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And finally, finally, it happens.

Hushed male voices reach my ears, and I move as carefully as I can toward them, trying not to let the snow crunch under my feet.

They’re either distracted by what they’re doing, or on high alert so they don’t get caught. Maybe it’s some combination of the two. But what I know for sure is that if they see me, they’ll kill me without hesitation.

The only advantage I have is that they’re expecting Gavin, not me. Maybe the plan is to take him down and then come for me.

They aren’t expecting me to come for them.

The closer I get, the louder the voices are. They’re arguing, losing their cools. It can’t be a good sign if they aren’t even trying to be stealthy anymore, unless they just assume everyone is sleeping peacefully.

But Gavin and I almost died today and wouldn’t be getting restful sleep. And we couldn’t have missed the sound of that animal being tortured right outside his window.

So, where are all the other guys on the ranch? Why aren’t they here to investigate and try to help? Are their dwellings too far away? Why aren’t the hounds howling? Where are the livestock guardian dogs?

What the fuck is going on?

How many people are hurt or dead?

How many will end up that way before the night is over?

Will I be one of them? More importantly, will Gavin?

The weight of obligation rests on my shoulders tonight. I need to step up and help Gavin bring the threat down.

Since no one else is trying to be quiet, I break into a run, rifle at the ready, but still not sure exactly what I’m going to do and the best way to confront these people.

And then the metallic tang of blood overwhelms me and I nearly gag, darting behind a tree to hide just as someone looks up. I hold my breath, silently praying that he didn’t see me.

Not yet.

I need a second to take aim and be sure I don’t accidentally hit Gavin.

“I’m telling you, man, it’s going to work this time. We’re all out of patience. We threatened his bitch and killed his dog, which should have been enough to send her running back where she came from. But he’s just doubling down. Now, we hit his livelihood. Dead cattle ain’t good for business, and she’s going to be next unless she leaves on her own.”

A chill runs down my spine as it’s confirmed without question that if I had just left the state, Gavin’s life would be running smoothly.

But he’d have at least one psychopath working for him, so at least now that person has been brought to light and Gavin can…

What?

Fire him?

Kill him?

Charge him?

And I couldn’t have left. If I had, Gavin and I wouldn’t be together, and if people who are in love have the chance to make things work, they need to take it.

No matter what.

Fuck these people.

I’m not going to run away.

My heart launches into my throat when Gavin steps out from behind a fence post, his rifle raised and ready.

“What the fuck are you guys doing?”