Well then, it’s good for him that I’m not.” Serena’s remark started a round of giggles in the parlor.
**********
Looking up at the sound of a rider, quickly approaching the main gate, he slowly released the handle of his gun. Gabriel had to give the man credit. Even at the neck breaking speed, Alec had kept his suit clean. He could see that even from this distance, the charcoal fabric was neatly pressed. If Alec was a smaller man, one would’ve called him prissy for the meticulous way he dressed. A single look at the hardened ex- ranger, and no one would dare offer criticism to his orderly appearance.
“Gabriel.” Alec said in greeting, as he swiftly dismounted. Glancing around, for the ornery woman he tracked all the way out here, he asked. “Where is that little she-devil in brown, hiding?”
“Your she- devil or mine?” Gabe questioned his friend, as he brushed down Buttercup. The little mare nipped gently on Gabriel’s shoulder. Pushing her face gently away, Gabriel continued working on her coat.
“She’s not mine. I’m just responsible for her.” Alec denied the insinuation.
“Serena’s inside with Melody.” Gabe said instead of agreeing with the outraged Mayor.
“I told her it was too damn dangerous, for a woman to travel this road. Did she listen to me? No she did not! That blasted female never listens to a word I say!” Alec fumed.
Gabe shrugged in response to his friend’s anger. He was just happy to know, that he wasn’t the only man around who didn’t understand the female mind. Last night he had decided that he should just completely give up on ever trying figuring out what was going on in his wife’s mind. It was a vast field filled with bear traps to him.
“Women are funny that way.” Hunter commented from the shadows of the barn, startling them both.
“What do you know about women?” Alec’s tone was derisive as he challenged the younger man. Uncharacteristically of him Alec was spoiling for a fight, this surprised Gabe.
“Apparently about as much as you, since I got roped into dragging her here and had to listen to her nonstop complaints along the way.” Hunter growled in response, coming toe to toe with the Mayor. Matching shades of green eyes dueled, as they each attempted to stare the other down.
“You shouldn’t have brought her out here, in the first place.” Alec shoved Hunter none to gently backwards. Hunter bracing himself for the blow, staggered only slightly. Cocking his head to one side, he studied the angry man before him. In a fight they would be an even match this much Hunter was sure of.
“She was safer coming along with me, than attempting to drive out here by herself.” With that Hunter gave his opponent a mighty shove in return, causing Alec to fall backwards.
Not willing to be outdone, Alec kicked Hunter’s feet out from under him. Stunned for only a few seconds, they both fell on their asses. They immediately began pummeling each other, as if an imaginary bell had gone off Signaling round one, Pugilist’s out for each other’s blood.
“Hey knock it off!” Gabe snapped at the pair. When neither man seemed to listen, he did his best to separate the two. Falling himself into the fray. Before he could right himself and try again, a miss aimed right hook connected squarely with Gabe’s jaw.
“Son of a bitch Alec!” He roared at the owner of the offending fist.
Rubbing his jaw, Gabe considered planting the man a facer, in return. Friend or no friend, every man had his limits.
“Sorry Gabe. Just move on out the way, while I beat the hell out of this cocky bastard.”
“Ha! You’ll need a few lessons first pansy boy!” Hunter taunted the white man, relishing the way his face turned red with rage.
“I’ll teach you to watch your mouth.” Alec lunged determined to wipe the smug look off of Hunter’s face. As it was too late for Gabriel to move out of the way and he soon found himself at the bottom of the pile. The distinctive feel of a kneecap lodged in the side of his rib.
“Whoever the hell’s knee this is, I’m going to shoot you when this is all over!” Gabriel promised them.
Both men ignored him, as they settled into a mutual headlock. Neither man was willing to release the other, even as Gabe punched a fist into each of their middles.
The shrill sound of a feminine shriek preceded the first bucket of cold water, instantly broke the hold they had on each other. The second dose of water hit the three brawling men, directly in the face. As they in unison looked up to find, two very livid women.
“Ah shit!” Alec cursed. This was his best suit, and if the dirt hadn’t damaged it, the filthy trough water completed the task.
“Watch your mouth in the presence of ladies!” Serena snapped arms crossed at her bosom, one foot tapping in irritation. Scowling fiercely at the three, Melody echoed her friend’s warning.
“What in the world do you three think you are doing?” Although she spoke to all present males, Melody’s glare was directed at her husband.
“We were just having a bit of fun.” Gabe said with a straight face. His little wife looked as if about now, she could hold her own if it came to blows.
“A bit of fun? Look at you all! Hunter’s nose is bleeding, Alec has a busted lip, and you will be sporting a large bruise by morning.” Stooping down, she touched the side of Gabe’s jaw. Only after taking notice of his minimal damage, she snapped. “You stupid man!”
“This wasn’t Gabe’s fault.” Alec defended his friend, trying to pacify the fuming woman. No sense in all three of them being subject to an earful.
“Oh? And pray tell just whose fault is this?” Melody shot back sarcastically.
“His.” Both Hunter and Alec answered her simultaneously. Each, pointing an accusing finger at the other.
“It doesn’t matter who started it. I cannot believe that three grown men are acting like children with the ranch hands looking on at that!” Melody pointedly looked towards the gathered crowd.
She noticed a few of the hands were so quick to get back to work, that they tripped over each other. Some shamefaced, at having been caught eaves dropping like gossipy old women. Shorty on the other hand, just stood there grinning like the village idiot. Which would make the man one step closer than these three on the intelligence spectrum. She thought contemptuously. Giving him a fierce frown she said. “Just be grateful that the children weren’t here to witness this.”
“Give em’ hell missy! Er… Pardon my language.” Shorty shouted out in encouragement, enjoying the scene playing out before him.
“I fully intend to Shorty.” Melody’s dire threat did not fall on deaf ears.
“Get back to work!” Gabe snapped at the smirking jackass.
“Sure thing boss. Nice suit Mayor.” Shorty quickly remarked as he hurried away snickering.
“It was.” Alec muttered grimly, as he took in the condition of his clothing.
“I want to know, why you followed me out here.” Serena demanded the attention of the sopping wet Mayor.
“I’d like to know that as well.” Hunter mumbled, wiping the blood from his nose, with his sleeve.
“I just wanted to make sure that you were safe.” He explained rather sullenly, ignoring Hunter.
“I don’t need you looking out for me anymore.” Serena snapped back. Wanting to make that clear once and for all. She was a responsible, intelligent woman, not some adolescent girl.
“Well, someone has to look out for you.” He stated.
“Don’t worry, soon enough it won’t be you!” Serena countered crossly.
“What the hell, is that supposed to mean?” Alec roared. His injured lip stung like the devil. He was all at once wishing that he’d given Hunter a black eye to go along with his nose bleed. Casting a suspicious glance between Serena and Hunter, he refused to acknowledge the tight pain in his chest.
“It means, that I’m thinking of entering the bridal bidding myself. It’s time I found a husband.” Serena informed him haughtily. “There are plenty of eligible bachelors to bid on.”
“Ha. I pity the man who ends up with you!” Alec snorted. The flash of pain in her eyes, made Alec immediately want to kick himself.
“Well, just be thankful it won’t be you.” With that, Serena dumped the remaining water in her bucket onto his head and fled back to the house.
After giving Alec a sour look, Melody ran after her friend. She understood all too well, the pain Serena would be feeling, at Alec’s cruel words.
“Your red headed woman has a temper.” Hunter commiserated with the soaked man. He had to give the man credit. Even for a pampered white man, Alec had fought like a warrior. Of course he would never be Hunters match, but he made an enjoyable opponent. Rising to his feet, Hunter extended his hand out. No one was more surprised than Hunter, when Alec took the offered hand standing to a level equal to the brave’s height.
“I think you need a drink white man. You too boss.” Hunter offered. “Come on out to the bunk house. It’s not safe that way.” Hunter pointed in the direction of the main house before continuing. “I know where Shorty stashes his brew.”
Not waiting, to see if the two men would follow. Hunter headed off to search for the promised liquor. Normally Hunter never touched the white man’s fire water, but today was a special occasion. It wasn’t every day; he got to deck the man he has been searching for all these years.
“That’s one strange man, you got working for you.” Alec wasn’t sure about Hunter. There was something about him, which made you leery of the mysterious man. While on the other hand, Alec had the feeling he could grow to respect him.
“Yeah.” Gabe agreed. “He reminds me of someone else I know.”
“Who? I was just thinking that he seemed familiar.” Scratching his dirt smeared jaw, Alec was puzzled.
“You.” Gabe had to chuckle at the blank expression on his friends face.
“No way I’m a much better fighter.” Alec denied.
“You couldn’t tell by looking at you.” Laughing Gabe dodged the fist that his friend sent flying in his direction. “Your swing needs improvement.”
“So, how’s married life?” Alec asked, effectively wiping the smile off of Gabe’s face.
“You’ll find out soon enough.” He reminded the bachelor of his up and coming auction.
“I have no intention of getting married.” Alec denied.
“You may not, but one of those women sure will.” Gabe chuckled at the horrified expression on Alec’s face. “Come on, let’s go get that drink. We’re going to need it. That is, if you’re planning on staying for dinner.”
“A promise made, is a debt owed.”
An Irish proverb
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
He screamed their names until his throat was raw, his panic giving way to hysteria. He had to find them. They were all that he had left in this world. His father was gone now, unable to protect them. It was his duty to fill his father’s shoes, and he’d failed. Why had he left them alone? Selfishly he had cared about his own wants and needs more than he had cared for his responsibility to his family.
Stumbling blindly through the bloody maze before him, he’d never seen such carnage. The smell of charred remains burned his nostrils, as the sights before him seared into his brain. The twisted and mangled, degraded bodies of his beloved people. They lay broken like twigs, snapped and scattered around from a great storm. Women half clothed, sobbing and abused. Their husbands at their feet slaughtered. Now, they lay forever unable to dry the tears of their mates. He had come too late.
Clutching his medicine bag tightly, he searched on. Stumbling through the horrific scene, stopping to help any who needed him. Most were too far gone for his aid. Tears ran rivers down his cheeks; he batted at them and struggled on. He came upon a dead infant clutched to the bosom of his dying mother. The woman rocked the child wildly, chanting an unheard lullaby.
The homes of his fellow warriors were ablaze a backdrop to this horror. Smoke rose to the sky, blackening out the sun’s rays. In the distance he could see Spotted Fawn, cousin to his father. The old woman was bent over; she was trying to drag something or someone. Maybe she would know where they were. As he ran closer he could hear her wailing. The sound was so mournful, his heart hurt to beat.
Placing
a gentle hand to the woman’s shoulder, he gained her attention. Looking down, the warrior realized he would no longer have to search. He’d found them, and it was too late…
**********
Hunter woke with a start. The dream had visited again, just as it always had. Sometimes it came nightly, other times, he was blessed and it came less often. Shaking more from the memory of his dream, than from the cool night air Hunter huddled closer in his blanket.
The dreams were coming more frequently again, and he knew they would continue to do so. The closer he came to his goal, the worse they would become. Perverse though it was, he welcomed the nightmares. They drove him on; they were encouraging him to finish his task. Never once did he allow the memory, of that day to dull in his mind. He kept the pain sharp so that he would never become weak, never give up.
The reckoning was so near he could feel it. Justice would be done. He would spill the blood of the monster, which had destroyed them. He would release the souls of his people.
Hunter knew that in the tradition of his people he could no longer speak their names. Half of him was as Christian as his mother, so he allowed himself to whisper their names. “Willow” So sweet, so young once. His baby sister was innocence itself. The girl he’d taught, against his mother’s wishes, to shoot his bow. The child who’d once looked up to her much older brother. He’d once thought it funny how she’d trailed after him, claiming she would one day be a warrior princess. Was Lost forever.
“White-Wolf” Friend, Protector. Powerful chieftain. Playful father. He was once disappointed when Hunter had decided to follow the path of the holy white man. He had wanted his son to become chief after he was gone. It was the tradition of their people. White-Wolf had wanted to pick out a bride for his son. Hunter and his mother had argued and pleaded, before his father had consented. Not long before that faithful day, his father had taken him aside and told him that he was proud; proud of his strong and worthy son. Proud that Hunter wanted to bring peace and medicine to his people. White-Wolf had decided, to let his son choose his path that he would one day walk alone.
A Bargain Bride (Brides of Liberty, Texas) Page 11