Page 1 of Red's Revenge

Prologue

Fifteen Years ago

“PUSH!”

I sat up against the wall, holding my brand-new baby brother as Ma struggled to give birth to his twin. He cries as if he can feel the fear that’s pulsing through the house.

Ma’s done this so many times that when she told Pa something was wrong, he didn’t hesitate to call for an ambulance, but there’s an accident on the main highway, and it can’t get to us.

With no other recourse, Pa ran to the neighbor’s house, which is our vet. I struggle to hide my fear for my other brothers, all waiting in the hallway with me. As the oldest, they’re looking at me to tell them what’s wrong, so I school my features to hide my fear.

Never show the world how scared you are. They’ll take advantage.

Pa’s words float through my mind as I listen in on the conversation happening through the open doorway.

“Rick, I’ve never done this with a human.” Doc Adams says as Ma screams again in pain.

“Joe, you’ve turned them in, mares. This has to be simpler. I’ll have to cut her open and pray not to lose them both if you don’t try.” Pa’s voice was so desperate as I stuck my finger into Easton’s mouth to keep him calm.

Ma named the twins months ago like she did with every pregnancy.

Easton will be first and Weston second. These are my last babies. The sun will rise and set with my boys.

All ten of us.

She’d been sitting knitting booties when she’d made that announcement.

“I know you’re a hungry little guy, but Ma’s still busy. Shhh,” I bounce him as Kooper comes in with a blanket him.

“Here, I’ll hold him. Find out what’s wrong.” His eyes were so worried, but he gently took our brother out of my arms so I could stand.

“Baby’s breach. Coming out butt first.” My younger brother frowns and looks at Easton’s little body.

“So?” I sigh and shake my head.

“Remember that mare from two years ago? We delivered her filly legs first, but she bled out?” Kooper thinks it over, and then his eyes turn dark.

“Yeah,” I run my hands over my brow as Ma yells again.

“That’s it, PUSH!” Pa sounds so calm now, and I take a peek inside the bedroom.

Ma lets out a whimper as Doc Adams holds up a tiny purple baby.

“She’s not breathing,” Ma reaches out, but they whisk the baby away.

Daughter? We have a sister.

Ma’s eyes are only for her daughter as she struggles to sit up and watch what’s happening, but all her strength is gone. She falls limp as everyone in the room concentrates on the baby. I rushed over to her side and clasped her hand. She smiles softly at me.

“You have a sister. Guess Weston won’t work now.” Her smile is bright yet tired.

“Come on, little one. There you go!” Loud cries fill the room, and I turn to see Pa cradling her to his bare chest.

With every little cry, the anxious energy seems to disappear, and the air feels less heavy around me.

Pa comes over and gently lays the baby on Ma’s chest, and I get a good look at her. Frowning, I turn to Ma as I scratch the back of my neck.

“She looks like that actress you like. Eliza?” How can a new baby look so old?

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