Spurred On

Spurred On

By

Jon Keys

A Beyond Fairytales Adaptation of

The Brothers Grimm’s:

Cinderella

Smashwords Edition

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This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Spurred On

Copyright  2015 by Jon Keys

ISBN: 978-1-61333-882-7

Cover art by Tibbs Designs

All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work, in whole or in part, in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.

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Razor

Spurred On

His wicked stepfather is trying to drive Kegan off his family’s ranch…

He promised his dying father to always be there to protect his mother. But when she leaves on a cattle buying trip, his stepbrothers join in to bully and overwork him. Can he hang on until her return? And even if he does, how can he tell her that her new husband is evil incarnate? The only bright spot is a Cole, who he’s admired from a distance.

He’s new in town, and his parents are holding a rodeo…

It’s not easy to meet new people in an established ranching community, but a rodeo will draw everyone in and give Cole an opportunity to make friends and show his skills in an arena they all understand. Maybe even get to know someone special.

A mystical medicine hat stallion walks into Kegan’s life….

It’s not long before they are the talk, and mystery, of the rodeo. The only thing more daunting than keeping his identity secret is how Kegan is going to balance all this with his draw to the man of his dreams. Will Cole end up being his magical prince, or is Kegan going to find himself left in the dust?

Chapter One

Once upon a time.... Isn’t that how all fairytales start? Today wasn’t much of a fairytale to Kegan, but his mother seemed thrilled as she twirled in the wedding dress David had bought for her.

What do you think, Kegan? How does your vintage mother look?

He couldn’t contain his chuckle, and it burst through the fog of depression surrounding him. You look great, Mom. And a long way from vintage. David’s a lucky guy to catch you.

His mother grabbed his shoulders, and her smile held a little touch of melancholy. I know we didn’t court long. Everyone keeps telling me I don’t really know David. But it just feels right. I’m sure I don’t know everything. I didn’t know a lot of things about your dad at first, and our years together were wonderful. I’m sure we can work out whatever bumps are ahead of us. Your dad and I always managed to pull it together, bless him.

He froze for a moment. Should I tell her about the threats David has already made? Subtly, but clearly, he’d insinuated Kegan wouldn’t like the results if he crossed him or tried to talk his mother out of this wedding. Frankly, the older man sent a chill up Kegan’s spine. And his thick-skulled sons were even worse.

When his mother turned to him again, he couldn’t bring himself to spoil her day. Yeah, Mom. I’m sure you’ll figure out all kinds of stuff as you get to know David more. Hopefully you can work it out like you did with Dad.

His mother’s friends descended on her for the final touches, saving him from trying to find anything else to say. He slipped out of the room, as the processional music started, and to his seat. Worried about how all of this was going to go down, Kegan looked around him. The room was filled with friends and family.

The ceremony stretched on and on as he fought the urge to fidget. He recalled the whispered threats that Kegan should look for another place to live, that David was in charge of the ranch now. Even worse were the hungry looks he saw the man direct at his mother from time to time. They didn’t increase his comfort level with this man. He wanted to warn someone, but David had been careful to say them only when no one else could possibly hear. Obviously, he was out for something.

The never-ending ceremony finally drew to an end, only to have the reception begin, which would be even longer. He tried to keep a good face, but wasn’t sure how successful he was.

You look like someone poked a stick up your butt.

Kegan glanced at his best friend and for the first time today gave a genuine smile. Yeah, whatever. I just want all this crap to end.

Alec stepped closer, put his hand on Kegan’s shoulder, and squeezed. I know what you mean. I miss your dad, too. But your mom seems happy.

He shrugged and surveyed the huge crowd. Kegan hadn’t even realized they knew this many people, much less that they would all come to his mother’s wedding. He tugged at the rented tux, feeling more and more uncomfortable and out of place with each passing minute.

He groaned when he spotted his stepbrothers coming into the opposite side of the main tent. Alec followed his gaze, folded his massive arms over his chest, and glared at the oncoming pair.

You know, we could take them. It’s not like they’re that tough.

Kegan chuckled softly. Keep it under control. I might have something in mind for them, and David.

Alec glanced at him and then shrugged, but Kegan could see him relax slightly. He looked back across the room, hoping his new stepbrothers had found someone else to harass. He’d hoped the pair weren’t looking for him, but the glee on their faces when they spotted him left little doubt. They knew something he wasn’t going to like hearing.

He reached over and grabbed Alec’s shoulder. Just stick close and try not to punch one of the idiots. I don’t want to be part of a brawl at my mother’s wedding.

Alec tensed as the brothers moved closer. Kegan poked his finger into his friend’s ribs and grinned when he jumped. Easy, boy. Don’t bite the jerks.

He scowled for a moment before shaking his head and grinning. Smart-ass. I’ll show you who the pup is. I am usually the smart charming one, but this time I agree with you, those two are just plain assholes.

Before Kegan could reply, Seth and Brent arrived. They were dressed in the same style tux he’d been forced to endure, but for some reason the clothes looked like they fit the other two better. Suddenly, Seth was in his face.

Hey, Dusty. Dad said to tell you that you didn’t get your work done. He said to get your lazy ass in gear if you wanna keep living here.

My name’s not Dusty, and I finished all my work. You’re just trying to dump your crap on me.

Brent leaned closer, until Kegan could smell the whiskey on his breath. Dad’s in charge now. You’re not going to get away with all the shit you did before. If you keep pulling this crap, he’ll throw your ass out.

That’d never happen. Mom would toss you out first.

A fiddle and guitar began to play, drawing everyone’s attention to the dance floor. Kegan’s mother stepped out with David, and they began their first dance as husband and wife. A knot formed in Kegan’s stomach at the flush of happiness that filled his mother’s face. Her eyes were locked on David, and her expression was sheer bliss.

Brent stepped closer and said in a low hiss, You better toe the line. Or your ass will be living outta that old truck of yours.

Yeah, living outta the truck, Seth echoed.

Kegan swept both of them with a dark glare. I wouldn’t push it too much. Or we’ll see who’s living out of their pickup. Is that the