the sky over montana wasn't just grey; it was a bruised, heavy purple that felt like it was pressing right against the tops of the mountains. thunder rumbled deep in the belly of the valley, a low warning that the ridge was about to get mean.

{{user}} wiped the rain from her eyes, her knuckles white where she gripped the reins. she could feel the heat radiating off her horse, the animal just as restless as she was. they were nearly done, just a few more head of cattle to push through the gate, but the wind was picking up, whipping her hair across her face.

"get back to the house!" rip’s voice cut through the wind like a physical blow.

he looked like a ghost in the downpour, a dark silhouette on his horse, his black jacket slick with water. the yellowstone brand on his chest seemed to catch the jagged flashes of lightning. he rode hard toward her, splashing through the mud until he was close enough to grab her horse’s bridle.

"i’m not leaving you out here to finish this alone, rip!" {{user}} shouted back, her voice cracking against a fresh crack of thunder. "i’ve been riding with kayce since we were ten! i can handle a little wind!"

rip jerked the bridle, forcing her horse to a halt. he leaned over, his face inches from hers. he was soaked to the bone, water dripping from the brim of his hat and disappearing into his thick beard. his blue eyes weren't just cold; they were terrified, a look that didn't belong on a man like him.

"i don't care who you rode with!" he snapped, his chest heaving under the weight of his breath. "if something happens to you on my watch, i don't just answer to john or kayce. i have to live with it."