From Substitute To Queen novel Chapter 60

Chapter 60

My coffee mug froze halfway to my lips.

‘So. Scarlett’s eyes sparkled with mischief. He found you, didn’t he?’

I nodded, still not meeting her gaze.

“AND?!” She nearly launched herself out of her seat. “What happened? What did you talk about? Did you hold hands? Kiss? Make out in some romantic

spot?”

“Scarlett! My face felt like it was on fire. “It wasn’t… it wasn’t like that…”

“Like what? Romantic? Passionate?” Her grin turned predatory. “Come on, spill everything. How far have you two gotten?”

I fumbled for words. “It was just… normal concern. Nothing special.”

“Normal concern doesn’t make a king search the entire city at midnight!” Her voice carried across three nearby tables.

Scarlett suddenly leaned closer, eyes narrowing as she studied my expression. “Wait a minute… when you mentioned him just now, your mouth twitched upward for exactly 0.3 seconds.”

My hand flew to my lips. I did not…”

Her laughter filled the space between us. “Okay, okay, I’ll stop torturing you. Let’s talk about today! What should we do?”

She dramatically collapsed forward onto the table. “I’m so sick of the usual eat-and-shop routine.”

I thought for a moment, then inspiration struck. “What about-”

‘Horseback riding!” Scarlett suddenly sat bolt upright, eyes lighting up with excitement.

I blinked in surprise, then felt my smile grow wider. “God, how long has it been since we’ve done that?”

“At least five years! Remember when we used to sneak off to the stables and get caught red-handed by the instructor?”

The memory hit me like sunshine. “You told him we were there to observe equine behavioral patterns’!”

And he made us muck stalls as ‘immersive observation experience’!” We both dissolved into laughter.

A familiar gleam appeared in Scarlett’s eyes. “Plus, horseback riding is the perfect sport to showcase a man’s… natural appeal…”

I gave her a suspicious look. “What scheme are you cooking up now?”

An hour later, we stood at the entrance of Blackwood Equestrian Center. Rolling green fields stretched toward distant hills. The familiar smell of hay and leather brought back childhood memories.

Scarlett surveyed the grounds with apparent casualness. “Hey, should we invite some people to join us? More the merrier, right?”

I was admiring the sleek horses grazing in the nearby paddock. “Who did you have in mind?”

“Leon and Peter, maybe. They’re probably bored anyway.”

“Sure.” I nodded absently, then nearly choked on my own saliva at her next words.

“And we could ask them to bring Caelan along- Her sing-song tone dripped with innocence.

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My heart skipped a beat. “What? Why would we invite him?”

“Because groups are more fun! Besides, I bet he knows how to ride. She blinked with exaggerated innocence.

I scrambled for an excuse. “He’s the Lycan King, Scarlett. He doesn’t have time to play around with us…”

“Really?’ Her smile turned wicked as she pulled out her phone. I think he’ll make time.”

I wanted to stop her but couldn’t come up with a single logical reason. I could only watch in horror as she dialed Leon’s number.

“Come on, beautiful!” Scarlett grabbed my arm and dragged my stunned form toward the changing rooms. ‘Let’s get you dressed to kill!”

Inside the private changing room, I stared at my reflection in the full-length mirror. The white button-down molded to my curves, while the black riding jacket emphasized my waist. The fitted breeches and tall leather boots made my legs look endless.

“Holy shit, you look incredible!” Scarlett applauded from behind me. “If I were a guy, I’d fall in love with you on the spot.”

I rolled my eyes. “I’m not here to walk a runway.”

The changing room door swung open as we emerged.

Three men stood waiting for us.

The moment they saw me, all conversation died.

Leon’s jaw actually dropped. Peter’s eyes went wide. And Caelan…

His blue eyes swept from my boots to my face, lingering on every detail. When our gazes finally met, something dangerous flickered in his expression.

He wore black riding pants that hugged his thighs and a white shirt that showcased his broad shoulders. The casual outfit somehow made him look more approachable and devastatingly attractive at the same time.

A long, appreciative whistle cut through the morning air.

“Jesus Christ,” Peter announced to anyone within a mile radius. “Are we here to ride horses or attend some kind of equestrian fashion show?”

Leon adjusted his own riding jacket with considerably more dignity. “Both ladies look absolutely stunning. Like goddesses descended from Mount Olympus to grace us mere mortals.”

Scarlett executed a perfect pirouette, her blonde hair catching the sunlight. “Of course we do! This isn’t just riding gear it’s carefully selected battle

armor.”

“Battle armor?” Peter’s eyebrows shot toward his hairline. “What exactly are you planning to battle? The horses?”

“Your fragile masculine egos, obviously.” Scarlett’s grin turned predatory.

Leon laughed, the sound rich and genuine. “I think Peter’s ego could use some humbling.”

“Hey!” Peter clutched his chest in mock offense. “My ego is perfectly sized, thank you very much.”

‘Like your riding skills?” Scarlett’s tone dripped false sweetness.

The casual way Scarlett addressed them showed just how well she knew these two. Peter and Leon were Alphas of neighboring territories, but Scarlett had grown up around them during alliance meetings and joint celebrations. Years of pack diplomacy had forged genuine friendships that let her get away with teasing powerful Alphas like they were annoying older brothers,

Peter straightened to his full height. “I happen to be an excellent rider.”

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Chapter ou

Excellent?” Scarlett circled him. “I’ve seen you mount a horse, Peter. You look like a penguin trying to climb an iceberg.”

Leon pressed his lips together, shoulders shaking as he fought back laughter. “That’s… actually a pretty accurate description.”

“It is not!” Peter’s protest carried the indignation of someone who knew the accusation was true.

Scarlett patted his shoulder with exaggerated sympathy. “Don’t worry. I’m sure they have beginner lessons available. You could start with a nice, gentle

pony.

I do not need beginner lessons!”