Page 39 of Protected By the Mountain Man

He didn’t get a chance to finish his sentence. Driven by instinct, my hand shot through the air and slapped him hard in the face.

I wasn’t going to let this guy threaten me.

I wasn’t going to let anyone threaten me.

A sharp sting bloomed across my palm, proof of how hard I’d hit him. Everett stumbled slightly, taking a moment to right himself—and I could see the red mark on his cheekbone.

Got him.

“Damn it!” Everett spat, one hand going to his reddened face as he straightened up. He glared daggers at me, his composure fractured.

“Next time, keep your threats to yourself,” I snapped.

“Threats?” Everett forced a smirk, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of unease. “Oh no, that wasn't a threat. I'm simply stating facts. I have connections in this town who could make things very difficult for you. And let's face it, Kat, your little operation here is on its last legs, isn't it? Financial difficulties, poor yields…it’s only a matter of time before you have to sell.”

“Get off my land,” I growled, feeling the burn of his words even as I refused to show any sign of defeat.

“Make me,” he taunted.

That was when Gabe stepped up, a living wall of muscle. He snarled, a sound so feral it sent shivers down my spine—good shivers, the kind that reminded me he was on my side.

“Listen to the lady,” Gabe said, his voice low and dangerous. “Get the hell out of here before I forget my manners.”

Everett looked up at Gabe, a laugh escaping him, but it was hollow, lacking any real amusement. With a final sneer, he shoved his hands into his pockets and turned away, sauntering back to his polished car that looked entirely out of place against the backdrop of our dusty ranch.

“Fine,” Everett called over his shoulder, “but this isn't over. You'll see sense soon enough.”

I watched, fists clenched, as he slipped into the driver's seat. The engine roared to life, a sound far too loud against the tranquil sounds of the ranch, and in moments, he was kicking up a cloud of dust as he sped down the driveway and out of sight.

“Aunt Kat…” Livy's voice was a quiet tremor, slicing through the haze of anger that clouded my mind. I turned to see her standing there, small and shaken, her hands fidgeting with the hem of her shirt.

“Hey, hey, it's alright,” I said.

She looked up at me, eyes swimming with remorse. “I'm sorry. That man…Everett. He wouldn't leave and I couldn't find you or Gabe. He was just so pushy.”

Guilt knotted in my gut, tight and heavy. While I'd been tangled up with Gabe behind closed doors, Livy had been out here dealing with that snake all by herself. “It's not your fault. You did good, Livy. You're safe, that's what matters.”

Her lips quivered as she nodded…but I could tell she was holding back. I tried to sooth her, keeping my face calm. “Livy,” I asked. “Have you met him before today?”

She hesitated, biting her lip, then gave a small nod. “Yeah. A few times, actually. He's been hanging around the ranch, and I saw him talking to Dad and Uncle Owen once.”

My head whipped around to catch Gabe's reaction. His face was stone, but his eyes flickered—an almost imperceptible nod confirming that this was important, a lead we couldn't ignore.

I could’ve sworn Owen said he didn’t know the guy…but maybe I was misremembering.

“Alright,” I said, taking a deep breath to steady my nerves. “I need you to go inside and get Bandit. I bet he's desperate to check on you.”

“Okay,” she agreed, her voice small but determined. “Are we going to call the cops?”

“Absolutely. And after that, we'll fix dinner. How does chicken soup sound?” I tried to offer a reassuring smile, hoping to inject a sliver of normalcy into the chaos.

“Chicken soup sounds good,” Livy mumbled. Then she turned toward the house, casting one more hesitant glance back at us. “I’m sorry, Aunt Kat.”

“It’s not your fault, kiddo,” I said. “We’ll get this figured out.”

I watched her go, a protective instinct roaring to life within me. I met Gabe’s eyes, finding the same guilt there that I felt. “We can't let our guard down like that again,” I said.

He nodded. “I know.”

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