Page 51 of Dark Things
I discreetly pat the pocket of my breeches and make sure I have my switchblade on me in case Mary gets too close. I bet she’d look horrible with bangs.
While I’m living my best hairstylist fantasy in my head, Coach James comes to stand in front of us and starts his speech. I try to listen, but really I don’t care what he’s saying. I just need to look like I’m following along enough to blend in.
“Reb Vischer, you’re up first. I want to see how youand…” his voice trails off while he looks down at his clipboard. “Midnight Blue do on this course. Do a warm up lap first and then start.”
I click my tongue and put pressure on Midnight’s sides with my heels. He walks on, and we enter the arena. I look out over the course and note the different jumps and count the strides in between, then push him into a trot, keeping my eyes on the order of the jumps and anything else that would be important.
As I push him into a light canter to start coming around to the first jump, I notice the guys chatting on the side of the arena. Brooks is looking at me with a confused expression, his arms dangling over the railing. I try to put it out of my mind, but with his stare it’s hard.
Once I line up the first jump, I drop my hands down and click my tongue again. Midnight’s head dips down and our energies meld. He lets out a loud snort, releasing the air in his lungs as we reach the line. He flies over it flawlessly, landing and taking the turn to the next in a single fluid movement.
Riding Midnight is like riding on a cloud. He moves like liquid, nothing disturbing his gait or jostling me. When he catches air on the next jump, I let out awhoop, and he matches my energy with a small head shake.
At this moment, there’s nothing but my horse and our magic on this course. Time is suspended, and all I can hear is our breathing. By the time we get to the lastjump, my adrenaline is on fire, and when he clears the three poles I hear clapping as I stand up in my saddle, kissing my three fingers and throwing them up in the air.
As my ass hits the saddle again, I look over and see Colter, Staff, and Brooks frozen in place. At first I’m confused, and then a memory slams into me with such force that I almost lose my seat.
The first time I ever did that move was my first competition when I was fourteen. The guys insisted they come, and when my jumps were flawless, I kissed my three fingers, one for each of them, and held my hand out as I trotted back through the gate. It became something I did every time I won, a small dedication to them.
And I just did it. As if nothing changed.
Haunt’s curious expression meets mine, and I bite my lip before turning away. He’s seen me do that move a hundred times, but I’ve never told him about it or what it means and he’s never asked.
Fuck.
When I get back to the rest of the team, Coach James walks over and I dismount, digging into my pocket for another peppermint puff. I give it to Midnight, along with some scratches on his neck.
“That was a beautiful time. I didn’t expect this behemoth of a creature to move like that. He’s a real life Pegasus,” Coach says, extending his hand to shakemine, but Midnight has other thoughts. He walks into me and puts his huge body in between the coach and I.
I laugh, and give him a shove. “He’s okay, boy. This is Coach. He’s not going to hurt me.”
Coach James eyebrows are in his hairline. “Have yourself a guard horse, Vischer?”
“I’ve seen him charge at someone who thought to get too close to me while my back is turned. He’s definitely part Roman war horse. No prey-drive in him.”
He chuckles and extends his hand again. “Welcome to the team. I can’t wait to see what you and ole Spartacus over there can do,” he says.
He eyes Midnight with good-natured respect.
“Thanks, Coach. We’ll do our best for the team. Let me know if you have any critiques. I have a full course at the house, so we can practice until we get it right.”
“For now, I don’t have anything for you, but I’m sure I can find something to pick on you with soon enough,” he says, before turning away.
I watch Cat take her turn and am just as impressed with her and Starlight. Aslyn and her mare are awesome, too. I wonder if the girls would want to come to the house this week and practice alone, without the rest of the team. I’m sure they’re all great, but being around this many people always leaves me drained. It’s one part of competing I’ve always hated.
By the time practice is over, all I want is food and my bed, but Cat looks like she’s gotten a second wind.Waiting at the trailer are the guys, and Cat looks over at me, but I shrug.
“I have no idea what they want,” I say.
Midnight must pick up on my energy, because he starts to shuffle forward a bit. I don’t slack my grip on his reins, but I do give him a little more room to walk ahead of me.
“Good practice,” Haunt says, coming over to us. I don’t say anything, but Cat picks up a conversation with him while he helps her untack Starlight.
I loop Midnight’s reins through a “d” ring on the side of the trailer and begin to unbuckle his saddle.
“Nice riding,” Colter says, coming up to us. Midnight’s head whips around and his ears go back slightly, but I pat his side to settle him down.
“Thanks. I didn't think you guys were the watching type. Got a thing for women in breeches?” I sass.
