Stallion Mage: A Horse Shifter Mpreg Romance (COMPLETE)

Sunlit Worries

There was a problem with the chapter ordering - hopefully it is fixed now.

That morning, the whole tribe watched Alvarr move into Laren's dwelling. It was without ceremony, yet that morning, there were many witnesses. Laren walked proud beside the pregnant stallion mage, holding his hand, leading him from Alvarr's small dwelling to the leader's larger one. He seemed oblivious to the emotions of the tribe.

But the mage was not. The mixed thoughts and feelings swirled in the air, reflected by dozens of stony expressions and confused eyes, Thane's and Nassor's among them.

Some of them had heard he and Laren mating last night. Sharing joy and pleasure... while they were still alone, longing for companionship that they could not have out of season. Not unless they, too, like other stallions. But he did not think that was the case. Alvarr and Laren were different.

And though he and the leader were intended by Nature, the tribe did not understand that. Laren has never had to fear, to protect himself; he does not feel it, the mage thought. But Alvarr feared that all they would be able to see was that the leader and mage had taken something from them.

The leader's arm came around his waist. "You seem troubled," he murmured. They crossed the last few steps to his dwelling, now shared with the mage. "Are you feeling ill? Should I-"

Alvarr shook his head, his long hair swishing below his shoulders. It had grown long over the night. "Everything is fine," he said, not wanting to dampen his mate's joy.

They went inside and shut the woven door. A sweet smell still lingered, and Alvarr saw that the flowers of the vines were still blooming. He touched one, feeling his heart lighten.

Perhaps it will all be fine. Nature had watched out for him this far; perhaps it would lead him to the answer when the time came to deliver his foal.

"I must go," Laren said, but he pulled the mage against his body.

Alvarr laid his head on the leader's shoulder, closing his eyes as Laren's hand carded through his hair.

"I've always loved this," Laren said, taking a handful of the mage's reddish-brown hair and tugging gently. "It is beautiful."

Alvarr laughed. "It is a nuisance. I cannot stop it growing."

"It's a sign of your ability to... give life. In all way." The leader pulled back and put his hand on Alvarr's stomach. "There's really a foal? Truly?" His dark eyes looked soft and wondering.

He is so different, now that he has accepted me as a mate. But Alvarr knew that Laren had such a heavy burden put on him, too young. Perhaps this was how Laren used to be, before becoming leader. "Yes," the mage replied. "A filly. And a mage," he said, determined that his mate should accept their daughter.

But Laren just nodded, gaze fixed on where his hand covered Alvarr's navel.

Alvarr did not know if it was his imagination, but he could feel a fullness there that was not present before. Grow, little foal, he thought, but it was not without worry. What kind of a world would greet her arrival? Would the rain come in the spring, with plenty of grass? Or would it be as dry and barren as the fall?

It is still two seasons away, or more, he reminded himself. Time enough to get through the winter and see what would come.

Laren kissed him, just a soft brush of lips. "I'll..." he looked at the mage steadily, then shook his head. "I don't know what to say."

"I'll see you when you return," Alvarr said, standing on his toes and embracing his mate. He, too, could feel the tension in Laren's frame, his own worry. But the truth is, there is nothing he can do for us now.