"Hello, Samantha." I knew that voice. I hated it. I couldn't even see Slocum's face, but I knew it was filled with sick victory. I thought vaguely of the staple gun, but it was at the mouth of the cave, and Slocum blocked my way. Where was Jake? How had he missed the jeep coming up here?

"Sorry, but I can't have you ruining my little plan now, can I? I'm sure your father will consent to letting me have that stallion once he hears of how he killed you." Linc's words penetrated me like a wave of ice water. I stepped back, but suddenly he was there, holding my arm in a viselike grip. I tried to move away, but he held onto me tightly.

"Jake!" I cried out as he flung me back into the cave wall. An explosion of light in front of my eyes as my head connected with the rock, and I sank to the ground, dazed. Next thing I knew, his hand was covering my mouth and nose. I scrambled dully at his arm, but I was finding it hard to think. Just as blackness crept at the corner of my eyes, Linc fell back, and I saw another figure standing there, bending over me. Then I knew no more.

---

"Sam?" I whispered, kneeling in front of her as she closed her eyes. I touched the back of her head, and noticed with relief that it wasn't bleeding. I picked her up, carrying her back to Chip and setting her on his back, then mounting behind her. I'd pony Ace back to her ranch if I had to, but unconscious, she wouldn't be able to ride by herself.

"Jake? Sam?" Wyatt's voice echoed out to me from the house. It was dark, and all the lights were on. I saw him running from the porch, and even in the faint moonlight, I could tell when he grew pale. I slid from Chip's back, holding Sam. Brynna had also come running, and was now helping Sam into their truck. Wyatt stood, looking at me in such fury that I almost stepped back.

His fist flew towards my face, and I didn't block it, allowing it to hit. I found myself sprawled on the ground, and felt only guilt. If something happened to her, it would be entirely my fault. "You aren't to go anywhere near her ever again." Wyatt's voice seemed to come from very far away. I remained there at River Bend on my knees for a very long time, long after the truck had sped off towards the hospital. "What have I done?" I whispered.

---

When I woke up, my first thought was of him. "Jake!" I cried, sitting bolt upright. I was in an unfamiliar room. A hospital room. There was an IV in my arm, and Dad sat in a chair by my bed, head bowed. It rose now, and he smiled in relief.

"It's ok, you're safe now. Jake can't hurt you." He said. I stared at him, bewildered.

"No! He didn't do this! It was Slocum! Jake saved me…" I replied urgently, and Dad frowned. I could tell he was wondering if it was true. Then he appeared to realize I wouldn't lie. He had known Jake forever.

"Slocum…That would make sense." Dad muttered.

"Please, I have to see Jake." I said, starting to get out of bed. He rested his hand on my shoulder.

"No. He didn't hurt you, but he failed to protect you. Sam, I don't want you seeing him anymore." Dad said gently. I knew he wouldn't change his mind.

When we got home, I found myself walking towards the barn. There, tucked under Ace's saddle, was a piece of paper.

Sam, I'm so sorry. I'm sure your dad won't let us see each other anymore, and I don't blame him. I failed to protect you. Just like I did with Blackie. You're safer when you aren't around me. I'll finish up at the Phantom's canyon. Linc turned himself in after your dad confronted him.

Jake.

I stared at the note for several minutes before crushing it in my hand, then raced into the house, almost running directly into Brynna.

"Brynna, please. I know Dad doesn't want us to see each other anymore, but I can't take that. I can't let it end this way. He'll be going to college at the end of this year-" She cut off my words with a small smile.

"I know, Sam. Come on." She said, walking out to the truck. As we pulled up to school, I knew somehow he would be there. I was right. He stood at the edge of the courtyard, face passive. I jumped from the truck, and ran towards him. He took a few steps forward, and I nearly knocked him to the ground in a hug. "I love you." I whispered.

---

"I love you." Her words swam around my head, and they were all I could hear. I kissed her, holding her close, never wanting to let her go. "I love you too." I murmured against her lips. "Sam, if I have the eyes of a mustang, then you have the heart of one."

((That's it! I know the ending was a bit fuzzy, but I like to leave a bit up to the reader.))