Chapter 26: Dangerous Rides–1
Chapter 26: Dangerous Rides
(Olivia’s POV)
The wind whipped through my hair as Moonbeam and I completed our second lap
around the sprawling grounds of Crescent Moon Stables. Connor rode beside me on
his powerful bay stallion, his posture relaxed yet commanding. The afternoon sun
cast a golden glow over the landscape, highlighting the lush green fields that
stretched as far as the eye could see.
As we slowed our horses to a walk and approached the starting point, I noticed that
Lily, Ethan Quinn, and Rebecca were nowhere to be seen. They had likely ventured deeper into the property, enjoying their own rides across the vast terrain.
Only Vanessa Reed remained at the starting area, her violet eyes tracking our approach with unsettling intensity. She wore a casual outfit–fitted jeans and a light purple top that complemented her eyes–rather than proper riding attire.
The moment we dismounted, Vanessa rushed forward, her face transforming into a
sweet smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.
“Wow, Sister Winters, you look so magnificent when riding,” she gushed, her voice dripping with honey. “Could I learn horseback riding from you?”
I blinked in surprise. Just moments ago, I had overheard her coquettishly insisting that only her foster brother Connor could teach her to ride. This sudden change in preference caught me completely off guard.
“There’s a professional riding instructor nearby,” I offered politely, gesturing toward the main stable building. “I can call them over to teach you.”
Vanessa’s perfectly glossed lips formed a practiced pout, her expression shifting to one of spoiled reluctance. “But the instructor would pressure me, and I don’t know them. I’m afraid they’ll scold me.” She batted her eyelashes. “You’re so nice, Sister Winters, you surely won’t scold me, right?”
Her coquettish tone felt inappropriate coming from someone who was practically a stranger. I instinctively turned toward Connor, seeking his guidance in this awkward
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Chapter 26 Dangerous Ri
situation.
+6 Points
By some coincidence, Connor glanced back at me at the exact same moment. His
ice–blue eyes met mine, and I saw a flicker of something unreadable pass through
them before he gently passed the decision back to me.
“Livvy, would you like to teach her?” he asked, his deep voice neutral.
I hesitated, weighing my options carefully. Vanessa was Connor’s foster sister, which meant she would eventually become my pack sister once Connor and I completed our mating bond. Although our first meeting had been decidedly frosty, she had
apologized for her behavior, and now appeared genuinely amiable.
My naturally kind disposition resisted the urge to overthink the situation or assume malice from another she–wolf. Perhaps I had been too quick to judge her before.
“Alright,” I finally nodded. “I can teach you some basics today, help you get a feel for it.
Later, your brother can enroll you in proper lessons.”
Vanessa’s smile brightened instantly, her violet eyes sparkling with what appeared to be genuine delight. “Really? Thank you, Sister Winters.”
Her honeyed tone made me momentarily doubt my previous suspicions. Maybe I had been too wary of the younger wolf. Perhaps she truly wanted to make amends and build a relationship with her future sister–in–law.
Connor stepped closer to me, his tall frame casting a shadow over mine. “Thank you, Livvy,” he said softly, his ice–blue eyes warming slightly as they met mine.
Then his gaze shifted to his foster sister, and the temperature seemed to drop several degrees. His voice took on a cold, commanding tone that carried the unmistakable
authority of an Alpha.
“Learn well from her and listen to what she says. Do whatever she tells you.
careful.”
Be
“I know, brother,” Vanessa replied with a sugary, obedient smile that didn’t quite reach
her eyes.
I led Moonbeam a few steps away and beckoned to Vanessa. “Come with me.”
Vanessa followed closely, her movements almost predatory despite her attempt to
3
2/3
+5 Points
appear casual. There was something in her gait that reminded me of a wolf stalking
its prey, though I quickly dismissed the thought as paranoia.
“Get on the horse first,” I instructed patiently, guiding her to Moonbeam’s left side. “Mount from the left, step into the stirrup with your left foot, then swing your right leg
over.”
While Vanessa wasn’t dressed in proper equestrian attire, her sporty outfit was
serviceable enough for a basic lesson. I offered my hand for support, and with my
steady guidance, she mounted safely.
Standing beside the horse, I gently took hold of Moonbeam’s bridle and began leading her into a slow walk. The docile white mare moved calmly, her steps
unhurried and smooth.
“Are you getting used to it?” I called up to Vanessa.
The moment we moved out of Connor’s line of sight, Vanessa’s sweet facade vanished like morning mist under a hot sun. Her violet eyes grew cold as she responded flatly, “Yeah, it’s fine.”
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