Page 164 of Dancing for the Minotaur

Cody stared at the horn poking out of the window.

“You look stuck.”

Taurex lifted his chin.

“I am simply experiencing a temporary spatial inconvenience.”

Cody burst out laughing and Terra couldn’t help it—she laughed too. Lisa bounced around giggling madly and the corners of Taurex’s mouth twitched up as though he was on the verge of laughing too.

“Hold still,” she told Taurex, opening the passenger door. “Turn your head a little.”

“I am trying.”

“No, the other way.”

“If I turn the other way, my horn strikes the roof.”

“Okay, then duck.”

“My horns do not duck.”

At this, Lisa giggled so hard she almost fell over.

“Silly Mommy!” she exclaimed. “Horns aren’t ducks!”

It took nearly a full minute of maneuvering before Taurex managed to extract himself from the little car, unfolding upward until he seemed to become twice as large as Terra remembered.

Lisa immediately launched herself at him and Taurex caught her automatically and swung her around as she shrieked happily.

“There you are!” she exclaimed, wrapping both arms around his neck. “We thought you went away forever, Bull-man! We missed you!”

Something flickered across Taurex’s face.

“I had business to attend to,” he said gently. “But I missed you too, Lisa. And you, Cody,” he added, smiling at her son.

“Well, don’t go away again,” Lisa said bossily. “You have to stay around here with us.”

Taurex nodded gravely.

“I shall try to arrange my schedule accordingly.”

Cody came closer more cautiously, but his expression was just as pleased.

“Hey, Taurex.”

“Hello, youngling.”

“Did you really get arrested?”

Terra’s eyes widened.

“Cody!” she exclaimed.

“What? Nana said,” he protested.

Lucy had made it across the yard by then.

“I said no such thing!”