Mustang Meadow by Shirleen Davies

Author:Shirleen Davies
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Shirleen Davies
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

"Stable?" Sean interrupted, his words clipped with fear and a hint of anger. "What happened? Is she hurt?"

"Easy, now,” Dr. McCord soothed, placing a firm hand on Sean's shoulder. "She took a nasty fall from her horse. Seems like she was out riding by herself. Got thrown when her mount spooked at a rattler. She called out for you before drifting off about thirty minutes ago."

"Let me see her."

Clay led Sean through the doorway where Camilla lay. Her face was pale, a stark contrast to her usually vibrant complexion, and a bandage was wrapped tightly around her head. Yet, even in her unconscious state, she radiated a formidable presence. He didn’t notice Cole leaning against a counter until he almost ran into him.

Their eyes met, though neither spoke as Sean approached the bed, his heart thrumming painfully against his ribs. He reached out to brush a stray lock of hair from her forehead. His touch was feather light.

“Camilla? I’m here, Camilla.”

He took her hand in his, repeating her name again.

"Sean..." Her voice was a mere wisp of sound.

“I’m right here, Camilla.”

“Sean…”

"Shh, don't try to speak." Sean squeezed her hand, his rugged features softening with affection and relief. "Just rest now. I'm here."

"Her color is returning.” Cole's voice from beside him was laced with a brother's worry.

"Do you know what happened?”

“Only what Doc McCord told me. I’m thankful she wasn’t too far from town when it happened. A cowboy found her and brought Camilla here. He didn’t stick around.”

“She's determined to take on the world alone."

"Perhaps." Cole stepped closer to his sister. "She’s always been stubborn. Maybe you’ll be the one to convince her relying on others isn’t a weakness.”

Their gazes locked, an unspoken understanding passing between them. The silence enveloping the small room was broken by a knock on the door.

The door creaked open, Sean's eyes narrowed as he recognized Deputy Morgan Wheeler standing in the doorway.

"Sorry to interrupt, but Gabe sent me to get you, Cole."

"Can't it wait?" Cole's tone was sharp, protective instincts flaring for his sister who lay vulnerable in the bed.

"Afraid not," Morgan replied with a grimace. "It's the Jenkins homestead. They've been hit hard by rustlers. Lost nearly half their herd. Old man Jenkins took a bullet."

Cole glanced between Camilla and Morgan, torn between duty and family.

"Go," Sean said. "I'll stay with her. She won't be alone."

"Thank you." Cole's voice had softened with gratitude.

Sean looked down at Camilla, her breathing even and calm, unaware of the turmoil around her.

"Who would do such a thing?" Sean’s hands fidgeted with the edge of the blanket, his gaze still on the closed door. "Rustling's one thing, but shooting a man..."

"Money makes folks do terrible things," came a weak reply.

Sean's head snapped to the bed, meeting Camilla's now open eyes. "You should be resting."

"Can't sleep... Too much noise in my head." She tried to sit up. Sean's hands were there in an instant, gentle but firm, easing her back.

"Shh, just lie still. You need your strength."

"Strength seems to be failing me.

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