Chapter 8

Jayce

I’m itching to slip my arm around Shay’s shoulders as we stand close to one another, waiting for the eclipse.

She looks adorable in her protective glasses, which keep slipping down her tiny nose. Each time she pushes them back in place with a huff, I snicker under my breath.

I agree with her lack of enthusiasm for the historical event. I volunteered to drive once I heard about the trip and who all would be going. It’s my sneaky way of planting myself in Shay’s life.

Anticipation hangs in the air. The crowd of people eagerly awaits the last eclipse in their lifetime visible on this continent.

We watch the moon begin its slow journey across the sun, and a sudden sense of foreboding washes over me. My instincts scream danger. The eclipse matters no more as I look toward Anjal. He senses it, too.

Without hesitation, I sweep Shay up into my arms, taking her by surprise. She squeals but doesn’t complain. Maybe she senses the danger as well. There’s no time to explain. I scan my surroundings for any sign of threat.

Anjal has Priscilla in his arms.

We place them both in the truck for safety. I hold Shay’s face in the palm of my hands and look her in the eyes. “Shay, I need you to trust me. Stay inside and lock the doors. Don’t come out. No matter what.”

I don’t wait for her agreement and shut the door with her tucked safely away.

The presence of other Minotaurs nearby heightens my unease. In the distance, their looming figures cast ominous shadows over the crowd.

Anjal and I debate the merits of confrontation or hopping in the truck with the women and racing away.

Before we can decide, a lone Minotaur emerges from the shadows. He’s cloaked in an aura of malevolence.

His very nature drips with malice. Shivers run down my spine. Fear doesn’t come often to me, but when my mate’s at risk, my worst nightmares run through my imagination.

With Anjal by my side, we move into a defensive stance, ready to protect our mates at any cost. Even if it means shifting in front of humans.

The Minotaur stands in front of me, looking past me toward the girls. “Their father will be pleased. He’s been looking for them for over thirty years. We’ll take them off your hands now.”

“No one is going anywhere with you.” I say through a jaw clenched so tightly my tooth cracks. It will heal the next time I shift.

“One of them is my betrothed, so yes, they are going with us,” he insists. The sour tang of stale alcohol mingled with the acrid scent of cigarette smoke clings to the delusional man’s clothes.

The hint of unwashed sweat and an underlying odor of anger and aggression linger like a foul cloud.

I wouldn’t let any of the heifers from our herd near this man.

My stomach turns over the misplaced dominance and control coming from our newest enemy.

“The descendants of Helios don’t promise their children to strangers,” I remind him.

“This herd does, and one of them is mine.” I resist the shiver down my spine his tone commands.

Our bulls force a piece of themselves to the surface at the threat of another Minotaur trying to take our mates.

“Neither of us cares about the consequences of letting our bulls fully shift in front of this mass of humans and killing you where you stand. Are you prepared to do the same?” Anjal threatens before I can.

I half shift my face while those around us remain distracted by the moon eclipsing the sun.

The coward takes a step back. “This isn’t over.”

I wish it were, but I know he’s speaking the truth. They’ll come for Shay and Priscilla.

Neither of us waits for him to slink away before we hop in the truck.

I resist the temptation to drive away without delay. We have a better chance of getting far from them in the traffic.

Priscilla curls into Anjal’s arms. Shay turns to me. “We heard every word, so don’t you dare try to pretend like that was nothing.”

I hadn’t considered hiding the truth from either of them. They need to know what’s coming.

I run my hands through my hair.

“We’ll wait for others to leave, and hopefully they won’t be able to follow us. They’ll know we’re from Louisiana because of my license plate, but it’s a big state. They’ll call your father, who will tear the state apart looking for you.”

“Does that mean he didn’t abandon us?” Shay quietly asks.

I reach for her hand. She doesn’t pull away. “That’s what is sounds like, but it also seems like you’re better off that he didn’t raise you.”

“What about our mother?”

“I know you have questions. More questions than you had before, but we can’t seek the answers. Not alone. I’ve never heard of a Minotaur ever promising their child to another. It would never work. The mating call wouldn’t allow it. That’s not a herd you’ll ever be safe in.”

“What are we going to do?” Priscilla asks from the back seat.

How do we answer her? I don’t know myself. Anjal pulls her tighter against him.

The masses pull away. I start the truck and merge in between the cars. Anjal and I both watch the Jeep the other Minotaur climbed into.

I’ll drive the entire country before I lead them to our labyrinth.