Page 104 of Taming the Kraken

“And what better way to stay undercover than through a delivery service? It’s a good disguise.” Terra shrugged her shoulders.

“I’m excited. I’ve never met a druid before.” Alexa grinned and watched Terra shake her head.

“Don’t get too excited. They aren’t exactly friendly. They’re anti-social and usually keep to themselves. They just want to collect their money and drop off their deliveries. Which works for us …” Terra trailed off quietly as she noticed Jasper’s intense gaze on her.

“Well, okay. I think we’re done here. Mikah, why don’t you get settled into your room.” Ken watched Mikah nod his head and he took a step back from the door. He was going to show Terra and Jasper to their rooms too. He wanted Alexa to stay in his room but was feeling anxious about bringing it up. What if she said she still wanted space? He just wanted her close … even if it meant just holding her all night.

Alexa walked out of the room and stared down the hallway as she felt Ken’s arms wrap around her waist. He leaned his head down and kissed her forehead. She looked up at him with a curious smile on her face. “What was that for?”

“I’m just very happy to have you here.” Ken kept his arm on her waist as they walked down the hall. “This is Terra’s room here, and the one directly across from it can be Jasper’s room. Please make yourself at home.” He nodded over at Jasper to go ahead and check out his room. “Terra, make sure he has everything he needs in there.”

“Alright, I can do that.” Terra nodded her head as she chewed on her cheek. She wasn’t sure why, but she felt a bit anxious being alone with him, even if it was for a few moments.

“We’re a bit farther down the hall,” Ken said quietly as he continued to lead Alexa down the long corridor.

Alexa looked around at the walls and the tall ceilings. They passed through another hall, one side lined with long windows facing outside. She could see the tops of huge trees and how it was getting dark outside. She then looked at Ken as he continued to lead her down the hallway.

“You’re pretty isolated out here,” Alexa said thoughtfully as she looked out at the dark forest. There wasn’t another light anywhere showing anyone lived nearby.

“I like my privacy.” Ken shrugged his shoulders as he flashed her a small smile.

“It’s a beautiful home, Ken,” Alexa said as she looked at him.

“Thank you, I built it myself.” Ken smiled.

“What?” Alexa gaped at him, and then she realized he wasn’t joking.

“You really built this place?” She looked around, trying to find the flaws, but she couldn’t find any. The house was amazing. Though she imagined gods would have plenty of time to create something like this. Time wasn’t really a problem for them.

“I did.” He chuckled. “Like I said, I like my privacy.” He watched her nod her head understandingly. Ken then slowed down and pursed his lips together. “The double doors ahead are to my room—our room—not implying you have to sleep there tonight. I mean, I—” He ran his hand through his hair and then rubbed the back of his neck. “I want you to be comfortable. That’s what’s most important.”

Alexa gave him a small smile and then reached out to touch his hand. “I know what you meant. I appreciate how thoughtful you’re being. And if you are most concerned about me being comfortable, then you better lead me to your room. I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep without you next to me.” She listened to the relieved sigh he let out and she smiled. To think the arrogant Ken was being so considerate of her right now. Not that she expected anything less. But if only others could see this side of him …

“I was really hoping you would say that. Because I don’t think I can sleep without you either.” He interlaced his fingers with hers as he opened the doors and she walked into his bedroom.

Alexa’s jaw dropped. The canopy bed was similar to the one in the other room, but this one was much bigger. To one side, there were two sets of double doors that led out to a large balcony that had a table and a couple of chairs. One set of double doors was near the bed, and she imagined it might be nice to sleep with the doors open and look out at the stars.

“Like it?” Ken asked as he watched her gaze travel around the room.

“It’s beautiful,” she said as she walked over to the balcony doors. She opened them and walked out, leaning against the railing. She could see the forest out there, the dark sky peppered with sparkling lights. The cool night air swirled around her as she listened to the tree frogs chirp their songs. It was beautiful, and she smiled to herself. It was amazing to know Ken built this place. No wonder it was so special to him. She could tell he put a lot of care and pride into this home, and it showed her another side of him.

“There’s a bathroom in the corner.” Ken walked up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his chin on her shoulder. “I thought you might like a bath before bed.” He then moved his lips down her neck. Her soft skin felt like velvet beneath his lips, and he kissed each and every inch of it. He felt her body relax into him as she tilted her head to the side allowing him more access to her neck.

“Come, my love. I’ll draw you a bath. You deserve to relax … you’ve been through a lot,” Ken murmured against her skin as he gave her one more sweet peck. It took great restraint to stop himself there. He wanted everything to be perfect. And he wanted Alexa completely relaxed. He wasn’t going to push her about the marking. She would let him know when she was ready.

Because he was ready … whenever she was.

CHAPTER FIFTY-NINE

Alexa woke up to the sun shining on her face. Her brows furrowed in confusion as she blinked her eyes open. She was cocooned in warm, comforting arms and could feel his breath tickling the hairs on the back of her neck. But how did she get here? The last thing she remembered was sitting in the bathtub, leaning against Ken’s chest as he washed her.

Ken stirred slightly as he felt her move. He tightened his arms and buried his face deeper in her hair. Alexa smiled as she felt him. A wave of tingles erupted over her body. She couldn't think of a better way to wake up.

Ken leaned in and kissed her cheek. “Good morning, my love,” he whispered.

“Good morning,” she yawned. She smiled as she felt his hot breath against her neck.

“How are you feeling?” he asked as he moved his nose in her hair.