With Alice needing a ride home, Jake figured it was the perfect time to introduce her to Bombproof and Mortifera as he'd promised. Thankfully, the hospital wasn't too far from I.M.P., so they could walk to the building and meet the horses there.
"Hey, Jakey, since you're going out, think you could get this stuff?" Blitzo handed the teen a hastily-written list.
"Blitz, I'm not sure these things are allowed inside a hospital," Jake said after reading the paper.
"I'll worry about that, Jakey. You bring me that, and we'll make M&M a surprise!"
Jake was still unconvinced but shrugged it off for the time being. If anything, Blitzo is the adult here.
"He looks like a considerate boss," Alice said on the way to the office, to which Jake sighed in dismay.
"If by considerate you mean 'always breaking into his employees' homes and prying into their personal lives,'" he murmured.
Bombproof and Mortifera were in the building's parking lot. Alice felt a shiver down her spine when she realized the letter was chewing on someone's dismembered arm. Jake gave a short whistle. Both hellhorses turned their heads toward him and approached. Mortifera snapped her teeth at Bombproof when Jake tried to pet his nose.
"Hey, hey, calm down, girl." Jake patted Mortifera's neck with a chuckle. "It's okay. You're still my number one, even if I pet Bombproof sometimes."
Alice watched the two hellhorses in awe. "They're beautiful!"
Mortifera reacted instantly. Her ears flattened against her head, and her mane flared up.
"It's alright, girl. That's just my cousin Alice; she won't hurt you."
Unlike Mortifera, Bombproof showed no signs of aggression as he stepped closer to Alice and sniffed her. Alice slowly lifted her arm and stroked his nose. Bombproof nickered in delight.
"He likes ya."
"Yeah. Too bad I can't say the same about Mortifera."
"Don't take it personally; she's like this with everybody. My dad nearly lost his fingers a few times before she finally let him pet her neck."
"If she was maltreated that badly, it doesn't surprise me."
"She's a sweetheart once she warms up to you." Jake gently placed his hands on both sides of Mortifera's head. "Mortifera, I need to take Alice home. Would you mind if she rides on your back along with me?" the mare shook. "It won't be for long, girl. Just this once, and I'll give you some extra mutton when we get home, okay?"
Mortifera snorted, which Jake took as a reluctant agreement. He motioned Alice to stand to the side while he climbed unto the saddle. Mortifera's ears were flat against her head. All the eyes on the left side of her flank were fixed on Alice as she stepped closer.
"It's okay, girl. It's okay." Jake whispered, stroking the mare's neck.
Mortifera stiffened as Alice warily pulled herself up behind Jake. Other than stamping her hoof a few times, she didn't look like she'd rear up anytime soon. Jake sighed in relief.
"Well, it's a good start."
Alice glanced back and realized Mortifera's eyes were still looking at her. "On the bright side, you won't have to worry about anyone stabbing you in the back." She joked, to which Mortifera swished her tail, and Alice patted her flank. "Don't worry, girl. I can keep an eye out for you."