Sheriff Hunt said, “If I think you’re a danger to yourself or others, I have the authority. Besides, with you going on about bear-men and other crazy notions, I don’t think I’ll have any problem getting you declaredinsane.”
“My lawyers will haveyourjob.”
“Doubtful. Now get up. Rolling Pines is a solid two-hour drive and I want to get on the road.” He grabbed one of Ben’s arms and hauled him toward the door. “You folks have a good night, at least what’s left of itanyway.”
Logan yawned. “We still have a few hours until the sun comes up. I’m going back to sleep. You can thank me later for savingyourass.”
“Saving my ass? I was doing fine without you,” Macksnapped.
“You almost killed a defenseless man. That’s not like youatall.”
Mack walked to where Madison sat on the sofa. “I had toprotecther.”
Logan gave him a wry smile. “That, I can understand. You two have a goodnight.”
As soon as Logan left the room, Madison stiffened. Although she was grateful that Mack woke up in time to save her from Ben, she still didn’t know what to think about Mack’s ability to shift into a bear. Afreakin’bear!
Mack slowly approachedher. “So…”
“I should probably get backtobed.”
“Yeah, I’ll have Harriet come back out here tomorrow to checkonyou.”
“I’mfine.”
“Can I at least walk you back? I don’t want you walking through the snow in the middle of the nightalone.”
Shenodded. “Okay.”
Mack hurried to a closet by the front door. He opened it and retrieved a thick winter coat. “Here, put this on. I don’t want you to catchacold.”
“Thank you.” She slipped her arms through the holes and zipped it. The jacket was a couple sizes too bigforher.
Mack held the door open. She stepped onto the front porch and shivered. Even with the jacket, cold seeped up through herbarefeet.
After glancing at her feet, Mack said, “I’llcarryyou.”
“Oh, no.Ican—”
Before she could finish, Mack scooped her into his arms. She wrapped her hands around the back of his neck to stabilize her body. Pressed up against his broad chest, she tensed for a second. He was so big and strong that he could do anything he wanted with her and she’d be powerless tostophim.
But instead of scaring her, molten heat rolled through her body. His lips were mere inches from hers. If she leaned in, she could kiss him. Maybe she was crazy for wanting him, but ever since she’d met him there’d been an undeniable attraction. The reckless part of her, the emotional gut reactions that she’d always ignored, screamed that she should do whatever it took to stay inhisarms.
The conscious, rational side of her cautioned not to get caught up in the moment. Not only was she not ready for another relationship, but she also wasn’t ready to drag another man into the aftermath of her relationship with Ben. If only she hadn’t gottenpregnant.
Shesighed.
Mack squeezed her closer. “We’re almostthere.”
He walked into the bed and breakfast, then kicked the door closed. As he carried her up the stairs, the war between her heart and her mind intensified. He’d been nothing but sweet and caring to her the last few days. She’d made a complete fool of herself that first morning when she’d almost burned down the kitchen, but he’d stepped in and saved her. He could have sent her away at any time, but instead, he’d chosen tohelpher.
After he laid her on the bed, he sat on the edge of it. “Can I get youanything?”
“No.”
He ran a hand through his hair. “I’m sorry if I scared you when Ishifted.”
“I guess I’m more surprised and confused than anything. Can you control it at all, or does it justhappen?”
