Animal Heart (Beast & Beauty) (6 page)

“
Oh Aden! It so, so is...” she gushed, looking at him with a big smile of pure delight. His eyes blazed into hers.

“
You love the wilderness, don't you?”

“
I do. Everything about it. It's as if I was born to be here.”

“
I know what you mean. I feel the same way.”

“
Shane told me you used to run a garage in Calgary.”

“
Yeah, I always liked tinkering with cars and engines. But the city lost its appeal. It became hard living there after a while.”

“
In what way?”

“
Urban constraints, the growing population, a feeling of deep dissatisfaction with my surroundings...” He threw a pebble into the water and they watched the ripples spread out below.

“
Mmmm, city life is so hard to take at times. The pace of it kills me. That's why I love to get away to places like this. I do it often. And I love to ride of course.”

“
Like a bat out of hell, it would seem,” he said with a small grin tugging at the corner of his mouth.

“
The faster the better. The adrenaline rush gets rid of my stress. Oberon has a great pace, doesn't he?”

“
He does that...” He made a subtle move, as if to get up, “I suppose we should get a move on, we've a lot of ground to cover.”

“
No, let's stay here for an hour, maybe for lunch. I like the peace and quiet,” she said, gazing out at the view.

“
We won't be able to do the whole trail if we do.”

“
That suits me. You can take me out again tomorrow.”

“
Oh I can, can I?” he replied, cocking his eyebrow at her.

“
I insist. I like a challenge and a fast race.”

He chuckled loudly and she laughed along with him, not quite sure what was so funny. They both suddenly stopped laughing and stared. An urgent and intense look came upon his face and she trembled inside in response.

“You're so much more than beautiful,” he murmured, his dark lashed eyes sweeping over her face and hair.

Her heart melted and her lips parted as a deep breath escaped her mouth.

“Don't...” she whispered, staring desperately, her stomach constricting tightly.

“
Don't what? Give you a compliment?” His eyes held hers.

“
No... Don't hit on me, please...” she replied honestly.

His whole demeanour changed instantly.

“Why? Prefer Lucas hitting on you, do you?” He ground out nastily.

“
Maybe I do.” She stood and shakily jumped to the ground, turning and crossing her arms. “Perhaps we should move on, after all. I don't think it's a good idea to stay sitting here... all alone.”

He followed her down and stood before her with a grim expression. She gasped as he took hold of her jaw with his large hand and tipped her face up to his, staring deeply into her surprised eyes, with a wild, blazing passion. His other hand grabbed a handful of her hair, a little too roughly, anchoring her head in position. Her heart started pounding like a drum, her legs felt weak, and her whole body ached for him like nothing else mattered. She wanted to grab at his hair too, to sink her tongue into his mouth and pull him to the ground. Waves of desire engulfed her, heat building like an inferno. Her panties were instantly drenched. Her eyes widened with pure shock at the strength of her arousal.

“What's the matter Maddy? Scared of me, hmmm?” He taunted.

Her head quickly swam with intense anger.

“Yeah, right!” she scoffed, yanking her head away and giving him a hard push. “Me... Scared, of you? Don't make me laugh.” She moved fast, untying her horse and mounting him quickly. “You rate yourself far too highly Aden. Anyone would think you were the big bad wolf!” She turned and slowly moved off, shaking all over, suddenly overwhelmed of what she'd seen in his eyes. She wasn't just scared, she was terrified. Of him, a little, but mostly, of herself.

Aden worked in the stable, clearing out the horses and feeding them. There was no sign of Mia. She'd left everything to him. Normally that would have annoyed him, but for some reason he didn't care. She was obviously off sulking again, about last night probably. She hated it when he took the other women to his room. He knew that. But one day she might just get the message, that they weren't a couple.

His mind was not on the job at all, and very soon he realised he was clearing out a clean stall. The day's events played themselves over and over in his head, obliterating everything else. The intense morning and the very uncomfortable and awkward afternoon. She had hardly spoken to him on the way back. Only to say she wasn't in the mood to continue with the trail and perhaps they should try again tomorrow. They had eaten lunch silently in a clearing in the wood, and then made the short journey back to the ranch.

He decided to leave things for a while and return to work later. He went inside for a quick coffee and a rest. He was suddenly tired, mentally and physically. He needed a short nap and he'd be fine. He'd recharge his batteries and he'd be up and running, his usual keen self.

He entered the ranch and stopped up short with a rush of anger. Lucas sat next to Maddy on the sofa, his arm around the back of her, playing with her beautiful long red hair, twirling it around his fingers, while they watched a movie.

“Haven't you got work to do?” he growled harshly, and Lucas turned and glared. Maddy sidled away, watching them both warily.

“
I've done all I need to for now. Just taking a break with Mads,” Lucas announced as calmly as he could manage. Aden walked around the sofa and stood in front of them.

“
There's plenty to do around here. We haven't time for 'breaks', no matter how tempting they are,” he said sarcastically. “Get on with it.” The irony of the situation, in that he was just about to take a break himself, didn't cross his mind for a moment, in his angry state of being.

“
Jesus Man, what's got into you? I've only been sitting down for ten minutes. Fuck!” He stood up and squared up to him.

Not a good idea at all. Not in his present mood.

Aden rose up above him at full height and he looked at him with authority.

“
Get outside, NOW...” Aden ordered in a thundering voice. He left quickly and Aden followed him out of the door. Outside, Lucas turned and faced him, angrier than he'd ever seen him.

“
Don't
ever
show me up like that again, not in front of Maddy.”

“
You forget your place.”

“
Oh shut the fuck up!” He shouted.

“
Lucas, I'm warning you. Go for a walk and calm down. That's an order.”

He watched his retreating back as he stalked off in a huff, lighting up a cigarette and puffing at it in fury.

Aden turned and made his way back inside. She stared at him for a moment.

“
Enjoyed that, did you?” she asked with a snap.

“
Not particularly.”

“
Well it looked a lot like enjoyment to me,” she said, standing up and switching off the TV and DVD with the remote. She turned and walked past him with her pretty little nose in the air.

He suddenly saw a red flash and grabbed her arm, pulling her back against him and kissing her hard on the mouth. Her hands pushed against his chest and she struggled for a moment. Then she yielded, with a deep sigh, sinking into him. His heart sang with pure delight as her small hands slid around his neck, up into his hair, fisting it roughly and wildly. Her tongue pushed deep inside his mouth, licking at his own. He groaned in rapture, pulling her closer, his breath coming in short ragged gasps. He ate up her frequent groans and gasps as if they were the food of life. His hands travelled down her back and her perfect behind slipped into his palms. He squeezed her as he ground his hips against hers. 

Could anyone feel so right against him as she did?

His mind was shot to pieces. He couldn't think of anything but her. Her revelled in the taste of her mouth, and the subtle perfume she wore imprinted on his memory as it arose from her heated skin. They clung together in bliss, tasting, feeling and breathing each other in.

“Oh no! Not her as well... You fucking bastard...!”  Lucas' loud voice belted out from the doorway behind them.

They shot apart, turning to face him.

Lucas was livid. His eyes glowed with heated emotion.

His fists clenched tightly as he stood observing the two of them.

“I thought you might have better taste,” he spat at Maddy nastily. “But it appears I was wrong. You're just like all the others.”

“
No... Lucas... I'm sorry...” she appealed. But her words were meaningless. He'd seen the passion in full flow. She threw a hateful look at Aden and flew off, back to her room with a whip of her hair as she turned the corner.

“
Why?” Lucas asked. “Why her? Can't I have anything for myself?”

“
I couldn't help it. There's more than a strong attraction,” he tried to explain. 

“
Really? Well, that's okay then. Don't worry about me, go ahead and stake your claim. Ruin her for anyone else. Mia won't even look at me these days, or Charlene, and lately my little Grace seems to have become far too keen on you as well, since you started paying her a lot of attention. It's all about you, isn't it?”

“
Lucas, look I'm sorry man, I didn't know you felt this way. You should have said something before,” Aden muttered quietly and thoughtfully.

“
Said what exactly? Stop fucking
your
women because you're obviously so good at it most of them don't want anyone else afterwards? Thankfully Sammy and Verity have escaped from your clutches. But that's only because you had a shred of decency in you to see they had something starting with Shane and Jamie and you've left them alone. I really like Maddy. I mean
really
like her. She's special. But you've ruined it now, haven't you?” Lucas walked off sadly, back outside again, with his head hung low.

Aden felt sick and confused. He hadn't ever considered before this moment how his behavior could be considered to be immoral or abusive of his position. He needed to clean up his act somehow, because he suddenly felt as if it was. Part of him wanted to say, 'go on, have her then, if she means that much to you'. He had a great depth of feeling for Lucas. He was his friend. His best friend for a very long time. He didn't want to hurt him. But the other part couldn't give up the fight. He wanted her for himself. So badly it hurt with a physical pain. He returned to his room with a heavy heart. How could one woman cause so much of a problem in twenty four hours?

She sat on her bed in distress. Suddenly her vacation had become so very unpleasant and difficult. She knew it was partly her fault, but even so.

She knew with certainty she wanted Aden and not Lucas. Aden made her melt all over and her senses explode on sight. But what the hell did it matter, she was only here for four more days anyway. She never had to see them again. Either of them. She could do as she wanted. Have a quick fling with him and get it out of her system. What she wanted was that Aden would come through the door right now and claim her. She started in surprise as there was a sudden pounding of knuckles on her door. Her heart raced as she opened it and there Aden stood in front of her, as if her thoughts had just conjured him up.

“
I think we need a little talk. Fancy a trip to town? I need to get a few things and I'll treat you to some of Betty's famous pancakes and maple syrup.”

Despite herself, and what had just gone before, her face lit up with a smile and so did his.

Her heart melted a little. He could be quite sweet at times. “Okay. Give me a minute, I'll see you outside.”

She quickly changed into her jeans, brushed her hair, put on a little makeup and perfume, her best boots, and grabbing her handbag and jacket, left her room. Making her way outside, she found Aden and Lucas leaning on either side of the truck in silence. They'd obviously been having more words as the air was thick with tension.

“This should be fun,” she said in dark jest as they both slid inside the truck, one either side of her.

“
It wasn't my idea,” grumbled Aden.

“
You aren't going anywhere alone with Mads,” Lucas snarled at him.

“
Excuse me... I'm not a piece of meat to fight over,” she objected in disgust.

“
Sorry,” Lucas said with a small apologetic smile.

“
So, what's to do in town?” she asked with interest, and to change the subject swiftly.

“
Horsefeed, supplies, gasoline for the generator, the usual kind of thing,” Aden replied. “I was going to go tomorrow, but as you want a whole day out riding, I'm doing it today instead.”

“
I fancy a long ride tomorrow as well,” Lucas added pointedly.

“
You have your work and I have mine,” Aden reminded him.

“
How come you get all the fun? I'm coming and that's that.”

“
Oh for God's sake!” Maddy exclaimed in exasperation. She put the radio on and finally found a station which she tuned into loudly, sitting back with her arms crossed as Aden tore along the road at a frightening speed. He obviously knew the small road well, but she was sure they didn't have four tires on it very often. She closed her eyes as they negotiated yet another hairpin turn at top speed.

“
Jesus Christ, I'm going to throw up my lunch soon,” she finally admitted, putting her hand on the dash to steady herself.

“
We're nearly there, don't worry,” Lucas said, patting her hand. “Then Aden can stop trying to FUCKING KILL US..!”

“
If I wanted to kill you, you'd be dead by now,” he replied with an icy calm that belied the inner fury she could see in his eyes.

The town's buildings and church steeple finally came into view as they descended the hill towards Heart. Maddy breathed a sigh of relief as they parked up outside the feed store. She accompanied Aden inside, Lucas close behind. She found it fascinating being in stores such as this. It was like something out of an old western movie. The large cabin was piled high with every animal foodstuff known to man and beast. Aden selected a large cart and heaped it with sacks of oats, dog food, and various other things. She stood and watched as he paid and wheeled it all out to the truck, heaving it into the back effortlessly. He was obviously very strong and fit. They left the truck and walked over to the grocery, cum general store across the road. He gathered a few dozen items and she picked up a large pack of potato chips, wine, chocolate, and some mints. They returned to the truck with those and got inside.

“We'll get the gas on the way back. Fancy those pancakes Maddy?”

“
You bet. It's the only reason I came,” she laughed.

They drove a minute further along the wide main street until Maddy saw the sign for Betty's in bright blue lights above the diner. They drew to a stop outside. It was a fairly modern looking place. She smiled at Lucas, hoping to get a reaction, but he simply turned away and looked out of the window instead.

They entered and a small middle aged and somewhat plump woman with a blond bun and a spotless white frilly apron called out to them.

“
Well hello there boys! How's my favorite hunks doin'?”

“
I'm good Betty. How's yourself?” Aden replied with a little grin of greeting as he approached the counter, taking a seat.

“
I'm always good. What about you Lukey my love? You look a bit peaky, if you don't mind me sayin'. Never mind. A nice plate of my special stack will put some pep in your step, eh?”

“
Not hungry Bet. Just coffee for me,” Lucas said, wearily taking a seat next to Maddy.

“
I'll have your special, though,” Aden said quickly. “With double whipped cream.”

“
What about your little lady?” Betty asked, looking at her appraisingly. “Where did you find this cute little thing?” she asked, addressing Aden directly.

“
Ha ha...” Maddy laughed loudly at being called cute. “I'm Maddy Jones. I'm a guest at the ranch and I'll have coffee and your special too. As long as it's got maple syrup on it."

“
You bet it has. On it, in it, and under it,” Betty added with a big smile. “How's things at Heart ranch?” Betty asked, busying herself with the orders and coffees.

“
Just great,” muttered Lucas.

“
Oh come on, what's up boy?” she pressed.

“
Nothing I want to discuss in public,” he said sulkily, casting an eye at Aden.

“
Lukeyyyy! That's unusual for you. Can't normally shut you up. Unless you're eatin'. Must be something real bad, eh?” Betty probed none too subtly.

The door swung open with a squeak and they all turned to see who had arrived. Aden sighed deeply. Not in a good way either, Maddy thought.

“Hello there Bill. What'll it be?” Betty called out as he took a seat at the far end of the counter, around the corner.

“
My usual cappuccino and a piece of your apple and raisin cake. Make it to go, and fast.”

Maddy observed the rather overweight, bald and red faced man who had taken up residence and smiled at him.  He scowled at her in response and she was completely taken aback at the looks of hatred he was throwing their way.

“Tell me, how's the hay burners doin' Carr,” he spat at Aden.

“
Real good Mayor, real good,” Aden replied pleasantly.

“
I love a success story. That I do. Especially on my patch.”

“
Success is my middle name, didn't you know?”

“
Reaping the dollars are 'ya?”

“
It's been a really good season.”

“
Well how about that! How amazing, I'd never have believed it. In fact, I don't.”

“
Leave it out. I'm trying to have a pleasant afternoon.”

“
Oh well, pardon me! I'm so sorry to spoil it.”

“
Yeah, I bet you are.”

“
You don't fool me, boy... You know, I'm wondering over and over, what the hell you lot get up to out there... I think you're up to no damn good, that's what. That little ranch is a cover for something, ain't it? One day I'll catch you dealing in some kind of illegal business, don't you think I won't. I'll find out what you stow away in that yard of Mick's...”

“
I've told you before, not that it's any of your business, it's emergency supplies, that's all. Ski stuff, two motor sleds, and equipment in case we get caught out by snow unexpectedly.”

“
So you've said, I don't believe
that
little piece of fiction either.”

“
That
, My dear Mayor, is your problem. Go deal with it!”

“
Boys, boys, cut it out, eh?” Betty said, slapping down their pancake specials with a loud clatter.

Maddy looked at Aden, his features taut with restraint, and Mayor Bill's florid, horrible sneering face.

She was in the middle of a major dispute here and felt more than uncomfortable.

“
Surely you have something better to do than wind Aden up?” Lucas said hotly in Aden's defence.

“
There's nothin' I like more than what I'm doin' now,” the Mayor said with an evil grin.

“
Oh go fuck yourself. Make it twice,” Lucas added nastily.

“
Watchit boy. You know I'm real friendly with our lady Mountie, the honorable Sergeant Philomena Stevens. Remember her? Well, you should, being as she's my fuckin' wife! She'll whip you in jail for the slightest indiscretion.”

“
Oh go poke it mister big shot,” Maddy piped up, absolutely furious at Mayor Bill's disgusting behavior, even though she hadn't a clue as to why he was behaving this way.

“
Keep your little slut in order,” growled out Mayor Bill as picked up his cake and coffee and left his seat

“
Shut your filthy mouth.” Aden spun off his stool and turned to face him in a rage as he passed.

“
Hit a nerve have I...? Well how about that? That's soooo interestin'. I love a bit of female ammo... It's the best ammo of all. Be seein' 'ya Mr Carr. Hope your spindle legs all die with the horse flu. Pretty soon'd be good. Be seeing 'ya too Betty... Put that on my tab darlin'.” The door swung closed and peace descended once more.

“
Jesus, he's an evil bastard,” Betty said with a sigh. They all sighed with her, blowing out deeply.

“
The devil incarnate,” Lucas added with a laugh.

“
With bells and whistles,” Maddy said and they all burst into mild hysterics. “What the hell?”

They finished their wonderful maple syrup covered special cinnamon pancakes, and superb frothy coffees, and finally left Betty's with a cheery farewell and a promise to be back soon.

Maddy settled in the truck for the return journey, contentedly full, and secretly rather pleased to be wedged between two very handsome men who were fighting over her.

After filling up the gasoline tanks, they finally set off towards the ranch.

She even managed to remain calm as Aden hurtled around the hillsides at his alarmingly fast rate, with their extra supplies of highly explosive fuel on board. Half way back she dared to raise her burning question with Aden.

“
Why does the Mayor hate you so much?”

“
We snatched the ranch from under his nose. He really wanted it. Plus we're out-of-towners.”

“
But you only came from Calgary... It's literally next door!” she pointed out.

“
We might as well have been from Timbuktu,” Lucas added. “He's a touch insular in his outlook.”

“
Right... So what did he want the ranch for? I can hardly see him out on a horse, riding the trails!” she laughed.

“
Not for any particular reason I know of. He buys up any land around here. It's his personal little empire,” Aden informed her.

“
So he wants to own Heart?”

“
I guess so. But we outbid him. Luckily the owners were out-of-towners too and weren't subject to his persuasion. Money talks...” Aden added pointedly.

“
So he's a touch annoyed.”

“
Absolutely fucking furious and has been for five whole years,” Lucas said with his usual flair. They all laughed, united for a moment in their dislike of Mayor William Stevens.

* * *

She sat at the table feeling very uncomfortable. She'd chosen to sit next to Aden. Now she wished she hadn't. Lucas had planted himself firmly at her other side, like a possessive sentinel guarding her virtue. Not that his intentions were particularly virtuous either. Across the table, Mia and Charlene scowled at her menacingly. She looked up and tried to smile and start a conversation with Grace, but she was equally unfriendly, albeit not openly hostile like the other two were.

She came to a sudden decision. She was going home tomorrow. She would have her one last big day out and set off after four in the afternoon. Her presence was causing problems here and she had no idea how to diffuse the situation. There was no point dragging it out, it wouldn't be much fun if it carried on like this. She might as well pack it all in now. It sucked, but there it was. She could chalk it up to experience and ensure she never went on horse a riding vacation without Jade ever again.