Just let yourself breathe. Just once. Shia placed her hand on his chest lightly, but enough for Evan to feel his heart pounding like the storm outside. Do not make me believe in things that cannot be. Then let me show you what can.
Shia opened her mouth to say more, but stopped when the distant howl of a wolf echoed in the night. The moment of closeness was broken, but the warmth lingered, hanging between them like fireplace smoke. Outside, the storm still howled, but inside the small cabin, another storm was slowly changing course, touching a place in Shia she thought had long since died. That afternoon, the storm still had not passed, but the sky darkened faster than usual. Evan was chopping firewood behind the cabin when he heard the pounding of hooves on the snow.
This was not the sound of travelers caught in bad weather. It was the sound of men riding with purpose. Two figures on horseback emerged against the dull gray sky. As they drew closer, Evan recognized them instantly. Ned Carver and another man whose face could strike fear into any native woman who had ever seen it.
Ned dismounted and sneered. Good evening, farmer. I heard you've been keeping something of mine. Evan stood up straight, his hand resting lightly near his belt. Where his hunting knife hung, You heard wrong.
There's nothing here that belongs to you. The man beside Ned gave a crooked grin. She's Apache out here. You catch one, you own her. Western law is real simple.
Evan's expression did not change. My law is different. She does not belong to anyone. Ned glanced toward the cabin door, his eyes lighting up with that familiar cruelty. She ran from me last night.
I came to take her back. You do not understand, farmer. Women like her fetch a lot of money. Evan stepped forward, his voice sharp as steel. If you take one more step, you better have your name carved on a headstone.
Both men froze. Ned squinted. You willing to fight me over an Apache? You really think you will survive that? Evan did not blink.
If she needs me to, I will. At that moment, the cabin door opened. Shia stood in the doorway, tall and strong. Though her body trembled slightly with fear, she refused to show. Her eyes for a brief second turned to steel.
I do not belong to you. Her voice was sharp as a blade. I would rather die out in the snow than ever go back to you. Ned laughed loudly. Well then, let's see if this farmer boy can keep you safe.
He pulled a gun. In the span of a breath, Evan lunged forward and knocked the barrel off course with a fierce blow. The two men crashed into the snow, grappling in the howl of the wind. Ned was strong, but Evan was faster and tougher. A final punch slammed into Ned's jaw, dropping him face first into the snow.
The other man reached for his weapon, but Evan was already aiming straight at him. Go ahead, try. The two of them climbed back onto their horses, backing away slowly while spitting out one last threat. This ain't over, farmer. As the sound of hooves faded into the storm, Shia stood still in the doorway, her hand gripping the frame.