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When I finished, Kian shook his head in amazement. “That was incredibly risky, Kate. But it sounds like your reconnaissance provided the intelligence we need to form a plan of attack.”
He reached out to squeeze my shoulder. “You did well. I’m impressed by your courage and resourcefulness.”
I flushed at the unexpected praise from Kian. Then I lifted my chin stubbornly. “Which is why you have to let me join the attack on the camp.”
Kian’s expression hardened. “Absolutely not. It’s far too dangerous now that they’re on alert looking for you.”
“But I can help!” I insisted. “Now that I’ve seen their defenses up close, I have ideas about the best way to get the stolen animals back safely.”
“My mind’s made up,” Kian said firmly. “You’ll stay behind where it’s secure while we handle the rustlers.”
Anger flared in me at being sidelined after I’d proven myself. “That’s not fair, Kian. I’m not some delicate flower who needs coddling. I can hold my own, especially with the advantage of surprise.”
“Fine,” Kian relented. “But you stay behind me. And if you can’t agree to that, then you will stay here.”
“Agreed.”
I stood beside Kian as we finalized plans, leaning over a crude map drawn in the dirt.
“If we approach from the south, we can use these boulders for cover before charging in,” Kian said, tracing a path along the canyon.
I studied the map, picturing the layout I’d scouted earlier. “I think we should send a small group to create a distraction at the front entrance first. It will draw the rustlers that way, allowing us to sneak in from behind and free the animals.”
Kian considered this, then nodded. “Good thinking. We’ll put Wyatt and Lance in charge of the distraction team.”
The others murmured agreement. I felt a swell of pride that Kian valued my input. This outsider was becoming part of the team.
As the sky darkened, we bedded down around the campfire. I couldn’t sleep, my mind racing over the battle ahead. After a while, I heard soft footsteps and turned to see Kian approaching. He sat down beside me with a heavy sigh.
“Nervous about tomorrow?” he asked. I nodded.
“I know you’re determined to see this through,” he said gently. “But no one would think less of you if you chose to remain behind when the fighting starts. This isn’t your battle to wage.”
I shook my head firmly. “You took me in when I had nowhere to go. Your people are my people now. I won’t abandon you against these rustlers.”
Kian studied me in the firelight. “You continue to surprise me, Kate. I’ve never known anyone as brave and loyal as you.” He took my hand in his. “I promise to protect you out there as best I can.”
My pulse quickened at his touch. “And I’ll watch your back in return,” I vowed.
We sat in silence for a moment, hands clasped. Then Kian bid me goodnight and withdrew to his bedroll. I lay down too, knowing I would follow this man into any danger.
Dawn came too soon, the deep blue sky fading to crimson as the suns rose. I checked my weapons one last time. My heart pounded, but my hands were steady. I was ready.
Chapter 8
Kian
At dawn, I led our group towards the rustler camp located in a canyon to the east. Kate rode beside me on her sirocco, Willow. I still had misgivings about bringing her along, but she had proven herself skilled enough for this mission. If we succeeded, it would deal a crushing blow to the outlaws who had terrorized our people for too long.
As we approached the canyon rim, I motioned for everyone to halt. We quietly crept the rest of the way to avoid detection. Peering down from above, I could see the layout of the camp - several temporary dwellings and animal enclosures. A dozen rustlers milled about, unaware of the threat poised to strike them.
I turned to Kate and the others. “Remember the plan. Circle around to your positions without being seen. Wait for my signal, then attack hard and fast. Secure the perimeter first so none escape.” They all nodded, faces grim. This fight would not be easy, but it was necessary.
We split into smaller groups and began silently making our way down into the canyon, sticking to any cover we could find. My heart pounded, senses heightened with adrenaline. I had waited a long time for this moment.
Soon we had the camp surrounded, taking up positions behind rock outcroppings and in the shadows of overhangs. I caught a glimpse of Kate across from me. Her eyes met mine briefly and I gave a slight nod. She nodded back, jaw clenched.
I drew my weapon and steeled myself. This was the moment. With a loud cry, I broke from cover, leading the charge into the rustler camp. All around me, my people let out fierce battle shouts as we swarmed in. The outlaws were caught off guard but reacted quickly, grabbing their own guns and taking up positions behind cover. A deafening barrage of gunfire erupted on both sides as we exchanged fire. I darted from shelter to shelter, picking off targets while bullets whizzed past my head. My heart pounded like thunder in my ears.
