Chapter 31

Jayce

Shay never came home last night. I ached to go after her, but what if I made things worse by not giving her space? If only I had a manual. A how-to guide on handling human females. Even though she’s biologically a heifer—her human upbringing dictates her emotions and actions.

I look around the clearing for a glimpse of Shay. I assumed she went to Priscilla’s after she ran out. Only Anjal and his mate show up without her.

The eyes staring into the back of my head send a shiver down my spine. When I don’t turn to look at Circe, she runs her fake nails up my arm. “You came alone?” she hisses.

“Just because he walked here alone doesn’t mean he is alone.” Shay hip butts Circe away before she can connect with my body.

Circe balls her fists. “When the mating ceremony brands Jayce to me, the first thing I will demand is your removal from this herd.”

Shay faces me, rises on her toes, and slips her tongue into my willing mouth. I’m more eager to have my mate’s arms around me, her hands on my body, and her lips on mine than I am concerned with Circe’s misguided antics for my heart.

Lucas clears his throat, bringing everyone’s attention toward him. The crowd is smaller this evening. Children, the elders, and mated couples who won’t take part in the challenge remained home.

It’s also clear with the lack of attendance, a better idea didn’t surface.

“Are there any new ideas today?” Lucas asks those who came to support us.

“Plan A is a solid plan?” Circe says.

“Christos, were you not able to talk sense into your daughter?” Lucas asks.

Her patér shakes his head as if defeated.

Sometimes freewill seems more like a curse than a blessing.

“And all of you will submit to this other herd for the ritual?”

“The others changed their mind. It’s just the five of us,” Circe informs everyone.

Penelope and Evangeline are younger. They’d only recently started showing up at Twins looking for a good time. I’m pretty sure Evangeline settled for a night with me when Frank turned her down.

“I offer one more plea to change your mind, ladies. We will find another way.”

Circe shrugs. “How do we even know this Emjay is telling the truth? What proof has she given us?”

Emjay races toward the middle of the crowd. “Proof! You want proof!” She rips her shirt in two before pulling it off and tossing it to the ground. “This is your proof.”

She holds her arms out and slowly turns, giving each of us time to gaze upon the scars covering her back, her chest, and her arms. We’ve all already seen the one on her face.

“Have you seen enough?!” Damian roars before slipping the shirt he removed from his back over her head.

Amara and Maria take off running for their homes.

Circe holds her head up. “We’re in.”

“I can’t help but think your motivation is misguided, Circe, and that you’re bringing your friends down with you.”

“We know what we’re doing.”

Lucas shakes his head. If only we operated under an alpha like a wolf pack, but we don’t. Circe, Penelope, and Evangeline are free to make this decision.

“Atticus met with his son Jayce this afternoon. Together, they inscribed our request. Atticus, my friend, will you read it aloud?”

“Under the ancient traditions of our people, we request the honor of your presence for a mating ceremony of your daughters whom you seek. In exchange, we offer our own daughters for ceremony. In the event that a mating is confirmed, the male will join the female’s herd. Twelve males per herd, no more—no less. Three females per herd—no more—no less. In the event that a mating is confirmed and another male contests the mating, he may challenge her mate. The loser will yield or forfeit his life. The ritual is set for two nights from tonight after the sun goes down in the abandoned Jazzland. All parties will accept matings confirmed by Helios himself.”

“Any objections or suggestions?” Lucas asks.

When no one offers any other ideas, Lucas lights the invitation on fire while saying a prayer. “Helios, our patér, direct its path that it might land where intended.”