Free More Than Scars by Sarah Brocious Page B

into Ian’s back, as he stopped short. Zosimo snorted a warning.
                  “Step back brother, and let me prove my point.”
                  I studied Liam’s riding boots, watching him step away slowly.
                  “Go on Nerissa. Work your magic.”
                  I looked up into Zosimo’s brown eyes and smiled. He in returned bobbed his head in pleasure. Without fear, I approached him. The warm velvet of his muzzle teased my fingers, and I stroked his face. “I really would like to take you out…at least once in my lifetime I murmured to him.” I would have rode you well.”
                  “Indeed,” Ian teased, and I blushed.
                  I heard a low growl to my right. It was Liam and he seemed to be sending the growl in the direction of his brother.
                  “It’s quite a sight, hmm brother? I never thought I’d ever seen Zosinstein respond to anyone but you.”
                  “It is amazing,” Liam agreed gently. “And its Zosimo.” There was warning in his voice.
                  Ian simply chuckled.
                  I ignored them, scratching Zosimo’s ears. “You named him survivor,” I whispered. “Why?”
                  Liam moved toward me, I heard him, I sensed him. He was right behind me. His hand touched Zosimo’s neck tenderly. “Because that’s what he is.”
                  I too petted the great neck. “Like his master?” I watched the scarred hand softly feather over the black velvet. “That is why he responds to you. He senses the survivor in you.”
                  Liam chuckled, and I felt his warmth close to me. I wanted to peek over my shoulder, to see the smile he must have after such a chuckle. “It must be why he accepts you too.”
                  I blushed.
                  “I helped when his mother was giving birth. He was not coming out easily. His mother Athena barely made it through. We pulled him out…but weren’t certain we were in time. He was so scrawny, and barely moved. I didn’t think he would make it to the morning. I went to check on him, hours after, and even Athena had stepped away from him. She was not acting like a new mom should. I assumed the worse.”
                  I bit my lip, pressing my forehead against the horse.
                  “I didn’t want Jade to see the dead colt, so I stepped in, ready to dispose of him. He wasn’t moving. I certainly was sad. I knelt down, picked the little still thing up, and he bashed my chin, as his head reared up!” He laughed. I fell back in the hay in shock, and just laid there, holding him, as his breathing grew stronger, and his body started shaking with life. He has been mine ever since, and no one elses.” He drew in a breath. “But I fear I may now have competition.”
                  I smiled. “I am still trying to get over the thought of you being able to hold him.” I stared up at the pleased horse, as we both stroked him. “I like that he accepts me. I’m not happy you changed your mind. I would like the chance to one day ride him.”
                  “You will,” Liam whispered. “I have seen how he is with you. He would never throw you. I’ve never seen him this gentle…even with me.”
                  As if of que, Zosimo nuzzled my coat again.
                  Ian, completely forgotten, cleared his throat. “Yeah, about that ride…”
                  My cheeks flamed, and I heard Liam clear his throat. He also stepped away from me. “I should set out. I have work to get done today.”
                  I turned, with a lowered head. “I’m sorry. I’ve kept you again.” I pulled my eyes up to the front of the brown leather coat he wore, and watched him pull on his riding