Tris helped her put it on.“It’s a tradition just for us females.”
“I love it and I love you all.”
“We love you too and we’re so glad you’re here,” Nancy said.
“Are you ready for the ceremony?”Zara asked.“The guys are waiting for us, and then we’ve got a great menu for tonight—all your’s and Avi’s favorites.”
“I’m ready.And I’m so happy to officially be part of the herd.”
The females escorted her down to the backyard for the ceremony and party.Fallon held tight to Zara and Nancy’s hands as they led her to where Dexter and Crew stood with Avi underneath a large tree with lanterns hanging from the branches.
The ceremony was a blur to Fallon, because all she could think about was how happy she was and how crazy she was about Avi.The herd welcomed her with open arms, cheering loudly when the short ceremony was finished and Avi drew her close for a kiss.
Crew lifted his hand and everyone quieted.“Fallon, welcome to the herd.And Sera, as Fallon’s mom and Avi’s mother-in-law, you’re part of the herd too.And now, it’s time to eat!”
As Avi led her to the table filled with food near the grill where barbecue chicken roasted over low flames, she said, “I heard your stomach growl, so I’m curious if you’re more excited for the food or for the shift and run after?”
He grinned.“Well, I’m really excited to see you shift, but I’m starving and everything looks wonderful.”
They filled plates with chicken, pasta salad, and coleslaw and took their seats at one of the tables set with her favorite wildflowers picked from the woods and electric candles wrapped with ribbon.
She lifted her utensils and smiled at her mate.“You’ve made me the happiest female on the planet.”
He nudged her with a wink.“Just wait until later.”
* * *
Fallon rested her hand on her belly and looked around the yard that was decorated with twinkle lights and torches.The low hum of voices and music mixed in the air and made her feel at peace.
“Can I get you anything?”Avi asked as he settled next to her, setting a chilled bottle of water on the table.
“I couldn’t eat another bite.”
He laughed lightly.“Me neither.The herd really went all out tonight.”
Crew rose to his feet and said, “If you two are ready, we’d love to shift and do our celebratory run around you, and then head out into the fields.It’s the perfect night.”
“I’m ready if you are,” Avi said.
She and Avi headed to the clearing behind one of the barns with the females, who each held a gift bag and a bouquet of wildflowers.They set their gifts and flowers on the ground at their feet, saying a sweet wish for health and happiness for her and the baby.
One by one, the males came out of the barn in their stallion form and ran in a wide circle around her and Avi while the females stepped back and watched.First Crew, and then Dexter, followed by Khyle, Ford, and Grey.
The pounding of hooves made something inside Fallon feel like she was fully part of the herd, and she turned into Avi’s arms and said, “I love you, stallion of mine.”
Avi smiled, but before he could say anything back?—
Clap.Clap.Clap.
The sound was slow, deliberate, and came from the open doorway of the barn.
Fallon flinched, the joy in her chest evaporating in an instant.
From the deep shadows inside the barn, Colton emerged, his expression twisted into something smug and cold.He continued to clap as he stepped fully into the light, flanked by two males.
She knew in her heart that they’d been watching the whole time, biding their time in hiding until they emerged like thieves.
Crew and the other stallions raced forward, putting themselves between Avi and Fallon, as Avi shouted for the females to run to the farmhouse.
