Realistically, a Minotaur would be disgusted by the wolf's behavior, even if he didn't like humans very much.
After all, bulls are herbivores, and they'd find eating meat to be gross.
@Talismaster He could have raised his arms in shock when the heroine attacked.
Also, if he means to kill, it's would probably be easier to do so with a slash than a stab, since a stab would hit only one spot and potentially get the sword stuck, while a slash would cut through a larger area, doing more damage. Just a guess, though.