//Peppermint::wishes//

[Anya DeBouc]

Peppermint caramel...

Anya drove through the little town on her way back from Shady Lane thinking over everything she had seen. It was a nice facility considering others she’d seen and everyone seemed fairly friendly despite her being scared of most of them. A feeling in the pit of her stomach told Anya she’d be going back soon though so the blonde was content to just drive.

As she drove, Anya hummed and noticed a coffee shop up ahead. Deciding she’d stop to have a drink and take the chance to relax a bit, Anya glanced at the passenger seat briefly. She saw, aside from all the teal and silver colored horse brushes and grooming supplies, a flier for an upcoming horse show. Pulling into the parking lot, Anya parked the car and picked up the paper. Flipping the pamphlets folded thing open, she saw all the information for the show up at Oxers and Crossrails next week. So that was where it had gone! Grinning to herself, Anya tossed a blonde curl over her shoulder and turned off the ignition.

Opening the car door, Anya brushed off her jeans and stepped out. Grabbing her purse, she closed the door and locked the car before slipping the show pamphlet into her bag and turning to walk into the coffee house. As Anya entered the building, the sharp scent of coffee flooded to her nostrils making the blonde grin fairly unusually. The only smells that could ever make Anya excited where that of coffee and candy-canes/peppermint. She loves the two because both reminded her of December and not only was that her birth month, but also her favorite along with November because of Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Sadly though, this year Anya would be unable to see her family for Christmas and Thanksgiving was tentative. Due to shows, her traveling eventing schedule and the length of the visit it wasn’t likely that Anya would be able to fly out to England for the holidays. Hopefully she would have a horse to share them with but it was still no comparison considering her current position.

Walking into the shop, Anya approached the counter and ordered a caramel/peppermint Frappuccino – a drink she normally reserved for the holiday season. But today, having been more social than she’d have liked, Anya thought she deserved to have the comfort of her peppermint friend.

It took a moment to get to the front of the line, order and pay but after doing so, Anya moved to the side to wait for her drink. As she did so, the blonde brushed another blonde curl over her shoulder and looked around the delicate coffee shop. It was unlike any she had ever seen before with its elegant, round mahogany tables and rich dark red color scheme. She found it welcoming and Anya smiled shyly to herself.

After a moment she was called over and accepted her drink quietly. Moving to an open table, she set her purse down and pulled out the show form. Then, taking a delicious sip of her drink, Anya began to pour over the show form.

wishing for Christmas.

[Desert]

The night before.

There was a brief pause fom outside the Tailgate. Six unwelcome men crept around the back. Led by Shady Lane's bad boy, Aaric Slay. His irisless eyes followed the bouncer's every move. Staying well out of sight. A tall, lanky blonde behind him bit his lip. "Are you sure we should be doing this, Aaric? I mean, we could get arrested."

The twenty-five-year-old man was aware of this. Still, he could easily out smart the hillbillies in this town. Aaric didn't know where he was from, exactly. He didn't care where he'd been either. For now, the small town of Shady Lane was his home. Has been for three years. This as a good place to keep his horses, and to get into trouble without getting caught.

"Shut your mouth, and keep it that way." the dark skinned man hissed. The blondie looked up into dark black eyes and gave a slow nod. Aaric looked back in the alley ahead of him. There was only silence, only the shuffling of the men behind him sounded through the narrow space. Like a lion, Aaric stalked forward, eyes spitting venom, challanging anyone to fight him. This boy was big and strong. A lot of men respected him. Especially in the dark of night.

Where pretty ladies danced in reveiling clothes. A boy only dreaming of what she looked like naked. Aaric was a fan of the blonde girls. They were fiesty and good in bed. The thought made a pink tounge slide over his top lip. Raising a hand, he stopped the men behind him. There at the back door, that led to the crowded bar, stood another man. He was even bigger than Aaric. His skin the colour of a shiny penny. His eyes almost as black as Aaric's. He was armed with two powerful pistols, a scowl on his face.

Silently they stalked foward. The blonde coward his behind Aaric's large frame. Who could blame the new guy? The two large maen stared eachother down. Ready for any tricks. Finally, the guard stepped to the side and opened the door. Aaric and the five other guys, slid into the club.

The group dispersed, all on a mission. Aaric moved boldly toward the bar where he instantly saw what he was looking for. Lond blond locks fell down her back. Lights bouncing off her tan skin. He flashed her a white grin and sat down beside her. She looked into his eyes and smiled "Hey Baaaaaaaaaaaby!" she laughed. Perfect! She was drunk. Aaric smiled "I saw your pretty little ass from all the way over there. Care for a drink?" he asked politely flashing another white grin. She nodded and Aaric demanded for three bottles of vodka, a martini, and a bottle of whiskey.

The beauty before him drowned half a bottle of vodka, while Aaric took the rest. They shared drinks like this for fifteen minutes until Aaric felt the alky running to his head. Pretty black dots danced in his head, making him dizzy. The vodka making him feel warm and fuzzy inside.

He asked her to dance and of course, she accepted. Though he was under the spell of alcohol, he hadn't forgotten his plan. As soon as they hit the dance floor, his body moved teasingly against hers. She laughed he laughed. Finally their dancing turned into grinding. He moved roughly. There wasn't a time where their hips weren't touching.

Then, he smashed his lips against hers and his hand went upwards toward her chest, while her hands went down toward his groin. And, that's all he remembered...


He woke up in an unfamiliar room. Pictures of celebrities scattered the wall that was painted a light pink. He lay in a canopy bed. And clinging to his bare body was the blonde beauty, looking much younger then she had last night. She wore nothing and her forehead was still beaded with sweat. He looked at the clock and saw that it was past ten in the morning.

He thought for a moment. Oh yes, the pictures were coming back to him. He was now remembering how she called his name all night. His head pounded and groaned in protest as he sat up. Unwinding the girl's arms from his torso. Like her, he wore nothing. Sex was the only conclusion to this discovery. He looked down at the waterfall of hair. Then, he got dressed and stumbled out the door.

This hangover lasted much longer than he'd thought. Still struggling to get his head clear as he half dragged himself home to take a shower and change his clothes. He smlled like sex and alcohol, something he couldn't get away from. Part of him argued against his choices. He could have just ruined that young girl's life. What if she was to carry his baby? But, he wanted it. And he got it. Aaric always got what he wanted.

The sky was cloudy and the air was chilly as he walked six miles past the ranch. It took about an hour to walk quickly. Still, the booze stung his body and he hated it! He didn't intend to get THAT drunk. Still, the past couldn't be changed.

Once at his small apartment, he turned on the light to find five very angry looking guys standing in the sitting room. Aaric forgot his hangover and narrowed his eyes. "What do you bastards want?" he snarled, already angry. The blonde's jaw was set. "We got caught! They let us go because we told them about you." he growled. Aaric grunted "Not my fault! Now get out!"

The large black man stepped forward "We're sick of you, Slay. And, we're here to turn you in." he said calmly. Aaric's black eyes trailed over his "friends" they were asking for a fight. Snickering he spoke "You'll get out of my house in five seconds or you're all dead." his voice was hoarse and slurred. The five guys lined up and growled. And they lunged at eachother.

Aaric's fist flew into the dark man's gut and he shot back like an arrow. Distracted, a fist slammed into is left eye. Yelping in pain Aaric kicked out randomly hitting someone. Outnumbered, they all pounced him and tore at his skin and kicked his ribs. A knife even slid down his left arm once. Enraged, Aaric grabbed an ankle and pulled him to the ground. He kicked his goin and smashed his heel against his neck knocking him out.

Aaric grabbed his neck and lifted him right off his feet. Presenting what happened Aaric hissed angrily "This could be you if you don't GET OUT!" he yelled actually tossing the large mad out the door. The surving four bolted.

He dropped to his knees and struggled for breath, looking at his now destroyed home. Finally, air rushed in and out of his lungs normally. He crawled to a fallen picture of Mark and his prized grey Arabian. He frowned and placed it back on the table, along with the rest of his belongings.

Crawling to his bathroom he ditched his bloody clothes and turned on the shower. He slid over into the tub. The blood on his arm washed off and into the drain. His arm stung uncomfortably. His eye swollen. Hs lids becoming black like his eyes.

He ribbed the white cloth apart from his shirt and wrapped it tightly around his forearm. Getting changed, he grabbed the keys to his mustang and sped off down the road. His hea still fuzzy.

Pulling up to the coffeeshop, he lay his head back for a moment taking deep breaths. After a few minutes, he got up the strentgh to stand and limp inside. A burst of good smells filled his nose, making him somewhat calmer. People turnd and looked at the bad boy. He looked like crap. A black eye and the blood was starting to show through the white fabric. He had bruises on his neck and his lips were swollen. A bunch of men slinked away, knowing Aaric's nasty reputation.

He sat down at a table behind the one were a beautiful blonde girl sat. At first, he thought it was the woman he had sex with the night before. No, this woman looked older, and her body was much slimmer and waaay more attractive. He nodded in acknowledgment. Not caring how scary or threatening he looked.

[Anya DeBouc]

Creeper...

Anya took another sip of her drink and continued looking over the show schedule. Coming to an odd line, she paused and squinted to look at it. This was baffling. Why was the adult advanced hunter jumper right after the walk trot group but listed at the same time in the same ring? There were four rings, three paddocks and a warm-up center she knew but… this didn’t make sense.

Taking a closer look, Anya realized she had misread it. Letting out a half laugh, she picked up her drink once more and took another sip. At that moment the bell over the door jingled catching her attention and Anya looked up. An oddly bruised and….strange looking man entered. He walked over giving her this look that sent shivers down Anya’s spine. The twenty-one year old quickly turned her back and began to look over the application.

As she looked over it, Anya realized she couldn’t concentrate. She felt as if the man’s eyes were boring holes into her back and she shivered again. What was his problem and why did he look like the crap that just rolled out of an alley? Anya’s eyes flit from the paper up and back multiple times. She refused to turn around and actually look at the man but she knew he was looking at her. Why oh why did he have to sit behind her?!

Anya tried to sit still but she couldn’t help fidgeting. Biting her lip, she blonde tossed another curl over her shoulder and fidgeted again. Shifting in her seat a bit, Anya pulled her purse into her lap and looked through it. She didn’t know why exactly but she needed something to do. Trying to clear her mind, Anya took a deep breath and let her head spin. This was ridiculous! Why did one creepy look make her feel so…so vulnerable? Not that Anya didn’t always feel vulnerable but this was over the top. Creepy people always made the very reserved girl jittery. Deciding she’d head back to the apartment now, Anya stood. Grabbing her show pamphlet, the drink and her keys Anya walked to the door and exited the coffee house.

As soon as she was outside, Anya could breath normally. She was away from that creeper and walking towards her car. Soon she’d be driving down the road and away from him never to see the weird person again. Taking a more comfortable sip of her drink, Anya let the peppermint caramel wash down her throat and relaxed. She clicked her keys and unlocked the Mercedes ready to open the door and toss her bag inside.

what's you problem?

[Desert]

The small waitress slowly approached Aaric, looking as if she were ready to pet a hungry bear. The man lifted his head and gave her a smile. "You don't need to be scaredof m, sweetheart." his voice was charming, as if he were a lover making a simple suggestion. The waitress cowered. Every woman knew to fear Aaric. They never gave him a chance. No woman probably ever would.

"Please, honey. Aren't you going to take my order?" he flashed a grin. One of his flirty grin. The young woman shook her head and scurried away. Aaric simply shrugged. The men in the room turned to face him. He glared at every one of them. His gaze deadly. He was the alpha male here. These bastards had not a change against him. Especially since he was alreay pissed off.

They all averted their gaze and tried to ignore his powerful presense. The ladies couldn't help but look at him at least once. He gave a sexy smile in return. Then, the gorgeous blonde behind him stood up and left. His animal like mind kicked into action. He must follow her! He wanted her, already. From the moment he met her eye, he wanted her. And, of course. Aaric slay could have any woman he wanted.

Standing, he waited until she was out the door until he followed. Hs gait was smooth like a jungle cat's. The man's eyes spat venom at anyone who dared look at him. Like the night before...He was on a mission. He told imself that this time, he wasn't going that far.

He paused a few metres behind her watching her walk toward her car. Moving quickly. No doubt wanting to get away from him. Something he wasn't going to allow. She was his...

Irisless eyes gazed at her now standing body. Almost making his mouth water. He stalked forward. Having almost a wolfish expression on his face. Black eyes gleaming. And, in the low light of the Autumn, they showed no signs of brown.

He stood beside the opposite side f the car, out of sight until he spoke. "You're new here." he purred with that charming voice that reeled everyone in like a fish. Smiling he stepped around the car to face her."Should I be the first to welcome you?" he asked taking another bold step toward her, standing right behind her small frame.

[Anya DeBouc]

Peppermint caramel...

Anya unlocked her car and was reaching for the door when suddenly someone spoke. Jumping at the sudden voice, she looked up and turned bright red – not from embarrassment but from shyness. Great, the creep had followed her! Anya quickly looked away and tried ignoring.

Opening the car door, she tossed her bag inside. She was new here; he was brilliant. Rolling her eyes slightly, Anya bent over and almost climbed in when the voice came again. Shooting up into a straight position, Anya bumped her head against the top of the car and yelped. Spinning quickly, Anya ignored the throbbing in her head and eyed the strange man suspiciously.

He looked like someone who always got what he wanted and she didn’t like the way he was gazing at her now. A prize? A trophy? An object. “Um, excuse me?” she asked softly with a puzzled expression. “Did you need something?” Anya asked trying not to be rude. This was awkward and she didn’t like this man at all.

of another kind...?

[Desert]

He wasn't about to let his prize go yet. There was no way. He racked his brain for a moment and offered another smile. A kind one. She eemed shy, that he could understand. Even though all of Shady Lane knew him. He was a lost boy nonetheless.

Aware of the stares people gave him as they walked by, he didn't dare move in closer. These people probably saw "Next victim" written all over the blonde's body. His eyes followed them blankly. But, he never lost sight of the beauty right here in front of him.

Seeing that she had common sense amused him to some level. She seemed to understand that he was a very demanding person. Living up to his gender's name. He winced at the sound of her bumping her head. His hangover still not over.

He smiled lightly when she asked what he wanted. The answer was simple. He leaned down until his face was inched from hers. "I want you."

[Anya DeBouc]

Don't you dare...

Anya blinked innocently letting her blush recede a moment and her head throb. Then, placing her drink on the top of the car, she interlocked her hands to keep them from fidgeting while she stared at the man. Then, as his voice floated to her ears, Anya blinked twice in confusion before it registered.

“E-excuse me?” she stuttered her voice still soft and confused. Then, hoping not to get a reply, Anya shook her head gently sending her blonde curls to sway then turned around. “I’m sorry,” she replied. “I have to go.”

Grabbing the drink from the roof of the car, Anya put it in the cup older and moved to climb in her car. This was getting beyond just shy or forward. He was being downright –

Thinking it was best to derail her thoughts from this track, Anya climbed in her car and reached to close the door. Suddenly she remembered all the junk in her passenger seat and groaned internally letting her shoulders droop. Climbing back out of the car, Anya walked right past the man and opened the back door. Reaching to move some of the things, she prayed silently to herself that this creep would lose interest and leave.

push me.

[Desert]

Her wishes were backwards. He was not going to leave her. No matter where she went, he'd be there. He liked her shyness, in his own sick and twisted way. "Oh but you can't leave. You just got here." his cat like purr of a voice floated past his lips once more.

The thing about Aaric. He would never give up on anything. Such as a fight. He'd go down only when every drop of blood had escaped his body. Black eyes looked ready to beg. They looked innocent, gentle. Another way he brought people in.

Someone tapped his shoulder then and he turned to face a woman with a scowl on her face. "Would you please stop." she said. "Well, look who's brave." he laughed quietly. Narrowed black eyes on her. The older woman made a fist "I'm warning you." she snarled. That made Aaric burst into laughter "What! A boy can welcome someone to Shady Lane?"

He ignored the elgerly woman and turned back to his prize. "At least let me know your name." he cooed.

[Anya DeBouc]

Up, up...

Anya continued sorting things out in her car and heard a new voice come. It seemed to belong to an elderly woman and was trying to help she thought. Pausing, Anya cocked her head to the side letting a few curls cascade over her shoulder and listened. This woman sounded like she ment business and Anya was suddenly worried. Backing out, she turned and smiled gently at the woman. This man could easily hurt her and she wouldn’t want that to happen at all. Not for her sake, she wasn’t worth it!

“It’s alright miss,” Anya said softly. “I’ll be going back to Virginia today; there is no need to worry.” She brushed a curl behind her ear and smiled. Then ignoring the almost seductive cooing, Anya tried to brush her mind of dirty thoughts.

Trying to give the woman a convincing smile, she then turned to frown at the man and shut the back door of the silver car. Then, walking around front, Anya slipped into her seat and reached to close the door. Doing so a little more forcefully than she’d have liked, Anya winced and put her key in the ignition. Turning to smile one last time at the elderly woman, Anya pulled her car out of the parking space.

Thinking to herself what she’d have done had the man imposed himself upon her made Anya shiver. He was big, he was tough and he could easily overpower her. It was smart to have gotten herself out of that situation. Now, as long as Anya didn’t run into Mr. Bruises again, she’d be well off.

Letting her mind wander a moment while the car idled at the turn onto the road, Anya thought once more about her next show. If she got back to the apartment in Virginia within the next…oh, two hours she’d be good for the flight out to New York the next day. Of course Emma had suggested Anya take a look at some horse down at that stable again. Groaning softly, Anya realized she’d have to postpone the flight and shorten her trip down to a week at most.

This horse might be something nice though considering Emma had referred it. Usually Emma only bred and found champions so this Show Down stallion might be something worth looking at. Of course even if it had been a mule Anya would have checked it out only to satisfy her friend but this one…it might have potential.

Then the red light changed and Anya pressed down on the pedal.

and away we go!

[Desert]

He was reluctant but, he let her go. Watching after her with a grouchy look on his face. He looked back at the older woman and towered over her. "Never get in my way or I'll turn you into dirt!" he snarled before storming off to his car to follow his beautiful new prize to be.

He thought back to earlier the day before. The last time he was at peace, was when he was with his horses. The two gorgeous stallions seemed to be the only ones who truly understood him. He thought about his other three Arabians. Those he had to give up. The thought made him curse allowed. Why couldn't people have five horses? If they could handle them! He followed the silver Mercedes for about six miles then cursed once more. She was off to Virginia! Damnit!

Banging the wheel, he made a U turn and sped off back toward the ranch!