For an elusive second, Eva felt like they'd sped up. Caia and Sebastian each reaching deep as they competed to see who was better.
At some unspoken signal, the two slowed, almost in tandem. Their gallop turning into a canter and then finally a trot as they circled back around to the place where Jason waited, glaring.
"Have fun?" Jason asked Caia. His gaze rose to Eva's. "Next time, you take her with you."
The mare snorted, ignoring him. She crowded Sebastian, reaching her nose out to attempt to put it in Eva's lap.
Sebastian moved under Eva as Caia whuffled and snorted.
Eva rubbed her nose, bending forward and dropping a kiss onto it. "I missed you too."
While Caia was distracted, Sebastian dipped his head and nipped at one of Caia's forelegs. Sensing the danger, the mare screamed a challenge and danced out of the way before his teeth could do damage.
Being herbivores, horses had flat teeth. The real danger in a bite from them lay in the strength of their jaws.
Kyren, on the other hand, had the same power in their jaws but also teeth suited to carnivores. Sharp and pointed like that of a predator.
A bite from them was no laughing matter. It could do serious damage, even in play.
"Enough," Eva warned in a low voice.
Kyren and mare ignored her. They threw their weight against each other, jockeying for dominance as they tried to push the other out of the way.
Jason snickered as Eva slapped at them.
"Wait! Not while I'm on your back!"
Eva lifted the leg in danger of being crushed out of the stirrup and draped it over Sebastian's neck. She thumped her fist against Sebastian's shoulder, furious. What did this idiot think he was doing?
The other dumb ass wasn't any better. Eva shoved Caia back as the mare attempted to bump Sebastian again.
"A little help?" Eva shouted.
Jason strolled over to the mare, reaching up to grab her halter and forcing her to give the other two room.
Eva's chest heaved with exertion as adrenaline ramped up her emotions. It felt like she'd fought a battle and barely come out the winner.
These two were going to be the death of her. Seriously. They couldn't have at least waited until she was no longer in harm's way?
Ungrateful brats. See if she supplied either of them with treats for the next few days.
Even now, they weren't content to let things lie. Eva caught Sebastian's sneer as he tried to get a rise out of Caia.
Sure enough, the mare shoved forward, acting like one of those warriors who loved fighting almost more than they did life. Willing to issue a challenge for even the smallest of insults.
Jason's hold brought her up short.
Caia tried to toss her head, only for Jason's grip to tighten. He patted her on the neck making soothing sounds.
Eva took the opposite course, having no intention of soothing either party. In her mind, they were both to blame.
Her glare carried a threat. "Go ahead. Keep testing my patience and see what I do to you."
Mare and Kyren settled down, as if they hadn't just behaved like small children fighting over a toy.
Gradually, Sebastian's stance eased. Caia still looked indignant, but she didn't fight Jason any longer. She looked away from Eva, pretending she didn't see her even as her tail flicking gave away her indignation.
That was fine. Eva could live with Caia's hurt feelings. Better those than a crippled leg.
