7. Olivia

CHAPTER 7

OLIVIA

I 'm soaked to the bone and shivering by the time we make it back to Kalen's place above the tavern. My makeshift sasquatch costume is in tatters, fur matted and dripping all over the floor.

"S-sorry about the m-mess," I stammer through chattering teeth.

Kalen's brow furrows with concern. "Don't worry about that. Let's get you warmed up."

He helps me peel off the sodden fur coat, his hands gentle as he untangles it from my arms. I'm acutely aware of how close he is, the warmth radiating off his body. I've been aware of a lot of things when it comes to Kalen ...

"T-thanks," I manage. "I feel r-ridiculous."

As the coat falls away, I suddenly feel very exposed in my torn, and now rain-soaked blouse and skirt. The fabric clings to my every curve. I can tell Kalen is trying to be respectful, but the way his eyes widen is unmistakable, and I feel a blush creeping up my neck, even as I feel a tingle in my lady parts.

"Hey now," Kalen says softly, tilting my chin up to meet his eyes. "I thought you were amazing today. Like really brave. I can't imagine many humans could handle being in a place so different from everything you have ever known."

I snort. "Brave? I don't feel brave. I feel like a drowned rat."

"A very cute drowned rat," he teases, and I feel my cheeks heat up.

"I'm going to draw you a hot bath," Kalen says. "You need to get out of those wet clothes and warm up before you catch cold. "

As he bustles about gathering towels and running the water, I am a little amazed how natural this all feels. Here I am, in a magical hidden town, being cared for by a minotaur. That's right, I almost have to remind myself he is a mythical beast. It's crazy, but I can read his expressions, and though we are both trying to hide it ... I can feel how he feels for me. And somehow, it all just feels... right.

"Bath's ready," Kalen calls. "Do you need help with, uh..." He gestures vaguely at my clothes, looking adorably flustered.

"I think I can manage," I say, though part of me is tempted to say ‘yes,' What is wrong with me? "But thank you."

Why yes good sir, I actually need a lot of help with my clothes. Tons. And then I am going to need help with my nipples, and my belly ... definitely my ass, maybe I need a spanking, and then of course my-

Liv! I stop myself.

You just put a cork right in that bottle young lady.

I definitely want to put something somewhere ... and it's not a cork.

Stop.

He nods, backing out of the bathroom. "Right. Good. I'll just ... be out here if you need anything."

Right.

As I sink into the steaming water, I let out a contented sigh. The heat seeps into my bones, chasing away the last of the chill. Yes, I just need a chance to regain my composure a little. I close my eyes, trying to just get centered, and hopefully get my suddenly raging hormones under control.

But my mind is instantly spinning again. What am I doing? This whole situation is insane. I should be terrified, desperate to get home. But I am not. Not at all. Instead, I feel... alive . More myself than I have in years. Or ever. Truth is that this place is incredible.

And then there's Kalen. Charming, chivalrous, and surprisingly, impossibly, handsome Kalen. Who knew minotaurs could be so alluring?

It's the muscles. Gotta be.

Or maybe the horns?

But it's not just the muscles, although from what I saw, his abs and pecs are top shelf. And impressive as his horns are, it's not those either. No, it's the way he looks at me too, like I'm something precious. And the uncanny way I just feel everything is right in the world when I am around him.

I shake my head, trying to clear it. "You're losing it, Liv," I mutter to myself. "You've known him for all of a day."

Plus, there's the minotaur thing.

No shit, like I've forgotten.

But, whatever. Details, details.

"Kalen?" I call out, surprising myself.

"Everything okay?" His voice comes through the door, concern evident.

"Yeah, I just... I think I've decided I'm not crazy. Or if I am, I don't want to be sane again."

There's a pause, then a chuckle. "Well, that's a relief. I was starting to worry I'd imagined you as well. So, just so we're on the same page, I'll assume I'm not crazy either."

I laugh, the sound echoing off the stone tiled walls. "Great plan. Anyhow, not that I have decided this is all real ... but if I can't just walk out, then we should probably talk about how I can get back to my world." The words feel hollow even as I say them. But I should figure it out, right? That's only sensible. Just in case. So I have the option."

"Right," Kalen says, and is it my imagination or does he sound disappointed? "Of course. But you just relax for now. We can talk about it after."

I bite my lip, hesitating. "Okay, but could you ... could you bring me some paper please? I need to make a list."

"Another list?"

"I told you. It helps me think," I explain. "Pros and cons, you know?"

"Whatever you say," he says, and a moment later a notepad and the same oversized pencil from earlier appear through a crack in the thick oak door.

I grab them, careful not to drip water all over the paper. "Thanks, Mr. Horny."

"Sure thing, Fuzzwhip," he grumbles, but I can hear the smile in his voice.

But rather than shut the door again completely, I can't help but pause for a second and peer out at him through the crack.

Oh my.

He has removed his own wet shirt.

God, that body.

I know I should shut the door immediately. It's not right to spy, but I can't help it. Just a little more. Curiosity is getting the better of me.

But I know perfectly well what I am hoping for.

Sure enough, now he's undoing his belt. As he pulls at the leather the muscles from his forearms to his abs ripple accordingly. I draw in a breath as I feel desire pulse through me again.

Enough Liv. Shows over.

I assert what little will power I have left and quickly retreat back to the tub, face flaming.

Bad Olivia !

A mild sense of guilt mingles with a growing arousal.

Yes, I am a bad girl indeed.

Liv, get it together.

The list.

Right.

I settle back into the tub, determined to reassert some kind of control over these lusty feelings with my pros and cons list. But as I write, I find myself doodling little hearts in the margins.

What am I, twelve?

I shake my head for what feels like the tenth time today, trying to concentrate.

The 'pro' column for staying fills up unsurprisingly, yet alarmingly quickly:

No more dreading my empty apartment

Magic is real!

Live the adventure and catalog it!

No more Douchebag Dan and those stupid staff meetings

Kalen ...

I pause at that last one, my pen hovering over the paper. What to do about my feelings for this charming, unexpectedly sweet minotaur?

Whatever...let's see Cons:

Vanishing off the face of the earth

Potential death and dismemberment (the place is full of monster)

Endless unknown possible bad thing s

I stare at the list, chewing my lip. There are some rather serious downside risks here, but who am I kidding? The pros column is winning by a landslide. And it's not like there's much tying me to my old life anyway. I barely even speak with my parents. I'm pretty sure they have no idea what I even do – and definitely don't care. For all they know I work as a stocking clerk in a shoe store. That's how much they care about my career or my life. They probably wouldn't even notice if I disappeared.

I do have a few friends, I guess, at the museum, but I can make new friends. Yeah, that's right.

It's time to finally Live, Liv!

I giggle a little.

Live Liv.

"Kalen?" I call out again.

"Still here," he responds immediately.

I take a deep breath. "I think ... I think I'd like to stay. At least for now. I mean, no need to go running right back home, right? Not that I even know if I can, just yet. If that's okay?"

There's a pause, and for a moment, I'm terrified I've overstepped. Then I hear his reply, soft but clear: "Fantast- that is, I'd like that, Olivia. I'd like that a lot."

My heart does a little flip. "Okay, good. That's ... good." The tingles are back. Stronger than ever.

"You about done in there? You must be all shriveled up! Humans get that too, right? Besides, the water must be getting cold."

As if on cue, I shiver. "Yes, we get the shriveled fingers and toes thing, and yes, it is getting a little cold. Could you maybe hand me a second towel? I sort of used the first as a bath mat. Sorry! "

The door creaks open slightly, and Kalen's arm appears, holding out a fluffy towel. "I can get you a whole stack of them if you'd like."

"I think one will do." As I reach for it, our fingers brush, and I feel that same electric spark from earlier. Only it's even stronger.

I wrap the towel around myself and realize I have nothing dry to change into. "Um Kalen, I don't suppose you have anything I could wear?"

"Oh, of course, right, I'm sorry, let me see what I have." Soon he passes a shirt through the crack. It's massive, but will kind of do as a dress I suppose.

"This might need some modifications." I pull it over my head.

Oh what the hell.

I open the door and step out.

The moment I exit the bathroom, I realize by Kalen's reaction that the shirt is more revealing than I thought. One side has slipped down off my shoulder, exposing a generous amount of side-boob. Kalen's cheeks flush as he tries not to stare. "Sorry," he mutters, quickly turning to find something in a nearby chest. He returns with a sash, offering it to me with averted eyes.

"Apologies, I didn't mean to ... I'll just..."

"It's okay," I say, surprising myself. "I don't mind if you see me."

We stand there for a moment, the air thick with unspoken tension. Kalen fiddles with one of his horns absently, looking almost... nervous? It's a stark contrast to his usual self-assured persona. I find myself oddly charmed by this less polished version of him. There's something refreshingly genuine about seeing the cracks in his smooth facade.

He meets my gaze, and the intensity I see there takes my breath away.

"Olivia," he says, his voice low. "I need to tell you something. I'm not ... I'm not always as confident as I seem. This whole charming bartender thing, it's kind of an act sometimes."

I smile, reaching out to touch his arm. "I know. And I like the real you even better."

He looks stunned. "You do?"

I nod, which seems to encourage him.

"It's just... growing up, my job was to keep my mom happy, to distract her from her problems. I never got to have problems of my own, if that makes sense."

"That must have been hard."

"I guess, I think it just became second nature. Being charming, I mean. But with you, I don't feel like I have to be 'on' all the time."

"I think that's the most amazing thing anyone has ever said to me," And I do. I feel my heart swell.

"Kalen, you're kind. And funny. And you make me feel ... safe. Like I can be myself around you too. Totally myself. Doesn't hurt knowing that if anyone so much as looks at me funny, you'll beat ‘em to a pulp though."

"Is it that obvious?" I don't think he even heard my quip. He is actually serious. A moment later, he takes a step closer. "I've never met anyone quite like you Liv. From the moment you appeared in my storeroom, I just felt this ... connection."

"You did?" A thrill shoots through me again, from my core to my nipples and back again. "Me too," I whisper. "I thought I was going crazy."

He cups my chin again. You're not. I tried to deny it to myself ... I told you about my friend Thokk ... he is mated now ... to another human ...

"Yeah, and he takes her for walks on a leash. How romantic ..."

"Well, I think you had to be there ... but anyhow I didn't understand. He tried to explain it to me. The way it felt to be near her. The way he would have fought the whole village for her. I thought I understood. I heard his words ... but I had no idea. But now I do. I feel it with you Olivia."

The feel a thrill of pleasure shoot through me as he speaks. "You know, I never really understood the appeal of riding mechanical bulls before. But suddenly, I think I get it."

I can tell he is getting, um ... excited as well. It's obvious. Very, very obvious.

"You are my fated mate Olivia." I feel his hot breath on my neck.

"Call me Liv ..."

"Does that mean ‘Fuzzwhip' is off the table?"

"Definitely."

Now he is kissing my neck.

Oh boy.

"You know we monsters watch your tv. I know of your world..." He continues to kiss at my sensitive flesh.

"Oh?"

"Yes, you speak of the mechanical bull. I am beginning to understand the allure of being mounted as well ..."

I feel my face flame, but I can't help giggling. "Oh gosh golly."

"Oh gosh golly!" I really said that?

But if it sounds as cringe to him as it does to me, he doesn't let on.

I feel a wetness flush through my pussy.

He reaches out, cupping my face in his hand. I lean into his touch, my heart racing.

"Olivia ... Liv," he murmurs. "Can I kiss you?"

In answer, I stretch up on my tiptoes, pressing my lips to his. The kiss is soft at first, tentative. I am not sure what I had imagined, but it is not much different than the few kisses I have shared with men in the past.

Let's face it. With boys.

But Kalen is no boy. And he is most definitely more than a man .

A lot more. As a matter of fact, I can see exactly how much more as our passion builds.

His pants look like they may rip open at any moment.

The tentative stage of our kiss is rapidly giving way to the full weight of the desire we have both been fighting from the moment we laid eyes on each other.

As we cling to each other in our passionate kiss, I can now physically feel his desire and need as he pulls me against his rock-hard flesh.

When we finally break apart, we're both breathless.

"Wow," I manage.

Kalen grins. "Yeah. Wow."

As he pulls me close and then literally lifts me into his arms, I have a fleeting thought that I should probably make another list.

Pros and cons of falling for a minotaur.

But for once in my life, I decide maybe it's time to live dangerously.

Like minotaur-fucking dangerously.

Screw the list.

As Kalen's lips meet mine again, a fresh rush of desire floods through me. I am already shimmying out of the oversized shirt as he carries me to the bed. Every nerve ending is alive and tingling with anticipation. His kisses continue, but what started as a soft and gentle exploration, is quickly deepening into a passionate dance of tongues and desire.

Jeezus, my body is practically on fire.

I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him closer, wanting to feel the warmth of his muscular body against mine.

He sets me down on the bed and joins me there. His hands roam my back as he practically rips the oversized shirt the rest of the way off.

As a matter of fact, it does rip.

"Your shirt! "

"I have plenty." He barely pauses to speak as I feel his massive powerful hands tracing the curves of my hips and ass.

"Liv," he whispers, "I have wanted this from the moment I saw you. I know that now."

"You're not the only one," I say as I grasp onto his powerful arms.

My heart races, and a boldness I've never felt before takes hold. Rubbing his arms is not gonna cut it. I want more. With a gentle touch, I reach for the massive bulge in his pants, my fingers tracing the outline of his hardness.

Kalen's breath catches, and he closes his eyes, a look of pleasure crossing his face. I smile, encouraged by his reaction, and slowly unbuckle his belt. It takes both hands to pull the leather back and release the buckle. With the tension of the belt gone his cock presses out the fabric even more. My fingers tremble with excitement as I undo the buttons now. Only his underwear is between me and his thick hardness. Unable to wait any longer we both wrestle his garments down, allowing his cock to finally spring free. I draw in a breath at the magnificent sight of it. I thought his horns were impressive, but that was before I had the pleasure of seeing his manhood in all it's naked, fully erect glory.

His member is thick and veined, a testament to his strength and virility. I run my hand lightly along the length of it, feeling the heat and hardness. Kalen's breath quickens, and he leans into my touch, even as I wrap my other hand around it as well now. He closes his eyes, surrendering to my grasp.

I spit on his length, as I begin to slowly stroke him, from his heavy balls to the swollen head. His hips instinctively thrust forward, meeting my hands as I increase the pressure and feel his slick flesh slide against my grasp. I can feel the tension building in his body already, and a sense of my own raw sexual power washes over me. This is not the kind of power I get from cataloging. He is like putty in my hands, albeit very, very hard putty at the moment.

"Liv, you feel so good," he groans, his voice deep and husky.

"Shhh ..." I push him back and he follows my lead, laying back on the bed.

Quickly I return my attention to where it belongs – on his glorious cock. I increase the pace, even as I feel him bring a hand up to my breast. A fresh wave of pleasure erupts there and I pause in my caresses to climb over toward his chest and I lean forward, my lips brushing against his neck, leaving a trail of soft kisses. All the while I can feel his cock pulsate in my hand, and I know he's close. But I want to extend his pleasure, and mine, so I slow my pace. I didn't hold back this long for it to all be over in a minute.

As I continue to stroke him slowly, I feel a thrill as his thumb brushes against my nipple. I arch into his touch, a fresh wave of pleasure washing over me. My pussy is practically aching for him now. I want to feel his cock inside of me so badly. But still I hold back.

For a moment my big brain tries to get in the way.

Wait, is this okay? What if it's all too -

Shhh ...

But this time I say it to myself. Relax Liv... it's time to live remember?

You really can't get this wrong...

I actually laugh out loud. "Right!"

"Right?" Kalen looks at me, propping himself up on his forearm for a moment.

"Yup, I can suck your cock if I want to!"

"Oh." He says, and I almost chuckle again at the look of absolute confusion on his face. "Don't expect any argument from me."

As he lays back again, I start kissing my way down his chest, and across his rippling abs, all the way to the base of his huge thick shaft. Slowly I kiss my way up it, even as I grip him and gently work my hand up and down his length again. As I reach the tip, I start with just a few tentative kisses. I am instantly rewarded as he sighs in pleasure.

I begin to lick as well, tasting the glistening tip of his hardness even as I note the subtle pulsing of his hips as he brings a hand to gently caress my arm and back. Slowly I continue to tease and kiss at the head before finally taking him full in my mouth, my lips wrapping around his length. It is a bit of a task to fit him, and he groans in response, his hands tangling in my hair. I suck and tease at the head, using my tongue to explore every ridge and vein, even as I continue to stroke his length with my hand.

I can already feel the pressure building in his balls once again. His hand is gripping my hip now, his body tense with desire. I can feel his cock pulsate against my tongue, and I know he's ready to burst. But still, I want to take my time. I release his cock from my mouth and kiss it again gently. But before I can return to sucking on him once more, he gets up and practically lifts me off, only to lay me back onto the bed, my legs splayed out before him.

"I don't want to rush babe," he whispers, his eyes dark with desire. "Before we go any further, I want to taste every inch of you."

By all means...don't let me stop you.

He leans in to kiss me, and I look into his piercing eyes. He kisses me first on the lips and then the forehead, before he heads further south.

His tongue traces a path down my neck, across my collarbone, and to my breasts. I moan, my body electric with sensation, as he teases and tantalizes me with his skilled kisses. I can't help it, and bring my hands up to caress his face and then to grab onto his horns as he kisses even lower onto my belly. Suddenly I feel my pussy flood once again as his mouth finds my core. I gasp, my eyes closing as pleasure consumes me. I release his horns as I lay back in total surrender. He grabs my thighs and splays me even wider as his tongue dances across my sensitive flesh, bringing me to the brink of ecstasy. I feel his hands on my hips, and now my ass, as I feel his tongue first licking at my folds before he teases at my clit. I press my hips into his face even as I try to clamp my legs behind his head, wanting him to totally consume me.

"You're incredible, Liv," he murmurs, his voice thick with emotion. "I don't think I've ever wanted someone as much as I want you right now."

He is now up on his knees, with his massive proud cock ready to drive into me. And I am so ready to take him, to finally feel him plunging into my core. But even as he grabs a hold of my ankles I twist away and roll to the side. Again, it only takes one gentle push and he obviously gets the message.

In this moment, I know I'm ready to take control. As he lays back, I straddle him, and placing one hand on his belly I seize his rock-hard shaft and angle it toward my waiting sex. I am already so slick with my own juices, and so ready for him that I only rub him across my wet lips a few times before slowly lowering my weight onto his thickness.

He moans even as I gasp, feeling him stretching me out as I slowly sink onto his shaft.

"Ohhh," I moan in chorus with Kalen. He is impossibly thick, but he is so gentle, allowing me to control our union. I rock and pivot my hips, slowly at first, as I allow him to penetrate deeper and deeper still, into my core.

"Olivia, he moans. My mate."

"Kalen, my wild mechanical bull," I say, a wicked smile pasted across my face.

"Are you sure you don't want to make a list of pros and cons before we really get started?" he teases.

"Been there, done that," I laugh. "But I think you're getting to meet a new Olivia, big boy. Or maybe I should say ‘ Big Bull,'" I say as I allow him to sink even deeper into my pussy.

"That's it. I am definitely calling you ‘Fuzzwhip' from now one." In a burst of powerful desire he brings his hands under my ass even as he sits up. I sink even further onto his cock as he thrusts into me, pulling my hips against him. I gasp as he enters me even deeper, feeling an incredible shot of electric pleasure spread through my core as my pussy stretches to its limit.

"Yes, that's my bull," I cry as I begin to rock and buck my hips with more abandon on his thick length. I bury my face against his chest and grip his powerful back as he drives into me, lifting me up bodily after every thrust, only to drive in again. He throws his legs over the side of the bed, and lifts me fully, cradling me under my ass as he stands, his cock all the while lodged deep into my core.

I practically scream with pleasure as he begins to thrust into me, swinging his hips back and forth as I bounce against him, my legs suspended in his arms. My breath comes hard and fast as he drives in and out of me. I am totally under his control ... and I absolutely love it.

See Liv, good things happen when you throw away your lists.

Oh my god, I am definitely going to cum if he keeps pounding me like this.

"Let me ride you now. Properly. I was kinda serious about the mechanical bull thing."

"As you wish my princess," he says as he carries me back to bed and first sits and then lays back.

In an instant I bring my hands again to his belly and begin to grind down on top of him. He moans with pleasure as I raise my ass, only to slam it back down on his massive cock, again and again. I slide on him easily now, my pussy having fully adjusted to take him. He grabs my hips now and I look at him laying back, the sight of his majestic horns somehow turning me on even more .

Suddenly I feel his thrusts speeding up, even as he brings his hands to grip at my hips.

Both of our breathing is beginning to come in grunts.

Kalen's eyes widen, a look of pure bliss on his face. "Yes, baby, ride your bull. Fuck me Liv. Feel my power, and let me feel yours."

I increase the pace, my body moving in perfect sync with his. As my passion is building I lay flat against him and can just reach his horns as I slid up and down on his powerful shaft. His cock fills me, stretching and satisfying me more with every thrust, in ways I've never imagined possible.

"Kalen I am coming. I am going to come." I am practically screaming.

No sooner do I say it than I feel his thrusts increasing to a pounding. I myself am moving like a wild beast as I let him take me completely.

"Liv!" I feel his hot seed shoot inside me. Even as it does, my own climax overtakes me and I hold tight to his horns as we both ride out the passion of our connected ecstasy.

"Ohh ... my ... god ..." I say as wave after wave of pleasure rocks me. He continues to release inside me in spurts until finally we both slow and I collapse on his chest, our bodies still connected, our hearts beating as one. His hands come down to gently caress my hair and my cheek as we both revel in the heady release.

"You are incredible Liv."

"Well, I don't have words for that," I finally manage. Even as I say it, I realize that in and of itself is progress. Maybe everything doesn't need to be quantified.

Slowly I lift my body and crawl up toward his face, finally releasing his manhood from my very satisfied core. I look into his soulful eyes and kiss him gently.

"So, I guess you are satisfied with your ride?" he quips.

I giggle. "More than satisfied. "

"Excellent, because I think we just tested this bull's limits."

"Oh yeah, well I think we may need to do more testing in the near future to be sure."

"I think that would be wise. To gather data."

"Exactly. You're pretty smart. For a minotaur."

With that we both erupt into giggles as I nuzzle against him.

I sure as hell don't know what's next, but I know I found my person ... um, yeah, my man. Feeling more satisfied and contented in every possible way than I ever even conceived of as possible, I drift off to sleep, in the arms of my mate.

That's what he is.

My mate.