Branding A Legacy (A Silver Star Ranch Novel) by HJ Bellus Page A

saw something in the middle of the road, and it was Marvel.”
    His name rolls off my lips in a whisper, and it’s then I remember our kiss. I run my fingertips along my lips and silently pray to God he’ll make it out of this.
    “Who’d you call or what did you do?” the stranger asks.
    “Who are you?” My question comes off extremely rude. “I’m sorry…”
    He waves me off before I have the chance to completely apologize. “I get it. It’s been an emotional night.”
    “Clover, this is my best friend from high school, Sterling, and Sterling, this is Clover.”
    He sends me the very polite Texas nod, tipping his cowboy hat toward me. He’s by far taller than the two Slatter men, with a lean body and dark curly hair.
    I go ahead and answer his question. “I jumped from my car once I recognized Marvel’s eyes and went to him. Then called 911 after seeing how bad his wounds were. He begged me not to call.”
    “Why would he do that?” Ella rubs her hands over her swollen belly as Maverik reaches down, placing a kiss on the top of her head.
    “He told me to go or they’d kill me and him.”
    “Did he mention names?” Maverik asks as he jumps up from the couch.
    I shake my head side-to-side, feeling guilty for not questioning Marvel more, but in the moment I was stressed over his condition.
    “I know who it was and I don’t know…”
    Sterling places his large hand on Merek’s shoulder and shakes his head. “Not here, not now. You need to be here for your family. Let the authorities take care of it. The sheriff called in the FBI.”
    “Do you want a ride home, Clover? I know you were excited to go have dinner.” Ella asks. The concern covering her face nearly causes me to crumble down in tears.
    “Ha.” A roll of hysterical laughter escapes from me. I know I look like a mad idiot but can’t help it. “My uncle kicked me out since I missed dinner.”
    The whole group stares at me as I try to control my laughing fit as I wipe the tears from my eyes. “I’m homeless.”
    “You’re what?” Challis jumps from the couch.
    I’m not sure how to go about telling them my own family kicked me out for skipping dinner tonight, and then the words of the FBI agents practically give me whiplash. They warned me not to let anyone know I’m related to Saint. My head spins out of control as I process everything.
    “Clover, did you say you’re homeless?” Challis takes a step toward me.
    This time I shrug as I answer her. “Yeah, my uncle got pissed I missed dinner tonight and told me my belongings would be in the driveway.”
    “That’s bullshit. Let’s go get it.” Her voice is laced with anger and completely defensive in my honor.
    Again I can only shrug. “It’s fine. I actually don’t think there’s anything out there of mine. It’s all in my car or the staff room here.”
    “What a dick,” Challis huffs out.
    “Settle down, Verde.” Merek walks up behind her, wrapping his arms low around her waist.
    “You can come stay at the ranch, Clover. My old bunkhouse is empty,” Maverik says. “I’ll have it cleaned up for you.”
    The kindness and absolute open welcome nearly causes me to pass out. This is definitely something I’m not used to having been raised by an ice queen. I fight to form a word but nothing comes out.
    Ella places her hand on my knee. “Just say yes because they won’t give up.”
    “She’s right.” Maverik nods to me.
    “I don’t understand any of this if I’m being honest.” My fingers tremble as I try to clutch them together.
    “Who the fuck does understand life?” Merek adds. “Hell, look where we all are now.”
    “Okay.” I nod and feel sure in my answer. “Okay, but I’ll stay here tonight since I just volunteered to cover a morning shift.”
    “Sounds good, sweetie.” Ella’s smile is bright. “I’ll get everything set up for you and show you the way.”
    I nearly forget that Sterling was with us. He pushes off the wall and clears his