Santa's Daughter (1st bk of Santa Series) (Completed)

Chapter 28 (Edited)

"Mary!" Madison yelled, spying Cale and I come from the trees. She looked between us before looking at the dogs on Copper's back. "Is he all right?" she asked, concerned.

"Ya, just got a little cold for him," I replied. "Surprisingly, it's even with his winter fur coat." Concern dripped from my voice while I looked at the shivering male dog.

"Why didn't you put your coat over them, and why are they on the back of your horse?" Madison asked.

"I had to move quickly from where I was at, and there was trouble," I replied. I glanced at Cale and looked back at her.

"What type of trouble?" Cale asked, sounding worried about something. He glanced me up and down. "Are you alright? Are you hurt?"

"Do you know what's going on?" I asked, not answering his question. I swung off of Copper and grabbed hold of Mika. I placed her on the ground before taking hold of Jankin and keeping him in my arms.

"What about answering my questions first?" Cale asked, warning in his voice.

I bit back a scoff and rolled my eyes. "How about no," I replied. "I do not like your tone with me and would not like to answer seeing as I am sure that you do not care."

"Mary," Madison scowled. "Be nice."

"I am," I replied, looking at her. I turned to look at Cale, frowning. "I do not trust you, nor do I like you. Do not act as if we are friends or acquaintances. I have a limit, Cale. I am nice when I want to be but more times than not, I am stubborn and will do anything to protect my friends, family, and animals."

With that, I grabbed Copper's lead and started to walk towards the barn. My annoyance level went up when I heard Madison apologize for my behavior and said that I was on my period.

"Are you alright?" Copper asked, nudging my shoulder. "You seem annoyed."

I bit back a huff and nodded. "I will be," I replied. I looked around and saw Mack coming towards us. I could see the relief on his face when he saw Jankin in my arms. "I am handing you off to Mack. I need to put Jankin in the house and make sure that he is all dry and everything like that. Don't worry, he won't hurt you."

Copper huffed. "Just remember my peppermint sticks."

I didn't say a word but smirked. "Can you take him to Barn 12 and get him settled with some warm mash?" I asked. "I think Dr. Yin is coming over sometime soon to look over the horses." I looked at Jankin. "And he is fine, just needing to be warmed up is all. He should be back at the dog barn tonight if not tomorrow."

Mack smiled and nodded his head. He took hold of Copper's lead rope and started to walk towards Barn Twelve before he stopped and held out his hand in a 'call me' fashion.

I nodded, understanding what he was trying to get at. "I'll call Jack. Don't worry about it." After that, I turned towards the house and walked to the front door, leaving my reindeer in safe hands. Hopefully.