Jesse McCray ekes out a hard living cutting cattle from the local beef baron of Defiance, Texas. He's known for his quick draw and his steady aim; no one outguns him. Whenever he and his ragtag group of friends known as the Rustlers ride into town, the local cowboys hold their breaths, waiting for the men to ride through. But one evening, while playing faro at Billy's Saloon, Jesse's attention is drawn to a new face in the crowd.<br><br>Ethan Phillips is an idealistic tenderfoot from back East, passing through Defiance on his way to the California coast. He's heard tales of the gold that enriches the west coast, and he's looking for a way to make his dreams come true. When his horse pulls up lame, he offers to sing for the cowboys of Billy's Saloon to earn a few coins, but the men jeer at his song until a man in black quiets them. With one look into Jesse's dark eyes, Ethan finds himself falling for the man.<br><br>Ethan's horse heals but he stays in Defiance, enamored by his outlaw lover. But the cattle baron has a grudge against one of Jesse's outlaw friends, and a gunfight in Billy's Saloon puts a price on the Rustlers' heads. Can Jesse protect Ethan from the lawmen gunning for him and his friends?

Wanted

“You killed Joey Jr. and Crazy Kit and Diego,” Jesse said. “I don’t care if you don’t carry a gun. It was your eye in the sights. Their blood is on your hands. The game is over, Shelton. It ends here.” 


In the dead quiet of the yard, a single gunshot rang out. Smoke curled from the barrel of the pistol Jesse aimed at Shelton’s heart. 


As Shelton staggered back against the door of his house, hand clutching his chest, another shot shattered the morning stillness and searing pain bit into Jesse’s side. Turning, Jesse fired again, pure reflex, as he staggered back against his horse. When he pressed his hand to his side, it came away sticky with his own bright blood, a splash of red against the otherwise colorless day. 


Chapter 5