Page 5 of Blood Fist

Ridan tried to cover his curiosity by crossing his arms. “You’re a long way from the coast.” He turned back to the horse he’d been trying to free, working it loose.

Jonen seemed to make it his mission to make this weird kid comfortable, fussing over him to see if he was injured and if he needed any help with his skirts. Despite that, Ridan could feel Corric’s eyes on him. They bore into his back, cataloging his every move. He felt his shoulders stiffen under the scrutiny.

When he finally got the horse free, he jerked the reins loose, stroking the horse's muzzle until his eyes softened.

“You’re an omega.”

Ridan made a face. “Obviously.”

His quick answer seemed to surprise Corric. He took a step forward, almost like he needed to touch Ridan to believe him.

“B-but you’re dressed like…” his eyes dropped to Ridan’s bare chest, his thick belt, and loose pants. They lingered on his bare feet.

“I’m not wearingthat.” He jerked his chin at the monstrosity Corric was wearing. “Why are you wearing it?”

“Ridan!” Jonen chastised him. “Don’t be mean. Maybe he likes it.”

He raised a pale brow at Corric, stepping closer so he could poke at one of the lacey bits hanging off. “Well? Do you?”

Nearly white eyes widened at Ridan, his throat bobbing as he swallowed. This close, he could see that Corric was a pretty man. His lashes were long, lips plump and quivering. Some alpha would spill blood for him when he’d presented.

“I…I’ve never had a choice,” Corric admitted, eyes locked on Ridan. “All omegas wear dresses.”

“Dumb,” Ridan grumbled, stepping away from the petite omega. “How do you even ride?”

“I’ve never been allowed near a horse.”

Jonen spluttered at that, catching himself when a blush colored Corric’s cheeks rosy. Ridan was done with the conversation. Turning on his heel he whistled for Peppercorn. A moment later, the two ponies picked their way down the packed dirt, weeds hanging from the corner of their mouths.

Ridan introduced the new gelding to Peppercorn; she pinned her ears at the strange horse but made no more fuss. He smiled as he stroked her neck, jumping up to her back with ease. He settled, getting the newhorse close enough he could pony him back to the village.

Jonen had his hand on Brownie’s neck as he spoke to Corric. “We can probably take you to Brambleberry Junction. There’s an inn there. You can stay there until your family can get you.”

“Or we can leave you here,” Ridan called back, a wicked smile.

Jonen ignored him. “It’s your choice.”

Corric looked between them. After a moment, he lowered his hands, his face solemn. “Can I go with you?”

CHAPTER TWO

ONIONS IN THE GARDEN

Riding a horse was easier than Corric thought.

It was getting on that was the trouble.

After asking if he could go with the two Clansmen boys, he wasn’t sure what to expect. He didn’t know why he even asked. The words had simply tumbled from his lips before he even thought them, but the moment the question hung in the air between them, he knew it was what he wanted.

The mousy haired one—Jonen—had simply smiled and agreed. He had a lovely smile. It lit up his whole face, cheeks scrunching until his dark eyes disappeared. The blonde omega had simply brushed it off, grunting that he better hurry.

Which is when he encountered the issue of mounting. Jonen held the reins of his stalwart looking pony, watching Corric expectantly. He realized that the alpha was waiting for him to mount, but he didn’t know how. Nor did he think he could with the heavy skirt he was wearing.

“Oh, I uh…I don’t know how…” he admitted sheepishly.

Jonen’s eyes widened. “Right!” he’d rubbed a hand over his chin as he considered the situation.

“C’mon Jonen! We’re wasting daylight.” The blonde yelled. Corric thought his name might be Ridan, but he hadn’t introduced himself.