Stopping, Bella rubbed her forehead, now throbbing with confusion. “Oh, Anastasia, why can’t I remember anything?”
Anastasia gently touched Bella’s arm. “I wish I knew.”
She sighed and looked up at the sky. She really couldn’t wait any longer. She must head back home now. “It’s getting late. I should return to my father.”
“Of course.”
A sound broke through the air, sounding like an animal’s growl. Bella hitched a breath and looked into the forest. The beast!
“What was that?” Anastasia asked in a high-pitched voice.
“There is a panther that is roaming the woods. I’ve seen it. We need to go inside.” She grasped hands with the girl. “But let’s walk calmly. I don’t want the animal to think we are playing a game with him.”
“Why would the animal think that?” Anastasia asked breathlessly.
“Because that’s what usually happens when panthers chase their prey – they run.”
Anastasia sucked in a small scream and nodded.
Together, they walked as calmly as they could toward the house. Terror rushed through Bella, faster now than the first time she was getting away from the panther. But it wasn’t just her fearing for her life. She must protect the girl, too.
Once again, the odd feeling of having experienced this before rushed over her. It was like déjà vu. Yet, the feeling wasn’t from yesterday’s encounter. Instead, she felt like her younger self had been running from the feline and scared for her life.
They were still halfway to the house, and Anastasia’s steps quickened. Before Bella could stop her, the girl darted into a run. From behind, the panther let out another growl. Just as before, Bella didn’t dare look behind her to see how close the animal was. It sounded near, and that wasn’t good.
“Anastasia, stop!” Bella cried out.
Suddenly, the sound of the animal’s steps pounded behind her, coming closer and closer. Bella’s body trembled. Oh, Lord... help us!
FIVE
TEARS FILLED BELLA’S eyes, obstructing her vision. She blinked several times, trying to see more clearly. “Please, slow down,” she pleaded with the girl.
The shot from a rifle pierced the air. Anastasia fell to the ground. Bella’s heart sank, and she couldn’t breathe. What just happened?
She quickened her steps until she reached the girl who was curled in a ball, sobbing. Bella dropped beside her and gathered Anastasia in her arms. “Where are you shot?”
“I’m... not.” The girl lifted her head and looked at Bella. “I tripped on a rock and fell, and when I heard the shot, I stayed down.”
Bella finally dared to glance behind her. It wasn’t a panther she saw coming toward them. Instead, it was a man on horseback with a rifle in his hand. She blinked again, trying to focus on the rider because it definitely couldn’t be who she thought it was.
“Bella, are you all right?” Garrett stopped his horse and jumped off, hurrying to her side. He knelt beside her and touched her shoulder. His breaths were ragged as if he’d been the one running.
“Yes, I’m... we are fine.” She looked toward the woods. “Did you kill the panther?”
Scowling, he shook his head. “That beast evades us at every turn, so let me help you and the girl get somewhere safe.”
Anastasia pointed to the manor. “I live there.”
Garrett’s scowl deepened, and he threw a glare at Bella. “You are at the Wentworth estate?” he said in a grinding voice. “But I told you to stay away.”
Bella pushed away from him and stood, bringing Anastasia with her. “Well, as it happens, I am employed by the Wentworth family.”
“No... impossible.” Garrett stood, shaking his head.
“Bella is teaching me to be a lady.” Anastasia straightened her shoulders, proudly.
“Bella.” Garrett’s voice deepened in irritation as he snatched her hand, holding on tightly. “You need to stay away from this place.”
“What’s wrong with this place?” Anastasia snapped, folding her arms as she glared at Garrett.
He threw the girl a scowl. “This is a private conversation. Please leave.”
“I’m afraid that you are the one who is trespassing. Bella was invited here. You weren’t.”
Bella tried yanking her hand out of his grip, but he wouldn’t release her. “Garrett, let me go. You have no right coming here and telling me what I can or cannot do.”
He gasped in surprise. “But it was my rifle shot that frightened away the beast. You and this girl could have been killed by now.” He switched his focus to Anastasia. “And speaking of beasts, where is your brother?”
“Ah!” Anastasia cried out in anger and slapped Garrett’s face.
The hit must have shocked him because he stumbled back a little as his hand flew to his reddened cheek. “Why, you little...”
Bella moved in front of Anastasia, blocking him from doing anything harmful to the girl. “Garrett, I suggest you leave now, or I will be the one injuring you next.”
“And if that doesn’t work,” a deep growling voice boomed through the air behind them, “I’ll be the one inflicting bodily injury.” Terrick held up his rifle, pointing it at Garrett. “You have two minutes to jump back on your horse and ride off my property.”
Garrett’s glare darkened. “You wouldn’t dare shoot me. Do you know how important I am? Everyone loves me, and they appreciate everything I do for them.”
Terrick lifted the rifle, pointing it at Garrett’s head. “I suggest you shut up. You’re only making me want to shoot you more. And... your time is running out.”
Lifting his haughty chin, Garrett spun around and marched back to his horse, mounted, and rode off quickly.
Terrick lowered his rifle and looked at Bella. “Are you all right?”
Bella’s nerves had been through so much in the last couple of minutes that her body began to shake. She tried to remain strong in front of the other two. “I’m fine, but your sister tripped and fell.”
Terrick turned to Anastasia, but she shook her head and held out her hand, stopping him. “I’m fine. I tripped on a rock. But don’t worry about me. Bella needs to get home before
