Marie Harte - A Matter of Pride

Monty noticed him first and greeted him with a wide, toothy grin. “Hey there, Dean. Look who brought lunch.”

Stacey batted her eyes and gave Dean a demure smile—one that gave him the proverbial finger without lifting her pretty little hand.

“Okay, who died?”

“Dean.” Rachel smothered a laugh. “Stacey wanted to say thank you for all we’ve done to help her and her family.”

“Ri-ight. So why is she here and not safe at home at the ranch?” He directed his question to his brother. “You know, keeping out of sight and not inviting trouble to come knocking at the door?”

Burke, bless him, gave him a straight answer. “Stacey’s going out with you this weekend.”

The silence in the room was deafening.

“ What? ”

Rachel answered, “I caught Miss Sneaky buying supplies at the store. She had a pack, clothes and enough food for a week.” Rachel shot Stacey a frown that Stacey ignored. “She said she wanted some space and didn’t think Miles would agree.”

“So she’d just slip away and let us worry?” Dean stared at Stacey, confused. This didn’t seem right.

Stacey started to respond. “I—”

Rachel interrupted. “That’s what I said. But she didn’t want to be a problem and take us away from work. And I get that, but I told her we’d worry if she didn’t have protection.”

Not to mention Miles would have a friggin’ conniption.

“So why is she heading out?”

“ She ,” Stacey interrupted, “wants a chance to run. Rachel thinks the best way to make that happen is if I go see what you tour guides do and how you do it.”

Bullshit. “Why?”

Burke spoke up. “It’s not a bad idea, actually. I figure we’ll keep her out of sight and out of mind while we tighten up security at home. Besides, I heard some chatter about strangers nosing around town, so we’re going to look into that while you’re gone.”

Stacey nodded, but the innocent look on her face didn’t mesh with the devious cat Dean knew and didn’t trust.

“Besides,” Rachel added. “Stacey’s thinking about doing some design work for outdoor adventure. A fun women’s line that’s fashionable and serviceable. I think it’s a great idea.” Rachel patted her stomach, now starting to show at four months along. “I hate looking like a Yeti when I’m camping. All those bulky sweaters in greens and browns, clunky boots and thick jeans at the mercantile are beyond manly.”

“Sad but true.” Stacey nodded. “The clothing—and I use that term loosely—that’s available in your quaint little town is outdated and downright ugly. Your poor women are shopping online, for God’s sake. I’m thinking I might bridge that gap.”

None of what she said made sense to Dean. “So why does she have to come out with me? Come Monday morning, I’m guiding a family of seven along the Forester Trail on Big Mountain. I’m checking it over this weekend.” He looked at Stacey. “I’m camping out overnight at a primitive site. No bathrooms, no toilets. Me, fully human, enjoying nature in all its glory.” Actually they had cabins, but he really didn’t want her along.

Stacey smiled. “No problem. I’ll pretend I’m a camper and adjust the fit of the clothes I picked up today.” He was amazed she said that without a sneer. “My cat really does need to stretch out. I’m going a little stir crazy at the ranch.”

He turned back to Burke. “This makes no sense. She’s safer at home with the pride.” In Whitefish, away from other Ac-taw, she’d be a sitting duck.

“Actually, away from us, she’s a smaller target.” Monty just had to stick his canine sense in the mix. “You know the woods like the back of your hand. They aren’t looking out there. Any eyes Lex might have will be on the ranch.”

“Thanks, Monty,” Dean said between gritted teeth.

“Sure.” Monty grinned.

This plan was the most asinine thing he’d ever heard. But before he could refuse, Burke cut in. “Considering Miles wants to rip you open and feast on your entrails, I’d suggest you use the weekend to rethink this feud you have going on with him.”

“I’d already planned to be gone this weekend. But not with her.”

Burke talked over him. “Yeah, the more I think about it, the more I like the idea. We’ll make it look like she’s still at the ranch while you two take a hike.” Burke narrowed his gaze. “And for all the shit I’ve been dealing with on account of the gray wolves, you really need to be on my good side right now.”

Dean looked to Monty for backup, but the wolf gave a subtle shake of his head.

Burke growled, “Rafe Sheridan is more than pissed. He wants your head on a platter.”

The new leader of the Gray Wolf Order was trying, but his wolves lacked discipline. “Not my fault they don’t understand boundaries.”

“Dean, you shaved Ivan’s head. That’s more than kicking his ass. That’s humiliating him, which makes the entire order look weak.”

Monty bit his lip.

“It’s not funny,” Burke snarled.

Rachel patted his back. “That’s right. It’s not.” She paused, then burst out laughing. “It’s hilarious. I heard one of the silver foxes got him drunk and painted a target on his head. When he woke up the next morning, the raptors were flying and dropping things on him, hoping to hit the bullseye before he realized what they’d done. Genius.”

Monty joined her, and even Stacey chuckled.

Burke didn’t so much as twitch. “So you, Dean, brother of mine, are going to do whatever the hell I tell you to, because I’m dealing with a pissed off cat and aggravated wolves—plural—who are up to here with your pranks.” Burke lifted his hand to his forehead.

Monty rubbed his chin, then lifted his hand above his head. “Actually, Burke, I think it’s up to here. That’s not high enough.”

Burke’s eyes changed, flashing thin pupils before they grew round once more. “You want to join him?”

“No, no. I’m good.” Monty cleared his throat. “Stacey’s gear is all packed up and ready to go.” He pointed toward a backpack in the corner. “And I loaded yours up too, Dean. Well, what I could manage to find after Miles trashed your room.”

Stacey frowned. “That’s so juvenile.”

Dean growled, “Yeah. Totally.”

“I would have waited to pounce on you later, when you least expected it. Mussing your room is an unsophisticated form of revenge.”

Dean just looked at her. “Oh? And how would you do it, princess?” He gave her a suggestive leer. “Or do I already know?”

“And that’s our cue to leave. We’re gone.” Burke gently tugged Rachel to follow him. “Take good care of her, Dean. Monty’s on call while you’re out. He’ll be manning the office. Grady and I will be home taking care of things.” Protecting the pride and the pregnant females from possible threats.

“Yep. You need anything, radio me.” Monty sat back behind a huge desk and started in on the plate of food he’d helped himself to.

Dean watched his brother and sister-in-law leave. He glanced at the man literally wolfing down roast beef, ham and a mountain of potato salad. Then he turned to Stacey, who watched him without blinking an eye.

“Okay, what the hell is really going on?” he asked.

When she smiled and offered him a plate of food, he knew he was in trouble, because he wasn’t hungry for meat, but for the blonde holding the plate.

Saturday morning, Stacey gripped her pack straps and stepped where Dean stepped, bringing up the rear of their two-man party. The night had been a living hell. Sleeping on the ground when feline was tolerable, but as a human? Her hips were sore and her butt felt numb. Though the summer weather made the days tolerable, nights in Montana were chilly at best.