Page 6 of Witch Bound and Down

Chapter 2

Bullseye

Bullseye adjusted his rearview mirror one last time and watched the empty highway where Snowman's white 18-wheeler had disappeared twenty minutes ago. The yeti's custom rig had been gleaming like fresh powder in the Arizona sun when he'd pulled out, exhaust stacks puffing crystalline snow as he headed west toward Los Angeles.

Bullseye picked up his CB radio. "Breaker one-nine, this is Bullseye checking in with Snowman. You copy?"

Snowman's voice crackled back through the speaker, now with the distinct sound of highway noise in the background. "That's a big 10-4, Bullseye. Just hit the interstate and I'm westbound and down. You about ready to start that interference run?"

"Roger that. Just topping off the tank, then I'll scout ahead and see what kind of heat we're dealing with," Bullseye replied, watching the fuel gauge creep toward full. The truck stop's magical pumps were slower than regular gas, but the enhanced fuel was worth it for the extra performance.

He was pulling away from the pump when something white and frothy exploded out of the Enchanted Events wedding venue across the street. A woman in what appeared to be a wedding dress was running directly toward him.

"Well, I'll be damned. Is that a runaway bride?" Bullseye drawled, easing off the gas to get a better look. "And here I thought this was gonna be a boring Tuesday."

The woman—witch, his enhanced senses told him immediately—didn't slow down. She vaulted onto the Trans Am's hood while he was still rolling slowly through the parking lot, her boots finding purchase on the paint job he'd spent three weeks perfecting. Her bridal veil caught in the wind, flowing around her like white silk magic.

Through the windshield, he found himself staring into the most gorgeous pair of green eyes he'd ever seen. They were the color of deep forest magic, flecked with gold that seemed to swirl and dance. The moment their gazes met, something fundamental shifted in Bullseye's chest—like getting sucker-punched by destiny itself.

Son of a bitch.His minotaur heritage kicked into high gear, flooding his system with protective instincts that made his hands tighten on the steering wheel. This wasn't just some random witch having a bad day. This washiswitch, and every cell in his body knew it.

"Uh, little help here?" she called out, her voice slightly breathless. A small green frog sat on her shoulder, looking about as thrilled with the situation as a cat in a dog show.

The sound of her voice sent heat racing through his veins. Even through the windshield, he could catch her scent—wildflowers and magic and something that made his minotaur side sit up and take notice in a big way.

Sheriff Lawman had spotted them, his eyes locking onto Hazel before shifting to Bullseye. The bear's expression went from furious to confused, and Bullseye realized the sheriff could probably smell the mating bond forming between them.

"You there!" the sheriff's voice carried across the parking lot like a foghorn. "In the black Trans Am! You're interfering with official police business!"

"Interfering?" Bullseye called back, though he was more focused on the way Hazel's magic was reaching toward his like iron filings to a magnet. "Hell, Sheriff, she jumped on my car!"

"I prefer 'strategically relocated,'" Hazel said, sliding down from the hood and yanking open the passenger door. Her veil caught on the door frame, and she tugged it free with the impatience of a woman who'd had enough of wedding nonsense for one day. "And you really should get us out of here. He'll arrest you for breathing wrong and then charge you extra for the privilege."

The moment she slid into his passenger seat, Bullseye's world shifted into sharp focus. Her scent hit him full force—that intoxicating blend that made his mouth water and his minotaur side rumble with satisfaction. The mating bond snapped into place like a perfectly timed gear shift, and suddenly he could feel her emotions mixing with his own.

She was scared, determined, and running from something. His mate needed protection. Game over.

His CB radio crackled to life. "Breaker, Bullseye, this is Snowman. Just heard some chatter about a disturbance near your location. You got yourself a situation there, good buddy?"

"That's a big 10-4, Snowman," Bullseye replied, his voice steady despite the fact that his entire life had just changed. "Got myself a runaway bride and what looks like half the county's finest wanting to discuss it with me. You just keep that ice wagon rolling toward our appointment."

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