Better Be Tough

The Beck Brothers & A Ghost

Ella's POV

We have not heard from Jamie in over two weeks since the brawl in the main house. I've noticed that things have been tense. I have noticed that both Brantley and PJ are both on edge. I seen that same amount of agitation and edge within my dad and both of my uncles. I've been staying on the ranch with Aunt Brie and  Mama Becky. My mom has been busy working on something with my grandad. What ever it is about saving the ranch. I'm currently sitting on the front porch alone. This is the first moment that I can breath without anyone hovering. Brantley and PJ are out helping the wranglers along with my dad, my grandfather and uncles round up cattle. Aunt Brie went to a doctors appointment. My mom is in town at her office working on some land deal. Mama Becky is helping Gator cook dinner. I notice two SUV's that I don't recognize pull up. I instantly tense up. Who could be coming up here? What do they want? I debate running inside but it's to late. The SUV's pull to stop right in front of the porch. I see two men step out of the first SUV. I don't recognize these men. I also see two security step out with them.

"Good afternoon! My name is Teal and this is my brother Malcom. We are looking for John Dutton. We need to discuss some business with him." Teal the shorter brother says.

They both move closer towards me. I instantly stand up and take a step back. I notice the window of the second car roll down. I instantly feel my blood run cold. The one ghost from my past that's haunted me is back. I instantly know that this isn't going to end well for us.

"I don't care who you need to talk to. You're trespassing. I'm only going to ask you once to leave." I say looking directly at Malcom and Teal.

"I think you need to stay out of this sweetheart. You're nothing more than a pretty face. You're a woman that needs to learn to not speak unless spoken too. Do I make myself clear?" Malcom says as bends down and is eye level with me.

"Are you threatening me?" I ask looking him directly in the eye.

"That's not a threat it's a promise." Malcom says looking at me with an icy glare.

Before I have a chance to respond I hear someone start yelling as the walk up the driveway from the barn.

Rip's POV

I arrive back before the others to check on Ella. I have a feeling something's not right. I jump off Bullet my horse and make a dash up to the house. I see two men with guns in the yard. I also two other men who have my daughter cornered on the front porch.

"YOU NEED STEP THE HELL AWAY FROM MY DAUGHTER!!!" I yell as I head to the front of the steps.

A security guard pulls a gun on me. I instantly go on the tack. I disarm the guy that drew his gum and have him in a choke hold. I also point the gun at the other guy.

"Drop it! I'll drop you right not." The second security guard yells as he points his pistol at me.

Before he can even think of pulling the trigger. John rides up and knocks him on to his ass. He drops his pistol. John jumps off his horse and snatches the gun off the ground.

"This is my land and will not have you attacking my family. Now I suggest you step away from my granddaughter." John says looking directly at the two man standing threateningly next two Ella.

"John, we just are wanting to talk to you. We have a common enemy. I think you could use our help." The taller man out of the two says as they move down the stairs to meet with John.

"Follow me then and tell your boys to calm down. I would hate for something to happen to them." John says as he leads them towards the fire pit at the corner of the front yard. I drop the security guard that I was restraining and head up towards Ella.