Alexander Ranch (21 page)

“
Grace kicked everyone else but Jordan out so that we could work on you. We would have had to have Logan and Ethan drag Jordan out, so we let him stay
,” came her reply and I winced at the pain it caused.

“What is it, Lela?” Jordan asked anxiously taking my hand.

“Nothing,” My voice came out in a whisper. “Relax Jordan. I’m fine and feeling better by the moment.”

“I’m going to remove my hands now. Tell me if the pain becomes worse,” Grace instructed. She gingerly removed one hand and then the other.

“No, it’s just an ache now,” I croaked.

“Good. You need to rest now. I’m going to come in and check on you every half hour or so and see how you’re doing,” Grace announced. “I think we should take this slowly and let your body do most of the work. Daisy and I have taken care
of your bruises and scrapes but, I’m reluctant to deal with your brain.”

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“It’s hard to explain. You had a mild concussion, but that was from the blow to your head. I sensed, however, another pain that seems to be coming from your brain. It’s like it was inflamed in one area. And, I believe it has something to do with your telepathic ability. Somehow, I think you are able to use it to resist drainers. But, it uses a lot of mental energy and makes you weak. As I told Jordan, I think this is why you passed out after each of these encounters.”

I had never thought of this. I understood the words, but I had no reaction. While a part of me was definitely interested in her theory, I was too tired to react. She must have known because her face softened.

“We can discuss all of this later. Right now I want you to get as much rest as possible,” Grace said squeezing my hand and signaling for everyone to leave the room. Daisy, patted my shoulder gently and headed for the door with Grace. Jordan, however, did not move. He was sitting in a chair beside the bed and was holding my hand.

“I’m not leaving, Grace,” h
is eyes did not leave mine as he spoke the words in a firm voice. Grace hesitated and looked at him from the doorway. She looked at me and I tried for a smile.

“It’s fine,”
I thought. She gasped, smiled and nodded.

“Ok, Jordan, but please let her rest. She needs all she can get,” Grace instructed. She and Daisy exited and I turned to Jordan. His face was rigid and grim.

“I am so sorry, Lela,” he began. The anguish in his voice tore at me.

“Sorry for what?” I asked, my voice even more of a whisper now.

“That is the second time that bastard got to you on my watch! The second time you were almost killed because of me!” he growled, the raw fury and self-loathing evident in every word.

“Jordan, no! You can’t blame yourself – ”

“The hell I can’t,” he roared cutting me off, “I have one simple job – protecting you. And, I’ve failed miserably at it twice.”

“Jordan, please!”
I thought frantically at him. It hurt too much to talk.

He put his head down on my arm and squeezed my hand. I caressed his head and ran my fingers through his beautiful dark locks trying to sooth him. After a few moments, he let out a deep breath and looked at me.

“Just please tell me you forgive me, even if I can’t forgive myself,” he pleaded. “I promise it will never happen again.”

“There’s nothing to forgive. Please, Jordan, don’t do this.” Now it was my turn to plead.

He raised my hand to his lips and gently kissed the back of it. He spoke the next words on an exhaled sigh, “Ok, but, I’ll stay with you if you don’t mind.”

“I don’t mind,” I said with relief. “Will you do something else for me?”

“Anything,” he said reaching up to brush my hair from my forehead.

“Will you…,” I could feel the tears welling up and I couldn’t continue. I hated crying. Even more important, I didn’t want him to see me cry, but I just wanted to crawl into Blake’s lap like I did when I was a kid and have him hold me and tell me that everything would be alright. But, Blake wasn’t here. Jordan was.

“Lela, honey, what? What do you need?” he asked in alarm.

“I just want you to hold me,” I said and the overwhelming events of the day washed over me as tears began to fall. Jordan climbed onto the bed and
gently pulled me into his arms. He didn’t say a word but just let me silently soak his shirt. However, my roiling emotions were quickly overcome by fatigue and I fell asleep wrapped in the feeling of safety in Jordan’s arms.

Chapter 27

When next I awoke, I opened my eyes to see Jordan propped up on one elbow peering down at me. His face was serene and he smiled at me.

“Hey,” he greeted me.

“Hey,”

“How are you feeling?” he asked watching me closely. I was under the impression he was watching every tiny facial movement.

I paused for a moment, taking inventory. Surprisingly, I felt great. I stretched experimentally and smiled slowly. He lifted an eyebrow.

“I feel great actually,” I admitted in sleepy surprise. I didn’t seem to have an ache anywhere.

“What about your head?” Jordan asked.

“My head feels fine.”

“Grace said you would probably feel fine when you woke up. I’m going to have to do something really nice for her.”

“Grace?” I asked confused. “Did she come back and check on me?”

He nodded, “She did a few times but you didn’t wake up. She said, however, that you seemed fine and you likely wouldn’t even have a headache when you woke.”

I moved my head around experimentally and sat up. “Well, she’s right. I feel fine if not just a wee bit tired.”

Jordan gently tugged me back down and leaned over me, “You’re sure?”

“I’m fine, really,” I assured him.

“Good,” he said, giving me a soft peck on the lips. Then his eyes met mine and he tentatively touched his lips to mine. The kiss started out hesitant and gentle, and I responded automatically to the heartbreaking sweetness of it. His fear for me and frustration were mingled with desire and need. I could feel the depth of his alarm and yearning for me.  His need became my need. His internal turmoil both terrified me and drew me to him like a moth to a flame.

Deep down I knew that I should put a stop to this. Getting involved with this super human of a man would undoubtedly be much more than I could handle and possibly result in my demise. But, all of my protests died a silent death as his hand slowly made its way down my body. He reached my hip and gently but urgently pulled me closer and pressed me into the soft mattress as he deepened the kiss. My every thought was pulled under and drowned in his sensual undertow. I could do nothing but cling to him and return his kiss as he expertly invaded my mouth with his tongue. My response seemed to fuel him and he massaged and squeezed my body as he pulled me even closer.

Jordan tore his mouth from mine at the sound of a light knock on the door. The sound of harsh breathing and gasping seemed loud to me now, knowing that someone was just on the other side of the door and could hear it too without the exceptional hearing the Alexanders’ possessed. Jordan growled in frustration before barking out, “What!”

“It’s me,” came Logan’s neutral voice. Though I was certain he could hear what was going on his voice gave nothing away. I flushed wondering how long he’d been there as he continued, “I was wondering how Lela was this morning, and if I could have a word with her.”

Jordan looked at me and I could see the barely leashed control in his eyes and shuddered. He seemed to be trying to read my face and I wondered if he saw the mingled relief along with my own frustration. Logan had thankfully interrupted what I had been too weak to prevent.

“Go away, Logan,” Jordan growled, but his growl had lost some of its bite.

“Jordan, I need to talk to you also if Lela isn’t, uh, free. It’s rather urgent.” Jordan’s voice wasn’t so neutral now. There was a hint of urgency and worry now.

“We’ll both be down soon. Now go away!” Jordan retorted irritated but resigned.

“Jordan – ,” came the voice from the door but Jordan cut him off.

“Lela, tell Logan you are perfectly fine before I lose my temper and smash his face in.”

“In your dreams, little bro,” Logan snorted.

“I’m fine, Logan. I’ll be down in a moment,” I replied hastily trying to stifle my amusement at Jordan.

“Are you sure?” Logan asked reluctantly.

“She’s sure, damnit!” Jordan yelled before I could reply. “Now will you go the hell away?”

“I’m sure. Really. I will be right there,” I called out before Jordan could get anymore irate.

“Ok, then,” Logan’s voice held reservation and reluctance, “I’ll be in the study. And, Jordan, if she isn’t down in the next five minutes I’m coming through this door and dragging you out of there.”

“You could try,” Jordan challenged.

I wasn’t sure if Logan actually left. I never heard the sound of receding footsteps. But, after a moment Jordan took a deep breath, sighed and relaxed. “What is it about you that makes everyone so protective? I’m starting to think that all of the previous interruptions weren’t accidents.”

“That’s an embarrassing thought,” I chuckled despite my embarrassment.

“Goodness, you’re beautiful. Seeing you in my bed all sleepy and – ,”

“Uh, Jordan?” I interjected.

“Right,” he said then gave me a quick kiss on the lips and rolled off the bed. “I’d better leave so you can get ready. Take as long as you need. I’m sure Logan will leave you alone as long as I am out of here.”

“Tell Logan I’ll be right down,” I said sitting up in the bed now.

“Are you ok, Lela?” Jordan asked standing in the open doorway with his hand on the knob.

“I’m fine, Jordan.”

“Good, because I can’t seem to keep my hands off of you,” he grumbled running a hand through his dark locks.

“I’ve noticed. And, while I think we need to have a serious talk about that, I can only face one of you Alexander men at a time.”

“Ok,” he said reluctantly, “but, Lela, can we agree to just take it slow?”

“Jordan, I’m not sure – ”

“I’m not either
, “he interrupted, “What I
am
sure about is that I can’t just ignore this thing between us.

I stood there not knowing what to say.

Please,” he pleaded, “don’t say no. I’ll do whatever you want as long as you don’t say no. We can slow things down. I can give you time or whatever you need. Just, don’t say no.”

I looked at his desperate face and was shaken to my core. “Ok, Jordan, I won’t say no
but, I can’t promise a yes either.”

“I can accept that,” he nodded. Then, he stepped out and close
d the door behind him. I sat there staring at the closed door for a full minute. I didn’t want to examine too closely this attraction between us. Yes I was attracted to him, strongly attracted to him, but I wasn’t sure that I wanted to pursue a relationship. Realizing I needed to get moving, I decided that I would simply take things one day at a time.

I jumped out of bed and dressed. Apparently, while I was fading in and out yesterday someone had changed my clothes. I could only hope it was Daisy or Grace. But, I didn’t have time to dwell on that. Was it only yesterday that I was almost snuffed out by a crazed super human maniac? I didn’t have time to dwell on that either. I would go see what Logan wanted and then go home, take a long shower, crawl into my bed, and stay there for the rest of the day. Then I would sort out this mess that had become my life.

Ch
apter 28

Logan looked at me critically when I entered the library. Apparently deciding that I was in good health and not s
uffering any acute side effects from either my ordeal yesterday or from his brother, he gestured me to a chair.

“Have a seat,” he said gently. I sat. “I wanted you to know how sorry I am, we all are, for our failure to adequately protect you yesterday. I can only hope you can forgive us.”

“You all saved my life yesterday, Logan. I’m grateful. There’s nothing to forgive,” I said vehemently.

“Thank you,” he acquiesced reluctantly
. “And, I also wanted to let you know that you are welcome to return to your regular job. Though, the offer still stands that if you’d like to consult for us on cases we’d love to have your help. Your gift would be invaluable.”

“I really appreciate the offer Logan. And
, thank you for all that you guys have done for me,” I stated with heartfelt sincerity. “I’d like to think about that offer, though, if you don’t mind.”

“Of course. Take all the time you need. I think you will find that we pay quite generously if you decide to come aboard. But, Lela, don’t feel obligated. There will be no hard feelings if you decide you don’t want to consult.”

“Thank you, Logan.”

He stood now and came around his desk to give me a warm embrace. “Don’t be a stranger. You are welcome here anytime. And, tell John that we’ve decided we don’t need to hire a vet. We will be using his services for the care of our animals.”