A Matter of Pride

Chapter Two

Dean knew it was a mistake the minute his lips touched hers, but he could only handle so much temptation. For some reason, the bitchier she grew, the more he needed to take her down a peg. He’d wanted to taste her for years. Her visits to town, though sporadic, had hinted at the beauty she’d become. Yet for all her outward appeal, it was her inner core—a combination of arrogance, harshness and a hint of vulnerability that peeked out at him now and then—that refused to let his attraction be only physical.

Good Lord, did she taste good. Her lips were soft and yielding under his. He’d expected her to take charge of the kiss, the way she commanded everyone else around her. Instead she softened under him and invited him to sample more.

A low groan rumbled from his chest, and he was helpless to stop the purr that grew. Damn, he wanted to lick her up. From her toes to her lips, centering on her breasts crushed to his chest, and lower, to that sweet spot between her legs that tempted him to drop to his knees and go to town.

She gripped his arms, her fingers not meeting around his biceps. Though tall and toned, she didn’t have the bulk to back up her attitude. Feminine and curvy in all the right places, she fit him perfectly. An image of her smiling up at him, her blue eyes wide and welcoming, hit him hard. And in her arms, she’d hold a little girl with his smile, a miniature Stacey he’d love and cherish forev—

He shoved her away in horror. “Holy Christ.”

She blinked and frowned up at him. “Excuse me?”

She would have sounded more annoying if she hadn’t been so out of breath. A glance down showed hard nipples straining at her blouse. The urge to rip her shirt open and suck on those tight nipples until she came hit him right between his legs.

He groaned and prayed he wouldn’t come in his pants. Thinking about sex with Stacey was one thing. She looked like the poster girl for condoms. But a baby? Since when did Dean Chastell need to settle down with one woman? Panicked, because his cat seemed to love the idea of Stacey and forever, Dean backed away.

“What the hell is your problem?”

“I—” He took a deep breath and calmed himself. “Just thought that might shut you up.” He thought he’d done a good job of appearing blasé until she smiled.

“Really? Because it seemed to me like you were well on your way to getting off.” She shot a significant glance at his erection.

“Hell, Stacey. You’re a sexy blonde. I’m a guy. Do the math.”

A flash of hurt appeared in her eyes before it vanished, making him wonder if it had been there to begin with. “Oh, so any woman will do so long as her hair is the right color?”

“Not what I said.” He didn’t like the thought he might have hurt her feelings. “But why the hell did you kiss me back?” He sounded accusing, but damn if he could help himself. It was bad enough he lusted after the shrew. She didn’t need to encourage him.

“I was curious about what all the women in town have experienced.”

“Not all the women,” he snapped. “I date, okay? I’m not a man-whore, and I’m not some dog in heat.”

“Cat in heat,” she murmured.

He took a step closer, right in her face, and keeping true to form, she didn’t back away an inch. “I like women. I love women,” he snarled, wishing he wasn’t so hot for this particular female. “It’s not my fault they talk about me. I like to have fun. What the hell is so wrong with having a good time?” Frustrated because the topic had been one he’d been dealing with for years, he couldn’t help himself. “Just because I don’t want to settle down, knock some woman up and mate for life, I’m a jerk? A whore? A— What did you call me last week? A backwoods gigolo with dirt for brains?”

She had the grace to flush.

“Gimme a break, Stacey. You might be too good for everyone around you, but that doesn’t mean the rest of us don’t want a little companionship every now and then.”

He knew he had no right to take out his frustration on her, despite how grating she might be. So he took a step back, ignored his urge to kiss her once more and stalked toward the exit. “Don’t leave unless Monty or Joel is hot on your ass.” Then he slammed his way out the door, wishing he’d had the good sense not to touch her in the first place. Because now that he knew what she tasted and felt like, it would be hell staying away.

Stacey watched him leave, annoyed with herself for goading him. That kiss had nearly melted her into a puddle of warm yes. And then she’d gone and ruined things, the way she always did. Lashing out usually worked in her favor, because the guys she tended to date ended up being jerks. They liked her as arm candy, to brag about or to satisfy an itch.

For once, she’d enjoyed a kiss because she knew the man couldn’t help himself, that he didn’t want to want her. That was a new one.

But mama, could that man kiss. No wonder the women of Cougar Falls were in lust with the golden playboy of the Catamount Ranch. Dean was lethal with those lips, that tongue… He’d kept his hands on her hips, respectful yet keeping her close enough to work his magic. But he hadn’t been able to hide the sexual heat bleeding from his body into hers.

Had she ever felt so much the center of someone else’s world? In his arms, she’d felt every inch the focus of his attention. He’d made love with his mouth. Not just a kiss—the joining of mouths and tongues had been an exploration of so much more. Her cat wanted another taste, to lap him up and find out what other fun things Dean liked to do. God, that promise in his pants had made her itch to hike up her skirt and wrap her legs around him. She’d wanted nothing more than to hitch her groin against his and ease that hungry spot between her legs.

Her panties were wet. Not a surprise after that kiss, but how embarrassing to know he would have smelled her arousal had he not been so impatient to get away from her. And that hurt.

Finally, a man she wanted to know better, and he couldn’t leave her fast enough. Just reinforcement to the idea that she didn’t have all that much going for her besides her looks. And her wealth, she reminded herself. She had money too.

With a sigh, she moved into the back and stepped into the bathroom. There, she removed her panties—no hope for it—and tucked them into her bag. Then she straightened her appearance. A new coat of lipstick, a touch of blush and a brush through her hair. She washed her hands and dried them, then stepped away from the sink and exited the small bathroom…only to run into the broad chest of an Ac-taw who didn’t belong in Cougar Falls. At all.

Quince stared down at the arrogant feline his boss wanted back yesterday. He understood the attraction, even if he didn’t share it. His tastes ran toward feisty lions with spiky hair and spitting eyes. The resemblance was there in the eye shape and the general feminine features, but Stacey had a more classical beauty than her sister. And those blue eyes were just odd. Cold, assessing and almost wolf-like in their predatory gleam.

She took a step back and opened her mouth.

He lifted the knife he’d been holding, the one he’d used to break into her store late last night, while the town slept. The Hunter’s mist he’d used had camouflaged his scent, and he’d been quiet so as not to arouse suspicion. He hoped his knife would keep the drama queen from making a fuss.

Upon seeing the weapon, she closed her mouth. Smart girl.

“Hey there, Stacey. You’re looking good.” Quince leaned against the doorway and waited for a caustic comeback.

“Wish I could say the same,” she said with a sneer. “Shouldn’t you be rolling some kid for his lunch money? Or maybe abusing some hapless kitten so you can look big and strong?”

He had to hand it to her. She did disdainful princess like nobody’s business. It had to be that untouchable aura that had Lex’s dick in a knot. The prick couldn’t get his hands on her fast enough.

When he didn’t respond, she at least had the sense to feel nervous, though she hid it well. Only the sound of her racing heartbeat and the subtle scent of fear alerted him to her tension. Though she deserved to be scared for being so stupid, she was his future mate’s sister. No need to start off on the wrong foot with that cat—well, any more than he had already.

“Look, sweetness, you being here all by yourself is foolish. Lex hasn’t forgotten you. And he never will, not until you’re either naked and spread out beneath him or your head’s mounted to his wall,” he said bluntly, hoping to scare some sense into her.

“That’s not news, Quince. If that’s all you came out here to tell me, you can go to—”

“Shit. You’ve got balls, I’ll grant you that.” He shook his head, impressed despite himself. “I’m here with you, all alone. I outweigh you by a hundred pounds at least, and my knife is way bigger than the teeth or claws you might shift into if I didn’t gut you before you sprouted fur.”

Her fear blossomed and tasted ripe on the air. Finally.

“But I’m not here to hurt you,” he said quietly.

She blinked, and those bright blue eyes sparked with curiosity. Okay, yeah, she was hot. But still, not the right cat. Not for him.

“Lex wants you, and only you. He’ll do whatever he has to to get you back, and that includes killing your sisters. Oh, and Miles. He wants to skin Miles publicly, as a warning to everyone at home to obey.” Quince snorted. “Over-the-top and dramatic as all get-out if you asked me, but that’s Lex.”

“So I’ll leave.”

“And that’s exactly what he wants, for you to separate yourself from the safety here and be all by yourself, ripe for the plucking.”

“But you just said he wants me. If I’m gone, he’ll leave them alone.”

“I thought you were smarter than that.” He shook his head. “He sees them as leverage. You might tell him to kiss your ass, but if he has his hands on your sisters or brother, you’ll do whatever he wants to keep them safe. Won’t you?”

She didn’t respond, but the pinch to her lips answered for her. She might be spoiled, but she was loyal. And God knew he could use some loyalty right about now. Unfortunately, fidelity to the pride had been pretty rare of late.

“Here’s what you’re going to do. You’re going to work with me on this.”

“You? But—”

“Me.” He stood straight and glared at her, pleased when she didn’t argue. “There are some things set in motion that need to play out. You’re going to take that pretty little ass out of town for a few days—under my watchful eye—and distract Lex. While he’s focused on you, I’m going to cut his legs out from under him.”

“My brother can—”

“You’re not going to tell anyone about this.”

“That’s stupid. The pride can help.”

The Chastells didn’t buckle under pressure or threats…and were unconventional enough to give him pause. They could definitely muck up the works. Quince didn’t even want to think about Miles Bermin added to the equation. The cat had a huge bug up his ass about Quince in particular. “We think Lex might be using a few Ac-taw in town to keep tabs on you.”

“Not from the pride,” she said quickly.

“We don’t think so. But word has come back about you all, and it’s detailed enough that we’re being ultra careful.”

“We who?”

“I ask the questions and I give the orders. Do as you’re told and this will go down without a hitch. No more Lex, no more problems.”

She bristled.

“Look, Stacey, I know it’s tough keeping that mouth shut and doing what you’re told, but you didn’t seem to have a problem with Chastell a few minutes ago. Just pretend I’m him.”

Clearly the wrong thing to say, but he’d been dying to one-up the haughty female for months.

“You son of a bitch!” She poked him in the chest with a long, sharp, manicured nail. “Look, Quince, I don’t know what kind of game you’re playing, but I won’t let you—”

He gripped her hand in his and she froze mid-sentence. “Okay, that was out of line. But you two did look kind of chummy.” Which relieved him. Dean Chastell couldn’t have designs on Joy, not if he kissed her sister like that.

Then again, if he was stupid enough to tangle with the Bermin sisters, once they finished tearing him a new one, Quince would gut the fucker. He’d waited long enough to take what was his. He frowned down at Stacey. “You want to protect your family, you get away for the weekend. You’re bait, plain and simple.”

“Bait?” She worried her lower lip while glaring daggers at him. “Let me get this straight. You want me to set myself up for Lex, your best friend and pride leader, and trust that you’ll protect my brother and sisters while I’m gone? Are you insane?”

“You’ll do it.”

“I should just tell Miles you’re here. He can handle this.”

“If you do, I’m going to hurt him, and it’ll be your fault.” She paled, and he continued. “I don’t give a rat’s ass about you Bermins. Far as I’m concerned, you can stay out here forever. I want Lex, and he wants you. You’re the only chink in his armor, and I’m going to exploit it. Whether you’re willing or not.” He growled low.

She growled back. “You touch one hair on my brother’s head, I’ll kill you myself.” The scent of anger and fear grew thick.

“Dream on, princess.” Female cats were lethal, and Quince had learned early on never to underestimate the prettier sex. But nothing stepped in his way unless he allowed it. He’d be damned if he’d let even Joy’s sister stop him from making things right. “You refuse to play along and I’ll have no choice but to deal with Miles. If he knows I’m involved, he won’t stop until we tangle. He’s a hothead, and I don’t have time to play with him. I’ll put him out of commission, step over his broken body and finish with Lex. Now wouldn’t it be easier to keep Miles out of this until I’m done and gone?”

She fumed but had to know he was right. “Oh, fine. Miles can’t know. But the pride can—”

“Fuck up everything. Burke Chastell has a hard-on for injustice.”

“Somebody should.”

He wanted to smile at her refusal to back down but kept his face expressionless. “No way he’ll let me hang around your little town while I deal with Lex.”

“So Lex really is here?” She sounded uneasy, as well she should. “Why the hell should I believe any of this? Why would you go against Lex anyway? You and he are thick as thieves.”

The very image he’d striven so hard to project. “You want the truth?”

“Yes, damn it.” She curled her fists, and he knew he’d started to win her over.

“Lex has involved Hunters in the takeover of the pride. Now I might like being in charge, sure.” Actually, he hated it. He wanted everything to go back to the way it had been when Michael had been in charge. “But I don’t tolerate Hunters. You can believe that.”

Hunters—the Capitol H kind—killed Ac-taw. They were humans who knew shapeshifters existed and lived only to hunt and murder what they couldn’t understand.

Stacey backed away and hit the sink. “I have to tell the others.”

“You can’t. If word gets out to the wrong people, I’m fucked. And without me, you and your family don’t have a prayer of staying out of Lex’s hands. Think about it. There’s more than just danger to you and yours. There are pregnant females in the Cougar Falls Pride. Wouldn’t Lex just love to send a message using one of them?”

“Jesus, Quince. You wouldn’t hurt a breeding female.”

“I wouldn’t, no. But I think we both know Lex will do whatever he feels like. He couldn’t give a shit about the pride here. He wants you, and he wants Miles to suffer. So he’ll use Hunters, rogue Ac-taw, the idiot cats from our pride, whatever he needs to win in the end.” He gauged her silence and let out a deep breath. Finally, she’d come to her senses. “You go ahead and tell the pride I’m here. Before you know it, Lex will know he’s got a problem. He’ll probably find me and beat me down before I can shore up my reserves. And then you’ll be right back in a shit sandwich, never knowing when Lex will attack. And he will.”

She folded her arms around her middle and hugged herself, yet she never looked away from him. She was as strong and domineering as her stubborn brother.

He pressed his case. “If I don’t stop Lex now, you’ll always be in danger, never knowing when he’ll attack or who might get hurt. So which way do we do this, Stacey? Alert your brother and lose him? Give Lex the advantage? Or do what I tell you and let me handle it? Your call.”

She could be a handful, but Stacey Bermin had a brain. He watched her consider her options and wasn’t surprised when she snarled at him.

“Fuck. Fine.”

He blinked, not having heard her swear before.

“But let me tell you something, cat. You hurt my family or the pride here at all, just one little bit, and I’ll make you pay. One way or the other. I can promise you that.” The feline slit of her pupil warned of her cat’s need to protect.

And that fury reminded him so much of Joy that he softened without meaning to.

“So we good?” he asked gruffly.

“As if.” She blew out a loud breath and blinked quickly, but she couldn’t quite hide the sheen of tears there. “So I just need to prance around by myself and wait, is that it?”

Without a word, he dug into his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief that he handed to her.

She took it, used it and tossed it back at him. Then she patted her hair and gave him a false smile. “Well, Quince?” She opened her mouth to say something else, but an odd expression crossed her face.

“What?”

She surprised him by taking a step closer. The scent of her fear had completely faded. If he wasn’t mistaken, he sensed amusement. “I’m still waiting for my instructions, oh great leader.”

He didn’t trust her complacence but didn’t want to question his good luck. After giving her instructions, he ended with another warning to keep her mouth shut.

“Sure thing, boss. I wouldn’t want to make you mad. You might kill my whole family while we sleep.” She took a slow step back, keeping her left foot poised before lowering it again.

He looked down and swore. He picked up the bracelet that must have fallen out of his pocket when he’d handed her the handkerchief. With a jerky motion, he shoved it back in.

The sly grin on her face made it worse. Hell, he could feel his cheeks heat. Quince cleared his throat, wishing she didn’t know what that bracelet meant, but by the look of evil delight on her face, he had a bad feeling she knew. “Remember, don’t tell anyone I was here.”

“Not even Joy?” she asked with wide-eyed innocence.

He ignored her. Hopefully, she’d forget all about the ugly little bead bracelet Joy had given him years ago, a treasure he’d never been able to let go. Just his luck her sister would recognize it and understand its significance—a mating gift he fully intended to give back, just as soon as he claimed the stubborn cat.

“Not a word, Stacey. I’m not kidding. If Lex knows about me, you and your family are as good as dead.”

Her smiled disappeared. “I know.”

He nodded and moved swiftly to the back of the store. After a moment, he let himself out, careful to keep to the back alleys. The Hunter’s mist masking his scent would last a few more hours. So long as he could avoid any of the townsfolk, he’d be golden.

Now to set his trap.

Dean made it to Whitefish hours later, after ensuring that Monty would watch over Stacey. As much as he wanted to trust the hellion to take care of herself, he feared that in her current frame of mind, she’d disregard her safety just to spite him.

As he drove around town, he wondered what the hell he’d been thinking. Touching Stacey had never been in the cards. Sure he could fantasize and dream about her. But actually kissing her and holding her had been worse than stupid. For the past three hours he’d done nothing but relive that kiss. Harboring a crush on a conceited cat who wanted nothing more than to leave Cougar Falls in her rearview was asking for heartache. Trouble, asking for trouble. No hearts involved.

Dean scowled and pulled into the lot of Chastell Tours. He didn’t feel anything more for Stacey Bermin than a bad case of lust. And who wouldn’t? Anything with a Y chromosome responded to her. Even little kids walked right up to her for a good glimpse of that smile in full wattage.

He parked and slammed out of his truck, more than annoyed he couldn’t stop thinking of her. Despite their many run-ins—where she insulted him and he snapped back at her—those slight instances of sadness or vulnerability she’d shown had grabbed him and refused to let go. He continued to think there might be something deeper to the shallow cat who cared only about fashion and her own neck. He wanted to believe she loved her family, not because they were an extension of Stacey, but because she truly cared about them. And after kissing her, he needed to know he lusted after a woman with real feelings, not a superficial looker with nothing more than survival on her mind.

He sighed and walked into the office that should have been empty.

Grady had the Chapel group out today and the Benjamins weren’t due until eight Monday morning, giving him plenty of time to ready the cabins, go over the trail once more and get his shit together before the trip next week. There should have been nothing and no one to interfere with his downtime.

Yet Stacey sat next to Rachel, Burke’s mate, while Burke chatted with Monty. A huge lunch spread covered the table on which their brochures and pamphlets normally lay.

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.