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Seven months of waiting, watching, obsessing. Weeks of planning and she walked right into the belly of the beast and spent the night. Like I’m someone she can trust.
And I still can’t sleep.
It’s past midnight when I get up, put on my clothes and coat, and head to the barn. Shadow stands with his head hanging over the stall door. When I run my hand over his neck, he blows hot breath out in a white cloud. His whiskers prickle my palm as he rests his muzzle in my hand.
“We’re both up,” I say. “Let’s clear our heads.”
I tack him, mount up, and hang the electric lantern in front of me in the saddle. Shadow and I have taken late night rides for years. He’s a quiet, stoic horse who enjoys the stillness of the mountains while everyone is asleep.
Tonight, I have an itch, and not even the moonlight and frosty air scratches it.
It’s an hour later when I see the rise of smoke in the distance from Garrison Ranch. At first, it looks like it could be coming from her chimney. Then I realize there’s far too much for that. I squint and click my tongue, sending Shadow forward. He feels my mood shift and his gait goes jumpy, forcing me into a posting trot. We crest the hill over the river and he skids back, rearing up on his back legs for a second.
My center of balance is thrown back. My instincts kick in and my abdominal muscles tighten as Shadow’s front feet hit the ground. We can both tell something is wrong, and it’s making him want to move. I keep my weight steady, forbidding him from running.
At first all I see at the bottom of the hill is a blur of orange. Then I blink and it comes into focus.
Fuck.
The barn is burning.
Flames spill from the front door, eating at the wood. Casting shadows across the yard.
She’s alone in that house, probably asleep oblivious to the danger she’s in. Or she’s in the barn trying to save her horses. She said she’d named each one, there’s no way she’ll leave them inside.
I rip my hat off and dig my heels in. My legs tighten and Shadow shoots forward, slipping to a gliding gallop. The path down the hill with the fence to my right is clear and Shadow takes it easily. The wind bites my face and my eyes water.
We careen around the corner. The yard gate is shut, but Shadow doesn’t stop. His hoof beats thunder over the dusty ground and he soars over the fence, landing with an earth-shattering impact on the other side.
We skid to a halt by the truck. I dismount before he’s at a full stop and throw his reins over the horn in case he needs torun. He’ll go home if he spooks, he knows his way around the mountains.
The barn crackles. The heat sears my face as I run up the porch and try the lock. It doesn’t budge, so I back up and throw my shoulder against it. The wood groans, but stands firm.
Fuck this. I kick it in, right above the knob, sending wood shards flying.
As I enter, I almost collide with a small, soft body. Keira darts back, her eyes wide, and hits the light switch. She’s in her nightclothes, a short white slip, and her hair is a tangled mess of red. Her eyes are frantic. She reminds me of my unbroken mare, Angel, when I first brought her to Sovereign Mountain. Wild with terror, unreachable.
“My horses,” she gasps.
“Get into the yard,” I order. “Stay with Shadow.”
Her feet are bare and she’s barely covered, but she obeys. I practically carry her down the steps and when she sees the barn, she starts fighting me. Her chest heaves and her nails come out. Shredding my shirt as she tries to get away. I keep pushing her further from the barn and house, forcing her to where Shadow waits.
“My horses,” she screams. “My horses are locked inside.”
“I know, I’ll get them,” I say, pulling her back. “But only if you stay with Shadow.”
She twists and I grab her wrists, yanking her against me. Our eyes lock and I send her a look that makes her go still. She’s crying and I’m not sure she knows it. Tears stream unchecked down her face.
“Please,” she whispers, chin shaking. “Please.”
“Stay here,” I say, my voice low and urgent. “Do not move. Or I’ll have to pick between saving you or the horses. You know which I’ll pick.”
She nods, running her hand under her nose. I pick her up and put her up on Shadow and she grips the saddle horn. Shadow is a giant at seventeen hands tall and her body looks so small up there. But it’s the safest place for a quick getaway, and I know he’ll bring her back to Sovereign Mountain.
He gives me a sharp nicker. I move past him and head for the barn.
I hear her quietly sobbing as I circle the building. The side door is still intact. I take off my jacket and wrap it around my hand before touching the metal door. It slides back to reveal crackling flames on the far side by the front door. The horses hit their hooves against the doors, throwing their heads. The whites of their eyes catch the fire like coals.
