Chapter 6

Kiri took in the vulnerability behind Monte's deep, brown eyes and felt an unexpected pang in her chest. The scars from her past relationships weighed heavily on her heart, and she understood all too well the fears that haunted him. Yet, despite his monstrous form, there was something about Monte that drew her to him, a connection she couldn't quite explain—an undeniable connection tugging at her heart.

"I understand."

"Let me carry you," Monte said, a tender note in his gruff voice. Before Kiri could protest, he'd scooped her up bridal style, his strong furry arms enveloping her like a protective cocoon. A warmth spread through her as she rested her head against his broad chest, feeling safe and protected in his tender embrace—safer than she had in years.

For someone so fearsome, he really was a gentle giant—and she fully trusted him after all he'd done for her.

As they stepped outside of the cabin, Kiri marveled at the picturesque woodland surroundings and the breathtaking view of the lake below. The cabin was perched on a hill, giving them a bird's-eye view of the shimmering water and the lush greenery that stretched out before them.

"Wow," she whispered, unable to tear her gaze away from the scene.

"Come, there's more I want to show you," Monte said as he carried her around the cabin toward a large woodworking barn. The stone walkway beneath them was lined with wildflowers in vibrant hues, making Kiri feel as though they were walking through an enchanted garden.

Her pulse quickened as an imposing wooden structure came into view—Monte's workshop. He nudged the heavy barn door open with his shoulder and ducked inside, careful not to bump Kiri's head on the frame.

As they entered the woodworking barn, Kiri's eyes widened in awe. Tools of every size and shape hung meticulously along the walls, their metal gleaming from their owner's great care. Sawdust motes swirled lazily in the shafts of light spilling from the high windows. The scent of fresh-cut wood and lacquer enveloped Kiri's senses as she took in the workshop interior.

The barn was a testament to his craft—a spacious, well-organized haven filled with tools, unfinished projects, and the rich, earthy scent of wood. To one side stood a collection of finished furniture pieces, each more stunning than the last. Expertly crafted furniture of rich, burnished woods—tables, chairs, cabinets, each piece an exquisite work of art. Clearly, his skilled hands could create both strength and beauty.

"It's incredible," Kiri breathed, still held securely in Monte's arms. "You made all of this?"

Monte ducked his head, a hint of pride in his smile. "Every piece," he confirmed, gesturing to the various projects scattered throughout the barn. "Woodworking has been my passion for as long as I can remember. It's what brought me to this place, actually."

Kiri tilted her head, curiosity sparking in her eyes. "What do you mean?"

Monte glanced out the window facing the secluded lake, his gaze distant as he recalled the memory. "I stumbled upon this spot years ago while I was out hiking. The moment I saw it, I knew it was special—the perfect place to build a home, a life." He smiled, his eyes meeting Kiri's once more. "So, I did. Built the cabin, the woodworking barn, everything here with my own two hands."

Kiri shook her head in wonder, a newfound respect blossoming in her chest. "You're so talented, Monte."

"Thank you." A shy smile tugged at his lips, even as uncertainty flickered in his dark eyes. "You really think so? Coming from you—a human—that means a lot."

"Of course." Kiri reached up to caress his furry cheek. "Being human has nothing to do with recognizing mastery. I didn't know you were so talented. And you, Monte, are a true master craftsman."

Kiri looked up at him filled with admiration. She knew that beneath the gruff exterior of this Minotaur was a heart that yearned for connection, and she felt an overwhelming desire to fill it. She knew he felt it too—this strange, wonderful, terrifying connection growing with every shared moment, every tender touch.

Monte carried Kiri further into the workshop, his hooves clicked against the stone floor, echoing in the large barn. He gently set her down on a sturdy workbench, ensuring she was comfortable before stepping back to survey his collection.

"Each piece has a story," he began, his deep voice resonating with pride. "That dining table there? I made it from a fallen oak that had stood in these woods for centuries. I wanted to honor its legacy and the monsters that have come across it."

Kiri's eyes widened as she took in the table's intricate details—the way the natural grain of the wood swirled and danced beneath the glossy finish. "It's stunning," she murmured, running her fingers along the smooth edge. "You've given it new life."

Monte smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "And that rocking chair? I crafted it for a soon-to-be mother in the village. She told me she needed one so she could soothe her future newborn pups to sleep."

Kiri's heart swelled with admiration. This gentle giant, with his fierce appearance and tender heart, poured so much love into his work. Each piece was a testament to his compassion, his desire to create something beautiful and meaningful for others.

As Monte continued to display his projects, Kiri found herself drawn to a delicate figurine perched on a nearby shelf. It depicted a female Minotaur cradling a baby in her arms, the details so lifelike she half-expected them to move.

"May I?" she asked softly, gesturing to the figurine.

Monte nodded, a flicker of vulnerability crossing his features. "I carved that in memory of my mother. She... she passed away when I was young."

Kiri's breath hitched as she carefully lifted the figurine, cradling it in her palms as if it were a precious treasure. The love and grief etched into every curve and line brought tears to her eyes.

"Monte," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "It's perfect. She would be so proud of you."

As Kiri looked up at Monte, she saw the glimmer of unshed tears in his dark eyes. In that moment, she understood the depths of his loneliness, the scars that he, too, carried within.

Without thinking, Kiri set the figurine down and reached for Monte's hand, lacing her fingers through his. His palm dwarfed hers, his fur soft and warm against her skin.

"Thank you for sharing this with me," she said softly, tracing soothing circles over his knuckles with her thumb. "Your heart… it's as beautiful as your craft."

"Coming from you, that means a lot." Monte swallowed hard, his gaze meeting hers with a warmth that made her heart flutter. "Kiri, I…"

He paused, seemingly uncertain, the words appearing to get stuck in his throat. She watched him struggle, the normally fluent and confident Monte reduced to an uncertain mess. A pang of affection surged in her heart at seeing this vulnerable side of him.

"Monte..." she whispered, reaching her other hand up to stroke the side of his face. Her thumb traced along one of his rough scars, the mark standing out stark against his warm skin. His eyes closed partially, a low rumble echoing from his chest.

It was now or never.

Before he could utter another word, Kiri wrapped a hand around his neck and bridged the gap between them, tenderly pressing her lips to his. His lips were warm and inviting, stirring up a whirlpool of emotions within her.

A light sigh escaped from Monte's parted lips as he reciprocated, his arm tightening around her, pressing her body closer to his. She took in the rough fur beneath her fingers, the powerful pulse of his heart playing a wild rhythm beneath his chest.

"You deserve happiness, Monte," she murmured against his mouth. She could feel him tense at her words, his doubt and hesitation tangible. "I want to give you that if you'll let me."

Monte jerked away as if stung, his dark eyes wide with surprise. "You don't know what you're offering, Kiri." His voice was raw with emotion, rasping roughly in the quiet air of the workshop, but she could still see the hope glinting in his eyes.

"Oh, I believe I do," she retorted with a playful smirk and reached up to gently brush a curling lock of hair away from his face. "And I'm willing to take that risk."

The minotaur let out a low growl, the sound reverberating through his chest. "Don't make promises you won't keep," he warned, his eyes locked onto hers, searching for sincerity. His look was heated, full of unspoken desires and fears.

Kiri held his gaze without flinching. "And who says I won't?"

"Only time will tell, Kiri," Monte answered quietly as he carried her across the barn to a tall counter cluttered with tools and wood shavings. He set her down gently amidst the chaos, his fingers lingering for a fraction of a second longer than necessary on her waist. "What's your favorite kind of wood?"

Kiri blinked, taken aback by the shift in conversation. "Mahogany or walnut, I guess," she replied, her cheeks flushing under his gaze. "But any wood would do if it's stained or lacquered."

"Unfortunately, those trees don't grow on Monster Island," Monte explained, his brow furrowed in thought. "But there is a similar hardwood unique to our land called Moonstar."

With a determined gleam in his eyes, Monte strode to the back of the barn and picked up a shimmering black dense stick, carefully carrying it over to her. Kiri's hazel eyes widened at the sight of the unusual wood, its surface adorned with silver stripes and rainbow glitter.

"Wow," she breathed, reaching out to trace her fingers along the shimmering lines. "This is amazing."

"Stay put," he instructed, a playful grin tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"Where else would I go?" Kiri teased, her lips curving into a smirk .

Monte grunted and shook his head, wafting his long hair about as he walked way, his tail swaying lazily behind him.

As Monte moved around the barn, Kiri was captivated by his every move. It was like watching a master artist in his domain, each precise stroke and careful cut transforming raw materials into works of art.

Never before had she witnessed someone crafting something in front of her. She'd always been given the final product to promote.

As she watched him work, Kiri couldn't shake off an unexpected wave of desire that washed over her.

His arms, thick and corded with muscle under his dense fur, moved with a grace that belied their sheer power. His broad shoulders flexed beneath the dark fur as he hefted a thick log off of his workbench and placed it on a rack full of logs, muscles rippling with effortless strength. Every part of him was made to survive in this harsh wilderness; each corded muscle was testament to his power.

Yet it wasn't just his physical prowess that took her breath away; it was the way his large hands, so strong and capable, handled the tools with such delicate precision. There was an artistic grace in his muscular form, a balance between power and finesse that held her spellbound.

His large, curved horns were imposing. The way they arched from his skull added an element of dominance and authority that she found herself drawn to—she had to keep resisting the urge to run her fingers along their polished surface.

Kiri's gaze traveled up to his face, where concentration wrinkled his forehead and a determined set lined his jaw. His large, desolate brown eyes focused intently on the task at hand, like a predator stalking its prey. There was a gentleness in Monte's eyes when he looked at her, a softness around his mouth when he smiled. They carried within them a depth of loneliness that tugged at her heartstrings.

Despite his monstrous appearance, there was an intrinsic sense of gentleness about him. The way he touched the wood, handled the tools with respect, showed that he wasn't just a beast of brute strength but a creature capable of nurturing and painstaking patience.

He was beautiful in a way she had never considered before—not in the way of delicate flowers or painted portraits, but in the raw strength of some beast god. There was something about the caring Minotaur that made her want to get to know more about him… in more ways than one.

Beyond his physical allure, there was something magnetic about his essence. He was solitary, yet he expressed such profound loyalty and dedication in everything he did—from honing his craft to caring for her—that it stirred within her an unfamiliar warmth.

She found herself drawn toward this complex minotaur who was as gentle as he was formidable.

And then there was his kindness… His trust in her, his willingness to share a piece of his life despite their differences, made him all the more attractive. The way he cared for her needs, taking care of her without demanding anything in return had stirred something within her she hadn't felt before.

The more she learned about him, the harder it became for Kiri to keep her emotions—and desires—in check.

How she longed for those hands to touch her… to ignite her desires and bring her pleasure. She couldn't shake the feelings that he'd unlocked in her by the way he massaged the balm into her skin.

She didn't want him to stop.

And yet, she respected his boundaries, understanding his fear of getting hurt and his hesitance to start something between them if she couldn"t commit.

She knew all too well about commitment and broken promises…

Slamming those dark memories aside, she focused on the present, trying to determine what Monte was making her.

The scent of wood shavings and the rhythmic sound of Monte's careful strokes filled the air as she glanced at the projects surrounding them, their beauty and craftsmanship a testament to his passion and skill.

Her mind raced with possibilities as she envisioned a world where Monte's talent could reach far beyond the borders of Monster Island, touching the hearts and lives of countless others.

"Monte, have you ever considered selling your woodwork online?" she asked, her voice brimming with excitement from her sudden idea. "With craftsmanship like this, you could make some serious money by reaching a much wider clientele and really make a name for yourself by showcasing your talent to a global audience."

Monte's hands stilled, and he looked up at her. "Online? I've never really thought about it before or know where to begin. I've only ever sold or traded my work to monsters here on Monster Island. I'm not sure how humans would react to my creations."

"Look around you, Monte," she urged, gesturing at the exquisite pieces surrounding them. "Your work is incredible. Humans would love to have your art in their homes. I know I do."

Monte's brow furrowed as he considered her words. "I don't know," he said slowly, his gaze drifting over the pieces scattered throughout the barn. "It's a nice idea, but I wouldn't even know where to start. I'm not exactly tech-savvy, and the logistics of it all..."

"Trust me," Kiri said firmly as she ran a hand over a beautifully carved wooden table within arm's reach, her fingers tracing the intricate patterns carved into the wood. "I understand that, but think about the possibilities! Your talent is undeniable. You could set up an online store and use videos to showcase your pieces to people all over the world. And with my expertise in marketing and the tech side of things—we could make this into a real business."

"All right." He nodded, his voice tinged with a vulnerability she'd never heard from him before. "I'll give it a try."

"I know it seems daunting, but that's where I come in. This is what I do for a living. I can handle all the technical aspects, the setup, the marketing—everything. All you'd need to focus on is creating your beautiful pieces."

"But what if it doesn't work out?" He glanced around the woodworking barn, taking in the various projects that highlighted his undeniable talent. "What if no one wants to buy from a... from someone like me?"

Kiri took a deep breath, bolstering her confidence as she prepared to counter Monte's concerns. "Monte, your appearance has nothing to do with the quality of your work. People will see the beauty, the skill, the passion you pour into every piece. They'll see you for the incredible artisan you are." She leaned forward on the countertop, meeting his gaze earnestly. "You have an incredible gift. And by selling your work online, you can not only achieve financial success but also share your art with people who may never have the opportunity to visit Monster Island."

"You really think it could work?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know the first thing about having an eCommerce, and I just want to focus on my woodworking."

"I told you that I would do all of that," she countered without hesitation. "You can keep doing what you love, while I handle the technical aspects."

"All right, if you insist it'll work," he finally conceded as his massive hand came to rest on the countertop. "Let's give it a try. But if it doesn't work out, I won't hold it against you. This is all new territory for me."

"Deal," Kiri agreed with a smile. "We can start whenever you want."

Monte scratched his head, clearly out of his element but willing to trust Kiri's guidance. "Sounds good, but... what do we do first?"

"First things first, we need to take some high-quality photos of your pieces and write descriptions for them," Kiri replied, unable to hide the excitement in her voice. "Then I can use my time recovering setting up your online store and help you create an engaging ‘About' page that tells your story and why your woodworking is unique. I can even make some live videos showcasing your work while I'm here!"

Monte nodded, his eyes flicking around the barn as if he were already envisioning the changes to come. "Where should we set up the photoshoot? In here or outside?"

"Let's start in here," Kiri suggested, pointing to where his finished projects were stored in a display fashion. Natural sunlight beamed in from the lake facing windows, highlighting the etches and fine detail of the wood pieces. "The lighting is great, and there are plenty of pieces to easily choose from. We can always move outside later if we need more variety of scenery."

Kiri's eyes lit up as she spotted a small notebook and a pencil on the countertop beside her. Without hesitation, she grabbed them and lifted them toward Monte. "Can I use these?"

Monte lifted his gaze from his project with a paintbrush in hand. "Of course," he said with a nod. "Use whatever that'll help you."

Kiri's fingers flew across the pages of the notebook, frantically jotting down ideas for their project. As she brainstormed, Monte turned off his machine and walked over to her, carrying a beautifully carved walking stick made from the rare Moonstar wood he had shown her earlier.

"Here, I made this for you," he rumbled softly, handing her the walking stick with a shy grin. "What do you think?"

Kiri's fingers traced the fine etchings of birds sitting in a tree that formed the handle and followed the delicate vines spiraling down the length of the stick. The craftsmanship was exquisite, and she couldn't help but marvel at the love and care Monte had poured into the piece.

"It's breathtaking." Kiri clutched the walking stick, her heart swelling with gratitude. "I love it, Monte. It's perfect. Thank you."

"I didn't want you to be restricted by your injury while here, forced to be dependent on me or anyone else to help you," he explained, moving closer to her, and gently lifting her from the counter. His touch was tender, sending shivers up Kiri's spine. "Let me help you down so I can see if I need to adjust the height."

With her feet firmly on the ground, she tested out the walking stick, leaning on it to take the pressure off her injured foot. It was as if the stick had been custom made just for her—which indeed in fact it was—at a comfortable height, supporting her weight effortlessly and allowing her to walk without pain.

She smiled at Monte, tears welling up in her eyes.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. Leaning on the walking stick, she wiped her eyes, unable to fathom why someone would be so kind to her.

Monte frowned, a worry-filled look on his face, reaching out to wipe away a tear that had escaped. "What's wrong, Kiri? Why are you crying?"

She looked away, feeling embarrassed. "I don't deserve your kindness. You've done so much for me already."

"Hey, look at me," he said, tilting her chin up so their eyes met. The intensity of his gaze made her breath catch. "You do deserve to be able to walk without pain. It is the least I can do for you."

"But you've been doing so much for me…" She frowned. "How can I ever repay you?"

"Stay with me" He let out a soft huff. "Don't go to the village."

"All right," she murmured, nodding. "But you have to let me help you as much as you've helped me."

"Deal," he rumbled, his voice low and warm, igniting the embers within her. "I won't stop you."