Page 36 of Nanny for the Minotaur

Theron leans forward, creating a protective wall around his son with his broad chest. His usual gruff demeanor softens as he presses his forehead against Kai's temple.

"You're being so brave," he rumbles. "I'm proud of you."

I don't hesitate. With practiced movements, I realign the broken bones, my small hands working surely despite the size difference. Kai lets out a sharp cry, but Theron's steady presence keeps him from jerking away.

"Almost done," I murmur, reaching for the splinting materials I'd sent Mira to fetch from my bag. "You're both doing wonderfully."

After securing the splint on Kai's arm, I guide everyone to the sitting room where the afternoon light streams through tall windows. The familiar space with its worn leather chairs and shelves of trading ledgers feels more welcoming than the formal parlor.

"Here, drink this." I press a cup of tea into Kai's hands. "Small sips."

Theron paces behind his son's chair, his massive frame casting shifting shadows across the carpet. His rings catch the light with each turn, marking his agitation.

"Father?" Mira's tiny voice breaks through his brooding. She sits curled in her favorite spot by the hearth, silver-white fur gleaming. "Are you angry with us?"

His pacing stops. Something vulnerable flickers across his face as he kneels beside her chair.

"No, little one." His usual gruff tone softens. "That staircase... I had my own fall there, when I was about Kai's age."

Both children lean forward, even Kai momentarily distracted from his pain.

"You fell too?" Kai's blue eyes widen.

"Mm." Theron settles onto the floor, legs crossed. The position makes him seem less imposing despite his size. "Was trying to slide down the banister to impress a girl. Broke both horns clean off."

"But your horns are so big now!" Mira reaches toward the silver rings adorning them.

"Took years to grow back proper." His large hand engulfs hers. "My father was furious. But my mother..." He swallows hard. "She sat up with me all night, singing old songs until the pain eased."

The longing in his voice makes my chest ache. I hate to think of times when he was in pain, when he needed someone. But at least his mother was there.

"Like Lyra does for us?" Mira asks.

Theron's amber eyes meet mine across the room. Something unspoken passes between us.

"Yes," he says softly. "Just like that."

Not too long after, we get the kids into bed for the night. I know that Kai needs the rest. But it takes him some time to go to sleep and I find myself checking on him constantly.

The evening shadows stretch long across the hallway as I finish checking Kai's splint one last time. His breathing has finally evened out, the tea doing its work. Even in sleep, his good arm curls protectively around Mira, who insisted on staying with her brother.

I close their door with a soft click, turning to find Theron leaning against the wall. His massive frame seems smaller somehow, shoulders slumped with exhaustion. The silver rings in his horns catch the dim lamplight as he scrubs a hand over his face.

"You're good with them." His voice rumbles low, mindful of the sleeping children.

"They make it easy." I step closer, drawn by the vulnerability in his amber eyes. "You did well today too, you know. Breaking through that panic to help Kai."

His jaw tightens. "I froze. Saw them at the bottom of those stairs and all I could think was—" He cuts off, massive chest heaving.

Without thinking, I reach up to touch his cheek. His black fur is softer than I expected, warm beneath my fingers. He goes completely still at the contact, but doesn't pull away.

"You protected them," I whisper. "That's what matters."

His large hand engulfs mine, keeping it pressed to his face. The size difference between us should be intimidating - my head barely reaches his chest - but I've never felt safer than in this moment.

"You protect them too," he murmurs.

I'm not sure who moves first. One moment we're standing apart, the next his lips find mine with impossible gentleness. His free hand cups the back of my head, careful of his claws as theytangle in my copper braids. I rise on tiptoes, steadying myself against his broad chest as he bends to meet me.

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