Hunter by Sedona Venez

Author:Sedona Venez
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sedona Venez

16

Hunter

I grabbed a shotgun from the rack by the door and rushed outside, heading for the stables at a dead run. The horse was still screaming, and the others were stomping and neighing in fright. I was confusing the sounds, but beneath all of the equestrian racket, my sensitive ears picked up on the noise of growls and teeth ripping into flesh.

Something’s out there for sure.

I pumped the shotgun and then fired a warning blast in the air. The horse screamed again, and then it was silent before I heard a scampering of paws against dirt. I caught a glimpse of a large creature with shaggy fur dart from the stables before disappearing and running off into the night. The predator in me wanted to chase after the intruder, but the more rational part of me knew I needed to check on the horses.

Grabbing the lantern hanging outside the stable doors, I paused to light it and then held it aloft while cautiously entering the stables. Most of the horses were still in their stalls, stomping nervously, banging against the doors, their terrified whines and snorts putting my beast on edge. I wanted to stop and soothe them, but the stall door at the end was open, and I slowly crept toward it to investigate.

What I found inside made me wince in sympathy. Inside was a roan mare named Twilight, lying on her side and covered in bleeding bite marks and gashes. The ones on her forelegs were deep enough that I could see a hint of bone, and one of those legs was at an odd angle, bone poking through the skin.

“Oh, Twi,” I murmured softly, crouching down to stroke the horse’s mane.

The mare let out what could only be categorized as a whimper, but she seemed to settle down as I caressed her.

“You were so close to finishing your training too. I’m sorry.”

I aimed the shotgun at the horse’s head and then paused as I heard a rush of footsteps outside. My nose told me it was Kia, and a second later, she dashed to my side, bundled up in a robe over her jeans, her face concerned and hair flying every which way.

“Oh my God,” she gasped as she caught sight of Twilight. “What happened to that poor horse? And…what are you doing?” Her eyes narrowed on the shotgun in my hand.

I sighed, lowering the weapon so as not to cause her further alarm. “I have to put her out of her misery,” I explained, reaching out and stroking Twilight’s matted hair.

The horse quivered beneath my palm, and my heart ached for her.

“What?” Kia looked horrified. “You…can’t just kill that poor animal! How do you know she won’t recover from her injuries? I’m going to call the vet, see if I can get someone down here.”

She started to turn away, but I reached out and lightly squeezed her by the ankle.

“Kia,” I said, my voice low, “first off, calm down and stop yelling. You’re agitating the horses.” I waited until she stilled.

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