“Hey boy. Remember how we practiced?”
She lassoed the rope and sent it easily over his head.
Indie jolted and started to protest.
“Hey, it’s okay,” she cooed. “There’s nothing be scared of. It’s just you and me, Indie. Don’t even worry about those big scary looking men. They’re secretly nice and just here to support us. You’re ready. I know you are. Stay calm, because this is going to feel a little strange at first, but you can handle it. I promise.”
I held my breath as she moved into position next to him. The large horse made her look so small and frail next to him.
I had to bite my tongue to prevent myself from yelling out to beg her not to do this.
Then suddenly, in one swift move, Winnie was flying through the air, landing on the horse’s back.
Indie whinnied and bucked trying to throw my girl off as she held on tight to the rope.
As the horse started to jump around, my wolf surged angrily, no doubt wondering why I was just standing here letting her go through with this.
Thomas’s large hand rested on my shoulder and squeezed. He released just a hint of his Alpha powers but not the sort that would aggravate my wolf further. This was more of a tingly sensation forcing me to calm down.
“There’s no shame in stepping away, Clay, but that beast will sense your wolf and respond in kind. If I can feel it, so can he. It’s only putting your mate in more danger.”
I sighed and nodded.
That was the last thing I wanted to do, but I wasn’t sure I could just stand here and do nothing either.
Then, like a miracle, Indie calmed.
I watched, mesmerized by how simple she made it look as she directed the horse to walk and then trot. He was no longer bucking.
“Well, I’ll be damned. She did it,” Dalton said proudly.
“She really did.”
One minute she was in full control and then the next, she kicked the horse with her heels and sent him into bucking bronco mode once more.
Winnie held the ropes firmly in one hand while the other was raised high in celebration, or maybe she was doing it to keep her balance. I really wasn’t certain, but my heart had stopped beating once more.
Her hair flew out with the wind. Her cheeks were flushed in shades of pink. She looked stunning, just as beautiful as the time I’d seen her at the rodeo, performing for thousands.
I hadn’t been able to take my eyes off of her then and I sure as hell couldn’t now.
“Go Winnie!” Austin cheered.
She was beautiful and so full of life.
With ease and perfect control, she slowed the horse to a stop and jumped off.
“That’s enough for one day boy. Good job, Indie.”
I finally began to relax when she jumped the fence and threw her arms around me.
“You did it!”
“Did you really have any doubts.”
I winked at her. “Never one.”
“Well color me impressed. You certainly have a way with horses, girlie.”