Saddle Up by Kim Loraine

Author:Kim Loraine [Loraine, Kim]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kim Loraine

10

Clint

We sat at the dining room table. Ever took the place across from me rather than at my side, and I wasn’t sure how that made me feel. I wanted her near me, but now I could look at her without an excuse.

“This is amazing chili, Mama,” Ever said, scooping up another spoonful.

Mama smiled. “Been making it since before these boys were born. In fact, it’s one of the recipes I tried when I was working on getting Clint to make his appearance in the world. I kicked up the spice a lot for that one.”

Ever chuckled. “Did it work?”

“Nope. Stubborn boy came on his own time. Three days late. All the chili gave me was heartburn.”

I loved this. All of us sitting together and talking. We hadn’t really had this since Dad died. There’d been too much going on. Chaos.

“Tristan was the early one. He came out three weeks before he was supposed to, lungs strong, legs kicking like an angry colt. Suppose that’s fitting for both of you.”

“What do you mean?” Ever asked.

“Clint’s a thinker. He doesn’t do things by half, but he also doesn’t rush into anything. He’s got a purpose for every choice he makes.” My cheeks heated at her assessment of me. Then she turned her mischievous eyes on Tristan. “Then there’s Tristan. Impulsive, wild, spirited. I think it’s why he’s so connected to that horse of his. They’re kindred.”

Tristan sat back in his chair and took a long drink of his beer.

“Have you decided what’s going to happen with Wildfire?” Ever wouldn’t look at me as she spoke.

“We’re keeping him. Tristan’s right, he needs time and training. It wasn’t his fault the ranch hand didn’t follow orders. He shouldn’t be punished because his handler was an idiot.” Ever’s gaze locked on mine and brightened with each word that left my lips.

She opened her mouth as though she was going to say something, but the kitchen door opened and slammed closed, stopping all conversation.

“I said, I’m fine. I’m not hungry, just let me get to my room.” Sera’s voice was high and thin. She was annoyed. I knew this version of my sister well.

Mama stood and intercepted them before Sera could escape to the stairs. I couldn’t see them, but I sure as hell heard them. “Baby girl, don’t you dare try to hide from me.”

“Mama, I’m fine.” Sera’s voice wobbled.

“Oh, my God. What did he do to you?”

That was it. I was out of my chair and rushing to the two of them before the last syllable was uttered. Tristan followed behind, and Buck was already there, Sera’s duffle bag in hand. My sister looked from Tristan to me, her bruised cheek angry and swollen.

“I’ll kill him,” Tristan muttered.

“We will,” I corrected.

“No one’s killing anyone.” Sera’s protest fell on us like a hammer. If she thought we weren’t going to defend her to the ends of the earth, she was wrong.

“He hurt you, Ser.” I fought to control my anger.

“And I left his ass. I reported him to the police, got an order of protection, and am pressing assault charges.

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