Page 61 of Westward

“I see the big brother’s here to save the little brother,” the so-called reporter tried to begin, but his voice was a little too shaky.

“You’re going to delete it, now. The sheriff is already on his way.” Rune folded his arms over his chest, and I wanted to clap.

I loved it when my brother played badass. Because he was one.

“You know what, Atlas, you’re not going to like the article I write.”

“By article, do you mean sleazy tabloid shit? I remember who you are now. You’re going to want to go, and my lawyer will be in touch.”

After everything was deleted, with the sheriff helping lead everybody out, I swallowed hard and turned to Rune to say thank you.

Instead, Rune was hovering over Tess, glaring at her.

“Are you serious right now?” Rune asked.

“What? Everyone else is in town to protect your precious brother, but I’m not allowed to?” Tess asked.

I looked over at Callum, who shook his head.

“I had it handled.” The little girl in Tess’s arms reached out for Rune, and without even breaking eye contact, he pulled her from Tess’s hold and settled her on his hip.

“Rune—” Tess began.

“No. You do not have to protect anybody here. Especially not with nosy reporters. And not when you’re holding Wren.” Wren reached up and played with Rune’s beard, as if she had done it before, confusing the hell out of me, and then Rune turned around and walked away.

Tess stood there, hands on her hips, and shook her head. “Your brother’s an asshole,” she said.

“That is very much true. By the way, we haven’t truly met. I’m Atlas.” I held up my hand, and she looked down at it and smirked. Then she shook my hand, her smirk turning into a smile.

“It’s nice to finally meet you. Even though we’ve been in the same room a few times.”

“As all small-town gatherings tend to make happen.”

“I need to go get Wren from Rune. No matter how much your brother annoys the fuck out of me, my little girl loves him, and it’s never too early to teach my daughter to stay away from growling men.”

“Amen!” an older woman said from one of the booths, and Tess turned around and waved.

“Thank you, though,” I said, reaching out to touch her arm. She flinched, and I cursed.

“Sorry.” I put my hands in my pockets, but she just shook it off and smiled.

“Just tired. It’s nice to have a day off. I didn’t actually mean to bring my daughter into a bar, but Rune has a really good kids’ menu.”

“It’s why it’s a bar and grill,” Callum put in.

“That is true. Have a good season, by the way, Atlas. Make sure that asshole regrets ever setting foot in Ashford Creek.”

“Considering he had to deal with you, I’m pretty sure he already does.” I winced. “I meant that as a compliment.”

Tess threw her head back and laughed. “And I took it as one. Don’t worry. Have fun, boys. I have to go kidnap my daughter.”

And with that, she moved to the back room, leaving us behind.

“I have so many questions,” I said softly.

“So do I. I have a feeling, though, that Rune doesn’t like the fact that she saved you and he couldn’t. He’s defensive like that.”

I rolled my eyes. “Could be. Plus, he’s always protective of kids.”