Page 43 of Her Possessive Minotaurs

We both turn instantly,our connection severed by the urgency in Kael’s voice. Relief surges through me as I see Irix stirring, his eyes fluttering open. I rush to his side, my heart soaring at the sight of him conscious.

Irix grins weakly upat me, his voice hoarse but filled with that familiar spark of mischief. “Told you I’d protect you.”

A laugh escapes me—halfsob, half joy—as I kneel beside him. “You did,” I whisper, my fingers brushing his forehead gently. “You really did.”

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31

LAIA

The air buzzes with the sounds of rebuilding—the rhythmic thud of hammering, the scrape of wood being dragged into place, the low murmur of voices working in tandem. I stand at the center of it all, a smile tugging at my lips as I watch the minotaurs build our new lair. The scent of fresh pine mingles with the earthy aroma of damp soil, creating an odd sense of home amidst the wilderness.

It has been three days since that battle with the orcs, and things have certainly changed.

Thalos, once stoic and distant, now pauses to ask my opinion on the placement of new walls. "Laia, what do you think about extending this section?" he asks, his voice softer than I remember.

I consider it for a moment, imagining the space filled with warmth and light. "I think it would be perfect for a common area," I suggest. "Somewhere we can all gather."

I want the lair to look more like a house than just simply living inside a cave or a rock formation.

He nods, a small smile playing on his lips. "Good idea."

Irix, who used to be overbearing, listens to my suggestions with a teasing grin but always with respect. "What about this beam here?" he asks, holding up a thick piece of wood. "Think it'll hold?"

I step closer to inspect it, my fingers brushing against the rough surface. "It looks sturdy enough," I reply. "But maybe reinforce it at the base."

He chuckles, nodding in agreement. "Noted."

Kael is never far from my side, his touch lingering longer than necessary whenever he hands me tools or materials. His eyes are softer than usual, filled with an unspoken affection that warms me from the inside out.

"Careful there," he murmurs as he steadies a plank I'm holding. His hand brushes mine, sending a shiver up my spine.

"Thanks," I whisper back, our eyes locking for a moment longer than needed.

The three of them work seamlessly together now, an unspoken bond having formed between us all—a bond forged in fire and blood but strengthened by trust and mutual respect. The new lair takes shape around us, each piece of wood and stone representing not just survival but something more: a future.

As I step back to take in our progress, Thalos catches my eye and nodsapprovingly. Irix gives me a playful wink before returning to his work. Kael stands close by, his presence a comforting anchor in this sea of change.

It feels like we belong together. Can I really believe it?

Warmth floods my chest—a sense of belonging that I haven’t felt in years. They ask for my input and value my presence. I’m not an outsider anymore.

I watch Kael work on crafting a bed for me, his powerful hands moving with surprising gentleness. Each strike of his hammer, each precise cut of wood, speaks of care and thoughtfulness.

It’s huge. This bed can probably fit six people in it. I don’t get why he made it this big, but I’m loving it.

"How's it coming along?" I ask, unable to hide the excitement in my voice.

Kael looks up, a soft smile touching his lips. "Almost done. Just need to secure the last few pieces."

I stand close by, my fingers itching to help but knowing better than to interrupt his process. Instead, I marvel at the way his muscles flex with each movement and the concentration etched on his face. There’s something comforting about watching him work, knowing he’s building something just for me.

"Do you think you'll like it?" he asks, a hint of uncertainty in his eyes.

"I already do," I reply, my heart swelling with gratitude. "Thank you, Kael."

He nods, turning back to his task with renewed focus. The minutes pass in a blur of activity until finally, he steps back and gestures toward the finished bed with a flourish. "There you go."

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