Chapter 23

Don't Worry About A Thing

Spirit fell to his stomach, grunting with effort as the earth crashed into his underbelly. He nickered softly to me to come near him, stretching his long neck upon the grass to rest his weary head. Although few moments before we had completed one another, the stallion's heart still seemed to flutter with ache if I weren't by his side...even though, we were mere paces apart, not to mention the mutually tied rope.

I couldn't help but smile at him. It made me feel so warm inside to have a stallion care so much for me. He always proved his sweetness and gentleness when it came to me. The activity that occurred few minutes ago, was no exception. I've never felt so comfortable and content in my life. So immediately, I accepted his invitation to lay beside him.

I moved towards him, got my footing and casually walked parallel to the Mustang. As softly as my mane wrapped the breeze, I slid my form down close to the stallion. My paint pelt brushed his gleaming body and my leg assembled a comfortable position, as I neared myself to sleep.

"Tired, my pretty one?" Spirit whispered, his head closely nestled by my cheek. He was so warm, I sighed as his whole body was a heat source for me. The evening couldn't have been more perfect, the sun was almost gone, the stars would come out soon along with the silver moon.

"Just a little." I murmured softly, snuggling more closer to him, feeling safe and protected. "How about you? Your job was the hardest." I winked, mischievous little smile appearing on my face. Even though I was teasing, it was true. I had heard and seen many times how crazed and over-excited the stallions got during mating, most of them forgot simple things like 'manners' really quickly. (Great Conquest was a living example of that) It wasn't easy to take it so slow and be this gentle...and yet Spirit made my first experience the most unforgettable one.

The stallion chuckled, with drooping lids he rested his neck around mine, taking in the scent. "Let's just say I'm a little worn out." He admitted quietly, his breathing quickly becoming deep and steady. "I hope I didn't hurt you." He cuddled his strong golden neck against mine, and I soaked up the warmness that he emitted.

"Not even for a second." I assured, keeping my voice dreamy and relaxed. I loved how sweet he was. I swiveled my nose around to his, my velvety muzzle rubbing his. Absorbing his warm breath, I let out a soft sigh and closed my blue eyes, sinking in a comfortable slumber. With Spirit, the strongest and sweetest stallion lying by my side, I wasn't afraid of anything.

The night was silent, still, peaceful and so wonderful. Nothing seemed to faze me as I slept soundly next to equally tranquil Spirit. That was until, I suddenly awoke with one thing in my mind.

Little Creek!

I had forgotten all about my human! How long was I here? His instruction about returning before sunset had utterly escaped me. He didn't even come to my mind till now. With panicked thoughts, I flew up from the ground, accidentally jerking Spirit's neck with the rope in the process. "Oh no! Oh no!" I neighed desperately, and began pacing back and forth anxiously.

Despite the rude interruption of our peaceful moment, the stallion leaped to his feet when he noticed how hysterical I was. Looking around, Spirit did what every responsible and protective stallion does when his mate or a herd member is freaking out. He scanned the area to see if we were being threatened by any of the vicious predators. Once sure that no one was in sight and we were both safe, he stared back at me surprised. "Rain? What's wrong? Are you alright?"

"Oh, this is bad...this is so bad!" I continued fretting, whinning anxiously and pawing the ground with my forehoof. I began trotting in tiny circles, snorting and neighing desperately.

Obviously, my distressed behavior worried Spirit so much that he firmly grabbed my mane, pulling me towards him, hoping I'd snap out of it. "What's going on?" He questioned loudly, his deep eyes searching mine.

"Little Creek! I forgot my human!" I cried out and turning quickly, began cantering towards the direction of the village. The mutual rope enabled Spirit to follow after me no matter what, even if he was confused and probably had million questions for me.

However, only one thing was racing through my mind in that moment. How could I neglect my owner like this? My friend and my companion! He must've been sick with worry when I didn't show up on time. I had acted so foolishly. Oh, Spirit...you will be the end of me!

I pushed my legs harder and harder, increasing the speed. The wild Mustang easily caught up to me and now we were both running side by side. "Rain, slow down. Calm yourself for a second." He nickered, trying to ease my tense spirit.

"I'm so stupid." I mumbled under my breath, not slowing for a second as I made my way back to the camp. Realizing that I was utterly distracted by my racing thoughts and wouldn't pay attention to him, Spirit decided to use drastic measures. He yanked the rope backwards, causing me to slide back and crush into him, freezing me in my tracks. Once I came to a sudden and unexpected stop, the stallion placed himself in front of me, as I glared at him in anger.

"Are you insane?!" I demanded in outrage. Seriously, there was no time for his silly games...my Little Creek was waiting for us! "Move out of the way!" I snorted, eyes narrowed.

"I won't, till you calm down." Spirit answered confidently, slight smirk animating his muzzle.

I rolled my blue eyes, pawing the ground in displeasure, and attempted to pass him when he cut me off. "Don't think about it." The stallion warned, cocky smile appeared on his countenance. Obviously, he was enjoying teasing me a little too much.

"You don't get it, do you?" I exclaimed in disbelief. "We're both in trouble!"

Spirit seemed a little taken aback with my last sentence. He raised his brows questionably, tossing back his thick forelock from his face.

"I was clearly instructed by my human to return before sunset and yet I've spent the whole evening with you! Look at the sky- it's dark! Sun's down, stars are out! He's worried sick. My poor Little Creek!" I practically screamed in panic, dancing around in the same spot out of anxiety. "I've never disobeyed him until you came along!" I neighed accusingly, desperate to find someone else to blame.

Spirit stared at me in shock, his expressive eyes never leaving me. He watched my tantrum without saying anything. He just let me vent my frustrations and once I was all exhausted, from pacing and whinning, he nickered softly. "All done?"

I silently fumed, glaring at him, shooting daggers with my blue eyes. Ugh, this foolish stud was wasting our time. We would've returned to Little Creek by now. In my mind, I thoroughly believed I looked threatening and was hoping Spirit would move out of the way, if I glared at him long enough.

To my disappointment, Spirit found my 'dangerous' expressions and 'death-stare' way too adorable. He chuckled warmly, his deep brown eyes, tenderly lighting up. Moving closer to me, he brushed his cheek against mine. "My beautiful, stubborn little mare..." He whispered sweetly, immediately melting me. "Everything's gonna be just fine. No need to worry about a thing." He comforted, touching my nose with his, breathing into my nostrils. And just like that, all my daunting and panicky thoughts vanished and were replaced by nothing but trust. I relaxed, sighing softly and nuzzling Spirit back.

"You're right. I'm sorry." I nickered quietly, feeling ashamed of my earlier overreaction.

Spirit couldn't help but grin at me. "It's alright, my love."

I caught his fiery eyes and smiled at him. He made me feel at ease, with him I felt invincible and so...free.

"Oh, Spirit...what will Little Creek think if he finds out about us?" In all seriousness, I didn't think of that. How would my human react upon realizing that Spirit and I were so close? Would he approve at all?

"I'm sure he'll be happy." Confidence and pure certainty echoed in the Mustang's voice. "I might not know your two-legged that well, but one thing I do know about him is that he wanted us together from day one." Mischievous smile danced on Spirit's lips as he winked at me.

I giggled at his statement and buried my face in his strong neck. "I do hope you're right." I murmured softly, as Spirit embraced me tightly.

Just then, we both scented and heard other horses galloping in our direction and they happened to have riders on them. Breaking off our tender moment, I looked ahead only to recognize Little Creek riding towards us with a relieved smile.