My Late Father Left Me a Red Bandana to Face the Raging Bull — Part 2

Previously: When seventeen-year-old Wyatt stepped into the rodeo ring with a deadly bull, the crowd screamed in horror. But he held a secret weapon from his late father that changed everything.

The Greed of a Stepfather

The stunned silence of the arena was broken only by the soft breathing of the massive bull. Ranger, a beast everyone had labeled a man-killer, gently nudged Wyatt's hand, recognizing the familiar scent of the red bandana. It was the same bandana Jesse had used to train Ranger from a calf. Wyatt felt a wave of relief wash over him, but the peace was short-lived. Clint climbed down from the spectator stands, his terror quickly morphing into calculating greed.

Clint had married Wyatt’s mother shortly after Jesse’s passing, claiming he wanted to help run the ranch. In reality, he wanted to liquidate the assets. He had arranged to sell Ranger to a slaughterhouse for quick cash, but seeing the legendary bull completely tamed by a teenager changed his plans. A gentle giant of Ranger's size was worth a fortune to high-end rodeo entertainment companies.

"Step away from the animal, Wyatt," Clint ordered, his voice cold and commanding. "He's estate property, and I'm taking him."

Wyatt stood his ground, stepping directly between Clint and the giant bull. Ranger shifted behind him, sensing the tension but remaining remarkably calm. "My dad built this ranch, and he raised Ranger," Wyatt said, his voice firming up. "You're not selling him to be abused."

Clint sneered, pulling a tranquilizer gun from his belt. He had brought it in case the bull went wild, but now he pointed it directly toward Wyatt. "Your mother signed the ranch over to me last week, kid," Clint revealed with a malicious grin. "I own everything here. Now move, or I'll have you arrested for trespassing and interfering with livestock."

Wyatt felt his heart sink. His mother had been so blinded by grief that she had signed away their legacy. But looking back at Ranger's calm, trusting eyes, Wyatt knew he couldn't back down. He braced himself, refusing to move an inch as Clint raised the weapon.