Page 52 of Property of Legend

“I think you’ve got unfinished business with someone from a family who hates me, and that scares the hell out of me.”

I reach for her hand, but she pulls away.

And that’s the part that guts me.Not the anger.Not the questions.But the way her warmth slips through my fingers like she’s already halfway gone.“You’re the one I came back for,” I say.“You’re the one I’d kill for.That thing out there already took one life.I’m not lettin’ it take another.”My voice breaks on the last word.Because it ain’t just about the colt or Becki or that thing out there with teeth.It’s about her.It’s always been about her.And losing Sophie would be the one wound I wouldn’t come back from.

She’s quiet, but the fire in her eyes hasn’t dimmed.

“Then go find your sister,” she says, chin lifting.“Because if you’re serious about me, you better handle your past before it buries both of us.”

I nod once, sharp.No room left for doubt.

“I will,” I say.“And when I come back, we end this, for good.”

Then I hightailed it out of there, my boots beating a rhythm on the porch steps.

Because I ain’t just fighting monsters in the woods.

I’m fighting for the only damn woman who ever made me want to stay.

Chapter 30

Sophie

From the upstairs window, I watch them.Legend, Bullet, Oaks, all moving like they’ve slipped back into wartime.No swagger.No jokes.Just sharp eyes and loaded weapons.Something’s wrong.The kind of wrong that makes your stomach twist before your brain can catch up.

I storm downstairs barefoot, heart thudding like hooves on Derby Day.Rye’s in the kitchen, loading silver bullets into a pistol like we’re suddenly in a horror movie instead of my damn farmhouse.

“Rye,” I snap, hands on my hips.“Is someone gonna tell me what the hell is going on, or do I need to start guessing?”

He freezes, eyes flicking up to mine, guilty as a boy caught stealing bourbon.“Ain’t supposed to say.”

“Try me.”

He sighs and rubs a hand down his face.“One of your horses, Sophie.A colt.Mauled bad.Legend thinks it’s… that thing.From back when.”

The room tilts.“That’s not possible.”

“Lot of things ain’t,” Rye mutters, chambering a round with a little too much force.“Plus, Becki’s missin’.”

My legs are moving before I fully decide.I sneak out the back, guilt hot and bitter on my tongue.I should’ve been out there first.This is my land.My family’s legacy.I won’t cower in the kitchen while the Kings lock and load like it’s doomsday.

I run right into Legend and ask about Becki.”

“Gone.Maybe followed something out there.Oaks says she was askin’ questions.”

“Why would she do that?Why would she care?Why does she care so much about you?”

“Because she’s my sister.”

His sister?“Yourwhat?”

“My adopted sister.Reverend Crowley’s daughter.From Pearly Gates,” he said like that makes it any better.

“You mean the same Pearly Gates cult you swore you walked away from?”

“Ididwalk away,” he cracked.“But Becki didn’t.Not really.She can’t ever truly get away because of her dad.”

“And you were in bed with her?”I can’t wrap my head around it.

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