Page 9 of My Fated Minotaur Hero

Things that shouldn't exist outside of fairytales and nightmares.

A scaly, reptilian bartender is mixing drinks. A group of what look like honest-to-god fairies are huddled around a table. Is that an ogre in the corner? And what the hell is Chewbacca doing here?

Oh god. Oh god oh god oh god.

Out of the frying pan into the fire.

Why is this happening to me? I’ve always tried to be a good girl ...

Crazy thoughts fly through my head as I spin back around. I mean to retreat but instead I crash straight into a wall of muscle.

His muscle.Kalen.

His arms wrap around me immediately, steadying me, and suddenly I can't breathe for an entirely different reason.

His is powerful beyond measure, and yet his touch is so gentle ...

Our eyes lock, and it's like the world stops spinning. I've never felt anything like this before. It's terrifying and exhilarating all at once. Every nerve in my body seems to come alive, hyper-aware of everywhere we're touching. It's like being struck by lightning. His smoky, spicy scent fills my nostrils. Warmth radiates off him. I feel a connection so profound it scares me. And the tingles. Oh god my lady parts are practically on fire.

In a good way. Averygood way.

What is happening to me?

"Easy there, sweetheart," he murmurs, his breath warm against my ear. "You okay?"

No. No, I am not okay. I am the furthest thing from okay. I'm in some kind of monster bar, pressed up against a minotaur who makes me feel things ... very naughty things ... that I can’t seem to get enough of.

All I manage is a weak nod.

Kalen's eyes drift down, taking in my torn blouse. A mischievous grin spreads across his face. "This might work out perfectly. If anyone asks, you're the new exotic dancer."

I gasp, indignation momentarily overriding my panic.

And something more. That is one thing I have never been mistaken for. And I would never ... or would I?

"Excuse me? I'll have you know I'm a highly educated historian!"

He chuckles, the sound rumbling through his chest. "Even better. Nothing sexier than a smart woman."

I feel my face flame. Is he... flirting with me? Did he call me sexy? No, impossible. And yet ... the way he's looking at me ...

"I don't understand," I whisper, more to myself than him. "How is any of this real?"

His expression softens. "I don’t know if it helps, but I am as shocked as you are, okay? Your kind are not meant to be here. At least they haven’t been until very recently ... But you're safe with me, I promise.”

I barely register his words, too distracted by the warmth of his hands on my waist.

Oh my god, the minotaur has me in his grasp.

But it is not bad. Quite the opposite.

His touch is sending shockwaves of pleasure straight through me. And the way he speaks, the gentleness in his tone. I do feel safe. Crazily, unexplainably ... ridiculously safe.

"Listen," Kalen says, his voice low and urgent.

I also can’t believe I am talking to a bull-headed beast.

A very hot bull-headed beast.

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