22. Natalie
22
NATALIE
T he glow of my laptop screen illuminates my face as I sit at the makeshift desk I’ve been working from in Myrtle’s herb shop. Soft morning light filters through the dusty windows, playing across the rustic wooden shelves lined with colorful jars of herbs and spices—a stark contrast to the sleek, modern lines of the office I can see in the backdrop of my colleagues’ video.
I try to focus on the all-hands meeting droning on over Zoom, but my thoughts keep drifting to Rian’s strong arms enfolding me, the warmth of his kiss…
A private chat window pops up with a ding, jolting me out of my reverie. It’s my boss, requesting a one-on-one video call once the meeting ends. My stomach twists; it’s not like him to call spontaneously.
Is this about the partnership?
The meeting ends, and taking a deep breath, I smooth my hair and straighten my blazer, trying to look more polished and professional than I feel, before accepting Maxwell’s incoming call.
“Natalie,” he says, his brow furrowed with what looks like equal parts concern and curiosity. “How are things going out there in Elderberry Falls? Any progress on the property sale?”
I swallow hard. The words feel strange and momentous as I say them. “Actually, yes. I’ve accepted an offer from a local entrepreneur. The buyer is in the process of finalizing his financing now.”
He raises an eyebrow. “I see. Well, that’s good news. When do you expect the deal to close?”
“It may take a bit of time,” I hedge, my palms starting to sweat. “There are some unique, ah, zoning considerations with properties in the magical realms.”
“Right, of course,” he nods, fully believing my bluff. “Well, keep me posted. We’re all eager to have you back at the office full time.”
The words he doesn’t say—the ticking clock on the partnership offer, and what will happen if I can’t make it work—hang in the air.
“Absolutely,” I force a bright smile. “I’m on top of it.”
We exchange a few more words before ending the call. I slump back in my chair and let out a long breath. My gaze drifts around the herb shop, taking in the dried flowers hanging from the rafters, the strange shapes and colors of the vials on the shelves, the slanting eaves around the front windows.
I think of Rian, of his gentle smile and the way his hands dwarf mine when our fingers intertwine. I think of Jessa, of Velda and our lessons, of all the kind, quirky characters who’ve welcomed me here. For the first time, I truly let myself imagine a different future. One rooted in love and community, and more than just climbing the corporate ladder.
One that includes exploring everything that a relationship with Rian has to offer me.
I tap on my phone screen, my fingers flying across the keyboard as I type a message to Ecco. Can I pick your brain about some interspecies relationship advice? I hit send before I can second-guess myself.
A few hours later, Ecco and I stand before a storefront that seems to shimmer and shift, like a mirage. Enchanted Intimates, the sign proclaims in shining script. Lacy underthings and mysterious bottles glow in the window display.
I hesitate, my hand on the doorknob. “I feel like I’m about to enter a whole new world.”
Ecco grins. “That’s the point, isn’t it? C’mon, let’s see what kind of magical unmentionables await!”
We step inside, and my jaw drops. The interior is a kaleidoscope of color and texture, shelves lined with intimate apparel and accessories for every species imaginable. Gossamer robes and lacy teddies hang alongside leather harnesses and spiked collars. The light seems to dance and play across the displays, changing colors and casting everything in a seductive, otherworldly glow.
Ecco and I navigate the aisles, my eyes widening with wonder at the dizzying array of intimate apparel and accessories. Blinking back in surprise, I see Rowan emerging from behind a rack of gossamer robes. The bookseller looks remarkably demure against the backdrop of the store.
She was the last person I expected to see here, and before I have time to fully process this run-in, Ecco strides forward with a mischievous grin.
“Rowan, darling! Just the person we’re looking for. Our dear Natalie here requires assistance in selecting everything a human woman might need to get down and dirty with a minotaur.”
Heat rises in my cheeks as Ecco’s words echo through the store. “Ecco!” I hiss, my eyes darting around to see if anyone overheard.
Rowan, to her credit, barely bats an eye. With a knowing smile, she beckons us towards a section of the store labeled “Interspecies Delights.”
Rowan guides us through the extensive array of products, my eyes widening with each new revelation. Shelves lined with magical lubricants promising enhanced sensitivity and heightened pleasure, their labels adorned with images of entwined beings of various species.
“These,” Rowan explains, gesturing to a display of colorful bottles, “are essential for interspecies couples, especially those with significant size differences. They ensure comfort and enjoyment for both partners.”
I nod, trying to maintain a semblance of composure as I take in the information. Nearby, I spot a collection of specially designed pillows and cushions, their shapes and contours crafted to accommodate the unique anatomies of different magical races.
“And these,” Ecco chimes in, picking up a curved, plush cushion, “are perfect for supporting your body during those more… acrobatic moments.”
I shoot her a look, but can’t suppress the giggle that escapes my lips. The absurdity of the situation hits me—here I am, in a magical sex shop, shopping for supplies to take my relationship with a minotaur to the next level.
If someone had told me a few months ago that this is where I’d be, I would’ve laughed in their face.
Rowan leads us towards the toy section and the laughter dies on my lips, replaced by both curiosity and trepidation. An assortment of vibrators, dildos, and other intimate devices line the shelves, each one more intriguing and intimidating than the last.
Many are clearly designed to mimic the anatomies of various monster species, and heat flushes through me as my mind conjures up images of Rian and I exploring these new toys together.
Almost as if in a trance, I reach out, my fingers brushing against a sleek, curved object. A shiver runs down my spine as I imagine the possibilities. Somehow I get talked into buying a wide assortment of things I never knew existed before today.
Back at the old herb shop, I sit cross-legged on the floor with Ecco, an overflowing bag of purchases spilled out between us.
“Alright, let’s see what you got!” Ecco exclaims, her blue hair shimmering as she leans forward, eager to explore the contents of the bag.
I reach in, my fingers closing around a smooth, silicone shape. As I pull it out, my eyes widen. In my hand is a large, realistically-shaped dildo, its surface textured with thick veins, a huge knot at the base.
“I was expecting lube, of course,” I say. “But this was more than I’d bargained for.”
Ecco throws her head back, peals of laughter echoing through the space. “Oh honey, if you want to date a monster, you’ve gotta get more than just your brain ready for it!” she quips, and I smack her shoulder playfully.
The tinkling of the storefront’s bell interrupts our revelry. I look up, expecting to see another of our Elderberry Falls friends, only to find myself staring into the wide, startled eyes of my mother.
Dildos and vibrators are scattered across the hardwood floor, an absurd display of everything I never wanted my mother to see. My face burns with the heat of a thousand suns. Ecco lets out a squeak of surprise, her hands flying to her mouth.
Time seems to slow as Mom’s bag slips from her fingers, the contents scattering across the floor. Her gaze travels from my flushed face to the array of erotic paraphernalia spread out before me, her eyes wide in shock.
“What’s going on, Natalie?”