by J. E. Cluney
Not like my old horse I’d had as a kid, Beauty. He’d loved being with me.
“Some of the kids I think,” Ray shrugged.
“A kid named a horse Braveheart?” I said in disbelief.
“Okay, maybe not,” Ray rolled his eyes.
I followed him outside to the two chestnut geldings saddled and ready. Their reins were carefully thrown over a rail and they were waiting patiently for us.
“That’s Braveheart, you can ride him,” Ray pointed to the smaller gelding with the blaze down his face. “And this is Rudolph. He’s still a bit skittish with ‘wolves, so he can use extra riding.”
I eyed the large gelding with his chunky quarter horse butt. The breed was known to be built like tanks, nothing like Belle who was a thoroughbred cross.
Rudolph threw his head back and quivered as Ray approached him. He wasn’t lying about the horse being skittish.
“He’s still young too. Braveheart is about eight years old. He was bred right here,” Ray chuffed as he climbed up into the saddle.
Rudolph danced on the spot as Ray leaned forward and hoisted his reins up.
I pursed my lips at the timid horse. I’d never ride such an unpredictable mount. Belle had a mind of her own at times, but she was never downright dangerous.
I approached Braveheart slowly, but he just flicked an ear in disregard as I drew up beside him.
“You’re a handsome fella,” I remarked as I stroked his mane, the skin quivering beneath it as if he was trying to rid himself of a fly. At least he didn’t look on edge like Rudolph.
I pulled myself up into the saddle and gathered up the reins.
I still winced whenever I did certain things, as if I expected that hot pain to sear through my nether regions again. I’d had Melissa check me over a month ago when I was having phantom pains, and she told me I was all healed up, just some internal scarring. It shouldn’t hurt at all anymore she’d said.
But my memories still hurt.
Ray led the way, Rudolph tossing his head and jittering for a while before he finally settled into a steady walk. Braveheart plodded along happily, but I couldn’t feel the same tension Belle had beneath the saddle. The muscles taut and ready to release at the drop of a hat. It was something I loved about her. Racing was something she loved.
I settled into the saddle, content to finally be back in a familiar position.
Braveheart was an easy mount, happy to just follow along behind the horse in front.
“Has Braveheart done anything other than mustering?” I asked as I pushed him to draw up alongside Rudolph and Ray.
“Not really. He wasn’t into any of the competitive stuff, and not many of us take part in it. We couldn’t, not with Richard. Nathan has shown some of the teens how to ride, and some of the men and even women have gotten back into riding more. John wants to take up barrel racing, and Isabella wants to do showjumping. We’ll be setting up a proper arena soon enough so that the children can learn in a controlled environment, and then we can get some jumps too,” Ray said as he relaxed back into his saddle.
“That’s good. I did some jumping on my old horse Beauty when I was younger. I used to dream of doing more, barrel racing or jumping. Dressage never caught my fancy, but I never pursued the others. Too caught up with other stuff I guess,” I shared.
“I’ve never done proper jumping, just the odd stuff out on trails,” Ray said as he squinted against the afternoon sun. We moved the horses into the shade of the pines as we continued along.
“We should check out how the new fields are coming along. The loggers should be done within the next week if all goes well,” I said as I gave Braveheart a gentle kick. He was falling back a little. Definitely too lazy a horse for what I liked.
Ray nodded and turned Rudolph towards one of the field gates in the corner.
He somehow managed to open it despite Rudolph prancing on the spot as Ray leaned down to undo the latch.
I probably should’ve offered to do it. Too late now though.
I squeezed through the opening as Rudolph’s butt kept getting in the way as he tittered about despite Ray scolding him and trying to pull him into line.
“You should’ve grabbed another horse,” I remarked as he struggled to get Rudolph to stand still long enough for him to close the gate.
“Someone needs to get him into line. My Dad taught me to ride when I was a kid, so I can handle a skittish horse,” Ray laughed as he finally did the latch back up.
Rudolph chewed at the bit, stomping his foot in agitation. He really needed some more hours under saddle.
“We’ll take the trail through the forested area, it’s quite beautiful,” Ray said as he drew Rudolph back out in front.
Braveheart kept in even step behind him, and let out a disgruntled snort when Ray pushed Rudolph into a trot. Braveheart begrudgingly complied, but his movements were not as high and taut as Rudolph’s. It really felt more like it was too much effort for the smaller gelding.
“C’mon, you’re acting like you’re old,” I muttered as I gave him a soft kick to hasten his pace.
His ears flicked back, and he got some more spring to his step with the extra urging.
I rose in the saddle in time with his trot, unable to withstand the sitting trot that some people did. How they could just bounce around in the seat was beyond me.
We spoke about Ray’s photos he’d selected for his showing, including some gorgeous shots of the herd racing through the pines and a zoomed in shot of a sleepy barn owl.
And when the pine trees gave way to an open field, Ray gave Rudolph his head, and he shot off. With quite a lot of coaxing, Braveheart followed.
10
The wood-fired pizzas Jaye brought back were absolutely delicious. Freshly made and cooked to perfection in a nearby town.
We all sat on the couches in the living area of the original lodge, stuffing our faces as Jaye told us about the rich family.
“Their daughter, damn, she was infuriating. So spoilt and rude. She turned her nose up the painting. It was a gift from her father to her mother, a family portrait. The mother adored it, she actually cried, so I guess that was all that mattered,” Jaye said as he took a hefty bite of his hot pizza.
“Well, that’s good the mother liked it. And ignore the daughter, it wasn’t for her anyway,” I said as I took a swig of my water. I’d traded in soft drink for something healthier, not a choice my two boys made as well.
“It took you, what, over a week to paint it?” Ray asked through a mouthful of food.
“Yeah,” Jaye nodded, his blue eyes flicking to me under the hair that fell into his face. One day I’d trim that back.
Jaye had set up a corner of the living area here for his painting endeavors until the main lodge was completed.
“So, Ray said that Nathan had Belle transported here?” Jaye raised an eyebrow as he finished off his piece of pizza and dove in for another.
“Yeah, we let her out into the field after our ride today. We checked out how the loggers were doing clearing new fields. They’ve done well, we’ll just have to wait for the land to be cleared of all the felled trees and for the grass to grow well before moving the cattle in. We’ll get started on fencing in the few areas that still need it. The Pack has been on top of fencing each area that’s been cleared so far,” I said.
“It’ll be good to grow the cattle herds,” Jaye nodded.
“I think it’ll be great to get the kids to help out with some more ranch duties now that they can, even like some musterings and such. The older kids, I mean. Richard never allowed for that sort of thing, and I think they’d find it good, knowing they’re of use to the Pack,” Ray suggested.
“Of course, let the men know to try to involve the teens if they can, and women are welcome to join in too. I know it was a bit stereotyped for a while where they did only the cleaning and child caring duties. This is a place of equality now,” I said as I chomped into another slice of heavenly pizza. The cheese melted in
my mouth, and the chicken and pesto topping was delicious as all hell.
My phone sounded off in my pocket and I rummaged for it. Neema had returned it to me after she’d practically moved to this ranch, although she was away for a while hunting down some rogues. Something I was a little bummed about. She hadn’t asked me along.
I eyed the caller I.D and smirked. Speak of the devil.
“Hey Neema, what’s up? How’s the hunt?” I answered.
“Good, I’ve found them. There’s two rogues hiding out on the outskirts of town, I was hoping you could come join me.”
I caught my breath as I glanced at my two companions who were watching me curiously.
“Um, okay, where should I meet you?” I asked, my mouth going dry as my heart hammered.
Finally, I could go back out on a hunt.
Neema gave me an address, and the phone clicked off as I stared down at my half-eaten slice of pizza.
“Everything okay?” Ray asked.
“Yeah, she wants help on a hunt,” I managed a soft smile.
“You think you’re ready for that?” Jaye asked with a frown.
“I’ve been sitting them out for a while, Neema wanted me to recover from everything else first. But I need to put my skills to use, no more fake fights. I need to know I’m capable out on the job,” I nodded, although some doubt slipped into my mind.
Was I really ready to face this now? To get back out there? I’d hunted rogues with Neema before all of this. And I’d killed at least a handful myself with her help.
“You can take my truck if you want?” Ray offered.
“Thanks,” I smiled. I definitely needed to get my own vehicle eventually.
“I’m not too convinced you should be doing this,” Jaye murmured as he set his soda on the coffee table and stared at me with concern.
“I’ll be fine. I’ll have Neema,” I reassured him as Ray tossed me his keys.
“Still, there’s two rogues,” he argued.
“And we’ve had proper Huntress training,” I shot back with a scowl. Why was he trying to stop me from what I wanted to do? I mean, I was nervous, but I needed to do this. I needed to get back to normal, and a Huntress was what I’d been training for. I wanted to do that.
“I can’t stop you, but I don’t have to feel great about it,” he sighed, a look of defeat washing over his face. He was right there. Since when had they ever been able to stop me from doing what I wanted to do?
I huffed as I stood up, smiling at Ray who at least wasn’t questioning my ability.
“I’ll call you afterwards,” I said as I marched out of the room.
“Stay safe!” Ray called out after me.
I could feel Jaye’s worried eyes following after me as I stormed out the door.
He needed to let me do this. This was not the time for him to suddenly get all protective.
I arrived at the meeting spot in Ray’s old truck almost an hour after the sun had set. I’d make sure to fill it with some gas before heading back as it was down to a quarter of a tank.
I jumped as knuckles rasped on my window, and I managed a weak smile at my aunt as she peered in my window with a concerned expression.
I climbed out, slamming the door behind me and locking it before shoving the keys in my back pocket.
“You up for this?” Neema asked as she ran a hand through her pixie cut hair.
“Yeah,” I nodded, but she smiled gently at me.
“I know you’re nervous. It’s been a while since you’ve been in the field. But I have faith in you, and you need this. You’re strong, and powerful. You’re training has prepared you. You’ve killed other rogues too, don’t forget,” she reassured me as she rested one arm on my shoulder.
“I know, it’s just…” I sighed, not sure how to finish that.
“You doubt yourself ever since what happened to you. But you’re stronger than that. You killed Richard, and you stopped his men. Sure, you got hurt in the process, but you survived. You fought and you pulled through,” she said. “They have no power over you anymore. I want you to remember just how capable you are. What you’re capable of.”
I nodded, her words filling me with some confidence. She was right. I’d pulled through. Sure, I still suffered from nightmares and phantom memories, but I was overcoming it. I was beating it.
“You are an Alpha too, you have more strength than you know. You’ve seen it in our spars, I’ve felt it,” she laughed, and I winced as I remembered the badly bruised ribs I’d given her. I’d launched one hell of a roundhouse kick and broke right through her block and sent her tumbling to the ground.
She’d been getting my father to guide her in training me more effectively with my newfound strength, and I’d even sparred with him a few weeks back on a visit.
I’d almost beaten him too, almost.
“So, what’s the deal with these two rogues then?” I asked as I hopped from one foot to another.
“Brother-sister pair. They killed a biker who hit on her and took things too far. They then got a taste for killing. They’re not complete rogues yet though, not like what we’re used to. Council caught wind of these two early and sent me the files. They’ve killed a few people so far, the most recent was a young girl, still in middle school. Tore her chest apart,” Neema went over the info. I could almost see her reading the memorized pages in her mind.
“Woman is a Trish Boyd, the brother is Tony Boyd. Our orders are to put them down on sight,” Neema said firmly. “And this, this is yours, to keep.”
She handed me a small black sheath with the hilt of a blade hanging out.
“Really?” I breathed, amazed at the gift. I’d always had to borrow equipment from her for the hunts beforehand.
“Yes, it goes on your ankle, specially made like my own so that you can carry it in either form,” Neema grinned.
I withdrew the silver blade, mesmerized by the intricate carvings into the solid metal hilt. It was a tribal design that morphed into a wolf at the end.
“It’s beautiful,” I murmured as I traced the carving and then tested the blade’s sharpness. The silver irritated my skin, but I pushed it aside as I tested my thumb carefully.
“Hand-crafted,” Neema said proudly.
“Thank you,” I grinned as I stepped forward to hug her. She chuckled as she patted my back, and I made sure to hold the blade to the side, away from her.
“I’m glad you like it. Now, with this pair, I’ve been thinking we’ll use guns. You’ve shot rogues before with a handgun, but now you’ve learned to wield a rifle and sniper rifle. I’ve scouted the area, they’re holed up deep in the forest, away from civilization. I think it’s best to find a high spot and take them out with that bad boy,” she flicked her head back at her truck.
I followed her gaze and grinned stupidly at the sniper rifle resting on the hood.
“You up for that?” she asked.
“Well, I only got a few lessons with the sniper rifle,” I said as I chewed my lip. I wasn’t sure just how confident I was using one. Even the slightest breeze could screw up the shot.
“Well, I can take a high spot, and you can take a rifle, get a closer shot. We need to try to take them both out quickly in succession,” she said, staring at me with those sky-blue eyes. Right now they were focused and hard, waiting for my reply.
“Got it,” I nodded as I leaned over to attach my new sheath and blade to my ankle. I hiked my jeans up and did up the special elastic belt before covering it again carefully.
“If for some reason I miss, you need to finish them both off quickly, because once I fire, they’ll know they’re being hunted, and they’ll come for you,” Neema stated.
I nodded, biting my tongue at saying anything. Neema miss? That wasn’t something I would’ve even considered.
But I guess with the sniper rifle, anything was possible.
We moved off, and Neema got me sorted with a rifle loaded with a silver bullet and some extra bullets in case I needed them.
She checked over the sniper rifle before placing it back in its bag and slinging it over her shoulder.
And then we were off.
I drew in a calming breath as I stealthily moved in on the position. I crouched low, my rifle at the ready as I drew near to the camp Neema had specified.
She’d informed me they may be distracted as they’d brought back a victim to their camp, and he was long since dead. They were still eating pieces of him when she found their camp.
Now she was finding a higher vantage point up on some ridges overlooking the area.
And I was to continue on and fire as soon as I came across them.
This didn’t sound right, but when I’d questioned her, she told me not to worry, she’d be in place.
How would I know that she was though? Normally we used earpieces, but not tonight.
Something was off about this whole thing, and I was on guard.
I tread carefully as I listened, hearing the targets laughing further ahead. They’d started a fire, and I could just see it through the trees now, like a beacon.
I crept closer, scanning for movement through the trees.
There.
I froze, steadying myself as I raised the rifle and looked through the scope.
A woman was laughing as she danced before the fire, waving an arm around.
Not her own arm though.
She was holding a bloody, mangled arm and waving it, laughing as she took bites out of it, blood staining her chin, chest and grey tee.
I gritted my teeth as I scanned past her, searching for her brother.
There he was.
Perched in a camping chair with a human leg, biting into it and happily eating the human flesh.
This pair really were different from the usual rogues I’d hunted before. They’d been fully gone, bloodthirsty, killing and mauling bodies, but then moving on to another. They almost never ate more than a quarter of their kill before looking for something else fresh.
But these guys, they were still there, still had relatively normal minds. They hadn’t fully succumbed to the blood-thirst. Not yet anyway.
I lowered my scope to see the mangled mess of a body lying between the pair, a tent strung up behind them that had blood splattered on it.
