Rivalry, Sasha & Beth: #2 (Bozeman Blackout Series)

Sasha knew things had only gotten worse when she got home. Jamie Two-Stars was waiting at the Sullivan Ranch gate, his usually calm face set in hard lines. He'd already heard - bad news traveled between ranches faster than summer lightning.

"Three mares," he said flatly as Sasha dismounted. "All from Ballydorn's prize bloodline. All in season."

The words hit like physical blows. Sullivan Ranch's wild-blooded stallion breeding with Ballydorn's carefully curated bloodlines - it was every rancher's nightmare.

"Jamie, I—"

"Save it." He ran a hand over his face. "Rowan Ballydorn just called. She's already contacted the Montana Breeding Association. They're sending representatives."

“But, it’s not that bad. We can work it out.”

Inside the main office, the situation got worse. Howell Bentear sat with his ancient ledger open, showing Sasha bitter history between the ranches:

- 1952: Water rights dispute

- 1973: Fence line controversy

- 1988: Grazing territory conflict

- 1995: Failed marriage alliance attempt

- 2010: Show circuit rivalry

"And now this," Howell's weathered finger traced the latest entry. "Unauthorized breeding with their prize mares. Do you have any idea what this means?"

Sasha's throat felt dust-dry. "The foals—"

"Will be legally contested," Jamie cut in. "Every single one. And given that you entered their property without permission..."

A truck's rumble interrupted them. Through the window, they watched Brynn's return, her face already tight with controlled anger as she stepped down. Cosima had called her back from a music gig in California.

She’d had to fly...