Getting Lucky by Viola Grace Read Free Book Online

house and there was the stable. Three horses, or horse-like beings, and a wide open space for them to run in, as well as a comfortable shelter for them to reside in.
    One of the black creatures separated itself from the other two and galloped toward them with flaring red eyes. It charged right up to Lucky and came to a complete halt. It suddenly played coy and she gasped. “Seerix?"
    He shook his head, then shoved at her playfully.
    Henry stepped aside and let her hug his steed. “You know, I have never seen him react this way to anyone. Not even other members of the Hunt."
    "Maybe they don't appreciate him the way I do. He is beautiful. In whatever shape he takes.” Her fingers were combing through his mane and she was struck by a thought. “What other shapes can he take?"
    Henry stroked the horse's neck. “He has been a horse, a unicorn, a dog, the sporty car, a limousine and a carriage with six horses—no, I don't know how he did that one. He can probably change into a minivan if he wishes. He simply becomes what I need, as do the other steeds of the Hunt."
    One of the other two horses was approaching them now and Seerix moved back out of their reach for a moment to intercept it.
    "Who is that?"
    "Seerlan, Seerix's son. In your terms, he is a single parent."
    "How old is he?"
    "Barely two hundred. He was born after we went Underhill. His dam was never strong and she died shortly after she birthed him."
    There was a conversation taking place amongst the steeds and Seerix kept looking back at her so she knew she was a topic. “Here they come.” She took a deep breath and waited as Seerlan sniffed her from head to toe and back again. Lipping at her hair and snuffling her shirt. When he nudged her as his father had done, she smiled and rubbed his long nose gently. She stroked his ears, his mane, any part of him that she could reach.
    "Westa, I think you have just been chosen by a steed of the Wild Hunt."
    "So? I think he's lovely."
    "He is going to be your steed and bodyguard wherever you go. Until you die.” The unspoken words that it would be much sooner than a steed's normal lifespan fell between them.
    "Oh god. Okay, point made. Go away, Seerlan.” She backed up and shooed him. He didn't go.
    "You can't undo it, it was his choice. He will never select another rider and will still pass on when you do."
    "Shouldn't there have been a ceremony, a flash of light, something?"
    "No. Your magic reached out to him and his to you. They bound together and you didn't even notice."
    She felt like crying. Her magic was out of control, her life was out of control and now this gorgeous creature was bound to her and would die far before its time. What happened to being Lucky?
    "Come inside, Westa. You need some rest.” He took her by the hand and tugged her away from Seerlan.
    She stumbled along with him until they entered through the kitchen door, then she had to gasp. Better Homes and Gardens needed to come to Henry's house immediately, before her presence sullied its perfection. The kitchen was spacious, well lit and lined with oak and granite. It led into an open concept living and dining room that could have come from the pages of Architectural Digest. It was stunning. She forgot her depressing revelation for a moment and simply drank in the grace and beauty of her surroundings. “Wow. Did you do all this?"
    He reached out to fiddle with a rose bouquet on an end table. “Yes, but it isn't quite right yet. A few more months and it will be perfect."
    "Where will I be staying?"
    That surprised him. “Here, with me of course."
    "Then this place will be far from perfect in a few months. While I have luck in life, my housekeeping skills suck."
    "Well, mine don't and I have awareness of your habits that you haven't dreamed of.” His eyebrows waggled in a lascivious manner, trying to jolly her out of her mood.
    "I think I need that nap now.” The sun was setting and it had been a trying few days after all.
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