Ready Or Not, Here I Come

Showing

I woke up in my room. The teal walls that surrounded me calmed me, while the picture on the roof made me smile. Until I remembered what happened.

As everything came rushing back to me, I layed back down and groaned.

Whatever had happened, I just wanted to hide from it and go back to being just plain ol' Annabeth. Then I thought of something. I had registered for a competition today.

I glanced at the clock. 4:39. I could make it if I got up now.

I took a shower and threw on a white shirt and some nice jeans. Running a brush through my hair, I checked to make sure I looked presentable. Then I grabbed a sweatshirt and ran over to the horse pen. Haltering Moose, I tied him to the hitching post. Then I backed the trailer up and loaded Moose. He, of course, was perfect. I immediately felt bad when I thought of how no one had worked him for a few days, then focused on getting to the competition.

On the way there, I may or may not have broken the law by speeding, but hey! You try being transformed into a werewolf without freaking out.

I glanced at the clock on the Bluetooth in my truck (that I paid for with my own money). 6:30. Perfect.  Half an hour to groom and make Moose presentable for showing, then another hour to warm him up for gaming.

I took Moose out and tied him up to the side of the trailer. I set out a water pail and a hay bag.  Guess what he went for?

I grinned as he pulled out a chunk of hay, then munched on it. He was so perfect. I walked into the built-in tack room and grabbed a few brushes. As I brushed him, the female voice decided to make a guest appearance in my thoughts.

Why are you hanging around this-this prey?

I bit my lip to keep from sceaming. It's just your imagination.

What? Who? Me? No, no, no child. I am your wolf. My name is Cynder.

Stupid overactive imagination. I banged my head against the trailer a couple times, while I sensed my 'wolf' laughing at me.

Face it child. We are together now. Would you let me out now?

I froze, mid-hit. What?

I said, would you let me out? Are you dull?

I heard that, ding dong. I meant are you kidding? Cynder began to answer, but I cut her off. That was a rhetorical question. There are too many people and horses around. What would you do if they saw you? Us? No. Not here. Later. At home.

Cynder grumbled, but left me alone. I brushed Moose, got him ready, and jumped up on him, bareback. I took off at a trot, and, sensing Cynder's displeasure, said, Face it Cynder. Moose and I are bonded. I have worked and trained with him for longer than you think. Then I calmed down and added, Please Cynder. I love him.

Growling, she answered, Fine. But he does not interfere with my running.

Pleased she had taken it so well, I replied, Okay. But can he run with us?

Grumbling, she said, I'll think about it.

I was happy enough with that answer. For now. Right then, I turned my full attention to Moose. He was doing a happy dance, and wouldn't stay still. I walked for a minute, then trotted, and finally loped, hoping to get some of that hot blood out of him. No such luck. He knew what was coming, and no amount of loping would calm him down. I sighed, then stopped. I laughed as he screeched to a halt, stopping on a dime. I slid off his back and cooled him off, then let him take a few sips if water.