“You can touch him, he won't mind at all.” TC smiled as he watched her tentatively reach out and brush her hands over the horse’s nose and between his eyes. His stallion wanted to feel her hands on him, and the man was in agreement.
“What do you do with them once they are ready to leave your ranch?”
TC pulled a treat from his pocket and gave it to the horse. “Some are adopted out, some are taken to other ranches to work, but the most docile stay here.”
Ryley gazed at him with a look of questioning on her face. “Why do you keep the most docile of them? Wouldn’t they be the best ones to be adopted out?”
TC took her hand and gave a gentle tug. “Let me tell you about a project Graham and I have wanted to set up.” He led the way around the back of the house and in front of them was a bunkhouse. He kept walking and led the way inside. “This is our kid's area. We want to start a camp for kids where they can learn to ride and how to care for animals. So, we have this set up for twenty bunk beds, that will bring in forty kids at one time. We are thinking of a month-long program during the summer, and during the school year, we are working with some of the local vet programs to give students hands-on experience. What do you think?”
Sixteen
Ryley was shocked, TC was much more than she initially thought. Her goal in life was to meet a shifter from every type of animal, while this amazing man was helping animals, wanting to teach children to be kind and teaching new vet students how to help. He was too good for her. How could she measure up to him? Belatedly she realized he was waiting for her response but how could she reply when she felt so inadequate. “I'm humbled by what you do and what you plan. My life seems childish and immature compared to the work you do here. I'm ashamed I never tried to help more. My interviews are just news, they don’t serve any purpose.”
In all her years of interviewing shifters and traveling she had never met anyone who made her feel so complacent. She just coasted through life doing what she wanted never giving a thought to the people or animals around her. How could this amazing man want anything to do with her?
“Everyone in life has a purpose, you may not have seen what your purpose was before now, but it doesn't make it any less of an impact. What about the people you have met, have you followed up with them? You never know if because you took the time to share their story what came next. I have read some of your interviews. I admit I knew who you were before you arrived here. You do more than gossip. You tell the world what good shifters can do. Like the vet in Texas who helps train vets in exotic animals. You got his name out there to more vets, and now he is expanding his program into schools across the country. It’s where I came up with the idea to reach out to local schools. The reason I thought of the camp for kids.”
“I didn’t know.” Excitement sizzled through her that something she’d done made an impact on others.
“Do you remember that rabbit shifter in California you interviewed? Well, she was so inspired by the feedback from her interview with you, she created a camp for kids in foster care. She was a caretaker and wanted to help more. You do good and don’t realize it. You spread hope, you spread warmth and give inspiration to those who don’t know they lack something. All those you have interviewed have come out better in the end. I dare you to follow up and see.”
Ryley just stared at TC., she didn't know what to say. There was no way this was all true. How did she not know about any of this? It honestly gave her hope.
“I want to help you with this ranch, with the work you do here. I think all you have planned is amazing and I want to spread the word, get you the help you need and anything else. I'm truly proud to be your mate.” She stepped closer to him, “Now mate... Is it lunchtime yet and can we have a nooner?”
TC laughed, grabbed her hand and started running toward the house. “What are the chances we can sneak past Kat and Graham?
“Well, you didn’t hear them arguing earlier. Kat swears she is not interested but damn they fight like an old married couple.”
“Graham didn't mention anything about her being his mate, and he should have known right away. Very interesting.”
“Anyways I mention it because they may be too preoccupied to notice us either way.”
When they reached the front door of the house, TC opened the door quietly and glanced around. “I think the coast is clear, my room or yours?”
“Yours, Kat won’t walk into yours without permission. The same can't be said for my room. I'm not sharing any part of you with her.”
They crept up the stairs when the door opened behind them. “Where are you two sneaking off to in the middle of the day?”
Ryley whirled around. “Gerri! I didn't realize you were coming here so fast. How did you manage that?”
“Well, darling, I have friends all over. A perk of the job you may say. Now if you two were off for a quickie, don't stop on my account. Nothing helps the mood of a person than a healthy bout of sex in the middle of the day. Graham and Kat can keep me company and a cup of tea would be fabulous.”
Ryley watched Kat and Graham lead her into the kitchen. Graham did look a bit shell-shocked, but Gerri could bring that out in anyone. “Ryley, I'm not comfortable walking upstairs to have sex while she knows what we are doing. What if she comments on how long we are gone? I could hear her now. Only 30 minutes, you are slacking my boy, you must do better.”
Ryley could barely control her laughter at TC’s lousy impression of Gerri. “It’s fine, let’s properly introduce you to her. I'm sure she has a good reason for coming here.” Ryley led the way into the kitchen. “Gerri this is my mate TC. TC, please meet the famous Gerri Wilder.”
Seventeen
“Hello Mrs. Wilder, thank you for sending Ryley my way. What can we do for you today?” Graham must have forgotten to share the news Mrs. Wilder was coming. He couldn’t imagine what the famous matchmaker needed or wanted from them.
Kat, Graham and Mrs. Wilder took up three of the four chairs at the table, so that left one spot for him and Ryley to share. He sat down and pulled her onto his lap. He could see the blush spread across her face, but she also wore a big smile. He was proud to know he put that there.
“A friend of mine is a police officer, and he told me about the letters you received. I wanted to reach out and offer some assistance. I have friends who are willing to stay with you as bodyguards. I assume you, TC, would prefer not to have strangers around the horses. So, my offer is more for Kat than Ryley. I know she is safe here. Kat, we missed our lunch date, so I wanted to talk and check in with Ryley at the same time. Were you still interested in meeting the elephant shifter? We had discussed he had certain attributes you were most interested in if I recall.”
TC watched this conversation play out and saw the subtle glance Gerri tossed at Graham. Didn’t take a genius to figure out what she was doing but the question was why didn’t he know Kat was his mate? He had to have fun with this though, only fair to torment his best friend and he was genuinely curious what attribute they were referring to.
“What attribute were you looking for in a date Kat?”
“Honestly, I hadn’t agreed to a date yet, but Gerri had mentioned she had some friends for me to meet. The elephant shifter for one. Well...” Kat shrugged at him, and he turned to Ryley to see her reaction.
She was covering her face, and her shoulders were shaking so this had to be good. Next, he glanced at Graham who appeared quite upset.
“TC, my elephant friend has very nice sized… hands. Yes, that is what we discussed. Though we did wonder about the size of his tusks and if it compared to his cock. What do you think Ryley?”
TC couldn't help but gawk at this woman, who very blatantly talked about a man's penis as if it was the weather and then asked for his mate’s opinion! “She has no opinion on an elephant’s penis, thank you very much. Honestly, woman, should you be talking about it?”
“Well women gossip about size, so an elephant, of course, would be a topic of choice
in that area... Though I hear stallions are pretty well endowed. Would you care to confirm that rumor? No? Well, maybe I can ask your mate about that?”
TC had enough, he stood up, gently placing Ryley in his seat. “I think I need to check on the new mare. It was very nice meeting you Mrs. Wilder, I'll talk to you later. Graham, would you like to join me?”
“Oh, please call me Gerri, I know we will see more of each other.” TC didn't wait for Graham to reply or follow he just bolted towards the front door. Graham caught up within a few seconds. “Dude, she wiggled her eyebrows at me when she said she would see more of me. I think I'm scared!”
“Do you think it was safe to leave the girls in there with her? Who knows what she will say or do next.”
TC and Graham both shuddered and ran out the door. “For once this is to each his own.”
TC completely agreed with Graham on that. “Want to come with me to see the new mare? I hope by now she ate enough I can do an exam on her. I would really like to see how far along she is, so we can be prepared.”
Eighteen
Gerri, Ryley, and Kat burst into laughter when they heard the front door slam shut. “I never thought they would leave. Penis chatting also makes them run for the hills though.” Gerri looked at Ryley and Kat with a big grin.
Ryley shook her head at Gerri, she was a crafty lady. “So, what brings you out here? Not that we aren't happy to see you again. I do owe you a big thank you for sending me to TC.”
Gerri waved her words away. “Tis nothing. I wanted to talk to you about the letters though. I mentioned my friend at the police station earlier. Well, he's a client of mine, and he keeps me abreast of anything in the area that has to do with shifters. When this came across his desk, he thought it was something I should know about. He had no idea I had met with you or sent you to your mate.”
Gerri looked at TC and Ryley with a cheshire grin. She knew she was right and was gloating subtly.
“Anyways my point was I wasn't stalking you, just keeping an ear out. My nephew is the Alpha of his pack, his partner’s the Omega, and their mate have offered to have you stay with them until we find out who is threatening you. I assumed you wouldn't want to leave TC and I didn’t want to get him riled by suggesting he couldn't keep you safe. You know how those Mates are when it comes to what they perceive as theirs. I did ask them to check into the letters for me though. I should hear back shortly, it doesn't take Connor and Theron long to get to the bottom of these situations.”
Kat appeared to be stunned by the news and Ryley couldn't blame her. “Why would you go through so much trouble to help us. We just met you, and you don’t even know us that well?” Ryley was speechless and beyond touched.
“I have good instincts, and I know good people. Now, Kat, about that elephant I mentioned... I can hook you up with him. No, he's not your mate but wouldn’t it be nice to say you tried it once?”
This sent them all into hysterical laughter again. “What do you think, Ryley? Is being torn in half a good way to go? I mean an elephant shifter could hurt a girl’s vagina!”
“But what a way to go.” Ryley was stunned to hear that from Gerri, but she shouldn’t be, the woman was audacious and outspoken. In a word she was awesome!
Gerri’s phone rang, and she excused herself to the other room. Ryley and Kat took the time to compose themselves. “I wonder if she does know an elephant shifter and if he is that big?” Kat rubbed her hands together and Ryley shook her head. “What size is the woman to accommodate that?” This sent them off into hysteria again.
Gerri walked into the kitchen chuckling. “You remember I'm a shifter, so I heard the conversation. I must remember to introduce you to an elephant shifter couple, so you can get your questions answered.”
“I can just see Kat now.” She imitated Kat’s voice when she said, “Hi, nice to meet you. Can you tell me how big your husband’s cock is and how big your vagina is to accommodate it?” Ryley laughed at her impression. “If she doesn't get smacked she may get invited to join in.”
Kat laughed the loudest, most likely because she knew it was true.
Gerri cleared her throat. “My nephew was on the phone. They tracked the sender of the letters to an anti-shifter group out of Florida. They are all talk and no action, so there is no credible threat. That being said, there is always a first so just keep an eye out for a while.”
Kat clapped her hands and Ryley felt like crying. She was so excited the threat was over.
“While I have enjoyed our chat, it’s time for me to go. I have a client to meet with tonight.”
Ryley hugged the matchmaker. “It’s always a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Wilder.”
“You too, dear.” Gerri patted Ryley’s back. “Would you call Graham to give me a ride back into town please?”
Kat jumped up. “No problem, I have the keys to his truck. I told him I wanted to explore around town and he said it was safe enough. We can drive you in.”
Ryley hesitated for a minute but remembered how badly TC said he needed groceries. “Do you mind if we pick up groceries while in town? Mother Hubbard's cupboards are bare. I would like to cook something for TC.”
“Girl you got it bad! But, of course, we can stop. Do you want to tell the guys we are going?
“Nah, they are with the new mare, I saw her earlier. TC needs to examine her, and I don't want to spook her by going in while they are near her. A note should be fine.” Ryley ran to the office and grabbed some paper from TC desk and wrote:
Dear TC, Graham,
Gerri’s nephew tracked the origins of the letters and assured us they were not dangerous, and we were safe here. We, (Kat and I) are taking Gerri back into town so she can head home. We are going shopping and will be back soon.
Xoxo Ryley and Kat
Nineteen
TC crooned to the mare again. She seemed a bit more upbeat and responsive than before. A good sign she ate well and she was healthy for the most part. He took a chance and walked up to her stall and reached a hand out toward her. She didn't shy away but waited for his touch.
“I think you are right, TC, she doesn't seem to have been abused but rather just not fed well enough to care for her baby. Probably stuck in a pasture with little to no food, hay or even grass to eat.” Graham walked forward to stand next to TC and see her reaction.
“Let’s see how she does with both of us in the stall. I want you close to her head if she starts to get antsy while I examine her please.”
Graham nodded and moved into the stall and reached out to the mare, talking to her and rubbing her neck.
TC moved along her body, rubbing her belly, down her legs and across her back. “I'll call the vet to come check the baby, but other than being hungry she appears healthy enough. I think we got lucky for once.”
They exited the stall and watched the mare for a few minutes. “I'm going to take Ryley for a ride later I think.”
“Haven’t you already done that?”
“Very funny, asshole, I meant my stallion wants to have her ride us. Would that be weird? I haven't told her anything about him. She apparently is obsessed with horses, this should be interesting. Before you even ask, no, you cannot be there.”
“You ruin all my fun. Should we go back and check on the girls and Gerri?”
TC knew they should, but Gerri was a bit scary. He hoped he didn't lose his man card admitting that. Not that he would say it to anyone other than Graham. “I suppose, but I'll castrate you if you leave me alone with her.”
Graham nodded and simply replied, “Ditto, dude. Ditto”.
They marched off like they were going into battle, all the way to the door and then they both just stopped. “Take a deep breath and let's go. We can do this. She is just one woman, nothing to scare us!” Graham laughed and reached for the door. TC hoped what he said was true. She was just one woman. Not scary at all.
With those words, they opened the door and stepped in. TC noticed the quiet right away and looked over at Graham
quizzically. Graham shrugged, and they walked towards the kitchen. TC was shocked to find it empty. Graham picked up the note, read it and handed it to TC.
“I really wish she had come to me before taking off. I'm going to town to find them. Do you want to come with me?”
“Abso-fucking-lutely. What are they thinking? Some guy just says it’s clear and they take off?”
TC grabbed his truck keys and ran out the door, he could hear Graham's feet pounding on the ground behind him. TC reached the truck first and jumped in. “Come on man, get your ass in the truck. I have a bad feeling this isn’t over yet.” TC started the engine and put it in gear before Graham had shut his door all the way. “We will go to the airport first, I assume that is where you found Gerri?”
“Yeah, she called my cell and said she was here and to come get her. I didn’t have time to warn you. Sorry.”
TC stared intently at the road, speeding down it trying to get to the airport and catch them before they got too far ahead. Within moments the airport guard gate was in front of them. TC slammed to a stop and waited for the guard to come out.
“Do you see him? He should be here to open the gate and check if we have permission. There is always someone here, TC, something's not right.”
They got out of the truck, and TC headed into the guard booth.
While Graham walked around the small building, he asked, “Anything?”
“Nothing inside the booth to explain why the guard is missing. There is coffee on the counter and a bag in the corner. It’s not unmanned for sure.”
Graham leaned into the booth and hit the button to lift the gate. “Come on, let's see if Gerri’s plane took off.”
TC climbed in the truck and impatiently waited for Graham to round the front. He couldn't stop tapping the steering wheel with his impatience. He took off as soon as the door slammed shut. “Should I look somewhere specific for her plane or their truck?”
Save A Horse Page 7