Studs, p.8
Studs, page 8
As soon as his eyes locked onto hers, she knew she’d made an error in opening her mouth one too many times with one too many questions. But without a way out of her mistake, she decided to simply grin and hope for the best.
“You’re kidding, aren’t you?”
Thank you, Travis, for offering me the way out. She wagged her head and wiggled her eyebrows in an “oh, you know me and my dumb jokes” gesture. “Of course I am.”
Travis wrapped a chunk of the mare’s mane around his fingers. “Good. I’d sure hate to think you don’t know the first thing about breeding. A man could lose his job for not knowing something so basic.”
Shat! I’d better watch my loose mouth. “Yeah, I’d think so.”
“Then quit joking around and head on over to the stud barn. I want you to lead the teaser horse into the small pen outside. I’ll bring Princess into the other one and we’ll let Casanova do his job.”
Working quickly, Travis slid the leather straps—a halter or bridle?—over the mare’s head and took the leash. Or had someone called it a lead rope? Charissa frowned and tried to remember all the new, unfamiliar words involved with taking care of these animals. Not to mention the new culture these humans had developed. Taking a similar device off a hook by the door, he tossed the contraption to Justin and nodded as if urging him to get moving. Travis opened the gate to Princess’ stall and led her down the alleyway of the barn toward the exit. “Light a fire under your ass, Justin. Daylight’s burning and, according to the vet’s tests, said she’s primed and ready.”
“You got it, good—Boss.” Doaga! She’d almost called him “good-looking,” copying the woman in the movie she’d seen last night. The television machine was a wonderful device, but not if watching it could get her into trouble.
Charissa followed Travis and the mare out of the building. As they turned to walk down the area between two outside pens, she altered her direction and headed toward the barn where all the studs were kept. Passing through the alleyway, she checked the names on the stalls until finally finding the one with Casanova written in silver-plate on the wooden door. Like all the other stalls, this door was made in two parts so that the top portion could be opened while the bottom half remained closed.
Opening the gate as carefully as she could, Charissa gingerly stepped around the mounds of manure. So this is Casanova? Charissa tried to remember what Dan had told her about his name. Something about being named after a legendary human lover? She tilted her head to see underneath the horse. Although horses had organs matching their size, she didn’t see that this horse was anything special. Still, she took another look and couldn’t help but wonder if Travis’ equipment was bigger than the average male’s. Someway, somehow, she’d make it her mission to find out.
“But I’ve got a job to do first.” Not wanting to disappoint Travis, much less lose her job and thus her excuse to be around Travis, she reached out for Casanova. “Come here, horsie. Nice horsie.”
Casanova whinnied, and backed up, putting his rear flank against the wooden wall of the stall. He pawed the earth under him as if saying Nope. Not going anywhere anytime soon.
“What am I thinking?” Why try to put one of those confusing things called a halter—or was it a bridle?—on him when she had an easier way of getting animals to do what she asked? As long as no one interfered with her. Lowering her voice, she whispered to Rici. “Perfect, Rici. Stay quiet. Since we came into the barn I haven’t heard a peep out of you. And I don’t want you letting out a squeak to spook him now.”
Casanova stared at her with his large, dark eyes as she kept whispering. “All right, big boy. Let’s go outside. I don’t know why you’re involved in all this, but Travis wants you out there.” As she held out her hand, she wiggled her fingers at him. Cautiously, the horse reached out and sniffed her hand. “I know, I know. I don’t smell like my voice and body say I should smell. But I’m underneath all this, I promise. Trust the tone of my voice and not the sight of me, okay?”
At last, Casanova understood Charissa’s message and moved his mouth over her palm as he blew a welcome into her hand. “Good boy. Let’s go. And maybe on the way you can tell me what a teaser horse does.”
After a quick pat on the muzzle, Charissa pivoted and started out of the stall. As several other hands watched in disbelief, she and Casanova walked side by side down the open area between the stalls toward the exit. “That’s it. Good boy. Now isn’t this better than having someone drag you along?”
Casanova nickered a few times and she paused as she reflected on the amazing story he’d told her. “You have got to be kidding me.” Again the horse nickered. “So a teaser horse is the horse who gets the mare all hot and bothered and ready for sex? And then he doesn’t even get a little lovin’ in return? You don’t get any sex at all?”
The doleful eyes of Casanova locked onto her. “You poor thing. That is so unfair.”
Casanova whinnied, telling her what he did to relieve himself after teasing the mares. Shocked, Charissa pulled up sharply, whipping around to stare straight into Casanova’s eyes. “Now I know you’ve got to be kidding.” Mindless of the group of cowhands coming closer to them, Charissa narrowed her eyes at him and demanded the truth. “I don’t buy it, buddy. Do you mean to say you, uh, bang your thing on yourself until… Bleh!” She bent over a third time to check the horse’s anatomy. “I guess, once you’re in the mood, your shaft would get long enough to do that, but still…that’s gotta hurt.”
Casanova shook his head, confirming what he’d “told” her.
“Okay, if you say so.” Sighing, she turned and continued on with the horse keeping pace with her. “Listen up, Casanova. Once Travis and I are a couple, I’ll have a talk with him about this and see what we can do about getting you hooked up with the little horsie girl of your choice. If what you say is true, that is.”
As they came into the sunlight and turned the corner toward the small pens behind the barn, Casanova suddenly reared up and kicked out. Charissa jumped away right before the hooves struck the air in front of her. “Hey! Whoa, boy. What’s your problem?”
Travis, alone in the pen with the mare, ran over to the fence and, with little effort, threw his body over the fence to land on his feet. Almost immediately he was off and running toward them. “Watch him, Justin.” But by the time Travis got to them, Casanova had settled back into his normal, mellow self.
Travis checked the horse over and turned a cold eye on her. “What the hell are you doing without a halter and lead on him?”
Oh, right. Worry about the horse instead of me. Even if I am in an old man’s body I still want you to care more about me than a horse. The Anger emotion roared to life inside her. Unaccustomed to the intense feeling, she struggled to stay on her feet.
And lost.
Uttering a tiny cry, she fell into Travis’ arms.
Strong arms slipped under her arms and around her chest. Dropping her gaze down, she saw Travis’ hands locked across her flat chest. Shat! If only I was in my real form. I’d love his hands on my breasts right now. Instead they’re on this shallow, caved in excuse of an old man’s body.
A wolf call whistle had Travis pushing Justin—her!—up onto her feet. Once she’d landed squarely and firmly with her feet on the ground again, Travis couldn’t wait to hop away from her.
“Are you okay, Justin?” Travis moved his hand over Casanova as he ran his eyes over Justin.
It’s about time you think about me! Yet, she knew she had to remain in the character of Justin. “Oh, sure. Nice of you to ask, though.”
“I thought for a minute maybe you’d had a stroke or something.”
Great. Just great. “No, I’m fine.”
The concern and embarrassment on Travis’ face vanished as he turned all business again. “Why didn’t you get the proper tack on him?” Without waiting for a reply, Travis started heading toward the barn.
“Hang on, Travis. There’s no need. Besides, we’re almost to the pen. Watch and learn, youngun.” With a jerk of her chin, Charissa shot the silent message of “Follow me” to Casanova. The horse dropped his head down and up once, and started after her as she spun on her heel and headed for the pen next to the mare’s.
Charissa unhooked the gate and let Casanova plod into the pen. “See? No problem.”
Shaking his head, Travis joined her by the pen and laughed. “You do have a way with animals.”
“Yes, I do.” And I’m even better with men. But Charissa kept her mouth closed, letting his rare praise slide over her. One day soon, he’d praise the real Charissa.
****
Rici wrestled with Casanova’s mind as he watched Travis and Justin through the horse’s eyesight. This creature had a stronger mind than he’d anticipated and he struggled to retain total control. His initial step into Casanova’s mind had caused the horse to rear up in fright, almost striking Charissa, but Rici had managed to calm him down.
Just what I’ve always wanted. An in depth look into a horse’s mental meanderings. Rici fought to focus the animal’s eyes on Charissa and Travis, but the horse wanted nothing more than to watch the mare in the other pen. Thought after jumbled thought, each squarely focused on getting his shaft into the mare’s bottom raced through Casanova’s brain, then into Rici’s. Rici fought to pull Casanova’s runaway train of lustful ideas away from the instinctive need to mount the mare and worked to place his focus on the people standing near him. The horse, however, was so intent on the mare that even Rici didn’t notice when Travis slipped a halter over his head and attached the lead rope.
Doaga it! This isn’t what I wanted. He’d taken possession of Casanova to cause problems in the breeding process. Hopefully, big enough problems that Travis would blame Justin and fire him. Then he and Charissa could head to Matlantia where they belonged.
Travis held on to the lead rope, his attention on the nervously prancing mare, and muttered soothing words to Casanova. The mare danced around her pen, stomping her hooves and kicking up her heels. She nickered high and loud, and darted up to the fence separating the two horses. Snorting at Casanova, she spun around and placed her butt against the fence.
Rici gaped at the horse. What the shat did this crazy creature want? The mare twirled in a circle and again presented Casanova with her rear end. Again with the butt? Did this horse think he’d let Casanova take her? Maybe he should have found out what a teaser horse’s job was before he’d jumped into one. Rici glanced at Charissa for any clue she could give him, but she kept her eyes on the mare as Princess Dancer continued her outlandish antics.
While maintaining control of Casanova’s mind, Rici searched the horse’s brain for information about teaser horses. Although Casanova didn’t cooperate and, instead, had only one goal on his mind, it didn’t take long for Rici to find what he needed.
No way! Rici gasped and jerked Casanova’s head up as Travis grabbed the lead rope with both hands. That can’t be right. I must have misunderstood. Yet according to Casanova and now Casanova’s body, Rici knew the information was correct. Rici yelled silently as Casanova’s penis grew and grew. Oh, by all the Elders! Something’s happening to this horse’s body. Something strange and powerful. Something sexual. Casanova response to the mare’s demonstrations was undeniable. Knock it off, Casanova. But Rici’s command, his plea went unheeded.
A teaser horse. That’s what they’d called Casanova and now he knew exactly what they’d meant. He—Casanova-slash-Rici—was supposed to tease the mare into a sexual frenzy and, judging by the mare’s actions, he—Casanova-slash-Rici—had already accomplished just that. What had he gotten himself into?
Casanova backed up as the mare whinnied her invitation to him. This female wants this male! No. This female wants him! Holy shat!
Taking a mental deep breath, Rici struggled to remain composed. Take it easy. You’re in no danger. After all, the mare is in one pen and you’re in a different one. She can’t reach you. But still the fear started to overwhelm a lifetime training of rational thought.
“Thataboy, Casanova. You’re getting her good and ready.” Travis ran a reassuring hand down Casanova’s neck.
Oh, my word! In desperation, Rici threw up his head, yanking on the rope, hoping to catch Charissa’s attention. When she glanced from the mare to him, he concentrated and threw a silent message to her. Charissa! I’m here! Inside!
Charissa blinked, frowned, and cocked her head to the side as if unsure of what she’d heard in her mind. Again, Rici sent her a plea. This time, Charissa accepted the message and opened up her shirt pocket to check inside it.
No, Charissa. I’m not in your pocket.
Her unspoken response came swift and hard. Then where the haellus are you?
Although he knew she wouldn’t like the truth, he had no choice but to give it. I’m here. Inside Casanova.
Her eyes flashed at him as she took a step closer to Casanova. You’re inside the teaser horse? You’re possessing Casanova’s body?
Even though it was a silent message, he could still hear her angry tone. What the shat do you think you’re you doing, Rici? Why would you want to possess a horse? Did you get tired of being a mouse?
This time Rici knew he couldn’t tell her the truth. I, uh, wanted to see what it was like.
Charissa’s eyebrows sank between her eyes. Oh, really. A scowl covered the old man’s features as Charissa glared at him. I don’t believe you.
It’s true. I’m going to get out now. I had no idea what a teaser horse did and I don’t like it. He’s getting very horny and I’m inside with him, experiencing all the emotions he’s experiencing. Get ready. I’m going to pop out of here into mouse form and haul my tail into your pocket.
The mare, tired of being ignored by Casanova, snorted and stomped in a whirl of circling motions. She shook her head and nickered at Casanova again.
I don’t think so.
Charissa’s words sent shockwaves through Rici’s mind. What do you mean?
An evil smile tweaked the corners of the old man’s face as Charissa sent him the cold, hard answer. I’m not letting you get out. Not yet.
Surprised mixed with denial as Rici watched his sister nod her head in his direction. A shudder ran through Casanova’s body and Rici knew it hadn’t come from anything sexual this time. She’s using her power to keep me trapped inside. Charissa, what are you doing? She’d trapped him as forcefully as if she’d put chains around him.
Crossing her arms, Charissa darted her gaze between the two horses. You don’t fool me, brother dear. You possessed Casanova so you could cause trouble for Travis and for me. Probably in hopes of getting Justin fired. Well, it’s not going to work.
The Fear emotion, stronger than he’d ever experienced it before, struck Rici. No, you’re wrong. I only wanted to know what it felt like inside a horse. Nothing more. Let me out, Charissa.
Not yet. In fact, I think you need to get the whole experience of a teaser horse. With a quick grin at Casanova, Charissa turned to the mare and nodded twice.
The mare came to a dead stop and stared at Casanova. Her eyes glinted with a strange glow as she slowly backed away from the fence.
Sister, what did you do to the mare?
Travis saw the difference, too. “What’s up with Princess Dancer? Why’s she backing up like that?”
Charissa’s wicked grin grew wider. “Travis, I think we’d better get out of the way.”
“Damn, I’ve never seen a horse act that way. One minute she’s doing exactly what you’d expect a mare in heat to do and now she’s… Well, I don’t know what she’s doing now.”
Charissa, answer me. What did you push into her?
Just a little something extra. I simply gave her more incentive to want Casanova, along with a couple of ideas on how to reach him, er, you. Charissa winked at Rici before walking over to take Casanova’s reins from Travis. “Seriously. I think we’d better get out of the way.”
Travis and Casanova turned their heads to her while Rici and Travis asked the same question.
“Why?”
Why?
“Because she’s about to jump the fence.”
Travis whipped around toward the mare in time to see her paw the earth in front of her much like a bull preparing to charge. “God, I hope not. This fence is too high and even if it wasn’t, there’s not enough distance for her to pick up enough momentum.” Leaving Casanova in Justin’s care, he dashed toward the gate to the mare’s pen.
But he was too late.
With one last snort, the mare took off running the short distance to the six-foot fence.
No, Charissa! Don’t let her jump.
Ignoring him, Charissa nodded once more and helped lift the mare’s body into the air, making certain she’d clear the fence safely. With another nod, she opened the gate to Casanova’s pen.
Rici screamed inside Casanova’s body, yanked the horse’s head up and spun around as his sister let go. The mare was after him!
Charissa, do something! Rici urged Casanova to run as they headed for the open area behind the pens. Stop her! Do something!
Charissa’s laughter filled his mind. But why, Rici? Isn’t this what you wanted? Her laugher grew softer as the mare’s hooves pounding into the ground behind him grew louder. Princess Dancer, intent on churning up the ground between them in hot pursuit, closed in on Casanova.
Chapter Five
“Holy shit!”
Travis called out for more men and shouted orders as the hired hands scrambled to their horses. Within a few minutes of his first order, five men on horseback galloped after Casanova and Princess Dancer.
“Holy shit.”
Charissa wiped the smirk off Justin’s face as Travis whirled on her. Not that it was hard to do so when confronted with a mask of barely controlled anger.
“What the hell happened here?”
Hell? Right. The word that means haellus. Charissa fumbled for words. As if there were any right words to do the trick. From his clouded expression, she didn’t believe any answer would mollify him. “Uh, I think maybe the teaser horse did his job too well.” Although she’d meant to sound confident, her words came out sounding more like a weak question than a statement.
