Page 10 of Taming the Kraken

“She has blocked herself off from the gods. Think about how the merrow queen had the anti-deity barrier. It’s similar. She sealed herself away from others long ago.”

“If it is a curse, I have handled those before.” Reiya shrugged as Grandpa Sage shook his head.

“Scorio’s life essence is bound to Brian now. Much like how a djinn would bind itself to someone. And Scorio will abide by his master’s wishes, and his master is Shiva. You can’t break that. Not something that powerful. The moment Xander had a child, the curse followed through. Unless there is another demigod or deity out there looking for a mate, Alexa is the only one who will be able to withstand his heat. She is also a dragon, the daughter of the deity sworn to look after all dragons. This is a sensitive issue, one I wouldn’t even bring up if there was another way.”

The atmosphere in the room was thick and quiet, the silence deafening as everyone looked at the ground, not knowing what to say.

“Alexa has a fated mate out there. This isn’t fair to ask of her.” Xander finally spoke up, ending the silence. “This is not her problem. And it is too much to ask.”

“The West Dragon Kingdom needs Brian, and they will need an heir. Xander … I appreciate you thinking of our daughter first. But her mate has made it clear he wishes to avoid her. And Alexa can’t keep trying to track him down. This is perhaps a good solution for her as well. We will be helping both of our families. Neither one of our children can have their fated mate. This way, Alexa can move on from Ken.” It was hard for Levi to say this. He didn’t want to hurt his daughter. However, if she was the only one who could be with Brian, this was a sensible solution. He liked Brian and trusted him. He knew he was a good young man.

Xander and Lila both were quiet. They didn’t want to push this burden on Alexa, but at the same time, they didn’t want their son to be alone either. And the kingdom would need an heir.

“I don’t want to force this on her,” Reiya said in a quiet breath. “The fairies and dragons have always been allies. But this may be exactly what is needed to cement a timeless alliance. If this is something we ask of her, I don’t think she will refuse.” She shook her head as her eyes filled with tears. “I’m just afraid of how she will handle this long-term, though. She isn’t just losing a fated mate, but he’s her soulmate.”

“I know.” Lee nodded, wrapping his arms around Reiya.

“Maybe this is jumping too far ahead. This all feels so fast. There has to be another solution out there.” Xander looked up at Grandpa Sage pleadingly.

“I’m sorry. If there is another solution out there, I do not know of it.” Grandpa Sage looked at Xander and Lila, then over to Levi and Reiya. “I’m sorry for the burden this places on both of your children. For the sake of the West Dragon Kingdom, Alexa is their only hope to maintain their royal lineage. Otherwise, the kingdom will have to pass to another.”

“Reese’s daughter Nia would have been next in line, but she is mated to Troy of the Eastern Dragon Kingdom. Her children will be their heirs.” Xander rubbed his forehead as he shook his head. “What a mess my parents made.”

“If we would have known, we could have tried for more children …”

“I wouldn’t jeopardize your health again no matter what.” Xander turned to Lila and pulled her into his embrace. She had a difficult pregnancy with Brian. He was afraid there was a chance he would lose her. If Lita hadn’t been there to heal her during the delivery … he shuddered to think of what could have happened. They decided one child was enough for them, and he would stand by that. It wasn’t worth her health. “Besides, this is about more than an heir. This is also about Brian. He needs to have someone by his side.”

“And Alexa needs to have a reason to let go. This is something I’ve been worried about with her, because she is so strong-willed and determined. But for Brian, I know she’ll do this. I think in time they will both grow comfortable with the arrangement.” Levi looked down at Reiya, who nodded sadly. Neither one of them wanted to force this on Alexa, but the two of them together would be a good match.

Xander looked over at Reiya, who was still frowning. “Reiya, remember what you said a long time ago? That the mate bond is something that pulls you to another person but love is something different. Being able to fall in love with your mate is just the icing on the cake. Maybe Brian and Alexa can be people who call to each other’s hearts instead.” If there was no other hope for his son to have someone, then selfishly … selfishly, he wanted this.

Reiya smiled and nodded her head. “My heart hurts for them. I couldn’t imagine being told I couldn’t have Lee. And both of them are being told they can’t have their mates. One because he will burn her, and the other because he avoids her. Maybe this can be their common bond to start with. And maybe a strong love will follow.” She intertwined her fingers with Lee’s.

“Let’s talk to the children. That is the first step in all of this. Let them know what is at stake. This way they can mull over the idea and take some time to get used to it.” Lila looked over at Reiya.

“The dragon ceremony is coming up. It would be the best time for the acceptance kiss while all the kingdoms are gathered to witness it.” Levi listened to Reiya’s gasp.

“That’s too soon!”

“What does the timing have to do with it? If this is how it has to be, then it doesn’t matter when it happens. Reiya, I think our daughter needs help moving on from Ken. She can’t have him. It’s time she is given a real reason to move forward. She’s stuck. You know this too … you’ve seen her. Sneaking out at night. Seeking him out and coming back empty-handed. If he wanted to claim her, he would have by now. Even if he is staying away to protect her, let him protect her this way. I don’t want Erebus to come for my daughter. He’s in hiding … he can stay that way for a long time. When I get the chance, I’ll destroy him. But how long will that be? If Alexa is with Ken, we would have to live in a state of constant worry. ”

Reiya closed her eyes and nodded. “I know. I know. For the sake of our daughter and the kingdom … this is for the best. Now, we need to break it to them.”

CHAPTER SEVEN

Mikah and Brian were staring at Alexa as she greedily devoured her food, concerned after the events from earlier. Raine’s powers were still unknown, and so were the effects.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Raine finally asked, looking at her cousin beside her.

“Of course. I promise, I’m perfectly fine. I was just thinking. I didn’t want to lose my thought.” Alexa didn’t want to say exactly what she was thinking about, because she didn’t want them alerted to her plans to draw Ken out.

“That makes sense then. I know how hard it is for you to think. I mean, you are blonde. It is harder for you to have an original idea.” Brian grinned, flashing his pearly whites at her.

“This coming from someone with a reptile brain. And you know what they say about that …” Alexa poked at her food and smirked at the dragon prince.

Brian chuckled and looked over at Mikah. “Well, what about the honey pot thief beside me? What do they say about his brains?”

“They say ‘don’t poke the bear.’ You know why they say that, Brian?” Mikah turned his head to look at the dragon next to him. “It’s because you don’t want to incur their wrath.” He waved his fork at Brian before returning his attention back to his plate.