Chapter 34
THIRTY-FOUR
“ N o hospitals.” Meara tried to pull the mask off, but Artek’s hand covered hers, keeping it in place.
“Sweetheart, please.” His voice was rough with worry. “Let them check you out properly.”
Sammie glanced between them. “At minimum, you need to stay on oxygen for the next hour while we monitor you. If your levels don’t improve, it’s non-negotiable—you’re going to the ER.”
The next hour passed in a blur of oxygen treatments, firefighters, and police reports. The local fire chief confirmed it was definitely arson, pointing out accelerant traces around the door. Meara hugged herself, stomach churning at how close she’d come to...
She couldn’t finish the thought. Her chest still burned with each breath, a constant reminder of what could have happened if Artek hadn’t arrived when he did.
When the emergency vehicles finally departed, leaving the charred barn surrounded by yellow tape, Artek still hadn’t moved from her side. His jaw clenched as he stared at the building, muscles coiled with tension. He’d fully shifted back to human form, but fury radiated from every line of his body.
“Hey.” She touched his arm gently. The muscle beneath her fingers felt like steel. “Thank you. For saving my life.”
His gaze snapped to hers, hazel eyes dark with emotion. “I can’t lose you.” His voice was raw. “When I smelled the smoke, saw the flames...” He broke off, pulling her roughly against him.
She went willingly into his embrace, wrapping her arms around his waist. His heart thundered against her cheek. “I’m okay,” she whispered. “We’re okay.”
His hand tangled in her hair, tilting her face up. The kiss was desperate, almost bruising as if he needed to prove to himself she was really there. She rose onto her toes, meeting his intensity with her own. His growl vibrated through her chest as he backed her against the nearest tree, lifting her easily.
A throat cleared nearby. “Um, guys? Maybe save the sexy times for when we’re not standing in front of a crime scene?”
They broke apart to find Frenchy watching them with raised eyebrows, Gustavo at his side. Both men were dressed for a night out, though worry had replaced Frenchy’s usual playful expression.
“Honey, are you okay?” Frenchy rushed forward to hug her. “We came as soon as we heard. Those absolute monsters—I can’t believe they’d go this far!”
“I’m fine.” Meara squeezed him back, grateful for his familiar presence. “Just scared and angry.”
“As you should be.” Gustavo’s professional demeanor had softened with genuine concern. “This is a serious escalation from their previous harassment. We need to update our strategy.”
They moved inside where Meara had lit several candles to combat the lingering smell of smoke. The familiar scents of vanilla and lavender helped calm her nerves as she sank onto the couch. Artek sat beside her, his thigh pressed against hers.
“Although we can’t prove who set the fire,” Gustavo said, loosening his tie, “this escalation of violence reinforces our need for immediate legal action. I’d strongly recommend we file for a restraining order against the entire Lopez family based on their documented harassment. We can pursue that alongside the civil suit over the land dispute.”
“Finally!” Frenchy perched on the arm of the couch. “Let’s hit them where it hurts. My man here will bury them in so much paperwork, their great-grandchildren will be filing motions.”
“The restraining order won’t solve everything,” Gustavo cautioned, “but it establishes a legal record of their behavior and gives us more leverage if they continue the harassment.”
Despite everything, Meara found herself smiling at their determination. “Thanks, guys. Really.”
“Of course, darling.” Frenchy’s eyes softened. “Nobody messes with my bestie. Now, are you sure you’re up for dinner at Vida’s? We can reschedule...”
“No.” Meara straightened her spine. “I won’t let them disrupt my life more than they already have.”
Artek’s hand found hers, squeezing gently. “We should head over soon, then. Give you time to change and relax first.”
After Frenchy and Gustavo left—with promises to meet them at Vida’s—Meara showered, washing away the smoke and fear. She chose a soft sweater dress in deep purple, knowing Artek loved how it hugged her curves.
When she emerged from the bedroom, she found him pacing near the fireplace, tension still evident in his shoulders. The candlelight caught the strong planes of his face, highlighting the muscle ticking in his jaw.
“Artek.” She moved behind him, sliding her arms around his waist. He stilled instantly, covering her hands with his. “I can hear you brooding from here.”
He turned in her embrace, running his fingers through her damp hair. “They’re getting more violent,” he said quietly. “German’s running out of legal options to claim the land.”
“Which makes him more dangerous.” She pressed closer, taking comfort in his solid warmth. “He’s not going to stop until someone gets seriously hurt.”
“That’s not going to happen.” His eyes flickered gold, his bear close to the surface. “I won’t let it.”
She rose on her toes to kiss him softly. “I know.”
His hands slid down to her hips, pulling her flush against him. “You’re wearing my favorite dress.”
“Am I?” She smiled innocently. “I hadn’t noticed.”
A growl rumbled in his chest. “Tease.”
“You love it.” She nipped at his jaw, enjoying his sharp intake of breath.
“We’re going to be late to dinner,” he warned, though his hands had already slipped under her dress.
“Mm. Blame traffic?”
His laugh was rough as he captured her mouth again.
They were definitely late to dinner.