Page 9 of Kodiak's Heart

His command was loud and clear, and she picked up her pace to follow him. He led them down a hallway and paused at one of the doors before moving a few feet farther to the one at the end of the corridor then opening it.

“You two can use this room for now. I’ll let you get Ruby settled, then we’ll talk.”

He walked toward the large bed that dominated the space. He eased Ruby out of his arms and lay her down. When the wails grew louder, Emersyn stepped into action. She reached Ruby in a few strides and removed Ruby’s boots first. Then she stripped the little girl down to her shirt and undies.

“If you’ll grab our bags from the vehicle and bring them in, I’d appreciate it,” Em said, without taking her gaze away from Ruby.

“I’ll be back in a minute,” he promised, and she heard the soft snick of the door closing as he left.

He’d brought Em and Ruby to his room. As that knowledge clicked into place, she scooped up Ruby and cuddled her close, rocking the girl in her arms. Ruby nuzzled Em’s throat, settling against her as lethargy weighed down the little girl.

“I want Daddy,” Ruby mumbled then sniffled.

“I know, baby. He’ll join us soon.” God, she hoped so. If Malachi did anything stupid enough to get himself killed, she’d find him and kill him again herself.

“I don’t yike it hewe,” Ruby muttered. Em could tell by the tone that Ruby was fading fast.

“You like Laramie,” Em reminded her. Hell, Ruby had taken to Laramie Holloway quicker than Em had seen her take to anyone.

Ruby nodded against her neck.

“If you like him, then his brothers can’t be that bad. Right?”

Another nod.

“And you love your daddy. Daddy loves his sister.”

Ruby clung tighter, a whimper leaving her mouth.

“Shh, baby bear. I’ve got you.”

“I don’t yike her,” Ruby whispered, a shiver going through her. Em didn’t question it. Whatever was going through Ruby’s mind, they’d work it out after they’d both rested.

“I’ve got you, baby,” she promised. She hummed a lullaby as she rocked Ruby in her arms. Her girl was so tiny, making Em believe she’d take after Amber’s diminutive height.

After a few minutes, she balanced Ruby against her shoulder and used her free hand to tug the covers down on the bed. It took some maneuvering and a bit of soothing, but she managed to transfer Ruby from her arms to the mattress, scooting her toward the center, so she could wedge pillows around her. She was tucking covers and brushing blonde curls out of Ruby’s face when the door opened behind her. She didn’t need to glance over her shoulder to know who was there. His presence filled the room.

“We need to talk.”

His voice was close, closer than she’d expected. Still bent over, half on the bed, she turned to look at him and found herself eye level with a solid bulge encased in tight denim. She wanted to lean forward and nuzzle him there. Maybe, sink her teeth in and give him a nibble.

He cleared his throat, and she forced her gaze upward.

“I’m happy to oblige,” he offered. “But not with a baby bear in my bed.”

What the hell was the matter with her? She pushed off the mattress, moving around Laramie and stalking to the other side.

“Hell,” he muttered. “That was crass. Sorry.”

“What is it about you?” she questioned, meeting his gaze across the bed.

“I’m irresistible,” he offered, and she snorted a laugh.

“Arrogant,” she countered.

Laramie shrugged. “We still need to talk.”

“I don’t want to leave her here.”

---