Page 35 of Shadows of Obsession

When we finally burst out of the woods and the main barn came into view, Jaxon brought the Jeep to a sudden stop. The tires kicked up a thick cloud of dust. The commotion drew the attention of Connor, Denny, and Mark, who came rushing out of the office, their faces etched with concern.

Jaxon and I leapt from the vehicle, our movements quick and urgent. Connor made a beeline for me, his eyes scanning my face for any sign of injury or distress. He was still in his work clothes, shirt dusty at the shoulders, his hat askew.

"What's wrong?" he asked, his voice tight with concern. "Are you okay? Did something happen?"

I shook my head, my words tumbling out in a rush.

"We're not sure, but we think someone might've been at Jaxon's cabin. They spooked Choco and set him loose. He's gone, Connor. We have to find him!"

The desperation in my voice was unmistakable.

Connor's eyes widened, the concern in his expression deepening. He looked to Jaxon, who nodded grimly, confirming my words.

"What makes you think someone was at the cabin?" Connor asked, his tone firm and commanding.

Jaxon crossed his arms, his body rigid with tension. His jaw tightened.

"Choco's rope was cut," he said, his voice hard. "It didn't look like an accident."

Denny cursed under his breath, his weathered face darkening beneath the brim of his cowboy hat.

"That doesn't sound good," he muttered, glancing toward the woods. "If someone's out there messing with our horses, we need to find them."

Connor nodded, jaw set.

"We need to find Choco first," he said firmly. "He could be anywhere by now. Denny, you and Mark take the ATVs and start searching the trails. Call the others to help. Jaxon and I will check the surrounding areas on foot."

A wave of relief washed over me at Connor's quick response, but the worry in my chest remained. Choco wasn't just any horse, he was my companion. The thought of him lost or in danger made my stomach turn.

"Let's move. Anna, you're staying at the house," Connor said, his tone brooking no argument. The group began to disperse, each taking their assigned roles. I opened my mouth to argue, but he cut me off.

"I know you want to help," he said quietly, giving me a small smile as he placed a hand on my shoulder, "but you're not in the right frame of mind right now."

Then he turned and walked away, leaving me with the weight of helplessness and fear.

Jaxon's gaze settled on me, a flicker of concern darkening his features. "I don't like leaving you here alone," he said quietly, voice low and urgent. "If someone's out there, you could be in danger."

My heart clenched at the thought, but I forced calm into my voice. "I'll be fine," I assured him steadily, despite the fear gnawing at my insides. "I'll lock all the doors and windows. I won't let anyone in."

Jaxon hesitated, searching my face for any sign of doubt. But I held my ground, lifting my chin. He only wanted to protect me, but I couldn't be the reason they failed to bring Choco home.

Finally, with a reluctant nod, Jaxon turned to Connor, his expression grim. "Let's go," he said, voice low and determined. "The sooner we find Choco, the sooner we can get back and make sure Anna's safe."

Connor nodded solemnly, eyes meeting mine with a silent promise. "We'll be back as soon as we can," he assured me. "Stay inside, keep the doors locked, and don't let anyone in. We'll find Choco. We'll make sure everything's safe."

I watched as they gathered flashlights from the barn, powerful beams designed to cut through darkness. Denny and Mark fired up the ATVs, engines rumbling to life, and within moments, they were heading off in different directions, red taillights fading into the dusk.

Connor and Jaxon headed toward the trail Jaxon and I had just come from, both moving with purpose. Jaxon glanced back once, his blue eyes fierce even in fading light, before they disappeared into the tree line.

And then I was alone.

The silence pressed in from all sides, oppressive and heavy. The ranch, usually alive with sounds and movement, suddenly seemed vast and empty. Every rustle of leaves, every creak of a branch, felt like a threat.

I hurried back to the main house, pulse quickening with every step. When I reached the front door, I locked it quickly, the click of the latch sharp in the still night. That sound was a small comfort, a fragile barrier against unseen dangers lurking beyond.

For a moment, I leaned back against the door, breathing uneven, struggling to calm the pounding in my chest. The empty house felt daunting, the quiet magnifying my isolation. I moved through the rooms, locking doors and closing all the downstairs windows.

Taking a deep breath, I made my way to the den. Muted lighting cast long shadows across the walls. I sank into the soft cushions of the gray sectional, exhaustion and stress weighing heavy on me. Chester appeared from somewhere, padding over to rest his head on my knee. His warm brown eyes looked up at me, full of concern.