MountainStallion Read Online Free Page B

“Sensitive? She’s one of the most
outspoken wenches I’ve ever had the displeasure of meeting.”
    Yet when they’d made love in the dream, she had been tender
and almost vulnerable. Recalling the innocence and passion in her large brown
eyes, he felt a pang of emotion unlike anything he’d ever experienced before.
    “Displeasure? The gleam in your eyes indicates otherwise,”
Ardin said. “If it was a shared dream, there will be others and they’ll keep
coming until you join with her.”
    “It’s said the dreams can be denied.”
    Ardin’s smile faded. “Denying shared dreams is painful. Do
you really dislike her so much that you want to deny her?”
    “I don’t dislike her at all,” he admitted. “I just don’t
know if it can work between us.”
    “Pace, listen to me.” Ardin stood and grasped Pace’s
shoulders. He stared hard at the younger Horseman. “You haven’t given her a
chance to know you . Even with shared dreams, you have to take the time
to get to know each other and be honest. I’ve met her several times and I
believe she’s a good woman who truly cares about others. I’ve known you for over
ten years. You’re kind, hardworking, courageous and generous. Give her a chance
to learn what I already know.” Ardin clapped Pace’s shoulders, then turned
away. “I’m going to bed. Sleep well—or maybe it’s better if you don’t sleep
well. Another shared dream might knock some sense into you.”
    “Good night, Ardin.”
    Pace sat again and watched the flames, pondering Ardin’s
words and thinking about Gayle until he could scarcely keep his eyes open. Then
he went upstairs and stretched out on his bed. Wind screamed outside and rain
pelted the rooftop. A flash of lightning illuminated the room. The weather had
become quite fierce, yet storms always seemed worse up on the mountain.
    Pace closed his eyes. His breathing deepened and within
moments he fell asleep.
    * * * * *
    Pace could scarcely see through the blinding wind and rain.
The powerful gusts made flying difficult, even for a Horseman with his
strength. During his time as a Fighting Carrier, he had flown through dangerous
weather, often in the dead of winter. This was one of the most violent storms
he’d ever seen. Worst of all, he didn’t know his location.
    A blast of wind sent him into a somersault. His heart
pounding, he righted his position.
    This must be another shared dream, either that or he
suffered from amnesia, for he had no recollection of leaving on this trip.
    Through a moment of calm in the storm he saw a familiar
valley below. Fernwood village wasn’t far. He merely had to turn around and—
    Wait!
    Was that a person in the field below?
    He dipped lower and squinted, straining to see through the
rain. A small figure fought the powerful winds tearing through the tall grass.
The person’s hood blew off, revealing a wealth of chestnut hair.
    Of course! This was another shared dream.
    Lightning struck the ground in front of Gayle and she jumped
in fear, tripped and fell onto the wet grass. A large branch snapped off a tree
and struck the ground near her.
    Pace’s heart nearly stopped beating. If the branch had
struck her, she’d have been killed!
    He beat his wings hard and swooped toward her, no longer
concerned about his safety or whether or not this was a dream. He had to
help her!
    As he descended, Gayle glanced skyward. Their gazes met and
he reached for her—
    * * * * *
    Pace awoke gasping. His heart pounded as if he truly had
been flying through the storm.
    Outside the wind shrieked, thunder clapped and flashes of
lightning streaked the sky.
    He jumped out of bed and raced out of his bedroom. Gayle was
in danger. He knew she was trapped in the valley. Fear then
determination filled him. He pounded on Ardin’s door and didn’t wait for a
reply before bursting in.
    “What is it?” Ardin asked, stumbling out of bed, his long
gray hair disheveled.
    “Another dream. Gayle is in danger. She’s in the