Irix joins me first, his presence a mix of raw power and playful energy. He moves with surprising grace for someone so large, his eyes never leaving mine. His hands reach out, guiding me in a dance that feels both primal and exhilarating.

Thalos watches from the edge of the firelight, his gaze intense and unyielding. There’s a spark in his eyes that sends a shiverdown my spine. He steps forward, his movements deliberate and commanding. The three of us form a circle around the fire, our steps in sync with Kael’s music.

Kael’s fingers fly over the strings of his instrument, his eyes locked on mine with a look of tender admiration. The music swells, filling the night air with a sense of joy and freedom. My heart races as I feel their gazes—Kael’s gentle warmth, Thalos’s smoldering intensity, Irix’s playful challenge—all focused on me.

I lose myself in the moment, the rhythm guiding my steps as I twirl and spin. The heat of their attention fuels me, making every movement feel electric. The fire crackles and pops beside us, casting flickering shadows that dance along with us.

This is more than just a celebration; it’s a declaration of belonging, a testament to the bond we’ve forged through blood and battle. For the first time in my life, I feel truly alive—free to be myself among these incredible beings who have become my family.

As the night wears on and the music continues to play, I know that this moment will stay with me forever. We are more than just survivors—we are warriors bound by something deeper than words can express. And tonight, under the light of the flickering flames and the watchful eyes of my minotaur protectors, I am home.

The air crackles with tension, the firelight casting long shadows as I spin, my laughter mingling with the night air. I beckon them closer with a playful smile, my feet moving in time with the beat.

Irix hands’ find my waist, his touch firm but gentle. We move together, our bodies close, the heat between us palpable. His eyes gleam with mischief, and I can feel the raw energy radiating from him.

Thalos and Kael follow as the music disappears, their presence magnetic as they circle me, like wolves around theirprey. But there’s no fear, only excitement—a wild, untamed energy pulses through my veins.

Our gazes lock, and for a moment, the world narrows to just the four of us and the firelight. Kael leans in, his lips brushing my ear. “You’re ours tonight,” he whispers, his voice low and rough.

I shiver at his words, the heat in his gaze mirroring the fire burning in my belly. But it’s not just Kael—Thalos is behind me, his presence like a shadow, while Irix’s teasing grin promises something wicked. The night is charged with unspoken desire.

And I would love to fulfill it with my minotaurs.

____________

38

LAIA

The bonfire casts a warm glow, its flames flickering in the night as the celebration winds down. But the tension between us only grows hotter and more tangible. My skin is flushed, my body humming with the fire of the dance, with the ale, and with the heat of their gazes. I can feel their eyes on me—hungry, possessive.

Irix’s hand slips around my waist, pulling me against his broad chest. The touch is firm, grounding me in this moment. My breath hitches as his lips find mine, rough and demanding. The kiss is a collision of need and desire, a force that sweeps me up and carries me away.

I melt into him, my body responding instinctively to his touch. His fingers press into my skin, leaving a trail of heat in their wake. I lose myself in the kiss, in the sensation of his strength wrapped around me.

Thalos’s presence looms behind me, a dark shadow that only intensifies the heat coursing through my veins. His breath brushes against my neck, sending shivers down my spine. The world narrows to just this moment—this connection with them.

Kael watches from a step away, his eyes dark with desire as he takes in the sight of us. There’s a tenderness there, a quiet strength that promises safety and passion all at once.

The bonfire crackles beside us, casting long shadows that dance along with us. The night air is thick with our desires, a promise of what’s to come.

Irix deepens the kiss, his tongue teasing mine with a hunger that leaves me breathless. I cling to him, my fingers tangling in his fur as I give myself over to the moment. I hold onto his horn, making him groan in pleasure.

Thalos’s hand slides up my arm, his touch sending sparks of electricity through me. He doesn’t speak—he doesn’t need to. His presence alone says everything.

Kael steps closer, completing the circle around me. His hand finds mine, squeezing gently—a silent promise that we’re in this together.

The flames of the bonfire flicker and dance beside us, mirroring the heat building between us four. This moment is ours—wild, untamed, and undeniably real.

Thalos, gentle but firm, tilts my head back. His mouth trails kisses along my neck, each touch sending shivers down my spine. My breath hitches, my body arching into him. The sensation is electric, his kisses igniting a fire that spreads through every inch of me.

“Thalos!” I gasp when he sucks the area where my shoulder and neck meet.

Irix's grip on my waist tightens, grabbing my attention again. He captures my chin and forced me to stare at him. Thalos's kisses grow more insistent, his teeth grazing my skin in a way that makes me gasp.

Kale removes his armor, the metal clinking softly as it falls to the ground. When he steps forward, his touch is reverent, almosttender. He pulls my face from Irix, his eyes searching mine for a moment before he leans in.

His lips brush against mine in a slow, deliberate kiss. It's a stark contrast to Irix's roughness and Thalos's intensity. Kael's kiss is like a promise—gentle and full of unspoken words. I melt into him, my fingers tangling in his hair as I return the kiss.