"We will join a wild herd," Gareth said. "There is safety in numbers. However, to ensure we head in the correct direction and that no wild stallion tries to claim you, I must take charge of the herd."
"Claim me?" Jasper neighed.
"Do not worry. No one in the herd will try to take the alpha's mate."
Gareth was throwing things out casually that Jasper had never heard of before. An alpha? Claiming? The only thing she truly understood was that Gareth was going to claim she was his mate. Or perhaps she already was...
Luckily, Gareth knew the movements of the wild herds; his family caught mustangs every now and then to diversify their breeding pool, as they operated a horse farm. Before long, Gareth and Jasper came across a herd. The stallion at the front of the herd galloped up to them, looking hungrily at Jasper.
"Mare! You join! In heat!" the stallion whinnied. Gareth put himself between the stallion and Jasper.
"She is my mate."
"I am alpha. All mares mine!"
"Not anymore!" Gareth rumbled. He charged at the stallion. Jasper watched in shock as the horses fought, colliding with each other, biting, and kicking. Ultimately, as befitted an experienced guard like Gareth, he came out on top. The stallion gave in and slunk away, defeated.
"Listen!" Gareth whinnied loudly. "I am your new alpha! You will do as I say and leave my mate alone!"
The herd neighed and whinnied in agreement that they would follow Gareth as their alpha. Gareth turned to Jasper.
"My Princess, you are a Queen now," he teased. Jasper nuzzled him in amusement.
"Hush. Take charge of the herd and guide us to safety."
Gareth nodded. Before long, the herd set off, galloping towards Estrellia. Jasper looked at Gareth as they ran, her heart swelling with...