Read Online On Fallen Wings by Jamie McHenry - Free Book Online Page B

don’t ask. I won’t answer.”
    “Ask what?” I used my best innocent tone.
    “You’re not allowed to ask,” said Sean with a grin. “It’s a rule.”
    “That’s only for faerie business.” I frowned and traced a finger down his arm. “There’s no law binding what you and my father discussed, unless you gave your word.”
    “That’s right,” said Sean. “I didn’t give my word.” He turned and waved in the direction of my father, who fastened his saddle on his enormous horse. “But your father is a strong man.”
    I gasped. “Did he threaten you? Mother!”
    Sean grabbed my arm and pulled me close. “Be quiet.” He covered my mouth with his hand. “No, he didn’t threaten me. I can’t tell you. It’s a secret among men.” He removed his hand. “Besides, I’m certain there are plenty of things about the Fae that you don’t tell anyone.”
    I shook my head. “That’s different, Sean Bauer, and you know it. Our secrets are sacred.”
    “All of them?”
    I could feel the heated blood rise to my cheeks. “No. Sean, don’t tease me. What did you discuss with my father?”
    “You’re beautiful when you’re jealous.” He kissed my forehead and wandered to the fence. “Which horse do I get to ride?”
    “I’m not jealous,” I said, stomping after him.
    “Is everything all right?” asked Mother. She was staring at me.
    While I stammered a response, Sean stood behind her and made a mocking face back at me. “N—No, I mean yes—Sean. Stop it.” I couldn’t help it; his face was ridiculous. I started to giggle.
    Mother turned to look, but Sean had resumed a casual stance next to the fence.
    “All set.” said Father, louder than he needed to. He leapt onto Garrett. “Who wants to race me to the lake?”
    I couldn’t stay angry.
    The challenge had been offered; chaos erupted as we yelled our acceptance. Everyone, Sean and his younger brother included, scrambled for a horse and for position. I rushed to the fence, ducked underneath the rail, and chose Ophelie, a painted mare, as my ride. With less grace than precision, I mounted and readied my arms for the advancing call. This was my chance. In all of my years in memory, no one had beaten Father in a race to the lake. His command of a horse, especially Garrett, was exceptional.
    I paused, waiting and ready.
    “Wait. Wait and hold a moment.” Father broke the anticipation and shook his head. “Will someone help Cael?”
    Cael had one leg tangled in Avalon’s bridle, and the other stuck up like an errant tree branch. “I’m sorry,” he said, flailing his arms. “Horses and I don’t seem to get along well.”
    “It’s all right,” said Mother, concealing a grin with her hand. “I’ll help you.”
    She trotted over to Cael. When reaching him, she leaned close and scooped him with one hand. Her balance was amazing. In a flurry of motion, she untangled the reins, leaving Cael—wide eyes and rigid—clinging to the neck of Avalon. Mother whispered a command into the gelding’s ear. He immediately turned north, toward the lake.
    “We’re ready,” she told us.
    Father didn’t waste the moment. He held his arm high. “Is everyone watching?”
    We nodded.
    “Go!”
    I kicked the ribs of Ophelie and yelled into her ears. Everything faded into a blurry image of grass and distant trees.
    “You can run faster,” I encouraged my mare. “One chance—this is it.”
    I didn’t look back. There was no need. No horse galloped in front of us. Prodding Ophelie with all my skill, I leaned into her mane, ignoring the stinging as it whipped against my cheek, and allowed the wind to rush behind me and dim the yells of my family.
    “We’ll catch you, Rhiannon.” Leila’s voice wasn’t far behind.
    “Wait for me, I’ll tell you a secret.” Sean’s voice called.
    I yelled back without turning. “Too late. You’ll need to catch me.”
    Excitement traveled to my toes and fingers with tingling delight, carrying with it the pounding