The Minotaur's Prey: Dirty Monster Mates Book 1

Chapter 11

A/N: Video by Heartbeats

     The trip seemed to take forever. I was so happy when we finally stopped for another break after at least five hours of traveling lugged over the beast's shoulder, but, hey, at least my head was not hanging over this time. Still, I took in a deep, relaxing breath as I watched the beautiful colors of the sun setting in the sky, wishing we could still enjoy the beauty without being terrified. "We have just a little time before the sun completely sets. We must find shelter." I did not know why he was so nervous about other monsters. There were not any around, and I had not sensed one for a couple of hours back.

"Why are you so worried? Are there any other monsters here?" With a tired look on his face, Xorn replied, "No. We lost the last one a state back, but that does not mean that more will not come. All that they need is one sign of a human and they pounce. You will have to find a human to provide us shelter. That way the others will not be able to enter if they were to come." He really was going nuts. How was I supposed to convince someone to let a six-and-a-half-foot beast into their home? "I will turn back into my shadow form so they will only see you."

"Are you reading my mind, Bull-boy." I asked. "No. Just from the look on your face, I could guess what you were thinking. Now come on we do not have much more time." We looked everywhere for signs of other humans. Just when I thought there was no hope, we came across a small, pitiful building with boards for windows and severely chipped paint. From first glance, you would not think anyone live there, but I we stepped closer, we heard a family, quietly eating dinner. I really hated the idea of tricking anyone, especially letting a beast into their home, but I was tired and starving. Having no other choice, I lightly knocked at the door, and everything went quiet. I heard a chair squeak across the floor, and footsteps approaching, causing Xorn to once again confine himself to the shadows.

A peephole opened in the door, and I could feel the anxious stare from whomever was on the other side. I did not blame them. I would be cautious too. Truth was, I normally was careful. That was until I became the minotaur's prey, letting him in on my own accord. Did I ever really have a choice in the matter? Probably not. The door cracked, and I saw an older woman standing there. "What do you want?", she asked me in a crass tone. "I was wondering if you happened to have somewhere I could stay for the night. I have been traveling all day long and could really use a break."

The lady scoffed at me, and I thought surely, I would be turned away, until a younger lady appeared. "Ignore my mother, Alma. She trusts no one, and mostly with good reason. My name is Alice, and we would be honored to put you up for the night." The woman was right not to trust so easily, and I hoped no harm would come to them because of me. I was selfish as I took their hospitality, even tricking them to allow Xorn into their home. I felt horrible, but I did not know what else to do. I needed him, not just my sanity counted on it, but so did my survival.

"Thank you so much. I'm Maggie and I've traveled a long ways from here, trying to escape the monsters crowding my old city. I lost my friend, Xorn, on the way here. Is it possible for him to stay, if he shows up? I would be so helpless without him?" There it was. I found the demon minotaur a way in. I just hoped I would not regret it. "Of course. I hope he comes soon. Not much luck for anyone left in the dark." I thanked Alice; she truly was a godsend. Not too many people left in our cruel world were as selfless as she.

The male stayed hidden. He stuck to his shadow as I shared a meal with the small female of three: Alma, Alice, and Alice's daughter June. They fed me the most amazing fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans I had ever eaten, and I thanked my lucky stars that with everything else going wrong in the world, we still had food. "Thank you again. I do not know what I would have done if you hadn't welcomed me. I am grateful for this delicious meal as well." Alma still gave me the stink eye, but Alice was immensely cheerful. "You are most welcome. We do not see many others around here anymore. I am just happy we could help someone."

As we ate, Alice told me of her late husband and father, and how they had died trying to help someone else during a monster attack. I immediately felt worse, sick to my stomach, over how I invited one in right under their noses, while they were forced to watch one tear their loved ones, limb for limb. No wonder Alma trusted no one. Trusting others got you killed.

"I am very sorry for your loss. I have been by myself for a few years since I lost my mother to Pneumonia. I know how hard it must be for you all." I could relate to their troubles. I had lost everything in the blink of an eye. I hoped I would not bring more destruction into their lives. I made up my mind. I would leave as soon as possible. I refused to bring harm to anyone because of my own decisions. Thanking them once more, I followed as Alice brought me to a small room with an even smaller bed. It would have to do. Beggars could not be choosers. Showing me to her restroom, she gave me towels and left me to clean myself.

I stepped under the hot spray and let the warm water cascade down my naked body. Even though I had not walked at all, I felt as if I had run a marathon. My muscles ached with tension. I felt him before I saw him. His invisible presence already soothing my pains and worries. Then he appeared to me as masculine and majestic as ever with a look I had never seen on any monster, one of care and worry, plastered on his face. Once more he gently cleaned me, showering me with an affectionate, tender touch unlike like ever before. Though my body lit up at his touch, there was no funny business. I wanted him to bring me to completion like before. I whined and begged for, but still he refused me. "Not tonight, sweet Maggie." Was the last thing he spoke to me before I once again crashed.

A/N: Thoughts? Hope you enjoyed these two chapters! I will not be updating tomorrow since I will be spending time with my mom for her birthday. I hope you all have a great week!