‘Nothing concrete yet. But we will find him. His voice carried absolute certainty. “And whoever sent him.”
I nodded, trusting in his competence even as dread settled in my stomach.
“Second, Caelan continued, his expression softening, “I delivered your mother’s necklace to the restoration specialist this morning.”
My breath caught. “And?”
She examined every piece personally. She’s confident she can restore it to ninety-eight percent of its original condition.”
Gratitude overwhelmed every other emotion. Without thinking, I stepped forward, arms lifting to wrap around his neck.
‘Caelan!
He turned toward the sound just as a blur of deep purple riding attire came rushing across the paddock. Blair threw herself at him with practiced ease, her arms wrapping around his torso before either of us could react.
My own arms froze mid-motion, suspended awkwardly in the air between us. Heat flooded my cheeks as I realized how I must look – reaching for an embrace that was no longer possible.
I dropped my hands quickly, stepping back as Caelan gently but firmly extracted himself from Blair’s grip. Then he moved to side without hesitation.
Across the paddock, Scarlett’s laughter died abruptly. Her voice turned sharp when she spoke.
*Blair? You’re here?’ She crossed her arms, eyes narrowing. “I don’t remember anyone inviting you.”
Her gaze swept to Leon and Peter like a searchlight. Both men immediately began shaking their heads frantically, hands raised in silent denial.
Blair smiled. “Oh, didn’t Caelan mention it?” She looked between us with apparent confusion. “He suggested I join you all this morning. Said it would be good for Sable and me to spend time together.”
She turned her violet eyes toward me with sweetness. “As his sister, I thought it was such a thoughtful idea. We should build our relationship before the wedding.”
My stomach dropped. I glanced at Caelan, searching his face for confirmation or denial. But his expression revealed nothing – just polite neutrality.
Caelan gave a slight nod in my direction. “I thought it might be nice for you two to get to know each other better.”
Did he really invite her? Why wouldn’t he tell me beforehand?
I forced a smile onto my lips. “Of course. The more the merrier.”
Scarlett suddenly clapped her hands together, her eyes lighting up.
“Since we’re all here, why don’t we make this interesting? A race!”
Peter’s competitive spirit ignited immediately. “Now you’re talking! Loser buys dinner for everyone!”
Leon rubbed his hands together with anticipation. “Let’s see who can reach the waterfall first. Through the forest trail.
Scarlett shot me a meaningful look, her grin turning predatory. “I’ll take these two overconfident specimens as my competition.”
Before I could process what was happening, Scarlett had already vaulted onto her horse with fluid grace. “Come on, boys! Let’s see if you can keep up with this girl!
She kicked her heels against her mount’s flanks. The mare shot forward like a bullet.
Peter and Leon scrambled onto their own horses, clearly not willing to let Scarlett get too much of a head start.
“Wait for us!” Peter called out as his horse thundered after her.
“Sable!” Scarlett’s voice echoed back from the tree line. “We’ll wait for you at the waterfall!”
Then they were gone, leaving only dust and distant hoofbeats behind.
I stared after them in amazement. In less than sixty seconds, Scarlett had orchestrated the perfect exit. She’d left me alone with Caelan and Blair.
Subtle as a brick through a window.
Caelan moved toward the remaining horses. “Shall we follow at a more reasonable pace?”
The three of us mounted our horses and began making our way into the forest. I rode alongside Caelan while Blair followed slightly behind us.
Blair’s voice broke the peaceful silence. “Sable, your riding posture is absolutely beautiful. Like a professional equestrian.”
I glanced back at her with surprise. “Thank you.”
“Could you possibly give me some pointers? I’ve been wanting to improve my technique.”
I gestured toward the path ahead. “There are certified trainers back at the center. They’d be much better qualified than me.”
Blair’s voice took on a vulnerable quality. “Oh, but I’m not comfortable with strangers having to adjust my posture and positioning. I can only accept guidance from family members.”
She smiled warmly. Since you’re about to become my sister-in-law, we’re practically family already.”
I glanced at Caelan uncertainly.
“Sabi, would you be willing to help her? Only if you want to. No pressure.”
I considered the request. Blair would be my sister-in-law soon. We’d be attending family gatherings and pack functions together for years to come. Building a better relationship seemed wise.
Even if my instincts screamed warnings.
“Alright. I can show you some basics.”
Blair’s smile could have powered the entire forest. “Thank you so much!*
Caelan’s expression grew serious as he addressed Blair directly. ‘Listen carefully to everything Sable tells you. Don’t try to show off or push beyond your comfort level.
He turned to me, his voice carrying absolute sincerity. “If anything feels wrong, use the mind-link immediately. I’ll be there in seconds.”
Blair’s eyes went wide with shock. The emotion flashed across her features before she could control it.
But Blair recovered quickly, her smile returning with practiced ease. ‘Don’t worry, brother. I’ll take excellent care of Sable.”
She waved him away with playful impatience. “Go catch up with the others before they think you’ve gotten lost. We’ll be fine here.”
Caelan hesitated for a moment, then spurred his horse forward. “Be careful.”
His black stallion disappeared down the forest trail, hoofbeats fading into silence.
I dismounted and moved to Blair’s side, ready to help with her positioning and technique.
‘Let’s start with the basics.” I reached up to adjust her leg position. “The key is balance and communication with your horse.”
I guided her through proper posture adjustments, checking that her feet were secure in the stirrups and her seat was balanced.
“How does that feel?” I asked, moving to walk alongside her mare as we began practicing.
“Fine.” Blair’s response was clipped, almost cold.
The enthusiasm from moments before had evaporated completely. She stared straight ahead, refusing to make eye contact.
I tried again. “The reins should rest lightly in your fingers. You want to maintain contact without pulling.”
‘I know.”
If you feel unsteady at any point, just say something. We can stop and readjust.”
Blair’s fingers drummed against the leather reins with obvious impatience. I said I’m fine.”
The shift in her attitude was jarring. Minutes ago, she’d been warm and grateful. Now she radiated hostility.
I continued walking beside her horse, offering guidance and corrections. But Blair’s responses grew shorter and more dismissive with each instruction.
What changed? Why is she acting like this?
From deeper in the forest came the sound of birds taking sudden flight. Their cries echoed through the trees like warnings.
I looked toward the darker areas between the oak trunks, where shadows seemed to shift and move.
Something felt wrong. But I couldn’t put my finger on what.
The sooner we finished this awkward lesson and caught up with the others, the better.
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