Sharp Shootin' Cowboy (Hot Cowboy Nights, #3)(76)

“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.”