Free Zeus (Taken by Olympus Book 1) by Celia Aaron Page A

that’s the highest praise a man can get from a vet.” He smiled, kind wrinkles around his eyes.
    The distinct smell of rain cut through the air. I needed to get on the road before I got stuck out here for the night.
    “I think my work here is done.” I hefted my pack.
    Hank settled his hat back over his salt and pepper hair. “Thanks, Doc. I appreciate you coming on out here. Can I interest you in dinner? Lina’s frying up some chicken.”
    “Yeah, you should stay.” Dean offered to carry my bag.
    I shook my head. “I’ve got it.” I had to stand on my own two feet. Vets were mostly men, especially ones in my specialty. Carrying my own bag and doing my own heavy lifting was part of the job, especially if I wanted to make inroads with some of the more old fashioned farmers in the region.
    Dean gave a heart-stopping grin and dropped his proffered hands. “Well, if you won’t let me help you, you could at least stay for dinner.”
    I could have stayed, but the lightning in the distance told me my time was up.
    “Maybe next time. I have to get back.” I strode back toward my Jeep.
    Dean opened the door for me and I tossed my bag in.
    “Thanks again, Doc.” Hank tipped his hat and left to tend to Lefty.
    I climbed up and started the engine just as a particularly bright flash of lightning streaked across the sky.
    “Be careful out there, Tara. Come on back if it gets bad.” Dean closed my door and rested his arm on the open window. He stared at me for a beat too long, causing warmth to creep from my collar and stain my cheeks. He was expectant, as if he thought I’d change my mind.
    What was I supposed to say? I had no real experience with men. I’d never been popular in high school – too busy looking after animals and volunteering at shelters. In college, I was completely focused on getting my veterinary degree and getting out so I could do some good. I was the youngest graduate my veterinary school ever had. I never made time for men. I never even had a boyfriend.
    When I didn’t say anything, Dean laughed and backed up a step. “See you around, Tara.”
    I got the feeling from the way he said it that I’d be seeing him sooner rather than later.
    “Okay. Yeah. See you soon.” I reversed away from the barn and headed down the dirt lane. I watched him in my rear view mirror, his lanky frame enticing even as I fled. I ripped my gaze forward, focusing on getting out of the dirt lane in one piece.
    The fields of corn swayed on either side, the wind making them dance. I flipped on my headlights as the darkening clouds turned the afternoon into twilight. I stepped on the gas, trying to make it to the paved county highway before the bottom dropped out.
    Lightning struck all around, electricity crackling in the air. I floored it, bouncing along the dirt road so hard my teeth chattered. I had less than a mile to go when a huge blast of lightning rent the sky directly in front of me and blinded me for a second.
    When I could see again, a huge bull stood in the road ahead of me. I slammed on the brakes, skidding to a halt only a few paces from him. It was the largest bull I’d ever seen, and its enormous horns glinted, as if someone had dipped them in molten gold. He was a tan color with a diamond on his chest of the purest white.
    He didn’t move, simply faced my car and watched as I skidded toward him. He was huge, proud, beautiful beyond all reckoning. He was also lost. I knew Hank Sullivan’s bull, Danny, and he was nothing like the animal in the roadway. I couldn’t imagine who would own a bull with gilded horns. He was completely out of place in this area. Maybe he’d escaped from a travel trailer?
    He remained still. I was almost glad. I wanted a closer look. I unbuckled my seatbelt and opened my door. I slid out and left my door open in case he decided I was a threat. Getting gored by a golden bull wasn’t on my to-do list for the day.
    Lightning still crackled all around, the sky brightening with