Page 26 of My Fated Minotaur Hero

“I think that would be wise. To gather data.”

“Exactly. You’re pretty smart. For a minotaur.”

With that we both erupt into giggles as I nuzzle against him.

I sure as hell don’t know what’s next, but I know I found my person ... um, yeah, my man. Feeling more satisfied and contented in every possible way than I ever even conceived of as possible, I drift off to sleep, in the arms of my mate.

That’s what he is.

My mate.

CHAPTER 8

KALEN

Iwake up with Olivia curled against me, her soft breath tickling my chest. For a moment, I just bask in the warmth of her presence, marveling at how perfectly she fits in my arms. And gods, but where did she learn to do those things she did last night?”

"Morning, handsome," Olivia murmurs, stretching like a contented cat.

I can't help but grin. "Morning, beautiful. Sleep well?"

She nods, snuggling closer. "Are you kidding. I slept like the gods. Better than I have in years. Though I'm still not entirely convinced this isn't all an elaborate dream."

I chuckle, running a hand through her tangled hair. "Like the gods huh? You are adjusting to Fablewood. Well, trust me, hon, this is very real."

As we lay there, trading soft kisses and gentle touches in the afterglow of last night, I'm struck by how right this feels. It's like I've found a piece of myself I didn't even know was missing.

But it doesn’t take long before my mind starts racing. What now? I can't keep her hidden forever. And if she really is my fated mate - which, let's face it, I'm pretty damn sureshe is - then we need to figure out how to somehow make this all work.

"So," Olivia says, propping herself up on one elbow. "What's the plan? Can we finally do some proper exploring? Maybe without the fur coat?"

I hesitate. Part of me wants to keep her tucked away here, safe and hidden. But I can see the excitement sparkling in her eyes, and I don't have the heart to disappoint her.

"Well," I say, trying to sound casual, "I was thinking we could go see a friend of mine. Elowen. She's the town witch, and I have a feeling she might know something about how you got here. And maybe she could help us with how to, oh, I don’t know, introduce you to the town, maybe?"

Olivia's eyes light up. "A real witch? Oh my god, that's incredible! When can we go?"

I chuckle, her enthusiasm infectious. "Hold your horses, sweetheart. We need to be careful. I've got a new disguise for you – less furry this time."

As we get dressed and I help Olivia into her new outfit – a long coat and wide-brimmed hat that mostly obscures her face – I can't shake a nagging feeling of unease. But what if someone sees through her disguise? Am I really ready for what might follow if everyone knows my mate is a human? I think again of the mountain of debt I have from building out the beer garden. Will Elowen be able to facilitate her introduction to the town?

"You okay there, big guy?" Olivia asks, touching my arm. "You look worried."

I force a smile. "Just thinking about breakfast. Can't let my mate go hungry, can I?"

The word 'mate' slips out before I can stop it, and I freeze. Of course that’s what she is. I’m just not used to it. Everything has happened so fast. But Olivia just beams at me, and I feel my heart do a little flip.

As long as she’s happy and okay I can face down whatever is in store.

Easy to say, but can I really?

As we head out, I keep Olivia close, one arm protectively wrapped around her waist. The streets are busy, monsters of all shapes and sizes going about their day. I nod and smile at familiar faces, trying to act naturally.

But as we near Elowen's shop, I spot trouble. Grunk and Borgin, the two orcs from the other night, are harassing a group of faeries.

Wonderful.

"This is all your fault," Grunk slurs, poking at a particularly ethereal looking fae. Thankfully they all manage to scoot past him as he continues his little rant. "I bet you lot are behind all this shite somehow ... you and your many realms!"

---