Bride of the Wild Read Online Free PDF

our final goodbyes. I tossed a bundle of wildflowers into Megan’s grave, silently vowing to avenge her death. While I had listened to Pastor Boyd, my mind spun with the turmoil of my thoughts. So many had died within the past week—far too many, and something had to be done about it.
    Deer Runner and his friend, Micah Blaylock, had attended the service, standing near several men I knew who worked in town. Butch Cashman was a carpenter and handyman, and Bryce Thompson had married Leah Cavanaugh last summer and they had a child. He worked at the livery. They huddled together, although Micah glanced my way often. He had been to the barber, because his longish hair no longer touched the collar around his neck. His beard had been trimmed as well, appearing nearly shorn now. There was still something rugged and wild about him—something compelling I could not quite put my finger on.
    As I made my way towards Silas, I glanced over my shoulder at the men, knowing they had been speaking about how they planned to bait and capture the creature that had ruined our peace of mind. I longed to hear their conversation, but it would have to wait.
    “Silas.”
    He reached out a hand to me. “I just heard about what happened, Saffron. I’m shocked and frightened for you, my dear.”
    “We’re fine. We were safe in our house.” I squeezed his hand, feeling eyes upon me. Glancing around, I saw only Micah looking in our direction. “What will happen?”
    “That’s being decided soon. There’s a meeting at the hotel. I do hope you’ll join us. Everyone is welcome.”
    “Of course.” I would not be left out of the discussion, which pleased me.
    Silas drew me away towards the church, where others had gathered. My father and the sheriff spoke, while Amelia and Lucy stood with Silas’s older sister, Susan. The sounds of weeping remained disconcerting, as the McAllisters had gathered by the graves of their children, watching as men shoveled dirt upon the caskets.
    “This will sound selfish,” I said. “But, I wish we could talk in private. I haven’t been alone with you in a week. Not since the last social, and before all of this happened. We haven’t had one moment alone together.”
    “These are extraordinary times. Nothing like this has ever happened, as far as people can remember. We must put everything aside for the moment. The only thing that matters is our protection.”
    “I know.” Now I felt badly for wanting to be with him.
    “There’ll be plenty of time for us to sit and talk, Saffron.” He smiled contritely, his pale blue eyes sparkling. “I’ve missed you too.”
    Those words gladdened me. “I’ll feel safer once this thing is killed.”
    “Without a doubt.”
    Several wagons departed, while a family scrambled into their carriage. People had begun to leave. “Where are they going?”
    “The hotel. This can’t wait any longer. They plan to bait it tonight.”
    Pa waved to me. “Come along, Saffron.”
    “I’ll walk with Silas.”
    “I’m going over with my family.”
    My spirits waned at this declaration. “Truly? Can’t we walk together?”
    He squeezed my hand. “I’ll see you at the hotel. Don’t look so downtrodden. We shall resume our courtship soon enough.” Turning from me, he hurried towards his family, while Amelia headed in pa’s direction.
    “Saffron!” pa called.
    “Yes, I’m coming.” I scowled, because Silas and I had not spent more than thirty seconds together and I doubted I would be able to speak to him later. Everyone waited by the wagon, Lucy and Amelia had already seated themselves, leaving Tom and I in the back, which displeased me greatly.
    Deer Runner stood nearby, the Indian wearing the same leather fringe and feather outfit from the day before. I planned to join Tom, sitting with him, but Mr. Blaylock brought forth his horse, a brownish mare with a white patch between her eyes.
    “You may ride her, if you wish,” he said.
    “I … ” Stunned by the suggestion;