Sharp Shootin' Cowboy

by Victoria Vane

  Taking the job as a wolf killer had been a purely knee-jerk reaction. Now he faced serious qualms about his decision. It wasn’t that he had issues with hunting in general. He believed to his core in responsible game management, but it hardly seemed ethical to introduce a species to a wilderness area, protect it for two decades, and then summarily exterminate it.

  On the other hand, the wolf population in Idaho was booming, while the elk numbers were way down. And elk hunting was vital to the state economy. Ergo, the state’s answer was to get rid of all the wolves. Not just a handful, but to eradicate entire packs. Issuing wolf hunting and trapping permits to sportsmen, however, had proven ineffectual. The vast majority of sport hunters had come up empty-handed. Wolves were too cunning. Hence the need for a professional, and Reid was uniquely qualified.

  In the first week he’d caught four wolves in traps and shot two others. Problem was, he didn’t feel right about it. Killing wolves purely to increase the elk population for hunters was doing the wrong thing for all the wrong reasons. And now that he’d faced up to his self-centered and petty motives for taking the job, the question remained of what he was going to do about it. Should he stay on and finish the contract or head back home to possible felony charges?

  All things considered, it was a no-brainer.

  Tomorrow he’d collect the remaining traps, pack up his shit, and go back to face the music.

  * * *

  Haley awoke just before dawn to a chorus of howling wolves. She lay in her sleeping bag for the longest time just listening. Although the lupine choir aggravated Jethro, their proximity didn’t instill any fear in Haley. She found an odd sort of comfort in it. Wolves were her whole life, or had been for the last five years.

  She wondered what would happen to her now that she’d quit her job. Teaching didn’t appeal. No doubt Jeffrey would do his best to blackball her anyway. Perhaps this was the ideal time to pursue research full time? All she needed to do was secure enough funding. And fund-raising was her particular talent.

  Jethro nudged her out of her ruminations. With wolves so close, she leashed him before exiting the tent. His natural instinct would be to track them, so she’d have to keep him close. A pack would rip a dog to shreds in an instant. Wolves’ hunting style was the one thing about them she could never completely reconcile. Other predators killed their prey before eating them.

  Wolves ate them alive.

  After a quick breakfast of granola bars and powdered milk, she bathed in the frigid river, dressed, cleaned up the campsite, and prepared to depart. “C’mon, Jethro. You have a job to do.”

  Pulling one of Reid’s T-shirts from her pack, she let the dog get his fill of his scent. She paused, shirt in hand, purely to indulge her own senses. Shutting her eyes, she drank in his musky essence with a deep sniff that sent a ripple of desire coursing through her. But the T-shirt was no substitute for the real thing. Not even close. She had a lot of things to say when she found him, but talking wouldn’t necessarily be her first priority.

  * * *

  Having made his decision to leave, Reid set out early to collect his traps. He’d laid out over a dozen in areas where he’d seen signs of wolves and had filled almost half of them the first week. Once he’d gathered them all, he planned to work his way toward the supply drop site on the river. He’d be over a week early, but planned to make the best of his situation on a river heavily populated with fish. Although it was too late in the season for steelhead, he had an excellent chance of landing a Chinook salmon. At least he’d eat well while waiting for the boat to arrive.

  Unlike all the others he’d collected, the last trap wasn’t empty when Reid arrived. A young wolf greeted him, growling and snarling with hackles raised.

  Shit. He hadn’t planned on taking any more, but the deed was half done already. Dismounting from his horse, he unsheathed his rifle and approached by foot. “This just isn’t your lucky day now, is it?” Reid raised the gun with a resigned sigh and took aim.

  The wolf went silent, staring him down with its intense golden eyes.

  His finger relaxed on the trigger. He lowered the rifle with a shake of his head.

  He just couldn’t do it. He was finished.

  “Looks like I was wrong. You’re one lucky bastard after all.”

  * * *

  Haley always carried a compass and a GPS, but neither did much good when you didn’t even know your destination. She’d set out in a general northeasterly direction, but the dog had yet to show any sign of picking up Reid’s scent.

  Growing thirsty and frustrated, Haley dropped her pack and sat on a stump to rehydrate. She had the bottle poised to drink when Jethro began circling, whining, and pulling on the leash. She froze at a sound in the near distance. A bark? Was it a dog? She listened more intently, recognizing the lower-pitched, shorter bark of a single wolf.

  Was it injured? Or maybe trapped? She couldn’t risk her life over it, but also couldn’t ignore it without investigating. Haley took quick inventory. She had bear spray, but that was iffy with wolves. She also had her tranquilizer gun and a few darts, but drugging took time. Provided she could keep him from harm, Jethro was her best defense.

  She relaxed her tight grip on the leash. Given encouragement, the dog let out a howl and then half led, half dragged Haley through a quarter mile of brush and brambles.

  She spotted the horse and mules first. Reid? It had to be him.

  At the sight of its master, Jethro let out a howl and jerked wildly on the leash, yanking it completely out of her hand. Haley stumbled after him.

  Reid spun around, freezing with a look of abject shock. For several seconds he didn’t move, speak, or even bat an eye.

  “Reid!” she gasped, breathless from the chase. “I can’t believe we found you.”

  “What the hell are you doing here?”

  “Looking for you. Why do you think I would have come?”

  “I don’t know. Maybe to take pictures of me brutally slaughtering wolves?” One brow rose above a stare that gave her chills. His tone was equally glacial. “Or did you bring a whole film crew with you this time?”

  Her heart, filled to the brim with joy only a minute ago, sank deep into her stomach. But how could she blame him after what happened? Of course that’s what he’d think.

  “Please, Reid. It’s not like that at all. You have to let me explain.”

  “What are you doing with my dog?” He posed the question through gritted teeth.

  “Your brother said he’d help me find you.”

  “My brother?” He looked confused. “Jared sent him with you?”

  “Yes. And your mom gave me one of your shirts.”

  “My mother? Why would they—”

  “Because they know I didn’t do it, Reid. Jeffrey did. He stole my phone and used the pictures to spread his propaganda and lies. I tried to call and warn you, but Krista didn’t trust me.”

  “So what are you saying?”

  “That there’s no case against you. I went down to Cheyenne and filed my reports with both the Feds and the Board of Outfitters. We can’t undo the damage, of course, but there won’t be any charges.”

  His expression remained wary, but his chest fell on a deep exhale.

  “The wolves are innocent too, Reid,” she said softly. “You have every right to be angry about what happened, but they don’t deserve extermination for it.”

  His gaze and tone softened. “I know that… Now.”

  She took a step closer. He did the same.

  “So you came here to tell me I can go back?”

  Haley bit into her lip. “That was part of it.”

  He cocked his head. “Only part?”

  Her mouth was suddenly so dry she wasn’t sure any more words would come out. She swallowed twice. But it didn’t help. “Yes, Reid. There’s something a whole lot more important
I have to tell you.”

  He waited, his expression impassive.

  Her pulse raced. It was the moment of truth, but she didn’t know if she could finally voice what was in her heart. Her gaze suddenly darted to the object in his hands. “What are you doing with a snare pole?”

  “A responsible trapper always packs one. It comes in handy in the event of catching something you didn’t intend to.”

  “And you did?” Even as she asked the question, she spotted the wolf about thirty feet away. So did Jethro. Thankfully, Reid was quick to grab his collar.

  “I don’t think it’s hurt. I was getting ready to release it. Wanna help?”

  Haley gaped. “Did you say release?”

  “Yes. But it’d be a lot easier, not to mention safer, with another set of hands.”

  She instantly dropped her pack. “Of course I’ll help.”

  “Chances are this guy’s gonna bolt straight into the brush when I let go, but I can’t take a chance on him attacking one of us.”

  “What do you want me to do?”

  “Grab my rifle just in case,” Reid commanded.

  She reluctantly retrieved the rifle while Reid secured the dog at a safe distance from the wolf. He then took up the snare pole. It took several minutes for Reid to get the snare over the snapping wolf’s head. They moved quickly after that. Reid used both his hands and his body to subdue the animal. Haley laid down the rifle to release the wolf from the trap. She was relieved to see he’d used the padded version. The animal’s leg appeared swollen from limited circulation, but there was no outward sign of injury.

  “Pick up the gun.” Reid jerked his head toward the discarded rifle. “It’s already loaded and chambered. You only need to take the safety off. It’s that little lever on the side.”

  “I can’t do it, Reid. I can’t shoot it.”

  “I’m not asking you to shoot. It’s just a precaution.”

  Reluctantly, Haley complied.

  “Ready?” Reid stood and slowly backed off to the pole’s maximum reach, which was only about four feet.

  Haley nodded. “I’m ready.”

  “Just don’t shoot me, okay?” Reid returned an uncertain smile.

  Reid released the snare and leaped back. The animal shook its head but didn’t move. Instead, it held its ground, baring its huge teeth in a snarl. Haley’s throat constricted as its golden eyes tracked from her to Reid and back again.

  “He’s not showing much appreciation, is he?” Reid took a step to shield her, his eyes never leaving the wolf. “Now give me the gun.” He reached for the rifle. “I’m giving him about thirty seconds to either disappear or be dispatched. Get behind me, Haley. Move slowly.” Reid continued his own deliberate retreat.

  “But he’s just frightened, Reid,” she protested. “Look at his tail—”

  “I don’t want to hear any more. I gave him a fair chance.” He raised the rifle. “Last time, buddy. Get the hell out of here if you know what’s good for you.”

  “Go! Scram!” Haley hissed.

  For a terrifying second the wolf looked as if it would lunge, but then spun around and bolted into the brush. Haley collapsed against him as Reid lowered the rifle.

  “You really would have done it?” she asked.

  “If he hadn’t backed down? Damn straight.”

  “I don’t understand you at all, Reid. If you came here to hunt wolves, why did you release him?” she asked.

  “Because it was wrong to come out here.”

  “You were doing it only to hurt me?”

  “Mostly,” he confessed. “But it was a petty way for me to lash out at you.”

  “I’m sorry, Reid. I swear to you I had nothing to do with that grizzly business.” She gazed into his face, praying he’d accept her words as truth.

  “I believe you,” he replied.

  She exhaled a lungful of relief.

  “Why else would you come all the way out here?” he said.

  “I had another reason, Reid…a much more personal reason.”

  “And what’s that?” he prompted.

  Her heart galloped violently in her chest. Now that the moment had come for her finally to confess her feelings, she felt herself faltering. Again. “Maybe this isn’t the best time.”

  “Maybe not,” he pressed. “But I’m thinking I might want to hear it anyway.”

  She drew a fortifying breath and then exhaled a long gush of words. “I’ve been unfair to you, Reid. I see that now. Horribly unfair. You said to make things work we’d have to meet in the middle. Well, here I am.” She gestured to the endless expanse of forest with a nervous laugh. “Meeting you right smack in the middle of nowhere.”

  She searched his face for any encouraging sign, but his expression remained unreadable. Her eyes burned and her tongue felt too thick, but she forced herself to continue, “I came to tell you… What I need to say is…”

  “What, sweetheart?” he finally prompted in a husky voice.

  Sweetheart? The endearment was all the encouragement she needed. “I’m ready now, Reid,” she blurted. “That is, if you still—”

  Without warning his big arms came crushing around her, squeezing her tight. His mouth claimed hers, branding her with his hot, hungry kiss that stole all her remaining breath.

  She shut her eyes on a moan. Their tongues tangled. Her knees went weak.

  In seconds he had her reeling like a drunk.

  Dear God, how had she lived so long without this? Without him?

  She shoved his hat off to curl her fingers in his hair. His hands slid down her back to cup her ass, lifting her clean off the ground. She clamped her legs around his waist, embracing him with her whole body, but it still wasn’t enough. They’d kissed many times before, but this was different. It was fevered and feral and almost frantic, as if they’d broken through some kind of barrier.

  They were both panting when he finally broke the kiss. Reid raked a hand though his hair, looking as wild and desperate as she felt. “You’re right about one thing, sweetheart. You couldn’t have picked a more inconvenient time and place if you’d tried.”

  * * *

  Reid devoured her mouth once more before reluctantly setting her on the ground. He had some things to tell her too. Lots of things. But they’d have to wait just a little bit longer. Although the surrounding wilderness cried out to his primitive side to claim her in the most primal way, he held himself in check. Once he started, he intended to finish.

  His mind raced until locking onto the perfect setting for what he had in mind. “C’mon. There’s something I want to show you.”

  Moving with fast efficiency, he stripped the gear from the back of his saddle, moving it to the pack mules to make room for her. He then untied the dog, hoping the dumb mutt would have the sense to stay close. He mounted the horse first and then helped Haley up behind him.

  She gazed at him in bewilderment. “Where are we going?”

  “You’ll see soon enough.”

  It took a while to locate the overgrown trail that led back toward the river. They traveled several miles parallel to the waterway with her breasts at his back and her hands clasped on his hips. It was agony to want her so badly and to be so close. Soon, he told himself.

  They waded on horseback up an icy stream running through a narrow canyon with two-hundred-foot cliffs on either side. Her grip tightened on him the deeper the water got. It had risen to the horse’s belly. Jethro swam happily beside them, seemingly oblivious to the frigid water.

  “You’d better bring your legs up,” he warned, “or you’re going to get a soaking.”

  She wrapped them around him about the same time a blast of arctic water filled his boots. Thankfully, it didn’t get any deeper. After a distance, the gorge widened to a large mouth. He’d found it—one of the best-kept secrets in this entire
two-and-a-half-million-acre wilderness.

  Reid guided the horses and mules up the embankment where moss-covered cliffs soared above a small clearing. Gushing from these cliff faces were numerous natural water jets blanketing the entire area in a fine mist. Interacting with the sunlight, the mist created rainbows all around.

  Catching her first glimpse of it, Haley inhaled on a gasp. “This place is amazing. It’s like some kind of geothermal fairyland.”

  “It gets better still,” Reid said.

  He’d stumbled onto the hot springs a week earlier and had spent the better part of a day exploring it. “There’s a great place to make camp right there.” He pointed to an open space, just large enough for a couple of tents.

  After helping her down from the horse, he set straight to work unpacking the gear while she tended to the animals. An hour later, they’d established a temporary claim on this secluded piece of paradise.

  “C’mon.” Reid took her by the hand. “It’s time to show you the best part.” He led her down an overgrown trail to a sandy-bottomed pool of the clearest crystal blue.

  “It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen,” she whispered.

  “Yes,” he replied, his eyes never leaving hers. “Now I’ve got something to say to you.” He clasped her chin, tipping her head up. “Since you’ve come all the way out here, I have to assume you’re finally ready to hear it. If I’m wrong about that, and you’re not, I’m asking you to speak up now, before I make a giant ass of myself.”

  “You’re not wrong,” she whispered.

  “Good.” He gave a short, dry laugh. “I’d hate to think I wasted all this scenery.”

  He slid his hands down to her shoulders. “I’ve been waiting a long time for the right woman, Haley, one I can both love and respect. I’ve been waiting because I don’t compromise, because I’ve never settled for second best. I’ve been waiting for you.”