Page 41 of Fierce Protector

That comment stunned them both into silence.

She sliced a sideways glance at him before scrambling to her feet. “Let’s go.”

For a heartbeat, he watched the sway of her hips as she walked away. Oh, he would follow her, all right. Anywhere.

Hurrying after her, he rested the rifle on his shoulder. While he was carrying the real thing, Demi toted the dart gun. Together, they made their way down the hill to the sleepy ranch.

He didn’t like waiting for answers about who was targeting them. Forest Gracey had been one of his closest friends. They’d seen the bad and the worst. Before Forest died, he had confided a lot about his family’s troubles and his knowledge of his father’s role in it.

Sean Gracey had gambled too much, got in over his head. His actions led to the loan shark he owed trying to get payment through vicious attacks that almost killed his own daughters, Meadow and Ivy. Then Wolfe’s woman got involved when she fought against the men who kidnapped Ivy, painting a target on her own back.

Then they were told by the loan shark—before he was hauled to prison—that he was out of the picture and had handed off the debt against the ranch to a man who stood to profit far more than the place was probably worth.

If Ledger were in the situation, what would he do? Give up the ranch? Or fight for a family legacy spanning generations?

He didn’t have an answer to that question. He could only keep going on his gut instincts, and that was to help his brothers…and to protect Demi and their unborn child.

Too many things were up in the air between them. She wanted him just as badly as he desired her. But she was stubborn and trying to hold him at arm’s length. She thought she was going to raise their child without him. Did he want that?

Like the question concerning Sean Gracey and the ranch’s legacy, could Ledger walk away from his own kid?

He’d spend the rest of his life wondering what the child was doing, where it was. Was it happy growing up without a dad?

A dreadful thought filled his mind. If Demi ever married, another man would be raising his child.

No fucking way.

His reaction didn’t come as much of a surprise as he expected.

He let it roll around his brain for a while as they headed to Demi’s SUV. She stowed her weapon in the back, and he did the same, keeping it within reach.

She took a back road that led from the Gracey to the neighboring ranch. Dean Davidson, the owner, had granted permission for them to search on his property for the wolves. Since his cow had been attacked, he had a lot at stake and wanted the wolves stopped at any cost.

If it were him, Ledger would be out every night on the hunt for the pack. He’d do anything to keep what belonged to him safe.

Demi pointed to a corner of the field cast into pitch-black shadow. “See that corner?”

“Yup.”

“That’s where we’re going to set up.”

“I’ve got your six.”

He made the comment without thought. It rolled off his tongue like water rippled over a riverbed.

Demi stared at him.

“Sorry. I didn’t think when I said it.”

She shook her head. “Don’t be sorry. It’s kind of…” She fidgeted in her seat.

“Kind of what?” He focused on her full bottom lip again.

Her voice dipped to a murmur. “Kind of hot.”

His cock jerked behind his fly.

It was either grab her and take her rough and raw…or put distance between them.

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