Save A Horse

by Jennifer Wedmore

  Ryley put the phone to her ear. “Hello?”

  TC could see the expressions that crossed her face as Kat talked. Something was wrong, and his stallion was pissed that their mate was upset. He let her legs drop and stepped away to let her stand. He could hear part of what Kat was saying. A perk of shifter hearing.

  Kat rushed on, “Oh my god, Ryley, I'm so glad you answered. I just finished reading the letters, and you got a couple of threats. They are dated three days apart and there are six of them. Each letter is worse than the last. Whoever this is wants you to stop interviewing shifters. They say shifters are unnatural and you are helping them. What should I do?”

  TC heard enough and the fear he saw on Ryley’s face was too much for him. “Give me the phone, Ryley, let me talk to her” Ryley handed the phone to TC and leaned back against the stall just watching TC talk. “Kat, it’s TC. Call the police, let them read the letters. I'll send Graham to pick you up at the airport. You don't need to be there by yourself. Ryley would feel better if you were here and we knew you were safe. Be at the airport in two hours.” He handed the phone back to Ryley and pulled his phone out. He swore under his breath, someone was threatening his mate, he wouldn’t let this go.

  The moment Graham answered, TC said, “We have a problem, I need you to go pick up Kat. They had some letters delivered that were threatening. I don’t want Ryley upset, so bring Kat here, please. She will be at the airport in 2 hours.”

  Graham: “Are you fucking kidding me. Why would someone threaten the girls? Of course I'll get her, tell Ryley not to worry. Keep Ryley safe and I have Kat.”

  TC turned back to see Ryley ending her phone call. “Are you okay, love?” Ryley gave him a smile but he could see it was wobbly and not a real one. “Graham is on his way to get Kat. First thing in the morning, call the magazine and let them know that any more letters need to go to the police. They can read through them. You are safe here.” Ryley nodded but didn’t reply. “How about we stay here for dinner and wait on Kat and Graham? I can whip up an omelet, I should have enough food for that.”

  Ryley smiled and nodded. “I would like that. I would feel better waiting and seeing Kat for myself. I realize she is fine but I need to see her to be sure.”

  TC grabbed her hand and entwined their fingers as they walked back to the house. “Do I need to apologize for what happened? I want you, but don’t want you to be uncomfortable.”

  TC waited for her response, he felt like this was the answer he waited his whole life for.

  Her smile got brighter. “Mates never have to worry about that. I want you too, and yes, I know we are mates. I didn’t expect it would be so easy to be together, or this pull to be around you, but I'm happy.”

  TC wrapped his arms around her and swung her in a circle. He set her down and cupped her face in his hands.

  “Thank you for believing in us and for giving us a shot.” He leaned in and gave her a kiss. “Let’s eat and chat while we wait, okay?” Ryley let out a laugh “Of course, I can’t wait to learn more about you.” TC led the way back inside and into the kitchen. “Now, my lady, have a seat at the table, tell me what you like in your omelet, and I'll take care of everything.”

  Ten

  Ryley could hear them arguing long before she saw them enter the kitchen. She looked over to TC, to see his reaction to the bickering couple. They stood in the doorway nose to nose, glaring at each other. They didn't even seem to be aware they had an audience. “Hm guys, everything okay?”

  Kat whirled towards Ryley. “Oh, I didn't realize you were there. I’m sorry! Yes, we are fine, this asshole thought it was okay to fetch me at the police station and drag me out in the middle of the interview. He thinks he had every right. The damn cops didn't even stop him, they just waved us on our way. What is wrong with chauvinistic men?”

  Ryley hid her smile behind her hand and bit her lip to stop from laughing.

  “Dammit woman, I told you why I did that. You were not at the airport, I thought something happened. I went by the apartment, and you didn't answer. Your neighbor said he saw you walk out with a police officer. I took a chance you were at the station. I was asked to keep you safe, and I was doing that! Stop calling me chauvinistic, dammit.”

  Graham looked to TC. Ryley assumed as a silent request to support him. Instead of offering support, TC laughed. “I'm not getting involved, but it is nice to meet you, Kat.”

  Ryley jumped up and gave Kat a hug. “I’m sorry you had to deal with that by yourself, and I mean the letters. I’m glad Graham brought you here, it’s safer until the police can investigate. TC can I put her in the other guest room upstairs?”

  “Of course, Kat have you eaten? I can make you an omelet if you’re hungry.” Ryley saw TC glance back and forth between Kat and Graham with a considering look. She could tell he was amused by their bickering.

  “I ate but thank you for being a gentleman and offering. I'm ready to go to my room now.” As they walked out of the room, Ryley caught the glare Kat sent Graham and couldn't smother her laugh completely.

  “Girl, what is up with you two? I thought you said he wasn't your type, but the chemistry…”

  Kat groaned at Ryley. “Are you kidding me? He is an asshole. All high and mighty, I'm man, I take care of you. He should just carry a club and beat women over the head and grunt at them. At least we would have forewarning.”

  They climbed the stairs, and Ryley pointed out TC’s room, then hers across from it. “Your room is right here. I haven't been inside, but TC said it was a guest room and mine is amazing, so I think you will be happy.”

  They walked in, and Kat spun around. “Yes, this will do nicely! Ooh, the bed is huge!” Ryley had to admit it was a perfect room. The big comfortable room enjoyed the same set up as the one Ryley experienced.

  “Wait till you soak in the tub. It is pure heaven!” Ryley had to stop gushing over the tub or TC might think she loved it more than him. Well not love... But liked it more since she wasn't there yet.

  “Now that we are alone, your mate is hot. Tell me everything, how does he kiss? Did you jump him yet? I'm living vicariously through you since I have sworn off men.” She thought Kat was protesting too much but what did she know.

  “Your call actually interrupted the jumping part. I'm sure we will get back to that though. I can't stay away from him for long. Anyways unpack, then let's go downstairs and see what the plan is for tomorrow. I need to see more of the ranch, and we need to talk to the police to see what is going on.”

  Ryley watched as Kat unpacked and examined the room. She was so grateful Graham went to get her. She would be lost without her best friend. “Kat, do you think we should contact the magazine? Do they need to know where I'm at or are they forwarding the letters straight to the police?” Ryley bit her lip and waited to hear what Kat said. “I think we should talk to the police and the magazine. We can’t put your interviews on hold forever, and we need to know if any legit letters come through.” Ryley absently nodded at Kat. Does it seem wrong to you to send the letters that are innocently written to the police? Maybe I can get them to open them and forward the non-violent ones. What do you think?”

  She was going to ask TC and Graham their opinions too, but she valued Kat and didn't want her to think she had no say. Kat was affected just as much and she would have to deal with any threat that came their way also. “I think we should ask the magazine to hold the letters that were not written with anything other than information and we can get them after this is over. Okay, Now I'm ready to go talk to your man some more.”

  Eleven

  “Spill it, Graham, what did the cops say?” TC asked before the girls were even halfway up the stairs.

  “They said it was nothing to worry about, there was no indication the letters were by one person or that they knew where they lived. I brought her here to be safe and to keep your mate happy.”

  “That’s good to hear. Now tell me what’s up with the fireworks between you and Kat?” TC had neve
r seen his friend so frustrated with a woman. Typically, they fell at his feet and begged for scraps of attention.

  “She gets on my nerves. Nothing I say is right, everything I do is wrong. She is not worth the frustration. Grab me a beer please.” TC watched Graham walk to the table and sit down. He grabbed two beers from the fridge and sat across from him.

  “Good thing she isn’t your mate then, right? Anyways I want to show Ryley around tomorrow. I'll see what Kat wants to do. Maybe you can take her out for a ride and show her around?”

  TC knew he was pushing his luck, but he wanted to spend more time with Ryley alone. They had a lot of getting to know you to do, and he wanted to get started. “I'll offer to take her around, I can’t guarantee she will agree though.”

  Kat walked in just as he finished saying that. Ryley was just behind her, and her whole face lit up with a smile as she walked over to TC. The smile on her face made his heart jump, he wanted to take her away and protect her forever. Instead he stood up, pulled out the other chair and moved it closer to his. She sat, and he reached out to hold her hand on top of the table. TC glanced over at Kat as she took a seat across from Graham at the table. He watched as she gave Graham an overly wide toothy smile. The kind of smile that scares a man.

  TC glanced over at Graham to see his face tighten in a grimace... He couldn’t help but be happy he had his mate next to him. It seemed unfair to be so happy with all this turmoil. They had to find out who sent those letters fast. TC squeezed Ryley’s hand and smiled at her just because he could.

  “Graham was just telling me the police don’t think the letters were written by one person or group. There is no credible threat right now, but I would like you both to stay here for a few days just to be safe.” Graham and Kat could bicker all they want, but Ryley’s safety was the most important thing to him.

  Ryley smiled at him. “It’s funny you say that as I wanted to watch you work tomorrow to get a feel for the ranch and what you do here exactly. I also wanted your opinion on the magazine. Should we ask them to send the mail here, so we can see if there are any more threats and I can keep up with the legitimate letters or Kat suggests have them hold them until we figure out who sent the threats?”

  TC looked at Graham, and his friend shrugged back. “I don't see why they can’t send the ones who were making suggestions but the police will probably want to look at everything first... It's probably a good idea to check for similar letters or content. You are welcome here as long as you want to be here, mate.” TC leaned over and kissed her. “I don’t want you to leave. Kat, you are welcome to stay, as well, I didn’t mean to dismiss you from that statement.”

  “There is so much I don't know about you and your life. I would like to take it slow and see what happens.” Ryley looked over at Kat, and an unspoken message seemed to pass between them. Kat grimaced and shifted in her seat. TC didn’t know what to make of the change in her mood. Had Graham done something he hadn’t seen?

  “TC, thank you for allowing me into your home. Graham, thank you for picking me up. I would like to relax in that amazing tub Ryley keeps talking about. Ryley do you mind walking me up, please?”

  TC was pretty sure there was some ulterior motive to her request, but he let it go. “Night ladies. Ryley, when you get up just come out to the barn, and I'll find you.”

  Graham just nodded a good night and watched them walk out of the room again. “What was that all about? Women’s ability to know what the other wants/needs confuses me, but on that note, I'm heading to bed myself. See you in the morning.”

  “Graham did you make a face at Kat? Or see any reason for her to get all formal at the end there?” TC watched as Graham got up and rubbed his hands down his face. “I may have made a face when you were talking about mates and her being welcome to stay.” He sighed “I was thinking about how I can’t sense my mate and frowned. I think she thought I was referring to her staying here.”

  TC exploded “Are you kidding me?! Kat is Ryley’s best friend and as such always welcome, you need to explain tomorrow. I don’t want Ryley upset by this.”

  Graham nodded and started shuffling towards the front door. “I’m sorry, I'll fix this.”

  TC mumbled a good night and followed him to the door to lock up for the night. He was too wired to sleep, so he went into his office to do some paperwork. A few hours later he heard footsteps coming down the stairs. Within a moment, Ryley appeared in the doorway.

  “Can’t sleep?” Ryley nodded and walked in and looked around. TC enjoyed the view her pajamas provided. She apparently slept in booty shorts and a cami. “Would you like a nightcap? Maybe a whiskey will help you relax.”

  TC walked to the sideboard where he kept his liquor and glasses. He felt her walk up beside him, he glanced over and raised an eyebrow. She hadn’t replied about the drink he realized. “Yes, a drink sounds great. Would you mind if I sat with you for a bit?”

  TC gestured to the couch

  “Get comfortable, and I'll be right there.” He poured two drinks and walked over to sit next to Ryley but turned, so he was facing her. “What’s on your mind?” Ryley took the drink from him, took a small sip and leaned forward to set it on the coffee table in front of the couch.

  That slight movement allowed her shirt to gape open and he groaned when he saw the swell of her breasts. His cock was getting uncomfortable again, so he shifted on the couch to release the pressure. Ryley sat back and turned her body towards him. He tried not to stare at her, but his stallion was chomping at the bit to get closer to her.

  “TC, will you tell me about your stallion?”

  TC was not expecting that question, but it made sense. “Tomorrow I'll shift for you to see him. He is straining to get out and show off for you. He is a proud animal that knows you are our mate.”

  TC hoped that didn't sound as awkward as it was to say. His stallion wasn't really a separate entity but a part of who he was. He didn't think it would be easy to explain any other way though.

  “Tell me how you got started rehabbing horses and why, if you don't mind?” She asked hard questions and ones that required more than a simple answer.

  “How tired are you? This story could take a while to tell and, honestly, I would rather kiss you again and talk tomorrow.” He grabbed her hand and pulled her towards him and she ended up sprawled across his chest. “This is much better.” The feel of her soft breasts pressed against his chest made him groan.

  Twelve

  Oh yeah, this was much better, Ryley thought. “You can tell me tomorrow about the work you do.”

  TC took advantage of their position and leaned into kiss her. His hands roamed down her back and she wanted to move her hands but laying on him didn’t allow it, he had her body pressed to tightly to his. She scooted up without breaking the kiss and straddled his lap and TC’s hands fell to her hips.

  He leaned back to look at her. “This is becoming a common position for us. I guess you like to ride?” Ryley climbed off his lap and walked to the door. With what she hoped was a seductive expression, she shut it and turned the lock.

  “Now, where were we?” She walked back towards him, swinging her hips as her gaze swept his body. She saw something she liked and wasn't going to play coy, so she straddled his lap again. “Kiss me.”

  TC kissed the top of her breasts just where they peaked out of her top. He kissed his way up her neck, along her ear, across her cheek and just when she thought he was going to really kiss her, he moved to the other cheek. Taking his time to work his way down her ear and neck, his fingers moved to the hem of her shirt and rubbed across her stomach and back. He slowly moved his hand up her back, and Ryley didn't want to wait any longer.

  She pulled her shirt off and reached down to remove his. He was tan and muscled, everything she never knew she wanted in a man.

  She leaned down and kissed across his chest. TC flipped them over and leaned over her. “My turn to be on top. I want to play.” He lowered himself and kissed her waist above her
shorts, he slowly moved up her belly until he reached her right breast. He lightly nipped and rolled her nipple in his mouth, while his other hand tweaked her left nipple. Ryley gasped as lightning shot from her breast to her pussy.

  Ryley ran her hands across his back and through his hair. She lifted her hips and rubbed against his body. He wasn’t done with her breasts apparently and used his body to hold her hips down. She moaned and tugged on his hair. “Take off your pants. I want to feel your body.”

  He grinned at her and pulled her shorts off instead of his. “I told you, I want to play. Lay back and let me explore you.”

  Ryley dropped back to the couch and allowed him his play.

  TC kissed the spot between her breasts, then down her belly. He reached the apex of her thighs, he rubbed his hands down her legs and back up pushing them lightly to spread her open. He sat back on his heels and Ryley began to worry something was wrong.

  “I can’t wait to taste you on my lips. I won’t stop until you're screaming my name.” Ryley’s legs started shaking in anticipation.

  “Please,” she moaned. His words were stronger than any aphrodisiac, the promise in his voice had her pussy soaking wet.

  TC leaned down and licked his way up her thigh, he spread her pussy lips and licked her. “The sweetest thing I have ever had is you.” He licked her clit and sucked on it, rolling it around and flicking it.

  Ryley started to pant and run her fingers through his hair, partly to hold him in place and partially to pull him away. She couldn't decide if she wanted more or not. TC rubbed his finger along her slit. “So wet, I can’t wait to fuck you. I want to feel my cock sliding in and out of your wet heat. Ride my hand love, I want to feel you come apart.”

  Ryley couldn’t stay still, she had to move, and TC helped her along. He went back to sucking and twirling his tongue around her clit.

  “Oh! I’m coming, TC!”