"That's what we do for our Omega," Nash says simply, like it's the most obvious thing in the world and doesn't require thanks or explanation. "Taking care of you, supporting your goals, helping you succeed—it's not a burden or obligation. It's a privilege."
River begins the checkout process with efficient movements, scanning items with practiced ease and processing the payment on one of the American Express cards. "Can I help you with the setup and installation process?" he asks. "Transfer your data from your old phone to the new one? It takes about twenty minutes but ensures everything moves over smoothly—contacts, photos, apps, passwords, everything."
"That would be absolutely amazing," I say gratefully, already dreading trying to figure it out myself later.
"Perfect." He smiles knowingly. "And I'm sure you'll want to do a proper unboxing video later for your followers. First impressions, reactions, all that good content. But for now,let's get you set up practically so you can start using these immediately."
While River works on the technical setup—connecting cables, entering passwords, initiating the data transfer from my ancient iPhone to the gorgeous new one—he makes casual conversation that somehow feels friendly rather than forced.
"You know," he says conversationally, glancing at the window where darkening clouds are visible, "the weather report I heard on the radio this morning was calling for a pretty significant snowstorm tonight. Supposed to start around eight or nine this evening. They're predicting anywhere from six to eight inches of accumulation overnight, possibly more if the system stalls over the region."
He glances up from the phone he's configuring to make eye contact with all three of us. "If you folks don't have accommodations arranged yet here in Millbrook, there's a brand new cozy lodge that just opened last month about two miles outside town. The Winter Pine Lodge. Beautiful place—all exposed timber beams and stone fireplaces and modern amenities wrapped in rustic charm. Great food at their restaurant too. Very Instagram-worthy if you're looking for additional content opportunities."
He returns his attention to the setup process. "Might be worth staying off the roads tonight rather than attempting to drive back to Oakridge Hollow in potentially dangerous winter storm conditions. The highway between here and there gets treacherous fast when snow starts accumulating. We lose power to the streetlights sometimes and visibility drops to almost nothing."
Theo, Nash, and I exchange meaningful looks—one of those silent pack communications that's becoming more natural every day.
"That's probably the smart choice," Nash agrees readily, always the practical one. "Driving in a snowstorm with minimal visibility and icy roads sounds like a legitimately terrible idea. Not worth the risk."
Theo nods decisively. "Agreed. I'll step outside in a minute and let Grayson know the plan. He'll need to take Snowfall to whatever stables or ranch facilities are nearby for boarding. Can't leave her standing outside in a developing snowstorm. She needs proper shelter, food, water."
"Wait!" I blurt out quickly, grabbing Theo's muscular forearm before he can head toward the door. "Can I come with you? To tell Grayson? And maybe... maybe go to wherever he's taking Snowfall? I'd love to see where the horses stay."
Please say yes. Please let me come. I want to spend time with all of them. I want to be included. I want to see Grayson with the horses and experience this with them.
Theo and Nash exchange another one of those loaded looks—the kind where entire conversations happen in seconds through eye contact alone.
"Sure," Nash says warmly, his blue eyes crinkling with a smile. "We can all go together. Make it a group outing."
Then Theo asks casually, but his tone carries weight like he already knows the answer will be important, "Have you ever ridden a horse before?"
I shake my head, suddenly shy and self-conscious about my lack of experience. "No. Never. I've pet horses at fairs and county events and stuff, fed them apples and carrots, but never actually ridden one. My grandfather always said he'd take me horseback riding someday, that he'd teach me properly when I was ready..."
I trail off, my throat tightening with familiar grief. Not wanting to finish that sentence. Before he got sick. Before he passed away. Before all those some days ran out of time.
Theo's expression shifts to something warmer, softer, more tender than I usually see from him. He exchanges yet another look with Nash, and this time they both grin—matching expressions of mischief and excitement.
"Why don't we do a quick detour after this?" Theo suggests, his voice holding a promise of adventure and new experiences.
CHAPTER 27
Racing Hearts
~REVERIE~
Isqueal—a sound somewhere between pure joy and absolute terror and exhilaration all mixed together—as Snowfall races forward at what feels like impossible, breathtaking speed.
Grayson's arm is solid and secure around my waist, holding me firmly against his bare chest while his other hand manages Snowfall's leather reins with practiced expertise that comes from years of experience. The white mare moves beneath us like liquid silk, her powerful muscles bunching and releasing with each massive stride, her hooves thundering against the frozen ground in a rhythm that matches—and somehow exceeds—my racing heartbeat.
His skin is surprisingly warm against my back despite the November cold, his maple-honey Alpha scent mixing with horse and leather and winter air.
I can feel every breath he takes, every subtle shift of his body as he guides Snowfall with confidence that makes me feel completely safe even at this wild speed.
The wind whips through my hair viciously, stealing my breath, making my eyes water from the sheer force of it. The air is sharp and cold against my flushed cheeks—stinging like tiny needles—but I barely notice the discomfort because this—THIS—is the most exhilarating thing I've ever experienced in my entire twenty-five years of existence.
I'm flying. We're actually flying across these fields like we've sprouted wings. This is what freedom feels like. This is what being alive feels like. Not surviving—actually living.
The crazy part—the absolutely mind-blowing, somewhat terrifying, incredibly exciting part—is that I'm not the only one racing across these open fields at breakneck speed.
