Chapter 10

10

" H ere, you go, T. Just the way you like it." Kade handed me a cup of steaming coffee as I stood beside the horse paddock. Even though May brought slightly warmer temperatures, mornings were still cold enough that a warm beverage hit the spot.

"Oh, wow, thanks!" I took a sip and moaned. Damn, he made it exactly as I liked it. Since we ate breakfast together at the cantina several times a week as a group, I wasn't surprised he'd figured it out, only that he cared enough to notice. And my toes curled every time he called me T, like we were old friends. Did I have hearts in my eyes? Yeah, yeah, I did.

I waited for him to make fun of me. He didn't.

"It's okay. You can say it. I use too much sugar and cream." I leaned back against the paddock railing and took a big swig.

He smirked. "Nope. Ali and Rory give you enough shit about it. Besides, nothing wrong with sugar and cream. Two of my favorite things."

An innocent comment, but my mind dove straight into the gutter. He had that effect on me. I'd never been so constantly horny in my life. Even the simple brush of his fingers when he'd handed me the to-go mug made my libido sing. At least in jeans, it was easier to disguise my body's reaction. My costume—or lack thereof—was proving problematic when we had scenes together.

Kade and I stood shoulder to shoulder, waiting for Anna and another horse trainer to finish warming up a stallion. Turns out, horses didn't like wolf shifters. And since we were all supposed to be seen on horseback, this had thrown a wrench into a couple of scenes. I wouldn't be here, except Jabril had "suggested" I help as I seemed to have a way with horses. In fact, Bruce refused to be ridden by anyone else if I was present, so they'd had to adjust things so that I could ride him when necessary. Who knew horses had such strong opinions on things?

So, here we were, trying to convince Fighting Irish O'Malley—Fio for short—a sleek black Andalusian, that Kade was not a big bad wolf, but a friendly, horse-loving wolf. He'd tried two other horses before Fio, and neither had gone well. Let's hope for lucky number three .

While we waited, Kade reached into his sweatshirt pocket and pulled out a freshly baked coconut scone in plastic wrap and handed it over. My favorite. Those damn butterflies took flight in my belly.

"Aww, I didn't realize alpha wolves were so nurturing," I teased, so he wouldn't see how touched I was at the gesture.

He didn't laugh, just raised a brow. "And I didn't realize you were an expert on wolf behavior."

Shit. Had I accidentally said something offensive?

"I didn't mean anything by—"

"Hey, relax, I know. I apologize. It's not your issue, it's mine. Wolf culture is . . . frustrating. Media has influenced the way we see ourselves. They portray alphas as supernatural cowboys. Fighting, fucking, and demanding other wolves submit. A lot of us buy into it."

"You don't." Wasn't a question.

"Exerting dominance comes naturally. But instinctually, alphas are also inclined to take care of their packs. We're not the one at the front. We bring up the rear to make sure no one's left behind. And we fight for the pack. We care for our weakest members. Protect them. Many alphas seem to forget that part."

"I never thought of it that way."

"Like I said, neither do a lot of alphas. But if you don't take care of the most vulnerable, are you only at the top of the hierarchy because you're standing on their backs? I won't be that wolf."

"I didn't mean to imply you were. I was just, um, touched that you brought me coffee and my favorite scone, and I guess I didn't handle it well." My cheeks burned with heat, though I couldn't exactly say why.

He cocked his head in a way that was becoming familiar. Wolf-like. "You aren't the man I was expecting when I was told you'd be part of this film."

I took a sip of coffee, my face going even hotter. "I bet."

He bumped his shoulder against mine. "Not like that. I just mean that you're known as a sex symbol, so I assumed you'd be more like Hyde."

Sex symbol? "I have an Only Fae account where I dress as an elf and get myself off. I don't think that qualifies as a sex symbol."

"Do you always do that? Sell yourself short?"

Damn, the man was blunt.

"No. Yes. Maybe." I shrugged.

"Well, don't. In this business, there's enough people trying to tear you down. You have to be your own best advocate. And if you think you aren't a sex symbol now, just wait until the film comes out. You'll be inundated with offers for other roles. You're a natural in front of the camera."

I shoved a bit of the coconut scone in my mouth to keep from saying something flip. Matt always said I shouldn't expect favors for being attractive, since being attractive was simply an accident of birth. Of course, he also spent unholy amounts of money to look his best. I'd put up with his negging for too long and had done a lot to downplay myself for his insecurities. So, yeah, I still had work to do. But I didn't want to be like Hyde, either. Being good looking wasn't an excuse to be an asshole any more than being an alpha.

After I swallowed, I said, "Thank you. I appreciate the compliment. I enjoy acting, though never thought I'd be in a movie, so this has been an incredible experience. Working with you, Ali, and Poppy has been amazing. I've learned so much from each of you."

Our gazes met, and I swear his burned a little brighter. I lost myself in his golden depths.

"Okay, let's give this a go," Anna called.

I glanced away.

Kade grimaced before taking several tentative steps forward. "Here goes nothing."

"Hey, don't sell yourself short, either!" I called after him.

Fighting Irish was aptly named. His nostrils flared as Kade approached and offered him a sugar cube. He pawed at the grass, ears pinned back.

"I don't understand it," Anna huffed, keeping a firm hold on Fio. "He's been trained around large dogs, so I don't know why a wolf shifter would set him off."

Fio stomped his foot and pulled at the lead, looking for slack. Not sure what could be done, but after watching Kade take a step forward and then back away when Fio snorted and tossed his mane, I'd had enough. There had to be a horse for him.

"Hey, Anna," I called. "Do you think I could ride him? Just to get him into a groove." Fio might be used to big dogs, but it didn't mean he'd want them on his back, near his unguarded neck. That would take some convincing, and clearly treats alone weren't working.

"I can't see how that will help. He's always been spirited, though he's also exceptionally well trained. Maybe horses just won't work."

Kade walked my way, his shoulders drooping. "Jiz is going to have to come up with something else. Perhaps we can use a stunt rider and not do any close ups of me on the horse."

He sounded defeated, and my heart hurt for him. He always came prepared, and no one could say he didn't work hard.

It wasn't like we needed more than a few scenes with him on a horse. We did, however, need some shots where it was clearly him.

I patted Kade's arm consolingly when he leaned on the fence next to me, then handed him my drink. "Let me see what I can do. Hold my coffee." I winked.

"That horse isn't going to let me near him."

"Ye of little faith. Fio can be reasoned with. You'll see." I hoped.

Anna wiggled her fingers at me as I approached. "You do seem to have an amazing way with horses. Maybe you can whisper to him, and he'll let Kade ride."

She was joking, obviously. Still, it couldn't hurt to try. Fio was a lot bigger than Bruce and looked like he'd be a lot of fun. So, yeah, a bit selfish on my part.

I moved slowly so I wouldn't spook him. His ears came forward, and he actually stepped up to meet me and lowered his nose for a pet. I scratched his neck and cooed at him.

When I moved to mount, he almost looked eager. I disconnected the lead—I hadn't been using it since the first day—and gripped the reins loosely in my fist. I swung up into the saddle, and off we trotted. He handled like a dream, his gait jaunty. After a warmup, I eased him into a canter, his stride long and powerful. Why, oh, why hadn't I discovered riding ages ago? It was quickly becoming one of my favorite things.

Though I refused to glance at him, I felt Kade's gaze as I raced around the paddock. Lately, it seemed like he was always watching me. When I'd inevitably turn to check, his attention without fail seemed elsewhere. Guess my imagination and horniness really wanted him to be watching me.

When we slowed to a walk, I patted Fio's neck. "You know, my friend Kade is a nice wolf. He won't hurt you, and I think you should let him ride. Then he'd see how amazing you are."

Fio shook his head and kept walking.

"He'd give you lots of apples and sugar cubes. He's very generous. I know you'd like him."

The horse's ears flicked like he was saying, "Go on."

"And you'll be in scenes with me and Bruce. I'll give you extra scritches. Plus, it would be a nice thing to do. I know wolves are scary, but you could show the other horses you're not scared."

He picked up the pace. Yeah, he liked that idea. Maybe he just needed a little ego stroking? One way to find out.

"I mean, you are a very brave horse. Imagine carrying a wolf around like it was no big deal. You'd be the envy of all the others."

Was it my imagination, or did he seem to stand taller?

"Wanna give it a try? You'll have bragging rights forever ."

In response, Fio trotted toward Kade.

Kade's expression was priceless. His eyes widened, and since he was leaning against the railing, he couldn't back up.

We halted within a few feet of him.

"Fio invites you to ride him. He expects lots of sugar cubes and apples afterward, and he'll need some praise. Be generous with it. It's a big deal that he's trusting you on his back."

"No way," Kade said. "You saw how he reacted."

"I did. But trust me, he'll allow it." I dismounted, and Anna clipped the lead back on. "Give it a go."

He set my coffee down, then approached, caution in every step, in case Fio kicked. Fio stood docilely, as if having a wolf shifter near him wasn't a big deal.

"Give him a compliment," I whispered.

"Uh, you're a magnificent creature."

I rolled my hand in the "and" gesture.

"And you're going to look incredible on film. Better than the other horses."

He whickered. Ooh, he liked hearing that.

"Now, pet him. Just move slow."

He did, and Fio let him. Kade offered him a sugar cube, and the horse snuffled it right off his hand. Kade looked between me and the horse.

"You really might be the horse whisperer."

Within five minutes, we had Kade on Fio's back, and they were trotting in a circle. His posture wasn't perfect, though it was a hell of a lot better than Hyde's had been. Plus, he looked thrilled to be in the saddle. He even gifted me with a blinding grin that made my insides go wobbly and my knees feel like jelly. My crush on him was ridiculous. I knew better than to lust after a straight guy. Then again, what's a little harmless crush between friends?

He rode for a bit and gave lots of treats and compliments afterward. Fio even nuzzled Kade's cheek, then held his head high as Anna led him toward the barn. Yeah, he was going to brag.

Kade looked so pleased with himself that I couldn't help but grin back. "See, horses are amazing."

"They really are." He bumped my shoulder, then pulled me into a quick bro hug. Like every other time he touched me, a zing raced through me and instantly heated my blood. I made myself let go when he moved to gather up his belongings. "I don't know what you did but thank you for that. You're—"

His phone rang.

He frowned and stared at the screen. He silenced it and stuffed it into his pocket.

"Do you need to take that?" I asked. I already knew it was Nora. They spoke several times a day. He looked increasingly unhappy every time she called, though I could be reading my own hopes into it.

"No, I—"

His cell rang again. I raised a brow.

"Dammit, I'm sorry, T. Will you be at the cantina later?"

I nodded. "Yeah, see you there."

I waved and walked away. He didn't raise his voice once he answered, but I heard him say, "Hey you. Is something wrong? I told you I would call this evening. It's been an exhausting morning . . ."

I didn't stick around to hear the rest.