Another blast echoed through the trees, a deep rolling thunder that wouldn’t stop. The ground shook under them, and a hot wave of air swept through the open vents, carrying the stench of burning wood and smoke. Beneath it came the raw, earthy scent of scorched dirt and something chemical, sharp enough to sting her nose.
She ducked lower, heart hammering, her palms pressed hard against her ears. The ringing wouldn’t stop. Every breath came fast and shallow.
Jackson didn’t slow down. His focus locked on the trail ahead, jaw clenched, eyes narrowed. His knuckles were white on the wheel. He didn’t say a word, didn’t look her way, just drove harder, pushing the SUV through ruts and dips that sent them bouncing in their seats.
Avery lifted her head just enough to glance toward the side mirror.
Her stomach dropped.
Where Jackson’s house had been, there was nothing but fire. Flames shot through the collapsed roof, black smoke curling into the bright afternoon sky. The sight of it hit her like aphysical blow. That place had been quiet and safe only minutes ago. Now it was gone, reduced to a burning wreck.
She turned back to Jackson, her voice breaking. “Your house…”
He didn’t look at her, didn’t ease up on the gas. “I see it,” he said, his tone clipped and steady. “Hold on.”
The SUV hit another dip in the trail, jolting them hard. The sound of crackling flames and distant gunfire filled the air behind them, and Avery realized that whatever safety they’d had was gone.
They were being hunted.
His tone was flat, controlled, but she saw the flicker of fury in his eyes. It was the kind of quiet rage that came from someone used to losing things and refusing to break anyway.
Jackson didn’t look back. The SUV bounced hard over the uneven trail, the engine growling as he pushed it faster. The trees blurred past, sunlight flashing through the branches like strobes.
Avery’s chest tightened. Guilt pressed in so hard she could barely breathe. None of this would have happened if she hadn’t come to him. He’d still have his house, his land, his peace. Instead, she’d brought the war straight to his door.
She wiped her hands on her jeans, realizing they were slick with sweat. “I’m sorry,” she said, her voice shaking. “If I hadn’t—”
“Don’t,” he cut in. “Not now.”
He didn’t raise his voice, but the steel in it shut her up fast. He gripped the wheel tighter, eyes scanning the trail ahead. “Charlotte and her crew can’t follow us. That grenade tore up the road behind us. But it’s possible they’ve got the other trails and roads staked out.”
Avery swallowed hard. “You think they’ve got more people out there?”
“I’d bet on it,” he said. “The Brotherhood’s not a handful of bullies anymore. They’ve got reach.”
She knew he was right. The Brotherhood had started as a small group of vigilantes, but over the years they’d multiplied, spreading through Texas like a shadow network. Men and women with guns and grudges, all still loyal to the Barkers. There had to be dozens of them now.
If Charlotte had called them in, they’d cover every trail, every back road, and every way out.
Avery looked out the window, the forest flashing past, smoke still curling into the sky behind them.
She’d thought she was running for safety when she came to Jackson. Now she realized she might have led him straight into the crosshairs.
Jackson kept the SUV moving fast, the tires kicking up dirt and gravel as they tore down the narrow trail. Branches reached out from both sides, slapping and scraping against the doors and windows. The sound grated against Avery’s nerves, sharp and constant. She gripped the door handle, trying to steady her breathing, but every bounce and jolt made her stomach tighten.
The phone on the console lit up, vibrating against the plastic. Jackson glanced at the screen once before hitting the speaker.
“Noah,” he said.
“What the hell happened out there?” Noah Riggs’s voice filled the cabin, tense and clipped. “I’ve got Garrett McCall and Cal Granger at the trail to take care of Avery’s car, and they just reported an explosion. Talk to me.”
Jackson kept his eyes on the road, the muscles in his jaw hard. “Charlotte Barker and her people showed up. I’m guessing they brought a grenade launcher and leveled the house.”
There was a pause on the other end, followed by a low curse. “Jesus, Jackson. Is Avery with you?”
“She’s here,” he said. “We’re clear for now, but that won’t last. They’re organized, and I’m guessing the trails are being watched.”
Noah exhaled, the sound rough through the speaker. “All right. I’ll get Cal and Garrett to the ranch. They can sweep the perimeter and see if anyone’s still in the area. I’ll call the fire department, too.”