Chapter 8

Kiri sat across from Monte at the dinner table, her hazel eyes locked with his dark, intense gaze. The candlelight flickered, casting dancing shadows across his chiseled, fur-covered face. She took a deep breath, inhaling the savory aroma of the venison roast he had prepared.

"This smells incredible," she said softly, cutting into the tender meat. "You could cook for me any day." She took a bite, flavors exploding on her tongue. A small moan of pleasure escaped her lips.

Monte's eyes sparkled with amusement and...something else. Desire? "I would," he rumbled in his deep baritone. "Gladly."

Kiri smiled, tucking a strand of blonde hair behind her ear. "That's great, because while I love baking when I'm stressed, somehow I never mastered the art of cooking meals. Odd, isn't it?"

He shook his massive horned head and snorted. "Not at all. We each have our strengths and not everyone can work in a kitchen." He took a sip of wine, his gaze never leaving hers. "I would love to have you bake something for me sometime."

Her heart fluttered at the implication—that there would be a "sometime," that this wasn't just a temporary arrangement. That he wanted more time with her, to share meals and get to know each other beyond the disastrous event—the one that turned out to be a delightful accident—that had brought her here.

She allowed herself to imagine it for a moment—her bustling around a kitchen stressed about work for her latest client, flour on her nose as she prepped some treats, while Monte looked on adoringly as he walked through the front door with his large axe in hand. Coming up behind her to wrap his strong arms around her waist, nuzzle her neck...

Kiri blinked, cheeks flushing as she returned to the present. "I'd like that," she said, voice huskier than she'd intended. "I would love to treat you one day."

Silence stretched between them. Monte's hand twitched on the table, as if fighting the urge to touch something. Kiri licked her lips unconsciously, watching the movement of his throat as he swallowed hard.

Holding Monte's smoldering gaze, she slowly, deliberately reached for another bite, parting her lips to accept the morsel. He tracked the movement, lingering on her mouth. Her tongue darted out to catch a stray drop of sauce at the corner of her lips.

"Delicious," she purred, the word dripping with layered meaning. "My compliments to the chef."

Monte made a rough sound deep in his chest, a growl of barely restrained hunger. Not for the meal laid out between them, but for her. Kiri felt an answering pull deep in her core, an ache to discover all the pleasures his powerful body promised—to have his hands on her once more.

Kiri's pulse quickened under the heat of Monte's stare as she daringly leaned forward slightly. "Tell me, Monte," she murmured, "has there ever been someone special in your life? A... mate?"

Monte dropped his gaze to his plate, shoulders tensing. "No," he rumbled after a long moment. "Living so far from the plains, from others like me—it makes finding a partner difficult." His jaw worked as if chewing on words unsaid.

Kiri's heart clenched at the loneliness that shadowed his rugged features. Without thinking, she reached across the table to rest her hand atop his much larger one. "I'm sorry," she whispered. "That must be terribly isolating. There's no Monster Mate Match program or something for you to use to help you find a partner?"

Monte's eyes snapped to hers, startled by the contact. Then slowly, tentatively, he turned his palm up to cradle her hand in his. Kiri's breath hitched at the heady combination of rough calluses and surprisingly soft fur against her skin.

"It can be, but I am accustomed to solitude," he acknowledged gruffly. "If there was such a program, I wouldn't know how to use it or if it would be worth it to sign up for it." His thumb skimmed over her knuckles in a feather-light caress, leaving sparks in its wake. "I keep hoping that I wouldn't need to, and perhaps one day I would meet a female who would be willing to live this life."

Kiri's heart stuttered at his words. "Perhaps one day you will," she managed, her voice emerging breathier than intended.

Monte's gaze bored into hers, those expressive eyes now molten with barely restrained hunger. "As would I, little bird," he rumbled, the endearment sending shivers racing down her spine. "More than you know."

Kiri felt her cheeks flush under the intensity of Monte's gaze. She knew she should pull her hand away, put some distance between them, but she couldn't seem to make herself move. Not when every nerve ending in her body was singing at his touch.

"You know," she said, aiming for a teasing tone to break the tension, "I find it hard to believe that females aren't lining up to be with you. I mean, have you seen yourself? You're like a walking, talking romance novel cover."

Monte let out a loud grunt. "Is that so?" he asked, his deep voice laced with amusement. "I'm afraid to ask what type of romance novels humans enjoy."

"Well, take it from someone who has read her fair share of alien and monster romance," Kiri said, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "Tall, dark, and handsome? Check. Mysterious and brooding? Check. Strong enough to literally sweep the heroine off her feet? Double check."

She punctuated each point with a tap of her finger against his broad chest, marveling at the solid muscle beneath his fur. Monte caught her hand in his, engulfing it completely.

"You think I'm handsome?" he asked, his voice low and rough.

Kiri swallowed hard, her mouth suddenly dry. "I... I think any female would be lucky to have you," she whispered, unable to tear her gaze away from his.

Monte's eyes darkened, the heat in them unmistakable. "And what about you, little bird?" he rumbled, his thumb tracing maddening circles on her wrist. "Would you consider yourself lucky?"

Kiri's heart raced, and she instinctively bit her bottom lip. Her mind was a flurry of emotion as she tried to make sense of all the feelings that he made brewing inside her. She knew she was treading on dangerous ground, but her own curiosity and desire made her unable to resist the temptation.

What would it be like to be a minotaur's mate?

"I… I don't know," she breathed, her voice trembling. "I guess that depends on what you're offering."

Monte leaned closer, his breath hot against her ear. "I'm offering everything, Kiri. My strength, my protection, my... devotion." His deep voice sent shivers down her spine. "I've never wanted anyone the way I want you."

Kiri's pulse pounded as scandalous images flashed unbidden through her mind—his powerful body moving over hers, pinning her down as he claimed her with deep, passionate kisses. Waking up each morning wrapped in his strong arms, safe and cherished. Building a life together in the mountains, away from the city…

She sharply pushed the dangerous fantasies aside, trying to regain her composure even as liquid heat pooled low in her belly. "You barely know me," she pointed out, hating how breathy she sounded. "How can you be so sure about this—about us?"

The candlelight flickered, the firelight casting dancing shadows on his broad, fur-covered chest and highlighting his striking features. Monte drew back slightly to look into her eyes, his gaze intense and unwavering.

The intimate atmosphere of the dining room seemed to envelop them both, heightening her senses, making her more aware of his presence. Her heart raced as she watched him, the flicker of flames reflecting in his eyes, like the physical display of silence burning between them.

"I know enough. You're brilliant, fearless, compassionate. You see me, the real me, in a way no one else ever has." His hand came up to gently cup her cheek, his touch scorching her skin. "We may come from different worlds, but I feel a connection with you I can't ignore. Tell me you feel it too, Kiri."

She trembled under his piercing stare, wanting so badly to lean into his touch, to admit the undeniable attraction sparking between them. The temptation to throw caution to the wind and explore whatever was forming between them.

But the rational part of her brain won out, forcing her to lean away from him. "I... I'm sorry, Monte. This is all moving so fast," she said, shaking her head as if to clear it. "I don't know what to say."

"I cannot deny the attraction I feel for you… There's something about you that draws me in... and it's not just your beauty that captivates me." He paused for a moment, his gaze searching her face before asking hesitantly, his voice low. "Why do you give me mixed signals?"

Monte's usually gruff demeanor had softened, revealing a side of him she hadn't expected. He leaned forward slightly, his large hands resting on the table, fingers curling into the wood as if to anchor himself.

"You have a mate, don't you? Why would they allow you to come here?" His gaze bored into hers, curiosity and something more—something primal—glinting in his eyes. "Why take a job so far away from everything you know?"

Kiri's breath hitched. The directness of his question cut through her like a blade, sharp and unyielding as a lump formed in her throat. She glanced down, tracing the grain of the wooden table with her fingertip, gathering the courage to answer. Vulnerability wasn't something she easily embraced, but there was something about Monte that made her want to open up.

"I don't have a mate," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I was once engaged to be married, but I caught my future husband sleeping with a coworker." She took a deep breath, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "It's been a few years, but I haven't found the courage to try again. After learning that they recently got married, and she's expecting…"

Monte's eyes softened, his intense gaze shifting to one of understanding. He nodded as he reached across the table, gently covering her hand with his. The connection sent a current of warmth through her body, even in the midst of her painful memories. His touch was reassuring, yet electrifying all at once.

"It felt like the universe was mocking me, and shattered everything I thought I knew about love and trust," Kiri continued, her voice growing steadier. "That was a few years ago, but I haven't found the courage to try again. So, when this job offer came up, I took it. I needed to get away from all the memories, the pain. And thankfully, my best friend decided to join me, to escape her own past."

"Kiri, your ex made a mistake," he murmured, his fingers tenderly caressing her hand. "You are strong, beautiful, and deserving of love. Do not let the actions of one foolish male define your worth or your future happiness." He brushed his thumb against her knuckles. "Anyone would be lucky to have you as a mate."

A tear slipped down her cheek, but was quickly wiped away and replaced by a tentative smile. Embarrassed, yet relieved, she squeezed his hand.

"Thank you, Monte," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "But unfortunately, I'm afraid of getting hurt again… and with every year, I'm not getting any younger."

"Unless you age like fine wine," Monte teased gently with a soft smile. "Or maybe you're an aged cheese type female."

"Are you telling me that I smell?" She gasped, wiping her tears as they slid down her cheek and let out a shaky laugh.

"I would never tell a female that she smelled." He snorted, merriment dancing in his eyes. "But you did reek of skunk when I first discovered you."

"Because one snuck up on me!"

"I don't believe you," Monte muttered, shaking his head. "They're scared of others, especially anything much taller than it."

"Maybe they are scared of you, because you're a freakin Mountain Minotaur!"

"And you're a human female." He tilted his head. "What else would I be?"

She felt a warmth spread through her chest, a burgeoning hope that maybe she could find happiness again. With Monte by her side, the future didn't seem so daunting.

She squeezed his hand, feeling a mix of gratitude and relief. It wasn't just about what he said; it was the way he said it, as if he truly believed every word. Her shoulders relaxed, tension melting away under his reassuring gaze. For the first time in ages, she felt genuinely seen.

There was something comforting in Monte's words, in the way his dark eyes held no judgment, only sincerity. And for the first time in a long while, she felt a spark of something she thought she'd lost forever—hope.

"Thank you for the meal, Monte," she said, her voice steadier now. She needed a moment, a break from the intensity of emotions that had surfaced so unexpectedly. "I think I should... I should go to my room."

"Of course," he replied gently, understanding in his eyes. "Take all the time you need."

He watched as she stood up from the table and left the room, his gaze lingering on her retreating form.

Once inside her room, Kiri closed the door behind her and leaned against it, taking deep, calming breaths as she tried to process everything that had just transpired.

"Get a grip, Kiri," she muttered to herself, running her fingers through her hair. "You can't go falling for him so quickly. You barely know him, and yet, you were foolish enough to kiss him."

The room was dimly lit, shadows dancing on the walls, mirroring the turmoil within her.

Kiri moved to the small window, her fingers tracing the cool glass as she stared at the blanket of stars in the night sky.

She let out a shaky breath, trying to process the whirlwind of emotions Monte had stirred within her. His kindness, his understanding—it was more than she had ever expected to find here.

Her mind raced with thoughts of him—the way he looked at her, the feel of his hand on hers, the sincerity in his voice when he told her she deserved better. A wave of desire washed over her, and she tried to remind herself that they barely knew each other.

She pressed her forehead against the window, the coolness soothing her flushed skin. The memory of Monte's touch lingered, a phantom sensation that refused to fade.

Her mind raced, replaying their conversation: the way his eyes softened when he spoke to her, the way his touch sent sparks through her veins. Her heart pounded in her chest, an erratic rhythm that matched the chaos of her thoughts. She wanted more—more moments like tonight, more of his comforting presence…

She had never expected to feel this way about anyone again, let alone a Minotaur creature like Monte.

"Damn it," she whispered under her breath, frustration bubbling within her. Why did matters of the heart have to be so complicated? She chewed on her lip, her thoughts racing with uncertainty.

"Kiri, you're overthinking this," she chided herself, shaking her head. "Just go with the flow and see where it leads."

Sighing, she began unpacking her suitcase, carefully placing each item in its designated spot, as she tried to clear her roaming thoughts. As she folded her clothes, she couldn't help but wonder what Monte was doing at that moment. Was he thinking about her too?

"Don't be foolish," she muttered, folding a sweater with trembling hands. But even as she tried to distract herself with the mundane task, her mind kept drifting back to him—to his strong arms, his warm touch, and the tenderness in his voice when he spoke to her. "He was just trying to cheer me up."

She folded the plaid shirt and tucked it away, closing the drawer with a soft thud.

Her fingers traced the delicate embroidery on the bedspread, the threads whispering stories of its maker.

She eased herself onto the bed, the mattress giving under her weight. The scent of Monte had subtly invaded the corners of the cabin and now clung to the blanket cocooning her. Earthy. Pine and musk. A hint of something wild yet oddly intimate—his essence in its rawest form. She closed her eyes, letting it envelop her, wrapping around her like a phantom embrace. Her heart fluttered at the thought that he was here with her in some tangible form even when they were apart.

She turned on her side, hugging her pillow closer as if seeking solace from its soft warmth. Her thoughts took flight; fantasies filled with tender moments between her and Monte started to paint themselves on the canvas of her mind.

Images came alive—sharing meals together under starlit skies; Monte's strong arms around her as they danced around a bonfire; flashbacks of their conversation during dinner came back to her in vivid detail and tantalizing what-ifs.

Rationality told her that such dreams were folly—but her heart dared to dream, dared to hope.

"Monte," she whispered into the darkness as his scent surrounded her, providing a sense of security that lulled her into a peaceful sleep.