Page 20 of Alpha’s Vow (Copper Canyon Shifters #3)
CHAPTER 20
brYCE
T he crowd roared with excitement as Sable and Ghost sprinted toward the final barrel, the mare’s dapple-gray coat gleaming under the bright arena lights. Bryce leaned against the rail, his eyes locked on them with unwavering focus. The tension in the air was electric, every eye in the packed stands fixed on the duo as they executed a flawless turn and charged toward the finish line.
Bryce’s chest swelled with pride as Sable sat low in the saddle, her body moving in perfect harmony with the mustang beneath her. Ghost’s hooves pounded against the packed dirt, her speed and agility a testament to the countless hours of training they had poured into her. It was a thing of beauty—wild, fierce, and unstoppable.
As they crossed the finish line, the timer buzzed, and the announcer’s voice boomed through the speakers. “And with a time of 13.42 seconds, Sable Morse takes first place!”
The crowd erupted into cheers, and Bryce felt a grin spread across his face. He clapped a hand against the rail, his wolf brimming with satisfaction. Sable had done it. She’d not only proven her skill and determination, but she had also showcased the undeniable potential of their rodeo stock.
The celebration was immediate and boisterous. Colt and Landon were already waiting by the gate when Sable dismounted, their cheers and laughter carrying above the noise of the crowd. Ghost, still snorting from exertion, stood proudly as Sable patted her neck and murmured words of praise.
“You killed it out there!” Landon said, pulling Sable into a one-armed hug. His grin was infectious, his easygoing energy making the victory feel even sweeter.
“Absolutely nailed it,” Colt added, his voice gruff but filled with pride. “That was damn impressive.”
Sable smiled, her face flushed from the adrenaline and excitement. “I couldn’t have done it without Ghost. She’s the real star.”
Bryce stepped forward, his eyes meeting hers as the noise around them seemed to fade. “You both were,” he said, his voice steady but filled with warmth. “That was incredible, Sable.”
Her eyes softened as she looked at him, the bond between them humming with unspoken emotion. “Thank you.”
The moment lingered, charged with a quiet intensity that neither of them needed to put into words. Bryce reached for Ghost’s reins, his hand brushing against Sable’s as he did. The contact was brief but electric, a reminder of everything they’d built together.
“Landon? Can you put Ghost up? Larry Gilroy drew Ember and has been bitching all day about a ‘little untried mare.’ I can’t wait to watch her toss his ass,” said Bryce, taking Sable by the hand and leading her away to watch their first project bucking horse make her debut.
The arena buzzed with anticipation as the announcer’s voice boomed over the speakers, introducing the next pairing. “And now, folks, we’ve got Larry Gilroy, one of the top bronc riders in the circuit, riding a little mustang mare named Ember in her debut as a bronc. This mare is part of a new string of broncs that are trained to buck, not forced . This is the brainchild of Sable Morse and Bryce Savage, who I am pleased to say have announced they’re getting married. Hang on to your hats, folks; this ought to be a wild ride!”
Bryce leaned casually against the rail, his sharp eyes scanning the gate where Ember waited, her fiery coat gleaming under the lights. She pawed at the ground, ears flicking as if she understood every word. Bryce’s lips curled into a faint smile. If anyone thought they could tame her spirit, they had another think coming.
The chute gate flew open, and Ember launched herself into the arena like a rocket. Her body twisted and surged, every muscle working in perfect synchronization as she bucked with relentless fury. Larry stayed on for a breath, maybe two, before she threw a savage spin into the mix. His grip faltered, and in the space of a heartbeat, he was airborne, landing in the dirt.
The crowd erupted into cheers and gasps as the buzzer sounded. “Ladies and gentlemen, that was just shy of three seconds! Give it up for Ember—she’s a legend in the making!”
Bryce didn’t react to the noise around him, his focus solely on the mare. Ember tossed her head, snorting as if to say, is that the best you’ve got? Then, without hesitation, her ears pricked forward, and she scanned the arena until she spotted Sable.
Bryce’s grin deepened as Ember trotted straight across the arena, her high-stepping gait full of attitude. The cheers faded as the audience noticed the mare’s intent, watching in hushed fascination. Ember stopped in front of Sable, lowering her head as if seeking approval.
Sable climbed down from the rail and let out a soft laugh that Bryce heard even over the fading din of the crowd. She stepped forward, resting a hand on Ember’s neck. “Show-off,” she murmured, though her tone carried nothing but affection.
Bryce crossed his arms, watching the interaction with a mix of pride and amusement. The mare could have strutted back to the gate on her own, but she wanted Sable to lead her. Bryce knew the connection they shared wasn’t something that could be taught—it was earned, the kind of bond that only came from trust and mutual respect.
Sable turned, removed the bucking saddle, swung up on Ember’s back and headed toward the exit. As they passed Bryce, Sable caught his eye and raised a brow. “Didn’t even break a sweat,” she said with a small smile.
Bryce chuckled, his voice low and rough. “She knows her worth. Why waste the effort on an idiot like Gilroy?”
Ember nickered softly, as if in agreement, and Bryce tipped his hat to her. “That’s a big win for the little lady,” he said, mostly to himself, as he watched them disappear into the shadows of the gate.
Later that evening, the Savage family gathered around a large bonfire back at the ranch, the warmth of the flames warding off the crisp night air. The celebration had moved from the arena to their home, the success of their new rodeo stock division a shared triumph. Laughter and voices filled the night as Colt grilled steaks, Landon told wild stories, and Dakota and Briar teased their respective mates with playful jabs.
Bryce sat on a wooden bench near the fire, his eyes scanning the scene with quiet satisfaction. This was what he’d envisioned when he first proposed the idea to Sable—a partnership that would bring them closer not just as a couple but as a family. The success of their bucking horses was proof that they were stronger together, and the joy on Sable’s face was worth every challenge they’d faced to get here.
Sable approached him then, a mug of cider in her hand and a soft smile on her lips. She sank onto the bench beside him, her shoulder brushing against his as she handed him the mug. “Figured you could use a drink.”
Bryce took it with a nod, his fingers brushing hers. “Thanks.”
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the crackling fire casting flickering shadows across their faces. The night was calm, the stars scattered across the sky like diamonds, and Bryce felt the strain of the past weeks ease from his shoulders.
“You proud of yourself?” he asked, his voice low.
Sable turned to him, her eyes catching the light of the flames. “I think I’m still processing it,” she admitted, her tone thoughtful. “It doesn’t feel real yet.”
“It should,” Bryce said, his eyes locking onto hers. “What you did out there—it was real. And it was damn impressive.”
She smiled, her cheeks flushing. “Thanks, I’m not sure I could have done it without you.”
Bryce leaned closer, his voice dropping to a near growl. “You could have. But I’m glad you didn’t have to.”
As the fire burned lower and the others began to drift away, Bryce and Sable wandered away from the group, their steps carrying them to the edge of the pasture. The night was still, the soft rustle of grass and the occasional nicker of horses the only sounds. They stopped near the fence, leaning against it as they gazed out at the moonlit expanse.
“This place feels different now,” Sable said, her voice quiet. “It feels… safe.”
Bryce turned to her, his eyes searching hers. “Because it is. You’re home.”
Sable’s breath hitched as his words settling over her. “I didn’t think I’d ever feel that again.”
“You deserve it,” Bryce said, his voice steady. “And you’ve earned it.”
She looked at him, her eyes shimmering with unspoken emotion. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Bryce reached for her hand, his grip strong and grounding. “You’ll never have to find out.”
The stars stretched endlessly above them, the vastness of the night sky a reminder of how far they’d come. Sable leaned into Bryce, her head resting against his shoulder as the silence wrapped around them like a blanket.
The moon hung high over Copper Canyon Ranch, casting a soft silver glow over the pastures. Bryce stood at the edge of the ridge overlooking the land he, his family and his pack had worked so hard to maintain. The cool night air carried the familiar scents of earth, grass, and horses, but what anchored him most was the presence of Sable beside him.
She leaned against the fence, her eyes reflecting the moonlight as she gazed out at the rolling fields. Her expression was calm, thoughtful, but Bryce could feel the quiet strength radiating from her. It was a strength he admired, a part of her he loved deeply.
Bryce turned back to the view, a quiet kind of pride rising up within him. The ranch was thriving, the new rodeo stock division was off to an incredible start thanks to Sable’s work. The pack was strong, their bond reinforced by the battles they’d fought together. And for the first time in years, Bryce felt at peace.
“I used to wonder if this was enough,” he admitted, his voice low. “If running the ranch, being with my brothers, was all I was meant for. But now I know.”
Sable tilted her head, curiosity flickering in her eyes. “And what is it you know?”
Bryce reached for her hand, his fingers intertwining with hers. “You. Us. This life we’re building together.”
The sincerity in his voice made her breath catch, and for a moment, the world seemed to hold its breath. Bryce’s gaze softened, the bond between them quietly vibrating.
“You’ve given me more than I ever thought I’d have, Sable,” Bryce continued. “A purpose, a future. You’ve made me better.”
Sable’s cheeks flushed, her grip tightening around his hand. “You’ve done the same for me, Bryce. You made me believe in something again. In someone.”
He smiled, the kind of smile that made her heart ache with its warmth. “I’m not ever letting you go, Sable.”
She stepped closer, her other hand brushing against his cheek as her eyes searched his face. “Good. Because I’m not going anywhere.”
They spent the next hour walking the pastures, the moonlight guiding their steps as they discussed their plans for the future. Bryce outlined his vision for expanding the ranch, adding more land for the rodeo stock and new facilities for training. Sable chimed in with ideas of her own, her excitement infectious as they mapped out their shared dream.
“We could build a separate training ring for the younger horses,” she said, her voice animated. “It would give them a chance to acclimate before they’re introduced to the main arena.”
Bryce nodded, his mind already racing with possibilities. “And we could expand the barn to make room for more broodmares. If we’re going to build the best stock, we’ll need the best bloodlines.”
Sable’s smile lit up the night, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “It’s going to be incredible, Bryce. I can feel it.”
He stopped walking, turning to face her fully. “It already is.”
Her breath hitched as he pulled her into his arms, his eyes burning with an intensity that made her pulse race. “I love you, Sable,” Bryce said, his voice raw with emotion. “I didn’t know what I was missing until I found you. But now I know, and I’m never letting go.”
Tears glistened in her eyes as she cupped his face, her voice trembling with emotion. “I love you too, Bryce. More than I ever thought I could love anyone.”
Their lips met in a kiss that was both tender and fierce, a promise and a declaration. The bond between them pulsed with a warmth that chased away every shadow, every doubt. In that moment, under the wide Texas sky, they were whole.
As the night deepened, the distant howl of wolves carried on the breeze, a haunting melody that sent a shiver down Sable’s spine. She pulled back slightly, her eyes meeting Bryce’s with quiet wonder. “Do you hear that?”
Bryce smiled, his eyes glinting with a mix of mischief and reverence. “That’s the song of our pack.”
Sable tilted her head, the sound stirring something primal and ancient within her. “It’s beautiful.”
“It’s home,” Bryce said simply.
He took her hand, leading her toward the edge of the ridge where the land stretched endlessly before them. The howls grew louder, more insistent, as if calling them to join. Bryce shifted first, his wolf emerging in a rush of power and grace. His dark fur gleamed in the moonlight, his eyes glowing with an otherworldly light as he turned to Sable.
She followed, her tawny wolf stepping forward with quiet strength. They stood together, their wolves howling in harmony with the distant pack. As their howls echoed across the land, Bryce felt a deep, unshakable certainty settle over him. This was where he belonged—with Sable, with their pack, with the life they were building together.
For the first time in his life, Bryce felt truly at peace. And as the night enveloped them, the bond between him and Sable burned brighter than ever, a beacon of hope and love that would guide them through whatever came next.
RUSH
The sharp crack of gunfire echoed through the humid night, and Zane “Rush” Rushton’s instincts kicked into overdrive. His team moved like shadows through the abandoned safehouse, but all he could focus on was her—Cassidy Marlow. She was right where she shouldn’t be: in the middle of a goddamned war zone, trying to play hero.
He found her crouched behind a stack of rusted oil drums, her gun gripped tightly in both hands. She wasn’t scared—no, fear wasn’t in Cassidy’s vocabulary. But the stubborn set of her jaw and the fire in her eyes told him she was about to do something reckless. Again.
“You don’t follow orders, do you?” he growled, his voice just loud enough so he could be heard over the chaos.
Cassidy glanced up, her fiery red hair catching the moonlight. “Not when they’re stupid,” she shot back, rising to her feet. “I can handle myself.”
Rush didn’t have time to argue. He grabbed her wrist, hauling her behind him as a barrage of bullets shattered the air around them. “You’re handling yourself straight into a body bag, darlin’. Let me do my job.”
“It’s not your job, it’s mine. ”
Her glare burned into him, but she let him pull her out of the line of fire. Cassidy was a fighter—always ready to charge headlong into danger—but she didn’t understand the world she’d walked into. This wasn’t just a cartel with guns and cash. It was a network of shadows, betrayal, and blood money. And her stepfather, the man she was risking everything to save, was tangled up in it all.
The thought twisted something deep in Rush’s chest. He shouldn’t care this much. Cassidy was a job, nothing more. But every time she looked at him like that—like she didn’t know whether to kiss him or kill him—he felt the leash on his wolf fray a little more.
“Stay close,” he ordered, his voice edged with a growl. “And for once, try listening to someone other than yourself.”
She stepped closer, her lips curving into a smile that sent heat rushing through him. “I’ll listen if you give me a good reason to.”
He didn’t know whether to drag her into a kiss or throw her over his shoulder to get her out of the line of fire. Either way, Rush knew one thing for sure—Cassidy Marlow was trouble.
The kind of trouble that got under your skin. The kind you couldn’t walk away from.
And as the sound of footsteps closing in grew louder, Zane tightened his grip on his gun and swore under his breath. He wasn’t just going to save her.
He was going to fight like hell to keep her.
Coming Soon: Ranger’s Justice , the first in the new Lone Star Wolf Rangers series
The hunt begins where the line between duty and desire blurs.