Page 99 of Prodigal Son

“Damn it!” Cain growled, yanking his clothes back into place. Torn between going after her and waiting with Destiny, he looked at her.

“It’s all right. Go after her. I’ll see you tonight.”

He hesitated and squeezed her hand. “Don’t leave just yet. I just need a minute to make sure she’s all right.”

“Go.”

He ran after Cybil but she was already gone. “Cybil?”

Dane came out of the woodshed carrying a stack of logs. “What’s going on?”

“Cybil walked in on me with Destiny.”

Dane scowled. “What do you mean, walked in on?”

“I mean we were fooling around, and she walked in without knocking. She’s upset. I have to find her.” He cupped his hands around his mouth and yelled, “Cybil!”

“There she is.” Dane set down the wood and pointed toward the southern end of the farm. Cybil’s red cloak waved behind her like a cape as she raced away from them.

“Cybil, stop running! I want to talk to you,” Cain yelled, chasing after her.

A cloud of dust kicked up at the horizon. She was heading toward the bullpen.

“Cybil, stop!” Cain doubled his speed, careless of Dane’s pace. “Stay away from that fence!”

She reached the gate and defiantly climbed the first rung.

“Cybil, no!” Clive was at the far side of the pen, but noticed the trespasser immediately. Cain bolted toward the gate. “Cybil! Get out of there!”

The bull huffed, steam billowing out of his nostrils as he stomped his front hoof just as Cybil’s feet landed on the inside of the pen. Two thousand pounds of muscle and flesh barreled toward her.

“Cybil!” Clive charged, horns down, hide sweating. “Run, Cybil, Run!”

Dane shouted and the world went silent as her tiny body was flung into the air.

“No!”

Cain collided with the bull, plowing into its flank and knocking it onto its side. The ground rippled under the sliding impact, the beast’s heft seemed to shake the trees. Cybil’s body soared limply and Cain caught her slight weight in his arms. “Open your eyes, baby girl.”

Limp and pale, her slight form disappeared in a crumple of wool and skirts.

Dane’s screams of panic penetrated Cain’s fear as he examined her. “Cybil, can you hear me?” He tapped her pale cheek with a trembling hand. “Cybil, wake up! Open your eyes. Cybil!”

“Is she okay?” Dane leapt the fence and crashed onto his knees at Cain’s side.

“Get back!” Cain yelled as the bull clamored to its feet, already coming back for more.

Rage pumped through his veins as he cradled Cybil’s slack body to his chest.

“Take her!” He draped Cybil in her brother’s arms and growled at the bull, prepared to slaughter. The beast barreled towards them, head down and kicking up dust. Curving his body protectively in front of the children, he lengthened his claws and swiped at the bull the moment it was within reach.

The animal bleated in pain and Cain grabbed hold of the horns, snapping its neck with one sharp twist. The beast dropped in a heap of muscle and steaming flesh, as Cain panted and bared his fangs. Clive’s black eyes went flat as he exhaled his last breath.

Dane held Cybil in his arms, lowering her to the dirt. “Why isn’t she breathing?” His hand shook as he gently touched her pale cheek.

Cain crashed to his knees and caught his breath.

Dane’s voice broke as he felt for a pulse. “She’s okay, she’s okay, she’s okay.”

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