by Kasey Belle
“Thank you, Koda. That means a lot. We’re real proud of that boy.” Hal walked beside him in companionable silence. It was one of the things he most respected about the man. He didn’t feel the need to chatter endlessly about mindless bullshit just to fill the silence. “I take it you’re going to check on the pup?”
Koda nodded. He checked on Vinny several times throughout the day as did his men when they weren’t working with Vinny doing rehab and physical therapy. Koda fought a grin. Vinny Paw-zienza. Ella’s version of the famous boxer’s name still tickled him. She was such a nerd.
“You don’t mind if I tag along do you?” Hal―like all the other sanctuary employees―had immediately fallen in love with Vin.
“Of course not. He needs all the love and attention he can get. It’s the only way to successfully rehab our charges.”
“You got that right. I was damn happy when the little fella left his cubical and graduated to the enclosed area. He’s still stuck inside, but it’s better than a cell.” Koda laughed at Hal’s choice of words. The man did have a way with them. “Vinny’s thrived since he’s been able to move around a bit.” They made the rest of the way to the medical building in silence. “I don’t think I’ve ever said this, but thank you, Koda.”
Koda stopped short of the door. Hal’s unexpected words caught him off guard. “Thank me? For what?”
“For giving me a new purpose. My body may have been ready for a break from the physical demands of overseeing a ranch and crew, but I sure as hell wasn’t. I loved the life, riding the fences and working with the livestock, but it eventually takes a toll on your body. Working here allows me to continue to do what I love without the physical stress. Hell, I’d probably be divorced by now. So, I’m sure Trudy thanks you, as well. I’d have been a miserable bastard to live with.”
Koda chuckled. “Well, she is the better and prettier half of your relationship. Plus, putting up with you makes her practically a saint.”
Hal held his hands up in mock surrender. “You won’t hear an argument from me. Trudy is and always will be my miracle.” He placed his hand on the door knob. “You might want to consider not being so damn hardheaded and grab hold of the miracle right under your nose that the good Lord sent you.” Hal gave him a pointed look then opened the door. “I can tell you're smitten. I just don’t understand what’s holding you back.” He walked through the door and Koda caught it before it closed behind Hal.
He let his old friend’s parting shot go. There was no point in acknowledging it. It wasn’t as if Koda could explain to Hal why he was unworthy of his miracle.
“We are worthy of her, Koda.”
“I’m not arguing the point with you again, Wolf. I’m sorry I ruined our future.”
Wolf huffed out a breath. “For the last damn time, it wasn’t your fault. Injury and death are the risks you take when you don the uniform. We did good over there Koda. I wouldn’t change that.”
He and Hal spent the better part of twenty minutes feeding, petting, and cooing over Vin. The pup ate up the attention. Vin’s skin looked much better and his stump was healing without complications. Koda planned to move him into his house as soon as Ella gave the okay. He had decided to keep Vin as a pet. The pup wasn’t equipped to interact with the older wolves and hybrids. He never would be, even with a prosthetic.
Koda and Hal exited the medical building and were greeted by a loud ruckus of banging and frightened whinnies coming from the barn. Hal and Koda took off in a run. Koda almost plowed Max over. The kid was rushing out as they were coming in.
“Misty jumped on top of the gate. I guess she wanted to check out the newcomer. I’m sorry Koda. I didn’t think anything of it. All the horses around here are used to her. Lady Grey freaked. I don’t know if it was because Misty startled her or if she’s never seen a cat before. She kicked the stall and splintered the wood on the door leading to the corral.” Max’s wide frightened eyes darted between Koda and Hal. “You told me to stay away from her Grandpa, so I don’t know if she hurt herself or not.”
Hal placed a comforting hand on Max’s shoulder. “You did good, son. Let's go calm her down and see what she's done to herself.”
“I think that’s what Jim is trying to do, although I didn’t really stick around to make sure. He was in the corral and came in when he heard all the ruckus.”
Koda led the way inside. He saw Jim holding the mare’s halter. Lady Grey’s nostrils flared. Her eyes full of anxiety as she danced around.
“I think she's more scared than hurt, Koda,” Jim offered, fighting to control her as she jerked her head.
Lady Grey stomped her hind left leg, digging her hoof into the straw.
Koda stood in front of the open stall door and glanced from the splintered wood on the gate that led to the outside corral to the horse’s hind leg. Lady appeared fine. He didn’t like the fact that the gate damaged so easily. Koda vowed to replace all the wood gates leading to the corral with ones made of a more durable material. He made a mental note to do the research ASAP. This wouldn’t be the last time one of their rescues spooked.
“Her hoof got hung up. I don’t think she broke anything, but I bet she’s got a few scrapes maybe a splinter or two we can’t see.”
“Let’s lead her out of the stall slowly. We’ll move her to the corral until Dr. Quinn arrives.” A light sheen of perspiration blanketed the horse's neck. The pungent scent mingled with the smell of fear. Koda eased toward the skittish horse, jerking against Jim’s hold as he moved her out of the stall. Koda glanced at Max. he didn’t want the boy anywhere near Lady Grey while she was like this. “Max?”
“Sir?”
“Would you go watch for the Dr. Quinn? She should be here any minute now.”
The boy nodded eagerly and jogged toward the open barn doors.
Koda turned his attention back to the horse. Jim had her in the alleyway. It would take two of them to maneuver her safely outside. “Easy, girl.” He murmured drawing closer. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Misty slinking towards them. Fucking cat. Hadn’t she caused enough trouble? His attention was stolen for only a moment, but long enough. He didn't see the horse break Jim's hold or twist and kick out with her hind leg. It happened so quickly. Pain splintered in his chest. His feet ripped out from beneath him. He landed on his back, the air pushed from his lungs, and his head slammed against the ground before darkness swallowed him up.
Chapter 6
Ella pulled up to the barn and parked by the corral. She waved to Max who stood waiting on her just inside the door. She shot him a wave as she exited her vehicle. Her smile dropped when she noticed Max’s troubled expression. “Hey Max. What’s wrong?”
“Hey, Doc. Koda’s inside with Lady Grey, um, the new rescue. Misty spooked her, and she kicked a hole in the door leading to the corral. Splintered it and got her hoof caught. I don’t know if she’s hurt or not.”
“Shit. Damn troublemaking feline. Let’s go check on the newest resident.” Ella walked passed Max. Her steps stuttered and the breath in Ella’s lungs froze. She watched in horror as the horse spun and kicked before her hoof slammed into Koda’s chest. His feet came off the ground and he soared through the air. Ella slung her bag in Max’s direction and ran to Koda, who landed with a sickening thud and didn’t move.
Ella fell to her knees beside Koda. Hal rushed to help Jim as he struggled to get the horse under control. She tried to remain calm, but her heart pounded wildly making it hard to breathe. Careful not the move his head in case the impact had caused a neck or spine injury, Ella felt around Koda’s skull. Her fingers brushed over an old scar behind his left ear. He was no stranger to head injuries That knowledge ratcheted up her worry even more because too many could cause permanent issues. She cursed under her breath. His hair was sticky with blood where the back of his head hit the ground.
“Max, open my bag and hand me a few gauze pads.”
Max blinked away his shock and nodded. He knelt and dug through the bag. He placed a
wad of sterile bandages in her bloody hand.
The coppery scent filled the air, and a chill shook her. Ella pressed on the wound reminding herself that head wounds, no matter how benign, bled profusely.
“Max, call 911.”
The teenager’s eyes shot from Koda to the horse and back again.
“Max!” Ella yelled. His head snapped in her direction. “Make the call.”
He nodded and pulled his cellphone from his pocket.
Jim wrestled with the horse and Hal edged closer to her and Koda. “Is he okay?”
Helplessness pulled at Ella. Her stomach rolled as she kept on hand on his wound and checked his pulse with the other. “I don't know. I’d feel much better if he would open his eyes and give me that stupid stubborn glare of his.”
Hal snorted a laugh. “It is rather annoying.”
The mare whinnied and stomped her hoof. “Do something with that horse, Jim,” Ella barked. “Max get me a blanket.” The last thing she wanted was for Koda to go into shock.
The boy nodded and ran to the tack room. Jim was finally able to move the horse into the corral.
Timed moved at a sluggish pace. Seconds and minutes seemed like hours. “Come on, Koda. Wake up.”
The sound of running footsteps pulled her attention from the man who owned her heart.
Max dropped to his knees and smoothed a horse blanket over Koda. “Should we elevate his feet or something? I saw that on T.V. once.” The blush that stole over the young man’s cheeks would have been amusing if the situation were different.
Shortly afterwards the cry of sirens rose and the flash of red and blue lights bounced off every available surface. Four fireman rushed into the barn. One carried a large first aid kit; another held a backboard and head immobilizer. A short stocky man donned latex gloves as he knelt beside Ella. His nametag identified him as Cortez. The fireman gave her a warm smile. “I'll take over. What happened?”
As Ella explained, Cortez took Koda’s vitals then ripped open Koda’s shirt giving Ella an up close look at the multiple scars marring his chest Ella knew he must have acquired them on the battlefield. A hoof shaped bruise was already forming in the center of Koda’s sternum. She rubbed her chest in sympathy.
Koda’s weak moan was the most beautiful sound she’d ever heard. Relief rushed over her and Ella fought the urge to pull him into her arms and weep.
His eyes popped open, and he stared at her for a few moments as if he didn’t know where he was. Koda blinked and started to sit up, but both Cortez and Ella placed a hand on each shoulder restraining him.
“Be still, Koda. You've been hurt.”
“Hurt?” Koda slurred the question as if the word didn’t make sense to him. Ripping open several packages of gauze pads, Cortez reapplied pressure against Koda’s head wound. A third fireman placed a braced around Koda’s neck. That seemed to pull him from his stupor. Koda pushed the fireman away. “Get this damn thing off me.” When no one rushed to do his bidding, he ripped off the collar and threw it to the side before sitting up. He shook his head as if to clear it.
“Koda, you’re injured. Stop that.”
“Can you tell me your name, sir?” Cortez asked.
Koda frowned. “Of course, I can, but will I?”
Hal hid his laughter behind a cough.
“Answer his question, you stubborn ass.” Ella gripped his forearm.
Koda brushed her hand away then pushed himself off the ground. He met Cortez’s steady gaze. “It’s Dakoda Stone by the way,” he said with a sneer. He narrowed his eyes at the other firemen who shook their heads, but didn’t look surprised. Obviously, they were used to patients acting like Koda was now. “The four of you can go now.”
Cortez grunted. “You could have a concussion, Mr. Stone. I strongly suggest you let us take you to the hospital to get checked out.”
“No.”
“You’ll have to sign a form stating you refused treatment.”
“Whatever.”
Ella growled. “Koda. Even if you don’t have a concussion, you could have internal bleeding or damage, like a bruised heart. That damn horse kicked you in the sternum.”
“Really? Hadn’t noticed.”
Cortez handed Koda a few forms. He quickly scribbled his name where indicated and gave them back. He brushed the dirt from his jeans and stomped towards the barn doors.
She rushed after him. “Koda, you’re being ridiculous. You need to get checked out.”
“Go home, Dr. Quinn,” he snarled.
“You might not want to seek medical treatment, but what about the horse? She should be examined just in case she hurt herself.”
“I’ll have the vet from Missoula come by.”
Ella’s steps stuttered to a stop. “Excuse me?”
“I found a vet in Missoula willing to come out on a full-time basis. This just isn’t working out, Dr. Quinn.”
“So I’m Dr. Quinn now?” Ella folded her arms over her chest. “When did you find this vet?”
She eyed him with suspicion. The mention of this mysterious vet was all too convenient if you asked her.
“Yesterday. I only called you to see about Lady Grey because I wanted to tell you in person.” He nodded once then started walking again.
“Did you now? That was awfully kind of you.” Ella made sure her attitude matched the snide comment. “Hey check out this new horse then don’t let the door hit you in the ass on the way out?”
“Look, Doc’s been out of town for a while. You have to cover everything yourself and I need someone who can be here in a timely fashion when I call.”
“I was on an emergency Koda. I came as soon as I could. It’s not like it’s never happened that way before with Doc. This is bullshit.”
“It’s nothing personal. Stop taking it that way.”
Nothing personal? Was he fucking serious? Of course, it was personal. She wanted to kick him with her steel toed boots. The jerk. And don’t get her started on that patronizing tone he used. Screw this. Life was too short. “You know what? Fine.”
Ella jerked the clinic door open and stomped through the lobby muttering under her breath. Beth, their receptionist stared at her with knowing eyes. “Koda piss you off?”
“You have no idea. I’ll be in my office.”
Ella dropped down in her chair and opened the video call app on her laptop and placed a call to Doc. He finally answered after the third ring.
“What did Dakoda do?” Doc asked by way of greeting.
“How did you―”
“You should see your face, peanut. You look ready to commit homicide.” Doc grinned. “There are only two people on this planet with the ability to get under your skin. Koda and Marcia. Since Marcia has grown out of her antagonistic ways―” Ella shot him a baleful look. “―for the most part,” he amended. “I have to assume it’s Koda.”
“That son of a bitch told me he found a vet in Missoula to replace us. Said with you constantly out of town and me being new and all, he couldn’t rely on us.”
“What brought this on?”
Ella explained what happened with Lady Grey and how terrifying it had been when the horse sent Koda flying. “The stubborn ass wouldn’t even go to the hospital. I was trying to convince him to listen to the paramedics when he dropped that little bomb on me of how he’s replace us.”
Doc scoffed. “He’s full of shit. There is no other vet.”
“Excuse me?”
“Ella, if that horse would have kicked you with as much force as it did him, it could have killed you. Koda knows that and the thought scared him.”
“Yeah. Right. Koda couldn’t give two shits about my safety.”
“You know you and Koda are a lot alike.”
“If you’re going to insult me I’m hanging up.”
He snickered. “You’re both stubborn. If you think I haven’t noticed the way you look at him, you are sadly mistaken, Ella. Dakoda Stone likes you more than he lets on. He’s pushing you away. If I recall,
you promised not to let him do that.”
“Technically, I didn’t promise.”
“Ella.” The reprimand made her feel like she was five again and he said her name in that same tone when she called his eldest daughter, Marcia a doo-doo head.
“Fine. I’ll run by there in the morning and give the man a chance to retract his lie.” She uses air quotes. “But―” She pointed a finger at the screen. “I swear if that man pisses me off, I won’t be responsible for my actions.”
Chapter 7
Koda jerked awake, panic sitting heavy on his chest. The feeling was so suffocating that he couldn't breathe, he couldn't… think.
His head in his hands, he gulped for air. Calm down. You’re fine. Everything is fine. He counted back from ten, focusing on each breath. Slowly, the panic abated. Most of it, anyway. Koda leaned his back against the headboard. Wiping sweat from his brow, he took in the room around him. The curtain was partially open proving it was still dark outside telling. He’d only been asleep a few hours. Everything inside and out was quiet. There was no bright Afghani sun. No black billowing smoke. No screams of pain or shouted orders. No shrapnel burning and slicing his skin. No blood oozing from his shredded leg. No Hendo or Sly leaning over Koda giving him concerned or pitying looks.
Koda laid his head back and closed his eyes taking slow steady breaths. He sat there for a few more minutes as his heart slowed to normal wondering what triggered the nightmare. He hadn’t had one like that in a while. It had been so real.
“You know what triggered it.” A weight lifted from Koda’s chest at Wolf’s words. Wolf hadn’t spoken to him since yesterday afternoon when Ella left. He’d been pissed as hell at Koda.
Wolf wasn’t wrong. That damn horse and Ella triggered his damaged mind and sent him back to the desert. Even now he broke out into a cold sweat thinking about what could have happened. When he came to and found Ella leaning over him, for a brief moment he’d been back in Afghanistan. It took him a few minutes to realize what happened, then all he could think about was, what if it had been Ella? What if Lady Grey had turned on her instead of him? What if she’d kicked Ella? The blow wouldn’t have landed on Ella’s chest. Nope, the horse’s hoof would have clocked her right in the forehead. A blow like that could cause irreparable damage or death. His Ella could have been killed.