by Ivy Hayes
“Look, I am sorry, Theo, but you have to understand my motives. I am thinking solely of Westhaven’s future.”
“You will lead us to ruin.”
“No, I wouldn’t. With a peaceful union with Cliffden, I would make Westhaven stronger than it is now. We will be able to grow our industry, spend more resources on our farmers and less on our warriors. Focus on education and trade, not on fighting. Why can’t you see that?”
“If we don’t take care of Cliffden now, Westhaven won’t have a future.”
He says this with such a definitive voice, I wonder what my father has been telling him. I can’t understand why he thinks the threat is so big.
I am exhausted by this conversation, we are running in circles and I am not going to be able to sway my cousin’s opinion. At least now I know where he stands, but I don’t know what I am going to do about it yet. I firmly believing in preventing the war with Cliffden, but I don’t have any idea how I will accomplish it.
I am about to suggest heading back to the manor, wanting this ride to end so I can have some time alone with my thoughts when Theo’s voice breaks the silence.
“It’s funny.”
“What is?” I ask, genuinely intrigued where he could be going with this.
“Oh, just that you will be the first death in the battle and no one will be around to see you fall.”
What? His words startle me so much, it distracts me for just a second, long enough for him to drive a dagger into Powder’s eye. She rears up and on her hind legs and starts bucking wildly, the knife lodged in her eye. I hold on with all my power, terrified of getting bucked off. I catch a sight of Theo sitting atop his horse, looking pleased at himself. He is the last thing I see as the next second, I am bucked off Powder and hit the ground impossibly hard, my body vibrating from the impact. I probably would have been fine, if her lifeless form didn’t land directly on top of me.
The last thing I feel before I black out is her crushing weight.
NINETEEN – GWEN
I am in the stables getting Serenity ready for an easy ride when Theo enters, leading his horse by the reins. I haven’t had a chance to talk to him and I am not sure what to say, so I stay silent. A small part of me is thankful for him, since he exposed the truth, but a giant part of me is hesitant of him, though I can’t place my finger as to why.
“Gwen, hello. Are you going out for a ride?”
“I am.”
“It’s lovely out there today, you should have a lot of fun.” He gives me a giddy grin.
“I hope to.”
“Oh, before you leave, where is your stablemaster? My horse started to go lame and I want her shoes checked out.”
“I just saw him, he is out with a colt in the back. Is your horse okay?”
“I think so, I stopped riding her as soon as I noticed, then walked her back. She should be fine in no time.” He rubs his horse’s nose and smiles at her. I find it charming, I have always respected a person who is kind to his horse.
“Make sure you give her an apple, they are over there.” I smile broadly and point at the bag our stablemaster always keeps stocked.
He smiles, “I will. Thanks.”
I finish my preparations and watch as he takes off her saddle and brushes her down, then make my way outside. I am eager for my ride, the fresh air will do me some good and has the added benefit of keeping me out of the house longer, giving me more time to prepare before having to confront any of my family members.
I have no idea what I will say to any of them. They hurt me more than they could possibly imagine, and I need to make sure they know that. They also much know that I will not be forced into a union with anyone, no matter how good the reasons are. I am prepared to challenge them on this, I know enough of the world I can make it on my own. I am determined to have my life the way I want it, I am just not quite ready to admit it to them. Once I give my family the ultimatum, I have a feeling I will have to follow through with it.
So, I will enjoy this final ride before my life completely changes.
I am well on my way down the road opposite of town when I see something large blocking the path a little further ahead. It’s a horse, fallen on the ground. I hesitate and stop Serenity, pulling her reins until she pauses her movements. I am immediately fearful, with no idea what I am approaching. My brothers have told me tales of bandits and criminals using a ploy like this to catch travelers unawares. I know there haven’t been any bandits spotted anywhere near Cliffden, not for a long time, but that doesn’t mean this isn’t a trap.
I give the surrounding area a glance, trying to see if I spot any movement in the tree line. After a few moments I feel suddenly silly and laugh at my suspicions. I shake off the fear, there is no way this would be the work of bandits, not this close to town.
Which means this dead horse is probably from some unlucky traveler. I spur Serenity forward, determined to help, if I can. As I near, my blood runs cold as I recognize the horse.
If Powder is lying here, where could Parker be?
Oh my god. I panic as I notice a boot sticking out from underneath the horses’ side.
Parker is crushed underneath her.
I scream his name and run to his head. He doesn’t stir, and I fear the worse. I lean in close to listen for breath and I send a quick prayer to the gods above when I hear it, though it is shallow. I use all my strength to push Powder off him, but my strength is not enough, and she doesn’t budge. Knowing I need help and fearing I will run out of time, I hurry back to Serenity and race back towards home.
I ride faster than is safe, but I couldn’t risk going any slower.
I don’t want him to die.
I am already kicking myself for wasting precious minutes from my fear of bandits. Those minutes might have been the difference between his life and death. I try not to think about that as I head straight for the front door. I blast through the doors and scream for my brothers at the top of my lungs.
“Gregory, Grant come down here. I need help, now!”
I know my voice carried, but I don’t stop yelling until I see them both coming running down the stairs followed by Ash and my mother.
“What is going on?” Gregory asks.
“Parker had an accident with his horse, hurry, I need help to save him.”
“What?” Grant asks.
“He is trapped, I will fill you in on the way. Get your horses, now!” I yell, and they hurry off.
Before I follow them, I turn to my mother, “Run and get Liz, he is going to need a healer.”
If he is still alive when we get back. I shudder, the terror nearly enough to overwhelm me. I can’t explain my strong emotions and I don’t have the time to focus on them right now, I will have time for those later, after he is safe.
My mother nods, “I will go right now. Ash, can you get things ready here? Liz will need some space to work.”
“Of course,” she replies.
I head back out and jump on Serenity then ride towards the stables, my brothers emerge with Theo just as I am nearing.
“Is he okay?” Theo asks, genuine concern radiating though his tone.
“I don’t know. He was breathing when I left, but that may have changed.” I feel sick.
“Oh god, I wish I could come, but my horse. . .” he trailed off.
“I know. Go inside and help Ash get things ready.”
He nods then my brothers and I set of at a fast pace with me leading the way. I pray he is still alive when we get back. If he is, Liz will be able to patch him up, then I can tear him apart for scaring me.
As soon as the fallen horse enters our view, my brothers kick their horses faster, surpassing me. The make it to Parker’s side before I do and have the horse off him as I fall to the ground at his side. I mimic my earlier motion, getting close to his head and listen for a breath. I nearly cry when I hear it stronger than it was before.
I give him a couple kisses, so incredibly happy he is still alive. Grant clears his throat
behind me.
“Gwen, we need to get him back.”
“Is it safe to move him?”
“We will be careful.”
“Okay.” I step back and wearily watch as my brothers lift him easily and drape him over Gregory’s horse. My brother jumps on after him and holds him in place as he sets off back towards the manor. Grant and I follow, and we move at a much slower pace, one that won’t jostle Parker’s limp form too much.
By the time we make it back, Liz is already there and ready to help. They carry him upstairs to his room and I collapse in the entrance of the house. Ash runs over to me.
“He is going to be okay, Gwen. It is probably just a concussion.”
“I don’t know.” I fight back tears, “I worry it will be more than that.”
“We just have to hope he will be fine.” She moves closer and consoles me, “I didn’t realize you cared so strongly about him.”
“I didn’t either, but god, seeing him wounded stirred something inside me. I thought he died and all I could think about was how horrible that would be.”
“How interesting,” she said more to herself.
Ash stayed with me while I cried, horrible ugly tears. When I finally stopped the gut wrenching sobs I asked her, “What do you think this means?”
She gives me a small smile, “I think it means you care for him more than you allow yourself to believe.”
I start to shake my head, “But he betrayed me, I can’t trust him.”
“Or perhaps, he was doing the best he could with the situation he was given. You haven’t heard his side of the story yet, don’t commit to your mistrust until you have talked to him.”
“I hope I can talk to him. What if he never wakes up?”
“He will.” She rubs my back, trying to reassure me.
I ask meekly, “Will you come upstairs with me? I would like to check on him.”
“Yes, of course.”
We walk slowly upstairs and enter his room. Liz is packing up her bag, so I don’t hesitate to ask her questions.
“How is he?”
“Sleeping and recovering. He will be fine, from what I can tell it is a bad concussion and a couple bruised ribs. With a fall like that from a horse, I consider him lucky.”
I visibly relax, thankful he will live.
“What can I do to help?”
“He needs constant supervision for the night. He will need to be woken up every few hours, just to make sure he can wake up. He doesn’t need to talk to you or anything, just open his eyes and show consciousness. If you try to and he doesn’t respond, send someone for me right away.”
“That’s it?” I ask.
“That’s it. The most he needs right now is rest and he will recover. Make sure he eats and drinks plenty in the morning, he will need his strength.”
I nod, “Thank you, Liz.”
She gives me a hug, “You’re welcome. Just keep an eye on him and he will be fine.”
When she leaves the room, I turn to Ash, “Thanks sis, I think I am going to stay in here tonight, so if you could please tell everyone that when you are all at dinner?”
“I will make sure we bring you up something to eat. You don’t have to stay by his side the entire time though, just be around every few hours to wake him up, concussions are easy that way.”
I shake my head, “I am going to stay.”
“Okay.”
She gives me a giant smile and walks out. I turn to Parker, taking in his sleeping form and breath my first normal breath since I saw him underneath Powder. I move a chair next to the bed, sit down and hold his hand.
He will be okay.
TWENTY - PARKER
“Parker!” I hear Gwen screaming my name. I try and rouse myself, wanting to answer her call, but the blackness has too tight of a hold on me.
A crushing weight is lifted off my chest. I wonder what that was. I get lifted into the air and the pain is so great, I can do nothing but grimace through it and hope it passes soon.
I am laying on a cloud and there is a soft hand holding my own. I cling to that feeling, trying to overcome the pain of each breath.
I open my eyes and see a blonde lab curled at the edge of my bed, I must still be hallucinating, because my father never let me get a dog.
There is heat coming from my side, like a furnace is being held next to me.
I wake up to the early morning light and everything, even breathing hurts. I have had enough injuries in my life to know what the issue is, I have a concussion and some bruised ribs. I rack my brain and try and remember how this happened, when it all comes back to me in a flash. Theo killed Powder. He tried to kill me.
It didn’t work and somehow, I made it back to my room at the manor. I glance around and nearly jump out of my skin with what I see. I know it must be the concussion putting images in my head because there is no way Gwen is laying in my bed completely naked. That would be impossible.
It may be a figment of my imagination, but she is more beautiful naked than I could have hoped for. Her skin is pure white, and I am distracted by how smooth her whole body looks, from her bountiful breasts and her curvy hips. Her body is perfect in every way. Soft where is should be soft yet toned and lean from her years of riding horses.
I was right, the best sculptor in the world could not do her justice.
Needing to see if she is real or if I am going crazy, I tentatively reach out an arm and touch her. I freeze when my fingers connect with her skin, it actually is Gwen. What is going on? What did I forget? I am certain we did not make love, there is no way I would forget that, right?
My touch stirred Gwen, she wakes and looks at me. Seeing that I am awake she breaks into a giant smile.
“Parker, you’re awake. I have been so worried all night.”
“What’s going on?” I am still so confused.
Gwen’s brow furrows and I find it entrancing, “You had a fall from Powder. You got a concussion and some bruised ribs. I stayed with you all night to make sure the concussion wasn’t putting you in danger.”
“This head injury must be making me crazy.”
“What?”
She looks even more confused, so I point at her body. She follows my finger and finally notices what I mean. Her face turns immediately red and she dives under the blankets.
“Where are my clothes?”
“I was wondering the same thing.” I try to hide my smile at her bashfulness, but I can’t help it. God she is magnificent.
She pales, “Oh, god, I thought I was having a dream.” I can see her start to panic.
“A dream? Please tell me we didn’t do anything last night, I would die if I forgot that.”
She shakes her head, “No, that is not what this is about.”
“Then what?” I ask.
She shakes her head and I can see the fear overcome her gorgeous features. Suddenly I remember one of the dreams I had, of a blonde dog lying on my bed. A dog of the exact same color as Gwen’s hair. The realization hits me suddenly.
“Gwen, are you a shifter?”
She starts to panic, “I think so.” Frantically, she adds, “Please don’t tell anyone.”
“I won’t.” Absolutely no hesitation in my answer, I would keep any secret for her. “Was last night your first shift?”
She nods but doesn’t say anything. Suddenly I feel very pleased with the situation.
“So, me nearly dying was enough to spur on your first shift? I didn’t think you cared so much.”
Her eyes flicker with the fire I love about her and she throws a pillow at me. I wince as it hits me, and I can see in her face that she immediately regrets it.
“Oh, I am sorry. I shouldn’t throw things at you right now.”
“No,” I laugh, and it only hurts my ribs more, “you shouldn’t.”
She glares at me, “Well stop giving me reasons to.”
I slide closer to her, “I won’t.”
Gwen lights up with the challenge and she scoots s
lightly closer to me and says, “Then I fear you will never heal, as I will continue throwing things at you.”
Our faces are mere inches from each other, so I whisper to her, “That is a risk I will have to take.”
Gwen closes the distance and kisses me deeply. I reach out with my tongue and her lips part for me, letting me explore her mouth further. Gwen lets out the softest of moans, so light I can barely hear it. I caress the side of her face then run my hand through her hair, grasping the back of her neck. Our kiss continues to be filled with burning passion and I am very aware of the fact that only a blanket separates me from her nakedness.
“Parker,” her nervous voice tickles my ear, “I am so glad you didn’t die.”
“I am too, my love,” I softly hold her face in my hand.
“This doesn’t make things any different. I am still furious at you, more so now since you decided to scare me.”
“I will do all I can to make that up to you,” I say and kiss her.
Whether she is truly angry at me or not, she does not hold anything back. Gwen’s kiss is fueled with the entirety of her soul and I can feel a connection strengthen between us in those brief moments of contact. I yearn for more.
Gwen is desperately clutching the blanket to her chest, keeping her most private parts hidden. I won’t force her to open for me, but I crave to be closer to her. So, without breaking the kiss, I try and pull her into me. She allows to guide her where she accidently swipes my side. I immediately grimace, and she freezes, stopping our kiss.
My pain breaks us out of the spell. Gwen’s face is a shade of scarlet and she is trembling. She doesn’t pull away, but I can tell she needs a second to herself. My hands are still cradled around her hips and I have no intention of releasing my grip any time soon, so I hold her as her breathing steadies. She glances deep into my eyes and I am floored by the desire I see in them.
She tries to climb off me, but I hold her in place. She finally speaks, “We got carried away, I am sorry, I shouldn’t have gotten this close, not in the condition you are in.”