Pippa's Rescue by JJ Keller Read Free Book Online Page B

satisfaction.”
    Pippa glanced at the pond; it wasn’t that far away, he could make it. Part of her, the tingling parts wanted him to take the bet and win. She turned and leveled her gaze with his dreamy ambers. “All right. There and back.”
    Deep South nudged her. She reached around and rubbed his neck without losing eye contact with Basil.
    “Great. It’ll just be the two of us. Pippa and Basil on two mammals.” His odd comment was made even stranger by his determined strut toward the filly.

Chapter 6
    Skogul’s laugh echoed across the yard, turning a few heads of stock gathered in the corral waiting for food. She glanced at Basil, who switched his gaze from the stock to the daisy —Pippa. He dared to tell her, a powerful Valkyrie, to stay away while they ride off into the sun.
    As if! So far Skogul hadn’t seen Pippa’s positive aspects, other than she got Basil hot and bothered.
    Cloaked from human sight, Skogul could go anywhere she wanted and immediately strolled between the two humans. She certainly didn’t care to see him kissing the harridan, but that darn sense of obligation to fulfill her mission tied her to this place. “Don’t worry, I won’t go with you. What exactly do they do at this place?” she whispered into Basil’s ear.
    He rubbed his head, as if deciding how to answer without others thinking him wacko.
    She chuckled. He’d figure it out. “Yeah, buddy, I’m a pest. I’m here to stay, so get used to me.”
    “How long ago was the filly rescued from an abusive owner?” Basil asked Phillipa.
    “Two months ago.” Phillipa grinned as her horse nudged her backside.
    Skogul scanned Phillipa from head to toe. Suddenly she became more likeable. “So you’re saying this woman rescues and cares for horses, hurt by their owners, using her own funds?”
    “Yes. She looks more comfortable than the stallion we brought in a few days ago.” He glanced at Skogul. “How many horses have you saved from a horrible, painful death?”
    Skogul sucked in a breath. Someone who would spend all of her resources to help equines was a person to be honored. Definitely worth admiration, even if the earthbound horses couldn’t fly.
    A frown appeared on Pippa’s face. Thinking before answering must be a strong part of her character. “Over the years about one hundred; not all of them survived though. We’ve placed most of the mended in good homes. Come along, I’ve a full schedule.” Her dark-brown steed followed on her heels as she walked toward the little pale horse tied to a rail.
    “Stay.” Basil’s low tone brought the giggle up again, until he snarled at her.
    What insolence! She pursed her lips. “As if I wanted to go with you. I don’t!”
    “Great,” he said with the typical sarcasm in his tone.
    Skogul turned toward the main building. She shouldn’t spend her time watching television and investigating the ranch, but she couldn’t resist. Earth fascinated her, and the likelihood she’d be missed, minimal. Odin didn’t put a time line on bringing the Marine to Valhalla, but Göndul expected promptness.
    She squared her shoulders. The decision to force Basil to come or suffer the consequences riddled her. Eventually she’d have to tell him Harry was in Asgard, which would tilt him in her favor. In the meantime his efforts of getting information from Pippa were too entertaining. Almost like a sad romantic movie playing out before her. A live version of The Empire Strikes Back .
    Skogul leaned against the barn wall, tapping her chin, contemplating how she could spin this tale to Göndul, so she could have a few more legit days on Earth. Right . She straightened at the realization. She’d send a missive to her superior declaring she needed to confirm Basil’s integrity and value before proceeding.
    Confident with her valid explanation, she sang a tune and pranced toward stable one. The newest horse they talked about would be in the stable closest to the office in case he needed