My Fated Minotaur Hero: Forbidden Instalove Monster Romance (Fablewood Monster Mates Book 2) by Leela Ash

Author:Leela Ash [Ash, Leela]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-10-14T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 9

OLIVIA

Ican't believe I'm actually back out exploring Fablewood, even if I am dressed like some kind of eccentric forest hermit. Kalen insisted it was the safest disguise, and I have to admit, it's effective. The best of the three we’ve tried so far, I think. The oversized robe he pulled from his closet, now covered in dirt and leaves, does a great job of hiding my human features. But it's not exactly comfortable. I keep getting poked by sticks, and it's hard to see with no peripheral vision to speak of.

Part of me is still freaking out - I mean, hello, magical hidden village full of mythical creatures! - but mostly I'm buzzing with excitement. We have a mystery to solve!

"Okay, so the symbol-seal thing was on that building over there," I say, pointing across the square. "And on the map, there were more scattered around town. We should check those locations."

Kalen nods, but I can tell he's distracted. His eyes keep darting around, like he's expecting trouble.

"Sure thing, Forest Hermit. But let's be quick about it, alright?"

I frown, adjusting my hood. "If it’s between ‘Forest Hermit’ and ‘Fuzzwhip,’ I think I will go with Fuzzwhip. Regardless, what's the rush? This could be the key to understanding how I got here. Don't you want to know?"

He sighs, grabbing at a horn as he does when he’s nervous. "Of course I do. It's just ... complicated."

There's that word again. Complicated. I'm starting to hate it.

"What's so complicated?" I press, trying to brush maybe just a little of the dirt off my robe. "You said your friend Thokk has a human mate now, right? And everyone knows about her?"

Kalen winces. "Well, yeah, but-"

"So, what's the big deal if people see me?" The words come out sharper than I intend. "Am I that embarrassing to be seen with?"

Oh god, where did that come from? Way to let your insecurities show, Liv.

Before he can reply, I spot a group of what look like trolls heading our way. Kalen immediately stiffens, stepping closer to me.

"Hey there, Kalen!" one of them calls out. "Great opening bash at the tavern!”

"Yeah, couldn’t have gone better! Just wait! I plan on putting in more seating and a firepit too!”

“Whatever you touch seems to turn to gold, Kalen. Can’t wait to see it!”

As they pass, one of the trolls eyes me curiously. "Who's your friend? An old crone?"

I clear my throat before I can stop myself.

A crone? Up until the last few days I was beginning to fear that ‘spinster’ might be in my future, but crone?

Kalen laughs, a bit too loudly. "Oh, no, no, no crone here. Just an old forest dweller passing through. Doesn't talk much, you know how they are. Come by the Bullhorn again soon boys."

I nod solemnly, trying to look as forest dweller-like as possible while leaves tickle my nose.

Once they're out of earshot, I turn to Kalen, frowning. "Crone. He’s lucky I didn’t kick him. Meanwhile, all you gotta do is turn up the charm and it’s smooth sailing.

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