15. Kalen

CHAPTER 15

KALEN

I wake up with Olivia curled against me, her soft flesh pressed against my body. For a moment, I just bask in the warmth of her presence, marveling at how perfectly she fits in my arms. I feel my masculine core stir as she wriggles ever so slightly against me as the sunlight brings us to waking.

Settle down big boy.

Yeah, maybe we take the morning off?

If I give in to every urge with her, my business will surely fail. We were already up half the night as it is.

Plus, truth is, I am a little sore.

Gods, but how did this tiny human manage to upend my entire world in less than a week?

Practically less than a weekend!

"Morning, handsome," Olivia murmurs, stretching like a contented cat.

I can't help but grin. "Morning, my beautiful little cow. Sleep well?"

She bolts upright.

Uh oh.

"Okay, I can see we are gonna have to work on the language. Ixnay with the owcay "

"Huh?"

"No C word , okay?"

"What, my love, you are the most beautiful pink fleshed soft little c-"

"Ahh that one ... That's a hard ‘nope' ..."

"You are beautiful, perfect, delicate and sweet ...all in one, but if you wish I will forgo the use of that particular word if I must..."

"Okay, keep digging your way out ... but that's better. And, unless I am mistaken, I am the only human you have really ever seen up close! Maybe you saw the leashed one kinda close I imagine?"

"Yes, I have stood in the same room with her, and you are by the far the fairest, the sexiest ..."

She nods, snuggling closer. "Okay good, and to answer your question I think that was the best night of sleep of my life. You sure know what you're doing with that claiming thing. I mean, holy shit but was that good. You sure it's your first time."

"Absolutely." I lean down to kiss her on the back of her head.

"And I adore this little "Bee in my heart" tattoo thing!"

"Your Mark of Claiming."

"Yes, that . In fact, it is my best evidence that all of this is not just some elaborate dream. Though I suppose I could dream that too ..."

I chuckle, running a hand through her tussled reddish-brown hair. "I know just how you feel, sweetheart. But if it's not real then we are dreaming the same dream, which works just as well for me."

As we lay there, trading soft kisses and gentle touches, I'm struck again by just how right this feels.

Finally, I get what all the fuss is about with fated mates.

But as much as I'd love to stay in this bubble forever, I know we can't hide away much longer .

"So," I say, propping myself up on one elbow. "I want to introduce you to the gang. Properly, I mean. No disguises this time."

Olivia turns and looks back at me, eyes widening slightly, a mix of excitement and anxiety flickering across her face. "Really? Are you sure that's ... safe?"

"Oh, now you're the one worried about safety?"

"Just good analysis of a situation to examine it from all sides."

I nod, trying to project more confidence than I feel. "Yes, it's time. You're my mate, and I want everyone to know it. Besides, after everything that's happened with Thokk and his mate, the town's been ... well, let's just say they're a little more open-minded these days. That's what I am banking on at any rate. Plus, they should be back today, I think. Strength in numbers."

She gives me a look, considering. "Okay," she says finally. "Let's do it. But maybe we could start small? Just your closest, closest friends?"

"Deal," I say, planting a kiss on her forehead. "I'm going to call them all over to the Horn. Won't hurt to get a few drinks in ‘em anyhow ..."

An hour later, we're heading downstairs to the tavern. I can feel the nervous energy radiating off Olivia as she fidgets with the hem of her shirt.

"Relax, Liv," I murmur, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. "They're gonna love you."

She takes a deep breath, squaring her shoulders. "Right. I've faced down cranky professors and entitled grad students. Not to mention Douchebag Dan back at work. I can handle a few monsters."

I can't help but laugh. "That's my girl."

I open the main entrance where Koda, Finn, and Nox are already waiting and I quickly usher them in and seat them at the usual corner table. As they make their way in and take in my new mate their faces reflect a variety of expressions, from curiosity and wariness, to surprise bordering on shock.

"Gentlemen," I say, trying to keep my voice casual. "I'd like you to meet Olivia. My mate."

There's a moment of stunned silence, then Koda stands, extending a massive, furry hand. "Well, I'll be," he rumbles. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Olivia. Kalen here wouldn't shut up about you. He had us practically jumping through hoops looking for you yesterday too, so ..."

I feel my face heat up. "I didn't-"

"Oh, he absolutely did," Finn chimes in, his blue eyes twinkling with mischief. "I've never seen our smooth-talking minotaur so focused. Do you know he was planning to go stomp right past the spell wall to look for you?"

Olivia giggles, some of the tension visibly leaving her shoulders. "You were! That's so romantic Kally."

Kally?

I look at my friends but they all are doing their best to pretend they did not hear her just use a pet name ...

"Nothing will ever come between us again ... Livvy."

I give each of my friends a death stare just to be sure they get the message. Don't say a word.

They all look away and continue to pretend they had not just heard the exchange of pet names they obviously did hear.

Good.

She presses herself against me.

"Well, I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who has fallen completely head over heels." She plants a kiss on my cheek for emphasis.

As we sit down, I can see my friends studying Olivia, trying to reconcile the flesh-and-blood woman before them with whatever preconceived notions they might have had. Sure, they all have met Thokk's mate Zoe, but it is obvious they are far from accustomed to the idea of a human mate. But true to form, my brilliant mate rises to the occasion .

"So," she says, leaning forward eagerly. "I have about a million questions about Fablewood and its history. Kalen mentioned you've been here for centuries - how has the town evolved over time? Are there any surviving records from the early days maybe?"

"What is it with you humans and history?"

"Nox." I give him a look.

"What? It was a serious question!"

Well, I think it's cool that you're interested in our history." I can always count on Finn to be positive.

Olivia nods enthusiastically. "Thanks! I'm a historian by trade. The opportunity to study a hidden magical society? It's a dream come true!"

I feel a swell of pride as I watch her effortlessly charm my friends. Within minutes, they're deep in conversation about Fablewood's founding myths and legends. Even Nox, usually so aloof, seems begrudgingly impressed by Olivia's knowledge and genuine curiosity.

As I get up to fetch another round of drinks, I catch Koda's eye. He gives me a subtle nod of approval, and I feel a weight lift off my chest. They accept her. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come on a bigger scale. Maybe this really can work.

Just then, the tavern door swings open, and in walks Elowen, her silver hair wild as ever. Her eyes widen as she takes in the scene before her.

"Well, well," she cackles. "What have we here? Another human in our midst?"

I get up to greet Elowen and move to stand protectively alongside Olivia. "Elowen, this is-"

"Your mate," she finishes, her eyes twinkling. "I can see it plain as day. That mate-summoning spell of mine worked after all, it seems. Did she show up at the watchtower?"

"In my storeroom actually."

"I see. Curious."

I don't see at all. But whatever .

Olivia stands, offering her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Elowen. I'm Olivia."

The witch takes Olivia's hand, but instead of shaking it, she turns it palm up, studying the lines intently. "Fascinating," she murmurs. "You've come far, child. In more ways than one."

"Yes, but I don't know anything about any spells ..."

Before Olivia can respond further, the door bursts open again. This time, it's Thokk and Zoe, finally back from their little getaway.

About time!

But right away I can tell something is up. No sooner have the boys and Thokk begun exchange greetings than everyone freezes as Zoe lets out a shriek that could wake the dead.

"Olivia?!"

Suddenly everyone else is exchanging glances trying to figure out what the hell is going on.

But then my eyes lock on my Olivia as she reaches a steadying hand onto my arm. For a moment I can't tell if she is going to pass out, or maybe laugh...or cry?

"What the hell are you doing here?!" Zoe has her own arm reaching out to Thokk for support as well.

Olivia lets out a little laugh in response, the sound equal parts joy and disbelief. "Zoe! What the hell am I doing here? What in the nine hells are you doing here?!"

The monsters around us burst into laughter at Olivia's use of the Fablewood curse. I can't help but join in, as the lady's elation at seeing one another is now evident.

The two women rush to embrace, talking over each other in their excitement.

"I can't believe it's really you-"

"I just don't get it ..."

"I mean ..."

"But seriously, what the hell are you..."

"Is this where you've been this whole time- "

"Wait," Olivia says suddenly, pulling back to look at Zoe. "Kalen mentioned something about a human on a leash. Please tell me that wasn't you."

Zoe flushes bright red, and Thokk lets out a booming laugh. "It was a necessary precaution at the time," he rumbles.

Olivia raises an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Well, don't knock it 'til you try it, I guess ..."

The tavern erupts in raucous laughter and good-natured jeering. I pull Olivia close, pressing a kiss to her temple. "That's my little human," I murmur, and she beams up at me. "Maybe we should have tried out that exotic dancer ruse after all."

"Don't push your luck." At first she looks serious before breaking into a smile. "But perhaps we can discuss it." She kisses me on the cheek this time.

While we get a few curious looks, our assembled friends erupt in laughter, and I can't help but join in, feeling a surge of pride as I watch Olivia effortlessly fit right in.

"Oh my god, I have so much to tell you ..." Olivia says, turning to Zoe. "You won't believe this, but I ... gosh I don't know where to start, but I came here, to Fablewood, but then I went back ..."

"You went back? How?"

"Later, later. Truth is, I have no idea, but when I went back I saw Mia!"

"Mia? My Mia?"

"Yes, and even crazier ... I was helping her try to find her cat ... when we got pulled here...!

Zoe's eyes widen. "What? Mia's here too?"

"I got pulled here ..."

Before Olivia can say more, the tavern door swings open with a bang.

Gods, the tavern sure is popular today.

Elder Faelar is the latest to arrive. He strides in, his eyes narrowing as they land on Olivia .

"What's the meaning of this?" he demands. " Another human?"

I step forward, ready to defend my mate, but Olivia surprises me.

Again.

"Excuse me," she says, her voice steady as she addresses the intimidating elf. "I don't believe we've met. I'm Olivia Reed, historian and... well, Kalen's mate." She extends her hand, and I have to bite back a grin at the mix of shock and curiosity on the elder's face.

"A historian, you say?" His eyebrows shoot up as he reluctantly shakes her hand. "Interesting. And how exactly did you come to be here, Ms. Reed?"

As Olivia launches into a detailed description of her adventure, her eyes light up with enthusiasm. I can't help but feel a swell of pride as I see this side of her. The elder seems totally captivated as she outlines the little she knows about exactly how she got here, as well as the few clues we have uncovered that could lead to a better understanding.

"Chalice? Wait what? You mean you didn't go down in the sub-basement? The archway?" Zoe is staring at her. Apparently, they have arrived by different means. Interesting indeed.

"No, what archway?" Olivia is wide-eyed as the two compare notes, apparently on where they travelled to Fablewood from. But before they can say more, Elder Faelar interjects again.

"Fascinating," he murmurs. "You know, Olivia, you two are not the first. There are stories ... legends really, passed down through generations. About the woman who once bridged our worlds - Charlotte."

"Charlotte?" Olivia exclaims.

"Yup, My great-aunt! But really, I didn't know there were stories Elder Faelar!"

"Holy shit this is crazier and crazier..." My Olivia sits down, apparently because her legs are going weak with all of these revelations.

"'Holy shit' indeed. Our town is just digesting the first human, sorry, you Zoe. And now there are two of you." Elder Faelar looks from one to the other. You seem intelligent enough ..." I notice them both glare at him a little at that comment, but they say nothing, perhaps sensing just how jarring their appearance here has been. Faelar continues. "But I just hope the town can handle two of you. Though it seems it is the will of the ancients ... so it is up to fate ... as are all things of course."

Zoe comes over and takes Olivia's hand. "You're not gonna believe this."

Before I know it, we're all traipsing out to the town square to see the statue of Charlotte and her orc companion. Olivia's practically vibrating with excitement, and I can't help but chuckle at her enthusiasm.

"And that's not even the most exciting part. Come look at this."

Zoe leads us to the site where she found the murals with Thokk. They have expanded the entrance so that all may enter. I can even fit without turning my horns sideways.

"Oh my god, Kalen, look!" she gasps, pointing at the new murals Zoe has apparently revealed in just the few days before they went away. "The seal again - it's everywhere!"

I watch as Olivia's eyes light up, her historian brain practically smoking as she takes in this latest revelation. It's adorable, really. But her enthusiasm is also kind of contagious. I'm am starting to get kind of excited myself by the possibilities of just what these dusty old wall paintings could reveal.

"Look at this!" she exclaims, pointing at a section of the wall. "These figures - they're wearing ceremonial robes maybe? And look, there are more humans and monsters together! "

Zoe nods enthusiastically. "I know, right? It's like some kind of... I don't know, secret society or something. And what did you say about a seal?"

I can't help but chuckle. "Secret society? Come on, that's a bit far-fetched, don't you think?"

But even as I say it, I notice Elder Faelar shifting uncomfortably. "Well," he says, clearing his throat, "there may be... more to our history than we've previously acknowledged."

Well, I'll be a troll's uncle.

"Of course it's a secret society! I mean just look at her face!" Olivia points to the seal. "She's a got a look that puts the Mona Lisa smile to shame!"

As the group buzzes with excitement, theories flying back and forth, I find myself just watching Olivia. She's in her element, eyes shining as she explains how we found the seal to Zoe and debates historical minutiae with the elder. It's a far cry from the nervous, slightly obsessive, list-making woman I first met. And I haven't seen any sign of her flash cards since that first encounter.

Suddenly, I'm struck by an idea. "Hey," I say, cutting through the chatter. "Remember that twenty-sided die Liv? I've been planning to host a Cubicles and Chihuahuas game night at the tavern. So you can experience it first-hand. And I want everyone to come." I lock eyes with Olivia. "I think it's time to introduce my mate to C&C, and to the whole town."

There's a moment of stunned silence, then a chorus of protests.

"Are you sure that's wise?" Faelar asks, frowning.

"What about your business?" Finn chimes in. "If people react badly..."

I wave them off. "I think I am coming to my senses, thanks to Olivia. I don't care. If the tavern suffers, I'll figure something else out. But Olivia is my mate, and that's that. I should have embraced it – I should have embraced you, Liv, from the moment you appeared. If some people don't approve, well that will be their problem now, won't it?"

Olivia's looking at me with a mix of shock and... is that pride? "Well, you are a male, so it's kind of expected it would take you a minute or to come to your senses."

"What's that-"

"I'm kidding Kalen," she says quickly, "And truth be told, I didn't mean to make you feel pressured. I mean, I get it if we need to take our time to-"

"I want everyone to know about you, about us," I interrupt, taking her hand. "You're stuck with me. Or do we need to do more claiming to make that clear?"

She, along with Zoe for that matter, turns bright red even as the monsters let out good natured laughs. Though I know only Thokk can truly understand what I mean.

"Maybe this time it will be me doing the claiming, oh horny one."

This time my friends don't hold in their laughs as they break into belly laughs and whoops. Olivia and Zoe slap hands in the air as Zoe yells, "High Five Liv!"

As the conversation breaks into a few different groups rehashing some of the topics we have raised I can't help but feel gratitude for how full my life has already been, as well as how much more was added the moment Olivia came into my life. It's just crazy. But I plan to make the most of it.

Bring it on, Fablewood. Kally and Livvy are ready for you.