Page 32 of My Fated Minotaur Hero

"She’s right, I was too busy being a sweet talker," I growl at myself. "And for what? You couldn't even keep her safe for one day."

I think of Olivia's bright eyes, her infectious curiosity. The way she sees right through my smooth-talking facade. And now she's gone. And worse, I can’t even feel her. Or rather I can...but it’s different.

She feels so ... distant.

I did not properly claim her, so of course I can’t feel her.

Gods, this whole mate thing. There should be an instruction booklet!

“Nine hells!” I roar. This is my fault. I was so busy charming a bunch of stupid elves.

I don’t even like elves.

They are tight as hell with their gold and have zero imagination when it comes to jokes. Weird senses of humor for sure.

I am losing it. I try to pull myself back together.

What does it matter if the Bullhorn is the hottest spot in Fablewood if I’ve lost her?

I need to rally the boys. And Elowen. And anyone else I can get to help find her.

"Pull yourself together," I mutter, standing up straight. "You're Kalen, dammit. You can figure this out. You are a minotaur, now act like it."

I take a deep breath, trying to channel some of Olivia's methodical thinking. What would she do? Make a list, probably.

Not a bad idea actually.

I rip the top off of a nearby box, and quickly find some charcoal amongst the general mess.

Mhhhmm. I can see how this focuses the mind.

Okay, step one: gather my friends. We'll search every inch of Fablewood if we have to.

**Koda and his son are excellent trackers ...

Step two: find Elowen. Maybe she knows something about the seal, or better yet about how Olivia got here in the first place.

**maybe she can weave a ‘spell of finding’ or something...

Step three: Get my mate back. No matter what it takes.

I leave a note quickly in case she returns here...

I will come back for you, my love. Wait here.

Carefully I prop it in the doorway to the hidden room.

Okay ... I can best organize things from the tavern, and that is where she will probably look for me anyhow, if she doesn’t return here.

By the Gods, allow me to find her.

I will never forgive myself if any harm has befallen her.

“I'm coming for you, Olivia. And when I find you, and by all the ancients held dear, I will find you, I swear I'll never let you go again.”

CHAPTER 11

OLIVIA

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