Not Your Ex's Hexes (Supernatural Singles, #2)(14)

“I’ll go get some leads,” Miguel said before disappearing back into the barn and returning with a few sets.

“Do you need me to do anything?” Rose asked, watching.

“Yeah. Stay back and out of the way. You’re my responsibility while you’re here and the last thing I want is for you to get kicked in the head.”

She tossed him a hard glare, but he didn’t care.

Damian, Miguel, and Terrance worked in tandem to secure the temperamental horse. While Miguel stood at the rear of the transport, Damian and the kid climbed into the main cab, latching two leads onto the halter the stallion already wore.

“Alright, Miguel. When I tell you, unlatch the gate and get out of the way. Jasper will probably back out like his hooves are on fire, and as he does, Terrance and I will follow him through until we clear him from the rig. On my count. Three. Two. One.”

Miguel unlatched the door, and as expected, the horse backed out in a rush, his rump bursting out from the rig to break free. But the stallion’s sense of freedom was short-lived as Terrance and Damian held him in place.

Black eyes widening, Jasper reared up and kicked out with his front legs.

A hoof clipped Damian in the shin so hard he saw stars. “Come on, boy. We’re sure as hell better than Fink.”

The horse didn’t seem to think so as he spun, nearly taking out Terrance. This was going downhill fast. Behavioral issues his ass. The horse was a menace.

Damian was about to direct them to switch gears and attempt to lead the stallion into the paddock on their left when movement at his side had him freezing in his spot.

Rose eased closer, her hands held out, palms up toward the horse. “Hey, Jasper…”

“You need to get back. Now,” Damian warned, voice stern.

“It’s okay.” She kept her gaze focused on the horse. “Isn’t it, boy? You’re not quite as scary as you wish you were.”

“He seems pretty scary to me,” Terrance muttered under his breath.

“Rose, I’m serious,” Damian added. “Get the hell back before he kicks you in the head.”

The horse’s head turned toward Rose and the beast blew out a heavy breath, his nostrils flaring as his leg pawed the ground.

“Rose…”

“It’s okay, boy…”

The horse pawed the ground again, his eyes fastened on the approaching witch … and then the damnedest thing happened. He calmed. No Magic. No strong-armed tactics. Instead of working against Damian and Terrance to break free, the stallion pulled on the leads to get to Rose.

Terrance’s mouth went slack before beaming wide. “See! He’s a good boy!”

Rose let the horse sniff her hand before she rubbed his nose. “You are a good boy, aren’t you, Jasper?”

He huffed out a breath, the air making Rose’s hair fly back, and the witch giggled.

Damian had a tough time taking his gaze off them … off her. He suddenly understood Jasper’s enamored actions because he felt the draw, too. He felt it, identified it, and buried that shit down deep because no good would come of it.

Miguel chuckled. “Looks like someone was fated to work with animals, huh?”

His mentor’s words broke Damian of his spell, and he tossed the older man a warning look that had him grinning. “Let’s get him in a stall before he decides to stop being a good boy. Rose … do you mind?”

“Sure. Which one?” She held out a hand for one of the leads, and Terrance eagerly handed his over.

“Far end from Butternut and Squash … just in case.”

Rose led the horse into the barn. They didn’t even need the lead, Jasper practically glued to her side as she walked him into the far stall.

Terrance had already filled up the food and water, and by the time he finished, Jasper damn near looked as docile as a kitten. Damian took Rose’s elbow and eased her from the stall, and a split second after they closed the door, the stallion reared, front hooves kicking the wall.

Rose yelped in surprise.

“Are you okay?” Damian scanned her quickly from head to toe to make sure she hadn’t been clipped.

“I’m fine. He just startled me.” She frowned at the horse, giving Damian a good view of her pulse heartbeat at the base of her throat. “I don’t know what happened … maybe I can—”

“No.” He blocked her way back to the stall where Jasper, although still pissed, was no longer kicking the shit out of the walls. “You don’t go near that animal. You hear me?”

“But he was calm—”

“Does he look calm now?” She opened her mouth to argue. “This isn’t negotiable. You listen, or I’ll let the Council reassign you.”

She clamped her mouth shut, folding her arms over her chest. “Fine.”

“Good.”

“You’re the boss.”

“Yes, I am.” He cursed, blowing out a heavy breath. “Terrance will show you what to do and how things work around here.”

Terrance stood nearby, already nodding. “Sure. I can do that. I’m practically a professional shit-shoveler.”

Damian shot him a look and the kid blushed.

“Sorry, Damian.” He smiled shyly at Rose. “Let’s give you the thousand-dollar grand tour. I know this place doesn’t look like much, but it’s practically Magic.”