Page 5 of Breeding Season
A black and white spotted bull stepped onto the stone. His size was larger than the brothers’. My next opponent didn’t charge me right away, and I watched as he neared. He lowered, eyes on me as he braced to charge. He bucked his head upward, his horns pointed to the sky with each step. I matched his stance, looking down at him as he readied. I exhaled, steam shot out from my nares, and I waited. There was no need to charge. He’d come first. And he did. His steps quickened, his horns swooped up as he lifted off the ground. I bucked and did the same as he came down, impaling his chest on my horns. He cried out, but his claws dug into my back. His fight was useless now that I had him. He fell on me, impaling himself as I lifted my horns. His blood rained down on me, the taste of victory oozed into my maw. A few more times and his body went limp. I chucked him off, and he crashed to the floor with a thud.
I stood up, turning toward the Minotaurs who remained standing. Three down, but I’d kill anyone who tried to claim what was mine. When no one charged me right away, I glanced over my shoulder. The female was pressed up against the dais now, her eyes on the loser. I snorted, and her gaze rolled to me.
“Eyes onme,” I growled. Her attention was mine.
Her lips parted, and I turned away as hooves beat against stone. The pressure of her eyes burned into my freshly torn back as horns pierced flesh. My hands gripped bone, and I pushedforward, pulling the tips from my skin. A dark brown bull, young and foolish. Our kind couldn’t afford more deaths, but disobedience couldn’t be permitted. My position could not be questioned.
I stretched his horns, the bone splintering and cracking as I split his scalp in half. A cry rang out as I ripped him down the middle. Blood, bone, brain, and guts splattered and returned to the ground. He slumped, and I released him.
When I turned to the Minotaurs, their knees hit the floor, heads bowed. I’d won, secured their respect, and reinforced my position. When the previous Taur stood in my place, almost half the men had challenged him. Today, only four came at me. My reign was strong. I dismissed them and stalked toward my prize.
Her body trembled as I neared. The sound of her rushed breathing reached my ears as Jox, my lead Herder’s scent, approached the first body.
“Leave them,” I grunted. I didn’t need to look to know he obeyed. My focus didn’t waiver. My hand shot out for her, and she flinched back. She was right to be afraid. I grabbed her chain and pulled. She followed me up the dais, or tried. Her legs shook, and she fell. When she failed to rise quickly, I wrapped my arm around her waist and carried her up. As we reached the top, I sat on my throne and placed her on my lap.
She moved to get off, but I tightened my grip. She would sit.
Jox grabbed the next female, and my mate straightened on my lap. I glanced at her, watching as she leaned forward. My eyes returned to the offering. She didn’t appeal to me, but if Mát wanted her, she’d have her.
“K’onn.” Jox’s brows raised, and then he bowed his head. My female’s shoulders relaxed as the woman was dragged to stand by the other. As the offerings were presented one by one, they were all labeled Sark. Other than the K’onn, they would be usedfor whatever purposes my men chose. Be it breeding or food. It didn’t matter to me. They weren’t mine.
I drummed my fingers on the armrest as it came to an end. I was now expected to breed my Mát publicly like every Taur before me. That wouldn’t be happening tonight. I stood to my feet, holding her at my side as I made my way down. I would take her in my chambers without prying eyes. As I walked off the stone, Jox’s voice rang out.
“Sire, the ritual must be completed.” I turned my head toward him, but his eyes were downcast.
“Who is Taur, Jox?” I asked, my voice calm, controlled. He was my most loyal subject.
“You are Taur, Lord of the Herd.” If he lowered his head anymore, he’d kiss the stone.
“I’ll complete the ritual. When and where I choose to,” I growled, glaring at the other Minotaurs, the ones who weren’t already breeding.
“Yes, Taur,” Jox responded. “Would you like the K’onn brought to your chambers?”
“No,” I threw over my shoulder before walking off the platform.
The cries and screams resumed as the Minotaurs grabbed women.
“What’s going to happen to the K’onn?” Mát asked from where she was tucked into my side. I ignored her as I continued. I would not be answering questions tonight.
“I know you heard me,” she huffed. Still, I didn’t answer.
We walked in silence for a couple of minutes. They found her, and I was going to make her mine. I wasn’t paying attention to her, didn’t see the plan she was concocting. A sharp jab beneath my ribs gave her an opening to wriggle free.
I threw my head back and laughed. The need to pin her down and fuck her until she couldn’t run away rushed through me.
Two steps and I had her by the neck. I threw her over my shoulder as she pounded her fists into my bleeding back.
“You pig! Let me go!” she screeched as I held her in place.
“Not a pig,” I scoffed as she writhed.
“Oh,nowyou speak,” she groaned. Her body slumped when she couldn’t break free.
“What’s going to happen to the K’onn?” she asked, the word awkward on her tongue.
“You haven’t done anything to earn answers.” She huffed at my response, and I knew irritating her was a new favorite thing of mine.
“What do you want?” Mát asked, her voice quiet.
