Page 46 of My Fated Minotaur Hero

She gives me a look, considering. "Okay," she says finally. "Let's do it. But maybe we could start small? Just your closest, closest friends?"

"Deal," I say, planting a kiss on her forehead. "I’m going to call them all over to the Horn. Won’t hurt to get a few drinks in ‘em anyhow ...”

An hour later, we're heading downstairs to the tavern. I can feel the nervous energy radiating off Olivia as she fidgets with the hem of her shirt.

"Relax, Liv," I murmur, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. "They're gonna love you."

She takes a deep breath, squaring her shoulders. "Right. I've faced down cranky professors and entitled grad students. Not to mention Douchebag Dan back at work. I can handle a few monsters."

I can't help but laugh. "That's my girl."

I open the main entrance where Koda, Finn, and Nox are already waiting and I quickly usher them in and seat them at the usual corner table. As they make their way in and take inmy new mate their faces reflect a variety of expressions, from curiosity and wariness, to surprise bordering on shock.

"Gentlemen," I say, trying to keep my voice casual. "I'd like you to meet Olivia. My mate."

There's a moment of stunned silence, then Koda stands, extending a massive, furry hand. "Well, I'll be," he rumbles. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Olivia. Kalen here wouldn't shut up about you. He had us practically jumping through hoops looking for you yesterday too, so ..."

I feel my face heat up. "I didn't-"

"Oh, he absolutely did," Finn chimes in, his blue eyes twinkling with mischief. "I've never seen our smooth-talking minotaur so focused. Do you know he was planning to go stomp right past the spell wall to look for you?"

Olivia giggles, some of the tension visibly leaving her shoulders. "You were! That’s so romantic Kally.”

Kally?

I look at my friends but they all are doing their best to pretend they did not hear her just use a pet name ...

“Nothing will ever come between us again ... Livvy.”

I give each of my friends a death stare just to be sure they get the message.Don’t say a word.

They all look away and continue to pretend they had not just heard the exchange of pet names they obviously did hear.

Good.

She presses herself against me.

“Well, I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who has fallen completely head over heels." She plants a kiss on my cheek for emphasis.

As we sit down, I can see my friends studying Olivia, trying to reconcile the flesh-and-blood woman before them with whatever preconceived notions they might have had. Sure, they all have met Thokk’s mate Zoe, but it is obvious they are far from accustomed to the idea of a human mate. But true to form, my brilliant mate rises to the occasion.

"So," she says, leaning forward eagerly. "I have about a million questions about Fablewood and its history. Kalen mentioned you've been here for centuries - how has the town evolved over time? Are there any surviving records from the early days maybe?"

“What is it with you humans and history?”

“Nox.” I give him a look.

“What? It was a serious question!”

Well, I think it’s cool that you’re interested in our history.” I can always count on Finn to be positive.

Olivia nods enthusiastically. "Thanks! I'm a historian by trade. The opportunity to study a hidden magical society? It's a dream come true!"

I feel a swell of pride as I watch her effortlessly charm my friends. Within minutes, they're deep in conversation about Fablewood's founding myths and legends. Even Nox, usually so aloof, seems begrudgingly impressed by Olivia's knowledge and genuine curiosity.

As I get up to fetch another round of drinks, I catch Koda's eye. He gives me a subtle nod of approval, and I feel a weight lift off my chest. They accept her. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come on a bigger scale. Maybe this really can work.

Just then, the tavern door swings open, and in walks Elowen, her silver hair wild as ever. Her eyes widen as she takes in the scene before her.

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