Page 147 of Burn the Wild

Our stare down lasts another second, and then he slowly lowers himself so I can climb on. Ford tilts his face to the sky. Relief there.

As I mount the saddle, memories assail me, making my heart race.

Only this time, I block out the bad. I focus on the good. Ford.

I know how to ride. I remember.

I snap the reins. With a squeeze of my legs and a wild cry from my lungs, I kick Eephus into a gallop. To a desperate push north to Runaway Ranch.

I don’t look back. I just ride.

No time to spare.

Ford needs me.

As we speed across sun-drenched prairie, I sing to calm my mind. Waylon Jennings, Hank Williams. My songs. My parents’ songs. I’m not helpless or crazy like Gavin has so often told me.

I’m free.

And I’m riding like the fucking wind.

Farmland turns to forest. The miles pass by in a frantic blur. My legs are numb, but I push on. I can’t ride fast enough. Can’t stop hammering my thumb on the radio’s SOS button like it’s a prayer heaven sent.

Finally, Eephus breaks through a bend on the dirt road, and I see the ranch.

A scream fills my lungs, but there’s no need.

They’re already looking for us. Dozens of cowboys. One on a black horse. Another is on an ATV heading straight for me. My chest swells with relief.

A sob erupts in my throat and my defenses crumble.

I did it.

I fucking did it.

As the ATV roars closer, I see it’s Davis.

Help.

“Reese, thank God, you’re okay.” Brown eyes wild, he searches the horizon behind me. “Where’s Ford? Where’s my brother?”

“He’s hurt,” I gasp. “He got bit by a rattlesnake.”

“Fuck,” Davis rasps, paling. His hardened features crumble, like the news has aged him twenty years. “Where is he?”

“Near the ravine on the Pancake Flats.”

“Christ.” A look of astonishment crosses his stern expression. “You rode here. Straight?”

I nod.

The severe line of his mouth moves as he speaks into the two-way radio. “I need Curtis and an antivenom kit. Now.”

An immediate response crackles back. “On our way.”

Davis twists toward the ranch, every muscle in his body strung taught. “I’ll get you back to the house—”

I shake my head, already moving Eephus into position to ride again. “No. I’m going with you.” The muscles in my legs spasmbut I refuse to stay behind, refuse to leave Ford. He would never stay behind if it was me. “I can show you where he is.”

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