Page 15 of Shattered Oaths

I shake my head, my stomach turning as I look up into the mare’s eyes. Horses are such innocent animals. When raised right, they can be the most loyal, hardworking companion a person could have. But when they’re raised how this one has been, they can also be the most cruel and unpredictable.

“I don’t understand how someone can do that shit. It makes me fucking sick.”

Gray dips his chin in agreement. “Tell me about it. I’d pay good money for five minutes alone with the prick.”

“Hmm,” I hum thoughtfully, imagining all the sadistic ways he’d make the person suffer. “I’d pay good money towatch.”

I clasp my hands around the top panel of the white fence and lean back. “How’re you finding dad life?” I ask, changing the subject.

The cold, hard exterior melts away from his face, replaced with awe. “It’s hands down the best thing I’ve ever done in my life.”

“That good, huh?”

“Honestly, I didn’t think I could love someone more than I love Liv until Rueben was born,” he says, his eyes taking on a sappy look. It’s unsettling coming from Grayson.

“It looks good on you.”

“Fatherhood?” He asks.

“Happiness,” I clarify. And I mean it.

“Thanks, man.” Grayson claps me on the back before leading the mare away, ending the conversation.

I take that as my cue, shooting him a wave and climbing into my truck. I’m halfway into the five-minute drive to my parent’s house when a familiar car comes towards me and I squint my eyes, trying to catch a glimpse of the blonde in the driver’s seat. I slow down, hoping that she’ll pull to a stop and finally talk to me, but she keeps driving, her eyes never leaving the dirt road in front of her as though she doesn’t even see me.

I frown as I watch her pass. I don’t know what the fuck I did to piss her off this time, but it seems that’s all I ever do these days.

Ever since I found out Bella was going on a date with Justin and made my feelings known about him, our friendship hasn’t been the same. She started keeping her distance from me from the beginning and any time we did happen to find ourselves in each other’s company, it wouldinevitably end up in a fight. But recently, it’s not just me she’s been keeping her distance from, so even though she just completely ignored my presence, it’s a relief to see her on the ranch again.

I shake off the annoyance and pick up speed again, heading for the main house. Considering its only spring, it’s unseasonably hot today and I’ve been thinking about my mom’s fresh lemonade all day.

Spring has always been my favourite season for two reasons: it’s the beginning of longer days and tourist season. The sun rises earlier and sets later meaning I can get all the gruelling jobs done in the early morning and spend the rest of the day drinking and shooting the shit at The Boot with the ranch hands or on the rare occasion, my brothers and Killian.

It’s been a while since the last time we all went out together. Now that they’re all practically married off, I’ve become the forgotten friend. The seventh wheel.

As I round the main barn, I eye Killian’s work truck parked off to the side and hook a left, pulling in beside him.

Once my truck is in park, I climb out and trudge toward the barn, the sound of whinnies and snorts greeting me as I step inside. My eyes take a moment to adjust to the stark difference in lighting, and I breathe a sigh of relief at the much-needed shade the barn offers.

“Kill?” I call out, dipping my head into each stall I pass in search of my best friend.

No response comes but a rustling followed by a mutteredshitspills out of the tack room and I bite back a laugh as Killian comes tumbling out, fastening his jeans.

My eyes widen. “Were you just fucking in my tack room?” I ask, barely holding in the laugh that’s dying to break free.

Killian runs a hand through his hair, his cheeks flushed. “Notfucking, no.”

He doesn’t need to explain whatwashappening. My head drops back, the booming laugh finally escaping. “Is this what you do on your lunch break?” I ask between laughs.

“You’d do the same fucking thing if you were married,” Killian defends, trying to fight his own laugh.

Daisy comes out of the tack room, a lot less dishevelled than my friend here and moves to stand beside him. She’s the image of cool, calm and collected when she says, “Hey, Noah.”

I dip my head in acknowledgement, the corners of my mouth twitching. “Dais’.”

“What’s up?” Killian asks, pulling his wife into his side. I watch as Daisy’s body goes lax against him, completely relaxing into his hold and I’m suddenly hit with an unexpected pang of envy.

“I saw your truck parked out front; thought I’d come and say hello.” I turn my attention to Daisy. “I just saw Bella heading for Grayson and Liv’s house.”