Ranger

By Harley Wylde

Danica -- I followed in my dad’s footsteps, chasing the rodeo. It’s been my life, other than friends and family with the Dixie Reapers. Until now, no one’s really noticed me. I’ve barely dated, and at twenty-three, I’m still a virgin. Then he walks in. Ranger. A Reckless King, and so far out of my league. But one kiss, and I know I’ll remember him forever… even after he walks away.

I didn’t think we had a future. Thought he’d forget I exist. But I was wrong. He wants me, every bit as much as I want him.

Ranger -- I saw her ride in a rodeo a year ago, and she held me spellbound. Running into her again at the Dixie Reapers, I’m not sure I can keep my hands to myself. She’s Cowboy’s daughter, and I should keep my distance. Too bad I’ve never been all that great at following the rules.

Only one thing is standing in my way. There’s someone stalking her. A man who thinks she’s his. He’s wrong. Danica will be mine, one way or another. Anyone who stands in the way will wish they’d never heard of me.

WARNING: Ranger is recommended for adult readers. It has coarse language, adult situations, and discusses events, like stalking and assault, that may trigger some readers. There is no cheating, a guaranteed happily-ever-after, and no cliffhanger!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Changeling Press
• Release date: Jul 8, 2021

Book preview

Prologue

Ranger -- One Year Ago

Why did I let you talk me into this? I asked.

Scott grinned. You’ll like it. First time a bull stomps some poor cowboy, you’ll be just as into it as the rest of the crowd.

Your idea of entertainment is fucked up.

He ignored me and led us farther through the crowd. We ended up on bleachers halfway up, which gave us a decent view of the arena. I should have told him to fuck off and gone to a bar. Instead, I’d let him talk me into going to a rodeo. In my cut and motorcycle boots, I stuck out like a sore thumb. Scott had on his cowboy boots and a cowboy hat, which made sense seeing as how he worked on a horse farm outside Atlanta. My cowboy days were over. Long over.

We just have to make it through the bronc riders and barrel racers before the bulls come out, Scott said. Some of the barrel racers are good eye candy, though. A few of them compete all over the country.

Why did it not surprise me he’d be checking out the women, even the ones in the rodeo? The ladies had always loved Scott. Back when I’d served with him in the Army, I’d seen him walk out of a bar with two or three women hanging off him. I’d been leery of being with random women, unless I used a condom I’d brought with me. Even then, nothing was foolproof.

Next up is Danica Adler on Windstorm, the announcer said.

Oh, this will be good. Scott rubbed his hands on his thighs. She’s one of the favorites.

Why? I asked.

Her dad is a champion rodeo rider. Last I heard, he was like you… a biker. They live down someplace in Alabama. Both his kids are following in his footsteps. Danica runs barrels and his son rides bulls. They’re both damn good too.

I focused on the arena when a horse shot out of the gate. The slim rider on his back clung to him as he raced around the barrels. I couldn’t see much of her, except long honey-colored hair and curves that made my mouth water. When she finished her run, the announcer whooped with excitement.

She did good? I asked Scott. I might have lived around horses most of my life, but I’d never really cared about going to a rodeo. I damn sure hadn’t had a reason to watch anyone run barrels.

Hell yeah! I bet she wins tonight. He smiled and nudged me with his shoulder. Told you this would be fun.

Beast had sent me to Atlanta for a drop-off, so I’d thought I’d hang at a bar tonight before heading home. Nope. I’d decided to look up my old buddy Scott, and he’d nixed that idea almost immediately, so here I was at a rodeo. A rodeo. Although, I had to admit, watching Danica had been pretty exciting, even if it had ended quickly.

I spotted Danica making her way through the crowd. The smile on her face made my heart slam against my ribs. Fuck but she was pretty. Not gorgeous, but a sweet girl-next-door type. She just happened to be exactly the sort of woman I went for. Knowing she was a biker’s daughter, and from Alabama, made me think she was most likely Cowboy’s daughter and therefore the property of the Dixie Reapers. Which meant she was hands-off. Didn’t stop me from wanting her.

One night of fun was one thing, but forever? I knew if I put my hands on her, one of two things would happen. Either her daddy would demand I claim her, or he’d make sure no one ever found my body. Hell, he’d probably string me up for even looking at her the way I was right now. If he was like the others, and like Beast, then I had no doubt he was overprotective of his daughter.

Scott jammed his elbow into my ribs. Don’t stare too hard. You know damn well her dad would have your balls.

Right. I scanned the crowd, wondering if there might be a willing woman, and soon realized they were all about the cowboys and boots and wouldn’t want a damn thing to do with a biker. I may have grown up on a horse farm in Middle Tennessee, but those days were a thing of the past. I hadn’t been on a horse in years and didn’t plan to start now. Why the fuck did I let Scott talk me into shit like this? It wasn’t the first time I’d listened to him instead of doing what I’d originally planned, and it always came back to bite me in the ass in one way or another.

You owe me, I said.

Oh, please. You may not be able to touch, but you can’t tell me Danica won’t be in your spank bank for a long while. The girl has legs for days, even if she is on the petite side. I’m not blind. I can appreciate all she has to offer. Doesn’t mean I’m stupid enough to try and go there.

I had plans for tonight. None of which included going to bed alone, so thanks for nothing.

Scott sighed. We’ll hit up a bar on the way back to the motel. You can find some easy pussy.

Like you plan on abstaining? I asked.

He shrugged and looked off in the direction Danica had just disappeared. I narrowed my eyes at him and had the sudden urge to beat the shit out of Scott. Did he have a thing for the Reaper’s daughter? I hadn’t even spoken to her, and yet part of me wanted to blind any fucker who dared look her way. Scott included. What the fuck was wrong with me?

I definitely needed to get laid and put Danica out of my mind. No fucking way I’d ever be able to go there. Scott was right about one thing, though. She’d be starring in my fantasies for a long while.

Chapter One

Danica

Tears streaked my cheeks as I stared down at the freshly dug grave. My dad had promised to plant a tree over Champ’s resting place. He’d been my best friend the last seven years, and it broke my heart knowing he’d never race across the pasture to greet me again. He hadn’t been in the best of health when I’d rescued him, and the vet had warned he might not live long. Champ had surprised us all by lasting as long as he had.

Rest in peace, my sweet boy.

My dad threw his arm around my shoulders and pulled me tight against his side. Sorry, honey. I know it’s hard.

At least he’s not hurting, I said.

Dad nodded. Why don’t you head over to the clubhouse? The Reckless Kings are visiting, and I know you want to see baby Madison.

Are you trying to distract me? I asked.

Yep. Is it working?

I sniffled and swiped at the tears on my cheeks, laughing a little. Yeah, it’s working.

Dad kissed the top of my head and helped me stand up. Your mom should already be there. Your little brother too. Unless she dropped Langston off at Atlas’s house.

After another hug, he sent me out of the pasture. I stopped in the house and splashed water on my face before heading to the clubhouse. I couldn’t hide the fact I’d been crying. My eyes were puffy and most likely red. I wasn’t a pretty crier. Pulling my keys from my pocket, I hurried out to my truck. I got in and heard something crinkle. Yanking a piece of paper out from under me, I cringed when I saw what it was.

I glanced at where I’d left my dad, thankful he wasn’t paying me any attention. He’d seen the first one of these before I could hide it. While he’d been concerned, I’d blown it off as being nothing. Except I’d lied. It was definitely something. A chill skated down my spine and my stomach knotted.

We’ll be together soon.

Like hell we would! I knew who’d left it, even if I couldn’t prove it. I’d already spoken to the law in several states. Each had said the same thing. It was my word against his. Lewis Stevens was the golden boy of the rodeo. Champion bull rider, and ladies’ man. Everyone treated his stalking like some sort of courting. I’d landed on his radar, and he wasn’t backing down.

I balled up the note and tossed it onto the floorboard. It wasn’t the first, and it wouldn’t be the last. I put the truck in gear and drove to the compound. As much as I liked being around our extended family, I enjoyed having a house away from all the craziness. My dad had purchased a lot of land when we’d first moved here, and I wasn’t ashamed to admit I still lived with my parents. The farmhouse was plenty big enough for all of us.

Dylan opened the gate when he saw me pulling up. I drove through and parked outside the clubhouse. Looked like quite a few people were already here. I yanked down the visor and checked my reflection. I took down my ponytail and ran my fingers through my hair, removing bits of hay. After I put my hair up in a messy bun, I grabbed my tinted lip balm from the console and smoothed some over my lips. Not perfect, but I looked a little less wrecked.

I got out and made my way inside, anxious to see little Madison. Beast and Lyssa brought her to visit a few times a year, but I’d missed her last time. I’d been out of town at a rodeo. I’d needed the money, so not going hadn’t been an option. Or at least, I knew some day I’d need it. I couldn’t live at home forever. Thankfully, I’d won and pocketed a nice chunk of change. I might not ride broncs like my dad had, but I could hold my own in barrels.

Stepping into the clubhouse, I waited a moment for my eyes to adjust to the dim interior before tracking down Beast, Lyssa, and Madison. I found them at a table toward the back. Torch and Isabella were already there with their kids, and I noticed Leigha and Logan had claimed a seat nearby too. I scanned the room and saw their dad, Preacher, talking to one of the Reckless Kings.

You may have to wait your turn.

I jerked my head to the right and smiled at Owen. Yeah? I’d have been here sooner, but…

Owen slung his arm around my shoulders. I know. Your dad called and let me know you might need a friend. Sorry about Champ. He was a good horse.

Where’s your brother from another mother? He snorted and pointed across the room. I spotted Foster talking to Lara. Damn. If Preacher sees him chatting her up, your BFF might get neutered.

Owen was Rocky’s son, and Foster was Bull’s. The two were the same age and had been inseparable. I’d often joked they were in a relationship. At first, they’d been pissed when I teased them. Now they took it in stride. They were both also about three years older than Lara, who was only fifteen. Even though both boys were closer to Jackson’s age than mine, they were still like family to me. With Farrah and Mariah gone, I didn’t really have anyone my age to hang with when the club had gatherings. Leigha and Logan were two years younger than my brother, and a year younger than Owen and Foster. I was the oldest of the kids still at home.

As for the patched members, Viking was close to my age, but most were older. Out of the Prospects, Dylan was the closest in age to me, but I was still older than him. The only times I’d been able to go on dates, which was rare, had been with one of the guys from town. They hadn’t ended well.

Jackson coming? Owen asked.

You act like I keep up with my little brother.

He nudged me in the ribs and I relented. "Fine. Last I heard, he was heading to El Paso for an event. If his dumb ass doesn’t die getting on the back of one of those crazy bulls, he should be home in a week.

Reviews for Ranger

[John Pop · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Harley Wylde and Tory Richards....wow ....same style, same hue of stories and affinity...can be a coincidence???? like it:):)