Page 80 of Kentucky Nights
“At the red truck. He’s on top of it. He’s right there.” I spin to see him again, my heart in my throat, and terror in my bones.Everything is telling me to run, but I know the safest place I can be is here with Lorcan, Kentucky, and Romeo.
“There’s no one there, Dru. You’re sure you saw him?”
I flinch, rearing back as if he slapped me across the face. The sting of his doubt is fresh. Being doubted by someone you thought trusted you is a new kind of disappointment. This is why I stayed focused my entire life and didn’t get distracted by friends. I didn’t have time for anyone doubting me then, and I sure as fuck don’t have time for anyone to doubt me now.
I don’t care if Lorcan could kill me with a snap of his fingers.
“Of course, I saw him! I can’t believe you’re asking me that. Do you really think I’d imagine him in a place like this? He’s here. Ifeelhim. I felt him earlier. You know that sensation of someone watching you? It was him. Lorcan, please.” I dig my nails into his arm, pleading with him to help me. Tears brim in my eyes. “I can’t be the only one fighting for my life. I won’t win this fight without you or Kentucky.”
“Stay here. I’m going to go tell Kentucky. We’re getting out of here.”
“Wait, but the competition. He’s doing so well.”
“When it comes to you, he won’t give a fuck about this rodeo, Dru. Your safety means the world to him. I promised him I’d protect you while we were here. I’m going to keep that promise, okay? You aren’t alone.”
“Don’t leave,” I plead, breaking the skin of his arm, and he begins to bleed smoke. The dancing clouds swirl from the small cuts. “Don’t leave me alone. We’re better off staying together. He probably wants you to find Kentucky, so he can make his move.”
“Okay, you’re right. You’ve made a good point. I won’t leave you. I promise.”
I press my head against his shoulder, wondering if this is what it is like to have a brother. Growing up as an only child, having siblings was out of the question. My father never wantedto remarry or have more children after my mom died. I grew used to the idea of being alone.
Then, I met Carmen.
And now, I have Kentucky, Romeo, and Lorcan.
“Our favorite events are coming up! Prepare yourself for the Roughstock events! We have saddle bronc, bareback, and bull riding. These are some of the most dangerous events. Cowboys have been killed or severely injured by trying to stay on for the wild and untamed eight-second ride. Hold your breaths and keep your hopes high that everyone comes out of this unharmed,” The announcer’s voice is monotone and would put me to sleep if I wasn’t wired from Louisville being here.
I keep my eyes set on the red BBQ truck, waiting for him to make his return.
This night has turned into a competition for survival.
I’ve beaten him once, and to do it again would be a miracle.
I find something very odd about being here. My hackles are raised, and I don’t want to alarm Lorcan or Dru, but I can’t speak to any of the animals here except Romeo. I would never use my power for my advantage. But usually, I hear their thoughts about being here at the rodeo. They love to bitch and moan about their owners or how much they hate their pastures. Some actually enjoy the rodeo and taunt the other livestock.
It’s quiet this time, as if something is blocking me from speaking to them.
“Romeo, do you hear anything from any of the animals? What’s going on?”I ask him as I swing my leg over this giant crossbred bull.
He’s half Brahma, half Longhorn, which is commonly known as a Plummer Bull. They are known for their strength andbucking abilities. There aren’t many bulls that cause my nerves to fire, but this one here is definitely one of them.
“Nothing out of the ordinary. A few horses hate their owners, and the bull you’re riding is plotting your death. You can’t hear them?”Romeo responds from the trailer I brought him in.
Typically, there are stock farms for the competitors to keep their livestock at. Romeo doesn’t like them. He says they are “Too crowded” which is fine. I don’t trust most people when they see a horse like Romeo, anyhow. He’s unique. Different from any horse anyone has ever seen. Red eyes, a sculpted skeletal face, he’s terrifying.
He’s the type a human would try to kill so they can have a trophy to mount on the wall.
No way in hell am I letting that happen.
“No. I can’t hear a damn thing, Romeo. Something is going on. Stay focused for me.”
“I’ll do my best from the trailer.”
“The sass isn’t needed. You know I can’t have you walking around. You’ll get attacked.”
“I can take care of myself.”
“Another reason why I’m keeping you in the trailer,”I state in finality, leaving zero room for argument.
