Page 33 of Her Possessive Minotaurs

He tucks a hair behind my ear and kisses me softly on the forehead. “He won’t get to you again.”

I nod as we continue gathering herbs.

We walk further into the forest, the heavy burden of my confession lingering in the air between us. Kael begins teaching me how to identify the herbs; his voice is calm and steady. He points out leaves and stems, explaining their uses and properties with patient precision.

“This one,” he says, showing me a small plant with delicate white flowers, “is good for soothing wounds.”

I nod, focusing on his words. He knows more than I do. The tension in my shoulders eases as I immerse myself in the task at hand. Kael’s calm demeanor is infectious, making me enjoy the present.

But then my foot catches on a root hidden beneath the foliage. I stumble forward, a startled gasp escaping my lips.

Before I hit the ground, Kael’s strong arms wrap around me, steadying me with effortless ease. His touch is warm and reassuring, and for a moment, I forget to breathe.

“Careful,” he murmurs, his voice close to my ear.

I look up at him, our faces inches apart. His blue eyes are filled with concern and something else—something deeper that sends a shiver down my spine.

“Thank you,” I manage to say, my voice shaky.

Kael’s lips curve into a small smile as he helps me stand upright again. “Anytime.”

I lean in, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. It's tentative, almost hesitant, as if I'm afraid he'll pull away. But Kael freezes, surprised. For a heartbeat, I think I've made a mistake.

Then his hands tighten on my waist, pulling me closer. The kiss deepens, tender and gentle, like a promise of something more. His lips are warm and soft against mine, and for a moment, everything else fades away. There's only Kael and the quiet intensity of this moment.

When we finally pull apart, my cheeks flush with heat. I step back, my heart fluttering wildly. "Thank you," I whisper, barely audibleover the rush of emotions.

Kael watches me with a soft smile, his eyes filled with something I can't quite name. It's not just gratitude or relief—it's something deeper, something that makes my breath catch.

I turn and walk away, leaving him standing there amidst the rustling leaves and dappled sunlight. As I move through the forest, the memory of his touch lingers on my skin.

For once, hope doesn't feel like a distant dream—it feels like something real, something within reach. And it's all because of Kael.

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24

THALOS

Istand at the edge of the camp, my eyes fixed on the scene before me. Irix hands Laia the best cut of meat, his gaze lingering on her longer than it should. My fingers twitch with irritation. Beside them, Kael hovers close, his posture protective, almost possessive. The firelight casts long shadows across their faces, making their closeness seem even more pronounced.

A growl builds in my throat, low and dangerous. Frustration burns in my chest, hotter than the flames crackling between us. I’ve always been the leader—the one who makes decisions, the one who ensures our survival. Yet here they are, acting like Laia is more than just a survivor, more than just a tool in our fight.

Irix’s laugh rings out, a sharp contrast to the tension twisting inside me. He leans in closer to Laia, saying something that makes her smile—a real smile that I haven’t seen on her face since she arrived. It’s unsettling how easily she has integrated herself into our lives. How easily my brothers have allowed it.

Kael’s hand brushes against hers as he hands her a cup of water, his touch lingering just a fraction too long. His eyes are soft when he looks at her, filled with something I can’t quite name but recognize all too well.

Possession? Affection? Whatever it is, it’s dangerous.

I shift my weight, my muscles coiled tight with a mix of anger and something else—something I refuse to name. Laia is supposed to be an asset, a means to an end. But every time I see her with my brothers, every time I catch her scent or hear her laugh, that resolve wavers.

Why does this human girl evoke such strong emotions in me? She’s fragile, vulnerable—everything I’ve learned to despise in this brutal world. Yet she fights with fierceness that rivals even the strongest warriors. She looks at me with those defiant eyes, challenging me without words.

And it’s working.

I grind my teeth and turn away from the firelight, retreating into the shadows where I can wrestle with these unwanted feelings in peace. My brothers may be falling under her spell, but I cannot afford such weakness.

From the shadows, I watch Laia. She moves with a quiet grace, her fingers deftly working to tend to Irix’s wounds. Her touch is gentle, almost tender, and for a moment, Irix’s usual bravado softens. He winces but doesn’t pull away, and I see the gratitude in his eyes. It’s a small moment, but it speaks volumes.

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