“I’ve never seen the ocean before?” he says, like he’s asking me.
I shake my head in denial. “No. No way. We have to take the scenic route.” Then I remember why we are on our way to Heart’s Hollow in the first place. Heat floods my cheeks. “Unless, of course, you’re in a hurry to meet your family. Gods, of course you’re in a hurry,” I say immediately before he can reply. “I feel so stupid.”
Kaleb laces his fingers with mine, bringing my knuckles up to his lips for a light kiss. “What’s one more hour? I’d love to see the ocean with you.”
My inner kraken yelps with joy, clicking and bumping up against my ribcage. I couldn’t agree more.
Chapter thirteen
Kaleb
Ocean waves crash against the shore off to our left as we casually drive down the winding highway. The water is a stunning deep blue.
“It’s beautiful,” I say in awe. “I’ve always seen photos, but I never expected to feel so… emotional seeing it.”
“Maybe you’re picking up on my emotions through the bond. As a mer-kraken, the ocean is life. Not only is it beautiful, it’s a piece of my heart. My soul.”
“That makes sense. So, with this bond we have, does that mean you can read my mind?” I ask curiously.
“Not exactly,” he replies, peering over at me with an amused smile. “We’ll get used to it. But from my understanding, we should be able to control what words are said through the magical link. Emotions might be harder to hide, but actual images and words are physically sent. Intentional. Or in the case of high stress emotions, sometimes unintentional.”
“Is that how you were able to see my vision? Because I sent it to you?”
He nods. “I don’t think I’ve properly thanked you for that.” He pauses, perhaps to find the right words. “By sending me that vision, you saved my life. If it weren’t for you, I might not be here. Thank you, love.”
I swallow hard, some of my insecurities coming to the surface. “You don’t think I caused it, do you?”
He shakes his head. “I don’t think so. Witches have lots of different abilities. While your family is known to have strong premonitions, it doesn’t mean they’ll always come true, but based on our choices, things can easily change in the blink of an eye. Don’t be scared of your gift; embrace it. It’s a part of you.”
“Do you think I’ll ever be able to control my premonitions and magic?”
He reaches over and squeezes my hand. “I do. Your family and coven are very strong and knowledgeable. When we get to town, I’ll introduce you to someone named Autumn; he’s also a witch, and he’s mated to one of my close friends. He can also help you figure out your magic.”
Darius pauses, glancing at me again. “It’s not going to be a fast thing, Kaleb. Your magic has been suppressed for years. It might take years to fix, but it will get easier over time with all the right people in your life. And I will always be here to help as well.”
I smile, warmth filling my chest, heart, and soul. I believe him. “Thank you, Darius.”
By the time we get to the town’s border, Darius pulls the car over to the side of the road, nervously drumming on the steering wheel. Now that I’ve been made aware of our bond, I can tell when worry thrums through it. Whereas before, I might have assumed it was me who was worried, it’s obvious it’s from my determined mer-kraken.
“Darius, what’s going on?” I ask. “Is everything okay?”
“There’s something I need to tell you.”
I cock a curious brow. “Okay, because that doesn’t seem ominous,” I joke.
“It’s about Heart’s Hollow.” Darius shifts around nervously. “Stacy told you it’s a sanctuary town. Did she explain what that means?”
“No.” I ponder his words. “I assume it’s a place for paranormals to take refuge or be safe?”
Darius nods. “Exactly. It doesn’t matter who or what you are. Everyone is welcome. If there are two species at war, it doesn’t matter. If there are creatures known to hurt others, it doesn’t matter. As long as the person entering the town doesn’t actually plan on hurting anyone, the magical wards surrounding the town will let them in.”
“Okay, that sounds wonderful,” I reply. “So, why do you seem so nervous?”
“Well, you saw my tentacles.”
I open my mouth to reassure him. I love the way he looks in his shifted form, but he beats me to it.
“What I mean is that you will see all types of creatures walking around town openly. Creatures you probably have no idea even existed.”
