Page 3 of Misbehaving With Minotaurs (Haven Ever After #8)

I glance at Vikand, curious to see what he thinks. To my surprise, he’s holding a tiny book in one hand, glasses perched on the tip of his nose as he reads. He’s not listening. At all.

A delicious scent curls across my consciousness, and my nostrils flare to pull in more of that delectable smell.

Across the table from me, Vikand glances up from his book, appearing lost in thought.

I’d bet a million dollars he’s thinking about something sensual, because he smells so damn good, like fresh hay and pine needles.

My sensual nature rises as I watch him cock his head to one side.

After a moment, he looks back down at the book, shifting on his bench.

I’d pay good money to know his actual thoughts.

Arkan closes the meeting, and when Vikand rises from the centaur bench, I round the table and approach him, marveling at how much taller he is than me. Not that that would be a problem between us. I’m a succubus. I can handle literally anything in that department.

Vikand’s dark coat shines with health, his form still fit despite his age. He’s got to be nearly as old as I am—many, many centuries—and I love that .

“Hello, Vikand.” I smile brightly up at the handsome centaur.

He jolts slightly, having been lost in thought.

Just as quickly, he tucks the tiny book into a pocket in his vest and smiles down at me, adjusting the glasses perched on the tip of his nose.

He and Arkan could be twins, with the same dark skin and long braided hair, but Vikand’s age is evident in the creased lines at the edges of his eyes and mouth.

Gods above, he’s handsome with those high cheekbones and brilliant blue eyes.

“H-hello, Catherine.” He clears his throat, slipping a thumb into the pocket of his fitted navy vest. “You look lovely this evening.”

I glance down at the figure-hugging emerald wrap dress I picked out. I’ve always had a full, buxom figure—most succubi do—but this particular dress really shows off my curves.

“Thank you.” I beam up at him. “Listen, would you like to have a picnic with me one afternoon next week? There’s a great little spot I know; I think you’d enjoy it.”

Vikand stares for a long moment, then clears his throat again as bright pheromones saturate the air between us.

My power means I can read everyone’s scent.

It’s an ability that helps me understand those around me more easily.

It’s how I always know which monsters will end up together, because I can literally smell attraction the moment I see them together.

It’s how I know now that Vikand is sincere in his compliment. I take another step forward, knowing my proximity’s having an effect on him as the scent of pine needles takes on a tart, lemony edge. His mouth drops slightly open, his nostrils flaring as his pupils blow wide.

“I…yes, sure. I’d like that. Just let me know when and where.”

I knew I’d have to make the first move. Vikand is many, many enticing things, but forward in the romance department is not one of them.

And honestly? I’m good with that. I was once mated to a male who could charm the pants off of anyone, and it ended poorly.

I’ve had enough of that sort of monster to last a million lifetimes.

“How about next Wednesday? Pick me up at the Annabelle, and we’ll walk together, alright?” I reach up and rest a hand on his upper stomach, curling my fingers gently into the fabric of his vest.

He shudders and shifts from one foot to the other, his voice quiet when he speaks. “Alright, Catherine. Would lunchtime work for you?”

I try to shove disappointment away. Lunchtime feels like a business meeting. But still…it’s a start.

“Lunchtime sounds lovely, Vikand. I’ll pack us a picnic.”

“I’m not a picky eater,” he says with a smile.

Errr…okay.

Dropping my hand, I wink at him as I turn and flip my hair over my shoulder. “See you Wednesday for lunch, Vikand.”

I sashay toward the exit. My neighbor Alo stands at the door, a wry smile on his face.

“Not a word,” I chirp as he holds his elbow out for me.

Alo snorts out a laugh. “Oh, my gorgeous friend, you already know my thoughts on this topic.”

“So I do.” I wave those thoughts away as I slip a hand through his elbow.

“Remember how you ignored me for five years while I suggested you ask Miriam out? I’m going to ignore you like you did me, and it’s going to be just fine.

Now, can we talk about something more fun on the way back home, or are you going to give me love advice? ”

He rests his free hand over mine as he guides me along the long hall to the exit.

“I don’t need to give advice that’ll fall on deaf ears, Cath. You’re a grown-ass woman. Do what you want. For the record, I did eventually ask her out.”

I grin up at him. “I will, thank you. And I’m glad it only took you five years to realize your best friend was your soulmate. Despite my weekly needling.”

He smiles down at me. “Point taken. Moving on. What do you make of this Manorin Longhorn news? I’m excited about that, although I don’t wanna play full-time either. I’d do part-time though.”

Something deep inside me heats at Manorin’s name.

“I dated him back in the day,” I whisper, not willing that secret to go any further than Alo’s ears.

“Get the hells outta here.” He scoffs, dark horns flexing as his amethyst eyes go wide. “Seriously?”

I nod. “It was pretty serious at the time, but we were younger. It was before he coached skyball at the headquarters haven. And before you-know-who.”

Alo waggles both black brows at me. “Well, Catherine. I must say, this is an interesting development.”

“Is it?” I feign innocence, then I scowl up at one of my favorite monsters in Ever. “Keep that to yourself. At this point, Manorin and I are nothing but old friends.”

Alo snorts. “This news would sure give him a leg up in the coach search.”

I shake my head. “No. Our ancient history will have absolutely no bearing on that. You know I love skyball, so I’m fully on board with Arkan’s plan to bring it here. I want the best coach we can possibly get. If we all decide that’s Manorin, fab!”

“Mhm, okay.” Alo’s tone is agreeable, but I suspect it’s not the last I’ll hear on this subject. Just like he keeps promising not to insert himself into my pursuit of Vikand the centaur. Yet, even so, Alo’s regular and loud with his opinions on the topic.

It’s like he read my mind, because he smirks. “Speaking of males, I heard you ask Vikand out.”

I blush despite myself, looking up to smile at my friend. “I’m ready, Alo. Ready to begin dating. I don’t want to rush anything, so I’m taking this slowly, but…I want to. ”

He grins. “And that’s the guy, huh?”

I swat his arm again.

He shuffles his big, leathery wings behind us, the curved points hanging above our heads. “What?! I’m just surprised at your choice, that’s all…”

“Well,” I say, “don’t trouble yourself over it another minute, old friend. It’s all working out perfectly.”

“If you say so,” he murmurs, moving my hand from his arm and jogging ahead to open the front door. As I sail through, it’s obvious he’s barely holding back an opinion on the topic—again.

Not that the opinion matters. I will do whatever, and whoever, the hells I want.