by Ronica Black
“I didn’t think it was legal to use those anymore.”
Rae stood, scanning the surroundings for the orphaned pup. “It’s not. But ranchers are using them to kill off bobcats and coyotes. Protecting their herd and animals at any cost.”
She found the little coyote scurrying through the grass and picked him up. He yelped in fear, and she laughed as she held his writhing body up for examination. She checked his baby teeth and felt along his distended belly and prominent ribs. “He’s malnourished, but otherwise healthy.” A scar ran across his brow and the hollow of the eye socket. “He’s missing an eye.”
The wound was somewhat healed over so it appeared to have happened sometime before its mother was caught in the trap. She ran her fingers through the matted fur on his forehead. It looked as though he had been in the jaws of a predator and had somehow escaped with his life, losing an eye in the process.
“What are we gonna do with him?” Cody asked.
Rae held him close. “We can’t leave him. He’s too young to fend for himself, not to mention the eye.” She sighed. “We’ll have to bring him with us.” She carried him to her horse, her nose curling up at the stench. The defenseless pup had obviously been rubbing up against and hiding under his dead mother. “Cody, hand me some water, will you? And I’ve got a small bottle of hand soap in the saddle bag.”
They bathed the coyote as best they could. He drank for a while and then continued to lap at the water as they poured it over him. Beneath his fur Rae could better see the healing wounds he’d suffered from his encounter with the predator. For his age and size, he’d been through a lot. It was a miracle he had survived at all.
She took a blanket and dried him. His honey-colored fur was thick and healthy, his ears on the smaller side due to his age. He grumbled as she worked on him, then yawned and lay down, too weak to do much else.
“We need to get some food in him.” She dug through her saddle bag for some soft jerky. Tearing it into small pieces, she fed him and was relieved to see him eat heartily. He chewed as best he could, moving his head as if the meat were alive and he was afraid it would fly out of his mouth.
Rae’s insides warmed at the sight of the tough little guy. He was trying hard, seemingly unwilling to give up, but he was weak and undernourished. She’d address his wounds once they hit camp. The next few nights would decide his fate.
The wind carried the scent of decay to her once more, and she fetched the handheld radio she kept strapped to Shamrock. “Dwight, you there? Come back.”
Static crackled for a long moment before he responded. “Go ahead, Doc.”
“I need you to call the Singers and tell them they’ve got a dead coyote to bury just beyond their fence line at Sidewinder Creek. They should know exactly where. It’s where they set the steel trap.”
“Ten-four. Will do.”
“Thanks, Dwight.”
Of course she knew confronting the ranchers about the traps would do no good. They would just deny responsibility and the brutal practice would continue. She knew these particular ranchers well. They were older and set in their ways. She’d had this talk with them before, when she’d caught them illegally trapping and killing bobcats. The drought had affected the wildlife as well as the ranchers, causing the animals to seek food in places they normally wouldn’t. The ranchers, low on funds and cowhands, took to the ultimate measures of protecting their livestock. It was a bad situation for all, but killing off the wildlife was no answer.
Frustrated, Rae returned to the dead coyote and shimmied open the trap with her knife. She removed it and wrapped its jaws shut with rope before placing it in her leather satchel. At the very least the ranchers would be down one trap. She had already made up her mind to report them to the authorities.
Rae returned to Cody and took the cub from him. She held the scrappy little coyote up, smiling at his puppy breath. His eye was drifting closed and she knew he needed his rest if he was going to battle through the next few days. She lowered him to the grass, then slipped her arms into a denim button-down shirt and fastened the buttons halfway up. Tucking the shirt in, she climbed up on Shamrock and asked for the pup. Cody lifted him to her and she placed him inside the denim to rest against her stomach. He snuggled close, enjoying the tight quarters, and then rested his head to sleep.
Rae and Cody turned their horses and headed back to the trail, the little coyote riding like a baby kangaroo in its savior’s pouch.
Chapter Fifteen
Krista was still pretending not to care about Rae and whatever might be going on with Candace when the group stopped to set up camp for their fourth night. The sky was bright orange and pink with countless purple and white clouds stretching across the horizon. The evening brought the return of the cooling breeze, and she shivered as it blew against her sunburnt arms.
Rae had returned, and everyone’s attention was on a mysterious bundle in her shirt. Seizing the opportunity to escape while her guests were distracted, Krista grabbed a towel and a change of clothes and walked a good ways down the creek. Thanks to her childhood days on the ranch, she knew the creek like the back of her hand and easily found a good place to cool off. When she was alone and out of sight, she pulled off her dusty clothes and waded into the water carrying bio-safe soap. Gasping at the wonderful chill, she walked out to where the water deepened, covering just above her waist. The wound on her knee stung sharply but she didn’t care. She dunked her head and bent her legs so her entire body was submerged. God, it felt good to bathe.
After washing herself, she floated on her back beneath the gloriously colored sky. She was smiling in delight when something startled her, a sound that did not belong in the perfect tranquility of the moment. Krista planted her feet on the creek bed and narrowed her eyes, staring into the heavy brush beyond the bank. Because the light was fading fast, she couldn’t make out anything specific, but she swore something moved in the shadows. Suddenly anxious, she waded from the water and dressed quickly in her sweats, eyes trained on her surroundings.
To her surprise and jealous dismay, when she got back to the camp she found the group still focused on Rae and whatever it was she held in her arms. Krista stayed away and busied herself setting up her tent. A few minutes later, Howie appeared and began to help her make the fire.
As he lit the logs, Krista was unable to pretend disinterest any longer. “What’s going on over there? With Rae and Cody?”
Howie grunted and spit in the dirt, his dislike for Rae very apparent. “They found something out there earlier.”
“An animal?” Krista could hear Candace declaring how cute something was.
“I reckon. Cody said something about a trap.”
Howie’s eyes traveled up and down her body and she hugged herself, aware and uncomfortable. When he grinned ever so slightly, she felt her body grow cold. Could he have seen me? Suddenly she felt sick, but he didn’t seem to notice. He met her gaze and his blue eyes looked hazy and unfocused, as if there was no soul inside. Krista shuddered, unsure if she should confront him, but she didn’t want to be near him any longer and walked away, leaving him to set up camp on his own.
Absently, she strolled over to Dollar. If the light was better she could practice her roping some more. She’d done much better today, managing to rope a few calves after many tries. She’d forgotten just how much she enjoyed it. The rough feel of the rope, the earthy scent of the cattle, the dirt on her skin; it all brought back memories of a world all but lost to her, and experiences she’d missed more deeply than she knew.
Krista ran her hand down the muscles of Dollar’s neck and the horse responded by snorting softly. She rested her cheek against the warm fur and drew a deep breath. Things could be worse, she supposed. Whatever was going on with Rae and Candace, at least the guests were getting the adventure they’d paid for, and they seemed to be having a good time. She jerked her head up as she heard someone clear their throat.
“Dr. Jarrett.” It was difficult to keep her tone businessl
ike but she had to keep her distance. Befriending the attractive woman had caused her a lot of pain.
Rae stepped closer and looked down at the little bundle of fur in her arms. “I thought you’d want to meet him.”
Krista’s breath hitched as she caught sight of the little animal asleep in Rae’s arms. She let out a soft sigh of caring and her hand came up to touch her throat. “Is that a puppy?”
“It’s a coyote. Come and meet him.” Rae offered the pup to her in outstretched arms.
He was warm and fluffy and Krista held him to her face where she inhaled his soapy scent. “He’s had a bath.”
Rae chuckled, the sunset gleaming in her hazel eyes. She seemed pleased that Krista was once again speaking to her. Krista felt her face warm and immediately tried to keep her own smile in check. She wished Rae didn’t have such an effect on her. Even though she was angry and jealous over Candace, she couldn’t help being happy that Rae was standing there wanting to share something with her.
“Cody and I cleaned him up best we could,” Rae said.
Krista held the pup on her forearm, allowing him to sleep, stroking the fur along his head and back. “You found him?”
“He was the only one left.” Rae’s voice lowered in sadness. “His mother had been caught in a steel trap and…”
“Oh, my God. That’s awful.”
“It was pretty bad. This little guy somehow made it through. I think he’s been sleeping under the carcass, staying warm and sheltered that way.”
“That’s so sad.” Krista wrapped him closer, moved by the feel of his soft breathing against her skin.
Rae reached out and touched the coyote, running her hands over his scabbed wounds. “He’s beat up something awful. Missing an eye.”
Krista felt the blood drain from her face. “He’s missing an eye?”
Rae nodded. “See these wounds here?” Krista looked under Rae’s fingers. “Something had a hold of him and he got away. He lost his eye in the process.”
“Jesus,” Krista breathed. Animal suffering was one thing she could not handle. On any level. The puppy stirred as it caught Rae’s scent. He raised his head and started whining. Krista lifted him up, looking into his adorable face. The wound came down over his eye socket like a jagged scar. She held him to her chest and kissed him. “Shh, you’re safe.”
Upon feeling her heartbeat, he quieted and licked her chin. Laughing, she glanced up and caught Rae watching them, a powerful look in her eyes and a redness tinting her high cheek bones.
“Sorry, it’s just that you’re so good with him.” Rae stared a bit longer and then glanced away. “Anyway, I was going to treat his wounds and thought I would take care of yours as well.”
Krista allowed the slow grin to spread on her face. She could tell Rae was nervous at having spoken her true motives. “Very clever, Dr. Jarrett.”
Rae returned the grin and seemed to relax a little bit more. “I thought so.”
Krista put some direct pressure on her leg, feeling it out. She flinched at the pain as it shot straight up her.
“It still hurts, doesn’t it?”
Krista thought about fibbing but decided Rae wasn’t stupid. “Yeah.”
“It hurts worse than before, doesn’t it?”
Krista narrowed her eyes. “Does always being right and calling people on their fabrications give you a sense of satisfaction?”
Rae kept her smile. “Of course it does.”
“I thought so.”
Rae tugged at the strap across her chest and brought her medical satchel from her back to her front. “Let’s sit over here.” She led the way to a fallen log and Krista sat carefully, puppy still in hand.
“Go ahead and hang on to him,” Rae said. “I’ll do you first.”
Krista was about to nod in agreement when she caught Rae flushing furiously. “What?” she asked.
“Nothing, I just meant I would look at you first.”
Krista almost burst out laughing. “I understood what you meant.”
Rae’s embarrassment spread up to her ears, reddening them. “I didn’t want to be rude. You’ve been so mad…” Her voice trailed off. “I just didn’t want to be rude.”
At that moment, Krista wanted nothing more than to reach out and touch Rae’s face. The vulnerability she saw there overwhelmed her. The coyote whimpered in her arms, distracting her, and she calmly shushed him and rocked him gently. He settled down again as Rae bent and washed her hands and then pushed up the pant leg. Krista’s eyes traveled up her lean, strong arms to her small breasts and then settled on the mark on her neck. Once again the hot rush of bitter jealousy stung her throat. She was about to confront Rae about Candace when Rae touched the wound.
“Ouch!” Krista cried out in astonished pain and jerked away, scaring the pup.
“Hurts that bad?” Rae looked concerned.
Krista calmed the puppy and set her jaw. “You surprised me is all. I’m ready now.”
Rae wet the wound with clean water and gently started to wipe away the fresh blood. Krista watched her, doing her best not to wince. Rae inched closer and closer and blotted at the wound. She poured on more water and retrieved new cotton.
“When did you pull off the bandages?”
“Shortly after we started out this morning. It was hurting and they were loose.”
Rae absorbed the information without expression. “When did you bathe?”
“About thirty minutes ago.”
Rae was concentrating intently. “I need to clean this real good,” she said. “It’s going to hurt.”
Krista nodded and held her breath. Rae went from blotting to rubbing, adding more water to reduce the pain. She blew on the wound as Krista clenched her eyes. The sensation startled her and even though she was hurting like hell, she felt aroused at the cool blowing of Rae’s breath.
“What are you doing?” she managed, unable to control her racing heart.
Rae looked puzzled then embarrassed. “I’ll stop.”
Krista watched her. The confidence with which she held herself was gone, replaced by someone eager to accommodate and even apologize needlessly. “Why are you being so nice?”
Rae stopped the blotting, pausing. “I’m always nice. You haven’t exactly given me a chance.”
Krista laughed softly, knowing she was right.
Rae opened the bottle of peroxide. “I’m worried about you.”
“Aha. See I knew there was an underlying reason. All to get at my leg.” She laughed again. “Even bringing me a puppy. You’re good, Doc. Very good.”
Rae soaked the wound with the peroxide. “Whatever it takes.” She wiped softly at first but then harder. “Hang on to him tight. This is going to be bad.”
Krista clenched her jaw as Rae spread open the half-healed wound. The whimpers came from her and not the coyote as blood and pus ran down her leg.
“Just as I feared. It’s infected.” Rae held the wound open and poured in the peroxide.
“Jesus, that hurts,” Krista breathed, burying her face in the pup’s fur.
“I know. I’m sorry.” Rae looked at her, empathy pooled in her eyes. “I need you to be strong one more time. I need to wipe out the wound.”
Krista nodded. She couldn’t summon the breath to speak.
With clean, saturated gauze, Rae held open the red wound and wiped it out. Krista groaned in pain and she saw little white floaters drift in front of her eyes.
“Look at me.” Rae held Krista’s shoulders. “Are you okay?”
Krista focused on the hazel eyes. She felt light-headed. “Yeah.”
“The bad part’s over.” Rae blotted the wound dry and applied antibiotic cream. Then she closed it with butterfly bandages and wrapped it all up with lots of gauze and Ace bandaging. She lowered Krista’s pant leg. “I want you to wear sweatpants tomorrow. It’ll be easier on the bandages.”
Krista nodded, too drained to argue.
Rae once again cleaned her hands. “Okay, let’s have a
look at the little guy.”
Krista held him out, a look of worry stinging her face. “You’re not going to hurt him, are you?”
Rae smiled at the concern. “No. I cleaned the wounds pretty good while bathing him. I just want to apply some cream.”
Krista stroked him as Rae gently applied the same antibacterial cream she’d just used. The pup barely moved, too tired and too comfortable to care. Krista smiled down at him, her hardened heart won over.
“Krista?” Rae said softly.
“Yeah?”
Rae looked so beautiful, so strong and alive, bronzed from the sun and dirty from the hours on the trail. Krista wanted to pull off her ball cap and kiss her, mark or no mark. She could love her better than Candace, and she’d prove it.
“I think you should head back to the ranch.”
The words slammed the daydream from Krista’s head. “What?”
“Your wound is infected and it needs to be cleaned and stitched.”
Krista flicked a hand toward the medical supplies. “So stitch me up and give me a shot.”
Rae removed her ball cap and ran her fingers through her dark hair in frustration. “I don’t want to do that, Krista.”
“Why not?”
Rae stood and said nothing.
“Why not?” Krista demanded.
“Because I can’t stand to see you in pain, okay?”
Krista clamped her mouth shut, taken aback. “Oh,” was all she could say.
“Just cleaning your wound is hard enough on me. You may not like me, but torturing others is not something I’m into.”
Krista inwardly cringed at the words. “I told you, I don’t dislike you.”
“Really?” Rae stood and lifted the medical bag, her stoicism back full-fledged. “You mean you’re that rude to everyone? Even people you like?”
Krista grimaced as she tried to stand as well. Rae had to reach out and grab her shoulders to steady her. Feeling dizzy, Krista nearly fell over. Strong arms embraced her and she caught Rae’s scent as her nose touched her neck. It was the same scent she’d smelled the last time they were this close. It was Rae, all sweat, spice, and pheromones. Never before had the scent of a woman stirred her so much. This was raw, this was real, this was powerful.