“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.
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.