Page 12 of Damian

He tossed his head back and laughed. Offended, I shoved him backward.

I took off away from him. He chased after me. In a stealth move, his hand grabbed my wrist and twirled me around into his chest. My nose is planted directly in his breastbone. Unable to resist the need to soak up his woodsy scent, my inner heifer basked in the aroma of our mate. If she had control, I know she’d have nuzzled our head against him.

“Emjay, we both know that when you’re ready and we consummate our mating, you’ll return to your demigod state.”

I forced myself to look up at him. “You can’t know that for certain. We know what happens when we forsake the bull for a human, but how many heifers grow old and return to a bull?”

His face became serious at the mention of human men.

“Have you loved another?” his voice cracked.

“I’ve never given my heart to anyone. Please, leave it at that.”

“For now. But one day, you will have to let me in all the way. Spending our lives guessing about your past won’t do us any good. It could cause a rift, more so than the truth. Whatever it may be.”

“Jayce, park there,” I instruct him abruptly.

While there is room for one vehicle outside the path to the labyrinth, I don’t know how long we will remain in the portal. I don’t want to risk the authorities towing the van.

I don’t recollect his name, but one of Anjal’s nephews rubs his chest. I remember that feeling. Even though I only experienced it for a few hours, the memory never faded. While I hear my mate’s call constantly, my chest doesn’t burn with Damian nearby.

I commend the young bull for his patience. He could have easily taken off without us to claim her.

I fear there are other bulls in the labyrinth, keeping the heifers from leaving. At least one. How else would they keep the women from running away while the men went to the ceremony?

When I left there were only twelve, but more than those twelve showed up for the mating ceremony. How many strong are they?

Including myself and Damian, there’s eleven of us on this journey. The witch and her husband. I’m thankful to have her with us, but I’m terrified for her. I’ve seen what my people do to her kind.

My daughters and their mates came at my request. My heart anticipates the start of healing will take place on this journey.

Anjal’s nephews volunteered. I’ve heard the talk that they are always around when their uncle needs help. One clearly has his own motive for coming that he hasn’t announced to any of us. That I know of.

The last member of our group—Tara. She showed up unexpectedly before Damian’s arrival this morning. I overheard her telling Priscilla and Shay that she needed to get away from Nikolaos for a bit. I know the two are mates because I witnessed Helios mark them at the ceremony. My nose tells me I’m not the only one who hasn’t consummated the mate bond. It’s none of my business, and I have bigger issues on my mind.

I lead the way. Damian remains by my side. And the young bull heading to find his mate is on my heels.

The side of the winding road through the mountains leads us to an overgrown, abandoned path. Everyone follows me where we encounter a rusted cattle gate across the road. A faded “No Trespassing” sign is nailed to the rod.

Unfazed by the sign, we straddle the bar one at a time and cross into the dense forest. “No Smoking,” and “Bear Warning” signs lead the way.

A river gently flows on the right, and to the left, the majestic Yonah Mountains loom over us like a covering of protection.

In the distance, the roar of a waterfall echoes through the air.

The start of our journey was clear and easy to navigate. As if many wanderers still walk along the manmade path.

About half a mile into our journey, the path transforms into a field of tangled thorns, blackberries, vines, poison ivy, and weeds. This same field tore the bottom of my skirt as I made my way to safety all those years ago.

A few of the girls wince as the undergrowth snags their skin and clothes. With my focus forward, I’m not sure who made the noise.

Our group journeys silently. Maybe taking in the beauty around us or pondering what we may find when we arrive.

A stream awaits beyond the field. Damian offers me his shoulder while I remove my socks and shoes. I wade through the water across the smooth rocks.

On the other side, I sit to put my footwear back on while the rest join me.

Another path littered with fallen trees emerges before us as we walk uphill. We’re forced to clamber over and duck under the obstacles.

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