Page 11 of Wed to the Bullman

“It feels like we can never relax around here.” Auryn’s brow furrows as she scoops up Dario.

“What are we going to do?” Agnes puts her hand on my hip, showing I mean business.

“We? You are a fragile human. You will stay out of our way while we deal with these bandits.” My mate thinks she can handle the likes of the bandits, and she’s dead wrong.

Auryn shoots me a disapproving look. I take my place by Agnes at the table as we prepare for the meal. Agnes dominates the conversation as they talk about ranch life and what she’ll do on ours.

“You’ll keep the home, cook, garden, and give birth to my babies.” I say it, hoping she’ll heed it.

“I’m not your prisoner. I thought being married would mean I’d have the freedom to go outside and do things. Not the same things I did back home.” Agnes glares at me. Then she looks at Auryn. “See what I mean?” She rises and leaves the table.

“I got this.” Vrakius goes after her.

Auryn steps to me and nods for the door. I follow her. She whips around on me, her hand on her hip, and a sour expression on her face.

“My little sister isn’t too happy. Vozak, what have you done to her?” The accusatory tone angers me.

“I’ve done nothing to hurt her, if that’s what you mean. She’s had a smile on her face; I know how to please a human female.” My arms cross over my chest.

“Have you told her you love her?” Her head shakes.

“Love her? We just met.”

“You mated, right?”

I chuckle. Sarcasm comes across nicely. “Of course, we did.”

“Clearly, you and Vrakius are vastly different.”

“If you are implying that I should be just like my older brother, I am sorry. I am me, not him. And if Agnes has a problem with me, then she needs to tell me, not you.”

“Look, Vozak, the comparison she’s making with your relationship is by what Vrakius and I have. Obviously, you aren’t the same as him. I’m hoping you’ll give my sister a chance. She’s more than just a mate, someone to bear your children. She has hopes and dreams and wants the love story too.”

I gaze at Auryn. “I don’t know what a love story is or how to give one. Remember, I come from Tariat, and I only know what I’ve seen there between minotaurs.”

“Listen, Vozak, just be her friend. Include her in your day. Let her be your partner, and she’ll find her way into your life. That’s what she wants more than anything else.”

I sit on the stool, feeling defeated. “I guess I don’t know how to do that.”

Auryn, always sweet, pats my shoulders. “Just pretend Agnes is like Vrakius in the respect that you talk with him and work with him. I know she can’t lift heavy bales of hay, but she’s resourceful. I promise if you do this, she’ll be your most loyal friend. And bonus, she’s your wife and lover.”

“Lover. It’s just called mate on Tariat.”

“This is Alia Terra. Humans have lovers, those who extend their affections beyond the mating. She needs to learn patience with you. It’s a process. And she’s filled her head with romance novels from our old library back home.”

I nod. “Yes, I hear you, and I will try. Honesty, I fully believe Agnes is my one. I have a lot of Tariat in me, and the minotaur way is vastly different there than it is here. I keep reminding myself she’s a fragile human and not a hearty female minotaur. She and I are both figuring this out.”

“Just figure it out together. Let her work by your side, and you help with the domestic duties. There was a time women played larger roles in everything before the fall. We were reduced to the edges of society when the aliens landed.”

“We’re all trying together. I better get back to my lovely mate.”

“That’s what I’m talking about.” Auryn smiles warmly as I walk out of the kitchen to find her.

I grab Agnes’ hand, and she looks up at me surprised. “We should get back home. It’s getting late, and we’ve had a couple of busy days. Tomorrow I will show you how to do tasks on the ranch with me.”

“Really?” Her face stretches into a bright smile, beautifully.

My heart truly beats happier with her by my side. I need to learn how to express it. I want her to be happy.

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