Page 3 of Never Left You

Present Day

I jumped awake, my forehead covered in sweat as I pulled myself from the memory. This nightmare has haunted me at least twice a month for the past five years. Revisiting the day Sylas died over and over again. An endless cycle that, no matter how hard I try to push it down, continues to surface. I can still hear the screams from Lachlan and Rhett, still feel Wyatt’s arms around me as he held me back…his sticky blood on my hands. Strong hands pulling me away from Sylas as paramedics arrived…

Letting out a loud groan, I slap my arms down on my blanket.

Pull yourself together. You got this. It was just a dream…

I’ve got this.

It was still dark outside, my window closed to keep the winter air out. But the sweat clinging to my brow told me I wouldn’t mind the cool air. I climbed from my bed more aggressively than necessary, flinging the blankets back with a whoosh as I took the three steps to the window. As soon as it was open, I stuck my head into the night.

It was snowing.

I sighed and dropped my chin to my chest.

Of course it was snowing.

Unlike my racing mind, the world remained quiet. Not even the wind had anything to say.

According to my phone, it was barely past three in the morning. I had two options. I could climb back under my blanket for an hour and a half before my day was really supposed to start, or…I begin it early.

A quick glance at my bed gave me the answer I needed. The nightmare still sat there, Sylas’s side of the bed empty as always.

“Well,” I said to no one, “looks like I’m up.”

I walked past Stetson’s room, a calm expression across his pouty lips as he remained peacefully asleep. After another moment, I snuck away to shower quickly. Pulling my longblonde hair in a loose braid, my mind began to move with the list of things that needed to get done today and how an extra hour would be useful. I made my to-do list. Anything to keep my mind off that damn memory of a nightmare.

Hartwell Hills was slower in the winter and with it being the end of February, we still had plenty of time before things began to ramp up. Today would mainly consist of preparing meals for the ranch hands who stayed for the season, helping Lachlan fix a few doors in the arena and care for the horses. Get Stetson off to school, make lunch, double check the livestock had enough feed for the day and then, of course…the books.

I needed to look at those red numbers today.

That would take my mind off the nightmare for sure.

One nightmare to another.

Switching the kitchen light on, I took in the silence that came from the spotless kitchen. I smiled, knowing who had created the calm. Kyla. Having Rhett’s new wife around has been a blessing. She had been a huge help in the kitchen, always making sure it’s spotless before she drags my brother off to their cabin. She would walk across the threshold in a few hours, my brother right on her heels. Then the noise would begin. I had two, maybe even three, hours before the house woke up.

I should just really enjoy the silence while I could.

And for me—there was only one way to spend my quiet time. In one place I found peace on the ranch. The stables.

With him.

Sylas.

I brewed a pot of coffee, filling a mug to the brim, slipped on my boots and coat, then I headed out to the stables.

The mare could sense I was coming, she always did. Passing the family horses, saying a quick good morning to each one, I finally made it to her stall. Her brown head poked out of her pen, her black bangs sweeping over her eyes as they followed me. Herhead bobbed the closer I got, and the minute my hand touched her nose, she stilled.

“Hey Luna,” I whispered to her, brushing her bangs off to the side. “How are you, girl? You warm enough?” I peer behind her, grateful to see Lachlan remembered to put her blanket on her back. “Yeah, you are.” I reached up and scratched behind her ear. “Wanna go on a quick walk with me? Watch the sun come up before it gets loud in the house?”

As if she understood what I said, she nodded her head. Chuckling, I unlocked her pen and let her step out and together—no lead needed—Sylas’ mare and I headed out to the pasture.

Two

Cash

“Upnextisarising star in barrel racing, Quinn Compton. She was well on her way to the NFR last year and this year is no different, she’s going to prove to everyone…” The rodeo announcer’s voice boomed through the air as the crowd died down. Everyone turned their attention towards the end of the arena to where the horse would fly through at any moment.

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