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Craig’s muscles tensed at the smell of the beast, followed by the all too familiar snort that had plagued his nightmares since he’d woken in the hospital.

It was Wraith.

The same beast that had almost crushed him in the rodeo arena.

Was today the day Death would finally call out his name?

Head down, with the ends of his horns catching the sunlight, the proud beast stood poised, nostrils flaring while glaring at Craig.

‘Stay back.’ Craig warned the rest of the team who froze in place. ‘Izzy, stay inside the cage.’ She’d be safe there. ‘Do not come out until I tell you.’

‘But…’

‘Trust me, I’ve got this.’ He’d been a rodeo rider for a decade now, and a stockman much longer than that. He understood these beasts.

Instead of fear or aggression, he channelled calmness, almost daring the bull to make the next move. He’d take him.

Wraith snorted, his eyes on Craig as his front hoof dragged across the concrete.

Slowly, Craig raised his open palm towards the bull. ‘Easy now, big fella.’

The bull’s massive head tilted, as if to consider him for a moment.

‘Easy now, Wraith. I just want you to go home to Ginny. She misses you.’

The bull’s ears twitched as if recognising the name.

‘Yeah, you know Ginny. In fact, I’ve got one of Ginny’s special homemade treats, just for you…’ He opened his top pocket and dragged out a chunky oat bar.

The head of the massive bull lifted, his nostrils flaring, as a sweet mango molasses scent permeated the air.

‘Tell you what, mate, I’ll make you a deal…’

The bull sniffed deeper as he stepped in closer.

Craig also took a step closer to meet him halfway.

The bull paused, neck stretched, not sniffing at the treat, but at Craig’s hand, his wrist and arm. He paused, head tilting to the side, as if he remembered.

‘I know it’s not your fault for hurting me, mate. And I’m sorry you got penned up in a strange place like this.’

Wraith was just a lost beast who wanted to go home. He understood that, because it’s what Craig wanted too. He wanted to go home, but not without Izzy.

It was also time to put aside a lot of the bad stuff that was holding him back, keeping him from the future he wanted.

‘If you’d kindly go outside and let us mob do what we came here for, I promise to retire from the rodeo…’ And it felt right finally coming to terms with it, too.

‘And I’ll even name my bull ropes after you.’ Why not? Craig enjoyed making those specialised rodeo ropes, even better with one eye on the sunset and a cold beer on hand.

But Craig also wanted that life with Izzy, sharing a home with her at Dustfire, and he’d negotiate with a bull to do it. ‘I’ll call Ginny to tell her you’re safe, as you’ll be my first guest at Dustfire’s quarantine station—where I promise to spoil you rotten.’ He was looking forward to a new future, if destiny would allow it. ‘So, what do you say, big fella? Do we have a deal?’

The air hung heavy, as if the world stood still, holding its breath.

Craig was ready to react, but with his wounds, he wasn’t quick on his feet like he used to be.

This could go either way.

It was up to Wraith to make the next move.

And within that long stretched-out moment, the bull finally nuzzled at Craig’s open hand and delicately plucked up the oat bar. As he ate, he even allowed Craig to stroke his thick neck, to befriend the animal that had once landed him in hospital.

Not today, Death. Not today.

Craig gave the beast another oat bar, before stepping back to give the bull a clear path to the open shed doors. ‘Go on, mate, I’ll catch up with you shortly. I’d like to hug my wife, now, if I may.’

The bull hesitated, turning his head back to the other animals.

‘They’re safe too, mate. We’ll look after them, I promise.’

It was like Wraith understood, giving Craig a slight nod before he turned and casually strutted out into the bright sunshine with his long tail swinging.

The cage door flung open, and Izzy wrapped her arms around Craig, holding on as if she would never let him go. I’m so sorry for what I put you through. And I’m sorry I never said it sooner—but I love you, Craig. I was a fool for not coming home sooner.’

‘Hey, you’re here now…’ The relief was enormous as he held her against his chest, with her soft hair against his cheek. The pain didn’t matter, not when his heart was finally healed. ‘You’re safe now, sweetheart. We’re together now, and we’re safe.’