"I was one of the farmhands," Leks lied. Iris eyed him suspiciously. "When the farm was overrun, the owner decided to tie up loose ends and turn me into a stallion so I couldn't tell anyone the truth of what was going on."
"Hmm." Iris tossed her mane. "That is quite unfortunate," she said, her voice sounding sincere. She pressed her body against Leks and nuzzles him. "But you are free now."
"Yes." Leks felt confident that the mare was genuine. "Now, tell me why you wish to go to Wind's Grove."
"I have Witch friends there who can return me to my human form."
"That is my reasoning as well."
"Good." Iris presented herself to him. "Now, you may take me, my alpha." Leks did so eagerly, convinced that the mare, though truly human, was under his spell from their mating.
As Iris allowed the stallion to mount her, she silently fumed. How could he expect her to believe him? He was obviously lying! But just because she knew he was telling a lie didn't mean she knew the truth. That would be harder to suss out. If she even wanted to bother. They were less than a week from Wind's Grove, and blessed safety.