Chapter 11

The rich smells of roasting meat and simmering spices filled the small space, making the air thick with a delicious aroma that was nothing short of intoxicating.

Just like Kiri…

The meal was a reflection of him, robust and hearty, much like his feelings for the human female who'd crashed into his life, forever changing it.

As he meticulously prepared the dinner for Kiri as a thank you for everything she'd done for him. He was determined to make this meal special, a symbol of his gratitude and growing affection for Kiri.

They sold out.

The flickering candlelight danced across the dark fur of his muscular arms, casting a warm glow over the elegantly set table. An array of colorful flowers served as the centerpiece, their sweet fragrance wafting through the room.

But not as sweet as Kiri's…

As he plated their meal, his thoughts drifted back to their incredible day. Kiri's brilliant ideas had all come together seamlessly, and she'd accepted him as her mate.

He had a mate—something he'd never thought he'd have.

A sense of pride swelled within him. She wasn't just a partner in business; she'd become his partner in life, someone who saw him not just as a monster, but as an equal. Her acceptance was a gift he hadn't realized he needed until she'd crashed into his life.

Finishing off the preparations for dinner, Monte found himself eagerly anticipating Kiri's reaction to his surprise—Jasper was going to deliver his Jacuzzi before morning.

He couldn't wait to show her. Hopefully, Jasper would make sure to have the water and chemicals delivered, so they could use it sooner than later.

He tried not to distract himself with images of Kiri enjoying herself in the water, groaning in delight from the heat as it helped her healing wounds.

Having set the table with exquisite care, Monte found himself pausing to admire his handiwork.

Everything had to be perfect—and he hoped he'd succeeded in providing her an intimate romantic atmosphere.

He wanted to prove to her his true intentions—that he was serious about having her as his mate.

As he heard Kiri's footsteps approaching, his heart pounded in his chest. He sucked in a quick breath as Kiri entered the dining area, her hazel eyes widening in surprise at his presentation. The candlelight illuminated her delicate features, making her look even more beautiful than usual.

"Monte," she breathed, clearly touched by his efforts. "This is amazing. You didn't have to go to all this trouble."

"It was no trouble at all," Monte rumbled, his deep voice revealing the sincerity behind his words. He carefully placed the last dish on the table, then pulled out a chair for her. "I wanted to do something special to thank you for everything." Their gazes locked for a moment, and Monte saw flush creeping up her neck as she took her seat. "This is just a small token to show how much you mean to me."

"Thank you," she said softly, as she took a deep breath, inhaling the delicious scent of the food. "Everything smells incredible. I'm amazed at how talented a chef you are."

Monte ducked his head, feeling a rush of pride at her praise. "I've picked up a few things over the years," he said modestly. In truth, he had spent hours peering over old cookbooks, determined to create the perfect meal for her.

As they began to eat, Monte found himself captivated by the way the candlelight played across Kiri's features, highlighting the curve of her cheek and the sparkle in her eyes. She looked radiant, and he felt a sudden overwhelming urge to reach across the table and take her hand in his.

"Thank you for this," Kiri said softly, meeting his gaze. "Not just for the delicious dinner, but for everything you've done for me since I arrived on the island. I don't know what I would have done without you."

Monte's heart swelled at her words. "You don't have to thank me, Kiri. I would do anything for you." The words slipped out before he could stop them, but he found he didn't want to take them back. "I enjoy caring for you. I want to cherish you, spoil you, and show you every day how much you deserve love… and to be loved…"

…by me.

The two words hung on his lips, but he was afraid of rushing her with his confession. She'd requested for them to take things slow—and the last thing he wanted to do was to scare her off with his strong and primal feelings.

Curse the nearing full moon.

Kiri's eyes shone with emotion as she reached across the table, her delicate fingers brushing against his rough, fur-covered hand. "I feel the same way," she whispered, holding his gaze. "I never expected to find someone like you, but now I can't imagine my life without you in it, as strange as it seems"

Monte intertwined his fingers with hers, marveling at how perfectly they fit together despite their differences.

He gently stroked the back of her hand with his thumb, savoring the softness of her skin against his callused pad. The candlelight flickered, casting a warm glow across her face and illuminating the golden strands of her hair.

"I know you have your work here on the island, and I don't want to interfere with that. But I was wondering..." he began, tentatively broaching the subject that had been on his mind for some time now. "How difficult would it be for you to dissolve your contract with your firm, if you ever decided to do so? Would there be any fines or penalties?"

Kiri's brow furrowed slightly as she considered his question. "I don't want to quit just yet," she admitted, swirling a forkful of pasta around her plate. "I still have a job to do here, and I take my responsibilities seriously. Once I start something, I tend to finish it." She paused, biting her lower lip. "With that being said, I will need to explore the village soon, to gather information and help promote the area. It's part of my assignment."

Monte nodded, his heart quickening at the thought of spending more time with her, showing her the hidden wonders of his homeland. He wanted to do all he could to support Kiri in her endeavors, especially when her ankle was still tender.

"I can help you with that," he offered, a determined glint in his eyes. "I know this island and can travel anywhere in the mountains with my eyes closed, which helped when I had to search for the magical flower in the middle of the storm. I could take you to all the best spots, introduce you to the locals, and make sure you have everything you need for your work."

"Really?" Kiri's face lit up with a grateful smile. "That would be amazing. Right now, I need pictures and information about what humans can do locally, and then I can use everything to make my page for the Monster Island tourism website."

"Consider it done."

As they continued eating, their conversation flowed easily, revealing deeper layers of vulnerability and trust. Monte found himself opening up about his loneliness, the isolation he'd felt due to his monstrous appearance. In turn, Kiri shared her experiences navigating the cutthroat world of technology and business, her determination to make a difference despite the setbacks she'd faced.

Monte's heart raced as he gazed into Kiri's hazel eyes, a soft smile playing at the corners of his lips. The candlelight flickered across her face, casting a warm glow on her delicate features. He reached out, his large hand gently brushing a stray lock of blonde hair behind her ear.

Kiri leaned into his touch, her skin tingling at the contact. "I never thought I'd feel this way about anyone, let alone a minotaur, especially so soon," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "But you've shown me a side of yourself, a tenderness and depth, that I couldn't resist falling for, even if I tried. This is why I was so hesitating about accepting your help… And wanting to take things slow."

A low chuckle rumbled in Monte's chest. "And here I thought my ruggedly handsome good looks were what won you over." His eyes sparkled with mirth as Kiri playfully swatted at his arm.

"Don't get too cocky now," she teased, biting her lower lip to suppress a grin. "I'll admit, the horns do add a certain allure." Her fingertips traced along the ridged curve of one horn to the other, sending a shiver down Monte's spine.

Sobering, Monte captured her hand in his, pressing a reverent kiss to her palm. "In all seriousness though, you've brought light back into my life, Kiri. Before you, I was just going through the motions, resigned to a lonely existence. But now that you've breathed life into my life, I want to do everything in my power to cherish, protect and love you."

"I didn't realize I had such an impact," she confessed, stroking her thumb over his rough knuckles. "You certainly make it hard for a girl to keep her guard up." Kiri's eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "I was so guarded before coming here, afraid to let anyone in. But with you, I feel safe enough to let my walls down. You see me, Monte—the real me, flaws and all. And you still choose to be by my side."

"Always," Monte rumbled, resting his forehead against hers. "You're stuck with me now, Kiri Flora. Get used to it."

"I suppose there are worse fates."

"Kiri," Monte whispered, his voice low and intimate as he leaned closer, closing the space between them.

Monte's heart raced as Kiri's lips moved ardently against his own, her fingers threading through his fur, pulling him closer. A low growl of desire rumbled in his chest as he wrapped his arms around her slender frame, relishing the feel of her soft curves pressed against his hardened muscles.

Emboldened by Kiri's enthusiastic response, Monte deepened the kiss, his tongue delving into the honeyed recesses of her mouth. She tasted of the sweet berries they had shared earlier, an intoxicating flavor he knew he would never tire of.

Kiri arched into him, a breathy moan escaping her as Monte's allowed his large hands to roam her back, mapping the contours of her body through the thin fabric of her dress. Kiri used her own hands to explore the expanse of his broad chest, tracing the defined ridges of his muscles with her fingertips, marveling at the raw power contained within.

Lost in a haze of passion, Monte effortlessly lifted Kiri, and she instinctively wrapped her legs around his waist as he carried her to the plush rug before the flickering fireplace. He lowered her gently, hovering over her smaller form, drinking in the sight of her flushed cheeks and kiss-swollen lips.

"Kiri," he rasped, his voice rough with need. "Tell me to stop, and I will. I don't want to rush you into anything..."

Kiri silenced him with a finger pressed to his lips, her hazel eyes blazing with unbridled desire. "Don't you dare stop, Monte. I want this. I want you."

That was all the encouragement Monte needed. With a predatory growl, he captured her lips once more, sliding his hands beneath her dress, caressing the smooth expanse of her thighs. Kiri shivered beneath his touch before she began tugging impatiently at his fur, desperate to feel his skin against hers.

He moved his large hand down her body, tracing the swell of her breasts beneath the fabric of her dress before diving lower. When he used his fingers to brush against the damp fabric of her panties, teasingly slow, a gasp escaped from Kiri's lips and she bucked against his touch, seeking more.

He snuck one hand back between her thighs while with the other he unzipped her dress and pushed it aside, revealing her bare breasts. The sight made him groan—they were beautifully round and perfectly crowned with peaked nipples begging for attention.

He couldn't get enough of her. Monte didn't care that she had no fur, or horns, or tail. All that mattered to him was that she was his.

He took one breast into his mouth as he used his finger to slip beneath her soaked underwear, tracing circles around her sensitive bud. Her body jerked upward into him almost unconsciously, a moan escaping from deep within her throat. Emboldened by her reactions, he continued until Kiri was writhing underneath him—pleasure mounting with every skillful stroke.

Kiri clawed at Monte's broad shoulders, pulling him closer while ignoring the sting of fur against skin. "Don't stop," she pleaded breathlessly, grinding herself onto his teasing fingers.

As if unable to deny her plea, Monte ripped away what remained of Kiri's clothing while unbuckling his own kilt. His hardened length sprang free, the sight alone causing Kiri to gasp.

"What the fuck is that?" She pointed to his crotch.

He peered down at his stav—long and stiff—dripping with his need, as it hung barely above the rug.

"It's what humans call a ‘cock.'" He snorted, his tail wiping wildly. "What else would it be?"

"There's no way that thing will fit," she spluttered, shaking her head as her chest rose and fell rapidly. "I don't need a battering ram to come knocking down my cervix."

"Then we don't have to…"

She sat up, pressing her hand flat against his broad chest and gently pushing him backward until he was propped up on his elbows.

A gasp escaped him as her hand boldly wrapped around the base of his stav. The sensation of her fingers encircling him was startlingly intense—he hadn't expected her touch to ignite such a profound desire within him.

Leaning forward, Kiri claimed Monte's lips with fervor. At the same time, her other hand joined its mate, both of them encasing him tightly. Her fingers were soft yet firm as they curled around his length, a stark contrast to his own strength.

His breath hitched in his throat at the contact, but he remained still, allowing Kiri to explore him at her own pace. She began to stroke him, long, firm strokes that had his horns scraping against the rugs beneath them in ecstasy.

Monte groaned into her mouth as she explored his full length, from the hot throbbing tip down to the base. He could feel his heart pounding in sync with his pulsating desire—every beat echoing where Kiri's hands touched him.

Her touch was incredibly intimate—it sent shockwaves rippling through Monte's body, amplifying his need for her tenfold. He closed his eyes, focusing on the sensation of her hands on him—the gentle pressure of her slender fingers moving over his stav, exploring every ridge and vein with delicate curiosity.

His breath hitched as she ran her thumb over the sensitive tip of his stav, spreading his precum that flowed freely there.

Kiri used both hands to caress him fully, her touches growing more confident as she gauged his reactions. His length throbbed beneath her touch, twitching and jerking, wanting its release.

The cry that erupted from his throat was swallowed by Kiri's mouth on his, muffling the sound with her passionate kisses.

The world narrowed to just Kiri—her scent, her touch, her taste. His stav throbbed powerfully in response to every flick of her wrist and squeeze of her fingers.

His tail twitched involuntarily at each stroke as he tried to remain still.

It was important for him to let his mate remain in control, as hard as it was. She was a fragile human, and he… was a monster… with the power of the nearing full moon pulsing in his veins.

Every part of him was attuned to Kiri's touch, and he soon found himself teetering on the edge of climax.

Monte gasped as Kiri's touch ignited a fire inside him, his heart beating faster and faster as her tender fingers stroked him, sending waves of heat coursing through his entire body. He felt his muscles tense beneath her touch as he gripped the rug, not wanting to scare her—or ruin the moment.

As she pumped her hands up and down his stav, he let out a loud growl—a primal sound that echoed off the walls around them.

Their kisses grew more passionate, more urgent; their tongues tangled together as they explored each other's mouths with hungry fervor. Kiri nipped at his lower lip before slipping away to tease it with her teeth, leaving a trail of tingling sensation along his jawline as she moved lower to nip at his neck.

He groaned into the kiss, arching his back off the rug as she continued her ministrations on him. His mind spun uncontrollably, as he gave himself over to the sensations.

He grunted, rolling them over, pinning Kiri beneath him. Unable to resist her any longer, Monte growled low in his chest. "Hold still."

"It won't fit," she reminded him softly, a slight waver in her voice giving away her uncertainty.

"Trust me," he breathed into her ear before pressing a long line of soft kisses down the length of her body.

Monte lavished attention on every inch of her supple form as she writhed beneath him. His lips found their way to the inside of her thighs, feather-light kisses tracing hot trails along her skin. Her breath hitched as he moved further between her legs.

The scent of Kiri, her arousal sharp and sweet as he kissed along the curve of her thighs. Every sound that slipped from her lips spurred him on: soft sighs that morphed into gasps and cries that echoed throughout the room.

Reaching between her legs, he dipped his head to explore her further. The taste of her was intoxicating. Kiri writhed beneath him, urging him on with breathless pleas and moans.

When at last he settled between her parted thighs, Kiri cried out, her back bowing off the rug as Monte's skilled tongue delved into her folds. He laved and suckled, stoking the flames of her desire until she was trembling on the precipice of ecstasy.

Every whimper, every shudder sent waves of pure desire coursing through him.

"Monte, please," she keened, her hips undulating against his ministrations. "I need you..."

As he pleasured her with his mouth, his hand wrapped around his own stav, mirroring the rhythm he maintained with his tongue between her folds. The sweet music of her cries echoed in sync with each pull of his hand on himself.

Monte lost himself in her—her touch, her taste, her sounds.

It was primal and instinctual and wholly encompassing. He relished in it—this raw passion that tugged at him as much as it fulfilled him.

Each time she chanted his name was like a spell cast over him, binding him closer to her—and he gladly allowed himself to become fully bewitched by her.

Higher and higher they climbed, chasing their climax. Kiri shattered first, Monte's name falling from her lips like a prayer as waves of euphoria crashed over her, her thighs squeezing his head tightly. Her body convulsed with pleasure as Monte continued to draw out every last tremor from deep within her.

Monte followed moments later, emptying himself with a roar of completion.

They collapsed into each other's arms, hearts pounding, bodies sated and glistening with the evidence of their lovemaking. Monte gathered Kiri close, rolling them on their side. He nuzzled her neck, inhaling her intoxicating scent as he fought to catch his breath.

"That was..." Kiri trailed off, seemingly at a loss for words.

"Incredible," Monte finished, brushing a tender kiss to her temple. "I told you to trust me."

"I do."

They lay entwined, basking in the afterglow, for the first time in longer than he could remember, Monte felt a sense of peace settle over him. With Kiri in his arms and the promise of a future together, he knew he had finally found where he belonged.

As they drifted off to sleep, the crackling fire their lullaby, Monte had one question on his mind:

How will we survive the full moon?