Page 2 of The Bull's Beauty
Still, nothing. I shove his chest, and it’s like pushing against a boulder.
“Go ahead,” I snarl. “Tell me!”
His nostrils flare, just a little, and I shove him again. “Come on! Don’t hold it back!”
“I’m not,” he says at last, in his smooth, deep voice. “You want to be angry? Be angry.”
I frown. I wasn’t expecting that. Most people either pity me or tiptoe around like I might explode if they say the wrong thing…and they’re usually right to.
“I don’t need your permission!” I say coldly, and I try to turn, try to leave, but I don’t make it two steps. His arm shoots out, and suddenly I’m between them, pinned gently but firmly to the wall.
I gasp in surprise. He’s way too close. I should absolutely kick him in the cock. But then he leans in, and his scent is smoke, earth, leather, and rain, and my brain short-circuits like a fool.
“You don’t scare me,” I hiss, even though my pulse is thundering in my throat.
“I know,” he responds quietly, almost amused.
Our eyes lock, and for one long, strange moment, the world goes still. Then he steps back, releases me, and turns away without another word, leaving me standing there, shaking, flushed, furious.
And confused as all hell.
Chapter Two
Beatrice
The stronghold is a whirlwind of commotion for the next few days. Half the warriors are going to the southern tribe with Dakar and Maeve for Garron’s mating ceremony with Bridget. Garron is the visiting commander from a neighboring tribe, and Bridget being the bitchy Hucow from Blackhorn who’s been bragging about this for weeks. How romantic.
I smirk, but it fades almost instantly. My plan to mate those two worked; Bridget won’t mess with Annie ever again. Thank the Gods, because I won’t be around much longer to keep watching her back.
Annie’s too sweet for this world. She sees the good in everyone—even me. I used to think that made her weak, but now I’m starting to think it’s the strongest thing about her.
At least she has Fenric now. Although that big blonde idiot might strut around like a preening peacock, he’d take a blade to the chest if it meant keeping her safe. He’s obnoxious, but at least he’s loyal.
Honestly, that’s good enough for me.
I wish I could be happier for my friends. I really do. Since I lashed out at Maeve, I have been avoiding her, and the truth is, it’s eating at me. Hurting people I care about is the worst habit I have, but I am damn good at it.
They’ll be better off without me anyway. Which is why I’m going to slip away while everyone’s too busy preparing to leave for the mating ceremony. Half the warriors are leaving, more than half, actually, which means the guard will be thinner than ever. Silas, of course, is staying behind in Dakar’s stead. He is the one I need to watch out for. Not because he’ll care that I’m gone, just because he noticeseverything.
So I keep my head down and stick to my chores. People say all kinds of stupid things around the help. So I sweep the halls, scrub blood off their sparring blades, haul water, smile politely, I listen, and I learn.
Every hallway, every tunnel, every weapons cache, I store it all in my head. And today, the Gods must be feeling generous, because the war room door is cracked open for the first time ever. Perfect. I quickly slip inside before anyone comes into the hall.
There’s a massive oak table ringed with chairs that look like they were carved for giants. Well, I guess the Minotaurs are giant in comparison to human males.
Maps and parchment are scattered across the surface, but it’s the one stretched across the back wall that grabs my attention. It’s huge and intricately detailed. I have never seen a map like it.
I had no idea the world was so big.
I mean, obviously, I knew it didn’t end at Havenmoor’s fences…butthis? No one ever taught us about any of this. Why would they waste time teaching Hucows geography?
I step closer, eyes skimming across strange lands and coastlines. There are entire regions I’ve never even heard of. Orc tribes. A place marked as Velhara Plains, with a sketch of a Centaur. And okay, what in the actual hells… is that a fucking dragon in the mountains?
Apparently, dragons are real. Good to know.
My chest tightens, and part of me, the part that’s been locked up and lied to my whole life, is aching to see it. To run headfirst into the world and not look back.
Then, I spot what I’m looking for.
