Page 58 of Fierce Protector

They’d only had one date, but the days they’d already spent together drove home what he already knew.

He wanted to raise this child with Demi.

He wanted her.

* * * * *

Ledger’s hand was warm in hers as he led her across the thick grass to the she-shed. He’d left a light on over the door to illuminate the way.

She supposed it was the SEAL in him that made him always think ahead. While she considered herself a good planner and great with time management, he knew the next strategy before the first event ever happened.

When he unlocked the door, she searched his profile. His cowboy hat cast a shadow that concealed his eyes completely, but she knew their color by heart.

Once they were inside, he flipped on lights and made a circle of the space, checking out all the corners for unseen danger. At first, this action had bothered her. Now she saw it as something much different—the act showed how much he cared about her safety.

The cushions on the futon never looked so inviting. Her legs felt as if they weighed a thousand pounds each. After trudging only a few steps forward, her phone vibrated with a call.

She reached for the device. “That’s my emergency line.”

“Demi.” His brows pinched with concern, which she ignored.

No matter how tired she was, people relied on her to be there to help their animals.

Bringing the phone to her ear, she met Ledger’s gaze. “Dr. Demi.”

“Hey, Doc. It’s Jim Vale. I hate to call you on your day off, but my horse Maple isn’t doing too well. She seems to have cut herself on something.”

“I’m on my way. I’m not far—just over at the Gracey. I’ll be right there.” She was already grabbing her keys and moving to the door before ending the call.

She came up against a wall of muscle. Ledger stepped in front of the door, blocking her way.

“Where’s the call?” he asked.

She started to answer, but a hard knock at the door cut her off.

Ledger whirled to answer it.

Webb stood there, sweat pouring down his face. His chest heaving. “We need you. One of the cows was attacked. Looks like the wolves found our herd.”

“Fuck!” Ledger swung back to her.

She placed a hand on his arm and tilted her head to look up into his eyes. “Go! Take my dart gun.”

His jaw flexed, and she knew he was barely holding back from telling her what he thought about only tranquilizing an animal that attacked one of the Gracey animals.

He gripped her shoulder. “I’m going with you on the call.”

“No—they need you here. I’ll be fine. I’ve done this a thousand times, Ledger.”

He looked between her and Webb, then back to her. “I’m going with you.”

“Trust me on this. You trusted me to dart those wolves.”

Webb grunted. “Make your choice. I’ve gotta get out there.” He took off, leaving them alone.

Ledger’s lips hardened, and the tendon in the crease of his jaw flexed. “I don’t fucking like this. I don’t like being away from you.”

Going on tiptoe, she slid her arms around his neck. She pressed her forehead against his. “I’ll be fine. Go. Your men need you.”

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