Cowboy from the Future

by Cassandra Gannon

Observe the wonders of nature, but be careful not to disturb them.

  Try to leave everything just as you found it.

  Brown’s Glampling Tours Official Pocket Guide

  “I’ve killed fifty-six men.” Deke Westin reported by way of formal introduction.

  That was exactly the kind of stuff that Addy didn’t want to hear at nine AM. Giving up on the idea of hiding in her room until spring, she’d gotten up the sixth morning of her stay and forced herself to go downstairs. The disposable cleansing wipes from the Glamp-pack™ only went so far. She needed a bath and actual soap. She needed to talk to people and stop looking at the same four walls. She needed to face this damn thing head on and start dealing with the fact she was stranded in the future.

  Unfortunately, the only other person in the empty bar was Deke. Ten bucks said he’d been waiting there to ambush her. The middle Westin was nearly as big as Cade, with a watchful blue gaze and matted black hair. This guy had been through a war. Not just metaphorically, but with actual bombs and stuff. She knew that just by looking at him. Deke had the air of someone who’d seen hell itself and now couldn’t wipe the images from his mind.

  The missing hand only made him seem more dangerous. His left arm ended at the elbow, as if it had been lost in some battle. …Or possibly he’d hacked it off himself just to prove how tough he was. If that was his plan, it was totally working. He was amazingly scary.

  Addy had been nearly a week without caffeine, so he was in for a surprise if he thought he could send her back into hiding, though. It was impossible to be frightened of a mere mortal when you were in the midst of espresso withdrawal. Surly as he was, she was in a way worse mood.

  “Really? I’ve killed at least fifty-seven men.” She retorted in a tone even crankier than his. “What did yours do to deserve it? Most of mine bugged me before I had my coffee.”

  Feral eyes narrowed. “I didn’t say any of them deserved it. Some of them did it and some of didn’t.”

  “Hopefully, there were significantly less of the ‘didn’ts.’”

  “Does it matter, if they’re all dead?” Deke regarded her silently for a long moment, weighing her on some invisible scale. “Cade’s allowing you to stay in our house until spring. I wasn’t expecting that.”

  “It’s because he finds me so damn charming.” Addy muttered sarcastically, wondering if the future had Frosted Flakes. She’d check the cupboards, but there weren’t any cupboards. Which was probably for the best given Cade’s “carpentry” skills.

  “It’s because he finds you so damn beautiful.”

  No one had ever called Addy beautiful before. She blinked over at Deke, thinking she’d misheard him. “Cade thinks I’m beautiful?”

  His expression grew even darker. “Because he’s a Voltyn, he can’t desire a human?”

  What the hell did “Voltyn” mean? “I’m talking about the fact that he’s gorgeous and I’m not, you idiot.”

  Cade was the most attractive man she’d ever seen. The more she thought about it, the more certain she became that he was an alien. Anyone that handsome had to come from another world. Hey, maybe Voltyn was his home planet.

  Deke regarded her strangely. They were both been speaking English, but they were still having trouble communicating. “Who told you that you weren’t gorgeous?”

  “My father. Supermarket checkout magazines. Pretty much everyone.”

  Deke shook his head, like she was the speaking craziness. “Look, Cade is who I care about here. I thought he’d have fun for a couple nights, but now it’s not looking that simple. You’re not that simple. Cade’s isn’t thinking straight around you and that can be dangerous for someone like him.”

  Addy scoffed at the idea that Cade was somehow under her thrall. Her initial shock over being the object of affection to The Stunningest Cowboy in the West faded back into reality. “I had to promise him sixty gold pieces for the room, before he agreed to put up with me. I don’t think he’s planning a seduction.”

  Deke disregarded that. “I’m not a talker, so let’s just get this clear and then we don’t have to discuss it no more.” He reached behind him and pulled out what looked like the twisted offspring of crossbow, a rifle, and a laser gun. “Fifty-six men, but I never killed a woman. You step outta line and I’ll start with you.”

  Addy blinked, realizing that this conversation was actually serious. A one-armed maniac with crazy eyes and a future-weapon was actually threatening to kill her. Jesus! What was with this place?

  “All Cade’s life, people have shit on him.” Deke continued. “My parents. This rotten polis. Every woman who wouldn’t be seen with him in the daylight. He’s endured it all, but I’ve never seen him acting the way he does with you. You’re different.” He shook his head, his icy gaze watching her through the matted hair that had fallen into his face. “Maybe it’s a good thing you’re here. …Maybe it’s not.”

  “It’s not. Trust me. I’m supposed to be somewhere else.”

  “Maybe.” He said, again. “But, you need to understand that if you fuck over my brother, I will kill you. It’s who I am.” Blue eyes burned into hers. “Cade’s a good man. He’ll never see you harmed, no matter what you do. I’m way less forgiving. Believe that.”

  Oh, she believed it. If she hurt his brother, Deke would make sure she was dead and that Cade never even knew about it. For some reason, that made her like the guy a little bit. No one could be that bad, if they were looking out for their family.

  “Understand?” Deke prompted quietly.

  “Yeah.” Still, Addy felt liked she should get some specifics, since her life depended on it and all. She cleared her throat. “Um… Does not paying Cade the sixty gold coins count as fucking him over? Because, I’m probably not going to pay him. Like… at all.”

  Deke watched her for a beat. Then, it seemed like the corner of his mouth twitched. “If Cade’s so stupid that he thinks this is about money, then he deserves to get fucked over.” And that was the end of the conversation. Turning back to the window, he stared out at the dismal town like she wasn’t even there.

  Addy arched a brow. “For real, do you treat all your customers like this? Why did you guys even open a hotel?”

  “We didn’t. The rooms upstairs used to be a brothel. It shut down, because there weren’t enough girls to keep it going. After that, the old owner shot himself in the head and Cade bought the place. He turned it into a saloon.”

  “Enterprising.”

  “Nobody at the mine would hire him and we needed the money. Jake and I were young. Cade was the one left supporting us.” Deke gazed out at nothing. “Took every piece of gold my asshole father left us to buy this dump, but it puts food on the table.” He snorted without humor. “Never underestimate what isolated men will pay for booze, even if they have to buy it from a Voltyn.”

  Whatever the hell that meant. Addy smiled, focusing on the only part of that she cared about. “Cade took care of you?” That was kind of… sweet.

  “Yep.”

  Of course he did. The guy was clearly the “taking care of people” type. Cade was letting a total stranger live in his house, because she had nowhere else to go. He would probably move mountains to protect his little brothers. She wondered if they knew how lucky they were. If Deke or Jake was stranded in the future, Cade would come for them. There wasn’t a doubt in her mind. They would never have to worry about being lost and no one noticing.

  “What’s it like?” She asked, watching Deke with deep curiosity.

  “What’s what like?”

  “Having a family who loves you. Is it awesome? I always imagined it must be awesome.”

  Deke’s head slowly turned to look at her. “Gods, I hope I’m crazy enough to be right about you.” He murmured. “If I’m wrong, you’re going to kill him and I have too much pain on my conscience, already.”

  Addy wasn’t completely sure what that meant, but she felt like it was a compliment. “I’m not going to hurt anyone. Certainly not Cade.” />
  “Good. Because he’s been through enough and I’d hate to slaughter such an interesting girl.”

  She opened her mouth to ask about Cade, still curious about the terrible life he’d apparently led. Who would ever be mean to such a gorgeous man? It wasn’t natural. Why would they…?

  No.

  She stopped herself, before she could press for more information. Addy couldn’t get involved with these guys and their problems. It was none of her business what they did here in their future-y world. No matter how fascinating Cade Westin was, she would try very hard to stay out of his way and not give him a reason to kick her out. Since Addy was a social person by nature, it would be hard to keep to herself for the next couple months, but she didn’t have much of a choice.

  Considering Addy had been transported into the set of that Firefly episode with the creepy frontier town, she felt like was coping with this mess like a champ. Seriously, points to her for not having a total breakdown. She was adjusting to all the madness and keeping her eyes on the prize. All she had to do was make it through until spring. As soon as the western pass was clear, Addy could head to Yellowstone and find that damn geyser. Somehow it would send her home.

  She needed to believe that.

  In the meantime, she was would treat this experience like a temporary layover in a really screwed-up airport. Smile politely at the nutty travelers around her, maybe exchange some small talk, but don’t engage. Keep everything superficial and filled with conversational lies.

  Except she sucked at lying.

  Addy sighed. Truthfully, she had no idea how she was going to make it through the next couple months. She needed some kind of plan and step one was caffeination.

  “Where’s the coffee?” She asked Deke, rooting around behind the bar.

  “What’s coffee?”

  Addy’s head popped up, horror filling her. “You don’t have coffee here?” The lack of chocolate was bad enough, but this… This just wasn’t possible.

  Cade came striding into the bar, his gaze instantly landing on Addy. Lavender eyes widened, like he was surprised to see her there. “You’re out of your room.” For a moment, he sounded almost pleased about that. His expression brightened and Addy was struck temporary blind by his wow!-ness. Then, Cade remembered smiling would ruin his hardass image and scowled instead. “What’s wrong?” He looked at Deke. “Why does she look upset?”

  “I told her we don’t have any coffee.”

  “What’s coffee?”

  Addy sat down on a five-legged barstool, trying to keep the damn thing from tipping over. Jesus, she was going to start crying, again. The future was supposed to have flying cars, and helpful robots, and delicious Slurm to drink. There were supposed to be talking raccoons who sounded like Bradley Cooper and trips to Jetson-y cities on the moon. Was she the only one who understood that? How could things have gone so wrong?

  “I think coffee is a Why o’ Ming food.” Deke explained, not understanding the tragedy of this situation. “If it’s anything like the snickerdoddles, it’s no wonder she’s upset.” He arched a brow. “Where ya been, Cade?”

  “Sheriff.” The word was flat and full of meaning. “He heard about the lady. Wanted to talk.”

  Deke gave a muttered curse.

  Addy roused herself from her depression to frown over at Cade. “Do we not like the local sheriff?” In her mind, she was suddenly picturing Timothy Olyphant on Deadwood and it just seemed like a crying shame not to be friends with Timothy Olyphant. …Although, that show had been kind of weird.

  “The sheriff doesn’t like me.” Cade corrected, looking way too gorgeous for this hour of the morning. She’d never had a thing for cowboys until she met Cade Westin, but now she understood the attraction. “Aren’t you going to ask?” He prompted when she just gazed at him.

  It took Addy a moment to catch up, which was his fault for being so handsome. “Ask what? Why the sheriff doesn’t like you?”

  “No. That part should be obvious.” Cade looked annoyed. “Ask if he likes you.”

  Addy blinked. “Why wouldn’t he like me? I never even met the guy. Besides, I’m very law-abiding.”

  “But, you’re staying here.” Cade shook his head, like she still didn’t get it. “I told you that would cause trouble. You think women like you come to this polis every day and move into my tavern?”

  “Judging by your lack of other guests, I’m guessing no.”

  “Good guess.” He agreed. “Half this polis thinks you’re up to something shady. The other half thinks I’m holding you against your will. Sheriff Zecker’s with the first group. He’s thinking that a lady would die in the snow before she ever slept one room away from me.”

  “When did I ever claim to be a lady?”

  Cade ignored that. “He’d have questioned you already, if he was competent or if he understood a word of your language. Instead, he’s concocting conspiracy theories as to where you really come from. His men are searching the woods, certain that you wandered away from a secret wagon caravan that’s trying to encircle this polis…”

  Addy snorted. “The closest I’ve ever come to a covered wagon is playing Oregon Trail.”

  Cade kept going. “…Either that or I’ve imported you for some nefarious scheme.”

  “See? That sounds way more promising.”

  “It’s not a joke. The sheriff doesn’t like you being here.” Cade insisted bluntly. “He’s a mean son of a bitch and he holds grudges. It would be better if you found somewhere else to stay, before you get on his permanent bad side. Trust me.”

  She did trust him. …Which was why she wasn’t going anywhere. “Why doesn’t the sheriff like you?” She asked, quietly. “I’m sorry, but you’re going to have to explain it, because it’s not obvious to me, Cade.”

  Deke said something in their language.

  Cade shook his head. “That’s ridiculous. How the hell could she miss it?”

  “I don’t know, but she has. Watch.” He turned to arch a brow at Addy. “What is Cade?”

  She squinted. “An asshole?”

  “Besides that.”

  “A big asshole?”

  “Besides that.”

  Damn it, she hated guessing games. “Ummm….”

  “You must know.” Cade watched her intently, waiting for her to say whatever it was he wanted her to say. “You must.”

  “Uh…” She stared up at his perfect form and tried to think of an adjective besides “lickable.” Geez, he was pretty. Looking at him really did make her a scatterbrain. “A tall asshole?”

  That clearly wasn’t the description they were looking for. Cade slapped a palm over his face and muttered out a stream of oaths.

  “See?” Deke glanced back at him. “She has no idea. You’d better tell her now, before you get any deeper. And be fucking soft about it, so you don’t scare her away.” Deke glanced over at Addy with a “remember what we talked about earlier” glower. “I’d better be right about you, woman.” He muttered and went stalking out of the bar, because the Westins were a “stalking out” kind of family.

  Addy rolled her eyes. Deke loved his brother, but he really needed to chill out. “Are you sure there isn’t any coffee around here? If we’re going to play charades next, I’m going to need some fortification.”

  Cade didn’t appreciate that remark. “Can’t you take this seriously?” He was psyching himself up to reveal something horrible. She could tell. “I know it’s difficult for you, but try to focus on what I’m about to say. It’s important.”

  Addy hated to see him so upset. She was trying to keep her distance from Cade, but she still sort of… liked the guy. In fact, he was one part of her life that wasn’t a complete mess. Without Cade, she’d be in even worse trouble than she currently was and it was hard to imagine being in even worse trouble than Addy currently was. Cade was shielding her from snow, and starvation, and sex crazed miners. He was like a superhero, keeping her safe and expecting nothing in return.

  Wel
l, except maybe the sixty gold pieces that she wouldn’t be paying him.

  “Look, no matter what you have to tell me, I’ve dealt with way worse news lately.” Addy assured him. With “Surprise, you’re a victim of time travel!” as her baseline for bad news, she wasn’t too worried about Cade’s big secret. “It’ll be fine. I promise you. Just spit it out.”

  He snorted at that, like he didn’t believe her. “Before you say that, you should know,” Cade took a deep breath, like he was bracing himself, “my mother was a Voltyn.”

  Addy blinked. Whatever she’d been expecting him to reveal, that hadn’t been it. “…oh.” Deke had said that word earlier, but it still meant exactly nothing to her. What the hell was a Voltyn, aside from a big robot lion? “Okay.”

  Black brows drew together, like her blank response confused him. “I am half Voltyn.” Cade prompted. “That’s why the sheriff hates me and why he’s already suspicious of you. The Voltyn are not thought well of in these parts. Or in any parts.”

  Addy had no idea what he was talking about. “Well, thanks for telling me, but my parts are fine with Voltron. I watched the cartoon all the time, as a kid.”

  Cade’s jaw sagged at the breezy words. “Voltyn.” He corrected, studying her with increased frustration. “There is no such word as Voltron. It’s Voltyn, for fuck’s sake! Do you not know what a Voltyn even is? How can you not know?!”

  Why was he yelling at her? She wasn’t the annoying one in this room. “Calm down, alright? So, I don’t know what a Voltyn is. Big deal! You guys don’t know what coffee is, so we’re even.” She threw up her hands. “Christ, if it’s such a crime, tell me why I should care and I’ll…”

  He cut her off, his gaze going hard. “Voltyn are not human. I am not human.”

  And the sad part? Still, not the weirdest thing she’d heard this week.

  “I know. You’re an alien, right?” Addy had suspected as much. It explained the supernatural pull she felt towards the guy. He’d probably ray-gunned her. He was probably wearing a holographic mask of masculine perfection over his octopus face. Hell, that was probably what happened to Washington’s nose. Some kind of ID4 super-weapon blasted Rushmore during an interstellar battle.