Page 84 of Mistletoe

“If you will not step out of harm’s way, so be it.” The major spun on his heel, giving them his back. “Seize him.”

Several bodies swarmed Hal, pulling him away and restraining him as Emma was knocked to the ground. Her top lip had a split. She smeared blood across her face.

Hal growled, incensed by the blood.How dare they?His vision narrowed, focusing on the nearest body and locating where to strike. Knees were always effective and didn’t take much force to completely wreck.

Knees. Throat. Eyes. Good plan.

Hal leaned back and raised his knees, using the soldier holding him to provide leverage. He kicked the nearest soldier, once in the gut and then in the knee. He twisted, breaking free of the restraining hold, and lunged.

He wrestled away a rifle, swinging the butt like a club. It gave a satisfying crunch when it connected. Blood sprayed, landing on his face, and the soldier crumpled to the ground.

He threw his head back and let out a bone-shaking roar.

“Hal!”

Emma’s cry cut through the violence surging in him, leaving him with dread. What did she see? How horrible he must appear to her.

Hal turned to face her, expecting to find fear and disgust. Instead, her eyes shone with pride. Light from the fire flickered across her face, giving her a fierce appearance.

The major grabbed her from behind, pressing a pistol to her head. “I do not recommend testing my patience. I’d hate to take a civilian life, but she provided aid and comfort to a monster.”

Hal dropped the rifle.

“That’s a crime now?” A new voice cut through the chaos.

The sheriff’s horse skidded to a halt. She dismounted in a smooth motion and was on the major in a heartbeat.

“Sheriff Navarre,” he said.

“Major Pearson,” she replied with disdain, and that filled Hal’s heart with hope. Spite was a powerful motivator, and his gut told him that she intended to deny the major. “What are you doing so far from your nice, warm barracks?”

“I don’t have to explain myself to a civilian.”

She hummed and nodded as if she expected that answer. “Because it looks like you’re terrorizing this family. Arson. Threats of bodily harm. It’d be a shame if your finger slipped and you murdered Miss De Lacey. It would be murder, not manslaughter, if you were wondering if I’d go easy on a man of your rank.”

“The sheriff doesn’t do favors,” Emma said.

A vein pulsed in his forehead. He snarled and pushed Emma away. She stumbled to the ground, catching herself with the palms of her hands.

“Take the monster. That’s what we’re here for.”

Hal growled, ready to tear out the man’s throat. Hands grabbed him. Cuffs were placed over his wrists. The metal did not burn or tingle, but it was too tight.

“Major, do you intend to conscript this man?” the sheriff asked.

“That is exactly my intention.” The vein pulsed. Maybe they’d have a stroke of good fortune, and the major would have a stroke. Such a warm, soothing thought.

“You cannot conscript an active-duty deputy,” she said.

“He’s not a deputy. Don’t be ridiculous.”

“He has the coat,” the sheriff said.

Hal felt every head turn his way. He did indeed wear his stolen deputy coat.

“Where’s his badge?” Pearson demanded.

“Right here,” she said, producing a shiny silver badge from her pocket. “Special order.”

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