Page 57 of Branded

“And tell them what? That we raided Marshall property and got shot at? That there’s a range war brewing and we need law enforcement to pick sides?” I shake my head. “Out here, we handle our own problems. Involving outside authorities is a weakness.”

“That’s insane.”

“That’s Texas.” I stand, pulling her up with me. “Will you help me or not?”

She’s quiet for so long, I’m sure she’s going to refuse. “What do you need me to do?”

“Watch. Listen. People talk around you because you’re new, and you’re a woman. They don’t think you’re a threat.” I move toward the door. “Someone’s going to slip up. Say something they shouldn’t. Share knowledge they shouldn’t have. When they do, I need you to tell me.”

“And then what?”

“Then I find out why they betrayed us. Who they’re working for. What they’ve already told Marshall.” I open the door. “What happens after that depends on their answers.”

The implied threat hangs in the air between us. I’ll do whatever’s necessary to protect this family, this ranch. Even things Lennox would never forgive.

She knows it too. I can see the knowledge in her eyes, the understanding that she’s married a man capable of violence when circumstances demand it.

“I’ll watch,” she finally says. “But Sebastian? If you kill someone over this, if you cross that line, I’m done. I’ll finish the two years because I have to. But whatever we’ve been building? That’s over.”

“Understood.”

We leave the tack room and find Nathaniel waiting near the barn entrance. His face is grim, splattered with Dad’s blood, exhaustion written in every line of his body.

“Medical transport just left with Dad,” he says. “Caroline and Mom went with him. James is handling the legal prep in case law enforcement shows up.”

“Good.” I look around at the ranch hands. “Everyone accounted for?”

“Three minor injuries, grazes, nothing serious. Horses are all fine. We lost track of the cattle in the chaos, but we can search for them at first light.” Nathaniel’s jaw tightens. He glances at Lennox. “You okay? I heard you took down a few of their men.”

“I’m fine.”

“She saved my ass. Probably Pete’s too. Charged right into the fight when I told her to stay back.”

“Sounds like a keeper,” Nathaniel says with a tired smile.

“Go to the girls, hopefully they were asleep for all of this.”

“Already did. They’re out cold.” Nathaniel claps me on the shoulder. “I’m heading in. Call if you need anything.”

“Nathaniel, if you need me to keep the girls all you have to do is show up with them,” Lennox says, and Nathaniel nods.

After he leaves, I turn to find Lennox watching me with those penetrating blue eyes.

“You’re not going to sleep tonight, are you?” she asks.

“Can’t. Too much to do. Statements to review, security to increase, the leak to investigate.” I start toward the main house. “You should get some rest, though. It’s been a long night.”

“Sebastian.” She catches my arm. “Be careful.”

“I will,” I say quietly. “And Lennox? Thank you. For tonight. For having my back even when you had every reason not to.”

“Don’t thank me yet. I still might kill you myself before this is over.”

I smile. “Fair enough.”

We walk back to the main house together, hand in hand, exhaustion settling into my bones. The adrenaline crash is coming; I can feel it building, but I can’t afford to give in to it. Not yet.

Somewhere on this ranch, a traitor is watching, waiting, reporting back to the Marshalls about our every move.