Chapter 30

Circe

“What if we get stuck with one of those monsters?” Daphne pushes.

“We won’t,” I say with as much confidence as I can muster.

“How can you be so sure?” Amara whines.

Why do I have to explain everything to these simple-minded fools? “Our biological clocks are ticking. Yes?”

The heifers gathered with me nod.

“That means our mates don’t exist.” They need a reality check.

Well, theirs doesn’t. Mine does. Jayce’s bull spoke to me every time we made love. I don’t understand why he hasn’t claimed me. He’s probably waiting for my clock to tick. I don’t know why it hasn’t. I want children—one day—just not yet.

I continue the pep talk that makes me want to vomit. This situation has given me the opportunity I need to make Jayce see the truth. “Face it. We need a male to impregnate us here and keep us on as a mistress. Otherwise, we’re stuck with a human.” Yuck. I’ll never spread my legs for anything other than a child of a god.

“We’re in no danger. Besides, maybe your mate’s like mine, and he’s afraid to commit.”

“Really, Circe? Who?” Maria says while popping her gum. Gum, I want to rip out of her mouth. Could she get any ruder?

“You’ll see. We’ll prove once and for all that those three heifers don’t belong here with our men.” That wannabe is going to eat my dust when Jayce’s bull shows the entire herd we belong together.

“And what happens if no matches are made? Then what?” One more bubble pop and I’m not responsible for what I do to her.

“Jayce and Damian will go back to fucking us, and surely one of us will get pregnant. Especially if we keep poking holes in their condoms.” Damn Minotaurs and their condoms. I already see the beginning of crow’s feet around my eyes when I look in the mirror. Don’t they understand how important their sperm is if we’re to remain young and beautiful?

Daphne crosses her arms. “I’m not risking it”

“Then what are you doing here? Go. And take anyone else who’s too afraid with you.”

“Do you think Peter and Frank will take part in the claiming?” Evangeline asks.

“Wherever Anjal is, his nephews follow,” I assure her.

“I’m in,” she promises.

Penelope hops up and down. “I’m in too.” She’s the youngest one to come to the meeting. And it shows.

“Fine, okay, I’ll do it,” Maria agrees.

“Me too,” Amara vows.

All the rest follow Daphne out the door. Good riddance—they’ll all end up with humans. And Jayce and I can finally start our happily ever after.