Animal Heart (Beast & Beauty) by Jessie M Read Free Book Online

She could have sworn she heard howling, not the dogs... but real howling, outside. Wolves. She strained her ears and there it was again, in the distance. She shot out of bed and looked out of her window. The perfect half moon shone brightly above in the starry sky, and she stood and watched for a while. She leant back, preparing to return to bed, when something caught her eye. A pair of wolves shot across the paddock, side by side, towards the trail and the woods. She stared in wonder as they bounded along with huge strides, leaping the boundary fence with ease. She knew a little about them. Wolves had always fascinated her, ever since she was a child. They were the epitome of the wild. She loved the concept of the close knit pack, roaming the forests, foraging and hunting. Squabbling and fighting amongst themselves over the females, food, and leadership. They weren't that different to humans in that way, she thought with a wry smile to herself.
    But these two were most unusual looking. Very long limbed and sleek, with big ears, smallish heads, and extremely long tails. Very odd looking indeed.
    They finally disappeared from view.
    Probably some kind of maned-wolf... They had long legs...
    Her feet were suddenly cold, standing on the wooden floor. She padded back to bed and snuggled down under the warmth of the duvet. She looked at her travel clock. Five O'clock, much too early to get up, her alarm was set for seven. She drifted back to sleep for a few hours, her mind full of wonderful wild things. Wolves, unpredictable beautiful white horses, acres of land, forests, mountains, and lakes...
    This was her kind of place. Seriously.
     
    Aden stood in the yard waiting for Madison to arrive. He'd saddled up Oberon, a large black stallion with a gentle nature, but a fast pace. He hoped she liked his choice. He paced up and down the yard feeling nervous, but not knowing why. Just thinking about her disturbed his peace of mind. A lot. Last night's less than satisfying activity with Grace had obviously done nothing to calm his erotic thoughts about her, hopefully his body would behave itself today.
    He heard the chatter of voices and Lucas appeared with Maddy, entering the yard. They carried on with their conversation, heads close together and smiling conspiratorially at each other as they arrived at his side. He narrowed his eyes at Lucas. He didn't like the way his arm was slung around her shoulders. It was far too friendly.
    “I'll see you later Mads. Have a good day you two,” Lucas added, placing a big smacker of a kiss on her cheek. Aden's blood suddenly boiled unexpectedly. Now he was going much too far! He knew he wasn't supposed to hit on the guests. Not that he could blame him. She was well worth being ticked off for. His stomach squeezed uncomfortably with reaction to their sudden intimacy, and his chest ached painfully. He took a deep breath and pulled himself together.
    He tried not to stare too hard at her as he said hello.
    “How are you today Maddy? Looking forward to our trip?” His eyes raked her up and down in a frenzy, all control gone in an instant. Her tight riding britches, v-neck black t-shirt, and padded black fitted jacket looked so good on her. Desire started to build rapidly inside him, stirring him to life.
    “I'm fine, and yes, oh boy... I can't wait!” She replied enthusiastically, with a wonderful big smile that lit up his heart. “Oh my God, he's just beautiful. What's his name?” She gasped, finally catching sight of the black horse half hidden behind Storm, and rushing around to stroke his nose immediately.
    “Oberon... So you like him, do you?” He was overly pleased about that and couldn't stop a little smile escaping.
    “I do. Almost as much as Storm,” she added pointedly. “He's gonna be a hot ride, I can feel it.” Before he could utter a reply, she stuck her foot in the stirrup and leapt up astride him with ease. He was a tall horse and she surprised him with her mounting