Page 27

27

MALLORY

T he morning light filtered through the sheer curtains of Mallory’s room and cast a soft golden glow on the now empty space. Her packed duffel bag sat by the door, the books Kieran had given her for Christmas tucked safely inside. She ran a hand over the dresser, her fingers lingering on the polished wood. The room had been her temporary haven, but now it felt like she was about to leave a piece of herself behind.

Kieran stood by the door, his broad shoulders filling the frame. He crossed his arms, and his blue eyes locked onto her with an intensity that caused her stomach to flip. "You sure you don’t want to stay for breakfast? Charlotte made pancakes," he said, his tone light but his gaze heavy.

Mallory forced a smile, though her chest tightened. "Tempting, but I should get going before the roads get busy." She grabbed her duffel bag and slung it over her shoulder, the weight of it grounding her. She needed to leave. She had to. Isolation was her sanctuary, her safety net. But part of her wished Kieran would argue and tell her to stay. Instead, he just nodded and stepped aside, his jaw tight.

They walked down the hall toward the lobby, the scent of fresh coffee and pancakes wafting through the air. Mallory’s heart ached with every step. She hated this. Hated the way her resolve wavered every time she looked at him. Last night had been… everything. And now she was walking away, pretending it didn’t matter.

Kieran reached for her bag. "Let me carry that."

"I’ve got it," she said, pulling it closer.

He raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth quirking up. "Still stubborn, huh?"

"Always," she shot back, though her voice lacked its usual bite.

Mallory's heart sank as they reached the lobby. The warm space had become so familiar – the crackling fireplace with its ornate mantle, the holiday garlands still draped across the reception desk, the antique grandfather clock ticking away in the corner. What had once felt like a strange place now felt like home, and leaving it behind felt like ripping off a piece of herself.

Charlotte stood near the front desk, her eyes already glistening with unshed tears. The older woman had become almost like a mother to Mallory over the past month, always ready with advice or a cup of tea when things got overwhelming.

"There you are," Charlotte said, her voice wavering slightly as she crossed the room and pulled Mallory into a tight hug. "I was afraid you might sneak out without saying goodbye."

"I wouldn't dare," Mallory replied, returning the embrace. The manager smelled like cinnamon and fresh laundry. "You'd hunt me down."

"You know I would," Charlotte confirmed, patting Mallory's cheek affectionately. "The door's always open if you change your mind, dear."

Amy hurried over from behind the desk, her red curls bouncing. "I made you snacks for the road!" She thrust a paper bag into Mallory's hands. "Those chocolate chip cookies you liked so much, and some of those weird healthy granola things you pretend to enjoy."

Mallory laughed despite herself. "They're not weird, they're nutritious."

"Same difference," Amy insisted, pulling her into a hug. "Please don't go. Who's going to help me deal with cranky guests now?"

"You're perfectly capable," Mallory assured her. "Plus, you have Charlotte and Kieran."

Chase stepped forward awkwardly. "The inn won't be the same without you, Mrs. Striker." He still used her fake title, which made this even harder.

"Just Mallory," she corrected gently. "And thank you for everything, Chase. Keep an eye on that northern pipe for me."

When she finally turned to Kieran, Mallory found him watching her intently, his powerful frame radiating tension. His blue eyes burned into hers, and for a moment, she forgot everyone else was there.

"So," he said, his deep voice rumbling in his chest. "This is it."

Mallory swallowed hard. "This is it."

He stepped closer, his presence filling her space in that way only he could. "Thank you," he said, "for everything you've done here."

"Thank you," she countered, "for letting me be part of this place, even temporarily." Her voice caught on the last word. "I'll never forget my time at the Hearthstone... or with you."

Kieran's jaw tightened, and without warning, he pulled her against him, his mouth capturing hers in a kiss that made her knees weak. It wasn't gentle or polite – it was possessive and demanding, a statement more than a goodbye. Mallory found herself responding despite her better judgment, her fingers gripping the front of his shirt.

When they broke apart, she could see the stubborn determination in his eyes, but he said nothing more as she picked up her bag and turned toward the door.

This was for the best, she told herself as she stepped outside. The cold January air hit her face, stinging her eyes – or perhaps those were tears. Either way, she didn't look back.

Mallory kept her chin up as she marched toward her SUV, each step taking monumental effort as she fought the urge to collapse into tears. Her keys dug into her palm, the physical pain a welcome distraction from the emotional hurricane brewing inside her. She had made the right choice. The responsible choice. So why did it feel like she was tearing her own heart out?

The parking lot stretched before her like a vast, empty wasteland, her dark blue SUV waiting faithfully at the far end. Just get to the car, she told herself. Don't look back. Don't think about his smile, or the way his eyes crinkled at the corners when he laughed, or how perfectly your head fit against his chest…

"MALLORY!"

The deep, commanding voice cut through her thoughts like lightning. Heavy footfalls pounded the pavement behind her, growing louder with each second. Mallory froze, her breath catching. She didn't turn, couldn't bear to see him one more time. It would break what little resolve she had left.

"Mallory, wait." Kieran's voice was closer now, slightly breathless. "Look at me."

She turned slowly, her heart slamming against her chest. Kieran stood barely a foot away, his broad shoulders heaving, his auburn hair disheveled. His blue eyes burned with an intensity that stole what little breath she had left.

"What are you doing?" she managed, hating how her voice trembled.

"Something I should have done days ago." He closed the short distance between them in one stride, his hands gripping her shoulders. "You can't leave."

"I have to?—"

"No." The single word was like a command, brooking no argument. "You're running scared, and I get it. But you're dead wrong if you think you're meant to be alone."

Mallory shook her head, snowflakes beginning to drift down around them. Perfect timing, as always. "Look," she said, pointing upward. "It's already starting. I'm not safe to be around."

"A little snow never hurt anyone," Kieran said, brushing a flake from her cheek with his thumb. "You're not a curse, Mallory. You're a blessing. Do you have any idea how much better a man I am because you crashed into my life?"

"Kieran—"

"I can't do this without you." His voice dropped lower, more vulnerable than she had ever heard from the typically confident tiger shifter. "I don't want to. Every room in that inn will echo with your absence."

The snow fell faster, circling them in a private little storm. Mallory closed her eyes, feeling her control slipping.

"What if I hurt someone else? What if next time it's much worse?"

"Then we'll face it together." His hands moved to cup her face, forcing her to meet his gaze. "Don't you get it? We're stronger together. Whatever comes, whatever storms—literal or figurative—we can handle them."

Mallory's heart twisted painfully. Even now, even after seeing what she could do, he wasn't afraid.

"If you truly can't stay here," he continued, his thumbs stroking her cheekbones, "then I'll come with you. I'll pack up right now. The inn, the business—none of it matters if you're not in my life."

The snow slowed its descent, hovering midair around them in a picture-perfect moment. Mallory stared at him, stunned by the conviction in his voice, the rawness in his expression.

He really just offered to give up his entire world for her.

"You can't give up the Hearthstone," she finally said, her voice but a whisper. "This place is your dream. Your creation."

Kieran's blue eyes blazed with fierce determination. "And you're more important than any of that."

His words hit her like a powerful physical force. No one had ever put her first like this—not since Eli. The realization crashed over her, completely washing away the walls she'd built around her heart.

"That's the most idiotic, wonderful thing anyone has ever said to me." A laugh bubbled up from somewhere deep inside her, and the snowflakes around them began to drift gently downward again—but this time, they sparkled with sunlight breaking through the clouds above.

"I mean it," Kieran said, his hands warm against her cheeks as he still cupped them. "Inn or no inn. I choose you."

Mallory shook her head gently. "No. You don't have to choose."

She saw confusion cross his face, those striking features tensing as he tried to understand. A warmth spread through her chest, melting the last of her reservations.

"I don't want you to leave this place," she continued, placing her palm against his cheek. "I want to stay here... with you."

Kieran went still. "Say that again."

"I want to stay," Mallory repeated, stronger now. "This place, these people—you. It's become my dream too."

His answering smile was blindingly beautiful. Without warning, he lifted her completely off the ground, spinning her in a circle as a triumphant laugh erupted from his chest. The sound echoed across the parking lot, pure joy in audio form.

"Put me down!" Mallory protested, though she couldn't stop her own laughter.

"Not a chance." But he set her down anyway, keeping her firmly in his arms. "You're never getting away from me again." His voice dropped to that low, possessive rumble that sent shivers racing through her.

"Is that so?" She arched an eyebrow, trying for skepticism despite the smile she couldn't suppress.

"That's most definitely so."

The morning sun broke fully through the clouds, bathing them in golden light as Mallory realized she had never felt so sure and so right about anything. This incredible, stubborn man who refused to let her isolate herself even when she had tried her hardest to push him away.

He leaned down, his mouth claiming hers with a possessiveness that made her entire body weak. His kiss was a declaration, a promise, and a claim. And Mallory returned it with equal fervor, her hands sliding into his hair.

When they finally pulled apart, Mallory felt light-headed, as though she might float away if Kieran's strong arms weren't anchoring her to the earth.

"Welcome home, Mallory," he murmured against her lips.