Chapter 18

Damian

"In the wake of our mutual suffering, we will rise, bound by the strength of our mates' resilience." ~ Damian

Early the next morning, I exited the labyrinth to update the men. The morning sunlight casts a gentle glow on the rugged landscape.

Two more heifers and their young children followed me outside to accept their mates.

The other waiting men gather around me. I shake their hands and exchange words, learning their names and a little about them. Yanis has piercing eyes and a proud stance. Takis' gentle demeanor masks a fierce determination. Markos is a concerned mate from across the border in Mexico. And Michail's intense protective aura sends a shiver down my spine.

When it's clear their patience with me has run out, I take a deep breath, preparing myself to say what I've dreaded telling them. "The most recent brutality we've learned that these women have suffered explains the young boys. They were trafficked to humans with the plans that they would finally bring sons into their sick, twisted world."

Murmurs of anger ripple through the group. I wait for them to calm down before I continue. "Half of the women tremble in fear when one of us men gets within fifty feet."

Yanis' pupils widen, and he clenches his fists. "We'll gain their trust," he vows.

"Of that, I have no doubt."

"The young heifer, Tara, we brought with us is using her newly acquired skills as a therapist to assist them. When I say new, I mean she's passed one class on the subject. Unless any of you know of a professional heifer who can do better, she's what we have for now."

Takis nods, a thoughtful expression on his face. "She'll do fine. We'll support her. We saw Helios kissed her. It didn't go unnoticed that she didn't carry his scent. She's a good fit to empathize with having a mate, but not having him for reasons that are all her own."

"They need food, clothes, pillows, blankets, cots, and maybe some toys for the children. They live in tents and sleep in the dirt. You can try to gather shoes, but I'm not sure they will wear them."

I try handing them my credit card, which serves as an offense to all the men.

"Do you think we can't provide for our mates and children?" Yanis queries with clear disdain in his tone.

Michail places his hand on Yanis' shoulder and speaks kindlier. "We will return before nightfall with as much as our backs will carry, and we will use our own money."

I raise my hands in surrender. "I meant no offense."

"Are any of the others ill?" Markos inquires with concern.

"Dehydrated and malnourished, but otherwise their physical bodies are well," I reassure the worried men.

"How many women are inside? Will we need to invite any of the unmated females to join our herds?" Yanis inquires.

Others nod.

"Last night, Willow gave us a headcount of how many of you patiently wait. Georgia is the matriarch of these women. Her story is not mine to tell. She's the only one who doesn't hear the ticking of a mate. She's also the only one left from when Emjay lived here. She'll go home with us. She's already agreed. The Fates have granted these women a boon by giving each of them a mate. From what I can tell, though, they each have at least one child and a few are pregnant."

"Those children are our children," Takis declares. His declaration ring with conviction.

Shouts of agreement echo through the mountain air. The determination behind their look is unmistakable.

Dew still shimmers on the blades of grass beneath our feet. A reminder that weeping lasts for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

"We've talked long enough. It's time to make our way for supplies," Michail announces. His tone suggests he's the most dominant bull since Isaak went inside.

As the men prepare to leave, I take a moment to reflect on the challenges ahead. The path to healing will be long and difficult, but with the strength and resolve of these men, faith is stronger than ever. And faith is something we all desperately need.

My plight with Emjay's resistance to allow me to claim her fully is minuscule compared to what these men face.

Once they've all left, I turn to Willow and her husband.

"I've seen that I'm no longer needed. Before I go, I must share with you what I saw when I touched each witch. You will know when the time is right to share my visions with the others."

I gulp. The heavy burden she's trusting me with weighs me down like a yoke across my neck and shoulders.