Page 13 of His Determined Mate

His thoughts immediately went to Hannah and Melinda’s safety. Both of them had worked long and hard over the past two days to keep up with the demand the festival had placed on Hannah’s Hearth. Rick’s cell phone buzzed with messages from friends and neighbors, everyone scrambling to find safe refuge for the night.

Festival officials had begun trying to round up people to help and Rick knew he was needed to assist in ferrying people to safety. Despite the nagging worry about Hannah, he knew she was relatively secure inside the bakery with Melinda. He couldn’t ignore the tourists and locals stranded and freezing in the streets.

Hannah came to stand beside him, gazing out the window at the falling snow. “It’s going to be bad, isn’t it?”

Rick nodded. “Thankfully the festival is drawing to a close, but a lot of the tourists and even the locals have been caught flatfooted. I don’t think the regular public and private transportation services are going to be able to keep up with the demand.”

“You need to help, don’t you?” she said with a knowing smile.

“I don’t want to leave you and Melinda, especially after last night.”

“You heard the cops; it was just an accident—some drunk with a gun. Melinda and I will be fine; won’t we, Melinda?” She called the last over her shoulder.

“Absolutely.”

“We’ll lock the door and be snug as a couple of bugs in a rug.”

“If you’re sure,” he said doubtfully, swallowing his anxiety.

“I’m sure. By the time we’re done, you’ll be back, so perfect timing.”

“Okay, but only if you promise to keep the doors locked and stay inside until I get back.”

“Promise,” she said, pushing him towards the door.

Rick bundled up and headed out into the storm.

The night became a blur of activity. Rick, along with several other good Samaritans, trudged through the fast-falling snow which was rapidly accumulating, guiding disoriented tourists to their hotels and helping neighbors find shelter. The cold bit at his face, but the adrenaline kept him moving. He couldn't shake the thought of Hannah, but he had to focus on the immediate task at hand.

Finally, after hours of tireless work, Rick made his way back to the bakery. The sight of the warmly lit interior through the frosted windows was a welcome relief. Hannah opened the door as he stomped the snow off of his boots.

He entered the bakery. “Okay, ladies, your turn.”

Melinda appeared from the back. Both women looked tired but relieved to see him. Hannah rose up on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. His inner bear chuffed with happiness.

“It’s getting worse out there, isn’t it?” Melinda asked.

“It is. I need to get you both home,” Rick replied, his tone leaving no room for argument.

They bundled Melinda up first, the streets eerily quiet under the heavy snowfall. Rick drove carefully, the truck's tires struggling for grip on the slippery roads. They dropped Melinda off at her apartment, ensuring she was safely inside before heading back to his truck.

As soon as they were alone, Hannah turned to Rick. “You don’t need to worry about me. The apartment over Nicole’s will be safe. It’s not far, and I can easily walk. You should head home. You have a much longer drive.”

Rick shook his head. “The streets down by the harbor are treacherous and getting worse, and power has yet to be restored. You’re not staying down there alone in this storm. You’re coming home with me.”

Her eyes flashed with stubborn defiance. “I can take care of myself, Rick. The apartment over the bakery is almost finished. I need to be close by in case my building loses power.”

“I’m not arguing about this,” Rick. “Get in the truck, and we’ll go home.”

“No.”

Inside, his bear growled. His mate needed to learn to follow his lead, especially in circumstances where he knew best. Without another word, he hoisted her over his shoulder, ignoring her protests, and began to make his way back to the truck. He acknowledged to himself that carrying Hannah slung over his shoulder over the icy terrain might not be the best idea, but he rather liked having her up there as if she was some prize he’d won in an ancient rite of conquest.

His bear rather liked the idea and quickly reminded him of what usually happened after a prize had been won. His bear needed to shut the fuck up. All his protective instincts as well as his own growing feelings for Hannah had begun to combine in a need to keep her safe. He couldn’t think of a safer place for her than in his bed.

“Rick! Put me down!” Hannah snarled, her fists pounding against his back.

“Not a chance,” he growled, swatting her backside and trudging through the snow to the Jeep. He set her down just long enough to open the door and push her inside, then climbed in after her.

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