Page 54 of Into the Lion's Den (Secrets of the Northland Shifters)

Angel’s gaze flicked to Reese and his lips quirked. “It’s a beginner-level ride. It’s not like I’m suggesting anyone on this sleepover ridebareback.”

“Angel.” Reese’s voice held a warning.

“What?” Angel asked innocently.

It seemed like some kind of private joke was passing between them, but I was too tense to catch on. I probably didn’t even want to know.

“But an actual trail ride,” I said. “Isn’t that something people work up to slowly? I’d probably be too sore to walk the next day.”

Angel snorted like I’d just somehow added to their joke.

“It’s an overnight camping trip,” Reese said, probably reminding Angel as to why it wasdefinitelynot a good idea for me to go.

“So plenty of time for her to rest her sore ass,” Angel said, smirking.

“Okay,” I said, reaching the end of my patience. “Am I missing something here?”

“No,” Reese said.

“Okay. Well. I’m going to pass. I’m not much of a camper either. I need…indoor plumbing.”

“We have three campsites to choose from,” Angel said. “We’ll stop at the one with the bathrooms.”

“Why are you pushing so hard for me to go?” I asked.

Angel walked farther into the room and put his arm around my shoulders. “It was your good work that saved the horses. You should enjoy the reward.”

“You heard her, though,” Reese said. “She’s not capable of a trail ride.”

My gaze jerked from Angel to Reese. When he put it that way, it stirred something deep inside me. Who was he to say what I could or couldn’t do?

“Actually,” I said, “maybe you’re right, Angel. I’ve been up here for weeks, and I’ve barely taken advantage of any of the activities the resort has to offer.”

“There you go!” Angel clapped his hands once. “I’ll let Sam know we’ve got an extra camper.”

I glanced at Reese, and the angry look in his eyes sent a shiver down my spine.

Before leaving, Angel leaned into my ear and whispered conspiratorially, “Don’t worry about Reese. I’ll be there the whole time. You won’t have to put up with his grumpy ass all by yourself.”

Then he quickly exited the room, leaving me alone with his older brother, both of us unmoving. Neither willing to be the first one to blink.

21

SARAH

Two hours later.

With the sounds of clomping feet and the squeak and groan of rubbing saddle leather, Angel led the horses out of the stable, assigning one to each of the fourteen riders—the Petersen family of five, plus three other couples, Reese, Angel, and myself.

My horse came out last, a docile mare named Sally, who appeared to be limping.

“Shit,” Angle muttered. He pulled Sally to a stop in front of me, then bent to lift one of her feet. “Oh, Sal,” he moaned sympathetically. “When did you throw a shoe?”

“Is she okay?” I asked. Sally lowered her head, and I reached up to stroke her broad forehead.

“She’s fine,” Angel said, consternation darkening his eyes. “But unfortunately no one will be riding her today. I’ve got one other horse available.Chopper. But he’s too much of a handful.”

“Does that mean she can’t go?” asked the oldest Petersen daughter, sounding disappointed on my behalf.

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