Free Storm Warned (The Grim Series) by Dani Harper Page B

still for a long moment to make sure he was going to remain on his feet—then shuffled his way to a nearby trough, holding on to the fence wire for support.
    A few minutes later, he sank down beside the big dog, holding a cracked and dented bucket at an angle so she could reach the few inches of water in it. She drank every drop. Satisfied, Liam leaned back against the gatepost with a heavy sigh.
    “We’re one helluva pair,” he said to her. “You can’t walk far and I can’t carry you. In fact, I don’t think I can go anyplace.” It was true—not only was his brain clearly trying to escape his skull, but that little jaunt to the water trough had exhausted him beyond all reason. “We’re gonna have to call in some help, girl.”
    He patted the pocket of his jeans and was relieved to find his phone still there. The screen lit up at his touch, and he was amazed to see he had three whole bars plus half a battery to work with—apparently Murphy’s law hadn’t located him yet! Quickly he flipped through the numbers stored on the device, but he realized there weren’t very damn many to choose from. Aunt Ruby and Uncle Conall had been the only family who lived in this area. He was close to his cousin Tina, but she was in Seattle—she’d drop everything to come and help him, of course, but it was more than a six-hour drive. As for friends, the ones he’d had growing up had moved away, and he hadn’t made any new ones. In fact, hardly anyone could be called an acquaintance either. It was his own stupid fault of course: he hadn’t wanted company, so he hadn’t even tried to be friendly. Way to go, Einstein. How many times had he heard his uncle say, “A farmer can’t get along without his neighbors”? Liam recalled the families who used to own the farms on either side of his, but not the names of the people who lived there now. They were miles away in both directions too, so walking for help sure as hell wasn’t an option.
    Although the sensible voice in his head insisted he needed to get checked out by a doctor, Liam was far more concerned about the injured dog. Plus, although he hadn’t had a chance to check on his poor goats yet, they were certain to need medical attention as well. Heaven only knew what condition his cattle and horses were in—if they were still in the county. What I need most is a vet , he decided. The only one he’d ever trusted to treat old Homer was up in Spokane Valley—his cousin’s high school friend, Morgan Edwards. It was definitely out of her way, yet she had cared enough to drive all the way out here twice in those last few months of Homer’s life. It couldn’t hurt to ask, could it? At the very least, Morgan might know of some other vet who could come on short notice.
    Liam tapped the screen where her number was displayed. And hoped.

FIVE

    C aris lay on the ground near the man’s feet, grateful for his kind words—how long had it been since she had heard the slightest expression of concern? And he had covered her with his own shirt. The fabric was too thin to provide much heat to her battered body, but her heart was profoundly touched. She hadn’t known many men who would do such a thing for a mere dog, especially one that wasn’t their own. He’d struggled to bring her water as well, even though it was plain that he was injured too—and here she was with no hands to help, and no strength if she had them. He slipped into unconsciousness soon after he’d talked into the palm-sized phone, and blood still oozed freely down the side of his face.
    It’s a fine face. When she’d been human, she would surely have sighed over that intelligent brow and determined chin. She’d sigh over his handsome frame, too. The man’s shirtless body was lean and well-built, his arms strong, and well-acquainted with hard work. Light brown hair dusted his chest and she had a shockingly wicked wish to trace his muscles with her fingertips. Unbidden, Caris’s gaze followed the pattern