Page 26 of Her Possessive Minotaurs

Laia laughs at something Irix says, and he grins back at her, that predatory smile that sends a chill down my spine. He’s always been wild, always taking what he wants without a second thought. And now he wants Laia.

Why do I feel this twinge of emotion that makes me want her to be mine alone?

My grip tightens further, knuckles turning white as I fight the urge to step in and pull her away from him. But what right do I have? She’s not mine. She’s supposed to be nothing more than an asset. Yet the thought of Irix touching her, claiming her... It makes the fire in my chest burn brighter.

I know what I need to do. I need to fuck her and get her out of my system. Maybe then I can think clearly again. Maybe then this maddening desire will finally be sated.

But even as the thought crosses my mind, it only makes the fire burn hotter. The idea of taking her, of making her mine in every way possible... it’s intoxicating. Dangerous.

I push away from the cave entrance and stride toward them, my heart racing. Frustration is pounding at me, and I don’t even know how to handle all of this. Laia glances up at me as I approach, a hint of surprise in her eyes.

“Thalos,” she says softly, her voice like a balm on my raw nerves.

“Laia, Irix, Kael!” I bark, my voice cutting through the camp like a whip. “We’re training. Now.”

Laia’s eyes widen in surprise, but she quickly stands, brushing off her hands. Irix and Kael exchange glances but follow without question. They know better than to challenge me when I’m like this.

We make our way to the clearing where we train, the tension thick in the air. I turn to face them, my gaze hard and unyielding. “Laia,” I begin, my tone cold and unforgiving, “you’ve become a distraction. Your place here is not to appeal emotionally to my brothers.”

Her eyes flash with defiance, but she remains silent.

“I’m the decision maker here,” I continue, stepping closer to her. “Whatever I say goes. If I want you gone, you’ll disappear for good. Understand?”

She nods, her jaw clenched tight.

I turn away from them, grinding my teeth in frustration. Why does their closeness irritate me so much? I can’t afford to lose control now. Not when the dark elves are closing in and danger lurks around every corner.

“Laia,” I call out again without turning back. “You’re a weakness. And in this world, weakness gets you killed.”

She doesn’t respond, but I can feel her eyes on me, burning with that same defiance that both infuriates and intrigues me.

No matter how hard I try to push the thoughts away, I can’t shake the image of her from my mind. The way she looked under the firelight, her body trembling with need. What if fucking her only makes me want her more?

The thought gnaws at me, unsettling in its intensity. I’ve always prided myself on my control and my ability to keep emotions at bay. But Laia... she’s different. She’s slipping through the cracks of my defenses.

“Pair up,” I command curtly, trying to refocus on the task at hand. “We train until sunset.”

As they move into position, my eyes linger on Laia for just a moment too long before I force myself to look away.

I need to get a grip. For all our sakes.

19

LAIA

Iscrub the pots with vigor, the smell of herbs and cooked meat still lingering in the air. My hands move on their own; the motions are familiar now, almost comforting. But my mind? It's far from the lair and these chores.

Safety. The word drifts through my thoughts, strange and foreign.

I glance up, catching a glimpse of Irix sharpening his axe. His golden eyes flick to mine for a moment, and he offers a wolfish grin before returning to his task. Wild intensity—that's Irix. Dangerous but fiercely protective.

Kael hums softly as he sorts through his healing herbs nearby. His presence is a balm, his quiet strength a constant reassurance. I think of the waterfall and the way he held me with such tenderness. It’s more than just physical attraction; it’s... something deeper. Trust, maybe.

Thalos stands at the edge of the lair, arms crossed, eyes scanning the horizon. Even in his coldness, there's a certain security. He might be hard on me, but he's never let harm come my way since I've been here. His protection feels like an iron wall—impenetrable and unyielding.

I watch them from the corner of my eye as I finish scrubbing the last pot. They move like a unit, each brother understanding their role without needing words. It’s a far cry from the chaos and terror of Eryndor’s estate.

Could this be my life now? Could these brutal minotaurs be my family? The thought warms me in a way I haven't felt in years.

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