Over the Barrel Read Online Free PDF Page A

from this city.   She gave no consideration towards the
opinions formed by the interfering, nosy busybodies that places like these were
famous for.   Abandoned were the
years of education in etiquette, poise and grace.   In one fell swoop, she relinquished all
propriety as she slapped Sloan across the face with all her strength.
    "Do not ever touch me again!"
Blair screamed.
    Sloan's eyes darkened and he slowly
inhaled.   "That was uncalled
for.   Girl, you have now earned
yourself a well-deserved spanking.   It is time for you to learn yourself a lesson that won't soon be forgotten"
    His voice was low, gravely and tinged
with a smoldering anger.   Blair's
breath caught in her throat as, instead of reaching to stroke the red handprint
on his cheek, he began to roll up his sleeves.   He took a single step in her direction
and Blair's eyes immediately darted to seek out a means of escape, but Sloan
stood between her and the only way out.   With a frightened squeal, Blair opened Skinwalker's gate and scurried
into the stall.
    "Are you addled?   Get out of there now, Blair!"
    "Not if you are going to spank
me!   I would rather deal with the
damned horse," Blair replied heatedly, pressing against the wall as the
white horse began to agitate his stall.
    "I swear you will not be sitting
when I am done with you.   I said to
get out of there now!   He is going
to kill you!"   Sloan's tone
changed from fury to alarm as the animal started to stomp the hay and bare his
teeth in the direction of the frightened young woman.
    "No!"
    Blair trembled as the horse snorted while
he pawed the ground and pulled its ears flat against its head.   The click of Sloan pulling back the
hammer of his gun made her yell out.   "No!   You won't shoot
this horse!"
    She placed herself in the path of his gun
with her back to the anxious animal.   Sloan's angry look turned to amazement as the horse lifted its head and
perked his ears forward before he placed his head across her shoulder and
nuzzled her jaw.   Blair lifted her
shaking hand to the velvety nose and began to stroke the warm muzzle, trying
not to appear as stunned as she felt.   Determined to show Sloan that she was unafraid, she turned to run her
hands over the horse's neck, flanks, side and rump, and then back up the back
to his head.   She offered Sloan a
slight smirk as Skinwalker mouthed her hand with his lips.
    The sound of footfalls came closer.   "Well, I'll be damned…," the
sheriff said.   "Seems like your
little lady gone and broke the Skinwalker's curse."
    "I doubt it."   Sloan composed himself.   "They are probably cut from the
same piece of demon cloth."
    "If that be true, I would watch my
back, or something more delicate, if I was you," the sheriff gestured
towards Sloan's crotch.   "I'm
gonna have to ask ya'll to get goin' quickly.   If word gets around that she tamed that
animal, there will be all sorts of witch hunters out here."
    "Everyone knows that the witch hunts
have ceased.   It is pure
superstition …."
    "Ma'am, beggin your pardon, but
there are folks in this town who witnessed the Tennessee prosecution in
1833.   That weren't so long
ago.   I'm asking you kindly to gather
these supplies and be gone with ya.   I don't want any trouble in my town.   If you follow the road, there is a
settlement about a week's travel from here that should have a wagon you can
hitch these horses to.   I'll
telegraph them and let 'em know you're coming."
    "Thank you, Sheriff.   I will send the mounts back along with
payment once we arrive at our destination."
    "That demon horse is hers to keep if
she can ride him.   I don't wanna see
that animal again."
    "I can ride him just fine, thank
you," Blair said stubbornly.
    "Bareback?   Horse never had more than a blanket on
his back."
    "I'll learn," Blair snipped
back.
    "Well, if the beast breaks her neck,
that will leave you with one less burden," the sheriff shrugged, shaking
Sloan's hand.   He handed Sloan a