Mandie’s heart pounded against her ribs. She couldn’t leave him to face this alone. Her gaze darted around, seeking anything she could use as a weapon. A rock, a stick, something.
The cougar snarled, a sound that raised every hair on Mandie’s neck. It crouched, hindquarters bunching. Ready to spring.
“Now!” Enoch lunged forward just as the cat leapt, his knife slashing in a silvery arc.
Mandie bolted for the entrance, her boots slipping on the damp stone. Behind her, a yowl of pain echoed off the cave walls.
She had to help him.
CHAPTER 20
Mandie reached the mouth of the cave and whirled, searching frantically.
There. A fallen branch, just outside the opening, thick as her wrist. She snatched it up and spun back toward the fight.
Enoch and the cougar circled each other, the beast’s eyes glinting with feral rage. Blood matted its fur where Enoch’s knife had found its mark, and crimson stained the ripped sleeve on his forearm.
The animal lunged again, claws extended, and Enoch twisted away, slashing with his blade.
But the cougar’s reflexes were lightning fast. It swiped with a massive paw, catching Enoch’s shoulder and sending him staggering back.
Mandie didn’t hesitate. With a cry, she charged forward, the branch raised high. She brought it down with all her strength across the cougar’s hindquarters.
The animal yowled in pain and surprise, whirling to face this new threat.
Enoch seized the opening, driving his knife into its side. The cougar screeched and spun back to him.
Mandie swung again, catching it across the face. It reeled back, blood spattering the floor.
Enoch pressed the advantage, stabbing and slashing, driving the beast back. It swiped at him, but he dodged.
With a final, defiant snarl, the cougar turned and fled, disappearing into the rain.
Mandie stood frozen, chest heaving, the branch still raised.
Enoch sagged back against the cave wall, his knife clattering to the floor as he clutched at his left shoulder. Blood seeped through his fingers.
“Enoch!” She dropped the branch and rushed to him, her heart in her throat. She reached for his arm, trying to see how badly he was hurt. “Let me look.”
He shook his head, jaw clenched tight. “It’s not deep. Just a scratch.”
She gave him a sharp glare. “It’s more than a scratch. Please let me see.”
Reluctantly, he eased his hand away. His sleeve hung in tatters, revealing four parallel gashes scoring his upper arm, oozing blood.
Enoch’s chest still rose and fell as he fought to catch his breath. “I told you to run.”
She was standing so close, the warmth of his words brushed her face, but she kept her focus on his injuries. “And leave you alone with that beast? Not likely.” The bleeding seemed to already be slowing, but they needed to get him back to the house so she could clean up the entire arm.
She stepped back. “Think we can make it to the ranch?”
He glanced toward the cave opening. “I’d like to check on the cattle first. We’re close to that pasture.”
Frustration washed through her. “Enoch, you’re really hurt. I’m sure one of your brothers would gladly come later to check the herd.”
She laid a hand on his good arm and worked to soften her voice so this next part didn’t make him balk. “You take the brunt of every job on yourself. Let the rest of us help you for once.”
Resistance flashed in his gaze, as she’d expected. What had made this man think he had to carry the weight of the world just to make the load lighter for everyone around him? Did he think he deserved to be punished for something? If only she could ask him.
