Ian had almost reached Fosse Warren when he heard the clatter of a horse's hooves behind him. 

As a precaution, he reached for one of the pistols hanging from his saddle-tree, but relaxed as he recognized Peter, the castle's chief groom, mounted on Ace, his best hunting horse.

“What's going on?" he exclaimed when the man got to him. “Has something happened to my omega?”

“No, milord. Catching his breath, Peter pulled a fold from his vest. Milady is well. She sent for me, half an hour after you left, and gave me this letter. Milady said it was urgent, that I should catch up with you and give it...