As we raced around the barn I grinned enjoying the sunshine but Thunder slowed and I blinked, lightly tapping his flank. "What is it, boy?" I asked him getting my answer as someone walked into view and I frowned letting out a breath as Grayson led Xerxes towards us. "What do you want, Grayson? You know I can't race until my hand heals." I told him climbing down from Thunder's back.

"You really have no idea how to survive on your own do you?" Grayson commented, leaning against Xerxes who snorted at his rider. "No idea why you thought you'd come all the way out here."

"I have my reasons but that's not any of your business is it?" I shot back and Thunder narrowed his eyes when Grayson stepped too close to me. "Hey why are you here anyway? I can't race right now and you know that." Instantly it came to me and I stepped in front of Thunder who whinnied at Grayson.

"Easy, Missy. I didn't come here to steal Thunder if that's what you're thinkin'. I'm going to win him fair and square." Grayson replied and I rolled my eyes fixing him with a slight smirk until he narrowed his eyes at me. "You got a problem with me?"

"You didn't answer my question. Why did you come here, Grayson?" I asked him though once I saw his eyes travelling to my hand I felt myself smiling. "Yeah my hand's better. You stitched it up didn't you?" I said and he didn't respond even avoiding my eyes until I nodded at him.

"Yeah I did. Otherwise that blood would have attracted something mean and nasty right to us." Grayson finally answered and I crossed my arms at him instantly yelping. "Mind that hand would ya? I put a lot of work into stitching it up." He warned and I rolled my eyes at him until Thunder nudged me.

"Nothing's more mean that you, Grayson. You were gonna leave me behind after I nearly passed out. You know it was an accident when we fell down that ravine. How many times do I need to apologize to you before you get it? I've said I'm sorry and I meant it every time." I apologized and Grayson just raised an eyebrow at me.

"I really was trying to help stop you and Xerxes from getting hurt." I muttered as I led Thunder past Grayson who watched me walk away. I decided to take Thunder for a ride through the forest wondering if I'd spot that herd again. We'd barely taken off in a trot when I heard a whistle and I groaned as Xerxes caught up to us.

"I can't race you this time remember? Next time though I'll give you the race of your life." I told Grayson who leaned on his saddle a smirk on his face. "Now what's so funny?"

"The only one who ever beat me in a race was Spirit and Lucky and they were cheating anyway." Grayson pointed out and I leaned back ignoring him until Xerxes walked side by side Thunder. "Did she tell you she beat me?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.

"That and it was a men-only race. Must have stung getting your butt kicked by a girl." I teased a tiny smile on my lips when he turned his head with a snort, echoing my own horse who rolled his eyes. "Geeze I thought a dip in the stream would cool you off. Guess I'd have to dunk you in the whole stream for that to work." I commented, Thunder racing ahead before Grayson could think of a response.

"Hey get back here!" Grayson called out, racing after me and I laughed Thunder keeping just ahead of Xerxes despite the horse's best efforts. When Thunder reached the stream he slowed and I climbed down with a little difficulty leaning against him as we waited for Xerxes and his rider. After a few minutes I frowned peering into the distance but I couldn't see them.

"That's funny. They were just behind us." I commented and Thunder whinnied pushing at my leg but I was so busy looking for Grayson and his horse I didn't hear slow, deliberate footsteps. It wasn't until someone jumped in front of me that I yelped stumbling back before I tripped over my own feet. With a splash I landed on my backside in the stream and as I sat there blinking someone stood over me a faint smile on his lips.

"I told ya I'd get you back, Mia." Grayson chuckled and I shook my head, squeezing water from my long hair that now covered my face. "Not so funny when it happens to you huh?"

"You know what? It actually is." I finally laughed dipping my hand into the water and Grayson's eyes widened once he saw me pulling back my hand. Taking a step back he bumped straight into Thunder who gave him a horsey grin.

"Don't you dare!" Grayson yelled but I just grinned at Thunder sending the water at Grayson's face and he stared when the cold water knocked his hat clean off his head drenching his face at the same time. Laughing I quickly climbed onto Thunder's back racing away before Grayson could react. With a growl he grabbed his hat pulling himself up onto his saddle. "After 'em, Xerxes!"

We nearly made it before Xerxes caught up and I laughed as Grayson narrowed his eyes at me, still dripping wet. "Now we're even, Grayson!" I called out and he shook his head at me racing ahead and I grinned down at Thunder. "We can beat them this time." I told him and Thunder whinnied as he sped up, easily catching up with Xerxes who snorted at us. We raced neck and neck through the streets and after I finally noticed where we were heading I urged Thunder on as the end of the Tarrell Circuit neared.

Just as we reached the home stretch of the track Xerxes started to pull ahead and I grit my teeth, grasping Thunder's reins with both hands ignoring the pain that raidated through my right hand. I was so focused on winning that I didn't see Grayson's staring at me as Thunder managed to take the lead and as he shot past Xerxes passing them and the finish line he actually laughed.

Thunder came to a halt a few seconds later sending dust flying which covered us both but I didn't care even my right hand aching in time with my heartbeat as I realixed I'd finally beaten Grayson in a race. "I...I did it." I whispered and Thunder neighed as Xerxes trotted over to us giving Thunder a grin. "I can't believe it."

"Neither can I, Missy." Grayson commented and I just grinned at him. "How'd you do that with your hand hurt?"

"No idea. Guess I'm stronger than I look." I breathed, getting my breath back. "Guess it might not be a week before we can race again. This time officially." I added cringing when I realized I'd just reminded Grayson about the bet though Grayson didn't react and I silent;y hoped he didn't hear my slip-up.

"That was kind of impressive...for a beginner. Maybe there's hope for you yet, Mia." Grayson answered tipping his hat to me and I nodded watching as he turned Xerxes around riding away before I could ask where he was going.

"You too, Harlan." I muttered holding onto the reins with my left hand this time while I rested my right hand on my lap, Thunder making his way back to the barn.