Scarlett surveyed the grounds with apparent casualness. “Hey, should we invite some people to join us? More the merrier, right?”
I was admiring the sleek horses grazing in the nearby paddock. “Who did you have in mind?”
“Leon and Peter, maybe. They’re probably bored anyway.”
“Sure.” I nodded absently, then nearly choked on my own saliva at her next words.
“And we could ask them to bring Caelan along- Her sing-song tone dripped with innocence.
My heart skipped a beat. “What? Why would we invite him?”
“Because groups are more fun! Besides, I bet he knows how to ride. She blinked with exaggerated innocence.
I scrambled for an excuse. “He’s the Lycan King, Scarlett. He doesn’t have time to play around with us…”
“Really?’ Her smile turned wicked as she pulled out her phone. I think he’ll make time.”
I wanted to stop her but couldn’t come up with a single logical reason. I could only watch in horror as she dialed Leon’s number.
“Come on, beautiful!” Scarlett grabbed my arm and dragged my stunned form toward the changing rooms. ‘Let’s get you dressed to kill!”
Inside the private changing room, I stared at my reflection in the full-length mirror. The white button-down molded to my curves, while the black riding jacket emphasized my waist. The fitted breeches and tall leather boots made my legs look endless.
“Holy shit, you look incredible!” Scarlett applauded from behind me. “If I were a guy, I’d fall in love with you on the spot.”
I rolled my eyes. “I’m not here to walk a runway.”
The changing room door swung open as we emerged.
Three men stood waiting for us.
The moment they saw me, all conversation died.
Leon’s jaw actually dropped. Peter’s eyes went wide. And Caelan…
His blue eyes swept from my boots to my face, lingering on every detail. When our gazes finally met, something dangerous flickered in his expression.
He wore black riding pants that hugged his thighs and a white shirt that showcased his broad shoulders. The casual outfit somehow made him look more approachable and devastatingly attractive at the same time.
A long, appreciative whistle cut through the morning air.
“Jesus Christ,” Peter announced to anyone within a mile radius. “Are we here to ride horses or attend some kind of equestrian fashion show?”
Leon adjusted his own riding jacket with considerably more dignity. “Both ladies look absolutely stunning. Like goddesses descended from Mount Olympus to grace us mere mortals.”
Scarlett executed a perfect pirouette, her blonde hair catching the sunlight. “Of course we do! This isn’t just riding gear it’s carefully selected battle armor.”
“Battle armor?” Peter’s eyebrows shot toward his hairline. “What exactly are you planning to battle? The horses?”
“Your fragile masculine egos, obviously.” Scarlett’s grin turned predatory.
Leon laughed, the sound rich and genuine. “I think Peter’s ego could use some humbling.”
“Hey!” Peter clutched his chest in mock offense. “My ego is perfectly sized, thank you very much.”
‘Like your riding skills?” Scarlett’s tone dripped false sweetness.
The casual way Scarlett addressed them showed just how well she knew these two. Peter and Leon were Alphas of neighboring territories, but Scarlett had grown up around them during alliance meetings and joint celebrations. Years of pack diplomacy had forged genuine friendships that let her get away with teasing powerful Alphas like they were annoying older brothers,
Peter straightened to his full height. “I happen to be an excellent rider.”
Chapter ou
Excellent?” Scarlett circled him. “I’ve seen you mount a horse, Peter. You look like a penguin trying to climb an iceberg.”
Leon pressed his lips together, shoulders shaking as he fought back laughter. “That’s… actually a pretty accurate description.”
“It is not!” Peter’s protest carried the indignation of someone who knew the accusation was true.
Scarlett patted his shoulder with exaggerated sympathy. “Don’t worry. I’m sure they have beginner lessons available. You could start with a nice, gentle pony.
I do not need beginner lessons!”
I found myself grinning despite my nervousness. This was exactly what I’d missed Scarlett’s ability to reduce powerful Alphas to stammering teenagers with nothing but sharp wit and perfect timing. The easy camaraderie between allied packs, where formal titles melted away in favor of childhood friendships.
“Ladies.” Leon raised his hands in surrender. “Before you completely destroy what’s left of Peter’s confidence, perhaps we should actually get to the horses?”
That’s when I felt warm fingers close around my wrist.
Caelan’s touch was gentle but insistent. He drew me away from the group with easy confidence, leading me toward the wooden fence that bordered the nearest paddock.
Several yards separated us from the others now.
“How did you sleep last night? No nightmares? No jumping at shadows?”
The genuine concern in his voice made something warm unfurl in my chest. “I slept fine. Better than expected, actually.”
“Good. His thumb traced across my pulse point. “I was worried.”
“Were you?” I tilted my head, studying his expression. “Did the great Lycan King spend the night worrying about little old me?”
His mouth quirked upward. “Maybe a little.”
“Just a little?” I feigned disappointment. “How deflating for my ego.”
‘Your ego seems perfectly intact.”
I leaned against the fence, crossing my arms. “Actually, I slept very well. Thanks to a certain someone not camping out on my couch playing ‘professional bodyguard.”
His eyes sparkled with amusement. “Disappointed by my restraint?”
I forced myself to maintain eye contact. “If you had stayed, I probably would have been awake all night thinking about you lying there. So really, you did me a favor.”
Something shifted in his expression. The playful lightness darkened into something more intense.
‘Is that so? His voice dropped lower. “That’s interesting information to have.”
My pulse quickened under his steady gaze. “Why is that interesting?”
“Because after we’re married, we’ll be sharing a bed every night.” He stepped closer. “If my presence keeps you awake…”
My face burned like I’d stepped too close to a fire. “That depends entirely on your behavior, Your Majesty.”
“My behavior?”
“If you snore, I’m kicking you out of bed.”
Caelan threw back his head and laughed. The sound was rich and unguarded, drawing glances from our friends still standing by the stable entrance.
“I don’t snore.” He leaned down until his mouth was level with my ear. “But I’m very much looking forward to you trying to kick me out.”
His breath was warm against my skin. My entire body responded to his proximity, nerve endings coming alive like someone had flipped a switch.
I swallowed hard. “We’ll see about that.”
He straightened, but his eyes held that dangerous glint I was learning to recognize. “Yes, we will.”
Then his expression grew more serious. He cleared his throat with exaggerated formality.
“My queen, I have two important matters to report.”
Despite the flutter in my stomach, I couldn’t help smiling at his sudden shift in tone. I lifted my chin with mock authority.
“Proceed with your report.”
“First,” he said, matching my formal tone, “I’ve dispatched investigators to track down your attacker from last night. We should have answers soon.”
The mention of the attack sobered me instantly. “Any leads so far?”
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