Giant of Mesabi

Tension grew between them, angering Alanna.  “Hate me if you want.”  The grooves near Rolt’s mouth deepened sardonically.  “But you will be mine—in every way!”  Alanna gasped with surprise.  Rolt’s boldness was unbelievable.  He knew that she was in love with Kurt.  How could he have the audacity to claim his brother’s girl?  Well, this was one time the arrogant, egotistical Rolt Matthews wouldn’t get what he wanted, Alanna thought defiantly.  She just wouldn’t cooperate.  No matter what he said.  Rolt couldn’t make her marry him against her will…

“I want to give you a warning, Kurt.”  Rolt’s voice was calm as he moved to his desk, not even bothering to glance at his brother.  “You’ve had a clear field with Alanna for long enough.  Now I’m joining the competition.”  Gasping, Alanna couldn’t believe that she had heard right.  Rolt was talking about her as if she wasn’t even in the room; referring to her as if she was some prize to be won and not a human being capable of deciding for herself which man she preferred.  Hadn’t she made it plain she heartily disliked him?  Rolt had made a fiasco of her homecoming.  Nothing had gone as she had planned!