Page 49 of My Fated Minotaur Hero

Zoe nods enthusiastically. "I know, right? It's like some kind of... I don't know, secret society or something. And what did you say about a seal?"

I can't help but chuckle. "Secret society? Come on, that's a bit far-fetched, don't you think?"

But even as I say it, I notice Elder Faelar shifting uncomfortably. "Well," he says, clearing his throat, "there may be... more to our history than we've previously acknowledged."

Well, I'll be a troll's uncle.

“Of course it’s a secret society! I mean just look at her face!” Olivia points to the seal. “She’s a got a look that puts the Mona Lisa smile to shame!”

As the group buzzes with excitement, theories flying back and forth, I find myself just watching Olivia. She's in her element, eyes shining as she explains how we found the seal to Zoe and debates historical minutiae with the elder. It's a far cry from the nervous, slightly obsessive, list-making woman I first met. And I haven’t seen any sign of her flash cards since that first encounter.

Suddenly, I'm struck by an idea. "Hey," I say, cutting through the chatter. "Remember that twenty-sided die Liv? I’ve been planning to host a Cubicles and Chihuahuas game night at the tavern. So you can experience it first-hand. And I want everyone to come." I lock eyes with Olivia. "I think it's time to introduce my mate to C&C, and to the whole town."

There's a moment of stunned silence, then a chorus of protests.

"Are you sure that's wise?" Faelar asks, frowning.

"What about your business?" Finn chimes in. "If people react badly..."

I wave them off. "I think I am coming to my senses, thanks to Olivia. I don't care. If the tavern suffers, I'll figure something else out. But Olivia is my mate, and that’s that. I should have embraced it – I should have embraced you, Liv, from themoment you appeared. If some people don’t approve, well that will be their problem now, won’t it?"

Olivia's looking at me with a mix of shock and... is that pride? “Well, you are a male, so it’s kind of expected it would take you a minute or to come to your senses.”

“What’s that-“

“I’m kidding Kalen," she says quickly, "And truth be told, I didn’t mean to make you feel pressured. I mean, I get it if we need to take our time to-"

"I want everyone to know about you, about us," I interrupt, taking her hand. "You're stuck with me. Or do we need to do more claiming to make that clear?”

She, along with Zoe for that matter, turns bright red even as the monsters let out good natured laughs. Though I know only Thokk can truly understand what I mean.

“Maybe this time it will be me doing the claiming, oh horny one.”

This time my friends don’t hold in their laughs as they break into belly laughs and whoops. Olivia and Zoe slap hands in the air as Zoe yells, “High Five Liv!”

As the conversation breaks into a few different groups rehashing some of the topics we have raised I can’t help but feel gratitude for how full my life has already been, as well as how much more was added the moment Olivia came into my life. It’s just crazy. But I plan to make the most of it.

Bring it on, Fablewood. Kally and Livvy are ready for you.

CHAPTER 16

OLIVIA

Iwake up with a jolt, my heart racing with excitement. It's game night! I can hardly believe Kalen is really doing this - introducing me to the whole town. Part of me wants to hide under the covers, but a bigger part is thrilled. This is my chance to show everyone who I really am.

And then there’s the fact that Zoe is here! I still can’t get over that she is the girl who got leashed.

Hilarious.

But to think I was already totally committed to being here in Fablewood with Kalen, even without knowing a single soul. And now, she’s here too? It’s incredible! It’s like the cherry on top of the icing on the cake! Briefly my mind drifts to the strange events with Mia on that last trip from the outside world. Absently I play with her bracelet, still on my wrist.

"Morning, beautiful," Kalen rumbles. I bring my hand on top of his, as he cradles me in his arms. "Ready for the big night?"

I turn to face him, drinking in the sight of his strong features, those soulful eyes. How did I get so lucky? "As ready as I'll ever be," I say, trying to sound confident. "ThoughI might need to make a quick pros and cons list, just to be safe. I mean I ‘ve never been “presented” before. I guess it’s fitting that my “debutante ball” is going to be a Dungeons and Dragons game."

Kalen chuckles, pulling me close. "’Cubicles and Chihuahuas.’ And yeah, you don’t need a list. We’ll wing it. That is, you can make one if you really want to. Up to you."

I laugh, but I can't quite shake the nerves. "What if they hate me? What if I mess up and say something stupid?"

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