Page 13 of My Fated Minotaur Hero

Humans like milk, right? If only I knew the human secrets of coffee brew. It is well known, even among monster kind that it is their favorite drink, said to hold almost mystical restorative properties. Milk will have to do.

As I head to my own bed, and can finally relax a little andthink, my mind begins to race. How the hell did she get in my storage? It can’t be coincidence. They still didn’t really understand how Zoe got in the watchtower either. But the implication is clear. It must be related to Elowen’s “failed” mate summoning spell. No this is no coincidence. And that means it was probably no failure ... But wait ... my mate? This small little human. So smooth and pink? With her flowing long curls of reddish brown, and her scent of honeydew ... and old books. Could it be?

But I know the answer. Of course I do.

My mate.

The thought sends a thrill through me, equal parts excitement and terror.

No, this is crazy talk. I'm Kalen, Charmer of all, but charmed by none. I don't do the whole 'mate' thing. It's too much responsibility, too much ... feeling. Gods, nine hells, and Bramble’s balls all at once, but do I need to talk to Thokk.

And yet, as I drift off to sleep, I can't shake the warmth in my chest at knowing she's here, safe under my roof.

What have I gotten myself into?

CHAPTER 5

OLIVIA

Iwake up with a start, my head fuzzy and my mouth feeling like it's stuffed with cotton. Where am I? This isn't my apartment. The room is... rustic? Cozy? And definitely not mine.

Oh god. It wasn't a dream.

I sit up, realizing I'm curled up in an oversized armchair. More than oversized. Supersized is more like it. There's a soft blanket draped over me, and ... is that a glass of milk on the side table?

"Good morning, sunshine!"

I nearly jump out of my skin at the sound of Kalen's voice. He's standing in the doorway, looking entirely too cheerful for ... whatever time it is. I Blush instantly. He is only wearing a towel around his waist.

Why does he have to be so muscular. And holy shit but does he look imposing with those horns.

And sexy.

This is full on down the rabbit hole stuff here, I decide. And on top of that full on mind in the gutter too. So, let’s see. Either my brain is going to explode, or my hormones mightdrive me to have some other kind of explosion, given half a chance.

Yup, I’ve totally lost it.

"Sleep well?" he asks, grinning.

That’s it. There is too much evidence that this, in fact, is all really happening. I can’t keep denying it.

I blink at him, trying to process. "I ... you're still ... um, real. Still a minotaur."

He chuckles. "Last time I checked, yeah. How about some breakfast? I make a mean stack of pancakes."

Pancakes. He's offering me pancakes. This muscle-bound mythological creature wants to make me breakfast.

God, but do I need to make a list.

Yes.

I feel a surge of confidence at the idea.

A very minor surge. But it’s something.

"Do you have a pencil and paper?" I ask, my voice sounding strained even to my own ears.

Kalen raises an eyebrow. "Uh, sure. But why do you need—"

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