Page 59 of Dancing for the Minotaur

“Oh, I like him.”

Terra groaned softly and put a hand to her forehead.

“Great. I've lost all of you.”

Taurex felt an unfamiliar feeling move through him…warmth and belonging. He had known these people for less than half an hour, and already he understood why the dreams had come. He belonged with Terra and she belonged with him.

He wanted to protect the little boy with the endless questions. He wanted to make the little girl laugh. He wanted to ease the worry in Lucy’s eyes.

And more than anything, he wanted to give Terra the kind of life in which she never again had to wonder whether her children would have enough food or whether her mother’s medication could be paid for.

Terra was still watching him with an expression he couldn’t quite read.

“Ready?” she asked.

Taurex nodded.

“Whenever you are.”

She went back into the house and returned a few minutes later carrying a small rolling suitcase and an overnight bag. Taurex immediately stepped forward and took both from her.

“I can carry those,” she protested.

“I know but an honorable male doesn’t let a woman carry her bags.”

Terra opened her mouth as though she intended to argue, then apparently decided it wasn’t worth the effort.

“Fine. But don’t start treating me like I’m helpless.”

“I would never make such a mistake,” Taurex said. “I know how strong and competent you are.”

That seemed to satisfy her because she smiled and nodded.

Taurex placed her luggage carefully into the shuttle’s rear storage compartment while Terra hugged her children goodbye.

“Behave for Grandma,” she told them.

“We will,” Cody said.

Lisa wrapped both arms around her mother’s waist.

“Bring me something from space.”

Terra laughed.

“I’ll see what I can do.”

Taurex closed the storage compartment and turned back toward the family.

Lucy stepped closer to him.

“Take care of my girl,” she said, pressing his hand.

“I will,” Taurex promised. The words came easily because he meant them with every part of himself.

Lucy studied his face for a moment, then nodded as though she had decided something.

“I believe you.”