Free Mated to the Jaguars - Paranormal M/F/M Menage by Yamila Abraham Page B

he drew their symbol, the symbol for the jaguar, in blocky Mayan style.   Next he drew a stylized bird, then a monkey, then a woman.   He continued drawing runes Michelle recognized from the books of the B’alam until he finished with a man on the last sheet.   Votan arranged them in a circle around the couch and armchair in the living room.   When he placed the final sheet a golden ring of light appeared, uniting each drawing, then rising upwards in a flash.  
    Max stepped into the ring of papers without pausing.   Michelle took longer to move.   Magic was still amazing to her.
    She entered the ring, careful not to disturb the papers.   When she perched on the couch, Max sat next to her before Votan could claim the spot.   Her larger mate lowered onto the armchair before them.   She could see Max was annoyed.   He cleared his throat before speaking in an even tone.
    “All right.   Are we good now?”
    “Yes,” Votan said.
    “Look, it was as I was saying.   I don’t like this situation any more than you do, but today I realized the thought of you being with Michelle wasn’t devastating to me.   I don’t know why that is, but I accept it.   I want to make this thing work for Michelle’s sake.”
    She took his hand.   His yellow eyes lingered on hers or a moment of sweetness before once again facing the stony glare of Votan.  
    “That’s not what we need to talk about.”   The words were measured, as though he teetered on the brink of rage.
    Max’s brow rose.
    “Caquix is in the mortal world.”
    She saw the color slowly drain from Max’s face.   Harrowing realization was settling over him the same way it had her.   Things were becoming clearer, but far darker than they’d realized.
    “Yes.   He…was in the square in front of my building.”
    “And he was in the underworld, just now, dragging Ixchel there with him, and putting his hands on her body.”
    Max looked at her with parted lips.   “What?   What did he do to you?”
    Shame bubbled up again, but not as severe as before.   She dredged up some mettle.  
    “The creep rubbed his hand between my legs—stripped me…”
    “He what?”   Maximon’s voice rose to a shout at once.   “I’ll kill him!”  
    Michelle hugged her arms around herself.  
    Max’s warm arm came around her shoulders.   He pulled her against his side, bridging the small gap she’d left for Votan’s sake.   “I’m sorry, Michelle.”
    “I’ll be fine.   I just…I never want to be at his mercy again.   He had me tied up.”
    “If he does this again take your jaguar form at once,” Votan said.   “It will restore your magic.   You can escape his realm.”
    She nodded.
    “You said he was in the mortal world as though that was something unusual,” Max said.
    “Of course it is.”   Venom came with every word he uttered.   “Caquix has been trapped in the underworld for over 2,500 years.   He was sealed there by the twin brothers Huna and Balan.”
    “I remember reading that,” Michelle said.
    “It was prophesized that in 2012 the seal to the underworld would grow weak for a short period.   He must have broke through.   This means he’s been free in the mortal world for years.”
    Max felt his chin.   “I’m familiar with the story about the twin heroes.   What I’m unclear on is why he had to be sealed in the first place.”
    Votan stared at him a moment.   Then his eyes moved to Michelle.   She sensed an equal level of disdain cast toward her.
    “Why have neither of you embraced your god essences?”
    “Why would we?” Max said.  
    Votan spoke through his clenched teeth.   “Because there’s a reason for the B’alam to be in the mortal world.   We have a purpose.   You find that purpose out by accepting your godhood.”
    Max tipped up his nose.   “Well, I haven’t, and I have no intention of doing so.   Why don’t you enlighten me.   What’s our purpose?”
    Michelle sat up straighter.   She felt