Marshal Law (5 page)

She snorted, leaning some of her weight against him, making his breath rasp out around clenched teeth. Damn, but she affected him more than any woman had a right to. And in a way that was completely unnerving.

More laughter echoed through the town as Bret strutted onto the edge of the dirt road.
“
I seem to recall a couple of men sitting in the tavern that looked out of place. Reckon one of them was you. Where
’
s your partner?
”

A low growl rumbled in the shadows followed by the soft pad of footsteps. Ethan glanced toward the doors to the saloon, catching a blur of movement dart past the glare of the oil lamps lighting up the tavern. He smiled. Though Jude was more than impulsive at times, the man always had a plan. And if Ethan
’
s hunch was right, his partner was about to save their sorry hides.

He leaned against McKenna again, his voice low.
“
Get ready.
”

“
For what?
”

“
You
’
ll see.
”
He straightened, addressing Bret.
“
Marshal Davenport
’
s around. Never know where he
’
s going to show up.
”

“
Matters not, Marshal. As I see it, you
’
re outnumbered. I
’
ve still got six men out here and more inside that saloon. One wave of my hand and you
’
ll be in the midst of another gunfight. Only this time, you won
’
t surprise us.
”

Ethan sighed.
“
I was afraid you might see it that way. And if I wasn
’
t more concerned about Ms. Buchanan
’
s safety than I am with bringin’ you two boys to justice, I
’
d take you up on that. But as it is, we
’
ll have to save our proper introductions for another day.
”

“
Like hell we will. The only way we
’
re meeting is with you dead at my feet. That bitch, too.
”

He raised his revolver when the thunder of hooves and gunfire drowned out the chirping of crickets and raucous laughter from within the saloon. A cloud of dust tumbled down the road, the whinny of horses blending in with the pounding sound of their feet. A man appeared out of nowhere, chest bare, breeches half open as he reined in his horse, shooting across the street before motioning to them.

“
Go. Now.
”

He half carried McKenna the few feet to Jude
’
s side, tossing her up to the man as Jude grabbed her wrist, yanking her onto his lap. She flung her arms around his neck in what looked like an effort to catch her balance as the man kicked his mount, sending it tearing down the street. Ethan jumped onto his horse, laying down another round of cover fire before following Jude toward the open hills, using the choking dust as cover. Gunfire rang out behind them, but they
’
d already cleared the street, a strip of moonlight guiding them forward. He glanced back, wondering if Bret and his men would emerge from the blinding swirl of dirt, but only shadows chased them along the trail. He forced himself to relax slightly, spitting out clumps of mud caked on his lips and tongue as they cantered across the plain, leaving Tombstone behind them.

Ethan ran a weary hand through his hair. That hadn
’
t gone anything like he’d envisioned. Bret Wilson wasn
’
t an average outlaw. For some unknown reason, the man and his brother had a way of charming others to do their bidding. And Ethan knew the older brother wouldn
’
t rest until he
’
d made McKenna pay for shooting Frank. Until he
’
d made them all pay.

Chapter Three

“Easy, darlin’.” Jude Davenport braced McKenna between his arms as his mount raced across the hard ground, the sound of its hooves dulled by the oppressive darkness.

McKenna huffed, shoving against him. “I’m not your darlin’, and there’s nothing easy about riding a horse sidesaddle at a full canter. Especially without holding the reins.”

She clamped her fingers around his arms, her hands hot against his cool skin as she managed to wedge her leg over the saddle, facing him. He gave her a raise of his brow, allowing a playful smile to lift half his mouth. She punched him in the shoulder then wrapped her arms around his torso, using his body to help shuffle across his thigh, finally settling in behind him, her small hands cupped across his ribs.

Jude ignored the way her touch, however innocent, made his wolf howl inside his head, the animal pacing within him, clawing for a way to break free. He hadn’t planned on confronting the group in his alternate form, knowing Ethan was right. If they weren’t careful, McKenna wouldn’t be the only one with her picture hanging in the Marshal’s office. And all their noble deeds wouldn’t count for anything if the good folks of Tombstone learned they were shifters. But just when he’d planned on backtracking, those damn brothers had taunted her with sexual innuendo and his wolf had reacted. Instinctively. And he’d stalked into the dusty road, prepared to eliminate any threat.

McKenna cursed as a shift in the horse’s motion rocked her harder against him, her chest crushing into his back as she increased her hold.

He chuckled. “You could have just asked for the reins. I would have given them to you.”

A muted groan rumbled through her before she seemed to draw herself up slightly. “Then you’re a fool. I told you I’d try to escape. Handing me the reins would make that pretty damn easy.”

“You’d have to knock me off my horse, first, and that hasn’t happened since I was five.”

She smiled against his back, the soft play of her lips against his skin making his breath stall. She raised her head, placing her mouth next to his ear. “Any particular reason you didn’t grab my horse?”

He twisted enough she’d be able to hear him above the thundering beat of the horses and the whistle of the wind. “There were a dozen horses tied up in front of that saloon. How was I to know which one was yours? Besides, I didn’t have time to be picky. Half those geldings were spooked by the gunfire. Damn near got kicked just grabbing Ethan’s and mine.”

“You do realize all of my belongings were on that horse.”

He sighed. “Sorry. We can try and go back later, but…”

“But by then the good folks of Tombstone will have inherited my guns and effects, not to mention my horse.” She sighed. “Doesn’t matter. Reckon I won’t need them, anyway.”

He frowned. He’d meant what he’d said to Ethan. He wouldn’t willingly put her in harm’s way. No matter the personal cost. “You’ll need all of it and more if I have any say.”

Her brow furrowed against his flesh, the movement tickling her eyelashes across his neck. “That doesn’t sound very Marshal-like. And why the hell aren’t you wearing a shirt?”

“I’m not always a marshal, and my shirt snagged on another saddle. Was simply easier to remove it than fuss with untangling it. I’ve got a spare in the saddlebags. I’ll put it on once we’ve put enough distance between us and the Wilson brothers.”

“Then I suggest we don’t stop until we reach New Mexico.”

He smiled. He liked her sense of humor. “That might be a bit far, but I like the way you think.”

She snorted, the sound followed by a low moan. One of her hands released his ribs as she seemed to fiddle with her clothes for a few minutes before finally clutching him again. He glanced at her over his shoulder, but she’d tucked her head against his back, her breath a steady brush of warm air across his skin. He inhaled, trying to pick up any scent he should be concerned with. Layers of horse and dirt hung heavy in the air, the heady aromas dimmed by the sweet womanly essence that was all McKenna. It wove through his senses, blocking out the mix of sulfur and whiskey he’d smelled in the bar. A hint of kerosene blended with her warm fragrance, but it was too weak to pinpoint.

He nudged her gently. “You okay?”

“Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Maybe something to do with the gunfight we just left behind? I saw you stumble onto your knee.”

“I’m fine. Lost my balance is all—from the kick back. Just ride.”

He frowned. There was a tightness in her voice that hadn’t been there when they’d talked in the tavern. He inhaled again, giving his wolf more freedom. Varying layers of scents filled his senses, one making his gut twist.

He slowed his mount, easing the animal to a halt as he twisted in the saddle enough to look her in the eyes. He heard Ethan pull up short ahead of them, the steady thud of hooves informing him his buddy had turned his horse around.

Jude glanced at what he could see of her. “I smell blood.”

She quickly shifted her body to adjust to the change in balance, the new position pressing one breast against his arm as her face lingered dangerously within reach. She narrowed her eyes, giving his body a slow sweep. “You
smell
blood?”

“It’s not strong, but it’s there.”

“How…” She paused, a flicker of understanding flashing in her eyes before she eased back. “Will Tanner got a shot off before he went down. It grazed my arm. I’ve cleaned and bandaged it, but I’m sure there’s still a bit of blood seepin’ through. It’s only been a couple of days.”

His gaze dropped to her arm then up to her face. “That’s all?”

“Isn’t that enough?”

“That’s not what I meant. Maybe—”

“Problem, partner?” Ethan stopped beside them, his attention focused on McKenna.

“Just ensuring our companion is all right after her run-in with the Wilson brothers.”

Ethan nodded, looking at her. “Are you?”

“I already told your friend that I’m fine. Told you, too…earlier, if I recall.”

She sat up straighter, but Jude didn’t miss the way her jaw clenched. She was hiding something. He just didn’t know what.

Ethan shifted his gaze to Jude, the raise of his brow indicating the man had come to a similar conclusion. “His name is Jude, in case you’ve forgotten, though we both know you haven’t.” He pushed a hand through his hair as he studied the open plain behind them. “We’ve covered a fair chunk of land, but I think it’d be wise to put a bit more distance between us and Tombstone, even though I’d rather not risk the horses at night. There’s an abandoned homestead a couple of hours ride east of here. Railway purchased it, but with all the delays they’ve had, they haven’t gotten that far with the spurs. We should be safe until mornin’. We can discuss our plans then—after we’ve all had a chance to rest.”

McKenna glanced at the blackened horizon. “Two hours?”

Ethan leaned forward, closing the distance between them. “There a problem with that? A reason we should stop sooner?”

Her stubborn determination gleamed in her eyes, masking any other emotion. “Let’s ride.”

Ethan’s brow furrowed and Jude thought he might demand more answers before he sighed, nodding at Jude. Jude returned the gesture, tapping his horse in the flanks. The animal snorted then lurched forward, easing into a gentle canter. McKenna’s grip tightened, her body shifting behind him. He could feel every inhalation, every twitch of her hands as she gripped his chest, finally relaxing against him as the miles passed beneath them.

He smiled. Having her hold him, even knowing it wasn’t by choice, felt right. The play of her fingers across his skin, the brush of her hair against his shoulder soothed a raw feeling inside him he hadn’t known was there. Hell, maybe it hadn’t been until she’d unlocked some hidden door within him, making him acutely aware of how her presence filled him in ways he’d never imagined.

His wolf puffed up its chest, and he swore the damn thing was gloating. He sighed. Ethan was right. Though Jude had entertained the notion of a mate before, he hadn’t actually thought one existed. It’d seemed too convenient, too farfetched to be real. Yet his instincts screamed the word in his head, refusing to be pushed aside when he gave himself a mental shake.

He sighed, blocking out the incessant chattering in his mind as he kept the pace slightly slower, hoping to reduce any jarring for the woman making his head spin. She’d been quiet since they’d stopped, the time passing quicker than he’d anticipated. He suspected it had something to do with the gentle weight of her head against his shoulder blade and how her breath grazed his arm, beading it with goose bumps. The thought made him smile when her hands twitched against his chest, her head pressing harder into his back as her body flinched.

He glanced over his shoulder again. “Something wrong?”

She answered him with a hiss of breath followed by a low groan before finally lifting her head. “How much longer?”

“Moon hasn’t moved that much. I’d say we’re about an hour into it. Why?”

Her next few breaths felt forced, the short, choppy inhalations heightening his awareness. He inhaled again, this time catching the scent of her blood heavy in the air around them.

“Fuck!” He reined in his horse, grabbing her arms as he twisted to face her.

Pale skin glared back at him, her lips pinched tight with obvious pain.

He leaned in close, not allowing her to shy away. “Where were you hit?”

She clenched her jaw, that stubborn pride rearing its head before she winced, snagging her bottom lips between her teeth as she seemed to breathe through the pain. “Left side.”

“Shit!” He glanced at Ethan as the man stared back at them, brow raised, confusion clouding his eyes.

Anger shaped the man’s face and he urged his mount around, quickly eating up the short distance between them. He stopped abruptly, mouth opening before he closed it quickly, his rough intake of air speaking volumes.

He looked directly at McKenna. “I smell blood. A lot. And it’s not Jude’s.”

She frowned. “How do you know—”

Jude cut her off with a firm glare. “Her left side.”

Ethan dismounted, reaching for her as Jude helped her into Ethan’s arms.