Page 53 of Frost and Felines

The question was: how could he convince her to stay long enough to see that?

Kieran soon prowled around his office, his tiger's restless energy making it impossible to sit still. The police report lay open on his desk - Gregory and Vivian Simmons, charged with multiple counts of vandalism, property damage, and attempted arson. Their mug shots showed them both looking considerably less polished than usual. Vivian's perfectly coiffed hair was singed at the ends from Mallory's lightning.

"Serves you right," he muttered, a satisfied growl rumbling through him. The charges would stick - they had dozens of witnesses, security footage, and Gregory had been caught quite literally red-handed. The Simmons wouldn't be bothering anyone for a long time.

But the victory felt hollow without Mallory here to share it. His tiger whined, missing her scent, her quiet strength, and the way she fit perfectly against him.

She thought she was dangerous and out of control - but all he had seen was her fierce protection of what mattered.

Thunder rolled outside again, and Kieran moved to the window. Dark clouds continued to swirl above The Hearthstone. His fingers pressed against the glass, wanting to reach out to Mallory.

"You saved us all," he whispered. "You're not cursed, sweetheart. You're a gift."

His heart ached knowing she was alone, probably convincing herself that isolation was the right answer. He wanted to show her that she didn't have to face life's storms alone anymore. That he would weather any tempest by her side, help her find balance, and be her anchor when things got rough.

"I love you," he said softly to the storm clouds. "Lightning bolts and all."

An hour later, Charlotte found Kieran slumped over his desk. Papers were scattered everywhere, and his hair was a mess from running his fingers through it repeatedly. His tiger's agitation showed in the constant tap of his foot against the hardwood floor.

"You look terrible," Charlotte said, setting a cup of coffee in front of him.

"Thanks for the confidence booster." He grabbed the coffee, inhaling the rich aroma. "What am I supposed to do, Charlotte? She won't talk to me."

Charlotte settled into the chair across from him, her motherly concern evident. "Give her some extra time to process. That girl's been carrying guilt and fear for so long, it's become a shield."

"A shield I want to tear down." His tiger growled with agreement.

"Patience, Kieran. Show her you're not going anywhere." Charlotte's eyes softened. "But don't give up on her either. Sometimes people need to be reminded they're worth fighting for."

Kieran stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor. "You're exactly right. She needs to hear that."

He strode through the halls of his inn, determination in every step. Outside Mallory's door, he caught her scent - rain and lightning mixed with sadness. His tiger whined.

"Mallory?" He pressed his palm against the door. "Please open up. Just for a minute."

Silence answered him, but he could smell she was close to the door. His heart pounded.

"Fine, I'll talk through the door then." He leaned his forehead against the wood. "What happened yesterday? That wasn't destruction - that was protection. You saved my life. Saved all of us actually."

Thunder rumbled outside, matching the emotion in his voice. "You're not dangerous, sweetheart. You're incredible. The way you make everyone feel like they matter, and the way you stand up for what you believe in." His voice cracked. "The way you make me feel whole."

The storm intensified outside, but Kieran pressed on, his words thick with emotion. "You don't have to be alone anymore. I'm right here, and I'm not going anywhere. Whatever storms life throws at us, we'll weather them together. I'll protect you, stand by you, and fight for you."

Tears pricked at his eyes, his tiger howling inside him. "Just please, don't shut me out."

His heart leapt when he heard the soft click of the door unlocking. Slowly, it creaked open, and there she was. Herblonde hair was tangled, and her blue eyes rimmed with red. She looked like she hadn’t slept at all. Kieran’s tiger rumbled softly in his chest, a mix of relief and frustration. She was here, but she was pulling away. Again.

"Kieran," she began, her voice trembling. "Thank you. What you said... it meant a lot. But you don’t understand. Yesterday, I lost control. Again. And it’s because I care too much. About this place. About the people. About... you." Her eyes welled up, and she looked away, her hands balled into fists. "The bridge will be open after New Year’s Eve. I’m leaving then. It’s for the best."

His stomach dropped. "What? No. Mallory, that’s not—you can’t just?—"

"I have to," she interrupted, her voice firm despite the tears. "I’m dangerous, Kieran. I hurt people when I lose control. And I can’t risk that again. Not with you."

He stepped forward, his tiger’s urgency bleeding into his voice. "You saved us. You protected everyone from Vivian. You’re not dangerous, Mallory. You’re powerful. There’s a difference."

She shook her head, her arms crossing tightly over her chest. "Power like mine is a curse, not a gift. And you’re better off without me."

"The hell I am," he shot back, his voice sharp. His tiger snarled inside him, demanding he close the distance, wrap her in his arms, and never let go. But he held himself back. Barely. "You’re not a curse, Mallory. You’re the best damn thing that’s happened to this inn—and to me."

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