Hi all,

I am sorry for the cliff-hanger that this chapter ends on, I'm only going to be able to upload one chapter a week for quite sometime due to life circumstances and the fact I haven't been able to make any more real progress on this story for a couple months. When I have time to be able to write again, I'll upload twice a week but for now, it's going to have to be one I'm afraid. I've just got so much going on, with my wedding in a couple months time and everything else happening that I've barely had a minute to myself in what feels like forever.

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to leave a comment on my stories, I can't express how much I appreciate and enjoy the feedback you all are kind enough to leave me. You guys are the best, a writers dream in all honesty.

Chapter 11 (TW - attempted rape)

As the evening wore on, Millie slowly began to start enjoying her time at the dance. Nick was a kind and patient partner even when she did happen to step on his toes a couple times. She was still learning how to dance but slowly, she was starting to get the hang of it. When Jarrod returned with some food and drink to share with her, Nick excused himself and left to go find another partner to dance with. Though she didn't have much of an appetite, she did have a little nibble on a couple of the desserts that Jarrod had brought with her, all the while still watching her surroundings closely.

Once they'd finished with their plate and glasses, Jarrod left to return them and Millie waited for him to come back. Noticing that she was on her own, a couple young men approached her to ask her for a dance but she politely turned them down. She just wasn't ready to be dancing with strangers.

Seeing Millie sitting on her own when Jack had been walking by the room, he stopped and hesitated for a moment before approaching her. "Millie, I know ya turned me down as ya escort earlier," he started as he came to her. "but would ya give me one dance this evenin'? Please?"

Biting her lip, she thought about his request for a moment. He seemed genuine and given that she knew him a little, it couldn't hurt to give him one dance. "I-I'm afraid I'm not too good at this dancing thing."

"I ain't the best at it either." He grinned. "But what's say we give it a go, shall we?"

Millie nodded after debating a little longer. "Alright. But if I step on your toes, don't say I didn't warn you."

When Jarrod returned, he was quite surprised to see Millie dancing with a young man he recognized as one of Nick's newer hires. More surprising was the fact that Millie appeared to be enjoying the dance too and as he hung back to watch them, a smile came to his face. It encouraged him to see her happy.

"Careful Jarrod." Elijah Banner remarked as he joined him watching the young couple. "She'll be married off before you know it."

Jarrod chuckled. "You just had to spoil the moment, didn't you Judge?"

With a grin he patted him on the shoulder and continued on, Jarrod turning his attention back to his young charge. When the song ended they parted ways and Millie returned to her seat as Jack left the room.

Seeing Jarrod standing in the doorway, Jack swallowed as he stopped in front of him. "I hope ya didn't mind me askin' Miss Millie to dance, Mr. Barkley." He started nervously. "I-I know Nick said she's off limits to us hands but I-I asked and she was happy to dance with me."

"It's alright Jack, I don't mind." He assured him. "If Millie agreed to it then I don't have a problem."

Hearing that, he breathed a sigh of relief. "I thought I mighta lost me job there for a minute. If ya'd been Nick, I'd a had me butt flat on the floor by now."

An amused smile crossed his lips upon hearing that his brother had become very protective over little Millie. "Lucky for you then I'm not Nick."

"She's a nice gal, Mr. Barkley."

"That she is but I do have to warn you, if you hurt her though…"

He chuckled. "I kinda like me face the way it is, I know better than ta mess with ya Barkley brothers. Ya don't 'ave to worry 'bout me hurtin' ya gal. It weren't nothin' more than one lil dance." He shifted his weight to his other foot. "I-I better git goin' back ta the ranch. Night sir."

"Good night Jack."

The young man left and Jarrod shook his head, chuckling again as he walked back over to Millie. "Well, young lady. Seems you are enjoying your time this evening."

"It was just one dance Jarrod-"

"Oh I don't mind Millie, believe me. He seems like a nice boy."

"He seems to be…" She replied softly. "He wanted to be my escort this evening, I turned him down. I didn't mind giving him one dance though."

"Am I lucky enough to get a dance with you too?"

Millie smiled as she stood and took his hand. "Of course."

A short time later, Heath came to the room, having been looking for Jarrod and Millie. Spying the two of them dancing, he went over to them and tapped his older brother on the shoulder. "Mind if I have a couple dances with the young lady?"

"Not at all brother Heath," He replied, handing her off to him. "she's all yours. Just watch your toes. She's gotten mine twice this evening."

"Guess I'd better be careful then." Heath winked at her and she giggled as they began dancing. "Havin' a good time?"

"It's gotten better." She replied honestly. "I was starting to think maybe you didn't want to dance with me after all."

"That's hardly it, I've been having to fight the ladies off me."

Millie shook her head. "You and Nick are so alike."

"We are brothers, if you haven't noticed."

She just chuckled again as they kept dancing.

As they danced, Heath couldn't help but notice the necklace locket that she wore. It wasn't anything special or out of the ordinary, it was just a simple silver locket with a simple engraved pattern but he couldn't help the feeling that he'd seen it before. He just couldn't place where. "Nice locket." He commented after a time. "Don't recall seeing you wear it before."

"Thank you. It belonged to my mother. Usually it's kept hidden beneath what I'm wearing, that's why you wouldn't have seen it before." As the song ended, Millie let go. "I'm sorry Heath, we'll have to stop there. I'm starting to get quite tired."

"That's alright. It is getting late." They walked back over to the chairs and Millie took a seat, yawning softly. "I'll go find Jarrod for you."

She smiled. "Thank you."

Heath left and Millie was alone with her thoughts once more. People had gradually been leaving for the last hour or so, the crowd beginning to thin out as midnight approached. It had been a long evening but she did have to admit, it had been enjoyable enough. Now though, she was more than ready to go home and to bed.

As she waited, that feeling that someone was watching again arose but when she turned, there was no one in the window. She took a deep breath, her heart returning to its usual pace after a moment. How long would she have to keep looking over her shoulder?

She couldn't keep living like this.

I'll talk to Jarrod in the morning. She resolved after thinking it over carefully while waiting for him to come for her. Maybe he can do something, maybe he can't but Audra's right. They have a right to know what they're going to be up against.

Time seemed to stand still as Cade and Audra danced on into the night amongst the crowd, so completely caught up in her that he hardly gave Millie a second thought. As with most women he had charmed over the years, Miss Audra Barkley was completely enchanted with him. It was almost too easy for him. She hung on his every word, completely oblivious to what he had planned for her. She was so innocent and trusting that it almost made him reconsider the plans he had for her. Almost. He'd come this far, nothing was going to stop him now.

What better revenge could he have on Nick Barkley than to take his sister's innocence?

The ball room began to empty as folks returned home and after they had finished one last dance Cade led Audra out through a side door and onto a porch overlooking the garden behind the dance hall, away from the crowd and the prying eyes of other folks. Letting go of her hand, he let her walk on and quietly closed the door behind themselves.

"The stars look so beautiful tonight." Audra stated, looking up to the heavens as she rested with her palms on the top of the porch railing. "Like they're almost close enough to touch."

"They are beautiful." Cade agreed as he joined her, almost unable to restrain himself any longer. "But not as beautiful as you, Miss Barkley."

She turned to him, smiling. "We've spent the whole evening dancing together, I think you might call me Audra."

"Audra." He repeated. "A pretty name for a pretty woman." He placed his hand on her neck, caressing her cheek with his thumb, looking into her eyes. "And you can call me Benjamin."

"Will you be in town long, Benjamin? Perhaps we could get to know each other better before you leave."

"That my dear, is something I am counting on." He purred softly. Looking into her blue eyes, having her this close to him, her presence was intoxicating.

"It's… It's getting late." Audra stated as she pulled away, starting to feel uncomfortable. "My family will be looking for me."

"Oh, you're not going anywhere my dear." He'd grabbed hold of her hand as she tried to walk away, gripping it tightly. "No, we're only just beginning. You said you wanted to get to know me better. Now you will."

"Let me go-"

In one swift motion, he'd spun her around, wrapping his hand tightly around her mouth so no one would hear her screams. "There's no point in fighting. It'll only make it worse for you." He whispered as she fought against him. Holding her tightly against him, he moved her out of the light of the windows and into the shadows, pinning her up against the wall of the building in the alley. "Scream darling, scream all you want. There's no one who will hear you anyway."

It was nearing midnight when the musicians stopped and began to pack up, the remaining people slowly filtering out of the hall. Nick and Heath were one of the few who were still there, socializing with some folks they knew. Jarrod had left sometime earlier, taking Victoria and Millie home with him. He'd offered to take Audra home also but she had refused, saying she would come with Nick and Heath.

Seeing that everyone had almost left, Heath took a look around for his younger sister but didn't see her among those left in the almost vacant ballroom. Spotting Nick across the other side of the room speaking with a couple folks he went over to join them. Seeing Heath, Nick excused himself from the conversation. "You 'bout ready to go then?"

He nodded. "I was just looking for Audra… You seen her anywhere around here?"

"I saw her here a little while ago, with that fella she's been dancing with all evenin'." He replied, taking another look around. "They don't seem to be in here though."

"We should be leavin', it's getting late."

"Alright, listen up!" Nick shouted before Heath could stop him, halting folks in their tracks. "Anyone seen Audra?"

There was silence for a moment until a voice from the other side of the room spoke up, a gentleman with his wife just about to leave. "Saw her head out the back door with someone a little while ago."

"Thank you."

Heath just shook his head. "You gotta learn to be more discreet, Nick."

"Discreet, discreet." Nick rolled his eyes. "We know where she is now, don't we? Go fetch the buggy, I'll round up our wayward lil sister."

The two of them parted ways and stepping out the doors, Nick looked around. He couldn't see Audra anywhere and just as he was about to turn and go back inside to look for her, thinking that perhaps she might have gone into another room, he heard a muffled scream coming from the shadows on his right. He stopped, listening and when the sound reached his ears again, he hurried around the corner.

As he came around the corner of the building, able to make out in the moonlight the shape of a man holding a woman against the wall, Nick saw red and ran towards them. Pulling the man away from his victim, his fist connected solidly with the man's face as Audra crumpled in a heap on the ground. As angry as Nick was, the man didn't stand a chance against him. It was hardly a fair fight, Nick laying him out unconscious just moments after it had started. He waited for a moment to ensure that he was out cold and when he didn't move, he hurried back to his sister.

"N-Nick." She cried as crouched down in front of her and she wrapped her arms around him tight, looking at the still form of the man lying in the dirt. "He-he tried-"

"I know. I know. It's alright." He soothed, holding her close. "I've got you. I've got you honey."

"I-I want to-to go home."

Letting her go, in one smooth motion, Nick slipped his arms beneath her and picked her up, carrying her towards the front of the building where he knew Heath would be waiting with the carriage. If he wasn't more concerned for Audra, that man would really be learning just what happened when someone messed with the Barkleys. Right now though, his first concern was for his sister as she continued crying in his arms.

Seeing Nick carrying his sister, Heath leapt from the buggy and ran towards him. "What happened?"

"Go get the Sheriff, some thug just tried to rape Audra. Left him lyin' out cold in the alley." Nick reported as he gently sat their little sister down in the carriage, Audra still crying softly. "After the Sheriff, go get Doc Merar to come out to the ranch. I'll get her home." Heath nodded and left, Nick taking the large blankets from beneath the seat to wrap around his sister. Audra's hair was all askew and her dress had been torn during the attack. In the light from the windows of the buildings, he could make out red marks the mans had left around her throat, marks that would turn into bruises given time. "It's alright, you'll be home soon." He told her as he wrapped the blankets around her, his heart breaking for her as she flinched at his touch. "You'll be alright, lil sis."

Sitting down beside her, Nick gathered up the reins of the buggy horse and hurried the horse home to the ranch.

Millie awoke with a start at the sound of Nick's shouting, having to stop and take a moment to calm herself from the surprise as she heard him thundering up the stairs. Wondering what was going on she sat up and moved the kitten who'd been sleeping beside her aside, Miracle yawning as her slumber was interrupted. Given Nick's shouting, something was wrong, that much was evident.

She heard more footsteps as she got up from her bed, putting on her dressing gown before she left her room. "What's going on?" She questioned Jarrod, finishing tying up her gown as she joined him outside the closed door of Audra's room. "What's happening?"

Jarrod turned to her. "I don't know." He replied honestly, having been woken by Nick's shouting also. All he knew was that something must have happened to Audra, having seen Nick carrying their sister into her room before the door had been shut by their mother. "Go back to bed honey, I'm sure everything's fine."

Millie shook her head. "I couldn't get back to sleep now even if I tried."

Hearing footsteps approaching the door, the two of them stepped back as Nick exited the room. "Nick, what's going on? Is Audra alright?" Jarrod questioned, concern filling his voice as his younger brother closed the door behind him again. "Nick…" He saw the look on his brother's face, his heart sinking. "What happened?"

Nick looked at Jarrod and Millie. There was no easy way to tell his brother what had happened. "Audra was assaulted, some guy she'd spent the evenin' with was tryin' to have his way with her."

Millie's hand came to her mouth, attempting to stifle the gasp that escaped her.

Jarrod closed his eyes for a moment as he took a deep breath. "Did he…"

"I don't know."

"The man," He started, struggling to keep his voice even. "who was it?"

"Didn't get a real good look at him, I was too worried 'bout Audra. Laid him out cold and left him for the Sheriff to deal with."

Jarrod looked back to the closed door then back at his brother. "There's nothing we can do here, we'll go down and wait in the living room."

"I'll put some coffee on." Millie offered softly. "Could be a long night."

He nodded and she headed down the stairs in front of them, disappearing into the kitchen as Jarrod and Nick went to the living room. Pouring himself some scotch, he also poured Nick some whiskey and handed the glass to his brother before taking a seat on the couch.

Nick swirled his drink around for a moment as he lent against the mantelpiece before downing the amber liquid.

"What happened Nick?" Jarrod questioned, wanting the details given that Millie was no longer present.

Nick had to take a deep breath before he could answer, the picture of what had taken place still fresh in his mind. "We were about to leave, Heath went to bring the buggy 'round," Leaving the fireplace he went over to the drink table and poured himself another shot before sitting down across from Jarrod. "I went to find Audra. Someone said she'd gone out back and when I went to look, I heard somethin' in the alleyway. When I went to look, I found…" He had to pause for a moment. "I found someone pinning Audra against the wall, tearing her dress off. I ran in, got him off her and knocked him out then I picked up Audra and got outta there. Heath had the buggy out front, told him what happened and to get the Sheriff and the doc while I brought her home."

"The man Nick," He looked at the drink in his glass. "do you remember anything about him?"

He had to stop and think for a moment. He'd been so worried about his sister he hadn't really given her assailant a second thought. "The only light in that alleyway was the moon Jarrod, I couldn't see much of anythin'. He-" He thought hard. "What I saw of him, he was well dressed. About my height. Got a quick look at his face before I knocked the stuffin' outta him, can say I ain't seen him around here before. Had a mustache but didn't notice much else."

"Would you be able to identify him if you saw him again?"

"I reckon I could."

The front door opened and Heath stepped in, followed by the family's doctor.

"Audra upstairs?" Thomas questioned.

Jarrod nodded, having stood when they'd come in. "Mother is with her."

The doctor headed up the stairs and Jarrod sat again as Heath came to join them.

"How is she?" Pouring himself a drink, Heath joined his brothers sitting down in front of the fireplace.

"Pretty shook up." Nick replied. "How'd it go with the Sheriff?"

Heath knew his brothers weren't going to like what he was about to say. "He was gone by the time Sheriff Madden and I got there."

"Gone?" Nick burst out angrily. "What do you mean gone?"

"He wasn't there, Nick. We looked, and we looked good but there was no sign of him."

"Well that's just great. Just great. Some cad gets to assault our sister and gets away with it?"

"Not if I have anything to do with it." Jarrod replied softly but strongly. "I'll head into town first thing in the morning and see what I can find out."

"I'll go with you." Nick declared, his temper simmering at the thought that Audra's assailant could get away with his actions. "He's gonna learn what happens when someone messes with the Barkley's-"

"No, I don't think that's such a good idea Nick." He countered. Given how angry he was, Nick was liable to be more of a hindrance rather than be any assistance in the case. "Believe me, this is one time you let me handle things brother. If I need any help, I'll let you know."

Opening his mouth, Nick closed it again and placed his glass aside. "I just can't believe…" He started after silence had fallen for a time, shaking his head. He was sickened by what had happened and to know that the man who had attacked her had now disappeared into the wind… He rubbed his face with his hands before looking back up at his brothers. "I shoulda kept a closer eye on her."

"It's not just on you Nick, I should have been watching out for her too." Heath added. "We're both to blame."

Jarrod wanted to say something, tell them that what had happened to their sister wasn't their fault but he couldn't find the words. He knew how they were feeling, he was just as distraught as they were over what had happened to her. He just prayed that Nick had been able to stop her assailant in time. When it came to Audra, they were all protective of her but being the eldest, Jarrod felt the responsibility more greatly which was why he was going to look into it personally first thing in the morning. Nick hadn't given him much to go by and he doubted that Audra was going to be able to speak of the attack for a couple days but he had to start someplace. He wasn't about to just let go. None of them were.

Millie returned to the room a short time later bringing with her the coffee she had prepared. After placing the tray with the coffee pot and mugs on it onto the coffee table she poured herself a drink then sat down on the couch next to Jarrod. "Heard anything about Audra yet?"

"Doc's with her now." Heath replied as the young woman sipped her coffee and he got up to get himself a drink also. "Thank you for bringing this out, Millie."

She nodded and placed her mug back onto the table, drawing her legs up beneath her dressing gown. It was cold without the fire going since it was springtime and noticing that she was cold, Jarrod took the blanket off the back of the couch and draped it around her. She smiled a little at him, placing her head on his shoulder as she curled up next to him.

Time slipped by, Millie dozing off beside Jarrod as he sat with his arm wrapped around her. She was tired but when he'd encouraged her to go back to bed, she'd refused. No one spoke, the three men each deep within their own thoughts as they waited on word about their sister. Finally, some time after two in the morning, they heard someone coming back downstairs.

"How is she doc?" Nick asked impatiently, waking Millie from her nap as Thomas joined them.

"Shaken up, but she'll be alright." Doctor Merar reported as he placed his bag down a nearby table for the moment. "I've given her a sedative, she's sleeping now."

"How bad was she hurt?" Jarrod questioned. "What's her injuries?"

"She's got a lot of bruising, some nasty scratches but nothing too serious."

"Did he…" Heath started, his voice trailing off.

The old doctor shook his head. He understood what Heath wanted to know. "No. It doesn't appear he did."

Hearing that, they all breathed a collective sigh of relief.

"Now she's probably going to still be a bit shaken for the next couple of days." He continued. "I've left some more sedatives with your mother to help her settle down. Be gentle with her, she's going to need your support and care."

"Did she say anything about the attack? Who did it?" Jarrod wanted to know.

"She didn't. I wouldn't press her too hard about it either, I know you want to find out who hurt her but let her have a little time to process things."

"Alright." He agreed. "The Sheriff is going to want to speak with her though."

"Then stall him for a little time. I know how important it will be to you to find this man but you need to take Audra into consideration too. This has been a traumatic experience for her."

"I understand Doctor."

"Is there anything we can do doc?" Nick questioned, wanting to help in some way.

"Like I said, be gentle with her. Victoria is with her now, I recommend the rest of you turn in and get some sleep. There's nothing you can be doing for her tonight. If you'll excuse me, that's what I plan on doing myself."

Picking up his bag, the doctor left and retired to one of the guest rooms to spend the remainder of the night. "Well, lest it wasn't as bad as it could have been." Heath exclaimed with relief after he had gone.

"Yeah, well," Nick said as he stood. "it's still bad enough."

"I'm not denying that, I just-"

"No, I know what you mean." He interrupted, patting his brother on the shoulder on his way by to head upstairs.

Jarrod looked down at Millie as Heath left also. "And you, little lady, need to go back to bed too."

She nodded sleepily, yawning softly. "Bed sounds good. I hope Audra will be alright."

"Me too honey, me too."

A couple hours of sleep was all Millie got before she had to be up and start her day, the events of last night still fresh in her mind. While she didn't know all the details of what had happened to Audra, she felt sorry for her and hoped she would be alright. Scratches and bruises would heal but she knew from past experience, even though hers was somewhat different, the memories would torment her all the same. It'd take her time to get through it but at least she would have the support of her family.

Who did she have?

She had no one.

Stepping out from her room, she said a short prayer in her mind for Audra as she walked by her bedroom. Like her brothers, she was grateful that Nick had come onto the scene when he had. It could have been worse for her. A lot worse.

The kitchen was empty when she entered, making herself a quick sandwich before she headed out to the barn. Jarrod was already there, in the process of saddling up Jingo when she walked in. "Morning Jarrod."

He looked over, smiling a little. "Morning Millie."

"You're heading out early."

"Going into town?"

Jarrod nodded as he tossed his saddle across the gelding's back.

He didn't need to tell her what the reason for his early visit to town was, Millie already knew. He was going in to see if there was anything he could find that would lead him to the man who had assaulted Audra. "Jarrod…" She started, wondering if it was really appropriate to be bringing up her problems when he already was occupied with this recent situation.

"Yes?"

"I-I was hoping to speak to you."

"Well, I was planning to get to town early." He finished tightening the cinch and untied his gelding. "Can it wait?"

"Y-yeah. Yeah. Sure. Finding who hurt Audra's more important, I understand."

"Thank you Millie." Jarrod led the gelding from the barn. "I'll see you when I get home."

Watching as Jarrod mounted and rode out of the ranch yard towards town, Millie let out a little sigh and went to go see Tomahawk. Ever since she'd decided to tell Jarrod the truth about Cade, everything just seemed to be getting in the way of them having a conversation. Compared to what Audra had gone through though, her problems seemed to pale in comparison. Rubbing her stallion's forehead again, she let out another sigh. "Alright boy, let's go have a quick ride."

Riding bareback out in the fresh air helped her to clear her mind and lifted her spirits a little. The sun was rising over the horizon as she rode across the ridge overlooking the ranch, Millie bringing Tomahawk to a halt after a time to let him graze. As he nipped the tender green shoots she cast her gaze over the landscape below.

It was beautiful here. Peaceful and serene. The ranch was nestled down far below, the ranch hands who were beginning their work appearing like tiny ants from her vantage point. Every morning she would ride up here and would watch the sun rising over the valley, bringing with it the dawning of a new day. She was lucky here, she knew that. The Barkley's had been good to her, she had a home for now. What they had given her was more than she could have ever hoped for.

Tomahawk kept grazing as the sun rose higher in the sky, Millie content to sit for a little while longer. Up here, she felt at peace. Here was a chance to escape from everything, to forget her troubles for just a little while and instead pretend that everything was alright.

She was startled from her daydreaming by a shiver running up her spine, starting to feel that someone was watching her again.

Looking around, she couldn't see anything out of the ordinary and she took a deep breath to calm herself down. It was starting to worry her, these moments when she thought that someone was after her. It had been weeks now since her picture was in the newspaper. Surely if Cade had seen it, he'd have already been on the Barkely's doorstep, demanding that they hand her over?

Little did she know then the events that would unfold later that morning.

"Mornin', Mizz Millie."

Millie smiled at Silas as she came into the kitchen, hoping to scrounge up a little something extra for breakfast. "Good morning Silas. What have you got cooking?"

"Eggs, bacon, steak and there's scones in the oven."

"Sounds delicious." Her stomach was rumbling as she eyed what was cooking in the fry pan. "Anything I can help with?"

"Scrap bowl needs feedin' to the chickens."

"Consider it done." She swiped a little piece of bacon on her way by the stove, earning herself an amused look from him. "Payment for taking out the scraps."

"Oh Mizz Millie."

Millie left to his chuckling, carrying the large bowl beneath her arm. Intending to go outside, she stopped when she noticed that Victoria had emerged from Audra's room and was coming downstairs. "Good morning Victoria."

"Good morning Millie." She noticed the bowl of scraps in her arms. "Early at work I see."

"You know me. Always doing something." Millie replied with a little smile, sobering as she asked the question on her mind. "How's Audra?"

"Audra will be alright, don't you worry none. She's tougher than she seems. It might take her a couple days but she'll get through."

"Victoria, you needn't sugarcoat it with me. It's going to take her longer than a few days to get over the memories." She paused for a moment. "Memories stick around long after the bruises fade and the wounds heal."

"I take it you're speaking from experience."

Millie nodded. "Different circumstances but yes. She's just lucky to have a family who love her and will see her through." Her voice lowered as she looked up at the staircase. "I never had that."

Victoria placed her hand on the girl's shoulder. "But you have us now Millie."

"It's not the same though." She turned back to her. "It can't be. Blood's always thicker than water. I'll always just be little Millie Anders who Jarrod Barkley took pity on and kept out of the orphanages. Nothing will ever change that." She stopped herself, lowering her head. "I'm sorry Victoria, that was uncalled for."

"I guess you and I are more alike than you realize." At that, Millie looked back up at her in confusion. "You wouldn't know this but I lost my parents when I was a few years younger then you and for a long time I felt the same way you do until I realized that family isn't just made up of the one you're born into, family isn't only blood. Family is made up of the people in your life you want you in theirs. The ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who will do anything to see you smile and who love you no matter what. That's what family truly is. I found that out and one day, you'll find that too."

Millie thought her words over. "T-thank you, Victoria. I think I needed to hear that."

She smiled kindly at her. "We do care about you Millie. I hope you know that."

She smiled a little back, not fully convinced. "Well, I guess I better get these scraps to the chickens. If Audra's up to it, I thought I might come sit with her a while later."

"I'm sure she'd like that."

Continuing on out the back door, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched as she crossed the garden to the chicken coop. Again, as she looked around nervously for any sign of danger, there was nothing that she could see. Quickening her pace a little her thoughts turned back to her conversation with Victoria. While she knew that she was genuine in what she said, Millie still didn't believe it.

Who would want to love and care for someone like her?

She didn't deserve it.

She wasn't worthy of it.

She was nothing.

That was all she was and all she'd ever be.

Years of Cade's words had forever etched themselves into her mind. Words that were nothing but blatant lies that she had come to believe with her whole heart. She truly believed that no one could ever love someone like her. It didn't matter what anyone said to her now, nothing was going to ever change that.

She came to the chicken coop, the bowl of scraps Silas had requested she feed to them still tucked beneath her arm. "Here chick chick chicks." The chickens began running to her at her call and as she stepped inside the coop, she closed the door behind her so they didn't escape. "Look at all these goodies I've got here for you." The hens began to devour the scraps as she tossed them out onto the ground and she chuckled a little at the three hens squabbling over a bread crust. "There's plenty to go around-"

The sound of a twig snapping reached her ears through the noise of the chickens, Millie looking around outside. Again, there was nothing out of the ordinary that she could see. No one was out there but she'd heard something step on a twig. "I must be finally going crazy…" She whispered beneath her breath, her heart racing from the sudden fright. It was tiring, being constantly on edge and anxious but what could she do about it? Ever since she'd found her picture in the newspaper she'd been worried that Cade would be behind the nearest tree but it really was an irrational fear. He lived over a hundred miles away. What were the chances of him getting a newspaper from Stockton all the way up in Alder?

And if he had seen the picture, he'd already have been here to lay claim to her.

No, it really just was her mind playing tricks on her.

With the bowl of scraps empty, Millie entered the chicken house and as she went to collect the eggs, she realized that she'd left the egg basket inside. Sighing heavily, she moved all the eggs from the nesting boxes into one box, intending to bring the basket back to collect them all. With the last egg up in the top box she went to leave through the back door and just as she finished latching it closed, someone grabbed her from behind.

Dropping the bowl, it shattered on a rock into a thousand pieces as she fought unsuccessfully against her unknown attacker. She was screaming as she fought, her screams muffled however by the cloth being held over her mouth and nose that was making it hard for her to breath.

"Just settle down, my dear. Fighting will only make it worse for you."

Millie heard her attacker's voice, fighting with everything she had against him but there was nothing she could do. He was too strong for her. The cloth had some kind of sweet smelling liquid soaked into it and the more of it she breathed in as she tried to get away, the liquid went to work on her. Her vision and hearing fading, she felt like everything was spinning around her and her fight weakened until everything went black.

The cloth did its job, the girl's fight ceasing after a few more moments and he held it over her face a little longer for good measure. Her legs gave way, her head lolled back over his arm and he knew she was unconscious. So far, so good. His masterful plan was working out beautifully.

Picking her up, the man hurried back to where he'd hidden his two horses for a quick getaway, not noticing that he dropped the cloth on his way. The horses were hidden out of sight of the house, the man looking around nervously as he unceremoniously threw the young woman stomach down over the saddle of his spare horse. Mounting his own horse, he picked up the reins of the horse his victim was slung over and glancing back at the ranch to ensure he hadn't been spotted, quickly rode away.